A review by kearstinreading
A Pumpkin Spice Killing by Lynn Cahoon

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

"A Pumpkin Spice Killing" invites readers into the world of The County Seat, a farm-fresh restaurant in Idaho, as its staff embarks on what they believe will be a retreat of rest and relaxation. However, their expectations take a sharp turn when they arrive at what turns out to be a military veteran's home, where their mission is no longer relaxation but cleaning up the house. In this unexpected setting, the team's daily duties reveal an imminent threat to the residents' lives, setting the stage for a cozy novella in the Farm to Fork series.

As a novella, "A Pumpkin Spice Killing" offers a quick and concise reading experience. However, for newcomers to the Farm to Fork series like myself, there is a notable drawback in terms of character familiarity and the nuances of their relationships. The characters' connections and backstories, presumably explained in previous books, were somewhat elusive, making it a bit challenging to fully grasp the dynamics at play.

The novella initially struggled to capture my interest, possibly due to the lack of familiarity with the characters and their histories. Nevertheless, as the story unfolds, it evolves into an easy and engaging read, offering a suitable option for an October-themed book. While it may not be destined for literary awards, it serves as a pleasant, albeit brief, escape for a few hours, perfect for a plane journey or a cozy afternoon spent in a window nook.

In conclusion, "A Pumpkin Spice Killing" is a short and enjoyable read, particularly for fans of the Farm to Fork series who are already invested in the characters and their connections. It may not be a groundbreaking literary masterpiece, but it does offer a cozy and entertaining escape into the world of The County Seat and its engaging mysteries.