Book Review: A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS (A Food Blogger Mystery) by Debra Sennefelder

A Corpse Among the Carolers (A Food Blogger Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 7th in Series 

Setting – Connecticut 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Beyond the Page Publishing (November 12, 2024)

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 226 pages 

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 . . . 

Includes tasty and toasty holiday recipes! 

Book Review 

Hope has high hopes of a family night with Ethan and his two daughters. As she's running around getting all the details perfect, she overhears snippets of conversation that give her pause. Nothing prepares her for the murder of the town's Santa. 

Both Ethan and the acting sheriff caution her not to investigate. Only she (and they) know she'll see what she can come up, along with her sister, Claire, Jane, and Drew. A few close calls strain the relationship between Hope and Ethan, not to mention her friends telling her to be careful. Each fact or picture Hope comes up with takes her in unexpected directions. 

The characters are likable or not depending on their role and it's no clear until the end who the killer is. The plot moves along nicely. This was a fun Christmas read and I certainly wouldn't turn down any of the goodies Hope brings with her to ease her questioning. This is the seventh book in the series but can easily be read as a stand-alone. 

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way. 

About Devra Sennefelder 

Debra Sennefelder is the acclaimed author of charming and suspenseful cozy mysteries set in small towns filled with intriguing characters and delightful pets. Based in Connecticut, Debra shares her home with her family and a lovable, slightly spoiled Shih Tzu. Her passion for mystery fiction, particularly cozy mysteries, inspires her to create engaging stories that blend crime-solving with delicious recipes and stylish fashion. She is the author of the Food Blogger Mystery series, the Resale Boutique Mystery series, and the Cookie Shop Mystery series. 

When she’s not plotting her next whodunit, you’ll find her baking sweet treats or indulging in a good book. When she’s not reading, she enjoys cooking and baking and as a former food blogger, she is constantly taking photographs of her food. Yeah, she’s that person. Born and raised in New York City, where she majored in her hobby of fashion buying, she now lives and writes in Connecticut with her writing companion, Connie. 

She can be reached at Debra@DebraSennefelder.com 

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VETERAN'S DAY 11/11.2024

 

Each year, in the United States, we celebrate Veteran's Day - one of the few holidays that is not moved to a Monday, but always is on November 11th. Why? 

Originally called Armistice Day, it marks the anniversary of the end of World War I, when the armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. In 1938, it became a federal holiday, and in 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all veterans, not just those from World War I.  

THANK YOU TO ALL THE VETERANS WHO HAVE SERVED TO PROTECT OUR FREEDOM

I have a special place in my heart for those who served in WWII - my father (POW) and one uncle (KIA). Sometines called the "Greatest Generation" there are a lot of books and movies about the men who served. I only highlighted two here:

Ever the Patriot: Recollections of Vincent J. Riccio, World War II Veteran and POW (Candace Riccio Salem)  

 

Review excerpt: "A good story of a patriotic member of America's 'greatest generation.' The story is taken from the veteran's own words as recorded and transcribed by his loving family members. As an Air Force veteran of the Cold War I appreciated the story of this man's service and sacrifice for our country. A feel good read that made me proud."

A Wing and a Prayer: The "Bloody 100th" Bomb Group of the US Eighth Air Force in Action Over Europe in World War II by Harry N. Crosby

“A compelling account of the air war against Germany” written by the navigator portrayed by Anthony Boyle in Apple TV’s Masters of the Air (Publishers Weekly).

"Masters of the Air" was produced for Apple TV based on Crosby's book (click on the picture for a link to the trailer). Well worth the watch...

There are many more biographies, memoirs, and historical fiction related to WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan.... Again thank you to the veterans who served and kept us the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.

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Showcase: MRS. ODBODDY AND THE CONNIVING CANDIDATE (A WWII tale of political shenanigans and snookery) by Elaine Faber

Even as WWII wages across the Pacific, election time has come to Newbury. Mrs. Odboddy has had enough of the city council making it difficult for women to gain licenses to start businesses, even in their own homes. Agnes decides to run for the vacant city council seat. That’s when the trouble starts, first when someone breaks into her house, opens the pipes, and floods her kitchen. Katherine and her colored friend are attacked in a race-related assault, and the local church is vandalized.

 Were all these disasters intended to discourage Agnes from continuing her campaign? That’s when an official accusation of theft is filed against her by her political opponent, Horace Faggenbacher, owner of The Flying Red Horse gas station. 

To make matters worse, Katherine’s ex-fiance is back in town declaring his undying love, attempting to convince her to marry him. With each disaster that affects the family, Dr. Dew-Right somehow manages to lend such helpful assistance that Katherine is prevented from kicking him to the curb. But, when anonymous claims against Agnes result in the state’s plans to take away their beloved ward, Mattie, Agnes knows she’s up against a conniving opponent who will stop at nothing to prevent her winning the election. 

How can she prevail against such sinister attacks when her family is at risk? Is winning an election really worth it? On the other hand, how can she allow this conniving candidate’s assaults against her reputation and family force her out of the race? Join Agnes in her journey against overwhelming odds as she attempts to win an election that could help bring about more equitable decisions to the Newbury citizens, to the women in town, and the colored community. 

AMAZON

The Mrs. Odboddy Series

Mrs. Odboddy Hometown Patriot

Mrs. Odboddy Undercover Courier 

Mrs. Odboddy and Then There was a Tiger

Mrs. Odboddy's Desparate Doings

Mrs. Odboddy and the Conniving Candidate

About the Author

Elaine Faber's short stories are published in magazines and multiple anthologies. She is an active member of Sisters in Crime, Elk Grove Wrters Guild, and Northern California Publishers and Authors. 

The Mrs. Odboddy mysteries are set in Northern CA during WWII, a humorous historical fiction both informative and funny. Mrs. Odboddy - Hometown Patriot is the first in Elaine's WWII humorous mystery series. Mrs. Odboddy fights the war from the home front, seeing conspiracies and spies around every corner. When Mrs. Roosevelt comes to town to attend a funeral, Agnes's fears become a reality and she must prove she is, indeed a hometown patriot. 

All books are reader friendly without explicit sex, extreme violence or profanity. Elaine's short stories are published in 21 anthologies over the past 7-8 years. Elaine lives in Elk Grove, CA, with her husband. They currently share their home with two house cats.

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Book Review: TAKE THE WHEEL (Previously published as BLIND BAKE : Maddie Baker #1) by Denise Grover Swank

About the Book

Maddie Baker just wants to make ends meet. She gave up her school librarian career to return to her hometown and take care of her elderly aunt. So when she starts making Uber runs to supplement her barista job, she never dreamt she’d not only drop a man off to his murder but be labeled a person of interest in his death. 

Detective Noah Langley is looking for a fresh start in a city with a lower crime rate and a fraction of the population of Memphis. It’s just what he needs to recover from a nightmare that left him severely injured and his teenage mentee dead. The first murder since he’s arrived in Cockamamie is a chance to prove to his boss and himself he should be there. 

Noah doesn’t have many leads, but the few he has all tie back to one person: Maddie Baker. She doesn’t seem the type, but the last time he presumed someone was innocent he nearly died. Has Noah lost his instincts? Because if he can’t trust his gut, it might be time to turn in his badge. 

Review 

Maddie Baker returns to her old home town, not so naive and less trusting. Only her elderly aunt needs help. Maddie juggles multiple jobs and ends up a suspect in a murder - wrong place, wrong time. But she's determined and begins to collect clues on her own, to prove her innocence. 

The new detective, Noah, in town moved from the city to a small town, not expecting to have to deal with a homicide right off. He also has his own baggage. Maddie and Noah get off on the wrong foot, but as the story progresses, there are definite signs of a romance brewing. 

This is the first in the Maddie Baker series, and a good start to a series. The main characters are well-developed and the small town and its culture are described. As with other works by this author, this is a well-written cozy mystery, with a steady pace, and unexpected surprises. Even with the murder solved, there's still more to come with Maddie (and perhaps Noah) and more mysteries to solve. This is the first of three books in the series.

AMAZON

About the Author 

Denise Grover Swank is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal best-selling author who writes mystery and romance. She lives in Lee's Summit, Missouri, a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri. She's a single mother to six kids and four dogs. She spends her free time binging Netflix, drinking wine, and reading. Not necessarily in that order.

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Book Review: MURDER IN NEW MEXICO (A Cottonwood Springs Cozy Mystery #15) by Dianne Harman

About the Book (from Amazon)

In the vast landscapes of New Mexico, a chilling cold case casts a long shadow over a small town, harboring secrets that some will kill to keep. 

Brigid knew investigating a murder from over fifteen years ago wouldn’t be easy. Time fades memories, clues deteriorate, and witnesses disappear. But when a friend pleads for her help, Brigid cannot turn away. Venturing into unfamiliar territory, she's met with more than just the challenge of piecing together a jigsaw from the past – the town has its own secrets, buried deep within, fiercely guarded by those who have everything to lose. 

As Brigid delves deeper, she encounters old grudges that never quite faded, and a tightly-knit community that protects its own. It’s a place where hatred has endured the test of time, manifesting into present-day hate crimes against those daring enough to unearth the truth. 

With her ever-faithful Newfoundland, Jett, by her side, Brigid is determined to find the killer, even as the lines blur between the past and present. But the killer is equally determined, and for them, Brigid's quest for truth makes her a threat that must be silenced. Experience a riveting tale of suspense, where the past's cold embrace meets the burning dangers of the present. 

Review 

Brigid gets involved in this cold case because of her friend, with Jett to help out. As she pursues clues, she calls on a sheriff she has worked with before for assistance. Brigid's investigative skills shine. In the end she is able to find answers and help her friend on, fulfilling a promise made when the man was killed. 

The story is well-written, well-plotted, and engaging. The unexpected twists and turns keep the story moving. The descriptions of Cottonwood are delightful.This is my first in the series, and was easily read as a stand-alone mystery. Still, I always recommend starting at the beginning. 

AMAZON

About the Author 

USA Today Bestselling Author and Amazon All-Star, Dianne Harman, draws her stories and characters from a diverse business and personal background. She owned a national antique and art appraisal business for many years, left that industry, and opened two yoga centers where she taught yoga and certified yoga instructors. 

She's traveled extensively throughout the world and loves nothing more than cooking with her husband, Tom, and playing with their boxer dog, Kelly. Being a dog lover and having attended numerous cooking schools, she couldn't resist writing about food and dogs. 

She’s the author of several cozy mystery series: Cedar Bay, Liz Lucas, High Desert, Midwest, Cottonwood Springs, and Chef Dani Rosetti. Most of these books contains recipes from her travels. She is also the author of the award-winning suspenseful Coyote Series, Midlife Journey Series, Holly Lewis Mystery Series, Miranda Riley Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series, and the Maria Rodriguez Mystery Series.

 

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AN ITCH OF SECRECY (An Izzie Di Sante Mystery #5) by Christa Nardi

Amidst the Christmas chaos, a friend's urgent plea for help places one more challenge on Izzie’s already overflowing plate. 

Known for his immense wealth and his impact on private healthcare services, Carson J. Keltce’s murder had ripple effects from the small town of Blanton to Baltimore and beyond. Izzie Di Sante, a restaurant owner with a passion for investigative reporting, is pulled into the investigation when her best friend calls sobbing. Nicole was living with CJ and the police have her pegged as a person of interest. The police question Nicole's involvement, given the strained relationships CJ had with his family and the secrecy surrounding his personal life. 

Even though the restaurant is crazy with the Christmas holidays and Chloe's upcoming wedding, Izzie somehow makes time to look into CJ’s murder. Her questions soon ruffle someone's feathers. With each revelation, the danger intensifies, and Izzie must stay sharp to navigate the perilous path ahead and uncover the secrets that led to CJ's tragic end.

AMAZON

Read an excerpt:

CHAPTER 1

Whenever I thought of my sister’s upcoming wedding amidst the holiday rush, I panicked. If ever things could go wrong in the restaurant business, this combination spelled disaster. To make it worse, Chloe, as the chef for our family restaurant, took charge of the menu for her own wedding. 

As a diversion, I checked the homicide alerts for recent murders near Pinewood, Maryland, where I lived. Although the restaurant took up most of my time, Chloe and I had worked out ways for me to take time off to feed my passion for investigative reporting. I was most interested in those cases where it seemed as if the police had nabbed the most convenient suspect or they had no suspects.

One alert caught my attention. Other than the victim’s name, there was little information shared. “A shooting yesterday in Blanton, MD, resulted in the death of Carson J. Keltce, outside his home. If you have any information, please contact the Blanton PD.” 

From his picture, Keltce was an attractive man, white, probably a professional from the jacket and tie. There had been only one update since the earlier post. Again, the alert shared meager information. 

“Police responded to a call of a shooting and a man down. First responders pronounced Carson J. Keltce dead at the scene. Anyone with information should contact the police.” 

Blanton wasn’t that far from the family restaurant, Cenare, I co-owned with Chloe. From the information I pulled up, Blanton was a small town, probably a bedroom community for some working and living in DC. The pictures showed mansions and large homes. 

I’d never been to Blanton, and I avoided DC with all the tourists and traffic whenever possible. My best friend since high school, Nicole Mancini, worked in DC as a social worker. It occurred to me I hadn’t heard from her for a while. I took a deep breath, cuddled with my cat, Tira, showered, and dressed. 

After more than a month back living in my childhood home, the short drive to Cenare no longer bothered me. I still kept dresses and shoes in the upstairs loft there, where I’d lived for several years. Back then, my only commute to work had been a flight of stairs. 

I arrived at Cenare before Chloe, as always. I spent my early mornings working on the books and checking the status of orders. I went upstairs to the office and took care of those tasks, then headed back downstairs to start the inventory. Chloe arrived and handed me a breakfast casserole. Her breakfast treats were always a pleasant surprise. 

“Thanks, Chloe. I don’t know why, but I’m hungry. Probably the cold front.”

 “It’s definitely chilly out there. Great idea to put a coat rack in the side room.”

 She pulled off her jacket and set it on the rack next to mine. I handed her the menu, and she opened her mouth to say something as my phone pinged. I smiled, put my hand up to Chloe, and answered. 

“Hey, Nicole. How are you?” 

“Izzie.” She sobbed. 

“What’s wrong? Are you sick? Your parents?” 

Chloe’s mouth dropped, and she froze in place. 

Between sobs, I caught a few words. “CJ.” “Police.” “Dead.” 

“Try to calm down. I think you’re trying to tell me something about someone named CJ, the police, and someone died. Who’s CJ?” 

“He’s the person in charge at HHS – Home Health Services. The company I work for.” She gave off an anguished cry. 

“Are you seeing or involved with CJ?” 

“Yes. Only he’s dead, Izzie. The police came and asked me questions. Someone killed him.” 

“Is his last name Keltce?” 

“Yes. How did you know that?” 

Chloe put her hands out and I mouthed, “Later.” She shrugged and got to work.

 “I spotted the alert this morning. I’m surprised the Baltimore police sought you out already.” Nicole lived in the outskirts of DC, with most of the places she worked in the DC area. 

“I wasn’t home. I was at his house. Inside when someone shot him in the driveway.” 

“OMG. Nicole, did you see the shooter?” 

“No. The police asked me that, too. I was in the kitchen. I heard the shots and ducked. Don’t ask me why I ducked. I did. When I heard no more noise, I looked out the front door. CJ was on the ground, flowers by his side. I called the police.” 

“Was he alive then? Did he say anything?” 

“I checked for a pulse. Only I couldn’t find one. I called out his name. Blood everywhere. I got sick by the hedges as the police arrived.” 

She cried some more. “Before you ask, the police also asked if I knew anyone who had a beef with him. Not enough to kill him in cold blood. Some people groused about their hours and cases and pay.” 

“Are you okay? Do you need to work today?” It was Tuesday and in the past, Nicole’s hours were sporadic. 

“I’m due at the Medical Rehab Center at noon. On call for all trauma victims for the next twelve hours. Izzie, the police told me not to leave the area. I explained about my job. The two of them argued whether it was beyond the usual limit. Finally, the older one, Sandler, cleared me to go to work and warned they’d be checking to make sure I showed up.”

"Are you okay with going to work?” 

“Yes. I think so. I need something normal. Maybe I’ll call and see if anyone can take my shift. Why would the police check on me?” 

“Usually in a homicide, they always look at the people closest to the victim and in the area at the time it happened. You’re both.” 

“That‘s why they wiped off my hands, right? I tried to explain the maple syrup, only they weren’t listening. Do I need an attorney, Izzie?” 

“Maybe. Maybe not. If you can’t afford one and you need one, they’ll assign a public defender. In the meantime, be careful what you say to them.” 

I heard the doorbell in the background. 

“Izzie. I have to go. The police are back.” She disconnected. 

The last time we’d talked, she’d broken up with Mickey. The only other thing I remembered were her comments about doing the work of two people and budget cuts. She’d talked of changing jobs and mentioned a change in leadership. I’d tried to convince her to look for a job closer to Pinewood. That hadn’t happened, and now a murder.

Excerpt from AN ITCH OF SECRECY. Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved.

The Izzie Di Sante Mysteries 

Reawakening the Itch (Prequel) 

An Itch for Justice 

The Itch of Murder 

An Itch of Danger 

The Itch of Scandal 

An Itch of Secrecy

Book Review: OPERATION PROTECTED ANGEL (Shepard Security Series Book 1) by Margaret Kay

Not a cozy.... more romantic suspense/military...

ABOUT THIS BOOK 

Angel Matthew’s day started like any other…until she ran into the armed man in the hallway at work. What came next was a blur, a hostage ordeal, a terrorist attack, explosions and gunfire, a fight for her life. Then she wakes with a head injury and finds herself in the custody of a group of armed men, who won’t disclose exactly who they are. One of them, the attractive and attentive Jackson is kind and Angel finds herself trusting him, falling for him. 

Shepherd Security recruits only the best. They can protect someone in trouble like no other because they work in the shadows, invisible, and outside the system where the rules don’t apply–just the oath they took. They don’t exist. That’s also why they can break any suspect and can get answers out of anyone accused. 

That’s when they’re called in, when someone must be protected at all costs, or when answers must be obtained, by any means necessary. Sometimes it’s not clear, though, is the person in their custody a witness or the perpetrator, a friendly or a foe, innocent or guilty as sin? Angel Matthews fits into this category–where exactly needs to be determined. 

Warning, this story is realistic, with adult language and content. It does contain one scene of violence and abuse, followed by healing and strength on the way to the HEA.

REVIEW 

Angel's plight is real and she goes from one terrifying situation to another as "guest" of those who rescued her but can't determine if she is friend or foe. Jackson is primary and is conflicted with his sense of duty and his more primal instincts. Tension mounts regarding the possible terrorists and questions of whether Jackson can still be effective.

A story of off-the-books warriors protecting the nation's security, the pace is quick, the tension is thick. The characters of Angel and Jackson are well-developed and add a romantic twist to the tale. As indicated in the warning, there is profanity and violence, and mild adult content, but all with a HEA. At least until the next assignment.  This is the first book in the Shepard Security series, a new series and author for me. 

AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Margaret Kay is a wife, a mother of two adult children, a grandmother, a pet lover who makes her own dog food from scratch, and is a writer of Military Romance Novels and other genres as well. Margaret's husband proudly served 8 years in the United States Navy. She's a veteran of more than a few deployments as the spouse who took care of the family while her military member served halfway around the world.

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