A Christmas Peril by J.A. Hennrikus

A Christmas Peril by J.A. Hennrikus

In A Christmas Peril, Sully has her hands full. This year's Christmas Carol is turning into a disaster and her best friend is arrested for murder. One of the difficult parts of cozy mysteries is having a legitimate reason for the amateur detective to be investigating. Sully, however, is perfect. Yes, she's currently a theater manager, but she had years of experience as a cop and it's her best friend who is the chief suspect. She really has no choice but to get involved, and it certainly helps that the family has asked for her assistance. I liked her. She's funny, loyal, smart, strong, but she's also learned some lessons along the way. And she only manages to place herself in major danger once. The dead man was not overly-loved, even by his family, but he was important in the community. The suspect list could have been long, but the only people who could actually have done it had to be...
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Murder for Christmas by Francis Duncan

Murder for Christmas by Francis Duncan

It's probably no surprise that I enjoyed Murder for Christmas. It ticks off all the boxes: √ Vintage murder mystery √ English manor house √ Eccentric set of characters √ Christmas celebrations √ Amateur detective with a romantic streak Benedict Grame always throws a large house party for Christmas and this year is not exception. It's an interesting collection of people. There's the usual household, Grame and his assistant Nicholas Blaise, his old friend Jeremy Rainer and Rainer's ward, a lovely young woman and her suitor. Grame also has a spinster sister who lives with them and another relative he assists, a gambler with a penchant for practical jokes. There's also a visiting scientist, a politician, a glamorous woman who both Grame and Rainer are attracted too, a couple from the village, and of course Mordecai Tremaine, our amateur detective who has been specially invited. It should be a fun, traditional Christmas. Of course the merriment is interrupted by murder - Father Christmas dead under the decorated...
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Christmas Spirit Readathon

Christmas Spirit Readathon

  The Christmas Spirit readathon started Novemeber 20 and ended December 3. Thanks to Michelle at Seasons of Reading for hosting.  The hashtag is #CSreadathon. Finished: Murder for Christmas by Francis Duncan A Christmas Peril by J.A. Hennrikus The Turn of the Screw by Henry James I'm Scheming of a White Christmas by Kate O'Keeffe Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jacqueline Frost Still in the middle of: Slay Bells Ring by Karen Rose Smith A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by Rd Carstairs  ...
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Readers’ Workouts – 11/21

Readers’ Workouts – 11/21

  I know excuses don't count, but I'm giving my excuses anyway. Last week was my birthday and we had a lot going on, between celebrations and a parade and of course we had to see Murder on the Orient Express at the theater. Then yesterday I picked up a cold so skipped out on the gym when my husband asked if I wanted to go. So my steps are LOUSY! This week's activities: Wednesday - Lunges, Pilates Thursday - Lunges Saturday - Lunges Goals for November: Gym - 4 times (Done: 1 time) Pilates - 12 times (Done: 6 times) I'm also going to try the #Lungevember challenge. I'm going with the easy level because lunges are tough! This week's dinners: We ate out a lot this week, a couple times for my birthday and a couple out of convenience. Tuesday - Shrimp and veggies Wednesday - Meatball sub and chips (at church) Thursday - Pastitsio (out) Friday - Egg and cheese on flatbread (out) Saturday - Lasagna (at in-laws') Sunday - Pizza (pick-up) Monday - Sweet...
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Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge

Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge

  The Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge starts today!! Head over to Christmas Spirit for the "rules" and to sign up. I'm aiming for the Christmas Tree level which is 5 or 6 books. I'll be posting the books I've finished here. I'll also probably be posting updates on Twitter and Instagram. Finished: Murder for Christmas by Francis Duncan A Christmas Peril by J. A. Hennrikus The Turn of the Screw by Henry James Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jacqueline Frost I’m Scheming of a White Christmas by Kate O’Keeffe A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by R. D. Carstairs Disney Manga: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas adapted by Jun Asuka Slay Bells Ring by Karen Rose Smith...
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