Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant

Book Review: Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant by Darci Hannah

Rating: 4.5 stars

First off, let me start by saying that I absolutely adored the cover of Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant by Darci Hannah. As a sucker for colorful, cute, and festive cozy mystery book covers, this one did not disappoint. It immediately drew me in and set the tone for an enjoyable reading experience. Now, let's dive into my review of the book itself.

Set in the charming small town of Beacon Harbor, Michigan, Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant is the latest installment in Darci Hannah's delightful Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series. The story revolves around Lindsey, a talented baker who lives in the local lighthouse with her beloved Newfoundland dog, Wellington. While Lindsey prefers to keep the Halloween decorations in her bakeshop light and autumnal, her lighthouse home is infamous for being haunted.

When her influencer and podcaster best friend, Kennedy, convinces her to host a live ghost hunting investigation in the lighthouse, Lindsey reluctantly agrees. Little does she know that this seemingly harmless event will take a terrifying turn. As the team conducts their investigation, they stumble upon a corpse disguised as a creepy clown costume. Now, Lindsey and her friends must keep their cool and solve the murder if they want a ghost of a chance to see another Halloween.

One the that stood out to me about this book was the fantastic writing. Darci Hannah has a way with words that draws you into the story from the first page. The narrative flows smoothly, and the pacing was just right, keeping me engaged and eager to uncover the truth alongside Lindsey.

What impressed me most was that Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant worked exceptionally well as a standalone novel. Although it is part of a series, I didn't feel lost or confused by not having read the previous books. The author ensured that new readers could easily follow along while still providing enough background information to satisfy longtime fans.

The setting of Beacon Harbor was incredibly charming and served as the perfect backdrop for this cozy mystery. The descriptions of the small town, its inhabitants, and the pumpkin pageant created a vivid and festive atmosphere that added to my overall enjoyment of the story. I could almost smell the delicious aromas wafting from Lindsey's bakeshop as I read.

The mystery itself was well plotted and kept me guessing until the very end. Darci Hannah skillfully planted clues and red herrings throughout the narrative, making it difficult to pinpoint the true identity of the killer. I love a good whodunit that keeps me on my toes, and this book certainly delivered in that aspect.

Furthermore, all the characters in Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant were incredibly likable and relatable. From Lindsey's determination to protect her ghostly companion to Kennedy's enthusiasm for solving mysteries, each character had their own unique charm. I found myself rooting for them and genuinely caring about their well-being throughout the story.

Lastly, I must mention the mouthwatering addition of delicious recipes featured throughout the book. Darci Hannah has thoughtfully included a plethora of treats that will leave your taste buds craving more. These recipes not only added an extra layer of enjoyment but also complemented the storytelling and enhanced the cozy atmosphere.

In conclusion, Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant by Darci Hannah is a delightful cozy mystery that will satisfy fans of the genre and captivate new readers alike. With its fantastic writing, well-paced plot, charming setting, likable characters, and delectable recipes, this book is a treat for both mystery enthusiasts and food lovers. Whether you're looking for an engaging standalone or an enticing addition to the Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series, this book has it all. Highly recommended!

Note: This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary.