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Christmas abounds in this book from yule log traditions to a ceremonial Winter Solstice bonfire (complete with Druids), a town sing-along, Christmas Eve dinner, and "more is more" decorations. The author even works in that Russian fairy tale, The Snow Maiden. There are a lot of characters to juggle, too, with Mercy's extended family and all her friends, which Munier handles well. But I felt like the mystery itself got a bit overshadowed by it all. And their murder investigation didn't feel as tautly plotted or as compelling as in her earlier novels. That's not to say I didn't enjoy this one, because I did. Mercy and Troy and their dogs are engaging characters and I like the quirks and charms of their small Vermont community. I just didn't love the mystery as much as I usually do. (Though I'd still give it 4 stars.) And if you want that Christmas-in-Vermont setting, this is the book!
Happy Reading!
Other Munier books I've reviewed:
Non ho mail letto nulla di questo autore; mi hai incuriosita leggendo che appena esce un libro lo leggi.
ReplyDeleteVado a informarmi
Thank you for commenting! :D
DeleteThere are a couple of my mystery book group members who love this series. Will make sure to tell them that there is a new book. I've had this series on my list for quite a while. Maybe this year? LOL
ReplyDeleteIt's worth checking out...if you can fit it in with all the other series you read and like. ;D
DeleteHave a beautiful day.
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Thank you, Regine!
DeleteI'm so terrible at keeping up with series. I wish I could be better.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard, especially if you're reading a lot of series and all the authors have new books coming out all at once. It can be overwhelming...and hard to keep track.
DeleteThis sounds great! I love long running series like this! The series been on my list for a while, but hopefully I can get to it soon.
ReplyDeleteYou would definitely like the dogs! :D
DeleteThis is another series I have on my list of "want to reads" but I've somehow never gotten to it. Maybe 2026 will be the year!
ReplyDeleteI hope so! It's a really good series. Even if you just read the first book.
DeleteI have a couple of series that I feel the same way about.
ReplyDelete:D
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed this installment, even with the minor issues you mentioned. Christmas-in-Vermont setting sounds nice! I'm awful with series books, I really have to be in the mood for them.
ReplyDeleteIt can be hard to keep up with series, or to stick with them. I have about seven that I do really well with, and twice that many that I've fallen hopelessly behind in. ;D
DeleteI think I'd read this just for the dogs! I'll have to take a closer look at this series, it sounds really good😁
ReplyDeleteThe dogs are awesome, and definitely one of the main reasons I keep coming back to this one. :D
DeleteI'm glad you ended up enjoying this one.
ReplyDelete:D It's one of my favorite series.
DeleteHow have I not read this series? I love a good mystery series and this one has dogs. I'll definitely have to pick up the first book soon.
ReplyDeleteDo! It's worth checking out. And the characters are so great; I think you'll really like them. :D
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