REVIEW: Pumpkins in Paradise

Pumpkins in Paradise
Author: Kathi Daley

**I received a copy of this book from Henery Press via NetGalley in exhange for a fair, honest review**

High school teacher TJ Jenson is busy. Between volunteering for Serenity, Nevada's annual pumpkin festival, teaching, coaching soccer, and raising her two half-sisters, her schedule is pretty full most of the time. But she always has time for her friend, an elderly recluse named Zachary. The two met on Halloween night years before when she tried to pull a childish prank on him and got caught. After years of friendship, she really doesn't know a lot about Zachary's past. She knows two things for sure: the scars on his face are from a car accident that killed a friend of his; and, it's been years since he ventured outside his house. TJ is shocked when she goes to visit Zachary one night before Halloween, only to find him dead. Even though initial clues point to suicide, TJ knows her friend was murdered. Often he would leave her puzzle clues to locate presents he bought for her. This time, he's left her clues that will lead to his killer.

This book was an enjoyable read! The mystery was engaging and interesting. It kept my attention from beginning to end. There were several suspects, plot twists and turns, and an exciting ending! I had my suspicions but wasn't sure who the culprit was until the very end. TJ is a likable and believable main character. The side characters are varied and not just formula stereotypes. The story was complex and well-written. Kathi Daley never fails to deliver a great cozy mystery!

Pumpkins in Paradise is the first book in the TJ Jenson Paradise Lake Mystery series. There are 6 books in the series, with an 7th book, Treasure in Paradise, coming in April 2017. Henery Press is re-releasing the complete series September 6th in anticipation of the new book!  I will definitely be reading the rest of this series!

Kathi Daley also writes the Zoe Donovan Mysteries and Whales and Tails Mystery series. Check out her website at www.kathidaley.com