Candy Canes and Crimes

Frosted Misfortunes Mysteries Book 6

Author:    Lisa Siefert

Genre:     Mystery

Digital Book

ASIN #:    B0FDKQLJ21

Tule Publishing

240 Pages

$4.99 Amazon

October 20, 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Her Christmas cupcakes were a hit, but her customer's death lands her on the naughty list.

Ava Decker is catering the biggest holiday party of the season, and she's dreaming of sugarplum profits.  But her festive mood sours when she discovers her client face down in a vat of melted chocolate.  And worse?  She stiffed her on payment for 200 custom cupcakes before taking her final dip.

With her high school sweetheart back in town stirring up old feelings and union scandal brewing hotter than cocoa, Ava must whisk through revenge-seeking factory workers, suspicious girlfriends, and missing millions.  Armed with her crime-solving cat Lucky and her own knack for finding trouble, she's racing to unwrap the truth behind this murder before the killer strikes again.

Can Ava crack this candy-coated case in time for Christmas, or will she find herself wrapped up and under the tree--permanently?

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Ava Decker owns Frosted, a dessert shop in her small town.  She's unhappy when her maybe-or-not wealthy boyfriend, Marcus Palmer, decides he needs to go to Africa and build hospitals  She didn't have the conversation of whether they are or not a couple, so she does what any woman would do, right?  She drowns herself in pity for two months eating takeout and living in her pajamas.

Her friends have decided it's enough and asked another friend, Detective Wesley Lockwood, to get her to her birthday party, which is supposed to be a surprise, but really isn't.  Ava hates surprises.  She hates the fact Wesley is making her do something.  But she has a big order of cupcakes to deliver to another friend's business, so needs his help.

Unfortunately, when they arrive, they can't locate the woman...at first...until Ava sees her floating face-down in a vat of chocolate.  She tries to get her out, but calls Wesley, and he tells her to step away while the police investigate.  At least she's not a suspect in this murder.  But someone is...

Ava finally gets moving.  Then finds out Marcus has assigned her ex-boyfriend to keep an eye on her..  What is going on?  Between him and her bestie Ruby, she's stymied at every turn.  Or is she?  With this, Ava is on her way again determined to solve a murder, even before the police have a change to investigate.  But with so many people who could be guilty, which one is the killer?

This is the fifth book in the series, and I am sorry to say that it is my first foray into Lisa Siefert's books.  I am sorry because this book is enchanting.  It's funny, witty, warm, and full of characters you will either love or hate; no in-betweens here.  With Christmas on the way soon, Ava has her hands full in more ways than one.  She has cupcakes to make, people to see, her cat Lucky who tries to keep her out of trouble but is right there with her more often than not...and a killer to catch.

There's a lot going on here, with a winter festival going on, her ex's mother Vivienne cornering her at every turn to do a 'favor' or two -- even if she doesn't want to (no one can say no to Vivienne); Ruby is giving up on love and willing to settle for any man who at least has a job (no, Ruby!); and her newest inheritance.  Oh, didn't I mention that?  Well, read the book.  You'll be glad you did.

When Ava does finally figure it out, it's almost too late for her; but the climax is done extremely well, and this book left me feeling so good that I immediately went back and read the first (and I will continue with this series).  In all, this is a great cozy and I look forward to the next.  Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy of this book from BookSprout but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Candy-Crimes-Frosted-Misfortunes-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0FDKQLJ21/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7917649815

More on Lisa Siefert's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/s/lisa-siefert/

O Deadly Night

 A Year-Round Christmas Mystery Book 8

Author:    Vicki Delany

Genre:     Mystery

Hardcover; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9788892421874

Crooked Lane Books

320 Pages

$29.99; $14.99 Amazon

October 14, 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It's Christmastime in Rudolph, New York, which means it's time for the December Santa Claus parade.  This year, shop owner Merry Wilkinson has decided to decorate her float as Santa's elves' workshop and invites her landlady, Mabel D'Angelo, to help supervise the excited children playing the elves.  But when Mrs. D'Angelo doesn't show up, Merry begins to worry.

Worry quickly turns unto frustration when Mrs. D'Angelo reveals she was delayed by new neighbors moving in.  As the center for all things gossip, Mrs. D'Angelo is determined to introduce the new arrivals to the neighborhood.  As the days pass, Mrs. D'Angelo notices strange things about the newcomers, but Merry, busier than an elf in Santa's workshop, has little time for matters that don't really concern her.  But things turn from jolly to downright concerning when Mrs. D'Angelo disappears, and Merry is forced to admit that something might be entirely wrong. 

With family and friends counting on her during this stressful holiday season, it is up to Merry to make sure this Christmas doesn't end up wrapped in blood red.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Merry Wilkinson lives in Rudolph, New York and owns a gift store that sells Santa-themed items all year round.  The town is as Christmasy as it gets, especially this time of year.  When Merry is preparing her annual Christmas float, she expects her landlady, Mrs. Mabel D'Angelo, to show up as one of the elves, but she doesn't.  When she learns the reason why -- Mrs. D'Angelo, a gossip center, is trying to introduce herself to the new neighbors, but isn't having any luck.  As the days go on, Mabel sees that there is something going on across the street, but can't put her finger on it.  Merry, used to Mabel and her fancies, blows most of it off.  But when Mabel disappears and no one can find her, Merry begins to worry.

When she does find Mabel, it's across the street -- and Merry also finds a dead body.  It turns out that the dead person had a connection to the town and several of its residents, including Merry's younger sister, Eve.  But does Eve know anything about the murder?  As Merry starts to dig deeper, she finds that the dead woman had more than a connection with the town, and her past wasn't pretty.  In fact, it was ugly enough that someone wanted her dead...

I love this series, and most of the characters in it (yes, there are some that get on my nerves, just as in real life they would do so); and I especially love Merry's father.  He seems unflappable, and remains calm in most, if not all, situations.  Unfortunately, at least in this book, her boyfriend Alan appears just as an afterthought, he's in it so little.  I hope to see more of him in the next book.

But back to Merry's sleuthing: she's right at home doing what she does best, and we get to see her at work while she's searching for clues.  She's even misled at one time, but eventually figures it out, which is important.  This is the busiest time of year, and trying to run her business and find a murderer (not that the police detective isn't capable herself) is a lot to handle.  Yet she does so, and does it well.

I knew the murderer before Merry did, but then again, I read a lot of mysteries, so that's something.  Even so, watching her put the clues together and figure it out herself is worth it, especially watching how her best friend helped her!  All in all, this was a great cozy to read, and I enjoyed it immensely.  I look forward to the next in the series.  Highly recommended, 

I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Night-Year-Round-Christmas-Mystery/dp/B0DT3VY4ZD/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7618795116

More on Vicki Delany's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/d/vicki-delany/

Epilogue To A Christmas Murder

A Beyond The Page Bookstore Mystery Book 11

Author:    Lauren Elliott

Genre:     Mystery

Mass Market Paperback; Digital Book (Audiobook Available)

ISBN #:    9781496753342

Kensington Cozies

368 Pages

$8.99; $7.99 Amazon

September 30, 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As bookstore owner Addie Greyborne shares the loving lesson of The Gift of the Magi, the spirit of the season falls prey to a thief and a killer...

There's no place like the seaside Massachusetts town of Greyborne Harbor for the holidays, and there's no better feeling for Addie than donating to the lighthouse museum's Twelve Days of Christmas charity fundraiser.  Of the dozen books she'll be offering as prizes from her Beyond the Page Books and Curios shop, the most special volume is a first edition of The Gift of the Magi imported from England -- signed by O. Henry!  Addie receives an unexpected Christmas bonus when the book is hand delivered by visiting Detective Inspector Noah Parker, whom she met in England, and has been daydreaming about ever since.

But on the night Addie delivers the book to the museum. someone posing as one of Santa's Little Helpers swipes it -- and the rest of the charity gifts.  As if the theft wasn't bad enough, a body is found on the rocks outside the lighthouse, believed to be murdered.  Now, it's up to Addie to connect the clues, find stolen goods, and catch a killer -- in order to usher in a Happy New Year...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

After being left at the proverbial altar, Addie Greyborne retreated to England for a year to recoup and decide what to do with her life.  She left her bookstore, Beyond the Page Books and Curios, in the capable hands of her manager, Paige.  But the year has ended, and Addie has returned home, eager to welcome the upcoming Christmas holiday and Paige's Christmas Day wedding.

Then she receives an unexpected and surprising visit from Detective Inspector Noah Parker, whom she butted heads with during her time in England.  She's not going to let him know how this has shaken her, since seeing him again has taken her breath away.  But he delivers a special book for her from the owner of the bookshop she worked for there -- a signed edition of The Gift of the Magi -- and she's going to donate it to the local museum for charity.

When she shows up at the museum she meets one of Santa's Elves who seems to be putting the donations into boxes, and tells her to just add her donations to everything else.  Barely questioning it, she does so, then discovers later that everything has been stolen, and the elf is nowhere to be found.

To make matters worse, a dead body is found the next day on the cliff by the lighthouse.  Who is the man?  Is he connected to the burglary?  But when it turns out to be someone who's connected to a friend, and local police chief Marc Chandler is removed from the case, she has no help.  At least until Noah Parker is temporarily assigned to the murder case.  But the DA and the mayor want it solved quickly.  With only one suspect in line for it, Addie has to work fast, and behind the scenes.  Will she be able to find a killer before her friend is jailed?  Or will everything go terribly wrong and she won't be able to help at all...

This is the eleventh book in the series, and I must say that it is my favorite to date.  I am glad that I decided to continue reading this series after one book disappointed me (not going to say any more about that!).  While I am glad to see Addie back home in Grayborne Harbor, I miss her friends she left behind in England.  But she didn't leave all of them -- Detective Inspector Noah Parker is on holiday, and he's helping with the murder case.  Her feelings for Noah are confusing, and she wants to see him and not see him, if that makes any sense.

With Marc off the case, everything needs to be hush-hush or both Noah and Marc will permanently lose their jobs, leaving Addie to do as much as she can by herself.  She's also trying to manage her store and keep Paige from going crazy with a mother who's turned into a Motherzilla.  Paige also needs her help if her wedding is to go off nicely; Addie's in a pickle and knows it.

Looking for clues, she's pretty much on her own and what she can glean from both Marc and Noah, which isn't much.  She's positive the suspect is innocent, and trusts her gut instinct, which is more than not right.  However, knowing it and proving it are two different things.

The book kept me interested throughout, and I loved the fact it takes place during the Christmas season.  (That's just because I love the holiday, myself).  Anyway, watching Addie take what she has and put it all together at the end is the best part of the book.  This woman is intelligent, unflappable, and able to take care of herself in a pinch.  She can also think on her feet. and that's the best kind of amateur sleuth.  It makes Ms. Elliott's books are wonderful; with a taut storyline and a climax that's worth waiting for.

I will not say any more about the book in order not to spoil it for anyone (I don't think I've given any spoilers so far!)  I will say I loved the intrigue, Addie's actions and her thinking, and the way the book ended.  I look forward to the next in the series.  Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Epilogue-Christmas-Murder-Bookstore-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0DTJN96KY/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7585247015

More on Lauren Elliott's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/e/lauren-elliott/

A Wonderful Christmas Crime

 A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Book 6

Author:    Jacqueline Frost

Genre:     Mystery

Hardcover; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9788892421973

Crooked Lane Books

320 Pages

$29.99; $14.99 Amazon

October 21, 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐

As Christmas descends on Mistletoe, Maine, Holly White has an extra gift for the season: a new baby on the way.  Her husband, Sheriff Evan Gray, has been worried about her elevated blood pressure, and Holly has agreed to take this year easy.  Being idle has never been one of Holly's gifts, so when Evan surprises her with tickets to the town-wide dinner, she and her many cravings thank him.  But when a thief tries and fails to steal an antique ornament from the dinner's holiday display, it's clear that someone is on the naughty list.

The thief manages to escape, but after dinner, Holly spots their lifeless body.  It's clear that someone in town was keen to kill them.  Evan is less than jolly to find his wife at the scene of yet another holiday homicide and asks her to promise that she'll leave the investigating to the police.  But Holly has never been one to turn down a challenge and has to get creative with the help of a few of her friends in order to find this killer.

Will she and her friends be able to stop the killer and uncover the motive behind the attempted robbery, or will the killer strike again and paint the town a bloody red?

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Holly White has it all: a loving husband, a wonderful family, and a magical place where she grew up.  Christmas is around the corner, and she's looking forward to all the fun that comes with it.  But even so, she just received better news: she's going to have a baby.  She, and everyone around her, is thrilled at the idea; and learning that her blood pressure is elevated, they're also determined to keep her relaxed.

Which would be easy, except when Holly and her gal friends go out for an evening of food and fun, someone tries to steal an antique goat from a new friend, Alice, who owns the restaurant.  The thief gets away, but the goat is saved...at least for a while.  When Holly and her friends return to the restaurant, they find Alice outside in the snow, lying next to a dead person -- the same one who tried to steal the goat -- the goat in Alice's hand.  Now Alice is the main suspect in the murder, and Holly is forbidden by everyone from trying to find who the real killer.  Can she work behind the scenes and still find out who did it?  Or will her overprotective friends refuse to let her out of their sight and allow Alice to be taken in for a crime she didn't commit?

This is the sixth book in the series and I have read them all.  I have also loved them all.  As I've stated before, I love the fact that the characters evolve in each book, their lives moving along as it does in real life.  While I am happy for Evan and Holly, I do hope that the series continues even with a baby in the picture.  After all, other authors have done so, so I have hope!

As to the mystery, there is more than one: Holly is taxed with trying to solve a crossword puzzle in the daily paper by Christopher, who's been a fixture in the Whites' life, and whom she believes to be Santa Claus.  But is he?  She also continues (extremely discreetly, or so she thinks) investigating, while making a new mommy friend in someone who is in town for the antique show.  But the antique show is giving signs of being in trouble, and Holly wonders if it's connected to the death.

Leaving it up to Evan, and her sister-in-law Libby, who is a private investigator, she only hopes that they will listen to her arguments.  Being constantly watched is making her somewhat cranky, and it doesn't help with the morning sickness she's feeling.

But it's unexpected when she finally figures out who the murderer is, and her only question is will she be able to get out of trouble or will she and her unborn baby face their final moments?  I loved the climax and how it's done, giving us all the backstory that we need, and solving another Christmas mystery in time to enjoy the holiday.  Recommended. 

I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Wonderful-Christmas-Crime-Tree-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0DTN7NZW9/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7558291239

More on Jacqueline Frost's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/f/jacqueline-frost/

I'll Be Home for Mischief

A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Book 5

Author:    Jacqueline Frost

Genre:     Mystery

Hardcover; Paperback; Digital Book (Audiobook Available)

ISBN #:    9781639109067; 9798892422666

Crooked Lane Books

288 Pages

$20.66; $19.99; $14.99 Amazon

November 12, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It's Christmastime in Mistletoe, Maine, and the Historical Society has launched a widespread campaign to celebrate the town's 150th anniversary.  Descendants of the founding family, the Snows, have returned for the first time, and Holly is determined to make the family's visit magical.  In an attempt to put Mistletoe on the map, Holly's mother, a respected local baker, attempts to break a record by baking the world's largest gingerbread man, but her plans are whisked away when Mr. Snow's body ends up in the batter.

When Mr. Moore, the local mistletoe farmer, is accused of the crime, Holly reprises her role as amateur sleuth to protect the sweet older man.  Between hosting the inconsolable Mrs. Snow and other guests at the inn, receiving threatening messages telling her to stop her investigation, and preparing for her first wedding anniversary with Sheriff Evan Gray, she might need a Christmas miracle to survive.

When someone breaks into Holly's office and scratches a warning into her desk, she knows she has little time left.  Can Holly uncover the killer before someone else gets burned, or is her involvement a recipe for trouble?

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Holly White-Gray is nearing her first wedding anniversary on Christmas Eve.  But she also has to work as innkeeper at her family's inn at their farm Reindeer Games, which is open all year but especially, and understandably, busy during the Christmas season.  It's almost overwhelming.  But this year is the town's 150th anniversary, and her mother Carol wants to make her gingerbread man large enough to get into the Guinness World Records book.  To this end, two people from Guinness have arrived to watch the pouring and cooking of the large gingerbread man.

Also in attendance are the Snows, a mother and son, who are descendants of the founders of Mistletoe, Maine.  When Holly notices local mistletoe farmer, Mr. Moore, in what seems like an argument with Mr. Snow, she wonders what it was about.  But it's not too long later when everything is in motion that someone notices the batter is bubbled, and it seems a hand is sticking out.  A hand belonging to Mr. Snow.  Now Mrs. Snow is heartbroken, and Mr. Moore is the main suspect.

Even with her husband Evan warning her to stay away from the investigation, Holly is positive Mr. Moore couldn't have murdered the man, so she begins what she believes is discreet questioning.  But someone is watching her every move, and she receives threatening messages in more ways than one.  With the heat escalating over the cold in the air, Holly knows she has to ramp up her investigation while keeping her husband satisfied.  But will it be enough?  Or will the killer finally catch up to her before she can catch a break?

This is the fifth book in the series, and I have read them all.  I have to say that I love reading about Holly and her family, and I love that the series evolves as each book appears.  We see what is going on in Holly's life and the family and friends around her, and, unfortunately but of course, a new murder.  I enjoy reading how Holly's mind works and how she puts the pieces together to create a complete puzzle, outlining how everything comes to an end.  But it also comes with the inevitable danger, and the climaxes are worth reading the book itself.  They are done well, and everything in between in believable.

This book is no different, and with a lot going on, you still need to find the clues along with Holly, and try to solve the murder yourself, and I do enjoy doing that.  I had an idea who the murderer was, but watching everything along the way gave me pause as to whether I was right or not.  In the end, it really didn't matter, and the book itself was welcome time away from the real world, and the author is very talented in this area.

I loved it all and look forward to the next in the series.  Highly recommended.

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Home-Mischief-Christmas-Tree-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CVKNNLT7/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7548355388

More on Jacqueline Frost's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/f/jacqueline-frost/

Christmas Mittens Murder

 Anthology

Authors:    Lee Hollis/Lynn Cahoon/Maddie Day

Genre:       Mystery/Christmas

Hardcover; Mass Market Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781496744241; 9781496744258

Kensington Cozies

400 Pages

$19.30; $8.99; $1.99 Amazon

October 22, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Crisp Christmas weather is made for mittens -- and some mittens are made for murder...

DEATH OF A CHRISTMAS MITTEN KNITTER by LEE HOLLIS

The church's annual Christmas bazaar is an unqualified success until the local jeweler realizes a valuable diamond ring has been stolen.  Food writer Hayley Powell joins the search but discovers something shocking -- the dead body of a local knitter with a homemade mitten stuffed in her mouth...

TWO CHRISTMAS MITTENS by LYNN CAHOON

Magic Springs, Idaho, is decked out in its sparkling holiday best, but Mia Malone is almost too busy to notice.  Taking a second job at the Lodge to save Mia's Morsels doesn't leave her much time for festivities -- until she finds a dead body near one red mitten in the snow...

MURDEROUS MITTENS by MADDIE DAY

A quiet Christmas in Colinas, California, at her twin sister's charming B&B is exactly what CeCe Barton needs during the holiday hustle of Los Angeles.  But the morning after a lovely evening at the local wine bar, CeCe learns that the bar's proprietor, who sells mittens in her spare time, has been found dead...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Death of a Christmas Mitten Knitter:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I really enjoyed this first mystery.  Lee Hollis, whom I will admit that I didn't care much for the first book in this series, has turned into a delightful author that I will read time and time again.  I love the Hayley Powell series, and this short story gives us another Christmas with Hayley and her husband, Bruce.  But it is Hayley who takes the spotlight, when she is roped into providing a pricey gift basket for the church bazaar by the local pastor.  It seems her friends, Mona and Liddy, along with her brother, have been tapped as well.  But there is discontent among the church ladies who knit and crochet gifts, as theirs aren't as popular, and they're blaming everyone else but themselves.  Fights ensue.  Then a valuable diamond ring is stolen, and everyone is a suspect.  When Hayley is finally allowed to leave, she finds the body of one of the knitters, with a mitten shoved in her mouth.  Now Hayley is tasked once again with helping the police to find a killer...

This was a delightful story, and kept me riveted enough to read it in one sitting.  I enjoy Hayley and her friends, and the strong bonds they have.  Hayley is stumped with this murder, and when she finally figures out who the killer might actually be, it could cost her her life...

Two Christmas Mittens:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐  Full disclosure: I read Ms. Cahoon's Tourist Trap Mysteries, and love them all.  Unfortunately, I am not one to read fantasy, such as those with vampires, werewolves, or witches.  So this is the first I have read of hers that have to deal with such.  But, I love her other books, so was willing to give it a chance.  I was pleasantly surprised, and am happy that I did so.

Mia Malone is a caterer who also happens to be a witch, although she doesn't embrace it as much as others.  When she and her friends find a dead body with a mitten nearby, no one thinks anything of it, until the mitten causes someone to fall into a coma, and will die if Mia and her witchy friends can't find a cure.  Her grandmother can keep the woman alive for a time, but until then, they need to find a key item to endeavor a cure.  Finding herself in strange situations, it isn't until she starts to put the pieces together that she's able to find the truth of the murder and who killed the person...

This was a very good mystery, even with its paranormal elements.  I enjoyed the story, and everything that it entailed, including the above.  I enjoyed it so much that I might actually delve into more of these mysteries.  The ending was done well, and story intriguing, and worth it all.

Murderous Mittens:  ⭐⭐⭐When CeCe Barton visits her twin sister Allie in Colinas, California, for a relaxing Christmas at Allie's B&B, it isn't going to be one.  She meets a woman at a winery one night and by the next day the woman has been found murdered.  Now she's involved in solving the murder along with a new friend named Cam who has some experience in solving mysteries herself...

I have read several of Ms. Day's books in the past and enjoyed most of them.  But now I will have to do something I hate to do: which is speak of the way books have turned since before.  This book is definitely 'politically correct,' and I read to get away from everyday learnings, not have them thrust upon me in books, which is why I couldn't give this more than three stars.  There was more than a story in this, there were things that didn't need to be in there to get the story across.

I will say that I was surprised by the ending, which is always a good thing.  It also introduces us to a new character, CeCe Barton, who is beginning her own series, and one of my earlier favorites, Cam, who had her own series of organic gardening (very good mystery series).  It was like meeting an old friend and a new.  A decent story for the most part, and worth reading anyway.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Mittens-Murder-Lee-Hollis/dp/149674425X/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7100217703

More on Lee Hollis's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/lee-hollis/

More on Lynn Cahoon's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/c/lynn-cahoon/

More on Maddie Day's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/d/maddie-day/

A Corpse Among the Carolers

A Food Blogger Mystery Book 7

Author:    Debra Sennefelder

Genre:     Mystery

Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781960511928

Beyond The Page Publishing

225 Pages

$15.99; $5.99 Amazon

October 8, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hope Early is fully immersed in the spirit of the Christmas season, until the sounds of joyful carolers are silenced by the words "Ho-ho-homicide"...

Food blogger Hope Early always gets a hearty holiday laugh from knowing that the weeks leading up to Christmas are as frantic as they are festive.  But in spite of everything she has to do, the one thing she always has time for is the annual Jingle Bell Stroll, a night when the community gathers to sing their hearts out and enjoy each other's company.  This year's caroling feels especially heartwarming, until the final note lands with a thud when Hope finds the body of the man who'd volunteered to play Santa, a knife plunged into his back.

With virtually the whole town present at the caroling, the list of suspects seems endless.  It doesn't take long, though, for both Hope and the police to turn a sharp eye on the victim's bitter and vindictive ex-wife, along with his new wife, who may have been after his money.  Then Hope unearths a clue that suggests the dead man may have been hiding a sordid past and connections to unseemly characters.  But as she closes in on the killer, they're determined to wring her neck before she can ring in the new year...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Hope Early has a good life.  She's finally happy with her boyfriend Ethan and his two daughters, and she's looking forward to a large family and friends Christmas celebration.  This holiday season is starting out well...for a while.  But then she overhears an argument between her 'Santa', Mitty, and Ralph, a friend, which ends up with Ralph pushing Mitty.  All because Ralph believes Mitty, the owner of an antique shop, sold him a bogus lamp.  While Mitty denies it, there's no denying that there's a problem to be solved.  Along with shopping, Hope can't help but overhear Mitty's ex-wife and new wife having their own argument, and does what she can to stop it.  

But there's more going on behind the scenes, especially when Hope is out caroling with her sister, Ethan, his daughters, and others -- and she discovers a dead body.  Again.  Now, while the lead detective, Sam, tells her to stay away, the main suspect's family asks her to help.  How is she supposed to say no to friends?  But will she be able to solve a murder, get her Christmas together, and do everything else on her agenda before it all comes to a crashing halt?...

I have to say that if I had to do everything Hope does, I'd be a wreck.  Plus, I just don't have that kind of energy anymore (alas!).  It's fun to read about it, but it tires me out just thinking about it!  She's a whirlwind of energy, and quite a brilliant sleuth, to boot.

She's trying hard to make this a perfect Christmas, but things keep getting in the way.  Things like murder and deception.  Angry ex-wives (more than one).  Not to mention that Hope is having little accidents -- and one big one that almost sidelines her permanently.  But that's all I will say about that.

She does her best to pick up clues with the help of her best friend Drew, who's a reporter.  Who has his own problems that have nothing to do with murder.  In fact, there's a couple of very funny scenes that surround the man.  It's all worth reading.

Without giving anything else away, I will say that this is a delightful Christmas mystery that you can try and find the clues yourself.  They are there, but not easy to decipher.  When the ending comes and the murderer is discovered, it comes as a surprise, which it should do.  And leaves us wanting to read the next in the series.  A very nice book for a holiday evening.  Recommended.

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Corpse-Among-Carolers-Debra-Sennefelder-ebook/dp/B0D6G64B46/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7076851130

More on Debra Sennefelder's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/s/debra-sennefelder/

Murder at a Scottish Christmas

A Scottish Shire Mystery Book 6

Author:    Traci Hall

Genre:     Mystery

Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781496744395

Kensington Cozies

320 Pages

$17.95; $9.99 Amazon

September 24, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

All Paislee wants for Christmas is for her new home to be finished, but it looks like she'll have to wait for New Year's Day.  Whether the paint on the walls has dried or not, she'll host a feast for her twelve-year-old son Brody, Grandpa, their black Scottish terrier Wallace, and friends -- including police station receptionist Amelia Henry and her brother McCormac, whose black locks can fulfill the Scottish first-footer tradition that a tall, dark-haired man should be the first person to enter your home on New Year's to bring good luck.

But McCormac's luck is about to run out.  During Hogmanay -- when the Scots welcome the New Year with dancing, bonfires, and midnight fireworks -- he collapses as the sky brightens in a blaze of color.  A shooter has used the noise of the fireworks to hide a gun's blast.  Amelia is inconsolable, and Paislee vows to do whatever she can to help DI Zeffer solve the murder -- even if it puts her in the killer's sights next.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Paislee Shaw owns Cashmere Crush, a yarn shop in Scotland.  She lives with her young son Brody, her Grandpa, and their Scottish terrier Wallace.  Since a pipe burst in her home leaving her with an unusable house, she's been staying in her best friend Lydia's condo.  But it's the holidays, and she wants to be back in her own home for Christmas.  But it can't be done until the repairs are finished -- so she'll just have to make do.  

So she decides to have Christmas dinner at a local hotel, and invites her friend, police receptionist, Amelia Henry, to join her.  Amelia shows up with her brother McCormac, who's come from Ireland to see her.  It's obvious he's more than a little drunk, it's no hardship when he leaves early.

Fortunately, Lydia was able to offer incentive to the workers and Paislee is thrilled with her new kitchen.  So much so, she'll be able to offer the traditional buffet feast to friends and family.  But Hogmanay night -- New Year's Eve -- McCormac collapses, and everyone thinks he's just drunk.  Except he's not.  And now Amelia wants Paislee to find out who did this to McCormac, because she's been placed on leave from the station due to McCormac being her brother.  Can Paislee find the killer?  Or will it be something else that leads her to the truth?...

This is the sixth book in the series and I've enjoyed them all.  The first one was a tad confusing, with the Scottish dialect, but I've picked up on what the words mean in English, so it's a breeze to get through (Scotland, here I come!).  There are two plots in this tale -- one, the death of McCormac, and two, the pups that he gave to his sister and family as Christmas presents.  I will say no more on the subject, as giving too much away (what I've said in the beginning is done early on), and I will not spoil the book for others.

Paislee tries to keep out of the investigation, but Amelia is desperate on two counts, and unfortunately, Paislee is drawn in once again to a murder investigation.  There is also the problem of Hamish, who wants to keep seeing Paislee, and DI Zeffer, who is causing problems for her in more ways than one.

The clues are there along the way, but not easy to find; I appreciate this as I love nothing more than working my brain to put the puzzle together to find answers.  The murderer is indeed a surprise; again, another thing I truly enjoyed.  The ending comes together beautifully, and I will say that I hope things go in the direction that I think they are leading to.  A terrific cozy for Christmas, and I would definitely recommend it to others.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review,

https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Scottish-Christmas-Shire-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CR712ZJT/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6865259755

More on Traci Hall's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/traci-hall/

Gingerbread Danger (An Amish Candy Shop Mystery Book 9)

Author:    Amanda Flower

Genre:     Mystery

Mass Market Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781496743756

Kensington Cozies

352 Pages

$8.99; $7.99 Amazon

October 22, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Amish candy shop owner and star of TV's Bailey's Amish Sweets, Bailey King has a lot to be excited about.  She's happily engaged to Aiden Brody, newly appointed county sheriff, and her candy factory is finally having its grand opening in Harvest, Ohio -- just before Christmas!  Bailey is ready to let the sweet celebrations begin...

With the help of local community organizer Margot Rawlings, Harvest will have a Candy Land themed Christmas on the village square -- featuring Bailey's recently perfected recipe for gingerbread men.  When the big day comes, everything is going well -- until bitter news arrives.  One of Bailey's Amish friends has been killed in an apparent accident just outside the candy factory.  Aiden is promptly on the case -- with more than a little input from Bailey...

Together, they soon learn that the victim was working for some powerful men in the county, and in doing so was spying on his own Amish community.  Still, Bailey is determined to find the perpetrator.  If she can't cut out the killer from the rest of the suspects, her gingerbread men won't be the only ones in danger of disappearing...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Bailey King moved from New York to Harvest, Ohio to help her Amish grandmother run the family candy shop after her grandfather passed away.  Since then, she's gained friends both Amish and Englisch, and not only is the candy shop thriving, there's enough to open a candy factory as well, which Bailey hopes to make a success.  She's also recently engaged to Aiden Brody, the county sheriff, which makes all things perfect for her.

At least until her parents arrive for Christmas.  Disappointed that she chose culinary school over college; she thinks they're unhappy with her.  Especially since her mother Susan is a perfectionist and expects everyone and everything to be on schedule.  But with Bailey's life, it's nearly impossible to do so.  

At this time of the year, town organizer Margot Rawlings also expects Bailey's help in her life-sized game of Candy Land for locals and tourists alike.  How can she spread herself any thinner?  Don't ask.  At the factory, a young employee is killed, and Bailey is determined to find out who killed the person and why.  Then there's the issue that her mother has done something behind her back that makes Bailey even more frustrated (if possible), and could lead to even more tension between the family...

This is the ninth book in the series and I have read and loved them all.  There is always something going on that keeps you interested throughout.  Not to mention (but I will) that Juliet, Aiden's mother, keeps foisting her pet pig on Bailey at every opportunity.  At least Bailey's used to it, right?  Also, there are break-ins around town that has Bailey worrying about her grandmother being alone.  So much going on that I won't even get into the details, which are plentiful.

There are clues throughout that lead to what is happening, but not clearly the why.  We are given that toward the end, and that is fine with me, as I enjoyed reading the story very much and was in no hurry to finish.  The characters are believable and full of personality, even Jethro the pig.  We are given a bit of insight into Bailey's life with her parents, whom have been somewhat secondary characters and are in the story much more this time around.  

In the end, when the killer is revealed and it all begins to come together, the climax is interesting and at least I was right in one area, which pleased me.  I loved how everything turned out and felt that once again, Ms. Flower has given us a pleasant way to spend a day or two journeying back to Harvest-- especially at Christmas!  Highly recommended.

I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Gingerbread-Danger-Amish-Candy-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CTDK54R1/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6655367392

More on Amanda Flower's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/f/amanda-flower/

Death at a Scottish Christmas (A Scottish Isle Mystery Book 3)

Author:    Lucy Connelly

Genre:     Mystery

Hardcover; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781639109302

Crooked Lane Books

274 pages

$29.99; $17.99 Amazon

October 15, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sea Isle, Scotland, is magical during the holiday season, and Dr. Emilia McRoy can't wait to enjoy everything her village has to offer.  Butt when the lead singer of a famous band is murdered in the village, just as they were about to launch a world tour, her holiday instantly comes to a halt.

As the band's future hangs in the balance, Emilia discovers that the victim was working on new music that has since disappeared.  Were these new lyrics worth killing for?  And if so, who is the culprit?  It seems more than one person wanted his music star dead.  Shockingly, beloved Constable Ewan Campbell becomes the prime suspect in the investigation, putting a damper on the town's festivities.

With an ever growing list of suspects, Emilia will need all the help she can get to figure out who is framing poor Ewan.  Between a secret Santa that wants her dead, stalkers, and killer holiday celebrations, Emilia must see the devil in the details and discover the truth before it's too late.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Dr. Emilia McRoy emigrated to Scotland after tragic events in Seattle.  She's not only their doctor, she's also their coroner.  But she's taken a month off to enjoy the holiday festivities and all of Sea Isle's decorations.  One of those events is watching a local band that made it big, and they've returned to their roots for a concert before a final tour.

After the band is stranded, the lead singer, Bram Stoker (not that Bram Stoker, obviously!) takes a liking to the doctor and asks her for a dance that night.  The town constable, and chief landowner, Ewan Campbell, dislikes Bram but doesn't tell Em why.  Still, she enjoys her evening and is surprised when she's called to the beach about a dead person.  Finding Bram's body, she doesn't think it was a natural one, and is conducting tests to see if she's right.

But when it's discovered that it truly was murder, Ewan, who has a past with the man, becomes the main suspect and a London officer is sent down to conduct the investigation.  After a rocky start, the two women begin to get along, although the officer has her own issues with the investigation as well.  

When there's a vicious attack on someone Em cares for, things become even messier, and she knows she has to find out who had the best motive to kill the man.  But it won't be easy, and between Christmas festivities and doing her job, someone is out to kill again...

This is the third book in the series and I quite enjoyed it as much as the last one.  It's Christmas time in Sea Isle, and the town has gone all out in decorations and festivities.  While Em is charmed by this, she's not charmed by the bitter cold and all the snow.  Still, she's promised to be a part of it, so a part of it she will be.  She also didn't sign up to find another dead body, nor that it's someone well-known and well-loved by others.

But was he, really?  In doing her job, she questions the other band members what they know about his past, and she finds that they like fighting with each other more than anything...at least that's what they do.  It makes her suspicious of each and every one of them, but could one of his band mates truly kill?  Or was it a stalker?  Or a crazed fan?

She's also dealing with people who are stuck in Sea Isle due to the snow, trying to decorate her own home, reporters trying to get an inside story, and someone else who is injured while trying to help.  Em just might be in over her head this time...

I don't want to say any more about the book in order not to ruin it for others, but I will say the story is riveting and had me reading it in one sitting.  There's a lot going on here, along with too many secrets and lies, and also quite a few suspects.  It's a fun read for the Christmas holiday (or even before); when the killer is revealed it comes as a complete surprise, which is the best part.  Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Death-Scottish-Christmas-Isle-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CSFGDQGH/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6332904246

More on Lucy Connelly's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/c/lucy-connelly/

The Twelve Suspects of Christmas (Related to Jule Cavallo Investigates)

Author:    Ana T. Drew

Genre:     Mystery

Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9798865578865

Independently Published

248 Pages

$9.99; $4.99 Amazon

October 16, 2023

⭐⭐⭐

It's January 4, 1961, and Marseilles housemaid Annie Malian is in love.  It's also the day her fiancé Rene takes his life under peculiar circumstances.

Many decades later, an old Christmas postcard addressed to Annie arrives, and all her doubts come flooding back.

At 84, there's no time to waste!

Annie enlists the help of Rose Tassy, an eccentric retired teacher and amateur sleuth.

Thus begins an unforgettable journey from Provence to a quaint village in Picardie and then on to the sparkling Riviera, with a detour through wintry Paris.

Amid yuletide festivities, Annie and Rose naviage perilous terrain.  Their list of suspects quickly grows.  Was it Rene's older brother?  Maybe the ex-gangster turned chicken farmer?  The powerful Monegasque tycoon?  Stumped, Rose begins to question her detective mettle when a new death compounds the plot... 

This Christmas, will Annie receive the overdue truth as a gift?

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Annie is determined to prove her long-dead love did not die by his own hand.  She seeks the help of Rose Tassy, another elder who is working toward getting her PI license.  But when Rose hesitates to take her case, Annie makes her an offer, and they set out to find out who killed Rene and why. 

They travel through France seeking answers, including visiting a tycoon, Rene's family, and a retired gangster.  Are they going to be able to find the truth?  And what will Annie do if he did actually kill himself...

I wanted to read this story because I love mysteries, and also Christmas.  I must tell you that while it does take place at Christmas, there is very little in the story that actually alludes to it, and what is done seems rushed.

I didn't really care for either of the main characters; Annie is a prude and judgmental toward everyone; Rose is twice as self-centered as Annie and narcissistic.  Both of them together were very hard to read about.  But the two elderly women manage to make it through to the end, with a resolution in hand.

But the resolution felt odd, and none of the characters were fully developed; everyone save Rose and Annie were just bits and pieces of the plot.  When the killer is finally discovered, we really have learned very little about them.  Such is the way of this book; the writing seemed disjointed.  I hate to give mediocre reviews, but the book did not flow.  There were too many characters and most of them didn't really need to be included.  In fact, if there were less, this might have been a very good book.

Unfortunately, I cannot offer a better review.  However, I do have a different book by this author, and I will read that one to see if anything improves.

I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CKFSDBNN/ref=kinw_myk_ro_title

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6019291885

More on Ana T. Drew's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/d/ana-t-drew/

A Case of Poison Problems (Willow Cove Mysteries Book 5)

Author:    Lily Rose Lane

Genre:     Mystery

Digital Book

ASIN #:    B0CGB52943

Whiskered Mysteries

155 Pages

$4.99 Amazon

August 21, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A date night is hard when you're starting a new business, even harder when a dead body shows up.

My boyfriend and business partner, Gavin, and I just wanted a night off to go to the movies.

Instead, we find ourselves in the middle of another investigation when the movie theatre owner is found poisoned.

And guess who the number one suspect is?

Me!  Aubrey Rose.

Now it's time to get to the bottom of this murder plot, before Gavin and I end up in a starring role in the Willow Cove jail.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Aubrey Rose moved back home after a disastrous marriage to help her mother run their B&B.  She started off rocky with their handyman, Gavin, but now she can't imagine life without him.  But even the best of partners has a problem or two at times, and she doesn't know if he's holding a grudge from their last case.  When her mother suggests they go to a movie, they both are happy to have the night off.  It all starts off well -- greeting Jasper, the theater owner, and Aubrey notices him sitting a few rows back during the film.

Yet it doesn't end well.  Jasper is discovered dead, and the police think it was a heart attack.  But Jasper's young widow doesn't believe it, and hires the two new PIs to investigate the crime.  While the sheriff warns them off (again), they both think Madison, the widow, might be right, and so they begin their investigation.  But it doesn't make it easier to find any culprits, when there are so many suspects.

This is the fifth book in the series, and I have read them all.  This one is just as delightful as the others.  It's Christmas time, and the duo just want to solve the case before Christmas Day rolls around.  There's a house full of guests, and Aubrey's trying to avoid one who thinks she's a better sleuth.  Then there's the matter of Gavin's mother coming to visit, and he worries that she might not like his life choices.  But all Aubrey wants to do is find the killer so they can relax and enjoy the holiday.

Of course, we have Sheriff Dobbs looking for the easiest suspect to nab (no surprise there!) and it's up to Gavin and Aubrey to show him the error of his ways.  What I do like is the fact that when they find information, they share it with him immediately instead of withholding evidence for their own gain.  It shows integrity on their part.  Good move, Ms. Lane!

The list of suspects grows, and just when they think they have eliminated one another one appears.  But when another suspect asks for their help, they're no closer than they were before.

When the ending comes and the murderer is revealed, it was rather sad; still, a murder was committed and there is a price to pay.  In the end, this was an enjoyable read that I loved, and I can't wait to read the next in the series.

I was given a copy of this book from Whiskered Mysteries and the author, but it in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Case-Poison-Problems-Willow-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0CGB52943/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5839839429

More on Lily Rose Lane's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/l/lily-rose-lane/

Murder on Mistletoe Lane (A Stella and Lyndy Mystery Book 5)

Author:    Clara McKenna

Genre:     Mystery

Hardcover; Paperback (LP); Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781496738202; 9788885794589

Kensington Publishing

304 Pages

$27.00, $27.99; $12.99 Amazon

October 24, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Taking on the responsibilities that come with being Lady Lyndhurst, Stella is eager to embrace yuletide traditions in the Edwardian English countryside and use her strong social influence for good.  Her world becomes so consumed with starting a horse farm charity for the holidays that she barely notices the usual oddities attached to her upper-crust lifestyle.  At least, not until items vanish from her bedroom and maligned housekeeper, Mrs. Nelson becomes seriously ill -- only to be found dead in the cold on Mistletoe Lane...

Cheery spirits are dashed following the sudden death, especially once Stella questions whether her own staff knows what -- or who -- killed the woman.  Her suspicions mount when another person dies under strange circumstances during New Forest's annual Point-to-Point Boxing Day race.  Then there's the case of Morrington Hall becoming plagued by false identities, secret affairs, and disgruntled employees...               

Now, with two murders unfolding before their eyes in Late December, Stella and Lyndy realize they can't fully trust anyone except for themselves while investigating.  Because as disturbing answers come into focus, identifying the criminal responsible and surviving into the new year would be the greatest gift of the season...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Stella, Lady Lyndhurst, is celebrating her first British Christmas as a married woman, she came to England from her home of Kentucky in America, and fortunately fell in love with the man she was slated to marry by her father.  She's still finding her way around new customs, and her new mother-in-law is decidedly frosty in her presence, and it's not because of the weather.

It doesn't help that there are visitors arriving -- Sir Edwin, his wife Lady Isabella, and their son Frederick -- and Lyndy is curious because they've not been there in many years, at least since before he was born.

One night she is awakened by a maid because the housekeeper, Mrs. Nelson has taken ill and she doesn't know what to do.  Stella has her call the doctor, and once he informs her it's a case of food poisoning, Stella leaves her in the maid's care.  But the next day Mrs. Nelson is nowhere to be found.  Both Lyndy and Stella are stunned when they discover that she's been killed on Mistletoe Lane, and Stella wonders why she was out in the night at all, being so ill.

Now Stella has a murder to solve, and she wants it done before Christmas, so as not to spoil the holiday.  But there are other things afoot as well -- personal items from her room have been stolen, strange notes appear, Sir Edwin seems to be flirting with her (making her uncomfortable) and of all things, Lyndy's mother comes to her with a strange confession and asking for her help!  Will wonders never cease?

When there's another 'accident' which is deemed to be a murder occurs, it only strengthens Stella's intent to solve both.  Is she putting herself in danger?  Or will there be Christmas miracles after all?

I have to admit first that I rarely read historical novels.  Upon occasion, I will read something along the lines of Rebecca and other classics, but this is the one of the first historical cozies that I've ventured into.  And what a surprise I received.  The writing is excellent as well as the plot, and the characters are compelling (even those I didn't care for).  Everything is written with precision and in such a way to draw you into the story nearly from the beginning.

It was a delight to read, and now I find that I must go back and begin with the first one (this being the fifth story!) and introduce myself to all the characters from their onset.  I am actually looking forward to doing so.  

Stella is an intriguing character; she's from America and grew up as an only child on a large horse farm, she's developed her strong social and moral tendencies, with her kindness and forgiveness part of her being.  She's not a pushover, and is quite intelligent.  Her husband Lyndy is a perfect fit, allowing Stella her way while still taking on the role of protector, as was the wont then (and should still be).  

Throughout the story we are given many suspects and questionable behavior, all leading us to wonder who the murderer is.  When Stella has her 'aha' moment, we are not privy to the answer immediately.  We must watch as she confronts the killer along with her husband -- but she is not out of danger yet.

In the end, will Stella have her perfect English Christmas?  One must wait and see, but I can tell you that I highly recommend this book.

I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Mistletoe-Stella-Lyndy-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0BT8N13P1/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5810043782

More on Clare McKenna's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/m/clara-mckenna/