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amandajeanne's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-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? It's complicated
3.0
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
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.
thebookishnarwhal's review against another edition
5.0
A Nutcracker Nightmare by Christina Romeril serves up a delectable blend of chocolate, nostalgia, and murder. Whether you're sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace or unwrapping holiday gifts, this cozy mystery will keep you guessing until the final page.
In the cozy town of Harriston, Montana, twin sisters own the establishment called Murder and Mayhem: Killer Chocolates and Bookshop. They find themselves embroiled in a holiday mystery as delightful as it is deadly.
As the local high school reunion approaches, the twins are busy preparing for the festivities when they stumble upon the lifeless body of their former classmate… bludgeoned to death by a nutcracker.
Romeril weaves a web of secrets, rivalries, and nostalgia. As the suspects turn into victims, it’s a race against time to unmask the killer before people become mere memories in a yearbook.
The novel's strength lies in its Christmas spirit that mingles with suspense, making this a terrific read. Romeril's writing kept me engaged, and the chemistry between the characters added warmth to the chilling mystery for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
In the cozy town of Harriston, Montana, twin sisters own the establishment called Murder and Mayhem: Killer Chocolates and Bookshop. They find themselves embroiled in a holiday mystery as delightful as it is deadly.
As the local high school reunion approaches, the twins are busy preparing for the festivities when they stumble upon the lifeless body of their former classmate… bludgeoned to death by a nutcracker.
Romeril weaves a web of secrets, rivalries, and nostalgia. As the suspects turn into victims, it’s a race against time to unmask the killer before people become mere memories in a yearbook.
The novel's strength lies in its Christmas spirit that mingles with suspense, making this a terrific read. Romeril's writing kept me engaged, and the chemistry between the characters added warmth to the chilling mystery for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
rants_n_reads's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
kimdavishb's review against another edition
4.0
A NUTCRACKER NIGHTMARE is the second book in the Killer Chocolate Mystery series by Christina Romeril. A class reunion set around Christmas sets the scene for this holiday cozy mystery. Twins Alex and Hanna, owners of the Murder and Mayhem Killer Chocolates and Bookshop, are bringing their “special” chocolates for dessert as they mingle with their old classmates. Named after certain poisons, these chocolates are killer without having a deadly effect… Strychnine Strawberry chocolates anyone? The author showcases her clever combinations and puns between the shop and the banter the twins enjoy. I enjoy the comradery the twins have with each other. They’re supportive and look out for each other, and get along despite working together all day long. The supporting characters in the story are equally well-developed, each with their own individual personalities and quirks. The setting of the bookshop and the small Montana village are charming and inviting. Ms. Romeril’s strong descriptive skills bring the holiday cheer to life and makes the reader feel like they’re right there enjoying the festivities.
Except, someone isn’t enjoying the reunion and decides the school’s bad boy, Kyle, needs to be permanently erased. Poor Alex finds the body of Kyle and law enforcement sets their sight on her sister as the culprit. Inspired by the books stocked at Murder and Mayhem, as well as her innate curiosity, Alex can’t help but start asking questions and digging into Kyle’s past. As she uncovers clues, it seems like no one was happy with the man and he’d burned more than his share of bridges. The pace was even, and the story is well-plotted to keep the reader engaged. There were a few red herrings that threw me off the scent, and at the final reveal it all came together, wrapped up like a Christmas present with a big red bow. If you enjoy holiday cheer with a side of murder, then you’ll want to read A NUTCRACKER NIGHTMARE!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Except, someone isn’t enjoying the reunion and decides the school’s bad boy, Kyle, needs to be permanently erased. Poor Alex finds the body of Kyle and law enforcement sets their sight on her sister as the culprit. Inspired by the books stocked at Murder and Mayhem, as well as her innate curiosity, Alex can’t help but start asking questions and digging into Kyle’s past. As she uncovers clues, it seems like no one was happy with the man and he’d burned more than his share of bridges. The pace was even, and the story is well-plotted to keep the reader engaged. There were a few red herrings that threw me off the scent, and at the final reveal it all came together, wrapped up like a Christmas present with a big red bow. If you enjoy holiday cheer with a side of murder, then you’ll want to read A NUTCRACKER NIGHTMARE!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
booklover81's review
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
3.5
passionatereader78's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a fun Murder mystery that takes place around the holidays. I enjoyed this book. Hanna and Alex own a chocolate shop themed in Murder. When Kyle the man everyone hated turns up dead the sisters are on the case.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Death
Moderate: Infidelity
mefrost's review against another edition
medium-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? No
3.0
katreader's review against another edition
4.0
A NUTCRACKER NIGHTMARE by Christina Romeril
The Second Killer Chocolate Mystery
Reunions can be difficult at the best of times, but when the high school bully is back as an obnoxious, handsy narcissist, you know it's more like the worst of times. Twins Alex and Hanna Wright are helping at the Harriston High School’s reunion weekend. Hanna is busy avoiding Kyle, the groping former football star, as well as glaring at Duncan who's hanging out with his old girlfriend while Alex is watching minor fireworks and confrontations between the former classmates. Alex heads to the basement, but instead of paper towels she finds Kyle's dead body. Nearly everyone who met him wanted to kill him, but someone actually did the dead. Police zero in on Hanna and warn Alex not to get involved, but with a sister in trouble, Alex is going to investigate!
I must admit that I love it when a jerk gets his just desserts. And I'm not talking about some of Hanna's delectable chocolates. Kyle was a lousy excuse for a human being, and though sure, no one should be murdered, but in a murder mystery someone has to be killed so why not make it a villain! Another plus to having an unlikable person become the victim there's a slew of suspects. I enjoyed seeing all the motives get uncovered. There were lots of secrets from the past and it was interesting sorting out just what was relevant to the current crime.
I also enjoyed the character dynamics. Past and present, these characters are incredibly intertwined. The relationship difficulties between Hanna and Duncan and Alex and Tom...and possibly Eddie bring more drama and questions to the plot. There's also lots of action, assaults, and bravery amid miscommunication and murder!
A NUTCRACKER NIGHTMARE brings a reunion themed murder to snowy Montana with romantic disruptions, delicious chocolates, and a poisoned pen themed blog!
The Second Killer Chocolate Mystery
Reunions can be difficult at the best of times, but when the high school bully is back as an obnoxious, handsy narcissist, you know it's more like the worst of times. Twins Alex and Hanna Wright are helping at the Harriston High School’s reunion weekend. Hanna is busy avoiding Kyle, the groping former football star, as well as glaring at Duncan who's hanging out with his old girlfriend while Alex is watching minor fireworks and confrontations between the former classmates. Alex heads to the basement, but instead of paper towels she finds Kyle's dead body. Nearly everyone who met him wanted to kill him, but someone actually did the dead. Police zero in on Hanna and warn Alex not to get involved, but with a sister in trouble, Alex is going to investigate!
I must admit that I love it when a jerk gets his just desserts. And I'm not talking about some of Hanna's delectable chocolates. Kyle was a lousy excuse for a human being, and though sure, no one should be murdered, but in a murder mystery someone has to be killed so why not make it a villain! Another plus to having an unlikable person become the victim there's a slew of suspects. I enjoyed seeing all the motives get uncovered. There were lots of secrets from the past and it was interesting sorting out just what was relevant to the current crime.
I also enjoyed the character dynamics. Past and present, these characters are incredibly intertwined. The relationship difficulties between Hanna and Duncan and Alex and Tom...and possibly Eddie bring more drama and questions to the plot. There's also lots of action, assaults, and bravery amid miscommunication and murder!
A NUTCRACKER NIGHTMARE brings a reunion themed murder to snowy Montana with romantic disruptions, delicious chocolates, and a poisoned pen themed blog!
cradlow's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5