The Christmas Walk Caper by J.B. Michaels Series: Mac and Millie Mysteries #1
Published by Harrison and James Publishing on October 23, 2019
Source: Purchased
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal
Pages: 119
Format: eBook
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Add 'Catch a killer’ to your Christmas to-do list! Meet Mac, a retired hero cop with writer’s block and a penchant for trouble. What holiday hijinks will he get himself into?
Probably a murder investigation.
Meet Millie, a local banker and former college athlete who may have a trick or two up her sleeve. What Christmas conundrum will she be brought in to solve?
Again, a murder mystery.
In this delightful cozy mystery set in downtown Geneva, Illinois, our sarcastic and savvy sleuths will seek justice for the untimely death of the owner of the beloved and charming retail mansion: The Tiny Wanderer.
It’s time to stroll on Third street. Immerse yourself in beautiful Christmas décor. Drink some hot chocolate and help solve the Christmas Walk Caper.
The Christmas Walk Caper features Mac O’Malley, a retired Chicago cop, who is attempting to write a memoir of his last big case. When Mac learns that Patricia, the owner of The Tiny Wanderer, has been found dead in her home on the morning of the annual Christmas Walk, his cop instincts are telling him she didn’t just die of old age. If the local cops, including his brother Vince, don’t agree, maybe he and his girlfriend, Millie, can do some investigating on their own.
The small town at Christmas setting was charming. The Christmas Walk sounds like an event I’d love to participate in, touring people’s decorated homes. For a novella, the mystery was well-done. We had a couple of suspects and clues but not so many that the conclusion felt rushed.
I liked Mac, although he was pretty quick to discount the abilities of the local police. I found the fact that he started investigating as a way to put of trying to write his book amusing. Millie was sweet and smart and very efficient, maybe a little bland compared to Mac. And then – spoiler – at about 50%, we find out she’s a witch. Now I’m all for magic in cozy mysteries, but I want to know in advance. I want it mentioned in the blurb. Mac can find out halfway through like he does, but I want more of a hint than “a trick or two up her sleeve.” I found it a bit annoying. That being said, I did like how Millie and her mom used their magic to help catch the bad guys in the end.
The Christmas Walk Caper was enjoyable and I do love Christmas novellas. I just wish authors who are going to throw in magic or talking animals or whatever would put it in the blurb. It doesn’t mean I wouldn’t still read the book, I would, I just like to know what to expect.
About J.B. Michaels
JB Michaels is the award-winning and USA Today Bestselling Author of three series: Bud Hutchins Thrillers, Mac and Millie Mysteries, and the Tannenbaum Tailors.
He has spent his life in the study of story, from riveting novels to the slam-bang action-packed world of comics to the examination of film history. This steadfast dedication led him to writing stories of his own.