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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
Only 1 hour into the audiobook version and am disappointed in the new narrator who has essentially changed the personalities of all of the characters through her intonations. I can't tell if this aspect of the book is making me feel as is the book was not written by Vicki Delany or if indeed the writing style has veered away from the first 5 books.
EDIT: I adjusted my mindset and thought of this as a stand-alone book, I finished it, but if it was the first in the series, I would not have continued with the series. I ma still questioning if Vicki Delany did write this one, as I have enjoyed both the Constable Molly Smith and the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series.
EDIT: I adjusted my mindset and thought of this as a stand-alone book, I finished it, but if it was the first in the series, I would not have continued with the series. I ma still questioning if Vicki Delany did write this one, as I have enjoyed both the Constable Molly Smith and the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series.
Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas by Vicki Delany is the sixth in the Year-round Christmas series, which I had not read previously, and stands fairly well on its own, although it would have been easier to get into had I read the earlier books in the series. The cover is what drew me in, with its absolutely stunning artwork.
I found this book extremely slow to start and actually considered putting it into my do not finish file. However, I persevered and found the mystery itself (the murder didn't even happen until 25% in - to be complex and interesting. The characters, despite being almost too numerous to keep track of, were diverse and original. The book, I found, often got bogged down in descriptions of clothing or setting, and became repetitive in spots. Eventually, I found myself skipping entire sections in order to get back to the story itself. I doubt I will be following up with more of this series.
I received an ARC of #HaveYourselfaDeadlyLittleChristmas from #NetGalley.
I found this book extremely slow to start and actually considered putting it into my do not finish file. However, I persevered and found the mystery itself (the murder didn't even happen until 25% in - to be complex and interesting. The characters, despite being almost too numerous to keep track of, were diverse and original. The book, I found, often got bogged down in descriptions of clothing or setting, and became repetitive in spots. Eventually, I found myself skipping entire sections in order to get back to the story itself. I doubt I will be following up with more of this series.
I received an ARC of #HaveYourselfaDeadlyLittleChristmas from #NetGalley.
When Vicki Delany announced there would be a new Year Round Christmas mystery I did a little happy dance and as soon as it became available for pre-order that is exactly what I did and let me say I am still doing my happy dance after reading Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas (kudos on the title).
I started reading this book yesterday afternoon on my lunch break and it was so slow at work I kept reading because I couldn't put it down and didn't stop reading until I turned the last page at 11:30PM
The fact that the murder happened in broad daylight in Merry's store while she was in the back of the store refilling Matterhorn's water bowl had me hooked!
This was such a great mystery with plenty of suspects and lots of red herrings! I figured out who the killer was just before the reveal.
I started reading this book yesterday afternoon on my lunch break and it was so slow at work I kept reading because I couldn't put it down and didn't stop reading until I turned the last page at 11:30PM
The fact that the murder happened in broad daylight in Merry's store while she was in the back of the store refilling Matterhorn's water bowl had me hooked!
This was such a great mystery with plenty of suspects and lots of red herrings! I figured out who the killer was just before the reveal.
Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas is a fun cozy mystery set in the quirky town of Rudolph, New York, where it’s Christmas all year round. Merry Wilkinson owns the local gift shop and knows just about the whole town. Everyone is looking forward to the local theater group’s production of A Christmas Carol, including Merry’s mom, Aline, a retired opera singer who is the music director. The cast, however, is arguing about everything from costumes to parts. Then the actress playing Mrs. Crachit is found dead, murdered in Merry’s shop. Everyone involved in the musical is under suspicion, including Merry’s mom and her shop assistant, Jackie, which gives Merry plenty of reason to start snooping around.
I’ve read a couple in this series before. I like Merry, her family and friends, and of course her dog, Matterhorn. The mystery itself was put together well. There were several suspects and clues and it’s fun to hang out with Merry and her gang. The story moves along at a good pace with several funny moments and some tense scenes. I also like that Merry actually tries to call the cops when appropriate.
I enjoyed it. But I am a sucker for a good Christmas cozy.
I’ve read a couple in this series before. I like Merry, her family and friends, and of course her dog, Matterhorn. The mystery itself was put together well. There were several suspects and clues and it’s fun to hang out with Merry and her gang. The story moves along at a good pace with several funny moments and some tense scenes. I also like that Merry actually tries to call the cops when appropriate.
I enjoyed it. But I am a sucker for a good Christmas cozy.
The Year-Round-Christmas series has been one of my favourite cozy series for years! I was extremely disappointed when I heard that it had come to an end, so you can only imagine my delight when I heard the publisher had a change of heart and gave the go ahead for another installment! It was the perfect kick-off to my holiday reading season.
I was so happy to be back in Rudolph, New York in Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas, especially since this one takes place at Christmas time. Merry's mom, Aline, has agreed to star in the local community production of A Christmas Carol which of course, does not seem to be going very smoothly even before a murder takes place. I loved reading about the small-town drama that comes with events like this. Everyone takes these things so seriously and of course, in this case, leads to some funny shenanigans. And as always, Vicky Delany crafted a great mystery that had you side eyeing everyone.
As I said, I was so happy to be back in Rudolph and I hope there will be more trips to come.
Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was so happy to be back in Rudolph, New York in Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas, especially since this one takes place at Christmas time. Merry's mom, Aline, has agreed to star in the local community production of A Christmas Carol which of course, does not seem to be going very smoothly even before a murder takes place. I loved reading about the small-town drama that comes with events like this. Everyone takes these things so seriously and of course, in this case, leads to some funny shenanigans. And as always, Vicky Delany crafted a great mystery that had you side eyeing everyone.
As I said, I was so happy to be back in Rudolph and I hope there will be more trips to come.
Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Have Yourself A Deadly Little Christmas by Vicki Delany takes us back to Rudolph, New York. It is Merry Wilkinson’s busy season at Mrs. Claus’s Treasures. It does not help that her assistant manager, Jackie O’Reilly is busy with rehearsals with the Rudolph Community Theater Players of a musical version of A Christmas Carol. Merry is a friendly and relatable protagonist. I love her charming shop (I could do some serious damage in there). I do feel, though, that Merry needs to work on her managerial skills. Her employees are breaking the rules and Merry is not holding them accountable (I do not like seeing them walk all over her). I would not want to work with Jackie (I feel bad for the employee that must work with her). Jackie is self-absorbed. If it does not relate to her, Jackie is not interested (she is obtuse). Rudolph is brimming with holiday charm. It is a town that I would love to visit (do some shopping, take a sleigh ride, enjoy hot cocoa by the fire while reading a book). I would, though, avoid Rudolph Community Theater Players. They fight more than toddlers over a new toy. It was just a matter of time before one of them was murdered. There are several suspects in the crime (not one cast member liked the woman). The investigation was skimpy. The mystery can be solved long before the solution is revealed. The motive was weak (and it could have been applied to several people). The crime is neatly wrapped up at the end with a bow. The people involved in A Christmas Carol cared little that someone had been murdered (that bothered me). The Rudolph Community Theater Players take the saying “the show must go on” seriously. I did find the story to be a slow starter. The murder takes place about a quarter of a way into the book. The pacing was slowed down by detailed descriptions of people’s attire as well as locations. While I enjoyed the descriptions of Merry’s shop and the town, I did not feel that every place needed a detailed narrative. There are repetitive details as well (Jackie being the understudy to Mrs. Cratchit, Merry’s mother being an opera singer and a diva, the curmudgeon who owns a shop near Merry). Have Yourself A Deadly Little Christmas is the sixth A Year-Round Christmas Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. My favorite character was Merry’s St. Bernard. He provided some sweet and funny moments. There is a scene near the end of the story that I loved. It shows that a little kindness towards another person goes a long way. Have Yourself A Deadly Little Christmas is a festive tale with quarrelling players, a terrible Tiny Tim, singing snafus, an encounter with a killer, a crotchety storekeeper, a winter wonderland, and a Happy Holiday!
HAVE YOURSELF A DEADLY LITTLE CHRISTMAS is the sixth book in the Year-Round Christmas Mysteries by Vicki Delany. I’m so happy to see the reappearance of this series and it was a delight to be transported back to Rudolph, NY and reunited with its residents. With memorable characters, Christmas cheer galore, a musical production of A Christmas Carol, and a grinch who’s resorted to murder, the author pens a delightful yuletide tale to captivate the reader. The protagonist, Merry Wilkinson, owner of Mrs. Claus’s Treasures is the embodiment of the Christmas spirit. I just adore how close she is to her father, Noel, who is the town’s Santa. There are moments of sweet Christmas miracles happening in the story and Merry is known to say that she knows her dad isn’t Santa Claus, but sometimes she has to wonder. Her mother, a retired opera diva, can be a bit of, well, a diva, but it’s easy to see the love she has for her family. There are also moments of humor that had me laughing out loud, such as one that involves dogs, a squirrel, and a Christmas float.
It was all too easy to get caught up in the Christmas cheer and pageantry, and forget that a murderer lurks in the shadows. Yet, Ms. Delany is a master at weaving a tightly plotted mystery into an inviting setting that I’d love to visit. When the arrogant Mrs. Cratchit, of the play, is murdered in Merry’s shop no less, she can’t help get involved. I like that Merry doesn’t take unnecessary risks yet manages to suss out clues and convey them to the detective. There were lots of suspects—practically the entire troupe of actors had contentious interactions with each other, including Mrs. Cratchit—and plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. With a heartwarming conclusion, you’ll be counting down the days until the Christmas season is once again here.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It was all too easy to get caught up in the Christmas cheer and pageantry, and forget that a murderer lurks in the shadows. Yet, Ms. Delany is a master at weaving a tightly plotted mystery into an inviting setting that I’d love to visit. When the arrogant Mrs. Cratchit, of the play, is murdered in Merry’s shop no less, she can’t help get involved. I like that Merry doesn’t take unnecessary risks yet manages to suss out clues and convey them to the detective. There were lots of suspects—practically the entire troupe of actors had contentious interactions with each other, including Mrs. Cratchit—and plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. With a heartwarming conclusion, you’ll be counting down the days until the Christmas season is once again here.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.