Hello my cozy friends,
Today I am reviewing “Deck the Halls With Homicide” by Christina Romeril the 3rd instalment in the "A Killer Chocolate Mystery" series. I was excited to visit Alex and Hanna, owners of Murder and Mayhem book and chocolate shop in Montana. I missed reading book 2 but this can be read as a stand alone.
Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Frost and Vicki Delany, when a holiday decorating contest turns deadly, twin sisters Alex and Hanna trade tinsel and twinkle lights for tracking the twists and turns of a cunning killer.
Alex and Hanna, owners of Murder and Mayhem book and chocolate shop, are hoping for a quiet holiday. That is, after Alex is finished judging the Deck the Halls contest organized by Vanessa, nicknamed “The Dragon.” The whole experience has turned Alex’s usual festive spirit a little grinchy. Instead of inspiring holiday cheer with fun lawn displays, the contest has turned cutthroat and decorations have started disappearing. After Alex’s beau, Tom, is seen in a heated argument with the Dragon about his stolen trimmings, Alex finds him dressed as Santa, kneeling over Vanessa’s dead body…with one of his missing candy cane decorations buried in her chest. It’s no surprise he becomes the sheriff’s top suspect.
Alex and Hanna quickly amass a cast of suspects deeper than Santa’s reindeer roster, including an old family friend tasked by their mother with romantic interference; a nosy reporter eager to reveal Alex’s previous murder-y exploits; and the victim’s psychologist-to-the-stars husband with a spicy secret. But as they try to catch a crafty killer, Alex also grapples with the escalating wrath of Tom’s daughter, and a mysterious psychic dropping cryptic clues, while Hanna deals with her own Christmas crisis.
Murder puts a bitter spin on the twins’ sweet confections and they must find the killer and wrap up the case to keep Santa off the naughty list.
Alex and Hanna are back, and they're bringing the holiday cheer... and a dash of suspense! This latest mystery is a page-turner, with a contest that's more cutthroat than cozy, and a murder that'll keep you guessing. Vanessa's demise is just the start of a wild ride, with plenty of suspects and red herrings to keep you on your toes.
The story's got all the makings of a holiday classic: festive setting, quirky characters, and a dash of psychic mystery. Romeril's done a great job of weaving in character development, and I'm loving where things are headed with Alex and Hanna. The supporting cast is equally engaging, and the plot twists are expertly done.
If you're in the mood for a cozy, Christmas-y read, look no further! This one's got all the ingredients to make your holiday season a little brighter. Can't wait for the next instalment!
I requested and received an advance readers copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
Please join the conversation and comment below. Have you read… If so what did you think/like
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