Twelve Books of Christmas by Kate Carlisle

 

Brooklyn and Derek plan a special Christmas Eve buffet with all the trimmings. The festive mood takes a twist when a phone call interrupts with an invitation to a wedding in Scotland. It should be a merry occasion, but the phone call ends with the news that twelve books have been lost or stolen from their library. These were first editions that would fetch a handsome price.

Off to Scotland at a moment's notice, with mom and dad tagging along. There’s lots going on in the castle in Scotland and so many people. So many suspicious people. I had to keep a cheat sheet to follow who was who, who knew what, and what their motive might be.

Lots of food, tons of drinks and planning for a wedding with little notice to anyone. There’s a lot to be learned about book binding and archery. There was just a lot going on with many people that made the missing books a small tidbit to deal with.

And then there’s murder. I was two-thirds through the book before the body was found.

The book provides an interesting description of a week among friends with some scary noises, bats and a weird librarian. Quite a mix.

I received an advanced reader copy from #Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay

 

This was my first venture into the Fairy Tale Cupcakes series. I met Mel and Angie just before the arrival of Shelby, the star of the Christmas Show the girls are catering. Apparently there was some history because the heat of jealousy flared up quickly from Mel. Now the girls are sisters-in-law, so the why would probably be clear to me if I'd read the last fourteen books. In considering whether starting the series now would be a good idea, I have to consider my intake of cupcakes.  

The reading was enjoyable, although it did cause me to wonder whether it was a good idea for me to start baking cupcakes at all hours of the night. Irresistible delights were found on these pages. If only we had Fairy Tale Cupcakes in my town. I'd do my part to support them.

Encountering Doc early on, I knew he wouldn’t last long in this group. But with so many suspects clustered in one place, how to determine the one who did it? I thought I knew but then I didn’t and then there’s Christmas. 

I felt overwhelmed as the Christmas party guest list grew. Pulling it off while keeping all the traditions of all the guests was a project I wouldn’t attempt. I feared this Holiday dinner wouldn’t have a chance of success, something would have to go wrong. You’ll have to read it to find out.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for providing an unbiased review.