Gathered in one volume for the very first time, here are three yuletide tales of mystery, murder, and romance, featuring your favorite sleuths . . . THE TWELVE DESSERTS OF CHRISTMAS by JOANNE FLUKE It’s the perfect mix of naughty and nice when two lovestruck boarding school teachers watch six kids over Christmas break. But when someone wants the cozy couple’s romance to burn out faster than a … cozy couple’s romance to burn out faster than a scorched fruitcake, it’s Hannah Swensen to the rescue, armed with her sleuthing
skills—and twelve deliciously festive recipes . . .
NIGHTMARE ON ELF STREET by LAURA LEVINE
Aside from the mortifying costume, how bad can a gig as a mall Santa’s elf be? Jaine Austen finds out when she’s teamed up with the Santa from Hell. But things go from bad to worse when he’s found murdered on the job—and Jaine is a suspect. Now all she wants for Christmas is to find the real killer . . .
THE CHRISTMAS THIEF by LESLIE MEIER
Elizabeth Stone is ready for a white Christmas in Tinker’s Cove, Maine—until a fancy Yule ball at the Florida hotel where she works dumps snow on her plans. The sponsor’s jewels have gone missing and the police are asking about her ties to a cute mystery guest. Good thing Elizabeth’s mother, Lucy Stone, flew down to surprise her. ʼTis the season for a little investigating . . .
Includes Luscious Holiday Recipes!
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Christmas Sweets is an anthology of three novellas, one each by Joanne Fluke, Laura Levine, and Leslie Meier, all with Christmas themes. Fluke’s story is a sweet one about two teachers left at boarding school with six kids, three of each, who make a bet on their romance. Hannah Swenson gets involved when she volunteers to bring sweets to the kids to make their Christmas more special. Nightmare on Elf Street is Levine’s entry which is a murder mystery revolving around a dead Santa at a mall called Conspicuous Consumption Mall, and a reluctant elf who is a part-time investigator who makes flakey look like a compliment. One More thing is the last of the trilogy and written by Leslie Meier. It is the story of a young woman working at an upscale hotel in Florida and a jewel thief who made off with $47 million worth of jewelry. It was a decent mystery in novella form, which is not always easy.
This anthology was a pleasant diversion on a sunny afternoon. Hannah Swenson is always good and this story was no exception, despite the fact that she had a minor role. The two teachers were pleasant people and the depiction of the young boys was spot on. Nightmare on Elf Street was another matter: I don’t love the image of a scattered amateur sleuth. The only writer to pull it off really was has been Evanovich. Jaine came across as a total flake and not all that likable. I am obviously in the minority as this is part of a long running series. Some readers may find it amusing. I hope so. One more thing contains a oft-rehashed plot but was none-the-less a pleasant read, proving once again that you have to be careful before judging. Altogether, a good way to spend an afternoon. I recommend it.
I received a free ARC of Christmas Sweets from Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #christmassweets
Christmas Sweets is comprised of three previously released novellas, by three established cozy authors, together for the first time!
Joanne Fluke’s The Twelve Desserts of Christmas, originally published in the anthology, Sugar and Spice.
Laura Levine’s Nightmare on Elf Street, originally published in the anthology, Secret Santa.
Leslie Meier’s The Christmas Thief, originally published in the anthology, A Winter Wonderland.
All three are quick, well-written mysteries that can be read even if you haven’t read other books in the authors’ series (but I recommend it, as they’re all quite good!!!). And, in my case, an excellent re-read that has me in the mood to once again become an armchair detective this holiday season.
Fun, and highly recommended – I really enjoyed Christmas Sweets! A+
Christmas Sweets in a trilogy of Christmas-themed novellas from three leading ladies.
I have always been a HUGE fan of the Hannah Swenson series by Ms Fluke and the Lucy Stone series by Leslie Meier. This is my first read on Laura Levine and her Jaine Austen series.
The Twelve Deserts of Christmas by Joanne Fluke is a re-release from Ms Fluke, apparently from 2006. It is moreso focussing on a friend of Hannah and Andrea’s, but still includes the gang. Even though I have read every book, I don’t recall this story, and I truly enjoyed it. It takes place while Hannah was still in the triangle of Mike and Norman.
The second book, Nightmare on Elf Street by Laura Levine was ok, but just not of my particular interest. I know she has her own loyal fan base and I can appreciate it for the cute mystery it is.
Lastly, is The Christmas Thief by Leslie Meier. It mainly involves Elizabeth (Lucy’s eldest daughter) at her place of employment at the posh Cavendish Hotel in Florida. Luckily Lucy and Miss Tilley arrive to help solve the crime with Elizabeth and help save the day.
I truly enjoyed this trilogy and give it 5/5 stars.
Another homerun hit from three great cozy writers. I thoroughly enjoyed getting into a holiday mood with these sweet mysteries.
Thanks, NetGalley, for an advanced copy for my honest review.
A great holiday collection filled with love, murder and mayhem.
12 Desserts of Christmas – Hannah Swensen strikes again. This time Christmas is filled with love when two boarding school teachers try to find love while the students in their charge try to keep them apart. But in true Hannah style, she gets to the bottom of the mystery with treats and desserts.
Nightmare on Elf Street – Laura Levine – Nothing says Christmas than an elf accused of killing Santa. This story was filled with a great storyline and great laughs.
The Christmas Thief – Leslie Meier – Lucy and Miss Tilley once again come together to help solve the mystery of a jewel thief at a Christmas party. This is my first book with these characters and they were so enjoyable I cannot wait to read a book with them again. Completely interesting and a great addition in the collection.