O, Deadly Night by Vicki Delany

 O, Deadly Night

Book Summary

’Tis the season for mischief and murder in the eighth Year-Round Christmas mystery from national bestselling author Vicki Delany.

It’s Christmastime in Rudolph, New York, which means it’s time for the December Santa Claus parade. This year, shop owner Merry Wilkinson has decided to decorate her float as Santa’s elves' workshop and invites her landlady, Mabel D’Angelo, to help supervise the excited children playing the elves. But when Mrs. D’Angelo doesn’t show up, Merry begins to worry.

Worry quickly turns into frustration when Mrs. D’Angelo reveals she was delayed by new neighbors moving in. As the center for all things gossip, Mrs. D’Angelo is determined to introduce the new arrivals to the neighborhood. As the days pass, Mrs. D’Angelo notices strange things about the newcomers, but Merry, busier than an elf in Santa’s workshop, has little time for matters that really don’t concern her. But things turn from jolly to downright concerning when Mrs. D’Angelo disappears and Merry is forced to admit that something might be terribly wrong.

With family and friends counting on her during this stressful holiday season, it is up to Merry to make sure this Christmas doesn’t end up wrapped in blood red.

My Thoughts

O, Deadly Night by Vicki Delany takes us back to Rudolph, New York where Merry’s nosy landlady, Mabel finds herself in hot water.  I enjoyed the descriptions of Rudolph and the shops.  It sounds like a charming town.  I like the characters, and it is a cute touch that most of them have holiday names.  Merry’s father, Chris, is a dear and a great mayor.  If I lived in Rudolph, the last person that I would want for a neighbor is the inquisitive, Mrs. D’Angelo. My favorite character is Merry’s dog, Mattie (I love St. Bernard’s). 

The story does contain repetitive details and passages (like sentences were copied and pasted).  The pacing was mixed. I wished it had been consistent throughout the book. The mystery had some interesting components, but it was a cinch to solve.  The killer stood out like a lady in red among a sea of women in little black dresses.  Merry was off her game and ventured into the “too stupid to live” realm.  I thought one aspect of the reveal was amusing and suited winter.  O, Deadly Night is the eighth A Year-Round Christmas Mystery and it can be read as a standalone. There are recipes at the end for some of the tasty items mentioned in the story.  O, Deadly Night is a merry mystery with a new neighbor, a rampant rumormonger, an exuberant St. Bernard, a vanished conversationalist, funny money,  resolving a rivalry, delectable baked goods, and Christmas cheer.

O, Deadly Night is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in A Year-Round Christmas Mysteries here.  You should check out Vicki Delany's other novels including A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for Thanks for Muffin by Victoria Hamilton. It is the eighth A Merry Muffin Mystery.  I am off to decorate my golf cart.  The Halloween golf cart parade is rapidly approaching and I have not begun.  I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

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.

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