Death of an Ice Cream Scooper (Hayley Powell Mystery), by Lee Hollis

Finding the body of a young ice cream worker in the refrigerator of an ice cream truck is not how Lydia and Hayley hoped to start their day. Who killed Miranda? That question becomes the driving force behind most of Hayley's thoughts and actions over the next days. Well, true, she has a few distractions, like her son's big news and feuding best friends. BTW, does everyone in Bar Harbor leave their doors unlocked?

I loved visiting Bar Harbor and witnessing Hayley in action. There rarely seems to be down time in her days. She has family and friends who have her back, a business, a column writing job that she enjoys, and a lovable dog. And, oh, yeah, she solves mysteries. The column, which frequently pops up between chapters, offers insight into her life and family/friends, all making the reader all the more familiar with who she and they are. Even better, there are recipes included with each column entry, a yummy extra.

I won't detail the plot, it's easily available, but will say that this was a fast moving plot with fun, distinct characters, and more than one side-story. Like, who will George, or is it Chuck, choose? Will Hayley accept that her baby boy is now a grown man? Will it be a boy or a girl? Does Lydia have anything to worry about, well, besides the dead body in her ice cream truck freezer? Fish? What does a fish have to do with anything? Why is Kimmy being so helpful? Will Hayley be able to convince Bruce to go on that vacation? And, oh, well, I guess it all depends on finding the answer to the important question, who killed Miranda and why? Hayley is a take-charge person, so whose feathers will she ruffle? Nope, not telling. You'll have to read the book to find the answers to these and, oh, so many other questions. A thoroughly fun read, with characters that you'll both wish you knew and roll your eyes at occasionally... or maybe frequently.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonPress for the invite to Bar Harbor. Hayley's life tends to wear me out but it's definitely never dull.