MURDER AT CAPE COSTUMERS is the seventh book in the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries by Maddie Day. I’m always drawn toward character-driven stories, and over the course of this series the author has brought the characters in spades. This newest release has ended up being my favorite of the bunch with the appearance of protagonist Mac Almeida’s niece and nephew, on her husband Tim’s side. The emotional level of the book ramped up, as did my investment in finding out what happens next, with the subplot of the disappearance of Mac’s sister-in-law. Especially when Mac and Tim are left taking on the care of her children while they search for her. Mac, her friends, and family members have always been tight knit but with the kids brought into the mix, they join together even more, giving encouragement and practical support. This made the storyline and the characters all the more realistic as Mac and her husband try to juggle their businesses (she runs Mac’s Bikes, and he runs a bakery) and care for the two children. Ms. Day captures both the anxiety of the situation and the joy of having family and friends around.

While the disappearance of the young mother is a subplot, there is a murder to solve for Mac and the Cozy Capers Book Group. I adore that the sleuthing is a group effort, with each of the members assigned an action item, and as they track down clues, they share them on a text thread if they can’t do so in person. Mac is also quick to share the clues discovered with the investigating detective, and it was nice to see how he is finally appreciating the group’s insights into the crimes committed. With Halloween happening, there are costumes galore and festivities occurring, the book has a fun, spooky ambiance. I loved how the intriguing murder mystery fit the theme of the book. There are clues to follow, with twists and turns to puzzle the reader. In the nail-biting reveal, Mac once again proves her indomitable spirit and leaves me wanting to find out what happens next!

While Mac might not be much of a cook, her husband, Tim, is an accomplished baker and chef. There are a few recipes at the back of the book, two from Tim and the other two from Mac’s mom and a friend. One of the recipes is Tim’s Halloween Muffins, which are pumpkin-based. They’re not too sweet, using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar, and have a good amount of pumpkin spice to ramp up the flavor. I liked their use of whole wheat flour and oats, making this a healthy and delicious breakfast or snack choice!

 

 

Synopsis

Just in time for Halloween, a new costume shop has opened on Main Street in Westham, Massachusetts. Cape Costumers is a cut above the usual seasonal pop-up stores with their flimsy mass-produced outfits and cheap plastic masks, mostly due to co-owner Shelly, a former Broadway costume designer. But when Shelly discovers her elderly boyfriend Enzo—a Broadway star who retired to Westham—dead of unnatural causes, Halloween suddenly gets a lot scarier.

Sleuthing, Mac has found, is a lot like riding a bicycle: once you learn how, you never forget. Far from being spooked, Mac and the members of the Cozy Capers Book Group put down their weekly book selection and put their heads together to see past a bag of tricks and find a malice-making murderer who’s hiding in plain sight . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Kensington Publishing for offering a print copy of MURDER AT CAPE COSTUMERS to one lucky winner! Contest ends September 14, 2025 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.