Sunday, November 8, 2020

Merry Scary Victorian Christmas by Mollie Cox Bryan

Merry Scary Victorian Christmas

Book Summary

Merry Scary Victorian Christmas by Mollie Cox Bryan has Viv Barton helping her Aunt Libby with Sweet Victoria B & B’s Annual Christmas Tea.  They have fifty people in attendance which has the two of them hopping.  All the sudden there is a scream that has Viv and Aunt Libby running towards the conservatory where they find a woman on the floor.  Viv checks for a pulse and is unable to find one.  The police learn that the victim was poisoned, and when they search the house, they find the murder weapon in Aunt Libby’s basement.  Aunt Libby becomes the prime suspect which does not sit well with Viv.  Viv needs to be subtle in her sleuthing because one wrong move could get Aunt Libby tossed in the clink.  She needs to work quickly if they are going to celebrate Christmas with their friends instead of at the state penitentiary. 

My Thoughts

Merry Scary Victorian Christmas by Mollie Cox Bryan is the 3rd A Victoria Town Mystery Novella.  This short cozy mystery can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series or have missed a tale.  Merry Scary Victorian Christmas is well-written, and it moves along at a quick pace.  Viv Barton is settling into Victoria Town, Virginia where she works and lives with her Aunt Libby at Sweet Victoria Bed and Breakfast.  Viv also works part-time at Mourning Arts for Irene.  The characters are developing suitably.  I like the direction that the author is taking with Viv.  It suits her natural curiosity, and it utilizes her mad computer skills.  Aunt Libby is such a sweet woman.  She is a great character with a fabulous bed and breakfast.  I enjoy the descriptions of Victoria Town.  It reminds me of German Village where I grew up as well as the Victorian town that is nearby. There is also wonderful word imagery of Victorian items such as fans, jewelry, clothing, and furniture.  The village is especially magical at Christmas time with carolers singing Christmas songs and the lovely decorations.  The mystery suited the story and its length.  There are a couple of suspects along with good clues to help readers solve it before the reveal scene.  The reveal or capture was a hoot that had me laughing.  We are introduced to a private investigator that has Viv (and others) drooling.  It will be interesting to see what happens with the handsome PI in the future.  The ending was heartwarming and jolly.  Merry Scary Victorian Christmas is a delightful Christmas cozy mystery with seasonal salutation strain, a poisoned person, a striking sleuth, a tragic tea, copious quantities of cookies, and cheering Christmas carols.

Merry Scary Victorian Christmas is available from Amazon*.  The two other novels in A Victoria Town Mystery Novellas are Killer Spring Fling and Masquerade Murder.   All three are available through Kindle Unlimited.  You can find Mollie Cox Bryan's other novels here.  Thank you for reading my review today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for The Amish Christmas Wedding by Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, Kathleen Fuller, and Vannetta Chapman.  I hope you will join me.  May you have a joyful day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.




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