A Christmas crime shocks the merchants of a quaint shopping district in this latest installment of The New York Times bestselling Victoria Square series.It’s Christmastime, but not everyone is jolly–especially not Vonne Barnett. Her dead body has been found in Victoria Square. Katie Bonner, the manager of Artisan’s Alley, happens to be at the tea shop Vonne’s mother, Francine, owns when the news … shop Vonne’s mother, Francine, owns when the news is delivered.
Vonne left a trail of men behind her so the suspects are many–but the clues are few. A broken teacup leads Katie to one of the suspects, but before she can investigate, she’s attacked. Katie may be closing in on a murderer, but time is ticking because the murderer is definitely closing in on her.
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Dollycas’s Thoughts
Gayle Leeson joins Lorraine Bartlett in penning this fifth Victoria Square Mystery. Set just before the Christmas holidays Vonne Barnett is found dead. Vonne and her mother, Francine, own Afternoon Tea in Victoria Square. Artisan’s Alley manager Kate Bonner is at the tea shop when Francine finds out about her daughter’s death. There are plenty of suspects as Vonne was not herself when she passed. She was dating or flirting with every man she came in contact with but does that make one of them a killer. Katie is just starting to “help” with the case when she is struck down. Down but not out she doesn’t give up but the killer seems to have made her his new target. Can she catch him before he wipes her out?
The long awaited 5th installment to this series has finally arrived and Kate finds herself right in the middle of another murder mystery. This while she is busy at Artisan’s Alley with holiday sales, a bunch of mischievous ballerinas, a visit from her ex-mother-in-law, a possible new business venture, and trying to find time to spend with her boyfriend, Andy.
The authors have packed this book with so much goodness it was truly impossible to put down. There was always something happening.
All the character we love are back and I must say I really enjoyed the direction that was taken with several main characters. I loved the visit by Chad’s mother. The new dynamic between her and Katie was really heartwarming. Katie’s attack was a scary twist and brought everyone together as they strived to protect her. The friendships that have been built over the course of this series continue to drive these stories.
The varied subplots mesh effortlessly into the murder mystery. The pace is excellent and there are many twists and unexpected turns as clue after clue is followed. I did tune in on the real culprit a bit before it was revealed but it was fun to see how everything fell into place.
This has become my favorite book in this series. It has everything I look for in a grand cozy mystery. I am excited about the next book. I just hope the authors do make us wait as long These are characters I will always love to visit.
Like a lot of readers, I enjoy reading holiday themed books during the season they are set in (not a must, but fun) making YULE BE DEAD was of course a must.
I’ve missed the last two books in this series, so a few things have changed. But I had no problem catching up. It also helps that the author provides a character list at the beginning of the book. (More and more authors are doing that)
YULE BE DEAD was a good mystery and holds up to the others in the series. I didn’t guess who the killer was, but protagonist, Katie Bonner didn’t either, making me feel not so bad. There was a lot going on for Katie in this story. It’s no wonder she couldn’t figure it out. As for me, I couldn’t see clearly beyond the twists and turns. Also, the killer wasn’t made obvious to the reader.
Fans of this series are going to have a great time reading, YULE BE DEAD.
Yule Be Dead by Lorraine Bartlett with Gayle Leeson is the fifth book in the Victoria Square mystery series. The holidays are right around the corner and Artisan Alley is buzzing with activity. Katie Bonner’s former mother in law is coming to see her. She’s not sure why and it’s making her nervous. Someone from town is killed in what appears to be a car accident. Katie must figure out what’s going on before the holidays are ruined.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Visiting Victoria Square, was like visiting an old friend. I felt right at home. The characters are wonderful. Katie is a strong young woman that took over Artisan Alley and turned it around. Vance, Rose and the other artists a flair to the story. I see myself strolling around, looking for amazing handcrafted treasures to take home or give as gifts. I imagine walking to Angelo’s Pizzeria for lunch or one of his new yummy treats.
The mystery of this book hooked me in from the very beginning. With its many twists and turns, it kept me guessing until the end. I could not put it down. I had to keep reading to find out the answers to all of my questions.
I recommend this book to readers who love a story with a small town feel, wonderful characters that feel like family and a mystery that will keep you up until you find out how it ends.
I received my ARC copy of the book from NetGalley and Lorraine Bartlett for review.
In this next book of the series it’s Christmas time and there are many goings on at Victoria Square. While visiting the tea shop across from Artisan’s Alley Katie learns that one of the owners, Vonne Barnett, has been found dead. It looks like it might have been due to her drinking but as the police investigate more it turns out to be murder. Katie wants to help in anyway she can when it comes to solving the crime but with an upcoming visit from her previous mother-in-law she isn’t sure how much investigating she can actually do. She is worried about the visit because the two have never really cared for each other and she isn’t even sure why she agreed in the first place. Vonne left a trail of men in her wake, some of them even married. Could one of them have had it in for her? Could a disgruntled wife be mad enough to kill her? With all that Katie has going on she realizes just how daunting looking for a murderer is going to be, there are tons of places to look for clues not to mention suspects. Things seem to be going okay with her mother-in-law but other issues are popping up left and right as each day passes. Follow along as Katie deals with some rude mini-ballerina’s, a kleptomaniac, and a young girl with an eating disorder. Will she be able to resolve all these issues while looking for a killer? She also has the opportunity to buy the tea shop, the other owner is looking to sell because things haven’t been going well for the business and she is ready for a change. Will Katie jump at the chance to make part of a life long dream come true? This is such a wonderful series filled with a ton of unique characters that will have you excited for the next book. I look forward to seeing what direction the author takes the main character Katie to next!
This book has interesting characters, a well developed plot, picturesque writing, and doesn’t give away the perpetrator but gives you a variety of suspects. This was the last book in the series and I enjoyed it so much, I went back and read all the others.
With Christmas just around the corner, Artisan’s Alley and the rest of Victoria Square are getting ready for their busy season. Everywhere Katie looks things seems to be in chaos, the vendors at the Alley keep having conflicts, Katie’s former mother-in-law is coming to town, and Katie and Andy are having a hard time finding time to spend together. All these issues make a great storyline as well as the mysterious death one of Victoria Square own-Vonne. Vonne’s death seems to bring to light some secrets that someone might want kept secret. As the secrets are revealed my thoughts of Vonne’s death changed. This book definitely kept me guessing. In addition to this being a book for enjoyment author Lorraine Bartlett brings to light some real-life issues such as eating disorders (there are others discussed but I don’t want to give too much away).
I recommend this book as either a stand-alone read or another great book in the series. I received an ARC of this book in hopes I would supply a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
Katie Bonner is helping to get Artisans Alley ready for the Christmas holidays, when she receives a call from her former mother-in-law, Margo Bonner. Margo will be in the area and wants to spend some time with Katie…incredible considering that she never really wanted to spend time with Katie when her husband, Chad, was alive. But while she is attempting to process this, she first learns that Francine Barnett, owner of the Afternoon Tea, is considering selling the business because things aren’t going well, and then second, the shocking revelation that Francine’s daughter, Vonne, has been killed in an accident. Between Margot’s visit, dreams about owning and running the Afternoon Tea, and her own suspicions about the cause of Vonne’s death, Katie has her hands full. But her questions quickly lead her to be physically attacked, and thereafter she acquires her own personal bodyguards in the persons of Ray Davenport and her boyfriend, Andy. This is an enjoyable series, filled with interesting characters. There are several subplots here besides the murder mystery, including projected ownership of a new business, and helping out with Ray’s daughters. I enjoyed how Katie and Margot work on mending their relationship, as well as how Katie and Andy look to further their own. It was also fun to watch a better friendship emerge between Katie and Ray. The murder itself provided several suspects and twists and turns. This is a series better read in order, to appreciate the characters’ developments. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book received from NetGalley.
It is always refreshing to read Ms. Bartlett’s books because they have decent, down to earth characters in real life situations, along with a few scary times, and of course, a murder. This series, along with her other series, are always at the top of my “to be read” pile. I highly recommend reading anything written by Lorraine Bartlett / L. L. Bartlett / Lorna Barrett (all the same author).
Katie Bonner receives a phone call from her former mother in law Margo Bonner. Margo would be passing through and would like to spend time with Katie. Really?! Now?? Why, as they were never close when Katie was married to her son Chad.
Artisans Alley was getting ready for the Holidays.
When Francine’s daughter Vonne is killed in an accident, Katie thinks there is more to be checked out.
Katie is also thinking of buying Afternoon tEa, as Francine is seriously considering selling it as business has not been good.
So much going on, a murder with twists and turns, suspects, relationships, teenage issues and possibly a new business.
I love these characters, watching them develop, going back to be with old friends and new friends to get to know.
Katie Bonner is busy with the holidays at Artisans Alley when former mother-in-law Margo Bonner calls. Her interest in visiting surprises Katie. While she ponders the upcoming visit, Vonne, the daughter of The Afternoon Tea owner, is suddenly killed. It seems Vonne left a trail of failed relationships, and bad feelings. Even Francine Barnett, Vonne’s mother seems to have conflicted feelings about Vonne’s death, and then theres the shop, which appears to have gone downhill over time. Francine hints that Katie would be a good owner, as she is thinking of selling the business. There’s a wealth of twists and turns and lots of secrets in this book that unravel with each page. Katie has her own problems too. When she is hit by a car after a late night walk, things get even more sinister. It appears that not just the holidays are approaching, but danger too. I really enjoyed this mystery. It kept me guessing. I also enjoyed the introduction of Kate’s former mother-in-law, and the interactions with all the other characters. I have read every book in this series, and continues to be full of interesting characters and an engrossing mystery. I love wrapping myself up in one of these books for the holidays! Disclosure: I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.