Bubba and the 12 Deadly Days of Christmas

Bubba Snoddy #2

by C.L. Bevill

Bubba Snoddy's got some problems. His family has descended for the Christmas holidays and not in a good way. His cousin wants to own the Snoddy Mansion, decrepit, falling down columns, termites, wood rot and all and isn't above using manipulative behavior to achieve his ends. Miz Demetrice is up to nefarious and illegal activities while trying to entertain relatives. His cousin's ten year old son is the personification of a demon and has hobbies of looking at medical photographs, making stun guns from scratch, and causing havoc wherever he roams. The woman of Bubba's dreams, Deputy Willodean Gray, is still evading his romantic pursuits. Patients from the local mental institute are wandering over the town, ostensibly assisting with the Christmas Festival thanks to a program established by the mayor to cut costs. And Bubba has just found the dead body of a man dressed as Santa in the Christmas scene at City Hall. Oh, Pegramville, Texas is just the best place to be at Christmas if a fella has a bullet proof vest and a linebacker's helmet. All the folks think Bubba might have done did it again, even though it was proven that he didn't done did it the first time, and Bubba has to move quickly in order to catch a murderer.

Genres: Mystery, Humor, Christmas, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Amazon, Southern

Nook

First published May 5, 2011

About the author

C.L. Bevill has been in the U.S. Army, cleaned floors, a graphic illustrator, a therapist, and a stay at home mother. She lives in the Alabama area with her husband and daughter and keeps plugging away at the next great American novel.

Reviews

[Margitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just felt how my blood turned sweet again when starting out this book. Well, I needed good ol' Texas boy Bubba Snoddy back into my life right this minute. For those who haven't been in Pregramville, Texas and met Bubba and his quirky, delightful helicopter mom Miz Demetrice, should demand your inadequate life experiences back from history.

It is Christmas. Precious, Bubba's mournful appearing Basset Hound did not draw blood from anyone in weeks, and that's kind of happy news. So far so good. But she did bury the special doggy reindeer antlers which was strapped to her head, under the oleanders next to the Snoddy mansions.

The Pregramville folks love Christmas.The Methodist and Baptist Church, in a rare alliance, worked together on a Nativity scene display on the one side of city hall. On the other side, the Civil War cannons were adorned with little bells and pine garlands. The Pregramville Women's Club raised funds through their illicit gambling ring and donated it to Sheriff John Headrick's county jail in the form of Christmas lights and trimmings. The inmates rejoiced in the town's Christmas spirit too.

Jeffrey Carnicon, the town's only atheist tried hard to start an argument, only mildly though. But the people suspected that his aggrievances were brought about as a result of gas caused by a meal at the Pregram Café. It was the new chef's fault. A northerner from Minnesota did not know how to cook grits or biscuits properly. And after some people came down with various cases of food poisoning, the Café kind of became devoid of customers. Well that was the gossip. But there was also the facts. Luriene Grady a waitress and Noey Wheatfall had a little bit of evil intentions, weaving some criminal mischief into Bubba's life.

After everything was resolved (the ending of the first book in the series), and Bubba cleared of the murder charges against him, life was really good for a few months. He had a hard time solving the case in which he stood accused of murder the last time.

Now, once in a while Deputy Willodean Gray, single and pretty, was flashing an encouraging smile at Bubba. Life was showing some promise indeed.

Happiness was short lived though. Christmas turned out totally different this year. To start with, the Snoddy clan arrived at the antebellum mansion. The Louisianan Snoddys were in residence in full force and trying to establish their right of inheritance to Miz Demetrice valued antiques and paintings. Precious had less restraint than Bubba and focused on the young boy, Brownie Snoddy, for her next meal. Bubba himself would have made a score of saints proud with his restraint. Fudge Snoddy was determined to find the paperwork that might prove him the rightful owner of the shopworn bounty inside the old crumbly abode. It would not help with raising his son Brownie, but can make things a little lighter in life. His wife Virtna was sleuthing through locked glassed cabinets looking for treasures that could be sold on eBay. Between them they felt like being pecked to death by chickens in trying to raise their obnoxious spoiled little brat boy. Making him(Brownie) slow his caboose is like putting a g-string on an alligator Fudge said gravely.

Then the unthinkable happened. The Santa in the Church Coalition Display at city hall turned out to be not Santa at all, and Precious was first on the case on the cold Christmas morning ...

Steve Killebrew, owner of Killebrew's Autoparts once called Bubba Snoddy "a ridge-riding, lowbrown, rednecked peckerwood;..a big-necked twathead; ... a slag heap waiting for flies to land." He survived.

But now the very same Steve Killebrew was adorned with Santa's red outfit in the Santa Claus/Nativity scene and was a cadaver...and that was just the beginning.

COMMENTS
Finding the killer was laugh-out-loud funny, but also quite serious and urgent. Steve Killebrew was only the first one in the twelve days of Christmas. Bubba and Precious the scene-stealing Basset Hound were in the mix of sleuths trying to capture the killer. But as usual, Bubba was suspect no.1.

The mystery drew out over the 220 pages, but I loved being with the quirky, eccentric funky family again. The names of characters enhance this cozy, southern-cutesy experience. A fun mystery! Brighten-up-the-day-story.

A cliffhanger ending is never working for me. A series with free standing endings is a requirement for me. However, I love Bubba Snoddy and Pregramville. And Precious is just the most lovable hound on the planet.

I was hooked from the first book right into this second one in the series. The author is a really great writer.

[Brenda Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank Jesus I've already got the next installment of Bubba Snoddy's adventures in Pegramville, Texas. I'd be pee owed if I had to wait to start finding out what happened to Officer/Detective Willodean. Let me just say that I love these stories. I love how even in the midst of murder and mayhem, and acting like rednecks, the Colorful Characters maintain witty sarcasm and smart repartee. That's how it is in the South, you know. There are those who may think we are ignorant or just plain stupid because of the way we talk but that isn't necessarily the case and Bubba Snoddy and Miz Demetrice are delightful examples of that very fact. In this reader's humble opinion, taking into account her secret obsession with vampires, I would rather read Miz Bevill than Miz Harris any day. No offense, Charlaine, but what you've got is a great premise and an even greater deal with HBO. Your characters ain't got nothin' on the Snoddys.

[Annerlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is always good fun. Loved hanging out with Bubba abd the crew for this installment.

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bubba and the 12 Deadly Days of Christmas by C L Bevill is Book II in this 7 book Bubba Mystery Series. If I knew that before I grabbed the book and started reading, I doubt I would have picked it up, especially because I haven’t read Book I, Bubba and the Dead Woman. But I do have it, so…

Even though I read this before Book I, it did not affect my rating.

The characters in this series are so much fun with weird and laughable names, and big personalities that get them in all kinds of trouble. Bubba is a good ol’ boy and the sanest of the lot, but does his best not to let others get too close.

It seems like there is always danger afoot at the mansion and Bubba is in the middle of it. With his trusty sidekick, Precious, a basset hound that sticks to him like glue and will do her best to take down anyone who messes with her human, they will unravel the mystery and keep him out of jail…hopefully. Precious has become my favorite character and when you meet her, you will see why.

What do you call people what are afraid of Santa Claus.

Claustrophobic.

Why doesn’t Santa have any children?

Because he only comes once a yeeeaar and it’s down a chimney.

This hilarious romp through the twelve days of Christmas had me laughing and pondering the mystery throughout.

I love these characters, the fun writing and dialogue, their antics and quirkiness, and the mystery that keeps me guessing. I was tempted to mark it down because of the cliffhanger, but I enjoyed it too much and couldn’t do it.

OH MAN, there is a bleep, bleep, bleep cliffhanger!!!!

[Nerdish Mum · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not entirely sure where to start with this review. I've been getting into "cozy mysteries" recently and I believe this falls into that category, however this book just doesn't seem to share the same finish and fun that the others that I have read have. For the most part I had to re read full sections due to not knowing what was going on and the names of the characters really got on my nerves for some reason. I thought the story was convoluted and I got fed up of all the references to the previous book and then the ending...well even the author leaves a note at the end saying she knows people will hate her for where she left the story at. Sadly a disappointment for me.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a bit torn on how to rate this but 3.5/4 stars seems about right. It took me a while to get into the story because I was so confused as to what was happening, if I had read the first book I would have known though. The characters are all very eccentric but in a fun way that makes you like them. The mystery is a good one because I was baffled the entire time and could not figure who it might be though there were a lot of possibilities. I have never been to the south but the way they were talking I guess could be authentic and it is also another reason that makes them kind of charming.

Bubba Snoddy had a hard time the year before when he almost went to jail for the murder of his ex-fiancee. Now here it is Christmas and as he is heading toward the sheriff station he stumbles over the dead body of a man he had recently quarreled with. It does not look good and he is once again being looked at as the prime suspect in a murder. Soon it comes to light that something sinister is happening in the little town of Pegramville.

When his mother finds another body things just become more complicated. Not only is he a suspect his mother is now suspected of murder as well.

I am going to be reading the first book in this series so that I can get some background on these characters. I also think I want to read the next book at least since it ended with a cliffhanger that I did not see coming. It was an enjoyable read with some good laughs and a heck of a mystery.

[Terric853 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only made it to about page 100 of this 227 page book when I gave up. Maybe I should have read book #1 first, but I just didn't care at all about Bubba and his weird, eccentric family. Apparently in the first book, he was framed for murder, so when he finds a friend of his mother's with his neck slit in the town's Nativity, he is instantly accused of being the killer by the town's sheriff. He has a crush on a deputy on the town's police force who seems to return his affection and she even stands up to the sheriff in Bubba's defense.

The pacing of the book was tortuously slow; the characters were dull and boring, and I just couldn't force myself to finish the book - that's how little I cared.

[Delta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I liked this book more than the first, but it had many of the same issues I had with the first (i.e. the "hick speak.") I will warn you that this book spoils the first book in the first chapter. Normally, I find mysteries are pretty good about alluding to, but not specifically describing, the previous stories. This one literally calls it out, tells you the plot and the murderer right off the bat.

I listened to the audio version and I must really like Michael Gilboe. This has to be the fifth or sixth book of his I've listened to. I'm not especially fond of the stereotypical accents, but I think the book called for it.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Bubba. The Texas good ol' boy is again the first to find a dead body, then is arrested by the over-zealous police of his small town. Bubba's mama has the bad luck to find the second body. Bubba's out of jail (Deputy Willodean Gray is on his side again) so the police arrest Mama. Life is complicated by relatives who come to stay at their antebellum mansion, crumbly as it is, for the Christmas holidays. You'll never guess who actually brings down the killer.
I was shocked at the development just at the end but since it means a third Bubba outing I can live with it. Hurry up, Ms. Bevill. I can't wait.

[Dara Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! This is even better than the first one (Bubba and the Dead Woman)and I can't wait until Bubba and the Missing Woman comes out which is soon!

This time around we get to meet some more Snoddy's and see more of Precious, Bubba's Bassett Hound who is , by the way, a scene stealer!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it! There are several laugh-out-loud moments, as well as some very sweet ones. I loved seeing Bubba's and Willodean's relationship develop, as well as more depth in other favorite characters from the first book.

I thought this was very well done, and greatly entertaining!

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the second book in the Bubba Snoddy series much better than the first. I think the reason for this was twofold. First is this book has much more going on, the bodies keep and the intrigue keeps building. The second is that I listened to this as an audio book which I find much better when authors tries to write as people talk (think “what cha doin’ boy”). Hearing the characters in this manner is much better than trying to read it, in my opinion. Like the first book I wish there were more vivid details and descriptions to make the reader feel as if they were there but overall the home spun tale got me in the holiday spirit.

[Megan Kelosiwang · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books were recommended in the free/cheap kindle downloads but I enjoyed them none the less.

There was a little too much repetition of phrases and descriptions in this second book but overall the cutesy southern style didn't grate enough to detract from the easy enjoyment. The characters are likeable and should appeal to all of us who grew up in small towns, with the constant gossip and long histories.

I will download any others in the series as the cliff-hanger finish leaves me no choice.

[The Pirate Ghost (Formerly known as the Curmudgeon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my review of this book, see my review of Bubba Snoddy#1, it's about the same.

It was a welcome sequel, I enjoyed it. I laughed from end to end. Great fun read.

I wish the third book was already out though, after the way this one ended.

Can you say "Cliffhanger?"

Same warnings as in the first book apply.

Laungage and inuendo is a bit much for children. Young adults and older can probably process this book without any problems.

[Dee Cash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Really Sure

I'm not entirely sure I liked Bubba and the 12 Deadly Days of Christmas but it was light (mostly) and entertaining. I did not like the ending naturally nor will you if you choose to read the book. However I needed some.light entertainment at this juncture of my life and this book provided it. Perhaps it will do the same for you.

[Joelle Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, easy read. I like Bubba's character and the southern writing style.

[Jodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had some LOL moments. I have fun reading about Bubba and his family. I hope she does more of these - 3 is not enough.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Bubba. Read "Bubba and the Dead Woman," first. Keep em coming.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

I write reviews sporadically, but if this review brings attention--and some future readers--to the author, then I wanted to spread some Christmas cheer.

Full disclosure, Bubba and the 12 Deadly Days of Christmas was hiding in the endless books of my Kindle library for who knows how long. I don't know where it came from, or how long it was sitting there unread. I probably would not have read it if I had not decided to stop another book after a few pages, and this book caught by eye (it is Christmas time after all).I have never read anything by the author before, including the previous book in the series.

OK, so it's a silly little mystery, but I enjoyed it a lot. The story is about the protagonists who discovers a dead body while trying to woo a love interest. Due to his misadventures from the first book, which are referenced enough for you to get the context, he is an immediate, albeit illogical, suspect. Things can stranger when another member of the town, this one with a closer link to his mother, is later murdered.

The characters are eccentric and silly, and all of them are scene-stealers to some degree. The plot is fine. It's over-the-top, implausible, and goofy-but still it's a charming and entertaining read. The conclusion of the mystery is handed to the reader--dare I say it--wrapped up in a Christmas bow! Yes, I am groaning at that too, but since only one other person (maybe) actually reads my reviews, it doesn't matter.

I think my favorite part was while the protagonist is described as a big, dumb, hulking redneck, you can't help but like him as you discover the his kindness, intelligence, loyalty, and even insecurities (ask out the damn girl, already!). He's the kind of character you want to have as a friend, neighbor, or just beer-drinking partner.

If you like silly, little mysteries (extra points for Christmas themes), with interesting characters and a fast-moving plot, I would recommend this to you.

[Ken Finlay · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are very few murder mysteries that are hilarious, particularly when there is a serial killer involved.
“Bubba and the 12 Deadly Days of Christmas” had me grinning from start to finish. While, ostensibly, it is a thriller it is mostly about family, friends and life in a place where everyone knows everyone.
Bubba’s grasping Snoddy relatives have come to visit for Christmas and are busy trying to take what they believe is theirs, or will be someday if they can find a way.
A local psychiatric hospital has adopted a policy of sending the inmates (Jesus, a female Shakespeare fan and a man who thinks he’s a psychiatrist) into the community – it makes for some hilarious moments.
Bubba is still pining for Deputy Sheriff Willodene Gray – his love is pure but he just never seems to get the chance to advance his cause.
And then the bodies start dropping, each crime scene has something to do with Christmas, and Bubba has a bad run of luck when he turns up first on the scene several times.
It’s the sort of book that people either love or just don’t get – I loved it.
The final chapter, after the dust has settled, is as good as it gets.
4.5 Stars.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

As I mentioned in my review of the first installment (Bubba and the Dead Woman), the narration was awful. Miss Demetrice's portrayal in particular. If I care enough to continue with this series, it will be with the printed version.

If you haven't read the first installment, you won't need to because this one spends the equivalent of a chapter spilling the beans on everything that happened in Book One, including the conclusion.

I didn't care for the cliff hanger ending. If you're looking for a Christmas mystery, there are lots of other better choices.

[S Herman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely the funniest Christmastime read ever! I thoroughly enjoyed both the characters ( rather caricatures) and the mystery, too. This is second in a series; author had offered the non-Christmas first book free, which I also loved. While this can be read without the first, I do recommend reading it second for the background story.

[Emjaybeautiful · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast moving and amusing cozy

I gave it a 4-star rating Because unless it's truly magnificent I never use 5. This was good entertainment. I chose it because I was looking for something interesting but lighthearted.

[Louisa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bubba is a real likable character, and I couldn’t figure out the culprit until the end. The characters are starting to “grow on me.” I liked this story more than the first one. The romance between Bubba and Willowdean is starting to become interesting.

[Brenda Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

humorous murder mystery

Bubba is in trouble again. How is he gonna get himself out of this predicament? I enjoy reading these Bubba books. The first was a recommendation for a free download “Bubba and the dead woman”. I enjoyed it enough to buy the whole series.

[David J Steiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was pretty funny - good characters; wish I would've read #1 first though...

[Delia Papas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Funny, exciting and full of suspects. Stayed up to finish reading. Will be reading the missing woman next. I want more of bubba and Willodean and Mix D

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it! Bubba, deputy Gray, Bubba’s mom and Bubba’s connection to the community, even when they don’t support him.

[Sheila Walker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tried to put too much into it

[Gary Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining Series

The Bubba series thus far is very entertaining and I look forward to reading the whole series. The characters are colorful to say the least.

[Diana Bustamante · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have owned this book since 2015 but never read it and now I know why. I found it a bit of a slog. There were quirky characters but still…