Title:	Death of a Pumpkin Carver
	Author:	Lee Hollis
	Published:	August 30, 2016, Kensington
	No. of Pages:	320
	Cover Price:	$7.99 Paperback, $5.99 Kindle

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In Book eight of the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery Series by Lee Hollis, Halloween is on its way, and there are amazing carved jack-o-lanterns (that could only be carved by one person) on Hayley’s doorstep when she returns from work. Hayley Powell is the food and cocktails writer for the local newspaper in the small town of Bar Harbor, Maine, and has enough to do without having to deal with her ex-husband, Danny, who has just shown up unannounced. He was staying with his Uncle Otis, who made his living running moonshine. Unfortunately, Uncle Otis is found murdered, and Danny is one of the prime suspects. Although Danny is irresponsible, dishonest, and has a penchant for stirring up trouble, Hayley is sure he is not a murderer. He generally shows up when he wants something, and has the ability to charm almost anyone. Hayley, as usual, sticks her nose into the investigation, mostly because her children love their Dad, and she doesn’t want them to suffer because of him. There is also the issue of Uncle Otis’s life savings of $40,000 which was hidden in a mattress at his house, and which Danny is spending quickly.

Hollis (who is actually a brother and sister writing team), makes this a fun series by adding scenarios that most readers can relate to. Hayley is fairly down-to-earth, and seems to be a friend with everyday problems. Readers will like her, as well as her friends. The novels, which are cozies, are light, fun, humorous, and fast-moving. The writing is good, and since there is no graphic sex, language, or violence, they are a good choice for readers of all ages. There is plenty of suspense, and Hayley gets involved to the point of being in grave danger at several places in the novel.

As a bonus, the novel contains recipes for great pumpkin desserts, as well as cocktails. The recipes are easy to make, and turn out well, so readers can whip up a batch of pumpkin muffins or Hayley’s Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies to eat while reading this fun book.

The ending is, of course, a surprise, and getting to that ending is a fun and enjoyable read.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this novel.

This book may be purchased at Amazon:
Death of a Pumpkin Carver (Hayley Powell Mystery)