Reviews

Christmas Scarf Murder by Carlene O'Connor, Peggy Ehrhart, Maddie Day

theavidreaderandbibliophile's review

4.0

Christmas Scarf Murder by Carlene O’Connor, Maddie Day, and Peggy Ehrhart contains three cute holiday themed cozy mysteries. All three stories are well-written and fit nicely into their respective series. I like how the Christmas scarf theme fit into each story. I thought Maddie Day had a clever method of murder. I wish there had been more investigating by Robbie Jordan in Scarfed Down. It was nice to catch up with Robbie, Abe, Sean, Adele, and the others. It was cute how Robbie and her staff were making dishes to go with The Twelve Days of Christmas. I like how Robbie was reading a new book by Becky Clark from A Crossword Puzzle Mysteries. The Christmas scene at the end was sweet. There is plenty of Christmas cheer in all three novellas. I enjoyed the first two stories more than Death by Christmas Day Scarf by Peggy Ehrhart. There are so many characters introduced in the beginning of the tale. I felt that the main character did not stand out especially with next to her dynamic best friend. The mystery was okay, but I find the way it was solved a little odd. Christmas Scarf Murder by Carlene O’Connor had an interesting mystery along with Christmas fun. It is a lively story which I liked. I like how the whodunit came together in the end. It can be read as a standalone along with Scarfed Down. I believe Death by Christmas Day Scarf is better for those who are familiar with A Knit and Nibble Mysteries. Christmas Scarf Murder has three charming Christmas cozies with sweater weather, festooned trees, wonderful waffles, copious knitting, a couple of curious crimes, and cheerful Christmas celebrations.

melmo2610's review

4.0

This review is for Maddie’s story only. I have yet to read the other two series who’s stories are in this book but I had to read Maddie’s as that is a long time favorite cozy series for me. I enjoyed the Christmas mystery surrounding Robbie and her friends. The mystery was good and with an unusual murder weapon and several good suspects. Enjoyed.

aliciagoeser's review against another edition

funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

kimdavishb's review

4.0

CHRSTMAS SCARF MURDER is the novella trilogy by Carlene O’Connor, Maddie Day, and Peggy Ehrhart. With holiday cheer galore and a knotty mystery to solve in each story, this book is the perfect accompaniment to a glass of eggnog and a plateful of cookies in front of a roaring fire. Although each story is based on each author’s beloved series characters, you can easily read the book as a standalone. It’s a terrific way to catch up on the characters you love while waiting for the release of the next full-length book, or be introduced to new characters. While I’m quite familiar with, and fond of, Carlene O’Connor’s and Maddie Day’s series, I’ve not read anything by Peggy Ehrhart. I found it easy to jump into the story and follow the protagonist as she and her best friend solve the mystery. It also made me want to add her books to my TBR pile and catch up.

Each novella contains a mystery revolving around a Christmas scarf. The mysteries are well-plotted, despite the short length, and I have to give kudos to Maddie Day for the most creative use of the scarf as the murder weapon… no spoilers here! There are clues for the eggnog-sipping armchair detective to follow and several twists that kept me on my toes. Each mystery had a highly satisfactory conclusion, and despite the murder and mayhem involved, the stories exude the delight of the Christmas season.

I greatly enjoyed that there are recipes for the reader to make at home, and Peggy Ehrhart even included a cozy teddy bear knitting pattern!

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

booklovingmom_'s review against another edition

5.0

Christmas Scarf Murder consists of three stories from cozy mystery series. The first mystery is part of Charlene O’Connor’s Irish Village Mystery series. It is the first I have read in this series, but I still found it to be a good Christmas mystery with likable characters and I wasn’t lost even though this was my first time meeting these characters.

The second mystery in the series is from Maddie Day’s Country Store Mystery series and it’s the second book I’ve read in this series. I wasn’t a huge fan of the first book I read in this series, but I liked this short mystery better. It’s still not my favorite series out there, but is made a nice addition to this set of Christmas scarf mysteries.

The third book is from Peggy Ehrhart’s Nibble and Knit mystery series and the reason why I wanted to read this collection of mysteries in the first place. I absolutely love this series and am always so excited when I see a new mystery is coming out! I loved this mystery as much as every other one it this series! The characters are so fun and relatable and I just love the Knit and Nibble group. Another great mystery in the series!

Overall, I enjoyed this collection of mysteries and I would recommend it to any cozy mystery fan in need of their Christmas fix, whether you’ve read the other mysteries in theses series’ or not!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

bekrecka's review

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

cozydormouse's review against another edition

3.0

Loved the Carlene O’Connor mystery, was okay with the second one, DNFed the third one. I couldn’t follow the narration and wasn’t invested enough to figure it out.

bonniereads777's review

4.0

This is a collection of three entertaining cozy novellas that all revolve around a Christmas scarf and a murder. It is perfect for mystery fans and fans of holiday fiction.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

cpgunning's review against another edition

funny inspiring mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

padams57's review

lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

4.0

 Three stories based on knitted scarves at Christmas time. Fun reads.