Step into the cozy, culinary world of the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series, where murder mysteries simmer alongside mouthwatering recipes! This delightful cozy mystery series, set in the picturesque coastal town of Bar Harbor, Maine, follows Hayley Powell, a single mom turned food columnist and amateur sleuth. With its blend of suspense, humor, and delectable dishes, it’s a feast for fans of lighthearted whodunits.
Written under the pen name Lee Hollis by siblings Rick Copp and Holly Simason, the series combines Rick’s knack for crafting gripping mysteries with Holly’s culinary expertise as an award-winning cooking columnist. Each book serves up a puzzling crime, a cast of quirky characters, and recipes that make you want to dash to the kitchen. Ready to uncover the secrets of this charming series? Let’s dive in!
How Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery Began
The Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series was born in 2010 when Rick Copp, a seasoned mystery writer, saw an opportunity to team up with his sister, Holly Simason. Holly had just won an award for her cooking column in their hometown’s Mount Desert Islander newspaper in Bar Harbor, Maine. Rick, known for novels like The Actor’s Guide to Murder, proposed blending their talents to create a cozy mystery series centered around food and crime. The result? A deliciously entertaining series under the pseudonym Lee Hollis, with the first book, Death of a Kitchen Diva, hitting shelves in 2012.
The siblings’ collaboration was a recipe for success. Rick’s storytelling prowess brought the mysteries to life, while Holly’s culinary background ensured authentic, tempting recipes. Set in Bar Harbor, the series captures the charm of a tight-knit coastal community, making it the perfect backdrop for Hayley’s adventures.
The Heart of Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery
The series kicks off with Death of a Kitchen Diva (2012), where Hayley, an office manager at the Island Times newspaper, reluctantly takes on a food column. When a rival food writer is found dead in a bowl of Hayley’s creamy clam chowder, she becomes a suspect and must clear her name. In Death of a Country Fried Redneck (2012), Hayley cooks for a country music star, only to uncover a murder that threatens her client’s reputation. Death of a Coupon Clipper (2013) sees Hayley competing in an extreme couponing show, stumbling upon a killer among the bargains. Later, Death of a Cookbook Author (2018) takes Hayley to a celebrity cook-off, where she overhears a murder plot.
Each book weaves themes of friendship, resilience, and community, with Hayley juggling her roles as a mom, writer, and sleuth. The Bar Harbor setting infuses the stories with coastal charm, from lobster bakes to quaint local haunts. The series’ light, witty tone and fast-paced plots keep readers hooked, while recipes—like lobster bisque or lemon drop martinis—add a flavorful twist. Whether it’s a casserole or a cocktail, these dishes are drawn straight from Hayley’s columns, making the books as practical as they are entertaining.
The series’ cozy mystery style appeals to readers who love a good puzzle without gore or heavy drama. Hayley’s relatable struggles, from parenting teens to managing a leaky roof, ground the stories, while her pluck and humor make her a standout heroine.
Why Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery Resonates
The Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, delighting fans with its unique blend of culinary arts and sleuthing. Its appeal lies in its accessibility—readers don’t need to be gourmet chefs or detective experts to enjoy Hayley’s adventures. The series’ emphasis on community and perseverance resonates with those who love stories of everyday heroes overcoming challenges. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon praise its witty dialogue, surprising twists, and recipes that inspire kitchen experiments.
With 18 books and counting, the series remains a beloved staple for cozy mystery enthusiasts. Its lasting charm comes from its ability to balance lighthearted fun with gripping suspense, all while serving up a taste of Maine’s coastal culture. Whether you’re a mystery buff or a foodie, this series is a delightful escape.
- First Book Published: 2012 (Death of a Kitchen Diva)
- Total Books: 18 as of 2025
- Setting: Bar Harbor, Maine
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
Grab Death of a Kitchen Diva and dive into the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series’ world of murder, mayhem, and mouthwatering meals!