Thursday, October 6, 2011

Review of Pumpkin Roll by Josi S Kilpack



Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkin Roll by Josi S Kilpack
Paperback 361 Pages
Published September 7th 2011 by Deseret Book Company
* I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I received no compensation for my review. The opinions expressed are my honest feelings.*
Back Cover:

Halloween Sale At The Wick'd Witch
Experience paranormal activity in your home?
Worried about ghost, ghouls or goblins?
Hearing voices? Slamming doors? Feeling a cold mist?
Maybe it's time for a quarterly cleansing...Hurry in now!

   Sadie Hoffmiller believes in her abilities as a cook and as a detective. She believes in the beauty of a perfectly baked pumpkin roll. She does not, however, believe in ghosts.
   As Halloween approaches, Sadie is looking forward to spending her favorite baking season of the year making delicious New England recipes in Boston Massachusetts, with her favorite leading man, Pete Cunningham, as they babysit his three young grandsons.When the boys insist that Mrs. Wapple, the woman who lives across the street, is a witch, Sadie and Pete are anxious to distract the boys from such silly  ideas.
   Sadie tries to befriend Mrs. Wapple, but when her foolproof plate of cookies fails to work its magic, she is left with more questions than answers. And Sadie has never been one to leave a good question unanswered.
The more she investigates, however, the stranger the answers become. And when Sadie learns the eccentric Mrs. Wapple has been attacked in her home, she knows time is running out. As the unexplained occurrences escalate, Sadie finds herself embroiled in yet another mystery with life-or-death consequences. Can Sadie discover whoever-or whatever-is behind the mystery before anyone else gets hurt? Or will this be the last time Sadie takes the case?

The Review:

I love when a mystery book makes you go ,"what?!" This book had a few things I wish had been wrapped up better but overall, it made me go, "what?!" after I thought I had it figured out. At least partially figured out. *Rueful grin and a shrug* The author was excellent at keeping the mystery until she was ready for it to be discovered.  It has been awhile since I had that reaction with a mystery.
This book is part of a series and while I enjoyed as a stand alone, I do wish I had read the ones before it. There were references that made me wonder what happened. The author did recognize this and gave enough information so the story would flow without you having to stop and read the others. I appreciated that. Ms Kilpack kept the story rolling so that your interest is held, without going over into the ridiculous. Since this is a mystery based in the fall, close to Halloween and with paranormal elements, it would have been easy to cross over.  However the author managed the balancing act and provided us with a book worthy enough to be call an awesome Halloween Treat. 
Another aspect of it that I loved were the recipes. There are nine really yummy recipes included along with some character tips on ways she experimented with them. As the book is based in Boston, Ms. Kilpack chose recipes such as baked beans and N.E. clam chowder. I loved making the Whoopie Pies, (Junior loved eating them). I have plans to try the rest of the recipes given.
The parts that I felt needed a bit more attention deal with the wrap up and some things that were left undone. As I do not wish to spoil things for you, I will not say more about them. Just giving you notice that you may notice not everything is wrapped up. This could also be due to the fact that this is a series, (I know one unwrapped part is definitely due to this so I am excluding that one). 
My rating on this is 4 3/4 of stars. I enjoyed this so much that I am now going over to get the previous books in the series. I have added the covers in order. Ms Kilpack has a new book in the series due out in early 2012 and I am definitely going to watch for it, (titled Banana Split). If you are looking for a fast, enjoyable mystery to read for Halloween, I highly recommend this one. 

Lemon Tart (Sadie Hoffmiller, #1) English Trifle (Sadie Hoffmiller, #2) Devil's Food Cake (Sadie Hoffmiller, #3) Key Lime Pie (Sadie Hoffmiller, #4) Blackberry Crumble (Sadie Hoffmiller, #5)
To Have or to Hold Her Good Name Unsung Lullaby Sheep's Clothing Surrounded by Strangers

For more information on Josi S Kilpack you can check out her out on, (links),  Good Reads, FaceBook, Twitter, her blog, What is a Sundial in the Shade? and of course her website, Josi S Kilpack.

She is currently hosting a giveaway for an iPad2 on her website, Entry Details .  I think that is awesome. Aside from the giveaway, and information about her books, you will find the recipes included in all her books available for free. There are also some events going on in Utah which makes me sort of wish I was back in Provo so I could meet her. Lots of cool stuff on there and her blog so check her out. Don't forget to enter her giveaway. It is easy - just leaving comments on participating blogs. I will be entering them as you all know I have been praying for an iPad for Junior to help with his autism. A list of participating blogs is on her site. I will add the link here for your ease.  Participating blogs for iPad2.

Please leave a comment. I am interested in what you have to say.

40 comments:

Cheri Chesley said...

Excellent review.

Mindy Holt said...

Great review. Crossing my fingers for the iPad.

Angie Barth said...

Just got pumpkin roll for my Birthday yesterday and so far I am really enjoying it. Can't wait to see what happens.

Stephanie said...

I really like Josi's series of books and I am excited about this contest!!

Tina Johnson said...

I really enjoyed Pumpkin Roll. I agree that not everything was wrapped up in the ending but I think is just because of it being a series. Also crossing my fingers for the ipad!!

Annette Lyon said...

Great review. I've got the book and can't wait to dive into it.

Ariell Larson said...

Love Josi's books! Thanks for sharing your interview. Can't wait to read Pumpkin Roll.

books4me said...

I love books that make me wonder!! I am an analyzer and always try to figure the ending out and very few books have I not figured out...can't wait to read this!

books4me67 at ymail.com

Andrea said...

I also enjoyed your review. This is a fun series, and I'm very excited to read Banana Split. The iPad contest is awesome too.

Suzy said...

reading right now and i love it so far!!!

brendajean said...

Great review:) I'm excited for this book. Thanks for participating.

bchild5 at aol dot com

Megan said...

Love Josi's books! Can't wait to read Pumpkin Roll! Would love an Ipad!!!

Lacy said...

i love these books! they are ones i can never put down!

Unknown said...

Great blog. Thanks Josi for the contest, waiting on Banana Split.

Anonymous said...

This is a fantastic opportunity! I can't wait to read the book!

kalea_kane said...

Great review. I love a cozy mystery. Add some recipes, and I am all in. :)

Matt Ferrell said...

Nice giveaway! Thanks to you, Josi S. Kilpack and Shadow Mountain for it!

animasou @ comcast . net

Rusthawk said...

Excellent review! Sounds like a great read.

Charity and John said...

I love culinary mysteries. Thank you for the information about the series and the contest. Primabee at hotmail dot com

penny said...

'Pumpkin Roll' sounds like another winner for Josi S Kilpack.. can't wait to read it.

Kristin said...

I love this series and just finished reading Pumpkin Roll, myself. And the giveaway is awesome!!!

cmjeppsen said...

This was a great book! I loved reading it.

SquirrelQueen said...

Pumpkin Roll is a fun read, I loved it.

apple blossom said...

love to be entered for the ipad thanks

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

M.R.Bunderson said...

Great review, thanks.

Patrick Jolley said...

Pumpkin roll in one hand and an iPad2 in the other. I'm trying desperately not to get crumbs on the screen. Here's my chance!

Unknown said...

I love cozy mysteries!

MStavros said...

Yet another great review - Congrats!

DarcyO said...

Great review! Sounds like a fun cozy. Great contest, too.

dlodden at frontiernet dot net

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

I have loved this series and I can't wait to read this one. Sadie is such a terrific character.

je2kids(at)gmail(dot)com

2 Kids and Tired Books

Anna Maria Junus said...

I really want to read this book - and win the ipad.

Why Not? Because I Said So! said...

Nice review and what a great blog! Hoping to win an ipad!!

Queen B said...

Sounds like a good book!

Amy DeWidt said...

Oh, my gosh! I already read the first book and I was completely hooked! Can't wait to read Pumpkin Roll...I hope I get it for Christmas!

Claudia + Ben said...

Love books and would love an IPad 2!

Jenn said...

I love this series! Great food-lit.

Linda Garner said...

Great review. I can't wait to read it. I would love to win. LG

April said...

I love these books, Josi totally rocks!!

Merry said...

I am really excited about this giveaway and this book series! I hope I win!

Karlene said...

Love Josi's series. Pumpkin Roll was great!!! Can't wait for the next one. :)

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