Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin (A Death by Chocolate Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
8th in Series
Setting – Maine
Publisher : Kensington Cozies (April 29, 2025)
Hardcover : 256 pages
ISBN-10 : 1496744144
ISBN-13 : 978-1496744142
Kindle ASIN : B0D12RT38B
Audio CD ASIN : B0F1XJV748
Audiobook ASIN : B0DQ9C2Y9S
One of the sweetest places to visit in Eastport, Maine, is Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White’s bakery, the Chocolate Moose, where people treat themselves to the most decadent desserts. But the island town also seems to cater to those with bitter dispositions . . .
Decorations of cobwebs and creatures are just being taken down across Eastport’s picturesque houses as the community says farewell to Halloween and ushers in winter with the unique confectionaries found only at the Chocolate Moose. Revelers have gathered on the waterfront for a party at local celebrity Hank Rafferty’s ramshackle mansion, known as Stone House. The home repair TV show star and his guests await a devilish dessert delivery from Jake and Ellie—who arrive just after Hank’s body falls to his death from the house’s turret’s balcony.
Despite his show’s popularity, Hank was not exactly beloved in Eastport, prompting the police to conduct a homicide investigation. Their number one suspect is the temperamental boyfriend of police chief Lizzie Snow, whom Hank openly hit on during the party. Although he may be hotheaded, Lizzie doesn’t believe her boyfriend is capable of killing anyone.
And neither do Jake and Ellie. Plenty of people had motive to want Hank dead—a disillusioned admirer, a school bully, and a discontented wife among them. Did any of them take the murderous plunge, or is there another ghost in Hank’s shady past yet to be revealed?
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.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
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About the Author
Sarah Graves lives in Eastport, Maine, in a 200-year-old house much like Jake Tiptree’s. After 20 years of home repair – and yes, it really does make you think about murder! – she has handed in her toolbox and returned to her first love: chocolate. When she’s not cooking or baking something delectable or writing about it, she tends a huge garden or shovels snow, depending upon the season.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Escape With Dollycas.
Sarah also writes the Home Repair is Homicide Mystery Series.
Find the whole series here.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”