A classic cozy mystery is an excellent way to relax and having fun while reading a solid mystery. This is a good one and I enjoyed it
Well done.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Jacobia “Jake” 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.

Sarah Graves continues her Death by Chocolate mysteries in Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin. Ellie White's bakery Chocolate Moose is invited to supply food to Hank Rafferty, a film idol, who has moved into an old heritage house. Stone House. Rafferty is found dead in the house an a young teenage fan girl is suspected. Ghosts may be involved. Rafferty's wife and other guests may be involved. The plot keeps getting more convoluted until it starts unwinding in a most unsavoury way. Read and enjoy.

I liked Jake’s sense of humor and that she always finds herself in a pickle. It keeps things lighthearted when things get serious. At times the writing got choppy and I felt I was missing part of the story. However, the ending was exciting and the best part of the book. The book includes a recipe for Glazed Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins. Yumm!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sarah Graves for providing me with a complimentary digital audiobook ARC for Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin coming out April 29, 2925. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’ve read another book in this series. I definitely need to read all of them. I really love cozy mysteries. I think the characters were really fun in the story. I love the chocolate theme. I think there were some great developments. I’m excited to see what happens next. I would definitely read more books in the series.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!

A home renovation celebrity shows up in Eastport to restore his family’s old mansion. While Hank was dead, set on, restoring the home to the original glory, what he wasn’t on was being dead. But yet he falls to his death from a balcony in the house.

With the police chief’s boyfriend at the prime suspect, Jake and Ellie find themselves not only catering the party and the wake, but also trying to solve a murder and clear their friend. Can the lady solve it without becoming the next one’s being served up dead?

Well, I love the mysteries in the series, I really like Jake and Ellie. They’re so good together. Those are the kind of friends that we all need to have the have each other‘s back, whether it running the business, taking care of their families, we’re solving a murder, they’re always there for each other. And boy, did the murder should get out of hand in some of the stories. Each and every entry has me looking for the next one as soon as I turn that last page.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin is the eighth book in the Death by Chocolate Mystery series. In this book, Jake and Ellie cater a party for a home repair television show celebrity, Hank. During the event, Hank ends up dead. Jake and Ellie investigate, as they do not think the number one suspect is guilty, and there are many people who were less than happy with Hank.

Once again, we return with great delight to Eastport and The Chocolate Moose. Jake and Ellie are an awesome investigation team (and excellent bakers). Jake's family is also very present, which makes the book relatable. I love that the storyline is not only focused on the murder, but on daily aspects of life as well. The writing is excellent, with characters that are complex and surprising at times. Ms. Graves expertly creates a variety of atmospheres throughout the book, which makes it greatly enjoyable. This series is absolutely wonderful, it is a must-read.

This is the 8th book in the Death by Chocolate Mysteries. I've read several and they're always nice, feel good stories.

Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White own and operate the Chocolate Moose, a charming bakery in Eastport, Maine. The bakery is beloved by the locals, but needs the seasonal tourists to keep it afloat financially. For that reason only Jake & Ellie agreed to cater a party at the HAUNTED Stone House.

A TV show celebrity recently inherited Stone House and decided to bring it back to its a former glory. Local legend has it that nothing good ever happens in that home and the locals stay away, but the Chocolate Mousse needs the money.

Jake & Ellie arrive at Stone House just in time to see the new owner fall to his death from an upstairs balcony. There are plenty of suspects, but the police are looking at the wrong person. It's up to Jake & Ellie to identify the killer.

Was it cute? Yes. Was it cozy? Also yes. But for whatever reason, I STRUGGLED to connect with the story. I kept reading HOPING to enjoy it because I love the premise and enjoy a good murder mystery but it just wasn't for me. That said- Sarah Graves is an excellent writer and this story would be an amazing beach day read if you like cozy murder mysteries.

Jake and Ellie are busy preparing for fall and the slow down of the tourist season. But there’s a new man in town who has moved into one of the older homes in the area. He is a tv handyman who really doesn’t fix anything but just hosts the show. The home was cursed by the original owner. Whoever made changes to the house would face consequences. But the new homeowner wants to take things back to how they were. Unfortunately, not everyone wants to keep the house as is. Join Jake and Ellie as they solve another murder. Loved this story! #Netgalley

Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin is book #8 in the Death by Chocolate Mystery series by Sarah Graves.

My one regret in this book is that I didn’t jump to the end to get the recipe for the chocolate pumpkin muffins so that I could make a batch and eat them while I was reading. Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White’s bakery, the Chocolate Moose, is catering dessert for a local celebrity’s party, but unfortunately there’s a death which puts a damper on things. The victim was not well liked, so there were plenty of people who had motives to kill him. Jake and Ellie get in on the investigation. As much as I enjoyed the mystery and following along with the investigation, my favorite part is the characters - especially when a series has been going on longer like this one has. You get to see the characters develop along with their relationships and and that’s what keeps me coming back!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Halloween is over and local home repair star Hank Rafferty is having a party at his mansion known as Stone House. Jake and Ellie have been tasked with bringing the desserts and when they arrive get a huge shock. Hank falls to his death right as they get there. The man had a ton of enemies so the police are looking at his death as a homicide. The main suspect is the chief of police's boyfriend. No matter how hot headed the man can get the chief doesn't believe he had anything to do with it and neither do Jake or Ellie. The two want to help the chief clear his name so they dive into their investigation. Hank had more than enough enemies its just figuring out which one hated him the most. Can they figure out who the killer is before an innocent man ends up behind bars.

Every adventure of Jake and her pal Ellie’s seems to be even more intense and full of mystery than the previous one. This book definitely fit that bill and had me on the edge of the seat at times and laughing at other times. Jake’s first person narrative is always good for some giggles along the way. That woman’s life is seriously chaotic at home but I don’t think she’d have it any other way.

The most epic adventure of this book came toward the end and was definitely nail-biting as Jake (who even rescued a dog in the process), Ellie and Dylan fought for their lives and a teen friend of Lee’s. Of course the good guys came out the winners and the baddies were dealt with. At the end, some friends had a fun thing happen for them, something that surprised everyone. Life’s sure never dull around Jake and Ellie!

I voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley , and my opinions are my own.

Series #8 in the Death by Chocolate Mystery, a most excellent collection! Wish there was a shop like the Chocolate Moose in my town. Nothing better than delicious desserts. Jacobia 'Jake' Tiptree and Ellie White run the store but are often on the hunt solving mysteries. When a person who had many enemies falls to his death there are many who could be the culprit. Lots of suspects. Great character development. Good story plot. Thanks #Netgalley and #Kensingtin for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

An enjoyable addition to the series, Sarah Graves’ characters are like old friends that you are always to see.

Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin is book 8 in the Death by Chocolate mystery series by Sara Graves and was a really enjoyable mystery. And if you're like me and haven't read any of the previous books in the series, no worries, because this is easily read as a standalone novel.

The Chocolate Moose bakery owned by Ellie White and Jacobiia "Jake" Tiptree, has been hired to provide cupcakes for an event held by television celebrity Hank Rafferty at his new home, Stone House, but when they turn up with the delivery, they discover Hank is dead.

Told in first person from Jake's point of view, I found Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin to be a fun mystery. I especially loved the characters. The multigenerational setup at Jake's home made the scenes of her homelife, and family relationships, some of the most interesting parts of the book.

There were a few scenes in the book that I felt were unnecessarily detailed and one near the end that was not only overly detailed, but felt unrealistic as well. During that unrealistic scene there was also one event that made me question Jake's actions, and morality. I can't say a lot more without spoiling the scene, but if you read it (or have read it) maybe some of the same thoughts when through your head as well.

Overall I enjoyed the book and would be interested in reading other books in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A cozy mystery with murder and a haunted house. All the usual family and friends are here but I admit I’m getting tired of all the family. I really wish Jake had stayed with home renovations.

A fun addition to the series that likely will be most enjoyed by those who have been following along because there's a considerable amount of page devoted to Jake's family. That said, it's a classic cozy that sees Hank, the local tv star of sorts, murdered and Jake investigating with her pal Ellie. Hank was not well liked so there are multiple suspects and a few red herrings. There's also some family drama at Jake's house. I'm a fan of this series for the characters, who always feel quite real. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good cozy read.

I would recommend this book. A haunted house and a murder mystery that. Ellie and Jacobia known as Jake try to solve. It involves a friend of Ellies daughter which they feel that needs their help to find and find evidence she didn't commit the murder.

🧁A Deliciously Cozy Mystery with a Dark Twist 🎃


🧁 Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin: A Sweetly Spooky Cozy Mystery 🍂

Rating: ★★★★★

Every cozy mystery enthusiast knows the joy of curling up with a book that feels like a warm hug, and Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin by Sarah Graves does just that! As a devoted fan of Graves's delightful series, this latest installment is a perfect blend of sweetness and intrigue, with a sprinkle of autumnal magic.

Set in the picturesque town of Eastport, Maine, the story invites us back into the world of the Chocolate Moose, where bakers and best friends Jacobia "Jake" Tiptree and Ellie White whip up decadent desserts that are to die for—literally! This time, the murder of local celebrity Hank Rafferty during a Halloween party spices up the storyline, drawing readers into a web of mystery, secrets, and a touch of holiday spirit.

Sarah Graves has a knack for crafting characters that feel like lifelong friends. Jake and Ellie embody the kind of friendship that we all cherish and aspire to have, working side by side and sleuthing through the darkest of plot twists with their trademark humor and determination. I absolutely adore this dynamic duo, whose adventures never fail to delight and entertain.

What makes this book, and the series as a whole, so loveable is Graves's enchanting storytelling. Her ability to paint vivid scenes—from the cobweb-draped houses to the cozy warmth of a bustling bakery—instantly transports me to Eastport, where every corner holds a new secret to uncover. With each book, I fall deeper in love with the charming town and its quirky inhabitants, eagerly following Jake and Ellie's investigative escapades.

The plot of Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin is both engaging and clever, filled with enough twists to keep you guessing and enough heart to leave you smiling. The balance of mystery and warmth is perfectly achieved, making it an irresistible read for lovers of cozy mysteries. And let's not forget the mouth-watering descriptions of chocolate and pastries that make this book a delight for the senses!

Sarah Graves remains one of my all-time favorite authors, her stories a testament to the art of blending suspense with comfort. Her ability to weave intricate mysteries against the backdrop of a tight-knit community never ceases to amaze me. This series is a treasure trove of joy and excitement, and I can't recommend it enough.

In short, if you're seeking a cozy mystery full of heart, humor, and divine desserts, Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin is an absolute must-read. Dive into the enchanting world of Eastport, where friendship, mystery, and chocolate reign supreme!