Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas by Lynn Cahoon

 Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas

Book Summary

Mia Malone is planning a holiday party to promote her catering and cooking school business—but she’s got a Christmas spirit to deal with first, in this new Kitchen Witch Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon . . .

 

For all its merriment, Christmas can also bring melancholy—and in Magic Springs, Idaho, Mia finds that the season has brought her an unhappy ghost who’s pulling poltergeist-style pranks to get her attention. When she demands an explanation, the ghost just sends a message: Ask Mary Alice—that is, Mia’s beloved Grans, who’s been training her to develop her witchy talents. If anyone can figure this out, it’s Grans . . . even if she still hasn’t managed to free Mia’s cat from a previous spell that she cast.

 

The restless spirit turns out to be Magic Spring’s most well-known ghost, Dorothy, who supposedly died peacefully in her sleep. Now Dorothy claims she was murdered, and she wants her killer brought to justice. And she doesn’t have much patience about it, so the pressure is on Mia—with some help from her boyfriend, Trent, and a strangely secretive Grans. There aren’t many dicing-and-chopping days till Christmas—but this year, the most important gift Mia can give is to cheer up this troubled spirit . . .

My Thoughts

Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas by Lynn Cahoon is A Kitchen Witch Mystery Novella (#2.5).  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series, but I believe it is best if you read the other two books first.  Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a cute short story.  Mia is busy preparing for a Christmas party to promote Mia’s Morsels.  Unfortunately, a ghost starts wreaking havoc causing delays.  The ghost is Dorothy Purcell who believes she was murdered.  If Mia is going to have a successful party and a jolly holiday, she will need to do a little sleuthing with help from her friends.  Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a fun story.  It is well-written with friendly characters and the story moves along at a quick pace.  When Mia is not digging for clues, she is decorating the lobby for the holiday party or busy cooking.  Grans, Trent, and Christine are back, and they help Mia with her investigation.  Mr. Darcy/Dorian is present too.  The mystery was cute and suited the length of the book.  I was left with an unanswered question at the end of the book (and I really wanted the answer).  I would have liked more magic.  There was very little magic in the story (except for seeing ghosts).  I would like more of the magical elements.  I enjoyed reading Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas and I am looking forward to reading Three Tainted Teas when it comes out in the spring.  Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a spirited cozy mystery with sweet sugar cookies, a grumpy ghost, an enigmatic Grans, a beau with a talent for bedecking the halls, a cooperative college student, and a harried kitchen witch.  

Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in A Kitchen Witch Mysteries here.  The next A Kitchen Witch Mystery is Three Tainted Teas which publishes April 26, 2022.  Lynn Cahoon has Wedding Bell Blues releasing March 1, 2022.  It is 13th A Tourist Trap Mystery.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be back on Monday with Slashing Through the Snow by Jacqueline Frost.  It is the 3rd A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery.  I hope that you have a happy and safe Halloween.  Do not eat too many sweet treats (I have caramels and chocolates).  Tomorrow I will share pictures of my outdoor Halloween decorations.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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