Christmas Cozies in July

Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The recipe review and food pairing found on my Instagram feed are of my own doing.  

Murder at a Scottish Christmas
The Scottish Shire Mystery Series
Traci Hall

Murder at a Scottish Christmas is the 6th book in the Scottish Shire Mystery series. This is a heartwarming cozy series that features Paislee Shaw, a hard-working single mom who owns her own specialty sweater and yarn boutique. Paislee even offers a "knit n sip" for the locals who like to work on a project while being social. This group of ladies are a great sounding board when it comes to reluctant sleuthing or life in general. The characters exude the same warmth and care that Paislee shows to everyone, even people who can be rather annoying, like the victim of this story. It really shouldn't be so hard to find a "first footer" to cross your threshold. This is a lovely tradition involving a dark-haired person walking through your front door after the stroke of midnight, making them the first person to step foot inside your house for the new year. It turns out that this was a tradition that my husband's paternal grandparents celebrated every year. His paternal grandfather was a first-generation citizen with a Scottish heritage. After reading this cozy, I decided that we needed to bring the tradition back. Thankfully we were not waiting on home renovations or running around looking for clues regarding a murder or a puppy smuggling ring. Paislee is an excellent friend, helping Amelia to find her puppy and get justice for her less than savory brother who had finally gotten himself is into more trouble than he could handle. There are plenty of suspects and clue chasing to keep you turning the pages. There is also the banter between DI Zeffer and Paislee. Hamish, the school master might seem like a smart match for Paislee, she is in no hurry to join the ranks of those in a relationship. I for one am #teamZeffer all the way. Looking forward to the next Scottish Shire Mystery.  

A Wonderful Christmas Crime
A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery
Jacqueline Frost

Holly Grey nee White is back for another cozy Christmas murder in the town of Mistletoe. The Gumdrop Gumshoe is making money on her notoriety which is a blessing and a curse.  Holly has a history of being curious, an almost insatiable curiosity that often puts her in the path of a murder. Speaking of history, what a neat aspect to incorporate a She just can't seem to help herself but not this time around. There are more people to think about this time, one very small, teenie tiny person to be. Holly and Ethan are expecting which means that family and friends are on "Holly watch" because the annual Christmas murder has taken place and Holly has promised to leave it be, but can she? It was entertaining to see how many people had been enlisted to keep Holly safe and sound. There are plenty of other things for Holly to keep herself busy with. There is the annual toy drive wrapping, the numerous Christmas cards that need to be addressed and sent out, the activities at The Hearth, and there are plenty of orders for jewelry to be crafted, packaged and mailed. She can also work on crossword puzzles with hidden meanings. She can get the remainder of her holiday shopping completed at one of the numerous vendor booths. Including the Antique Roadshow in the story was a very unique aspect that added some nice holiday history involving a yule goat and interestingly named foods. In addition to these great holiday touches are the usual and sometimes unusual but always entertaining bits. The mystery is well plotted with just enough clues and red herrings to figure it out without being obvious.  

Epilogue for a Christmas Murder

A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery

Lauren Elliott

It is with a heavy heart that I review this final book in the Beyond the Page Bookstore series. I will miss reading the wonderful cozies by recently departed author Lauren Elliot. This was a wonderful end to Addie’s story, although I am sure that if she could have, she would have continued this series. The character arc for Addie has been amazing as we the readers were able to feel a full array of emotions right along with her as she figured out who she was and what she was capable of doing and feeling. 

As for the story itself, it was entertaining as its predecessors with plenty of suspects, clues, and misdirection. There is a bit of romance that is carried over from the previous book. Normally I would say that the books from this series are stand-alone, but to truly understand all that Addie has experienced and how important this last book is, one should start at the beginning or at least read book number A Limited Edition Murder. 

This Christmas themed cozy is not the first holiday book in the series but it is definitely the best with a little Christmas magic, a little Christmas elf mischief, and a little Christmas love plus there is talk of a proper English hand pie that sounds just perfect for pairing with this cozy mystery that would be perfect to read by the fireplace.