Death by Jack-o’-Lantern

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Abby McCree just doesn’t know how or get the chance to say “NO!”. Still filling in for her deceased Aunt Sybil, she is also part of the planning committee for the Halloween Festival and soon will be volunteered by her tenant Tripp to help with another event. With one of the Halloween committee down sick Abby is recruited to pick up the pumpkin order from Ronald Minter’s farm. While searching the farm for its owner she comes upon his corn maze. Thinking he must be in there getting ready for the expected crowds from the festival, she ventures in. She finds the man, but with that knife in his back, he will be of no help with those pumpkins. The prime suspect becomes Kevin Montgomery, a homeless vet that has been living in the woods. Tripp also a veteran has been trying to help the man acclimate and knows he didn’t kill Minter, in fact, he would stake his freedom on it.

There are also some unique creations showing up around town that may tie into the case. Abby along with her sidekick Zeke, for the most part, a Bull Mastiff, a gentle giant, at least most of the time set out to find the real killer. Her friend Police Chief Gage tries to keep her safe knowing she will not back down.

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I liked Abby right away in the first book of this series, Death by Committee, I love her now. Check out the way she takes a new detective down on notch with just her words.

Please let me finish. What I was going to say was that I really don’t care who you are, Detective Whatever-Your-Name-Is, or why you’re here. As I’m sure Deputy Chapin told you, I have permission to be here and to stay as long as I like. I’m sure if you want time to talk to Mr. Blackston, Chief Logan will be glad to schedule you an appointment. This particular time slot, however, is already taken.”

She wasn’t sure what her smile looked like at that moment, but Deputy Chapin backpedaled a few feet. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, Mr. Blackston and I were talking. I’m sure you can find something to occupy yourself until we’re done. I’m betting if you kick some money into the kitty in the bullpen, they’ll even let you have a cup of coffee. If not, there’s a nice coffee shop right down the street.” By that point, all three men were looking at her as if they hadn’t understood a single word she’d said. “I’m sorry, do you need me to repeat that, maybe slower this time?”

Strong, smart, sassy, I laughed out loud and gave Abby a “You Go Girl!” Now if only she could stand up to that group of her aunt’s friends that keep volunteering her for everything under the sun. She is getting there but her kind nature I believe she will always be a soft touch especially when she feels is honoring her aunt.

Ms. Morgan has surrounded Abby with a great supporting cast. We are getting to know Tripp Blackston a little better and the connection between him and Abby is getting stronger. He already has a big strong relationship with the lovable Zeke Abby has a true friendship with Gage Logan and they are getting to understand each other. The ladies from the quilting group are always there to help, advise or butt in as needed.

The author has written a strong mystery too. I was pulled in many different directions over the course of the novel. I knew in my heart who it couldn’t be but I would be lying if I didn’t tell you I was totally surprised by the big reveal. Alexis Morgan expertly pens a slow build the rachets up at a delightful pace all leading up a dramatic ending. She describes everything so clearly readers can feel like they are right there on the spot.

I really have to applaud the author for the way she addressed homeless veterans and veterans, in general, dealing with veterans with PTSD and finding their way back in the world after surviving horrendous things can be a rough road. Many in Snowberry Creek were on the wrong side of this issue but thankfully there were those willing to help, some veterans themselves. Putting a hot topic issue like this into a work of fiction makes it more real and relevant.

Death by Jack-o’-Lantern is a marvelous addition to this series. I loved the Halloween theme and was totally entertained beginning to end. Bring on Book #3!

Death by Jack-O’-Lantern by Alexis Morgan is the second An Abby McCree Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. Abby McCree has been “volunteered” to help with the planning of the Halloween Festival. When Glenda’s driver bails because of the pouring rain, Abby takes her neighbor out to Ronald Minter’s farm to pick up the pumpkins for the festival. Abby finds the cranky farmer dead in a shed in the middle of the corn maze. When Tripp and his friend, Kevin Montgomery find themselves afoul of the law, Abby begins searching for the guilty party. I thought Death by Jack-O’-Lantern was easy to read with a charming town and a variety of quirky characters. Abby keeps getting herself “volunteered” to committees and projects (I think gullible is written on her forehead). When Abby is not helping others, she is whipping up baked goods that come in handy for bribes and to offer to police when they inevitably end up at her house. Zeke, Abby’s dog, is my favorite character. He is such a lovable and smart fellow. Gage Logan, the chief of police, is a good guy. He is a fair minded individual who cares about his daughter. I wish Gage was Abby’s love interest. The murder of Ronald Minter provided a couple of suspects along with misdirection and direct clues. I would have liked the mystery to be more challenging. It seemed like the author was pointing a giant neon arrow at the culprit. I thought the reveal was interesting and entertaining. There were some appealing aspects to the crime, and I appreciated that it was completely resolved. The pumpkin carving sculptures were a delightful addition to the story especially Gage Logan’s. I would have liked less repetition of case details (I got it the first time). Death by Jack-O’-Lantern is a cute Halloween themed cozy mystery with purloined pumpkins, copious cookies, a humorous hound and a vigorous volunteer enforcer.

Death by Jack-O’-Lantern is the second book in the Abby McCree cozy mystery series. I read and loved the first one a while back and figured since this one has a fall theme to it that it was the perfect time to get reading. All in all, I enjoyed this one. I think it was the perfect addition to the series and it was fun to catch up with Abby, Zeke, Tripp, and the rest of the characters. However, there were a few things that got on my nerves which is why I rated this 4 out of 5 stars. More on that below.

The murder that takes place happens in a Corn Maze to the man who owns the property. As with any cozy, you know that the point of the story is for an amateur sleuth (Abby in this case) to solve the murder before the authorities. All of that is great and clearly why I love reading these novels- amateurs solving crimes before the seasoned pros? So fun! However, some of the things that took place in this book were wholly unbelievable. For one, Tripp was detained for a good amount of time because he wouldn’t tell the detectives where his friend was living (his friend was only a person of interest). That in the real world could never happen- you can’t hold people because they won’t tell you specific details, especially for that amount of time. I know this because my husband works in the field, so it was extremely noticeable to me throughout the book. That’s probably why it bothered me so much!

Another thing that got me feeling flustered was how hot and cold Abby could be. One minute she was the perfect hostess and the next she was taking back a dessert she freely gave someone because they made her mad. I guess for me, I would be uncomfortable doing this to someone no matter what they said/did, so it didn’t sit well with me. She’s certainly a fierce character with strong beliefs and gumption, but she way she bossed the men in her life around and did small things like that made me feel uncomfortable. Again, this is because I myself couldn’t do that!

Other than those two small things I really enjoyed this one. I can’t wait to see what happens next and look forward to seeing a possible love connection between Abby and Tripp. They seem like a match made in heaven even though they bump heads on a lot of issues!

A very original story. You never knew what was going to happen from one page to the next. Love the characters.

I figured out who the pumpkin carver was immediately but the killer eluded me until right before the reveal. I love this series and I can’t wait to see what Abby becomes when she grows up.

DEATH BY JACK-O’-LANTERN by Alexis Morgan
The Second Abby McCree Mystery

As Halloween looms ever closer Abby McCree once again finds herself working on a slew of committees and her tenant, Tripp, has just volunteered her for another one! But committee work is halted when instead of a bunch of pumpkins she finds the body of the town curmudgeon. When a homeless veteran who Tripp is mentoring is wanted for questioning, Tripp refuses to help law enforcement find him, and instead finds himself in trouble with the law. As Abby once again finds herself embroiled in another murder she’ll have to help Tripp and Kevin all while preparing the town for its trick or treat event!

I absolutely love this smart sassy series. Endearing characters with strength of character, determination, and unwavering loyalty inhabit its pages. I admire Abby and her attitude. She’s smart and able to give as good as she gets. I love how she denies people her baked goods when they make her mad. Her interactions with Detective Earle had my jaw dropping, then had me laughing out loud. Her relationship with Tripp is heartwarming and I look forward to them realizing they’re more than just good friends, although their friendship is undeniable. I also like Abby’s relationship with Gage, indeed with the whole police department. Of course, Zeke adds another layer of adorableness, as well as loyalty.

The second Abby McCree Mystery is a story about loyalty and facades. For better or worse, people aren’t always what they seem. And sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe in, no matter the cost.

DEATH BY JACK-O’-LANTERN is a smart mystery with heart. The loyalty and good-natured bantering make me want to spend time with the people of Snowberry Creek…that and the baked goods. This book is an especially appealing autumnal read and I urge you to curl up with a copy.

FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.

When reading the second in a series always think about the sophomore slump. Will the second book be as good as the first? In this case the answer is yes. Abby and her ‘lodger’ Tripp along with Abby’s dog, are people I enjoy reading about. With a touch of romance between them, that’s a nice extra story thread. Abby would like to have more time to herself, maybe some time to spend with Tripp would be good but no, not going to happen. She seems to have a ‘volunteer me’ target on her back and no matter how hard she tries, she ends up on committee after committee. For example, she is delivering handmade quilts to the police department so they can give them to children involved in traumatic situations, to go with a teddy bear. No sooner has she done that when the subject of doing the same service for the fire department. She may want to say no but others are saying yes on her behalf. The latest to volunteer her is Tripp and Abby is none too pleased with him. She demands that he become her co-chair for the project. It’s only fair.
If things weren’t complicated enough, Abby decides to follow Tripp one night when she sees him leaving, wearing his military fatigues and carrying a pack. That leads to a major scare for her when she is accosted by a homeless vet with PTSD – the person Tripp has been secretly helping at night. Tripp comes to her rescue but all is not going smoothly. It gets really rocky when Abby stumbles upon the owner of the crop maze, very dead. The police are told that the homeless vet was seen arguing with him and their focus turns on him. Tripp refuses to let the police near him and is tossed into jail. Abby then has reason to investigate and, as this isn’t her first encounter with homicide, she works to find the real killer. Along the way there is the question of those jack-o’-lanterns.
Now I have to add the third book, Death by Auction, coming out next June, to my ever growing to be read list.

I love the Abby McCree mystery series! Even though this is the second book in the series, this could be read as a stand alone novel. Abby McCree is relatively new in Snowberry Creek, Washington after inheriting a relative’s home. Abby becomes involved with the senior affairs committee, the local quilting guild, and has now been asked to help a veteran’s group organize a fund raiser.

Abby is funny and spunky and I enjoy reading about her exploits. In this book, jack-o-lanterns carved into the likeness of local townspeople are mysteriously found around town. When the local pumpkin farmer, a cantankerous, mean man is found dead, the suspects are plenty! It seems like he has had run-in’s with several townspeople recently and no one has a kind thing to say about him. When a homeless veteran is accused of his murder, Abby’s renter Tripp is arrested for obstruction of justice for not telling police where he is.

It’s up to Abby to get to the bottom of things. I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery and I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a great cozy mystery!

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks

Interest characters and lively plot

I had mixed feelings while reading this Halloween Cozy. I enjoyed the small town setting and some of the characters. The Halloween Holiday is a fun background. I really liked the carved pumpkins sub plot. The mystery was OK but it was easy to solve and there were some plot holes. There was a lot of repetition. I really disliked the main character Abby and the way she used food as a reward or punishment with the men in the book. The men were treated the same way as her dog. When they behaved they were rewarded with treats and when they misbehaved she took those treats away. I kept wanting one of them to stand up to her. The unhealthy relationship to food bothered me so much I had a hard time enjoying the rest of the book.