This was a great cozy mystery — the author’s writing was solid with well-developed characters and a storyline. Though this book is part of a series it works as a standalone as you can easily grasp the backgrounds and connections of the characters. I would definitely like to go back and read more of this series. Follow the main character Hope as she balances life, work and sleuthing in this twisty ghostly mystery — a definite page-turner that will have you staying up through the night to find out who did it!

A Corpse at the Witching Hour by Debra Sennefelder is another in the Food Blogger series. While Hope Early helps her friend hand out Halloween candy she finds a body and learns of a curse that comes with the house. While finding the killer of that body, Hope finds another possible link to another death twenty years ago. A fun read and nice protagonists.

A Corpse at the Witching Hour is the 6th book in the Food Blogger Mystery series. It follows Hope Early, a food blogger in small town Connecticut. She is helping her best friend hand out candy on Halloween at a "cursed and haunted" house. Every 20yrs a woman is killed at the house and this is the anniversary. Hope does discover a dead body on Halloween night and works to discover who the woman was and who wanted her dead.
The mystery was interesting, but there are a lot of relationships in this book that I could have appreciated more if I had read the other 5 books. There is not too much backstory, so I did find myself disconnected to the characters.

amateur-sleuth, blogger, cozy-mystery, culinary, recipes, family-dynamics, family, foodie, friendship, friends, small-business, small-town, local-law-enforcement, murder-investigation, relatives, relationship-issues, relationships, custody-issues, unpleasant-relative, frenemy, superstitions, curse, Halloween, pet-cat, pet-dog, Connecticut, reporter, lawyers*****

The majority of the characters are a contentious lot and seem to look backward instead of to the future. However. The mystery is a good one that's well written and engaging.
Hope left NYC and is renovating her farmhouse in a small town in Connecticut. She is a food blogger, teaching a class on blogging at the local women's shelter, and an amateur sleuth (despite the protests of her boyfriend, the local police chief). Her lawyer is an ex-cop and a good friend. And then there's her sister. The publisher's blurb is a good hook, no spoilers here.
I requested and received an EARC from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!

I just could not get into this book. I kept putting it down to read other books but made myself come back to this to finish it since I got it from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I didn't find Hope, her family and friends and community interesting. Despite the title and cover, the Halloween/witch theme was quickly over and hardly utilized. A disappointment for me not that I was expecting it to be a paranormal read.

I also didn't like the dynamics between Hope and Ethan. I kept wondering what she was getting out of the relationship.

I really enjoyed this book! I love cozy mysteries and this one did not disappoint. I will be looking for more titles by this author. I would definitely recommend this book.

A CORPSE AT THE WITCHING HOUR is the sixth book in the Food Blogger Mysteries by Debra Senefelder. This entertaining Halloween-themed cozy mystery hit all the right marks for a spooktacular read! From the jack-o-lantern filled cover, to the centuries-old curse, to a murdered witch, the book captured all the right ghostly vibes. Protagonist Hope Early is an energetic and caring person. I love how she goes out of her way to care for her friends and neighbors and how she loves to share the baked goods she creates for her blog. Hope also is a meticulous amateur sleuth and after discovering the mysterious murdered woman, knows she needs to delve into who the woman was and why she was at her friend’s aunt’s house on Halloween night. Despite being a bit pushy and stepping on some toes, Hope perseveres and keeps the police informed about everything she uncovers.

There are several mysteries to puzzle over and Ms. Senefelder does an admirable job keeping them all moving at a quick pace. At first glance, I thought the mysteries would be separate entities but the author aptly weaves them together, and then at the final reveal, they all makes sense. The story and clues were well-plotted and with several suspects, I was kept guessing until the end. If you enjoy multi-faceted mysteries with spooky curses, Halloween vibes, and twisty surprises, then I highly recommend A Corpse At The Witching Hour!

What I Thought
I always enjoy my visits with Hope and her friends and I was sad when I thought the fifth in the series was the last one so it was a nice surprise (to me) when this one came out. The mystery was well-paced and Hope does a good job of juggling work, life, and sleuthing. I am still not a fan of breaking in to get clues, which seems to be a trend in this series, but enjoyed the rest of the book enough to overlook it. Hoping for more in this series, especially since Hope’s life seems to be changing.

A Corpse at the Witching Hour is the sixth cozy mystery in the Food Blogger Mystery series. Hope Early, a good blogger and our local amateur sleuth, gets tied up in another murder investigation when she discovers a dead body on Halloween night. True to form, Hope asks questions and pushes until she can unravel the mystery behind the crime.

I have loved this series from the beginning and am always excited to see another book in this series come out. This book didn’t disappoint! The Halloween night setting was the perfect way to celebrate spooky season with a good cozy mystery. I like the characters in this series and usually love how tenacious Hope is, but in this book she seemed a little overzealous to me. She was like a dog with a bone, not stopping until she got answers, no matter how many toes she stepped on along the way. I prefer a little more subtle sleuthing, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. If you are looking for a good cozy for Halloween season, give this one a try! I look forward to seeing what else is to come for Hope and this series.

Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. A Corpse at the Witching Hour is the sixth book in the Food Blogger Mysteries. This series has been consistently good, and A Corpse at the Witching Hour is an interesting mystery with a solid storyline. Hope is a strong main character, and the way she investigates is a highlight of every book in the series. The other recurring characters are also key in getting the story forward. There is a lot going on in A Corpse at the Witching Hour, which keeps the reader interested. Also, for newcomers to the series, it can definitely be enjoyed despite not having read the previous books. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with culinary themes and strong, complex main characters.

A Corpse at the Witching Hour is the sixth book in the Food Blogger Mystery series by Debra Sennefelder. I’ve followed this series since the beginning. This book had a very interesting mystery and the Halloween setting was fun. The main character, Hope, is definitely getting pushier as this series moves along. Especially in this book. It got to be a little over the top for me in that regard. She’s demanding to know very personal information from family friends & neighbors and making wild accusations. Her BFF’s mother being one, who calls her delusional. Which in some instances she was becoming. All the stress in her relationship with her boyfriend (she can’t seem to stand up to him on even little things) and his drama is making Hope aggressive in other areas. I’m not that fond of her boyfriend.

All that to say, there’s a lot going on in this book besides just the mystery, so if you’re into a good bit of personal drama within your cozy mystery books, you’ll like this one. I’m personally not. Thank goodness for Hope’s sister to add some cozy (fun, light) feel to the book, and Hope’s pets. As for the Food Blogger aspect - it was, unfortunately, much lighter than usual.

Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for this ARC. I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion. I have posted this review to my blog, Goodreads, Bookbub, & Amazon accounts.

Hope is such an exceptional main character. She is curious, smart, independent, caring, supportive and so very realistic which makes each book in the series so much better. She doesn't just stumble into information although occasionally it is found inadvertently, but figures out how to actively seek it out. She isn't working against law enforcement or in lieu of the police, but shares her information with them, even when they don't seem excited to get it. The police force is not a group of dottering fools, but rather qualified officers who proactively work their cases and just get a nudge or more from her. The plots are always well thought out and woven to entertain while keeping you guessing about the guilty party. I love that there is a process of elimination that Hope goes through to find the truth all while we are given a front row seat to her and the townspeople's lives. This book is my new favorite in the series, however, I am certain that will only last until the next book is written as I say that each time a new book is released into the series! If you love a good cozy mystery, then this series needs to go on you must read list!

The next food blogger mystery finds Hope investigating to clear her best friend’s aunt’s name. I’d recommend reading the others in this series first, otherwise you might be confused on some of the characters and relationships (there isn’t much explanation for new readers). If you like the others in this series though, you are sure to like this one!

On Halloween night, Hope is helping hand out candy at a historic house with a chilling reputation. A woman has died there every twenty years and Halloween is the night. When she finds a dead witch on the lawn, she desperately hopes that it's a decoration...but of course it's not. I really enjoy the Food Blogger mystery series and this book absolutely lived up to my expectations. It's the perfect world to lose yourself in with a great setting and yummy food ideas and a rich history that gives many people motives to have committed the murder.

A Corpse at the Witching Hour is book six in this series but can easily be read as a stand alone. Hope's halloween plans fall apart so she happily agrees to help her best friend Drew hand out candy at his ailing Aunt Issy's house, which is rumored to he haunted and a popular destination for trick or treaters in their area. After all the trick or treaters are finally done for the night, Hope finds a dead woman on the front lawn. This is a fast paced mystery with plenty of plot twists and red herrings. I was very surprised by who the murderer turned out to be.

A rumored cursed house has Hope Early hesitating, but she did promise her best friend to help him hand out Halloween candy at his house. One hundred years ago there was a murder- suicide at the house and every twenty years since then a woman has died there on Halloween night. Not wanting these rumors to be true she's very hesitant but decides to anyway.
With her friend's aunt sick in bed, she's needed there for the large crush of trick or treaters they get every year. When trick or treat night finally quiets down and the candy grubbing goblins are gone, lo and behold a body is discovered in the yard. When a stack of found letters from years ago links a family member to the letters, they become a suspect. With lots of Halloween vibes and wonderful Halloween descriptions you can feel like you're placed amongst the chaos that ensues after the discovery of the body. Accusations fly and family scandals and surprises that weren't meant to see the light of day do. Enjoyed this holiday cozy a lot.

Pub Date 06 Oct 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: A Corpse at the Witching Hour: A Festive Cozy Mystery

⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars

Debra Sennefelder's "A Corpse at the Witching Hour" is a super fun and fast-paced cozy mystery that's perfect for all you Halloween lovers out there. From the moment I laid eyes on the cover, I knew I was in for a treat (pun intended). The colors, the Halloween theme, it's everything you could want in a cozy mystery cover. Major props to the talented designer!

Now, let's get into the review. I have to say, I really enjoyed this book. It was well-written, had a festive vibe, and kept me hooked from start to finish. Even though it's part of a series, you can totally read it on its own without feeling lost. That's always a plus for me.

The story follows Hope Early, a food blogger who agrees to help her best friend hand out Halloween candy at his aunt's supposedly cursed house. Legend has it that a woman dies there every twenty years on Halloween. So, when a dead body turns up on the front lawn, Hope starts questioning whether the curse might actually be real.

One of the things I loved about this book is how it captures the Halloween spirit so well. The author really knows how to create an atmosphere that gets you in the mood for some spooky fun. And the pacing? On point! It kept me engaged and dying (no pun intended) to know who the killer was.

Speaking of the mystery, it was well-plotted and had me guessing until the very end. Sennefelder knows how to throw in those twists and turns that make cozy mysteries so addictive. I was right there with Hope, trying to piece together the clues and uncover the truth.

Oh, and did I mention there are recipes? As a food blogger, Hope shares some of her favorite dishes throughout the story. It's like getting a bonus cookbook with your cozy mystery! It adds a nice touch and makes you feel even more connected to the characters and their world.

Now, I do have a couple of gripes. Some of the characters were a bit iffy for me. Don't get me wrong, I understand that Hope can be pushy and annoying at times, but wow, some people were really mean to her (including her boyfriend) over the smallest things. It felt a bit over the top. And then there's the ex-wife drama... It just seemed out of place and unnecessary, especially if you're new to the series like me.

Overall, "A Corpse at the Witching Hour" is a really enjoyable read, especially if you're in the mood for a cozy mystery with a Halloween twist. The plot is captivating, the setting is charming, and it has just the right amount of spookiness to keep you entertained. Yeah, there are a couple of character issues and some plotlines that felt off, but they don't take away from the overall enjoyment of the book. I'm already excited to get my hands on the next one in the series!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

A great addition to the Food Blogger series. Hope agrees to help Drew hand out candy to Trick or Treaters at his aunt’s “ haunted house” . The house is rumored to have a woman dies every twenty years . When this rumor becomes a reality and the dead woman has a link to Drew’s family Hope sets out to solve the mystery and find the killer .

This is a great addition to the series , I find the characters enjoyable and the story just was fun and intriguing. I look forward to the next book .

I just reviewed A Corpse at the Witching Hour by Debra Sennefelder. #ACorpseattheWitchingHour #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

Hope Early is finally getting her life in order. She has a successful food blog, sold e-cookbooks, and is finally getting a physical cookbook published. She's even moving forward with renovating her barn for a kitchen where she can film her show and practice recipes. Everything seems to be going smoothly, until her boyfriend Ethan changes their Halloween plans...

The plans she had with him and his two daughters, where they were going to go trick-or-treating. It appears that his ex-wife, now out of rehab, has decided she wants the girls for Halloween, so Hope really can't do much. But her best friend Drew comes to the rescue when he wants Hope to help give out candy at his ailing Aunt Issy's home, which is reputed to be haunted. Hope loves both Drew and Issy, so she's happy to do so.

When Hope is cleaning up the front yard after the evening is done, she's greeted with an unwelcome surprise: there's a dead body dressed like a witch sitting on the lawn. Definitely dead. And no one seems to know who the woman is; not Hope, Issy, Drew, or anyone in town. So who was this woman, and why was she here? All Hope knows is that the woman has been following her for a couple of days, but that's all the information she has.

Then Drew and Hope find old letters in a box that's been stuffed in the walls of the home that Drew is renovating. Reading them, they find that they're connected to Issy's late husband. Does Issy know the source of the letters? She's too ill to ask, so they decide to keep it quiet for a while. But doing so could compromise the investigation. And when Drew's family members might be implicated in the murder, he asks for Hope's help. Even when the police warn her to stay out of it, she knows she can't. But could it lead to her own murder as well?...

This is the sixth book in the series, and I was taken by how good it was. Although I felt that it had a slow start, once the body was found, things began to pick up the pace. It was more a mystery-within-a-mystery, and I absolutely love it when that happens. Solving two mysteries at once is wonderful for the brain. And this was definitely a good book for that to occur.

Hope knows she has to ruffle feathers to get to the truth, but she forges ahead anyway. Poor Drew has
his own problems to sort out, so he's not much help in this one, but her sister is along for the ride. It's an interesting tale to be told, and clues go from one end to the other, but nothing seems to be giving the truth of the matter. Confusion, misdirection, intrigue and too many secrets abound in this mystery, yet it all works together well.

When we come to the end of the story and the killer is revealed, it was a surprise to me; but then again, it was supposed to be. It's a delightful narrative that pulls you right from the murder and keeps you from putting down the book until the end. Highly recommended.

I was given an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

I really enjoy the Food Blogger Mysteries and A Corpse at the Witching Hour, book 6, is a great addition to the series! The characters are likeable and interesting and the cozy mystery kept me guessing. Hope Early has a food blog and is planning to convert her barn into a kitchen and studio. Hope is dating Ethan, the local Police Chief. Her best friend is Drew, a reporter. Drew just bought Fenn House from his Aunt Issy and he is doing some renovations. Hope is helping tear down some walls when they find a box with some love letters which complicates Drew's and his family's life. Hope is helping Drew pass out candy for Halloween and she finds a woman in a witch costume dead on the lawn of Issy's house. This further complicates things with Drew's family. Hope is having issues with Ethan's ex-wife. All of these topics add a lot to the story and the book is hard to put down! I can't wait until the next book! #ACorpseAtTheWitchingHour #NetGalley #BeyondThePage