The Christmas Dinner Murder by Sarah Dunnakey

The Christmas Dinner Murder

Book Summary

Put your wits to the test in this festive crime novel stuffed with puzzles!

Renowned puzzler Audrey Peppertree is hosting a luxurious Christmas party in her famous manor. Her invitation was a playful riddle, but one RSVP was returned anonymously, with an ominous threat.

Put your wits to the test in this festive crime novel stuffed with puzzles!

Fearing for her life, Audrey asks her old friend Eloise Dodd – a retired bodyguard – to join the dinner and work out which of her guests could be hungry for revenge. But by the end of the evening, will Audrey's goose be cooked?

Trapped by storms and scared for their lives, the diners find themselves taunted with more cryptic games. It seems the arrogant killer likes to play with their food.

But if you put all of the puzzle answers together, they will lead to the solution of the crime… Can you beat the detectives to work out Whodunnit?

Including 25+ original puzzles devised by Mastermind- and University Challenge- quiz creator Sarah Dunnakey, this is the perfect gift for fans of Murdle, Ludwig, and Agatha Christie.

My Thoughts

Deck the halls and sharpen your pencils—this Christmas mystery comes wrapped in clues! The Christmas Dinner Murder by Sarah Dunnakey is an inventive, interactive whodunit with all the pieces in place for a closed-circle mystery: a remote manor, a Christmas dinner, guests trapped by a storm, and a threatening RSVP from an anonymous sender. Leading the sleuthing are Audrey Peppertree, a renowned puzzler, and Eloise Dodd, a recently retired bodyguard. 

Both are likable, intriguing characters who share a love of puzzles. I especially enjoyed how the brainteasers fit naturally into the plot, inviting me to crack the clues and piece together the mystery alongside the detectives. A sprinkling of humor keeps the mood light, while the atmospheric setting adds to the festive fun. That extra layer of challenge was a treat for the puzzle solver in me. For a Christmas read with more to unravel than ribbons, this clever mystery fits the bill!

Let’s wrap up the week with a little Christmas mystery and a dash of Thanksgiving cheer! The Christmas Dinner Murder is available from Amazon. Meanwhile, I’m busy bringing some seasonal charm to my front yard with Thanksgiving decorations. There are so many cute options, though I haven’t been able to find a Thanksgiving inflatable that moves (goes up and down or rotates). I’ll be back on Tuesday, November 10, with A Second Chance to Remember by Leslie Gould, the third book in the Letters from Lancaster County series. Until then, may your weekend be filled with cozy chapters and a generous helping of holiday cheer!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Chasing Daniel's Daughter by Mindy Steele

 Chasing Daniel's Daughter

Book Summary

After a storm destroyed her family's home, Martha Jane Raber was certain Aiden would rush back to Miller’s Creek to be with her. While waiting to become his wife, M.J. offers to help a friend learn to read. As the season blooms around Miller’s Creek, M.J. grows more determined than ever to get her own happy-ever-after.

If Sam Lewis could change one thing about himself, it would be the smudge on his last name. Taking a job with Daniel Raber might have cost him, but he soon discovers a new friendship with a woman who speaks to rainclouds and roosters. Being only her friend while she pines over another takes some strength, but Sam knows his place. That was, until M.J. disappears and Sam has no choice but to chase after the miller’s daughter.

My Thoughts

A heartwarming return to Miller’s Creek awaits in Chasing Daniel’s Daughter by Mindy Steel! Martha Jane Raber is eager for her happily ever after, and I had been looking forward to M.J.’s story—it did not disappoint. Steel’s warm, engaging writing brings this charming community to life, with thoughtful M.J. and unpretentious gentleman Sam at the heart of the story. The wonderful cast of characters adds even more sparkle to a tale filled with courage, love, friendship, acceptance, and faith. 

Along the way, it will make you smile, laugh often, frown with concern, and perhaps shed a tear or two. Chasing Daniel’s Daughter is the third book in the Daniel’s Daughters series. Although it can be read as a standalone, I recommend enjoying this delightful series in order. This uplifting visit to Miller’s Creek closed on a lovely note and left me smiling long after the final page.

There’s always room for one more book on the reading pile! Chasing Daniel’s Daughter is available from Amazon, along with the first two books in the Daniel's Daughters series. Looking ahead, Mindy Steele’s Holding the Reins, the fifteenth novel in The Heart of the Amish series, comes out January 15. I’ll be back on Thursday, November 5, with The Christmas Dinner Murder by Sarah Dunnakey. Until then, happy reading—may your next chapter be a delightful escape!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

A Classic Case of Murder by Daryl Wood Gerber

 

A Classic Case of Murder

 

A Classic Case of Murder (A Literary Dining Mystery) by Daryl Wood Gerber

About A Classic Case of Murder

 

A Classic Case of Murder

Cozy Mystery 

3rd in A Literary Dining Mystery series

Setting – North Carolina 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies 

Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 27, 2026 

Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages

 

Personal chef and caterer Allie Catt combines her love of fiction with her love of food in the scenic North Carolina mountains—but amid her latest themed event, based on Dickens’s beloved classic, A Christmas Carol, a rare-book expert’s goose is cooked…

In the charming town of Bramblewood, not far from Asheville, Allie’s preparing for a special seasonal soiree: a literary-themed dinner party that’s a tribute to Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. It’ll take place at the Amber Lantern, the quaint inn recently opened by her best friend’s mother, Noeline—and the holiday spirit has even led a Scroogelike local businessman to lend his prized first edition of the nineteenth-century novella for the event.

With the voices of carolers ringing in the air and the community theater staging a special performance, it looks like it will be a happy Christmas—until the priceless book disappears and someone murders the expert who authenticated it. And if the police have their way, Allie’s lawyer friend Freddy will be dragged away in chains like Marley’s ghost…

The crime has also cast a shadow over Noeline’s fledgling business, so Allie feels doubly obliged to find the real killer among the gathered guests and local visitors—and put an end to this nightmare. It’s time to investigate them all, every one . . .

About Daryl Wood Gerber

Daryl Wood Gerber is the Agatha Award-winning and nationally bestselling author of the Literary Dining Mysteries, Aroma Wellness Mysteries, Fairy Garden Mysteries and Cookbook Nook Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she penned the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. In addition, Daryl writes suspense novels, including the well-received Accidental Murder, The Son’s Secret, Girl on the Run, and the popular Aspen Adams trilogy. Daryl has published a standalone Christmas romance, Hope for the Holidays, a mystery anthology, and a children’s illustrated rhyming book. Fun Tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She Wrote.” She loves to cook, garden, read, and walk her frisky Goldendoodle. Also she has been known to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. You can learn more on her website: https://darylwoodgerber.com

Author Links

WEBSITE: https://darylwoodgerber.com 

FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/darylwoodgerber 

BOOKBUB: https://bookbub.com/authors/daryl-wood-gerber

YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/woodgerb1

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/darylwoodgerber

GOODREADS: https://goodreads.com/darylwoodgerber

TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@daryl_wood_gerber

AMAZON: https://bit.ly/Daryl_Wood_Gerber_page 

NEWSLETTER: https://darylwoodgerber.com/contact-media/

My Thoughts

Deck the halls, gather the suspects, and prepare for a delightfully Dickensian mystery! In A Classic Case of Murder by Daryl Wood Gerber, Allie Catt is ready to cry “Bah, humbug!” when a man is murdered during her Charles Dickens–themed A Christmas Carol literary dinner. Light, festive, and character-driven, the story weaves its literary theme throughout, with passages from A Christmas Carol opening each chapter and references to Dickens’s life and works adding fascinating historical tidbits. The mystery offers a merry surplus of suspects—excuse me, guests—and everyone seems to have a motive, leaving them quick to point fingers. Allie and her friend Tegan must work quickly to solve the crime before it sinks the Amber Lantern. 

With a sizable cast, the character list at the beginning is especially helpful, while the delectable treats Allie bakes for her clients are sure to make mouths water. As the third installment in the Literary Dining Mysteries, the book can be enjoyed as a standalone, though reading the series in order provides a richer introduction to the characters, town, and featured literary classics. Brimming with holiday charm, tempting culinary delights, colorful characters, and a satisfying small-town puzzle, A Classic Case of Murder serves up a cozy Christmas mystery worth raising a cup of cheer to!

Pull up a chair for an A Christmas Carol literary dinner—where the holiday spirit is on the menu and mystery is the uninvited guest! A Classic Case of Murder is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Kobo, and Mysterious Galaxy. For another helping of bookish mystery, check out the first two books in the A Literary Dining Mystery series: Murder on the Page and Murder by the Millions. Ready for a little giveaway cheer? You could win your choice of Murder on the Page or Murder by the Millions, plus a $15 gift card to Bookshop.org. Enter using the form below (scroll to the bottom) or click here to go directly to the entry form. Good luck! I’ll return on Wednesday, November 4, with Chasing Daniel's Daughter by Mindy Steele, the third book in the Daniel's Daughters series. Until then, may your reading be merry, your literary dinners delicious, and your mysteries delightfully twisty!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Tour Participants

October 26 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT 

October 26 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

October 27 – Romance Novel Giveaways – SPOTLIGHT 

October 27 – @bibliophile_foodie – REVIEW 

October 28 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

October 28 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews - REVIEW 

October 29 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST 

October 30 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW 

October 30 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT 

October 31 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT 

October 31 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT 

November 1 - Sarandipity's – SPOTLIGHT 

November 1 - Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT 

November 2 - Sarcastically Yours, Jen – SPOTLIGHT 

November 3 – Caboodle of Cozies – REVIEW 

November 3 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW 

November 4 – Twirling Book Princess – RECIPE 

November 4 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW 

November 5 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT 

November 5 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER GUEST POST 

November 6 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW 

November 7 – Boys' Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT 

November 8 – Salty Inspirations – SPOTLIGHT

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Montana Christmas Target by Terri Reed

Montana Christmas Target 

Book Summary

Running from armed gunmen—

and seeking a safe refuge.

Sculptor Fiona Halverson is shocked to stumble upon her ex-fiancé’s murder—just before a masked attacker attempts to abduct her. She’s rescued by FBI Special Agent Bryce Springs, who is investigating a counterfeit ring that points directly to Fiona’s art gallery. Forced to flee from a dangerous crime boss during a brutal blizzard, Fiona and Bryce must uncover how her gallery became part of a criminal operation—and prove her innocence. Facing armed adversaries and the treacherous storm, they’ll risk everything to expose the truth. But with every step, the fight for justice becomes a battle for their very survival.

My Thoughts

From the first page, Montana Christmas Target by Terri Reed delivers a captivating blend of suspense, romance, and faith. Fiona and Bryce are relatable, well-developed protagonists, and I enjoyed watching their chemistry grow amid tense, high-stakes circumstances. Criminal intrigue, fierce storms, and looming danger keep the pace brisk, while the story’s emotional depth makes the journey especially satisfying. With its winning mix of heart, hope, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this is a Christmas thriller that keeps you turning pages until the very end.

That’s a wrap on this week’s bookish fun—now let’s trade our to-do lists for a good read and a few Halloween treats! Montana Christmas Target is available from Amazon, and if you enjoy romantic suspense, Terri Reed’s other captivating books offer more adventures for your reading list. I’ll be back on November 3 with A Classic Case of Murder by Daryl Wood Gerber as a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, complete with a giveaway to sweeten the fun. Until then, have a happy Halloween, keep the candy bowl within reach, and may the only thing that goes bump in the night be the book you dropped after reading past bedtime!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Her Amish Christmas Memories by Patricia Johns

Her Amish Christmas Memories

Book Summary

A Christmas to remember

Could bring back everything she’s forgotten.

After a terrible accident, Millie Zook can’t remember anything: not her family, not her past, not even her best friend, Jonah Yoder. But the kind, Amish bachelor has been a devoted presence…and Millie finds herself developing feelings for him. Jonah has loved Millie since childhood, but she’s never wanted anything more than friendship, so he’s certain that once she regains her memories, these newfound feelings will fade. As Millie fits the pieces of her life together this holiday season, she’ll need to decide if the friend she always overlooked is the answer that her heart’s been searching for…

Amish Chocolate Shop Brides

Book 1:  An Amish Baby in Her Arms

Book 2: An Amish Bookshop Courtship

Book 3:  Her Amish Christmas Memories

Making candy at Shipshewana Candy Store

My Thoughts

Christmas brings the promise of fresh beginnings in Her Amish Christmas Memories by Patricia Johns, a sweet story of hope and healing. The author’s engaging writing style and relatable characters drew me into Millie Zook’s journey. I felt for Millie as she faced the uncertainty of losing her memory and having to rediscover her life, family, and friends while hoping her memories would return. 

Her special friendship with Jonah Yoder was a touching part of the story, and I appreciated his kindness in helping her even when doing so was difficult for him. Themes of second chances, self-reflection, forgiveness, personal growth, love, and faith give this tale its heart. The epilogue wrapped things up beautifully and left me smiling. Although this is the third book in the Amish Chocolate Shop Brides series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone. Her Amish Christmas Memories wraps hope, healing, and holiday warmth into a lovely Christmas reading treat.

A little Christmas cheer, a touch of chocolate, and a good book—now that’s a recipe for a cozy afternoon! Her Amish Christmas Memories is available on Amazon, along with the first two books in the Amish Chocolate Shop Brides series. There’s another treat to look forward to: Patricia Johns’s Amish Country Christmas, the third book in the An Amish Antiques Shop Romance series, arrives November 24. Follow the author on Amazon to receive notifications about her new releases. I’ll be back on Thursday, October 29, with the thrilling Montana Christmas Target by Terri Reed. Until then, may your reading nook be cozy, your chocolate stash plentiful, and your next chapter a little gift to your heart!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Secrets in Amish Country by Mary Alford

Secrets in Amish Country

Book Summary

The truth could cost her everything…

even her life.

Eve Lantz’s life takes a deadly shift when her return home after her brother’s sudden death is met with gunfire from an unknown assailant. Still haunted by her father’s unsolved murder, Eve is determined to uncover the truth behind the tragedies surrounding her family. Joining forces with her childhood friend, Assistant Police Chief Casey Masterson, she plunges into a dangerous investigation. Casey vows to protect Eve and expose the secrets linking these crimes, but the deeper they go, the more perilous their search becomes. The shadowy perpetrator will stop at nothing to keep his dark secrets hidden—and Eve may be the next victim.

My Thoughts

Clear your schedule before opening Secrets in Amish Country by Mary Alford—this gripping story is difficult to put down! Another tragedy strikes Eve Lantz’s family, bringing her and Casey Masterson together once again. I enjoyed following the pair as they battled danger, uncovered clues, and fought to keep Eve’s family safe. The action-packed plot delivers plenty of suspense, intriguing twists, and a satisfying conclusion that neatly ties the threads together. Faith is woven naturally throughout the story, with forgiveness at its heart. Even as Eve and Casey dodge bullets and bad guys, sparks fly between them, adding a sweet second-chance romance to the excitement. With danger, faith, and romance on every page, this Amish-country suspense is one thrilling ride!

Your next chapter pairs nicely with apple cider—grab a mug, claim your comfiest chair, and settle in with Secrets in Amish Country by Mary Alford. There’s more to add to your reading wish list: Mary Alford’s new romantic suspense, Guarding the Amish Child, arrives February 23, followed by Justice in the Bones on May 11. This fifth installment in the Justice Reclaimed series takes readers to Montana, where newly unearthed bones may resolve a cold case. 

Meanwhile, today’s releases offer plenty of reasons to make room on your bookshelf! Cozy mystery lovers can unwrap a delightful Christmas mystery with A Classic Case of Murder by Daryl Wood Gerber (I will be featuring on November 3) or puzzle their way through the cleverly crafted The Liars' Book Club by Ellery Adams. In the mood for romance? Choose from the charming second-chance romance One Last Shot at Christmas by Heidi McCahan, the heartfelt Thanksgiving with the Firefighter by Tanya Agler, the sweet Her Amish Christmas Memories by Patricia Johns, or the eventful The Best Christmas Ever by Sarah Morgan. For a little suspense with your seasonal reading, Montana Christmas Target by Terri Reed promises edge-of-your-seat moments, while Cold Case Arson Investigation by Kerry Johnson may tempt you to read well past bedtime. 

I’ll be back on Wednesday, October 28, with Her Amish Christmas Memories by Patricia Johns. Until then, keep your cider warm and your bookmarks handy—your next great read is waiting to whisk you away!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.