Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781617737565 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Kensington |
| Publication date: | 09/27/2016 |
| Series: | Bookstore Cafe Series , #3 |
| Sold by: | Penguin Random House Publisher Services |
| Format: | NOOK Book |
| Pages: | 320 |
| Sales rank: | 17,257 |
| File size: | 825 KB |
About the Author
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Death by Pumpkin Spice
3.6 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
5 reviews.
 |
2.5 stars Rounded
I grabbed this title simply on the title – who could resist a bookstore café protagonist embroiled in a mystery? And it was intriguing enough from the mystery perspective, if a little busy and all over the place in terms of the protagonist, Krissy. In fact, she was almost completely without redeeming qualities as a heroine: moody, self-absorbed, immature and more than slightly TSTL. And I don’t (and still can’t) see the draw that she held over the two very nice men she was playing.
But, enough about Krissy – the set-up in that a Halloween party at the local mansion has her nervous and over-compensating. Her date, Will, is a really nice guy – and he fits into the mix at the party. She just doesn’t. And things only get worse: she’s had a crush on Paul for a long time, and when he walks in with a date – a gorgeous woman, she’s completely obsessed with a notice me. Until the body arrives. And Paul, knowing her ability to solve mysteries, asks for her help.
There were so many lost opportunities in this story: developing a character with at least a few redeeming features – just having her riddled with self-doubts didn’t explain her behavior, and no reasons that were viable ever presented themselves. A party at a mansion built specifically to honor Halloween, with plenty of super features – but those were all left in the background – as was the café, the bookstore and an overall attention to the plotting of the story that did not involve the mystery itself. I wanted to like this far more than I did – and while I think the author crafts a clever mystery thread with some unique ideas, too many were left as just ideas and not developed for me to love the story, or to be intrigued in reading more.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
|
|
Title: Death By Pumpkin Spice - Cafe Bookstore Mystery Book 3
Author: Alex Erickson
Published: 9-27-2016
Publisher: Kensington Books
Pages: 320
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Amateur Women Sleuths; Culinary Mystery; Cozy; Holidays
ISBN: 13-978-1617737558
ASIN: B01A4APJ1A
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
My Rating: 4 Stars
I received a copy of Death By Pumpkin Spice from NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for my honest review.
.
Krissy Hancock is co-owner of a bookstore/Cafe type coffee Shop called Death by Coffee. Her love life is confusing to say the least. Dating Doctor Will Foster, Fantasizing about Officer Paul Dalton and a cheating ex who wants her back. Add in a large dose of insecurities and it's no wonder Krissy sometimes come across as bit immature and flaky, but when push comes to shove she will stand at your back to defend the underdog.
Will asks Krissy to be his date at the prestigious Halloween gala at the Yarborough Estate. Shortly after the widow Magraret Yarborough welcomes her guest and invites them to explore the differently themed rooms through out her home Quintin Pebbles publicly proposes to and is rejected by Jessica. Shortly there after Jessica is discovered dead in the Pumpkin Room. With assistance delayed due to the foul weather and poor road conditions, Paul asks Krissy help in rounding up the wandering guest. Even though Paul warned her to do anything but to coral the guest in the ballroom Krissy can not help but investigate a few clues and guest. Suspiciously missing is Quintin. With the guest getting antsy, will Paul and Krissy find the killer before the affluent assembly demands to be let out of the locked down scene.
For all of us cozy mystery buffs this is a light quick read to be enjoyed. I would recommend reading books 1 and 2 first to get caught up on the background of Krissy's romantic connections, but Death By Pumpkin Spice can be enjoyed on its own. I found Krissy's low self-esteem regarding her working class life interacting with the upper echelon of the town a bit trying at times, but she does show some backbone in the story to redeem herself. Now if she can figure out who she wants and apply that backbone to her romantic interest. There are a wide variety of characters that are well done and multidimensional. The plot is interesting and the pace moves quickly. I give Death by Pumpkin Spice a rating of 4 out of 5 Stars.
|
|
This is the third book in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series, but the first I read. I definitely needed to read the previous books as I felt confused about the ongoing storyline in regards to Krissy and Paul. I gather there was an attempt to date in earlier books that ended poorly, but it did not ruin the book for me. Krissy, who co-owns Death by Coffee with her best friend is invited to a Hallowe'en Costume Party by handsome, doctor Will. There is mention of a situation from an earlier book regarding their relationship as well that I was not privy to. She decides to go even though she is extremely insecure and worried about what everyone will think. Shortly after arriving, there is a murder. Because there is no other police available to get to the scene, Paul asks Krissy to help him out.
This was a fun little read. I loved the aspect of a locked room murder and that it takes place with a Hallowe'en atmosphere. The majority of the book took place over just one evening. The mystery had some interesting twists and turns. I thought I had it all figured out, but was sadly mistaken. Overall, most of the characters are likeable and interesting. The one think I did not like was Krissy's insecurities. She is constantly worried about what others will think, her appearance, her lack of money when around affluent people etc. Yet, when it came down to action, she did not hesitate to jump in regardless what others thought. Rather mixed messages there, but I guess, there are a lot of people this way in real life. I also think Krissy needs to make up her mind about her dating/love life. She is dating Will, but I believe she would dump him in a minute if Paul asked her out again.
I am not sure about this series, I might try another one, but if I do not get a better sense of Krissy, even though the mystery was interesting, I might give up on it. The publisher generously provided me a copy of this book via Netgalley.
|
|
Death by Pumpkin Spice by Alex Erickson is the third book in Bookstore Café Mystery series. Krissy Hancock is invited to the exclusive Yarborough Halloween Party by Dr. William Foster. Krissy purchases her costume at the local Halloween pop-up store (for a fancy, exclusive party). Krissy goes as Sherlock Holmes and Will is Phantom of the Opera. The Yarborough driveway is steep and under construction (just gravel). It is difficult for the cars to get up the driveway due to the pouring rain. The Yarborough house is unique (wait until you read the description of the kitchen). Howard Yarborough, who recently passed away, loved Halloween and the house reflects his taste (it is this way all the time). After Margaret Yarborough addresses the guests, Quentin Pebbles steps up and proposes to his girlfriend, Jessica. Jessica rejects Quentin’s proposal (she humiliates him). When the guests are invited to explore the house (each room has a different theme), Jessica is found dead in the pumpkin room. Officer Paul Dalton is the only police presence in the house and responders cannot get up the drive. Paul asks Krissy for assistance (she is thrilled to help). They are searching for Quentin (who disappeared) when Margaret states her jewels are missing. Does it have anything to do with the murder? Paul and Krissy have their work cut out for them. The guests refuse to stay in the ballroom. They keep taking off to explore the house. Krissy is also distracted by her ex-boyfriend, Robert. He showed up at the party so he could talk to Krissy. Robert wants Krissy to give him another chance (after he cheated on her). Will Paul and Krissy be able to find the killer before the guest’s mutiny and demand to be released? To find out who killed Jessica Fairweather, you will need read Death by Pumpkin Spice!
I thought Death by Pumpkin Spice was disappointing. I thought Krissy was an extremely unlikeable character. Krissy has confidence issues and is constantly doubting herself (it is unappealing). Her self-doubts and lack of confidence make it really hard to enjoy the book. Krissy seems very immature. The book also focused too much on romance. Krissy is at the party with Will, but she keeps thinking about Paul (blushing when his name is mentioned, when she thinks about him). Then Robert pops up and wants her back. I also found some contradictions in the novel. She agrees to go to an exclusive party with Will. But after seeing Will’s costume, the fancy house, and the other guest’s costumes, she realizes it is a fancy dress party (she did not get that from the invite and her friends telling her how this is a very exclusive event). Death by Pumpkin Spice is easy to read and can be finished in a couple of hours. The mystery can be easily solved (you can solve it before you get to page 100). You only need two clues to figure it out. I give Death by Pumpkin Spice 3 out of 5 stars (it is okay). This book was just not for me. The premise is good, but I did not like the final product.
|
|
This is a great book; this is the third book in the Bookstore Café Mystery series written by Alex Erickson. Bookstore café owner Krissy Hancock would rather spend Halloween serving pumpkin goodies than wearing costumes with Pine Hills’ wealthiest at Yarborough mansion. When a woman is found strangled to death in a room filled with ominous jack-o’-lanterns. All signs suggest a crime of passion, but when the hostess’s jewelry disappears, malevolent intentions seem way more likely. With the estate on lockdown and a killer roaming the halls, Krissy must help Officer Paul Dalton investigate each nook, cranny, and guest for answers while also confronting a few demons of her own. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
|
Explore More Items
