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Book Review of Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin (A Death by Chocolate Mystery)

Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin (A Death by Chocolate Mystery)
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Dollycas's Thoughts

Jacobia âJakeâ Tiptree and Ellie White have one more catering job before winter comes to Eastport. Local celebrity Hank Rafferty has purchased the thought-to-be-haunted waterfront mansion, Stone House. He has invited people associated with his home repair TV show to show it off and hired the Chocolate Mouse owners to cater a decadent dessert. They arrive to find the host's body on the driveway. He appears to have fallen from the turret's balcony.

Surprisingly, Hank Rafferty had quite a few people who could have reason to want him dead and could have facilitated his fall. The jealous, volatile boyfriend of the chief of police, Lizzie Snow, appears to be the prime suspect. Jake and Ellie have other more likely suspects, including Hank's very unhappy wife.

Who sent Hank for the tragic fall? A ghost or maybe a ghost from his past? Or was it his wife? Jake and Ellie are steadfast in their quest to find the killer, but the killer may have other deadly plans.

It's always hectic at Jake's house. The addition to the house is complete for the oldest generation, but the littlest generation likes it too. Jake is unable to spend much time there between the Chocolate Moose and trying to solve a murder with her BFF and business partner, Ellie. I love the chaos at Jake's house. It is just like our house when the kids and grandkids come to visit. Ours have their own homes, so our chaos ends where Jake is blessed with her tribe 24/7. That is why I love Ms. Graves' core characters. They are genuinely true to life.

The mystery grabbed my attention, although there was some repetition as Jake and Ellie followed clues. That being said, the girls really get themselves in trouble trying to make a rescue. It evolved into a shocking takedown. A takedown that was not explained exactly truthfully to the authorities. The whole thing turned out to be much more than was imagined. Following the explanation of all the loose ends, something sweet happens, and another important question is answered.

Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin is filled with fantastic characters, a fine mystery, a spooky setting with a crazy driveway, all set against the background of Eastport, Maine, in the late fall. The takedown will freeze you for a moment or two. Exciting and entertaining, this book was A Perfect Escape.