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The Fruitcake
The Fruitcake - A deadly twist on a popular Christmas tradition
Four friends, one fruitcake, and a ritzy town full of secrets . . .
What could go wrong?
When Holly Kelly moves from Miami to the lavish Laguna Palms neighborhood, seeking community and friendship—with her husband and rambunctious triplets in tow—she finds it in spades. She is soon drawn into the intimate lives of almost everyone in their beachfront cul-de-sac, especially her three new ride-or-dies: Gina, Greta, and Chloe.
But when the neighborhood’s holiday fruitcake exchange takes a dark turn, the bodies start piling up. The deaths seem like accidents—at first. Meanwhile, their upscale suburb on the shores of Hutchinson Island, Florida, is also being plagued by a series of disturbing disappearances. Men vanish, then reappear in the neighborhood . . . but changed.
The four friends decide to do some sleuthing of their own, and what they find chills them to the bone. When it’s Holly’s turn to deliver a fruitcake to the Hudson sisters on Christmas Eve four years later, she hears screaming coming from inside the house . . . many different voices—and they don't sound female.
Can they uncover the twisted secrets of Laguna Palms before someone closer to home becomes yet another casualty?
The Fruitcake is a fast-paced thriller that drips with murder, mayhem, and delightful, often delicious Southern hospitality while split narration spins the tale from alternate perspectives. If you enjoyed the TV series Desperate Housewives, you’ll love The Fruitcake—a twisty murder mystery you won’t soon forget.
Four friends, one fruitcake, and a ritzy town full of secrets . . .
What could go wrong?
When Holly Kelly moves from Miami to the lavish Laguna Palms neighborhood, seeking community and friendship—with her husband and rambunctious triplets in tow—she finds it in spades. She is soon drawn into the intimate lives of almost everyone in their beachfront cul-de-sac, especially her three new ride-or-dies: Gina, Greta, and Chloe.
But when the neighborhood’s holiday fruitcake exchange takes a dark turn, the bodies start piling up. The deaths seem like accidents—at first. Meanwhile, their upscale suburb on the shores of Hutchinson Island, Florida, is also being plagued by a series of disturbing disappearances. Men vanish, then reappear in the neighborhood . . . but changed.
The four friends decide to do some sleuthing of their own, and what they find chills them to the bone. When it’s Holly’s turn to deliver a fruitcake to the Hudson sisters on Christmas Eve four years later, she hears screaming coming from inside the house . . . many different voices—and they don't sound female.
Can they uncover the twisted secrets of Laguna Palms before someone closer to home becomes yet another casualty?
The Fruitcake is a fast-paced thriller that drips with murder, mayhem, and delightful, often delicious Southern hospitality while split narration spins the tale from alternate perspectives. If you enjoyed the TV series Desperate Housewives, you’ll love The Fruitcake—a twisty murder mystery you won’t soon forget.
7 pages, Audible Audio
Published January 25, 2024
226 people are currently reading
7341 people want to read
About the author
Leah Orr
17 books368 followersLeah Orr, a resident of Jensen Beach, Florida, is not just a mother and wife, but also a #1 best-selling Amazon children’s author and thriller novelist, and #1 Barnes & Noble Best-selling storyteller. Her success in the literary world is evident in her 17 published books, each one a testament to her storytelling prowess.
Leah donates the profits from her books to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Upon learning that her daughter Ashley was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (while still in the womb), Orr knew she wanted to do something special. With some input from her mother and three daughters, it was decided that she'd write books to benefit the (CF) Foundation. The Orr Family has raised over $1,400,000 over the past 22 years to help find a cure.
Leah has recently been featured on ABC’s Health Watch, NBC Today South Florida, CBS South Florida, CBS This Morning Virginia, NBC the 10! Show Philadelphia, Fox 4 News Morning Blend, National Syndicated, “The Daily Buzz”, and Lifetime TV’s “The Balancing Act.”
Leah has been featured in Publications such as: Forbes Magazine, Medical News Today, The Boston Globe, The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel, etc. Ashley was also a recipient of Oprah’s generosity in “The Big Give”.
Books by Leah Orr include children’s books: Goodnight, Molly, Messy Tessy, It Wasn’t Me, Kyle’s First Crush, & Kyle’s First Playdate. Her thrillers include The Executive Suite, The Bartender, The Champagne Toast, and #1 Amazon Bestseller, The She Shed, and The Fruitcake. and The Retirees.
Orr and her husband were recently nominated as one of Florida’s Finest Couples by the CF Foundation and included in “IN THE SPOTLIGHT on CFF.ORG. Leah was also nominated as one of Broward County’s top 100 Outstanding Women. Orr grew up in Boston, MA, and is a graduate of the University of Miami.
More information is available at www.leahorr.com
Leah donates the profits from her books to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Upon learning that her daughter Ashley was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (while still in the womb), Orr knew she wanted to do something special. With some input from her mother and three daughters, it was decided that she'd write books to benefit the (CF) Foundation. The Orr Family has raised over $1,400,000 over the past 22 years to help find a cure.
Leah has recently been featured on ABC’s Health Watch, NBC Today South Florida, CBS South Florida, CBS This Morning Virginia, NBC the 10! Show Philadelphia, Fox 4 News Morning Blend, National Syndicated, “The Daily Buzz”, and Lifetime TV’s “The Balancing Act.”
Leah has been featured in Publications such as: Forbes Magazine, Medical News Today, The Boston Globe, The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel, etc. Ashley was also a recipient of Oprah’s generosity in “The Big Give”.
Books by Leah Orr include children’s books: Goodnight, Molly, Messy Tessy, It Wasn’t Me, Kyle’s First Crush, & Kyle’s First Playdate. Her thrillers include The Executive Suite, The Bartender, The Champagne Toast, and #1 Amazon Bestseller, The She Shed, and The Fruitcake. and The Retirees.
Orr and her husband were recently nominated as one of Florida’s Finest Couples by the CF Foundation and included in “IN THE SPOTLIGHT on CFF.ORG. Leah was also nominated as one of Broward County’s top 100 Outstanding Women. Orr grew up in Boston, MA, and is a graduate of the University of Miami.
More information is available at www.leahorr.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
December 18, 2025
Strange, but in a good way!
November 25, 2024
5/5
Do you really know your neighbors? If your looking for the perfect cozy Christmas thriller, this is it. Step into the ritzy ditzy HOA community, where they pass out fruitcakes for good luck during the holidays, but whenever someone receives a fruitcake something horrible happens. Are the fruitcakes haunted? So many twists and surprises in this one with an ending I promise you will not see coming.
One of my favorite things about this book is the sense of humor! You'll be cracking up laughing all the way through this story.
There's also a nice short story at the end of this book, with a fruitcake recipe book that is just the sweetest. If you Freida McFadden, make sure you check out Leah Orr's books! She's amazing!
Do you really know your neighbors? If your looking for the perfect cozy Christmas thriller, this is it. Step into the ritzy ditzy HOA community, where they pass out fruitcakes for good luck during the holidays, but whenever someone receives a fruitcake something horrible happens. Are the fruitcakes haunted? So many twists and surprises in this one with an ending I promise you will not see coming.
One of my favorite things about this book is the sense of humor! You'll be cracking up laughing all the way through this story.
There's also a nice short story at the end of this book, with a fruitcake recipe book that is just the sweetest. If you Freida McFadden, make sure you check out Leah Orr's books! She's amazing!
December 21, 2024
Okay, y’all. Listen up.
You know me - or you probably don’t, but here’s the tea: I hate holiday reads. Like, full-on Grinch-mode activated. All those cheery, glitter-covered, Hallmark-y books cluttering my feed every December? HARD PASS. But this year, something wild happened. I stumbled on The Fruitcake by Leah Orr, and oh my festive freakin’ goodness, I’m obsessed.
This isn’t your typical sleigh bells and sugar plums nonsense. No, no. The Fruitcake is a dark, deliciously twisted holiday thriller that takes everything you hate about suburbia (annoying neighbors, forced cheer, fruitcake that could double as a brick) and makes it fun. Oh, and did I mention the murders? Yup, plural. Bodies are dropping faster than pine needles on a cheap Christmas tree, and I’m HERE FOR IT.
Imagine sipping eggnog while flipping pages of a story so juicy it’ll make you cackle like the Grinch stealing Christmas dinner. Annoying neighbors? Check. Suspense? Check. A plot that will leave you gasping and Googling “how to make fruitcake that doesn’t kill people”? Triple check.
And let’s address the obvious: Yes, this book came out in January 2024, but honestly? The Fruitcake is THE holiday read you didn’t know you needed this December. It’s the antidote to all the tinsel-coated fluff that makes your teeth ache and your soul shrivel. Think of it as a festive middle finger to the usual holiday cheer.
So if you’re tired of pretending to enjoy cheery carols and sappy romances, get this book right now. I promise, you’ll be howling (and probably side-eyeing your neighbors) by the end.
Merry Freakin’ Christmas, y’all! And as for the New Year, let’s be real: January will suck, like it always does. But at least you’ll have The Fruitcake to remind you that life could be worse - you could live in this neighborhood.
Cheers to surviving the holidays with a book that’ll make them bearable. You’re welcome. Haha. Funny. You. Know.
You know me - or you probably don’t, but here’s the tea: I hate holiday reads. Like, full-on Grinch-mode activated. All those cheery, glitter-covered, Hallmark-y books cluttering my feed every December? HARD PASS. But this year, something wild happened. I stumbled on The Fruitcake by Leah Orr, and oh my festive freakin’ goodness, I’m obsessed.
This isn’t your typical sleigh bells and sugar plums nonsense. No, no. The Fruitcake is a dark, deliciously twisted holiday thriller that takes everything you hate about suburbia (annoying neighbors, forced cheer, fruitcake that could double as a brick) and makes it fun. Oh, and did I mention the murders? Yup, plural. Bodies are dropping faster than pine needles on a cheap Christmas tree, and I’m HERE FOR IT.
Imagine sipping eggnog while flipping pages of a story so juicy it’ll make you cackle like the Grinch stealing Christmas dinner. Annoying neighbors? Check. Suspense? Check. A plot that will leave you gasping and Googling “how to make fruitcake that doesn’t kill people”? Triple check.
And let’s address the obvious: Yes, this book came out in January 2024, but honestly? The Fruitcake is THE holiday read you didn’t know you needed this December. It’s the antidote to all the tinsel-coated fluff that makes your teeth ache and your soul shrivel. Think of it as a festive middle finger to the usual holiday cheer.
So if you’re tired of pretending to enjoy cheery carols and sappy romances, get this book right now. I promise, you’ll be howling (and probably side-eyeing your neighbors) by the end.
Merry Freakin’ Christmas, y’all! And as for the New Year, let’s be real: January will suck, like it always does. But at least you’ll have The Fruitcake to remind you that life could be worse - you could live in this neighborhood.
Cheers to surviving the holidays with a book that’ll make them bearable. You’re welcome. Haha. Funny. You. Know.
October 6, 2025
Well, this book was interesting. Entertaining at times, with a little whodonit thrown in. The story felt a little disjointed, I was kind of hard to determine what the main plot line was. Also, there were a lot of characters, so it was hard to keep them straight, and didn't allow for much development. It does kind of go all over the place, and the ending, while surprising, had absolutely no foreshadowing at all. All together, an entertaining and quick read without much substance.
I received this book directly from the author to provide an honest review. My opinions are my own.
I received this book directly from the author to provide an honest review. My opinions are my own.
November 22, 2024
Such a fun and quick audiobook! This story follows a group of well-to-do women that live in a wealthy neighborhood. With the addition of the newest family and their triplet toddlers, the neighbor quickly befriends her and teaches her about each of the neighbors. The book highlights the holidays from thanksgiving to Super Bowl Sunday over the course of several years, including during the pandemic. Meanwhile, neighbors have gone missing, only to turn up later with little to no explanation. What’s really going on in this cul-de sac? Soooooo soooo good!!
August 13, 2025
It finally happened by mistake, I read my first Christmas book. “The Fruitcake” by Leah Orr is a thrilling dark comedy that keeps you laughing until the last chapter. I didn’t even realize it was a Christmas book until I started reading it.
The book is set in South Florida, I have been to all the places mentioned in this book and in the timeframes. Just hearing the names, Martin County, Jensen Beach and The Treasure Coast was a thrill for me. Why? Because I am a snowbird, you know, what all the characters in the book make fun of. Orr does a superb job of capturing the vibe and people of the region.
How do you describe the book? A comedy, a conspiracy theory, nosey neighbors, bad guys and some abuse. All the delectable ingredients of a great story (or fruitcake).
The plot moves fast and keeps you thinking until the very end. Why do people keep disappearing and returning offering no explanation of where they have been? How spooky is that?
Abuse did happen to many people, and I am not condoning it. But in the end, doesn’t it keep the balance? Read the book and see what you think and whatever you do, do not eat any fruitcake in Florida.
Thank you to Netgalley and Independent Book Publishers Association for providing me with an advanced readers copy. All the opinions expressed are my own because I have Freedom of Speech.
The book is set in South Florida, I have been to all the places mentioned in this book and in the timeframes. Just hearing the names, Martin County, Jensen Beach and The Treasure Coast was a thrill for me. Why? Because I am a snowbird, you know, what all the characters in the book make fun of. Orr does a superb job of capturing the vibe and people of the region.
How do you describe the book? A comedy, a conspiracy theory, nosey neighbors, bad guys and some abuse. All the delectable ingredients of a great story (or fruitcake).
The plot moves fast and keeps you thinking until the very end. Why do people keep disappearing and returning offering no explanation of where they have been? How spooky is that?
Abuse did happen to many people, and I am not condoning it. But in the end, doesn’t it keep the balance? Read the book and see what you think and whatever you do, do not eat any fruitcake in Florida.
Thank you to Netgalley and Independent Book Publishers Association for providing me with an advanced readers copy. All the opinions expressed are my own because I have Freedom of Speech.
November 14, 2023
Stepford Wives meets Desperate Housewives.
Who is the nuttiest fruitcake in the neighborhood?
Lots of twists and turns reading this, and you never quite knew how to predict what was coming.
I enjoyed this story! Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for my honest opinion!
Who is the nuttiest fruitcake in the neighborhood?
Lots of twists and turns reading this, and you never quite knew how to predict what was coming.
I enjoyed this story! Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for my honest opinion!
December 5, 2024
This book sat on my Kindle forever, and I do not know what took me so long to read it. This was the perfect cozy Christmas mystery to kick off December. I found the writing witty and the plot refreshing, unique, and entertaining.
November 20, 2025
This fun holiday mystery thriller covers several years in the life of a group of friends living in an exclusive Florida neighborhood and is told from multiple points-of-view. A tradition begins in which someone gifts a neighbor with a fruitcake and that recipient makes a fruitcake for someone else the next year, and so on. This sounds like a fun activity, but it seems like the fruitcakes may be haunted. Strange, sometimes deadly things happen to the person who receives the holiday dessert. Other strange things are going on in this neighborhood and the four main characters, Holly, Gina, Greta, and Chloe want to know more.
The book is a quirky mixture of mystery, suspense, comedy, and a bit of horror. It has a light tone, but also deals with some serious subjects. It took a couple of chapters for me to get used to this style, but I quickly became engaged in the book and invested in finding out what's really going on in this Florida neighborhood. The story seems to conclude, but then an intriguing epilogue resolves some issues but also includes a twist that is a little ambiguous. I enjoyed the recipes in the back for a variety of different types of fruitcake. There is also a bonus short story that is touching, but bittersweet.
I received a gifted copy of this book from the author, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
The book is a quirky mixture of mystery, suspense, comedy, and a bit of horror. It has a light tone, but also deals with some serious subjects. It took a couple of chapters for me to get used to this style, but I quickly became engaged in the book and invested in finding out what's really going on in this Florida neighborhood. The story seems to conclude, but then an intriguing epilogue resolves some issues but also includes a twist that is a little ambiguous. I enjoyed the recipes in the back for a variety of different types of fruitcake. There is also a bonus short story that is touching, but bittersweet.
I received a gifted copy of this book from the author, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
December 19, 2024
This was SUCH a fun read! Well, listen. And I absolutely loved the audio. It was so well done! The twists at the end are crazy! And I loved how each story wrapped up. Warning - possible spoiler? I'm a little confused with the epilogue but I'm hoping that means there will be another. The idea of it made sense to me as I assumed the person was involved somehow BUT there's one line I didn't get. Guess we will see!!
Thank you SO MUCH to Leah Orr for my audio copy of this book! I definitely recommend it!
Thank you SO MUCH to Leah Orr for my audio copy of this book! I definitely recommend it!
November 22, 2024
This was an interesting read. I received a signed copy from the author which was much appreciated. It took a little time to get into but was a fast read after. I find the story to be super unique and loved the ending.
August 27, 2024
Fun, Suspense, Mystery... Good Read
Leah Orr's "The Fruitcake" is a thought-provoking novel that presents a compelling storyline filled with multiple plot twists, keeping the reader intrigued and curious about the unfolding events. The narrative takes an unexpected journey from a ladies' workout group to humorous discussions about flatulence, consistently surprising the reader with where the dialogue leads next.
Set in a cul-de-sac populated by a cast of strange and captivating characters, Orr masterfully blends gossip and murder into a gripping tale that binds the reader to her story. "The Fruitcake" unfolds during the COVID-19 pandemic but cleverly navigates back and forth in time, offering a deeper insight into the characters' backstories. This dynamic timeline enhances the depth and realism of Orr’s characters and helps the reader form a stronger connection with them.
Orr delves into her characters' psychological pasts, which adds layers of authenticity to the narrative and enriches the reader’s experience. The seamless interweaving of character development with the broader plot ensures that the story remains engaging and relatable.
If you're in search of engaging dialogue, a vibrant women's group, and unexpected plot twists, "The Fruitcake" by Leah Orr is a must-read. This novel promises not only an entertaining read but also a thought-provoking exploration of human behavior and relationships
Leah Orr's "The Fruitcake" is a thought-provoking novel that presents a compelling storyline filled with multiple plot twists, keeping the reader intrigued and curious about the unfolding events. The narrative takes an unexpected journey from a ladies' workout group to humorous discussions about flatulence, consistently surprising the reader with where the dialogue leads next.
Set in a cul-de-sac populated by a cast of strange and captivating characters, Orr masterfully blends gossip and murder into a gripping tale that binds the reader to her story. "The Fruitcake" unfolds during the COVID-19 pandemic but cleverly navigates back and forth in time, offering a deeper insight into the characters' backstories. This dynamic timeline enhances the depth and realism of Orr’s characters and helps the reader form a stronger connection with them.
Orr delves into her characters' psychological pasts, which adds layers of authenticity to the narrative and enriches the reader’s experience. The seamless interweaving of character development with the broader plot ensures that the story remains engaging and relatable.
If you're in search of engaging dialogue, a vibrant women's group, and unexpected plot twists, "The Fruitcake" by Leah Orr is a must-read. This novel promises not only an entertaining read but also a thought-provoking exploration of human behavior and relationships
November 4, 2023
I received an ARC paperback of this book, and am, in turn, providing my honest feedback.
This was my first Leah Orr book, and it definitely will not be my last. From the first page, I was hooked. The timeline and perspective jump around, going from past to present day, and through the perspective of various people who live in the Laguna Palms community in sunny south Florida.
Holly and her husband move into Laguna Beach with their three children, young triplet who keeps Holly on her toes. Holly makes friends quickly with several of the women in the cul-de-sac, including Gina, who knows something about everyone.
Soon, strange disappearances start happening to the men in the cul-de-sac, and the women start gossiping and investigating.
There were so many twists and turns and the buildup to the end is fantastic. Could there possibly be more to come…???
Leah, I’m really hoping for the next installment to happen!
This was my first Leah Orr book, and it definitely will not be my last. From the first page, I was hooked. The timeline and perspective jump around, going from past to present day, and through the perspective of various people who live in the Laguna Palms community in sunny south Florida.
Holly and her husband move into Laguna Beach with their three children, young triplet who keeps Holly on her toes. Holly makes friends quickly with several of the women in the cul-de-sac, including Gina, who knows something about everyone.
Soon, strange disappearances start happening to the men in the cul-de-sac, and the women start gossiping and investigating.
There were so many twists and turns and the buildup to the end is fantastic. Could there possibly be more to come…???
Leah, I’m really hoping for the next installment to happen!
June 19, 2024
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Unfortunately, I couldn't finish it. I couldn't decide if it was to be a humorous story, a fantasy, or a mystery. The main character's dialog seemed to be a stab at being funny but fell short in my opinion.
September 9, 2025
The Fruitcake
By: Leah Orr
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
🍰 Rich Neighborhood
🍰 Cursed Fruitcake
🍰 Mystery
🍰 Hilarious Banter
🍰 Multiple POVS/timelines
🍰 Twisted and Dark Holiday Thriller
Thank you for the copy of this book!
Imagine moving into a new ritzy neighborhood with your triplets….. now-imagine that neighborhood does an annual Christmas fruitcake exchange and every year on Christmas Eve, something terrible happens. The strange thing is …it only seems to happen to those who receive the fruitcake!😳
Not only is there a cursed fruitcake, but the neighbors start mysteriously going missing for days to weeks at a time and coming back a totally different person….. not disclosing where they have been or what happened to them.
The story follows Holly and her family and all her quirky neighbors over multiple holidays and multiple years. The banter was HILARIOUS and written so naturally. I felt like I was hanging out with my girlfriends the entire time.
The multiple POVS and timelines kept me turning pages and listening every minute I had because I needed to know how everything tied together and the ending blew my mind!!!!
This is the PERFECT holiday read for those of you who are wanting to skip the fluffy holiday romances! I suggest an immersive read with this one!!!
🎧📖
I will be honest and say that I probably would have never read this book due to the name, but I am SOOO GLAD I did!!! 🙌🏻 The audiobook narrator was amazing and the font in the book was so easy to read! The author also included a diagram of the cul-de-sac so the reader can envision where all the neighbors live! This story was like a more unhinged version of Desperate Housewives…. But the men in the story were a hoot as well!
I really enjoyed this! It was different and so fun!!!
November 28, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this paperback book, and the plot twists are like a rollercoaster, keeping you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next turn. Loved it! Can't wait to read more, Leah Orr!
January 17, 2025
This was a fun read!
This book had me enraptured from the very beginning! There's so much going on with these neighbors - raising triplets, foot "modeling", a cursed fruitcake exchange, and many dark secrets. I enjoyed the author's writing style and the witty exchanges between the characters.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-copy!
This book had me enraptured from the very beginning! There's so much going on with these neighbors - raising triplets, foot "modeling", a cursed fruitcake exchange, and many dark secrets. I enjoyed the author's writing style and the witty exchanges between the characters.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-copy!
December 20, 2023
This is an honest review after reading an ARC.
I was not sure what to expect from this book but what I most enjoyed was the balance of mystery to comedy. The book talked about some hard/dark topics like kidnapping, depression, and child abuse, however, it also had laugh out loud characters dealing with totally relatable life issues. Wild kids, money post retirement, and nosey neighbors. If you want a read bridges expectations and makes you laugh out loud this book is for you. Almost everyone will find a way to relate to one of the women in this book in some way or another and that connection is what made the book for me. I would recommend this book and Leah Orr to any reader looking to laugh while solving a mystery!
I was not sure what to expect from this book but what I most enjoyed was the balance of mystery to comedy. The book talked about some hard/dark topics like kidnapping, depression, and child abuse, however, it also had laugh out loud characters dealing with totally relatable life issues. Wild kids, money post retirement, and nosey neighbors. If you want a read bridges expectations and makes you laugh out loud this book is for you. Almost everyone will find a way to relate to one of the women in this book in some way or another and that connection is what made the book for me. I would recommend this book and Leah Orr to any reader looking to laugh while solving a mystery!
September 19, 2024
Very slow paced. I did not enjoy the writing style. At points it seemed the characters were just rhyming off what they did, and nothing interesting was really included in that.
"I went to pilates. I spoke with my neighbour. They invited me out for lunch. We had a weird sandwich." This was the gist of one of the chapters. I... Don't care? What's that got to do with a "thrilling murder mystery"?
I read to chapter 9 and found the book just wasn't grabbing my attention. Life is too short to read books you're not enjoying so I had to mark this one as DNF.
"I went to pilates. I spoke with my neighbour. They invited me out for lunch. We had a weird sandwich." This was the gist of one of the chapters. I... Don't care? What's that got to do with a "thrilling murder mystery"?
I read to chapter 9 and found the book just wasn't grabbing my attention. Life is too short to read books you're not enjoying so I had to mark this one as DNF.
November 9, 2023
The twists in this book kept me reading.
The character development was lacking, but the plot held together. I didn’t expect some of the things that occurred but others were fairly predictable for a thriller/mystery reader. I would read another book by the author, without any hesitation but wouldn’t re read this book. Overall 4/5 stars.
**Received this as an ARC read.**
The character development was lacking, but the plot held together. I didn’t expect some of the things that occurred but others were fairly predictable for a thriller/mystery reader. I would read another book by the author, without any hesitation but wouldn’t re read this book. Overall 4/5 stars.
**Received this as an ARC read.**
November 11, 2023
I enjoyed this book as a quick read, only thing that I didn't like was all the mention of covid. I try to avoid all things covid related 😆 I liked the story line and thought the ending was good! It left you with a moment of "ooohhhhhhhh!" Would recommend to others.
November 1, 2023
Omg this book, easy fast read. I got a stepford wives feel, the secrets that the ladies kept but the men were involved in the secrets also. Did not expect the ending but also left for maybe a part 2. Highly recommend this book kept you very curious from beginning to end.
December 11, 2024
This was so over the place. I don’t really know what to make of this book.
So this is a short book; it’s barely 230 pages, considering that it also includes a little cookbook in the end, so that was cute. I also liked that we get a little drawing map of the cul-de-sac/what the order of the neighbour’s houses is like.
My issue with this book is that I just don’t know what it is. I don’t know what it was trying to be; I don’t know if it wanted to be a social commentary, which you can absolutely do with mystery-thrillers, but I just feel like it didn’t quite hit the mark, so I didn’t know if the book wanted to be that, or to be a drama, or just a thriller, or a horror thriller with a side of comedy. Like, it just changed so much; I just didn’t know what I was reading, and the narrations changed a lot, too.
There was too much going on that by the end I just don’t think the fruitcake was a main point. I guess the pacing was quick, but I took way too long to read this, especially considering it is about 211 pages of actual story. This shouldn’t have taken me so long, but I put it down so many times. I had to force myself a little bit to pick it up again to finish it.
As said, the pacing was good, and it flowed... I was just bored and confused because I didn’t know what this book was actually about, and the author didn’t make me 100% want to know what was happening. It was also a little bit cringey how Holly added random things in Spanish. It was just like, "Why is this here?". I don’t know; I feel like a lot of times when authors want to insert random things in other languages, it just comes off as cringe.
So this is a short book; it’s barely 230 pages, considering that it also includes a little cookbook in the end, so that was cute. I also liked that we get a little drawing map of the cul-de-sac/what the order of the neighbour’s houses is like.
My issue with this book is that I just don’t know what it is. I don’t know what it was trying to be; I don’t know if it wanted to be a social commentary, which you can absolutely do with mystery-thrillers, but I just feel like it didn’t quite hit the mark, so I didn’t know if the book wanted to be that, or to be a drama, or just a thriller, or a horror thriller with a side of comedy. Like, it just changed so much; I just didn’t know what I was reading, and the narrations changed a lot, too.
There was too much going on that by the end I just don’t think the fruitcake was a main point. I guess the pacing was quick, but I took way too long to read this, especially considering it is about 211 pages of actual story. This shouldn’t have taken me so long, but I put it down so many times. I had to force myself a little bit to pick it up again to finish it.
As said, the pacing was good, and it flowed... I was just bored and confused because I didn’t know what this book was actually about, and the author didn’t make me 100% want to know what was happening. It was also a little bit cringey how Holly added random things in Spanish. It was just like, "Why is this here?". I don’t know; I feel like a lot of times when authors want to insert random things in other languages, it just comes off as cringe.
November 30, 2025
This was an interesting read. It felt like a mix of various things blended into one story, which I both enjoyed and found difficult to follow at times. You jump around in time and follow multiple different points of view which kept my attention, but also felt a little choppy.
This story is about a woman who moved to a rich neighborhood with her family and learns that the neighbors do a fruitcake exchange each Christmas. Strange things always happen to the recipients of the cursed fruitcake.
The story had a nice touch of humor throughout that helped break up some of the darker, more sinister themes. If you are looking for a fun mystery thriller with a holiday theme consider picking this one up.
Read this if you like:
🥮 Secrets
🥮 Drama
🥮 Whodunit
🥮 Fast pace
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy of the book.
This story is about a woman who moved to a rich neighborhood with her family and learns that the neighbors do a fruitcake exchange each Christmas. Strange things always happen to the recipients of the cursed fruitcake.
The story had a nice touch of humor throughout that helped break up some of the darker, more sinister themes. If you are looking for a fun mystery thriller with a holiday theme consider picking this one up.
Read this if you like:
🥮 Secrets
🥮 Drama
🥮 Whodunit
🥮 Fast pace
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy of the book.
January 15, 2024
*ARC REVIEW*
Overall, the laughs and the twists from this book kept coming. They did not disappoint. As an avid reader, I fully expect some of the same ideas/twists to be used but this book was 100% original and I have not read anything like it. My biggest complaint would have to be that there were so many people that I had to keep a list in my head along with reviewing the cul-de-sac drawing in order to keep my surroundings in the book accurate.
The story follows a neighborhood cul-de-sac group of people who eventually become friends while also encompassing the hidden secrets and truths within the community. It gives the drama of a reality tv show while also adding some thriller and crime in there as well.
Overall, the laughs and the twists from this book kept coming. They did not disappoint. As an avid reader, I fully expect some of the same ideas/twists to be used but this book was 100% original and I have not read anything like it. My biggest complaint would have to be that there were so many people that I had to keep a list in my head along with reviewing the cul-de-sac drawing in order to keep my surroundings in the book accurate.
The story follows a neighborhood cul-de-sac group of people who eventually become friends while also encompassing the hidden secrets and truths within the community. It gives the drama of a reality tv show while also adding some thriller and crime in there as well.
November 30, 2025
This was a fun and festive holiday mystery set deep in the heart of ritzy suburbia!
The story centers around a tight-knit (and sometimes cutthroat) group of "Housewives" who thrive at maintaining the perfect neighborhood image, gathering the latest gossip, and, most importantly, orchestrating the annual Christmas Eve delivery of a Fruitcake to one lucky (or unlucky) neighbor.
I loved the group of women, they were hilarious, and their antics made me laugh out loud quite a few times!
The mysteries of the historical "Fruitcake deaths" and the need to uncover the secrets happening inside the elusive Hudson sisters' house were intriguing and kept the pacing fun and interesting throughout too.
If you are looking for a lighthearted, gossipy mystery with a holiday twist, this is definitely one to pick up!
The story centers around a tight-knit (and sometimes cutthroat) group of "Housewives" who thrive at maintaining the perfect neighborhood image, gathering the latest gossip, and, most importantly, orchestrating the annual Christmas Eve delivery of a Fruitcake to one lucky (or unlucky) neighbor.
I loved the group of women, they were hilarious, and their antics made me laugh out loud quite a few times!
The mysteries of the historical "Fruitcake deaths" and the need to uncover the secrets happening inside the elusive Hudson sisters' house were intriguing and kept the pacing fun and interesting throughout too.
If you are looking for a lighthearted, gossipy mystery with a holiday twist, this is definitely one to pick up!
December 17, 2025
The Fruitcake by Leah Orr
Narrated by Annalee Scott & Danny Montooth
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a fun and thrilling read! A murder mystery with lots of surprises. It’s an interesting premise and overall storyline!
Holly Kelly moves to a posh Florida neighborhood where secrets are prevalent.
The neighbors decide a neighborhood fruitcake exchange would be a fantastic idea for the holidays. Something strange is going on in this neighborhood!
This is an engaging and exciting read. It’s a very original story, with bits of humor tossed in. I enjoyed the read!
I listened to the audio and the narrators did a great job! I definitely recommend the read or listen!!
Who doesn’t love fruitcake? 😳
Narrated by Annalee Scott & Danny Montooth
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a fun and thrilling read! A murder mystery with lots of surprises. It’s an interesting premise and overall storyline!
Holly Kelly moves to a posh Florida neighborhood where secrets are prevalent.
The neighbors decide a neighborhood fruitcake exchange would be a fantastic idea for the holidays. Something strange is going on in this neighborhood!
This is an engaging and exciting read. It’s a very original story, with bits of humor tossed in. I enjoyed the read!
I listened to the audio and the narrators did a great job! I definitely recommend the read or listen!!
Who doesn’t love fruitcake? 😳
December 20, 2025
This book has been described as having Desperate Housewives vibes and I 100% agree! Holly and her family have moved into a very exclusive neighborhood with a killer tradition of gifting a fruitcake to a neighbor at Christmas time. What happens from there can only be described as wild, darkly humorous, and unexpected. I loved each of the characters and their quirks and really enjoyed the multiple POV approach to this story. Not only was the story highly entertaining but there was a huge twist that I absolutely did NOT see coming! Add this to your Christmas list for Santa this year ❤️ It can also be enjoyed year round, much like a well-made fruitcake 😂
December 5, 2024
An amazingly engrossing, delightful, suspenseful, heartwarming, novel [yes, all of that], THE FRUITCAKE both captured my attention and entertained me from its first pages. What a neighborhood on this "quiet" Florida island gated cul-de-sac! What fascinating characters! What ugly secrets roil under its sleek shiny surfaces! First I've read by author Leah Orr, but I am definitely going to read more. A very satisfying and strongly suspenseful read.
Release October 31 2023.
Release October 31 2023.
January 5, 2026
Fun holiday read! This story is a twisty mystery that balances suspense with humor and heart. It follows Holly as she navigates strange events and surprising truths in her seemingly perfect community.
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