Princess Fuzzypants here: I am of two minds. There are so many things I enjoyed about this book but there are two things that drove me crazy so I might as well be upfront about them. Two of the main characters, Poppy’s Aunt and her former Mother in law are beyond the pale annoying. If I had to deal with them, I would hiss and spit and possibly chomp them both. I realize I am a cat and humans are not allowed to do such things but they drive Poppy crazy as they would any sane individual.
I forgive them because I really like Poppy. I love that she is an older woman who is not svelte and gorgeous but she has two sexy men vying for her favours. She is patient beyond belief and very caring. When her aunt who has been getting up to mischief during sleepwalking episodes is suspected of murdering a man, finding the real culprit turns very personal to Poppy. It is too bad her aunt does not take it quite as seriously as Poppy. In fact, it brings her sanity into question. I cheered when Poppy finally put her paw down.
The dead man is either a scoundrel or a saint depending on whom you believe. Poppy tries to figure which is the truth in order to uncover the killer and motive. She learns, like all of us, no one is all good or all evil. It is a fascinating story of repentance as Poppy gets closer to the truth.
I must admit I love her kitty Figaro who sings the songs of his people. Yes, that is how his repetoire is described by Poppy. How can I not love a cat after my own heart. It is one of the redeeming qualities of the book.
In spite of those two annoying characters, I still give it four purrs and two paws up.

Great mystery! Fabulous characters! Hysterical! I can go on and on with descriptions and still never say all the good things I want about this book.

When I read the first book in the Poppy McAllister Mysteries, CLASS REUNIONS ARE MURDER, I didn’t think I would ever laugh again so hard during a book. I was so completely wrong! MIDNIGHT SNACKS ARE MURDER is twice as funny! Poppy and her Aunt Ginny soon had me way past the laughing-till-I-cried stage, and quickly entering the I’m-going-to-wet-myself stage! Author Libby Klein must be a hoot to know. I can’t imagine spending time around her without having a box of tissues handy, and perhaps wearing adult panties.

As humorous as this book was, it was also a brilliant whodunit. With more twists and turns than a bag of pretzels, the mystery became harder for me to solve with each new chapter. Just when I knew I had it figured out something would happen that had me changing my guess. When the reveal came, I was so surprised! Now having read the book, of course I should have seen it. However, some of author’s clues were so subtle they just didn’t register with me. Brava Ms. Klein!

Treat yourself to a great read. MIDNIGHT SNACKS ARE MURDER will be one of the best snacks your brain has had all year! And not only will your brain be happy, so will you tum, because there are wonderful gluten free, and Paleo recipes included!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 2nd book in the Poppy McAllister cozy mystery series.
I read the 1st book and I thought that this book was a great continuation of the series and I really enjoyed reading it.
It took place in a great location, it had characters I liked, it made me laugh and it had a good murder mystery.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves reading cozy mysteries.

If you thought you got the best of Aunt Ginny in Class Reunions are Murder, you're in for a treat! Aunt Ginny is bigger, better, more entertaining and more criminal than ever in the newest entry into the Poppy McAllister series. When neighbors discover property missing from their houses, they aren't sure what is going on in the neighborhood. Most thefts are occurring overnight and there doesn't seem to be a point of entry made. Who is the culprit? Soon a murder is discovered in the same neighborhood - is the midnight cat burglar the same as the person who murdered local Teen Center counselor, Brody Brandt? You don't want to miss this entertaining, funny, fast paced mystery. Enjoy seeing how Tim and Gia fit into Poppy's love life, along with mother-in-law Georgina and handy man Smitty - never a slow moment with all of these lovable characters (yes even Georgina, even though she's a mother-in-law I'd like to strangle!!). I really enjoyed this book and really look forward to all future entries in this series! I think Poppy McAllister and Aunt Ginny could be our next sought after crime duo, a la Stephanie Plum and her Grandmother! Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to review!

It was awesome going back to visit Aunt Ginny and Poppy at Cape May. I think this may have been even funnier than the first book. I know I spent plenty of time snickering or laughing out loud as I read. There was no shortage of suspects, even though they focused on Aunt Ginny. I definitely hadn't guessed who the killer was.

Poppy's B&B was slowly making it into reality as her crew worked on fixing up the old Victorian of Aunt Ginny's. She ended up with more than house repairs on her hands when Ginny started sleepwalking and stealing food and little trinkets from the neighbors while taking her prescription sleeping pills. When she thought it was taken care of by switching to alternative medicine, Ginny was accused of killing a local humanitarian, and once again, Poppy felt she needed to investigate and prove her aunt's innocence. Not only did she have that to juggle, but toss in her deceased husband's mom showing up and barking out commands (since she was an investor in the B&B) and her two handsome boyfriends who finally met.

I could picture this all playing out, all these crazy things Aunt Ginny was getting into. At one point, she was on house arrest with an ankle bracelet and it was just so comical to read about her escape attempts. As much as I can't stand Georgina (Poppy's mother-in-law) it was hilarious to see the different names she called Smitty (the contractor) because she didn't seem to be able to remember his name. The mystery was a good one, lots of people weren't what they seemed on the outside, but finally the killer was taken down, literally, by of all people, Aunt Ginny herself.

For anyone that needs to bake gluten-free there are some recipes from Poppy's own kitchen in the back of the book, along with a little sneak preview of the next book, "Restaurant Weeks Are Murder" which, according to Amazon, releases in February.

Midnight Snacks are Murder

by Libby Klein

As Poppy McAllister struggles to renovate a Queen Anne Victorian into a B & B to support herself and her aunt who raised her, she finds herself in the thick of a lot of situations. Personally, she is torn between her old flame Tim, a local chef, and Gia who owns a coffee shop and has commissioned Poppy to make gluten-free treats for his shop. Poppy is also juggling some pretty quirky characters on the home front: Smitty, a handyman reminiscent of the Three Stooges; Aunt Ginny, an eightyish aunt determined to live life to the fullest; Georgina, her domineering mother-in-law; and Figaro, her cat who is always in the middle of things. Unfortunately, Poppy, recently returned to Cape May, finds herself embroiled in the second murder in less than a year. This time, however, she is not a suspect, but has to clear her rather kooky aunt of charges.

Libby Kein’s Midnight Snacks are Murder is a very funny cozy mystery with lots of amusing zingers sometimes addressed to others, but more often what Poppy is thinking. The plot moves along quickly as blame passes to a number of characters and the victim is shown in various lights ranging from evil to saint. Poppy has to find out the complex truth about him in order to vindicate her aunt. The first book in the series was lots of fun and so is this one.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Mystery

Notes: #2 in the Poppy McAllister Mystery Series but works well as a standalone.

Publication: July 31, 2018—Kensington Books

Memorable Lines:

I had a better chance of teaching a badger to ride a bike than winning an argument with Aunt Ginny.

Her supermodel good looks made me feel more schlubby the moment she floated into the kitchen. But then I was too tired to grouse this morning about what God had given me and Betty Crocker had perfected, so I moved on to acceptance faster than usual.

Those kids could text the Constitution in thirty seconds using just emojis.

This second installment in the Poppy McAllister mystery series continues the madcap adventures of the recently widowed Poppy and her 80-something Aunt Ginny in the seaside town of Cape May, New Jersey.

Poppy has a busy life settling back into the town she couldn't wait to leave as a young adult. When she's not baking her gluten-free delights, Poppy is juggling the attention of two equally delectable suitors; keeping her spirited aunt out of trouble; managing the renovations on Aunt Ginny's Victorian home; and putting up with her pushy, opinionated mother-in-law, who is determined to remain a part of Poppy's life and a constant thorn in her side. As if all this weren't enough to test Poppy's sanity, Aunt Ginny begins sleepwalking in the wee hours of the morning, breaking into neighborhood homes, helping herself to midnight snacks, and stealing knickknacks. Based on her nocturnal activities, Aunt Ginny is accused of killing local humanitarian Brody Brandt, who is found bludgeoned to death in his bed, with remains of a snack close by. Is Aunt Ginny capable of such a heinous crime? Or is she being framed for the murder by someone with a grudge against the victim? And who would wish harm on the seemingly model citizen who has spent years helping troubled youth in the community?

Poppy is frustrated by the police's pursuit of an open-and-shut case against Aunt Ginny and undertakes her own investigation, much to the consternation of her former high school nemesis, Police Officer Amber Fenton. Poppy's interviews and research unveil disreputable actions in Brody Brandt's past, which expand the number of possible suspects. As the plot moves along, the author's use of red herrings and dead ends keep readers delightfully engaged and in the dark until the story's final chapters.

Enhancing the mystery angle are the lively parade of larger-than-life characters that populate the story; the many humorous scenes and predicaments; the snappy dialogue throughout; and the antics of the furry feline Figaro. This series features all of the things that draw readers to cozies, especially lovable main characters who feel like friends. This sophomore book solidly highlights Klein's writing skill and talent for entertaining, firmly establishing her as a master of the cozy genre. While Midnight Snacks are MURDER can be read as a stand-alone, I suggest readers also treat themselves to Class Reunions are MURDER, the first book in the series.

I'm happy to say that the third book in the series, Restaurant Weeks are MURDER, will be published in 2019.

Midnight Snacks Are Murder
A Poppy McAllister Mystery, Book #2
Libby Klein
5+ Stars

Synopsis:

When her sleepwalking aunt is accused of committing murder, Poppy McAllister finds out there's no rest for the weary . . .

Between trying to get her gluten-free baking business off the ground and helping her aunt remodel her old Victorian into the Butterfly House Bed and Breakfast in Cape May, New Jersey, Poppy is ready to call, “Mayday!” And now Aunt Ginny—who's a handful wide-awake—is sleepwalking on her new sleeping pill prescription and helping herself to neighbors’ snacks and knickknacks.

Even more alarming, a local humanitarian who worked with troubled teens is found murdered, and the police suspect the “Snack Bandit.” Other than a bad case of midnight munchies and some mild knickknack kleptomania, Aunt Ginny is harmless. Someone’s trying to frame her. Poppy will need to work tirelessly to uncover the killer and put the case to rest—before Aunt Ginny has to trade in her B & B for a bunk bed behind bars . . .

Includes Seven Recipes from Poppy’s Kitchen! (Goodreads)


Review:

The characters are well developed and well rounded. Poppy is a hard working caring person. She is willing to do anything to make sure that Aunt Ginny does not spend the rest of her life behind bars for a crime she did not commit. Poppy is a natural born investigator: she is nosy, can be pushy if need be and is persistent. I really enjoyed reading about the relationship between Poppy and Aunt Ginny, you can tell how much they love each other. Georgina, Poppy’s former mother-in-law, was a real pain and someone you love to hate. Even Smitty, the contractor, plays a role in this book. And Figaro, Poppy’s cat, is so funny and I think he stole the show. His “fainting” had me laughing through the whole book.

The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. Through much of the book I felt like I was right there at the Butterfly House Bed and Breakfast in Cape May, New Jersey, watching the construction take place and listening in on conversations. This helped me to remain engaged throughout the whole story.

I really like that Poppy is not your typical cozy protagonist. She is older than most and she is not athletic or fit and trim. She struggles with her weight (who doesn’t) and she has completely changed her eating habits. She is portrayed realistically and I could see myself being friends with her.

The mystery was well crafted and not easy to solve. There were enough clues to sift through and many suspects to consider. Throw in some twists and turns and you have the ideal mystery. I did not figure out the culprit until it was revealed at the end, which is how I like it.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. It had everything I look for in a cozy: engaging characters, a cozy setting, lots of humor and a tricky mystery. I would give this book more than 5 starts if I could. Be sure to check it out.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Poppy has a lot on her plate trying to get the B&B ready to open. There have been many delays but things slow down, even more, when her “silent partner” mother-in-law shows up and does her best to convince Poppy to just sell the place, especially with the rash of crime hitting the neighborhood. The Snack Bandit aka Aunt Ginny has been sneaking into her neighbor’s houses in the middle of the night. As a side effect of one of her new medications, she has been sleepwalking. Then a man is found dead in his home and the police put Ginny under house arrest as their prime suspect. Just what they don’t need is another family scandal. Poppy will clear her aunt’s name, prove the police wrong and get her business off the ground no matter what obstacles are thrown in her way.

Another stellar entry from Ms. Klein. I absolutely love these characters. Poppy is a strong woman, that makes a huge step toward her independence, taking on her mother-in-law in this story. I don’t know how she held out as long as she did but this reader was cheering from the sidelines. Her romantic relationships are moving forward too in a very natural and unhurried pace. So realistic and believable. Aunt Ginny is a hoot and a half. Her antics while under house arrest were fabulously funny. Laughing out loud, you bet I was. Cat, Figaro is an absolute prize. The author’s descriptions of his behavior make him come to life and leap off the pages.

The mystery is quite a puzzler. It was so much fun chasing down clues with Poppy. The victim appears to be very well liked but there were surprisingly several suspects for his murder. Like the first book in this series, Class Reunions Are Murder, I was totally surprised when the killer was revealed. I believe at one time or another I thought each of the suspects was guilty.

Ms. Klein has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her stories deliver everything I love about cozy mysteries. Genuine characters in serious situations, but with a huge dose of humor too. I can’t wait for book #3, Restaurant Weeks Are Murder, will be released in February 2019.

This book, like the first, deserves more than 5 stars!

I enjoyed this book, and especially Aunt Ginny, and while the author gave us Poppy’s deceased husband’s mother, she could be a thorn in her side, she kept me guessing as to what she would do next.
While there is a murder here, and that is sad, but there are so many chuckles to contact the sadness. We also see a middle age woman, Poppy, and how she is now being pursued by two eligible men, and wonder whom she will end up with? Poppy McAllister is a woman to emulate, and loved how she goes about trying to help those she loves and cares about.
While this may be my first book I’ve read in this series, it sure won’t be the last!
I received this book through Great Escapes Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

I can say it wasn’t murder to read this mystery. It was delightful, delicious and so engaging. One thing about this author is the way she creates a scene. It doesn’t just have to be a sleep walking aunt, it is this detailed and cute character that you will think of more than just once. It’s a mystery that keeps you coming back for more.

This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand alone. It was very funny and very cute cozy mystery. Recipes are included. Lots of possible motives and suspects. It kept me guessing. A lot happens in this book while keeping us entertained. Great read!

Libby Klein 2nd in series is even better then the first book which I loved. This is so hilarious that you will find yourself laughing out loud. I loved it from cover to cover !
In this 2nd in series our savvy funny 40 something protagonist Poppy is working to restore her Aunt Ginny's house to turn it into a B&B. She is also making gluten-free bakery goods for a local coffee shop. Her Aunt is stressed out and not sleeping about the renovations so she sleep walks which leads to some hilarious moments. Add the arrival of her former Mother In Law who try's to take over and you have the three women in many funny scenes.
Neighborhood thefts of food and other items lead to murder, Poppy is on the case and sure she can solve the crime. Her Aunt is suspect number one so Poppy must work to free her Aunt from suspicion and save their business.
The plot is so well done , the humor is delightful. The setting of the small town is done to perfection and the supporting charcters all add to the fun. This was a excellent well crafted sleuth that kept me guessing. I guarantee you will not be able to put this book down. This series embodies everything cozy fans love in a cozy mystery. Very well done to the author !!


Thanks to the publisher, Kensington Books, and Net Galley for an advanced copy. I look forward to the next in series.

Poppy McAllister is a plus-sized widow 40ish protagonist who has moved into her Aunt Ginny's old Victorian they are trying to convert into the Butterfly House B&B in Cape May, NJ. She has discovered a Paleo niché for herself with the local gorgeous Italian barista. Former mother-in-law Georgina comes to help with renovation investment money and more than a few opinions about how the rooms should be finished.

Unfortunately, about this time, Aunt Ginny begins sleepwalking and helping herself to her neighbors' cupboards as well as their knick-knacks. By the time they've gotten to the bottom of her sleep-aid medications, there has been a homicide down the block and it doesn't look good for feisty Aunt Ginny, the "Snack Bandit."

The victim was a recent recipient of the local Humanitarian Award for working tirelessly with at-risk teens. Amber, in charge of the investigation, feels she need look no further than Aunt Ginny.

The protagonist has been well developed in the first of the series and continues to flesh in #2. She has a BFF in Sawyer and old schoolmate Tim, who is trying for a second chance now that she is looking at the end of her mourning period. Red herrings are thrown in when Poppy feels she has a strong person of interest.

Sassy, snappy dialogue borders at times on being a bit juvenile and Aunt Ginny's antics push the patience button. Still, the plot holds a nice steady pace and doesn't lag. It's easy to tear through to the end.

I was given this ebook download by the publisher and NetGalley and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. This is a fun book, looking to be a great series, and an author to keep an eye on. Recommended to all cozy mystery fans. 4.5/5 stars

I was so excited to get my hands on this book, as I have been waiting for it to be published since I finished the last pages of the first book, Class Reunions are Murder. I absolutely adore the character of Poppy, a smart and sassy fortysomething that loves desserts and coffee and has a nose for sleuthing. This book absolutely did not disappoint...I have a hard time saying it was better than the first, as the first in the series really knocked it out of the park, but this book is even better than the first! I loved the character development in this book as well as getting to know other characters much better and even meeting some new faces, such as Smitty. Between him and Aunt Ginny I laughed out loud and may have snorted a few times. I had to stop reading this at bed at night as I kept waking up my husband. And my love of Gia has expanded...Team Gia all the way! The mystery in this book was really well developed and I think I figured it out about the same time as Poppy. All-in-all another great add to the series and I can't wait for the next...which will be out in February.

Do you love a good Cozy? Do you need a chuckle?
Midnight Snacks Are Murder by Libby Klein gives you a
great Cozy. And way more than just a little chuckle. You might
just be cracking up while you ride along with Poppy as she tries to rein in her eccentric Aunt Ginny.

In this installment Poppy is up to her eyeballs with Ginny's escapades. When Ginny ends up with a little medical condition that needs some medication that happens to cause sleep walking things get more than crazy.

As poor Ginny unknown to herself and everyone begins visiting the neighbors in the wee hours and helping herself to a few snacks and a few trinkets the word get outs and someone decides to do a Copy Cat and commit murder. Leaving everyone suspecting Aunt Ginny.

When the police end up charging Aunt Ginny and putting her on house arrest Poppy doesn't waste a moment to investigate and clear Aunt Ginny and solve the crime.

Seriously this is a fun and funny Cozy read.

Not only is murder a foot Poppy and Ginny are trying to restore Ginnys old Victorian and turn it into a B&B they are sabotaged by Poppys ex-mother in law.

If you love a good Cozy filled with great characters and some twists and turns you'll want to read Midnight Snacks Are Murder.
I enjoyed the yummy recipes at the end!

I am looking forward to the next one in this series!

I received a complimentary copy.

After her decision to remain in Cape May with her Aunt Ginny, Poppy is working to settle in and start her gluten free baking business as well as open the B&B. Aunt Ginny is having some health issue so the doctor prescribes anti-anxiety meds as well as some sleeping pills. Problems arise because Aunt Ginny begins to sleepwalk, visiting neighbors homes in the middle of the night snacking and thieving her way around the neighborhood. When a neighbor turns up dead, could Aunt Ginny have been responsible?

Not only does Poppy need to protect Aunt Ginny and prove she isn't the murderer, she has to deal with her overbearing mother-in-lkaw Georgina who has moved in and taken over the renovation project for the B&B.

I absolutely loved the book. The characters are fun and whimsical and the mystery kept my interest and I can't wait for the next one!

I never thought an author can get better with her next book, but Libby Klein did. This book is cutely enchanting

This book too has Poppy in the forefront, but this time it is Aunt Ginny who is accused of murder, that too hitting a youngish man on the head with a baseball bat in his home at night. An 80-ish year old thin woman doing that is a thought scary!!

Poppy is a strong main character in this book who has 2 men fighting for her love (and her body) and her baked goods. Her aunt's home, now hers too, is being converted into a B&B, so there is construction supervisor Smitty who practically stays there. She is joined by her former mother-in-law Georgina who has invested in the B&B and who has an opinion about every single tiny detail.

Poppy has to manage all of above along with proving Aunt Ginny's innocence. The story has Poppy playing her role beautifully, her intelligence shines through in this. Her pastries, cakes, and cookies made me crave for them; she makes gluten-free ones (the author has made them sound deliciously mouth-watering)

This book has many humorous situations and dialogs. The best part is Aunt Ginny trying to break the ankle monitor or trying to break free of the house arrest. The excuses used on the unsuspecting chaperones are fabulous. I wish to be as adventurous when I am 80-ish as Aunt Ginny minus the murder and arrest.

Poppy and her eccentric team along with her cat Figaro, make this series a rocking cozy mystery!!

Libby Klein's second book in the Poppy McAllister series is Midnight Snacks are Murder. Poppy has her hands full trying to get her and her aunt's bed and breakfast renovated and opened. Add in the fact that Aunt Ginny is not sleeping, her former mother-in-law shows up to "help", and a snack bandit is running rampant in the neighborhood. When it seems the snack bandit escalates to murder, Poppy finds herself in the middle of another mystery. The characters in this book are funny. The mystery is strong, but the characters really make the book. Aunt Ginny is an eccentric lady. The handyman and Poppy's mother-in-law would drive the best person crazy with how helpful they both are. It was a relaxing and enjoyable read.

Poppy McAllister is working hard to make a go of her gluten-free baking business, and helping her Aunt Ginny remodel her Victorian house into the Butterfly House Bed and Breakfast in Cape May.

But the stress is getting to Aunt Ginny, and the doctor puts her on meds to help her sleep. Unfortunately they also turn her into a sleepwalker, and she is breaking into neighbor's houses to steal snacks and knickknacks.

Things seem harmless, until a local humanitarian who worked with troubled teens if found dead, the police, led by Poppy's high school nemesis, Office Amber, think Aunt Ginny is the killer. Poppy knows better, and she works to make sure people know Aunt Ginny might have taken midnight snacks, but she never took someone's life.

Just like in the first Poppy McAllister mystery, author Libby Klein mixes humor, great characters and a tightly woven plot to produce a great addiction to what is rapidly becoming one of my favorite series.

Poppy is very likable, and loyal to her family and friends. The way she goes into the investigation in an effort to protect Aunt Ginny is perfect. There are many different suspects, and reasons for the killing, and each one is flushed out perfectly, so you don't really figure out whodunit until the end. The only thing I would have liked was to have met the murder victim before he died.

I love feisty Aunt Ginny, too. Her antics always bring a smile to my face. Poppy's former mother-in-law, Georgina, adds to the storyline. Georgina is a hard character to like at times, but I really enjoyed the way Ms. Klein brought that plot line together in the end, and it made me wonder what would happen in the next book.

If you like your cozies with great food, humor, and a wonderful mystery, then the Poppy McAllister series is for you. There is also romance mixed in, enough to make a reader smile, but not so much that it is overpowering.

This is definitely a great series that is on its way up in the cozy world. I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.