Lindsey owns a bakery in the lighthouse. It's almost Halloween and the bakery is filled with the smells of pumpkin. Her best friend Kennedy signs the lighthouse up to be investigated by the Ghostbusters guys for ghosts, a cable show. Kennedy decides to do a live video podcast showing behind the scenes of the show. They definitely get more by finding a dead body.

I really enjoyed this book. I'm liking getting to know the characters better. I'm definitely craving pumpkin muffins now. The mystery kepte intrigued and I liked following the clues with Lindsey. I can't wait to see what happens next.

I LOVE this series!!! This book is like a warm hug froma familiar friend...from the first line, I felt like I was home again. Darci has an unbelievable way of entertaining, comforting, and exciting me all at the same time. It's such a cliche, but I couldn't stop reading! This series is the PERFECT blend of mystery, comfort, charm, romance, happiness, and hilarity. I look forward to each installment, and this one met every expectation. My only fripe is that it's finished and I have to wait for the next book!!

Cozy mysteries are becoming my favorite. Even though a character dies and the main character usually finds themselves in danger, the stories are lighter and even fun to read. Darci Hannah’s ‘Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant’ is another gem in the series.

That being said, Darci Hannah is a fun writer who threw so many red herrings into this mystery. I had no idea who the murderer was until the reveal. Though clever, I also felt that the most engaging part of this series (the personalities and relationships) was lost.

This was the first book I’ve read in the A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series. I adored it. I will go back and read the rest of the series but this can be read as a standalone. I love the characters especially Welly and Trixie. The mystery was written so I believed many times that I knew who the murderer was only to be proven wrong. Great writing, fun story, perfect setting.

Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant by Darci Hannah is the fourth installment in the Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries, and another fantastic read, plus it takes place during Halloween… the most wonderful time of the year!

How can you go wrong with a haunted lighthouse turned into a bakery, Halloween, ghost hunters, a costume parade, and tons of mouth watering food descriptions throughout the book, along with lots of great recipes at the end.

I want to live in this imaginary town and become friends with Lindsey and her group… that’s one of the reasons I keep returning to the series because Hannah writes such wonderful and diverse characters.
Another reason is her descriptions of the town and all the food. I’m always inspired to bake something new after reading one of her books.

I read many cozy mystery series, but there are maybe a dozen that I actively seek out to find when the next book is coming out, and the Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries is one of them…. So if you can’t guess, I highly recommend this book and series.

This is a fun cozy series that never disappoints. This is the fourth in series and a fun Halloween theme addtion to the series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.

Lindsey is enjoying life with her boyfriend Rory and finding success with her bakeshop in small town Michigan. Halloween is approaching when someone is doing pranks near her shop and lighthouse. Lindsey arranages for a friend to spend the night at the lighthouse on Halloween and a corpse is found hanging from a tree. Darci is determined to save herself and her business by investigating on her own with the help of her friends.

I enjoyed the Halloween theme of this book which was spooky and fun. The sleuth was well crafted to conclusion and the returning townspeople all add to the series. I look forward to the next in series.

I love this series! I’ve read these all and was super excited to receive an ARC from NetGalley! Thanks to them as well as Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this for an exchange for a honest review.

Lindsey Bakewell is at it again. Baking scrumptious Fall treats (yes, lots of pumpkin!), living in her haunted lighthouse that she remodeled into a bakery in Beacon Harbor, Michigan and solving murders that seem to hit to close to home. Wonderful characters, as always, such as Kennedy (her best friend), Rory, (her boyfriend), Wellington, (loyal dog) and many others.

Holiday cozy mysteries are the best for me and Darci Hannah did this with perfection!

I just finished reading "Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant" by Darci Hannah, and it was an absolute treat! Set in the charming town of Beacon Harbor, Michigan, this book is the latest installment in the delightful Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series. With a baker heroine named Lindsey and her lovable Newfoundland dog, Wellington, living in a haunted lighthouse, you know you're in for a fun and quirky adventure.

The Halloween spirit is in full swing as Lindsey prepares her bakeshop for the season. But when her best friend Kennedy convinces her to host a live ghost hunting investigation in the lighthouse, things take a spooky turn. The discovery of a real corpse dressed as a creepy clown sends Lindsey and her friends into a thrilling murder-solving mission. With plenty of twists and turns, this book had me guessing until the very end.

What I loved most about this book was the fantastic cast of characters. Lindsey is a relatable and resourceful protagonist, and her interactions with her lively friends and the ever-protective Wellington brought a smile to my face. The author skillfully weaves humor, romance, and a dash of mystery throughout the story, creating an engaging and enjoyable read.

If you're a fan of cozy mysteries with a touch of the paranormal, "Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant" is a must-read. Darci Hannah's storytelling is top-notch, and she effortlessly blends mouthwatering descriptions of baked goods with an intriguing whodunit. So grab a cup of tea and a tasty treat, and dive into this delightful Halloween mystery—it's the perfect escape for cozy crime lovers and those who crave a lighthearted adventure.

This is the perfect cozy book to get you into the Halloween/autumn spirit! It was exactly what I needed. I didn’t realise this was technically part of a series (it can easily be read as a standalone) but I will now be looking to read the others!

This book had everything, a murder, ghost hunting, a mystery and some t all takes place around Halloween.

I really loved to imagine how cozy the lighthouse cafe would be, even with a lighthouse keeper ghost keeping it company. I loved to picture all the yummy bakery items too and will definitely be trying some of the recipes. I though the story was really interesting and I was definitely left guessing until the very end!

I highly recommend this book if you love a cozy Murder mystery

The fourth Beacon Bakeshop mystery series finds Lindsey celebrating Halloween in Beacon Harbor. She’s annoyed that teens keep hanging spooky decorations by her house, so she pairs with a teacher at the high school to host a party to try to teach the students about the lighthouse. That goes well, but the next day, on Halloween itself, Lindsey’s friend Kennedy stumbles upon that teacher’s dead body while filming a live podcast. Lindsey and the crew must team up again to solve the murder.

I’m enjoying this series a lot! I like that Lindsey and co don’t pretend they aren’t going to snoop/try to solve the mystery. It allows for the reader to get more investigation and clues! The clues were good and the pacing was on point. Plus there are delicious sounding pumpkin recipes at the back! Can’t wait for the next in this series!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Lindsey Bakewell, Rory, her boyfriend and Wellington, her Newfoundland dog are back in the fourth Beacon Bakeshop Mystery set in a small town in Michigan.. This one is set at Halloween. Lindsey is having problems with the local high schooler pranking the area around the bakeshop. She enlists the help of a local teacher. Later Kennedy, her friend and podcaster, invites some ghostbusters to spend the night of Halloween at the (haunted) lighthouse with terrifying results.

Darci Hannah continues to impress me with being cozy yet so original with her motives, the suspects and the victim. Her descriptions of small town life are true to life. She has great insight into how small towns work. The descriptions of the baked goods are enough to make you drool constantly. I am looking forward to the next installment of this great series. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the free Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest review.

[thank you NetGalley for this Advanced Copy in exchange for my honest review]

Although this is a series, this held up well as a standalone. The characters are likable, theres a murder, theres a deep-dive in to a family’s history, theres plenty of suspects, theres pumpkin spice everything and theres a cozy small town setting.

This was a nice cozy read, but my main issue is the characters just don’t talk to each other like normal human beings talk to one another. All the dialogue is animated and corny, and just not realistic? I think this is unfortunately common for many cozy mysteries, however.

All in all, it was a perfectly fine cozy mystery set in the fall.

I thought the last book was the best so far in the series... NO WAY.... this book is funny, great story telling, great ghost story and great mystery. Def a must read for fans of Ms. Darci and the Beacon Lighthouse - Bakery.

I love how all the characters are perfectly synced. I love how the Capt. is always on duty and protecting Lindsey and lets not forget Kennedy and her quirks and our favorite pooch Wellington.

I can not get enough of these stories. The books are stand alone, but each story is great and will delight all cozie mystery readers.

Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant
(Beacon Bakeshop 4)
Darci Hannah


Darci Hannah is the author of the Beacon Bakeshop and Cherry Hills mystery series along with a Scottish historical series.


It’s Halloween time and Lindsey, a former Wall Street darling, is now the owner of the Beacon Bakeshop out of her historic lighthouse in Michigan. Is busy preparing for her first Beacon Harbor Halloween Bash. Her mom's new business Ellie & Co is also participating by hosting a pageant. It would all be wonderful if only she wasn’t being haunted, not by her lighthouse ghost but by teenagers! They keep waking her by playing horrible pranks on her in the early morning hours.

Betty recommends that Lindsey speak with Leslie Adams, a popular and well-loved teacher. She and Lindsey hatch a plan to educate the students on the lighthouse’s history. Snacks are prepared and pumpkins are purchased for carving. Everything goes wonderful! Ms. Adams and some students stop by to thank Lindsey. While there Leslie tells Lindsey that she needs to speak to her later.

Unfortunately, later never came. Leslie Adams is found murdered during a ghosthunter live stream hosted by Kennedy, Lindseys' best friend!

Who killed Beacon Harbor’s most beloved teacher?!


I loved this book and Ms. Hannah’s writing style so much that I immediately picked up the first three books in the series! I loved everything about this book. The mystery angle was excellent with me miss guessing only to find it was a previous guess! I really, really loved that it kept me thinking and reevaluating the information being given. It was super easy for my newbie self to fall in love with the characters and storyline as I never felt lost or like I was missing some insider joke. The whole book just felt welcoming, like the Newfie on the cover! 5*****

As a bonus, the book also contains 7 recipes. (1 main & side, 4 desserts & 2 drinks)

Beacon Bakeshop
1. Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop
2. Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off
3. Murder at the Blueberry Festival
4. Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant
5. Murder at the Blarney Bash (01/23/24)





Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
#Netgalley #MurderatthePumpkinPageant #BeaconBakeshop #DarciHannah #Halloween #Ghost #Murder #Mystery #Food

I like mysteries that are set during the Halloween season and this one doesn’t disappoint. A haunted lighthouse, baked goods and a mystery that kept me guessing all add up to a fun read.

Beacon Harbor, Michigan, is celebrating Halloween and if you live in an apparently haunted lighthouse it would be rude not to join in! Lindsey Bakewell, the prosaically named owner of the Beacon Bakeshop, has her hands full with all the Fall baking she's doing alongside taking part in the various activities set up around town. Added to that, and against her better judgement, Lindsey has agreed to let best friend, Kennedy Kapoor, stage a ghost hunt live on social media culminating at the top of the lighthouse!

Unfortunately, before Halloween comes to an end a body has been found propelling Lindsey, boyfriend Rory, Kennedy, and the local police force into an investigation where suspects are many while clues are few and far between. What was the victim hiding and who was desperate enough to kill for that information?  Whoever it is they have Lindsey in their sights, can she stay one step ahead or will she have baked her last pumpkin flavoured goodies?

Book four in Darci Hannah's series was my first but once I had worked out who was who I thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn't work out whodunnit in advance as there were a generous amount of red herrings and entertaining main protagonists to keep me occupied. Wellington, the Newfoundland hound, who graces every cover, was also there to make me smile. There are also some scrumpy sounding recipes included at the end of the book which I look forward to sampling very soon.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and happily recommend it to cosy crime lovers everywhere.

A ghost hunting investigation, a dead body dressed as a clown and to top it off, it's Halloween. What else can happen to Lindsey Bakewell and her bakery/lighthouse? When you have your own lighthouse ghost - lots!

Lindsey is back baking delicious pastries, solving mysteries and loving her life in Beacon Harbor. She's a an amateur sleuth with the rowdy canine, Wellington by her side. I enjoyed reading about her BFF Kennedy's desire to make podcast history and I admit, I was a little creeped out by the ghost hunting - in a good way. It's the perfect read for those who are in the mood for a Halloween mystery!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Darci Hannah has set the scene again for an engaging cozy mystery filled with fun, romance, hijinks, fashion, holiday festivities and more. Lindsey, Rory, Wellie, and the team!

Thank you Net Galley for providing this book and allowing me to read it in advance. I was unable to personally get into this book but that is the power of reading. There’s books for everyone. I know someone else will adore it!

Rounded to 4.5 stars.

CONTENT WARNING: murder, mention of an inappropriate relationship between an adult and a minor, grief, violence

I’ve been a fan of this series since getting an ARC of book 1, and have been eagerly following Lindsey’s adventures, or more accurately, misadventures, ever since. Besides, she comes with a super-lovable crew: a sweet yet goofy Newfoundland named Welly (short for Wellington), a super hot former military boyfriend named Rory (or Sir Hunts a Lot depending on who you ask), a ride or die best friend named Kennedy who is a social media influencer and podcaster, a police officer named Tuck who is dating Kennedy, and her parents—Ellie is a former model who now has a fashionable clothing store catering to women and their dogs and offering matching clothes.

If you’re going to read this series, the one thing you should prepare yourself for is a rumbly tummy. Lindsey is a total foodie, and isn’t just a talented baker, but she’s also an incredible cook. She makes all kinds of food and treats throughout the story, and there’s also some recipes at the back of each book, and somehow she makes everything sound incredible, even things I do not like at all. So don’t read this on an empty stomach or when you’re eating something bland and boring.

After helping to solve three murders in the little town of Beacon Harbor, Lindsey is ready to enjoy the Halloween festivities and bake up a storm. But things don’t quite work out that way. First, Lindsey keeps finding pre-Halloween pranks around the lighthouse. Then, Kennedy informs her that they’ll be hosting an episode of a professional ghost-hunting show in her haunted lighthouse on Halloween. Finally, the episode goes awry and ends with the discovery of a real body hanging from the tree outside of her lighthouse.

Now, Lindsey is roped into solving yet another murder with the help of her trusty crew and the help of Officer Cutie Pie (aka Tuck). The mystery is well-plotted, with a bunch of red herrings to throw readers off the trail and make it difficult to pinpoint the real culprit. I was surprised by who it turned out to be, although they were my second choice for murderer. And the way the different pieces of the mystery were revealed over the course of the story until they could all be put together still didn’t help me figure it out on my own until everything was laid out for me.

This book was medium-paced but stayed consistent for the whole story until the end when things sped up a bit. I found it easy to stick with and flew through this entire book faster than I was expecting to, but I didn’t mind, other than the fact that I’m going to have to wait just a bit longer for the next installment (and there better be another because I’m not ready to let these characters go yet). The story is a fun one, and I especially loved the banter between the main character and her little circle of friends. Now that Lindsey and Rory are an item, and Kennedy and Tuck are too, they mess with each other just like regular couples who hang out all the time do, and it was fun to read. This is just another hit in a series full of them, and I’m looking forward to more in the Beacon Bakeshop!

In this offering of Darci Hannah's A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series I think the story passed a little beyond the stage of a 'fun, cozy' mystery. There is a darkness in the death that was unnerving to me. I enjoy all of the characters, and suspend my beliefs to enjoy the Lighthouse's resident ghost, which normally adds a cozy charm. In this case a truly nice person was a brutal victim and it kind of got to me. The many elements of the mystery were masterfully addressed and resolutions were somewhat satisfying, but there was a lot of heartache to deal with in 'Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant.' I look forward to more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.