PUMPKIN SPICE PERIL is the twelfth book in Jenn McKinlay’s “Cupcake Bakery” cozy mystery series. Although this book is equally as entertaining as other books in this series and has many classic cozy elements, there is something so tragic about the murder in PUMPKIN SPICE PERIL that hits me hard. There is ample foreshadowing to give the reader a heads up that local glass artist Rene Fischer-Klein will soon meet with an unfortunate and sudden end. Rene’s death hits main character, cupcake baker, and amateur sleuth Melanie Cooper particularly hard as well since they had a friendly acquaintance over the years. The murder only gives birth to a million questions. Was she done in by a secretly dastardly husband like something out of a gothic tale? Did Rene have a hidden love affair prompting jealously that turned deadly? Was this the work of some random psycho? Melanie and her cupcake crew of family, co-workers, and friends struggle to answer these critical questions as they also try and get a little baking done as well.

Rene’s personality is almost unrecognizable to those who know her best, as she frantically works to complete everything for a huge upcoming art show. As Mel is provided cupcakes for the event, she observes Rene’s unusual behavior up close. When she turns up dead, most of the suspects turn out to be fellow artists and Mel meets the good, the bad, and the ugly. Jenn McKinlay adds another layer of pressure for Mel when she has a member of the police brass looking closely at her and questioning how she always seems to be in the thick of so many murder investigations. As much as I like Mel and her crew – finally! For every cozy mystery fan, there’s usually a hefty amount of suspending your disbelief. Unless the sleuth is a PI or in some way in the criminal justice field, it is odd when a regular civilian just happens to be close to so many murder cases. However, for mystery fans, we are happy to let it go – unlike most of law enforcement in these books.

PUMPKIN SPICE PERIL is a surprisingly fun and murderous mix of artists, cupcakes, and murder. As always, the friends and other fun supporting characters have a lot to do with what makes this story so special. I look forward to Jenn McKinlay’s next mystery.