by Cynthia Chow
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a fun gift basket from Lorraine, and a link to purchase Yule Be Dead from Amazon, and an indie bookstore where a portion of the sale goes to help support KRL.
The holiday season may be the time of the year one expects to spend surrounded by family, but Katie Bonner didn’t anticipate that she would be sharing her tiny apartment with her former mother-in-law Margo. It’s been almost two years since the death of Katie’s husband, but even when he was alive, Margo was never very welcoming to her daughter-in-law. Katie doesn’t have much time to spend worrying about Margo’s arrival, though, as running Victoria Square’s Artisans Alley has her managing the many vendors now donning nineteenth-century costumes for the Dickens Festival. Events are off to a rocky start with the death of Vonne Barnett, who with her mother Francine co-owned Afternoon Tea. The teashop had already been failing by a distracted and disinterested Vonne, and now a completely overwhelmed Francine aggressively attempts to sell her café to Katie.
Ray Davenport may have recently retired in order to pursue his dream of running a wood product gift shop, but that doesn’t mean that the former homicide detective is without his sources. When he tells Katie that Vonne’s accidental death may have been staged, she begins to question those who may be the ultimate Christmas Grinch. As Katie consults Ray on murder suspects as well as how to deal with an overly critical Margo, he in turn seeks her advice on raising two daughters, one of whom is showing the signs of an eating disorder. This has the unfortunate effect of jeopardizing Katie’s relationship with Andy Rust, who is seeing green and being snarkily jealous. It’s almost a relief for Katie that she is distracted by mischievous ballerinas, Christmas caroling, a matchmaking mother-in-law, and a hit-and-run attempt on her life.
The authors have crafted a fun-filled holiday mystery that delivers on thrills, heart-warming moments, and thoughtful depictions of the modern family. Both Ray and Katie have faced challenges following the death of their spouses, and both are moving on in difference ways. Katie’s charged relationship with her mother-in-law is realistic, and while neither women is a villain their truthful confrontation is so rewarding. Even more refreshing is Katie’s realization that her amateur detecting may have jeopardized the official investigation with legal complications. This entertaining series has always delighted with its many crafters and artists, and here leaves readers anticipating the future for these extremely likable characters. Katie’s romantic life may soon be veering off into unexpected territory, and her next appearance can’t come soon enough.
To enter to win a fun gift basket from Lorraine, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “yule basket,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen December 22, 2018. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address (so if you win we can get the book sent right out to you), and if via comment please include your email address. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.
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Use this link to purchase the book & a portion goes to help support KRL & indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy:
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I love the title of this book. Thanks for the chance to win.
Blessed Yule to all.
scarletbegonia5858(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds like a wonderful thoughtful thing to do — thanks! Will look for the book!
Sounds like a good read
I am looking forward to reading this holiday mystery! They are some of my favorite ones.
Thank you for the chance to win the gift basket.
debprice60@gmail.com
I love this author! I got a mug years ago from her booties series! dubecara (at) gmail (dot) com .
Booktown not booties! Autocorrect and a phone.
Sounds interesting.
This sounds like a terrific read! I would be so happy to win a copy. JL_Minter@hotmail(dot)com
I love Christmas and all its little happy reading. Thanks for the contest.
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
Mothers-In-Law, can’t live with them, can’t kill them…
Karen94066 at aol dot com
Thank you for the review and the contest.
I love the title of this book and think it will be a great read. The review was wonderful. Thank you for the giveaway.
Glad to see this series being updated.
I’ve missed Artisan’s Alley. thanks
for the chance to read the newest.
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sounds like a great holiday read. Looking forward to reading.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Love the title, cover. I would love to read this.
What a great concept for a novel. Mother in law! LOL. Sounds like a great holiday read.
Elaine.faber@mindcandymysteries.com
Sounds like a fun read! Awesome cover and very neat title. I’d love to read this book!
Sounds like a fun read! Awesome cover and very neat title. I’d love to read this book! Here’s hoping
I love the cover and the title of this book. Makes me want to read it! Thanks for the chance to win. Merry Christmas!
Sounds like a great read. Love the cover. Thank you so much for this chance. pgenest57(at)aol(dot)com
I have been hearing about this book and would love to win and read it!! Thanks for this chance! lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com
We have a winner!