PUMPKIN ROLL by Josi S. Kilpack & A Contest

What could be better than being in New England for Halloween and baking?

Sadie Hoffmiller can’t think of a thing, especially since she’s with her boyfriend, Pete Cunningham. They are babysitting Pete’s three grandsons for a few days while his son and daughter-in-law go to Texas for work-related matters. The town of Jamaica Plain, a suburb of Boston, is decorated for the season and Sadie is in her element baking and cooking for the boys and Pete.

When the boys call the woman across the street a witch, Sadie gets a little curious. They claim even their mother calls her that. Armed with a plate of cookies, Sadie decides to find out more. A newly licensed private investigator, Sadie can’t help herself.

The more she checks, the more mysterious it gets. When the ‘witch’ is attacked in her own home, Sadie puts herself in danger to uncover the truth. An acquaintance from her past may give Sadie more assistance than she wants. The intrigue will keep you guessing what or who is behind all of the mysterious happenings.

PUMPKIN ROLL is the sixth installment in author Josi S. Kilpack’s Culinary Mystery series, but is a stand alone read. There are references to prior events Sadie has encountered, but not so that readers are lost in this new adventure. The series continues to keep readers in suspense, while tempting them with mouth-watering recipes throughout the story.

Sadie is a strong, independent protagonist who can show her soft and vulnerable side while still being believable. The author has also included a number of lovable supporting characters. The book’s New England setting and Halloween theme make it a perfect read for this time of year. However, a Culinary Mystery by Kilpack is always an enjoyable read no matter the season.

ADDED BONUS…..
**In conjunction with the release of PUMPKIN ROLL, the author, Josi S. Kilpack, and the publisher, Shadow Mountain, are sponsoring a contest for a new iPad2. To enter, leave a comment in the comment section of this blog before November 1, 2011. Winners will be announced and notified November 3, 2011.

For additional ways to enter, go to www.josiskilpack.com **

Author Josi S. Kilpack’s website is www.josiskilpack.com

Pumpkin Roll by Josi S. Kilpack, A Culinary Mystery, Shadow Mountain, @2011, ISBN: 9781609087456, Paperback, 368 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book as part of a blog tour and it was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

"Lemon Tart, A Culinary Mystery" by Josi S. Kilpack

“LEMON TART, A CULINARY MYSTERY” is one of those books where the cover first drew me to it, the title held my attention, and the blurb pulled me in to uncover the secrets it held.

I wasn’t disappointed. This book holds all the ingredients for a perfect cozy murder mystery. This is the first in the Sadie Hoffmiller series by author Josi s. Kilpack.

The story’s protagonist is 56-year-old Sadie Hoffmiller, a retired teacher and widow with two grown children. She spends her time doing volunteer work and making baked goods for family and friends.

When a neighbor is found murdered, Sadie has more questions and than answers about the single Mom, Anne Lemmon, and her two-year-old son, Trevor, who is now missing.

Sadie soon encounters the two detectives investigating the case and finds one of them considers her a suspect. Trying to find answers, as well as the toddler, Sadie begins to discover her life and that of her family more entangled with Annie than she had ever imagined. With each bit of new information Sadie seems closer to finding Annie’s killer and who has Trevor. But with each new lead comes a new suspect with even more motive and opportunity than the one before.

The closer Sadie gets to the killer, the more her own life spins out of control. The people she thought she knew and loved may have been hiding dangerous secrets from her.

From the first clue that Anne was baking a Lemon Tart until the last, author Josi S. Kilpack takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of thrills, spills and suspense.

Mingled in among the many clues and suspects, the author shares some of Sadie’s tried and true recipes. These include “Sadie’s Better Brownies,” “Carrot Cookies,” and of course, “Mom’s Lemon Tart” just to name a few. While the mouth-watering recipes will tempt you to bake, the plot will hold you spellbound until the real killer is exposed.

Even though all the ingredients come together to give you a rewarding dish at the end, you can’t help but want more. With that in mind, readers get a sneak peak into Sadie’s next adventure, ‘ENGLISH TRIFLE,” with a brief chapter at the end of the book. There is also a third installment in the series, “DEVIL’S FOOD CAKE.”

“LEMON TART” is a tasty enjoyment for the cozy murder mystery lover.

Lemon Tart, A Culinary Mystery by Josi S. Kilpack, Deseret Book Company, @2009, ISBN: 978-1-60641-050-9, Paperback, 362 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author’s blog tour promoter in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.