The small New England town of Tinker’s Cove has everything a traditional Halloween celebration needs, from a lavish pumpkin patch with doughnuts and hot cider to an abandoned Gothic mansion which makes the perfect setting for a community Hallowe’en party. Lucy Stone, wife of the newest member of the Tinker’s Cove Historical Development Commission and new mom to baby #4, has her hands full with baking dozens of cupcakes, taking care of her kids, struggling to get back in shape, and keeping up with her friends — which means practically everyone in town, from the highly-organized Sue to the failing but formidable Miss Tilley.
The first fire, which destroys a historic building Lucy’s husband Bill restored, just seems sad. When more homes burn and a body turns up, the whole thing becomes much more sinister. As always, Lucy’s life as a small town mom is presented in a realistic and sympathetic way. She faces daily challenges that moms can relate to, but she also sees what’s going on below the surface of the small town she loves.
This time, though, we have to wonder… will Lucy figure out who the criminal is before she becomes the next victim?