Murder on 34th Street by Mariah Fredericks

 Murder on 34th Street

Book Summary

From the author of The Girl in the Green Dress comes a delightful and captivating novel about a fictional murder mystery at the iconic Macy's parade leading up to the holidays in historic New York City.

New York, 1932. Grace Verlander is the secret beating heart of Macy’s. She’s the “assistant to the assistant to the someone who’s in charge”, the go-to person for keeping everything running smoothly behind-the-scenes at the famous, bustling store.

It’s not every day you get a letter from Santa Claus, but three days before the Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, Grace arrives at work to find a note from the store Santa Claus in her locker: someone has sent him a death threat. Shocked, Grace promises to look into it and speaks to the store detective about the parade’s security, confident that they’ve found a solution that will keep everyone safe. But on the day of the parade, despite all their precautions, a dead body is found on one of the floats.

Using her wits and deep knowledge of the ways of the place, Grace is determined to find the killer and seek justice—not just for the dead man, but to save the reputation of this iconic store from ruin.

Steeped in glittering glamor and nostalgic wonder, this is a remarkable, unpredictable mystery set in the evocative world of one of New York’s most memorable institutions.

My Thoughts

Murder on 34th Street by Mariah Fredericks is a delightful holiday mystery where festive sparkle, sharp sleuthing, and danger meet beneath the lights of an iconic department store. Set in the early twentieth century, the novel blends historical atmosphere, humor, suspense, and seasonal warmth, while the bustling retail setting reveals the era’s social dynamics and the limitations placed on women.

Catherine is a clever, determined heroine whose perspective gives the investigation energy and heart. Fredericks’ accessible prose, vivid period details, and well-drawn supporting cast create an engaging mystery for readers who enjoy spirited heroines and seasonal intrigue with a touch of darkness. For a mystery wrapped in history and tied with a festive bow, Murder on 34th Street is a gift worth unwrapping.

Ready to add a little mystery to your reading list? Murder on 34th Street is available from Amazon, and you can discover Mariah Fredericks’s The Girl in the Green Dress along with her other novels on her Amazon author page.  I’ll be back on Tuesday, October 13, to feature Debbie Macomber’s latest holiday tale, A Date with Santa. Until next week, may your weekend be cozy, cheerful, and filled with plenty of delightful chapters!

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 Killer for Christmas by Kim Harrington

A Killer for Christmas

Book Smmary

Wrapped in red has a bloody new meaning in this contemporary holiday romance with a murderous twist, perfect for readers who enjoyed The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year.

Christmasville, Maine, is the only place where Kelsey Hendricks has ever felt happy. When she loses both her job and her boyfriend, the move is a no-brainer, especially when she sees a listing for a position as Christmasville’s social media manager. Surrounded by twinkling lights and candy canes and with the perfect job, this tinsel town is working its magic on Kelsey. With two heartthrobs vying for her attention, her life is now just like a Christmas movie.

Except for the murders.

The first one is dismissed as an accident. But after the second, and definitely the third, it becomes abundantly clear that Santa is leaving coal in someone’s stocking this year.

Determined to bring back the holly jolly spirit to the town before tourists begin canceling their reservations, Kelsey must sleuth her way out of a chilling murder mystery and back to a holiday rom-com.

This charming and clever mystery-romance where a cozy winter wonderland warms the heart while suspense chills the bones is the perfect read for the holiday season.

My Thoughts

Pour yourself some cocoa and settle in—A Killer for Christmas by Kim Harrington is a festive little mystery that brings just the right dash of holiday cheer, cozy romance, and suspense. Set in the tourist town of Christmasville, Maine, this lighthearted story blends a cozy mystery with a sweet holiday-romance thread, giving the suspense a fun rom-com sparkle without letting it take over. The mystery is well paced and satisfying, with a twist that adds a nice surprise, and the plot stays refreshingly easy to follow rather than becoming overly complicated. 

The Christmas setting may be unusual for a murder mystery, but it works beautifully and never feels forced. I also enjoyed the quirky cast of characters and the warm small-town atmosphere that make Christmasville feel inviting. The romance is gentle and supportive, adding charm and coziness while still leaving the mystery at the center. Overall, this is a quick, feel-good read with steady pacing, a relatable heroine, and a festive backdrop that makes Kim Harrington’s adult mystery-romance debut a cheerful seasonal treat. If Christmasville had a welcome sign, this book would be the twinkling lights around it.

Books, porch weather, and one very determined cat—what more could a reader ask for? Kim Harrington’s A Killer for Christmas is available now on Amazon. I’ll be back on Wednesday, September 23, with Mary Alford’s richly atmospheric and suspenseful The Memory House. Meanwhile, my cat, Dickens, has decided that the screened porch is the place to be. Since it’s still hot and humid, I don’t quite understand the appeal—and Dickens doesn’t understand why I won’t let her stay outside all night. Perhaps it has something to do with the coyotes and raccoons roaming our village since the nearby woods were cleared to make way for new homes! At eighteen, Dickens still acts like a kitten, proving that a little curiosity—and a good mystery—never gets old.

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 Nutcracker Nightmare by Christina Romeril

A Nutcracker Nightmare 

Book Summary

Hanna and Alex, owners of the Murder and Mayhem book and chocolate shop, are busy preparing for the Harriston High School’s reunion weekend. Neighbors will connect with old friends and perhaps try to avoid old foes. One person no one can avoid is Kyle, the former star quarterback, who is busy using his entire playbook to try and score with Hanna, even threatening her if she doesn’t play nice. At the reunion, Alex glimpses more drama than nostalgia as insults are flung around like a football at a Friday night game. The party is put on hold when Alex finds the dead body of none other than Kyle himself, bludgeoned to death by a nutcracker that the sisters admired earlier in the night.

Hanna quickly becomes the prime suspect—someone saw her slap Kyle in the face at the reunion dance. She’ll need her sister, their sleuthing canine, Watson, and their old friends and colleagues to help break this case wide open. While looking through old yearbooks and taking a stroll down memory lane, Alex uncovers a few secrets about Kyle, now, it seems like everyone had a motive to kill him.

But when the suspects start becoming the victims, Alex and Hanna know that they can’t melt under the pressure—they must find the killer before they become just another yearbook memory.

My Thoughts

A Nutcracker Nightmare by Christina Romeril takes us back to Harriston, Montana where twin sisters Alex and Hanna own Murder and Mayhem, a mystery bookstore that sells handcrafted themed chocolates.  Each chocolate is named after a poison (an example is strawberry strychnine).   While the series features twins, the story is told from Alex’s point of view.  Alex and Hanna have a close relationship.  They live together and work together.  It looks like both sisters will have a chance at romance, but the path forward will be a rocky one.  The murder takes place at a Harriston High School reunion where Alex and Hanna are providing chocolates.  It was obvious who would die early on.  The victim was an unlikeable fellow.  Hanna finds herself at the top of the suspect list (of course) so Alex dons her sleuthing cap and dives into the case.  There are plenty of suspects since Kyle, the victim, was a bully, a groper, and so much more.  Alex’s investigative skills need work. When she questions people, it sounds like she is accusing them.  Alex can be blunt to the point of being rude.  The clues and suspects are repeated frequently (I got it the first time).   The whodunit is neatly tied up at the end.  

There are a number of characters in this story, and it can be challenging to keep them all straight (it made me want to set up a murder board).  The contest in which Hanna is entering her chocolates and Kyle was to judge seemed to be an afterthought.  Personally, I thought the mystery should have surrounded the contest instead of the reunion.  The chocolate descriptions will have you craving bonbons and truffles (there are recipes for a couple of Hanna’s creations at the end).  While chilly temperatures were mentioned, Christmas not so much.  A Nutcracker Nightmare is the second book in A Killer Chocolate Mysteries.  I believe readers would benefit from reading A Christmas Candy Killing first where there was more world building.  A Nutcracker Nightmare is a killer cozy with delectable chocolates, a slayed sleaze, a sister as a suspect, romance troubles, an excess of suspects, and a hopeful heart.  

A Nutcracker Nightmare is available from Amazon*.  The first A Killer Chocolate Mystery is A Christmas Candy Killing.  While A Nutcracker Nightmare was not for me, if the description appeals to you, I encourage you to download a sample to check it out for yourself.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be back on October 24 with The Twelve Books of Christmas by Kate Carlisle.  It is the seventeenth A Bibliophile Mystery.  I hope that you have a fun weekend.  I am enjoying seeing the people drive by to view my front yard Halloween display.  I have included some daylight photos below.  You can see where the cemeteries guests are having a party to welcome the newest arrival who is in the reaper's coach.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

A Christmas Revelation by Anne Perry

Good Day!  Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano will be released on January 1.  It is the first novel in the American Heiresses series.  Jen Turano rights humorous, historical romance novels.  Hot Fudge Murder by Cynthia Baker comes out on January 29 along with The Gun Also Rises by Sherry Harris (I will feature on January 28). 

A Christmas Revelation by Anne Perry is the sixteenth novel in The Christmas Stories series.  The first book in the series is A Christmas Journey.  Worm lives at the clinic on Portpool Lane thanks to the kindly Claudine Burroughs.  Worm is out and about one day when he witnesses a lovely lady get kidnapped by two men.  Worm runs back to the clinic and reports the problem to Squeaky Robinson, the clinic’s accountant.  Squeaky tries to distract Worm with preparations for Christmas, but he is not to be deterred.  The next morning, the pair set out to find where the kidnappers are hiding the woman.  They soon find her and learn that she has the situation well in hand.  Eloise has plans for bringing the two men to justice for more serious crimes, but she could use their help.  With the assistance of Worm and Squeaky, Eloise sets out to bag the criminals and make sure their stockings are filled with coal by local prison warden.

A Christmas Revelation is part of The Christmas Stories series, but it can be read as a standalone (I have not read any other book by this author).  I found A Christmas Revelation to be a charming story.  Worm is grateful to have a warm, safe place to live plus food in his belly.  He has never experienced Christmas before and Squeaky wants to make sure Worm gets the full experience.  I enjoy the interactions between Worm and Squeaky.  I especially liked the scene where Squeaky was trying to explain Jesus to Worm.  When Squeaky could not distract Worm from Eloise’s dilemma, he sets out to help the young lad.  Squeaky is familiar with the ways of the street and has connections that can help them.  I liked seeing Squeaky and Worm grow closer.  I also appreciated that Worm is developing a sense of wrong and right now that he is living at the clinic.  A Christmas Revelation contains good writing and steady pacing.  I felt the author captured the time period with the language, clothing, buildings, conveyances, and how Christmas is celebrated during that time.  I liked the reference to how they needed to obtain a Christmas tree thanks to Queen Victoria’s husband. I did feel the mystery was slightly disappointing and there was a loose thread or two at the end.  I am giving A Christmas Revelation 4 out of 5 stars. It is a short book with only 177 pages which makes it the perfect type of book to read on a cold afternoon.  A Christmas Revelation is an enticing Victorian Christmas mystery.  

I appreciate you visiting today and reading my review.  I will feature Dear Santa by Nancy Naigle next time.  I hope you have a festive day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

12 Days at Bleakly Manor: Once Upon a Dickens Christmas

Welcome Back!   Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber will be available on October 3.  I look forward to reading Debbie Macomber's latest Christmas novel each year.  Ella's Journey by Lynne Francis is a historical British novel that will be published on October 5.  Seashells, Spells and Caramels by Erin Johnson is a new cozy mystery with paranormal elements that will be published on October 31 (it is not listed on Amazon yet).  

12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep is the first book in Once Upon a Dickens Christmas.  Clare Chapman lost everything nine months ago.  She is surprised when she receives an invitation to spend twelve days Bleakly Manor.  If Clare lasts the full duration, she will receive a sum of 500 pounds.  When Clare arrives at the manor, she finds she was not the only person to receive the unusual invitation and promised something in return.  Ben Lane was arrested on his way to marry Clare for a crime he did not commit.  He was promised his freedom if he stays through the twelfth day of Christmas.  Their anonymous host has decided that only one of the guests will win their promised prize.  Which guest will last the full twelve days and what is the person willing to do to win? 

12 Days at Bleakly Manor is a well-crafted and entertaining novel.  It is short, but it is packed full of action and intrigue.  The mystery was delightful (see if you can figure out the culprit in this one) and the characters interesting.    I like the Christian beliefs expressed in the story (compassion, prayer, faith, forgiveness, second chances, God is in control, trust, and hope).  The Christian theme is light but the point is gotten across.  My rating for 12 Days at Bleakly Manor is 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).  The author combined Bleak House by Charles Dickens with And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie in 12 Days at Bleakly Manor.  I appreciated the colorful, unique characters (especially the lady with the mice) that Ms. Griep created.  I am looking forward to the next installment in Once Upon a Dickens Christmas in A Tale of Two Hearts.  

If you enjoy reading Christian Christmas stories, check out Colors of Christmas by Olivia Newport.  Thank you for visiting.  I will be reviewing Purring Around the Christmas Tree by Liz Mugavero next time.  May you have a satisfying and relaxing Saturday. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Wagging Through the Snow: A Melanie Travis Mystery

Happy Book Release Day!  Dial Meow for Murder by Bethany Blake, Turkey Trot Murder by Leslie Meier, A Simple Wish by Charlotte Hubbard, Yuletide Homicide by Jennifer David Hesse, Wagging Through the Snow by Laurien Berenson, A Hive of Homicides by Meera Lester, The Persian Always Meows Twice by Eileen Watkins, Home All Along by Beth Wiseman, This Side of Murder by Anna Lee Huber, Purring Around the Christmas Tree by Liz Mugavero, Death by Eggnog by Alex Erickson, Dead and Ganache by Colette London, Sleep Like a Baby by Charlaine Harris, and Holiday Murder by Leslie Meier are books that are being released today.  

Wagging Through the Snow by Laurien Berenson is A Melanie Travis novella (technically it is the twenty-first book in the series).  Melanie Travis is enjoying a quiet Saturday when her brother, Frank visits.  It turns out that he made an impulsive purchase of Haney’s Holiday Home (a Christmas tree lot) in Wilton, Connecticut without the knowledge of his business partner, Bob (Melanie’s ex-husband).  The family troops out to examine the property and finds the buildings are dilapidated.  Everyone will need to work quickly to get it up and running for the Christmas season.  Davey and Kevin come running inside.  They heard a strange whimpering noise in among the trees.  The noise is coming from a cute little Maltese hidden under a dead body.  The victim is a local homeless man named Pete who had trouble with alcohol.  It looks like Pete was killed by a falling tree limb but appearances can be deceiving.  Melanie with Aunt Peg’s assistance (of course) sets out to discover more about Pete and who could have wished him harm.  Can Melanie wrap up this case before Santa comes sliding down the chimney or will she find herself stuffed in a body bag?

Wagging Through the Snow is well-written, engaging and has a good pace (which makes for an easy to read story).  I like the characters and most especially the lively dogs.  There is just the right amount and type of humor in this delightful tale.  There were some definite laugh out loud moments.  My rating for Wagging Through the Snow is 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it).  It is short, but packed full of action.  The mystery was compelling and the elements are revealed as the story progresses.  One clue gave away the identity of the killer to me.  I think many readers will be surprised when the culprit is revealed.  I was glad that the story was not rushed (it happens frequently in short stories).  The ending was heartwarming.  Wagging Through the Snow is my favorite A Melanie Travis Mystery.  This delightful cozy has engaging characters, good mystery, adorable dogs, humor, family, friends, and the spirit of Christmas.    

I appreciate you visiting today and reading my review.  I will be sharing my thoughts on These Healing Hills by Ann H. Gabhart on Wednesday.  May you have a jovial day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader