The Perp Wore Pumpkin II: A Humorous
Crime Anthology to Benefit Second Harvest Food Bank
is the new release from White City Press, an imprint of Misti Media. Published
by J. Alan Hartman, edited by Sandra Murphy, the anthology contains eleven
tales of the season where crime, food, and humor are in large supply. There are
also three recipes from the Mr. Hartman’s sister, Lisa Lynn.
It should be noted that the anthology includes the
short story, Choked on Love, by yours truly. I am breaking my long-standing
policy of not reviewing books I am in because this is a charity anthology. The
mission here, and one I believe in, is to help others with food insolvency in
some way. I am unable to do much, but I can do this, and so I am.
After an introduction from the publisher, J. Alan
Hartman, it is on to the stories. “A Trifle Too Far” by Shari Held kicks things
off where Aunt Sadie is well known for bringing inedible concoctions to the
holiday dinner. For example, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without her pumpkin whoopie
pies. She soon arrives in her red Mustang with yet more surprises for this
year. She isn’t the only one with surprises.
Editor Sandra Murphy is next with “And a
Thanksgiving Turkey Names John Glenn.” Ronnie and Buddy are private detectives
and on a stakeout. Neither one of them wants a repeat of last year when Buddy
got shot. Though that did bring Sharon into his life and a lot of other changes.
My story, Choked on Love, is next. Enough said about
that.
After a recipe for “Easy Poultry, Rice, and Carrot
Soup” it is back to the stories with “What Cranberry Relish Can Add to Your
Holiday” by Vicki Erwin. Like the main character in the last story, she had
plans to for dinner, a bit of reading, and television at home. But, little
sister Jenna refuses to take no for an answer and knows her weak spots.
Fedora Amis is up next with “A Faery Tale
Thanksgiving” where Rodney and his buddy have significant expenses. They have
bills to cover as professional criminals and the lifestyle is not cheap.
Grabbing the daughter of a rich guy sounds like just the ticket.
Alice and Lorna are going to spend time with Lorna’s
family in “The Turducken Murder” by Lisa Krystosek. Upon arrival, they discover
the police and a lot more is already going on at the house of Lorna’s parents.
They also still have to participate in all the family traditions that some
folks would also consider crimes.
After a recipe for “Quick Black Beans” it is on to “Easy
as Pie” by Mike Rusetsky. Big brother Dusty Bruiser and Davey have the huge bag
of potatoes after it fell off a farmer’s truck with nobody the wiser. Now, if
they could just get their hands on some pies. Dusty Bruiser has a plan.
He wants no part of the Rehabilitation Center in “Gelatin
and Soda” by Stephen M. Pierce. But, his mom in in the place after a bad fall.
Sandra King is also now missing a shoe. There will be no peace for him or
anyone else until his mom’s shoe is found.
Ruth Harper used to be an attorney. She retired, got
bored, and took a job as a sales rep for New Orleans Naughty and Nice. Basically,
she sells erotica products at small parties in homes. The latest event was a
fun evening. Until it wasn’t in “Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler” by donalee
Moulton.
After a recipe for “Fruit Crumble” it is back to the
stories with “Great Aunt Martha’s Pumpkin Pie” by Sally Milliken. Instead of
the annual football game, these folks play a soccer game. They also do it full costumes.
Dad might be having cognitive issues and some folks might be trying to take
advantage of that fact.
NYPD Officer Sumi Lin is a rookie and working her
first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in “What the Dicken’s Is Going On?” by
Wendy Harrison. She is pretty sure there is some criminality going with the
folks on the float she has been assigned to be with, but Sergeant Arlo Harris
won’t listen to her at all.
The list of authors and their short bios bring the enjoyable
anthology to a close.
A fun read full of crimes, hijinks, shenanigans,
foods, and more, The Perp Wore Pumpkin II: A Humorous Crime Anthology to
Benefit Second Harvest Food Bank, delivers in all aspects. It
definitely will make you laugh and it will make you hungry as food is
everywhere in the read.
Publisher Purchasing Link: https://whitecitypress.com/product/perp2/
Amazon Purchasing Link: https://amzn.to/4pfI5nV
My reading copy was several proofs during the
editing process because of my contribution as well as a digital ARC.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2025
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment