Book Review: Death by Pumpkin Spice by Alex Erickson

Death by Pumpkin Spice (A Bookstore Café Mystery) by Alex Erickson

From the publisher: Bookstore café owner Krissy Hancock would rather spend Halloween serving pumpkin goodies than wearing costumes with Pine Hills’ wealthiest at Yarborough mansion, especially when the soiree shapes up to be more trick than treat . . .

As if a run-in with an old flame and a failed marriage proposal weren’t enough to horrify Krissy for one night, 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. Someone has lots of skeletons in the closet, and Krissy better tread lightly to expose them . . .

This is the third book in the series but the first that I've read even though the cover of each one has called to me from my bookshelves. While I felt like I was missing quite a bit of Krissy's back story (and found her inability to choose between the men in her life annoying) I didn't have much trouble piecing everything together.

Krissy is invited to a swanky Halloween party at the Yarborough mansion by her doctor friend Will. It's *the* place to be seen each year even though everyone is surprised the party is even taking place since the owner of the mansion recently passed away. A very insecure person, Krissy debates whether she wants to go or not but ultimately decides to accept the invitation. She's completely blown away by the mansion decked from top to bottom in gothic decor, and with a storm raging outside the atmosphere is just perfect. Then a woman dressed as Marilyn Monroe is found murdered after very publicly rejecting a marriage proposal, and with the roads closed everyone is sequestered inside until help can arrive. Krissy's former love interest Officer Paul Dalton asks her for help in questioning the attendees and keeping everyone calm, and in no time she discovers a very twisted web in a very creepy house.

If you're looking for something to put you in the Halloween mood, look no further than Death by Pumpkin Spice. Mostly taking place in the span of a single evening, this locked room mystery is just oozing of thrills and chills!

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Do you have a favorite book that takes place at Halloween or that you look forward to reading every year at this time?