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McKinley Mysteries #7
Christmas is Murder
Do you love Christmas and cozy mysteries?
“Christmas is Murder” is a touching--and comical--seasonal cozy. It will have you wanting to stoke the fire and top up that glass of eggnog.
Albany’s the perfect image of a winter wonderland, and Sean and Sara’s friend Jimmy is going to be Santa Claus for the upcoming Christmas parade. The trees and decorations have been selected and the gifts have been purchased. The season has truly cast its magical spell--until Sean and Sara’s neighbors die in a horrible house fire.
While the fire department ruled holiday-related hazards as the cause, Sara suspects there’s more to it. Her determination to find the truth has her and Sean toeing the line between what’s legal and what’s not.
As they sort out fact from fiction, the McKinleys make the final decision about whether or not they should open a private investigation firm.
126 pages, ebook
First published December 4, 2014
46 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Arnold
76 books1,280 followersCAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has nearly thirty published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures. Her crime fiction series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining. This led to her adopting the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.
Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.
She currently lives near London, Ontario, Canada with her husband and two beagles.
Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.
She currently lives near London, Ontario, Canada with her husband and two beagles.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 23, 2016
I have to admit .. I am not a big fan of cozy mysteries. And this is the first year I've made it a point to read a few Christmas stories.
Now let the beating with limp noodles begin! Carolyn Arnold is one author who has changed my mind about cozies! I absolutely loved this story!
Sean and Sara will be celebrating their first married Christmas together. Being adopted, for Sara, Christmas is all about family. And Sean will do whatever it takes to make Sara happy.
Both are former cops and they are seriously thinking about starting a Private Investigation firm. Although very wealthy, they both like keeping their hands in the pie.
When their neighbors die in a house fire on Christmas Eve, and after talking to the firefighters and arson investigator, Sean and Sara decide to look into things on their own.
Accident or Murder?
Even though a serious subject, this was a fun romp through their investigation. I love how they relate to each other and to the families.
With chapters named "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" and "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" you'll happily sing or hum your way through this short story.
I wish to thank Carolyn Arnold for offering this digital copy as a Christmas Gift to her readers. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own. My review was not solicited by the author or any other entity.
Now let the beating with limp noodles begin! Carolyn Arnold is one author who has changed my mind about cozies! I absolutely loved this story!
Sean and Sara will be celebrating their first married Christmas together. Being adopted, for Sara, Christmas is all about family. And Sean will do whatever it takes to make Sara happy.
Both are former cops and they are seriously thinking about starting a Private Investigation firm. Although very wealthy, they both like keeping their hands in the pie.
When their neighbors die in a house fire on Christmas Eve, and after talking to the firefighters and arson investigator, Sean and Sara decide to look into things on their own.
Accident or Murder?
Even though a serious subject, this was a fun romp through their investigation. I love how they relate to each other and to the families.
With chapters named "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" and "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" you'll happily sing or hum your way through this short story.
I wish to thank Carolyn Arnold for offering this digital copy as a Christmas Gift to her readers. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own. My review was not solicited by the author or any other entity.
December 9, 2017
Christmas is Murder by Carolyn Arnold is the seventh book in the Mckinley Mysteries series. It was an entertaining and easy to read cozy mystery. This is the second book from the series I am reading and I have no regrets. I am looking forward to reading the remaining books.
Sean and Sara McKinley, fresh from their honeymoon in Europe, is looking forward to sharing their first Christmas as a married couple. Then their neighbours, whom they never had time to, know on a deeper level, died in a house fire on Christmas Eve. Fuelled by the guilt of not taking the time to know her neighbours she decides to investigate the circumstances behind their deaths. She is convinced they were murdered and with Sean by her side; she is determined to prove her theory at all cost. Was it an accident or did someone deliberately set the fire?
I found the mystery engaging. I was keen to discover if Sara was correct in her suspicions. The lovely couple employed a variety of methods to help in solving the case. Some of these methods found them crossing the lines of legality. There were funny moments, which had me laughing aloud. I especially enjoyed the scene where they found themselves cornered by an angry Rottweiler.
I loved how the author incorporated the Christmas theme throughout the story. There was no doubt that this was a Christmas story.
Conclusion/Recommendation.
Christmas is Murder is a light, fun and fluffy read. If you are a reader who loves mysteries that are gritty and intense then this book not for you. However, if you are looking for something light and fun, then it is the perfect book.1
Sean and Sara McKinley, fresh from their honeymoon in Europe, is looking forward to sharing their first Christmas as a married couple. Then their neighbours, whom they never had time to, know on a deeper level, died in a house fire on Christmas Eve. Fuelled by the guilt of not taking the time to know her neighbours she decides to investigate the circumstances behind their deaths. She is convinced they were murdered and with Sean by her side; she is determined to prove her theory at all cost. Was it an accident or did someone deliberately set the fire?
I found the mystery engaging. I was keen to discover if Sara was correct in her suspicions. The lovely couple employed a variety of methods to help in solving the case. Some of these methods found them crossing the lines of legality. There were funny moments, which had me laughing aloud. I especially enjoyed the scene where they found themselves cornered by an angry Rottweiler.
I loved how the author incorporated the Christmas theme throughout the story. There was no doubt that this was a Christmas story.
Conclusion/Recommendation.
Christmas is Murder is a light, fun and fluffy read. If you are a reader who loves mysteries that are gritty and intense then this book not for you. However, if you are looking for something light and fun, then it is the perfect book.1
December 28, 2019
Once a cop always a cop. Sara and Sean sense something isn’t right in the fire at that neighbor’s house. A pleasant cozy mystery in the spirit of the season.
August 24, 2017
While Sara and Sean are out picking out Christmas trees with Sara's parents they meet their neighbors the Wilson's. A nice elderly couple who Sara and Sean want to get to know better. After getting home and setting up the tree, and bidding a farewell to Sara's parents they hear sirens and find their newly met neighbors house on fire. The fire department is quick to rule the fire a holiday related fire with the tree, but Sara wonders if something more sinister is happening? Who killed the Wilsons?
This book is fabulous and definitely great for Christmas cozy lovers. This one brings you closer with Sara's parents and more time with Adam their tech guy in NY. They investigate which leads them to some questionable areas but with Sara and Sean they won't leave until they get their guy. This book was no different and I think anyone who loves Christmas cozies will love this story!
This book is fabulous and definitely great for Christmas cozy lovers. This one brings you closer with Sara's parents and more time with Adam their tech guy in NY. They investigate which leads them to some questionable areas but with Sara and Sean they won't leave until they get their guy. This book was no different and I think anyone who loves Christmas cozies will love this story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2020
It's a fast paced mystery with twists and a lovable Christmas atmosphere
It's Christmas, their first married Christmas. Sara and Sean are choosing their Christmas tree together with her adoptive parents. Sara is the happiest woman in the world: she has a man who loves her and loves him, two splendid adoptive parents who love her as if she were their real daughter, the home of her dreams and lots of money. But a bad fire ruins this wonderful Christmas atmosphere.
The plot kept me on edge from start to finish. I was excited each time I got to turn the page.
It can be read as standalone even if it is the seventh book in the series
To read for those who love fast, fun and cozy Christmas mysteries
It's Christmas, their first married Christmas. Sara and Sean are choosing their Christmas tree together with her adoptive parents. Sara is the happiest woman in the world: she has a man who loves her and loves him, two splendid adoptive parents who love her as if she were their real daughter, the home of her dreams and lots of money. But a bad fire ruins this wonderful Christmas atmosphere.
The plot kept me on edge from start to finish. I was excited each time I got to turn the page.
It can be read as standalone even if it is the seventh book in the series
To read for those who love fast, fun and cozy Christmas mysteries
December 12, 2020
Christmas is Murder - a review by Rosemary Kenny
A McKinley Murder-Mystery short and sweet cozy mystery by the illustrious Carolyn Arnold, sees Sean and Sara McKinley enjoying a shopping trip, during which they meet their new next door neighbors by chance.
What they find on their return home, is both shocking and potentially criminal - so Sara believes.
What's the significance of the gold starburst Christmas bauble?
Carolyn Arnold really knows how to create a heart-warming cozy mystery, that has enough adventure to whet the appetite for more of the same, as things are clarified and concluded in a most satisfying way for all concerned.
Why not get yourself a copy of this Yuletide delight, Christmas is Murder, today - and tell all your friends!
A McKinley Murder-Mystery short and sweet cozy mystery by the illustrious Carolyn Arnold, sees Sean and Sara McKinley enjoying a shopping trip, during which they meet their new next door neighbors by chance.
What they find on their return home, is both shocking and potentially criminal - so Sara believes.
What's the significance of the gold starburst Christmas bauble?
Carolyn Arnold really knows how to create a heart-warming cozy mystery, that has enough adventure to whet the appetite for more of the same, as things are clarified and concluded in a most satisfying way for all concerned.
Why not get yourself a copy of this Yuletide delight, Christmas is Murder, today - and tell all your friends!
January 11, 2025
I had just about given up on “Christmas is Murder” but, as it is a short novel, I persisted.
Turned out that was a good decision as the final pages are seriously sweet and upped it a Star.
It's coming up to Christmas and the McKinleys (Sean and Sara) are decorating their new home.
A nearby house burns down and two people die.
The Fire Chief puts it down to faulty electrical wiring.
Sara, however, is sure that it was arson and hones in on Christmas Tree.
From there on in everything slips nicely into place … the power of the author to make it so is fully utilised.
I just think it is lazy plotting.
In fairness the 'McKinley Murder' series is easy to read (but not so easy to remember the following day!)
2.5 Stars brought up to 3 Stars.
Turned out that was a good decision as the final pages are seriously sweet and upped it a Star.
It's coming up to Christmas and the McKinleys (Sean and Sara) are decorating their new home.
A nearby house burns down and two people die.
The Fire Chief puts it down to faulty electrical wiring.
Sara, however, is sure that it was arson and hones in on Christmas Tree.
From there on in everything slips nicely into place … the power of the author to make it so is fully utilised.
I just think it is lazy plotting.
In fairness the 'McKinley Murder' series is easy to read (but not so easy to remember the following day!)
2.5 Stars brought up to 3 Stars.
May 9, 2020
A cozy mystery, it is more than that, it has a good plot. A young couple Sean and Sara, and her parents. Picking out Christmas trees that evening they meet the neighbors close to their house. Later sirens are heard and finding these neighbors home had buried, Once again they are investigating, things didn’t seem right of what the chief was telling them.
December 6, 2020
Neighbors die in a fire. Did it have to do with the Christmas lights…or worse? Sara wanted answers.
This was kind of dull. You really don’t care what started the fire and the characters aren’t that interesting. This basically follows the same dull formula as previous stories. Different scenario, same dry plot.
This was kind of dull. You really don’t care what started the fire and the characters aren’t that interesting. This basically follows the same dull formula as previous stories. Different scenario, same dry plot.
September 8, 2017
Now that I have accepted the fact that this series is a fluff piece and is very light reading I can enjoy it for what it is. There is no drama nor suspense and thankfully no sexual content. It is a nice easy short read. Enjoyable!
Want to read
September 24, 2020Part of series collection McKinley Mysteries Box Set
February 5, 2018
funny little christmas story ......
Want to read
December 24, 2019Author gift
December 31, 2019
Cute and quick read. Great mystery books to read.
January 2, 2020
Good Story.
Good mystery that keeps you interested to the end. It has love, murder and deep friendships. I will read more from this author.
Good mystery that keeps you interested to the end. It has love, murder and deep friendships. I will read more from this author.
March 19, 2020
Quick and fun read.
This is something to keep my mind off problems. Cute and upbeat and quick disposal of story line issue. I like them.
This is something to keep my mind off problems. Cute and upbeat and quick disposal of story line issue. I like them.
July 6, 2020
Another great read!
February 7, 2021
'Tis the Season
When there is a fire at Sean and Sara's neighbors' house resulting in death, Sara wonders if the fire was an accident or deliberate.
When there is a fire at Sean and Sara's neighbors' house resulting in death, Sara wonders if the fire was an accident or deliberate.
November 19, 2021
Great Mystery - Sara and Sean are Great - I Loved it
December 4, 2020
Great mystery
Sean and Sara make a great couple. They are determined to find out what really bad to their neighbors. Carolyn Arnold writes to keep your attention throughout and with a sense of humor. Read the book to see how it unfolds. Happy reading! 😊
Sean and Sara make a great couple. They are determined to find out what really bad to their neighbors. Carolyn Arnold writes to keep your attention throughout and with a sense of humor. Read the book to see how it unfolds. Happy reading! 😊
December 16, 2014
"A Great Mystery Novella For The Holidays"
It's really Christmas time in Albany, New York, with snow flakes falling. Sara and Sean McKinley are looking forward to their first Christmas since they married. They and Jeannie and Leon, her adoptive parents, have just picked out their Christmas trees to decorate their homes. Before leaving the tree farm, they meet Maggie and Elbert Wilson who are neighbors to Sara and Sean they have yet to know. That is because Sara and Sean have been on an extensive trip to Europe. But Jeannie has met them as she house sat Sara's new home while they were in Europe. Her folks stop by their house for some warming hot chocolate and getting the tree set up, then left for their home in the snowy weather. Very shortly, fire trucks can be heard screaming not too far away. Sara was fearful it may be an accident involving her mom and dad. As they rush outside, they see massive smoke coming from the Wilson home. The fire chief tells them both Wilsons are dead, found on the couch in the living room. Until the investigation is complete, he believes they were sleeping and died from smoke inhalation. The Christmas cheer is gone, replaced with sadness. The Wilson's have a daughter but the fire chief cannot reveal her name yet. Sara always follows the obituaries in the newspaper and knows who to contact to learn her name. But Sara wonders how the fire started. Harold Fox, the fire chief, knows the McKinleys and their reputation of solving crimes. As prior police officers, Sean and Sara have much experience, with Sara, well, having a natural curiosity to know the rest of the story! This is a relaxed, fun read with an easy writing style to maximize your reading enjoyment. Sit by the fire, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, a cat or dog nestled beside you, and read this good mystery. You can't go wrong!
It's really Christmas time in Albany, New York, with snow flakes falling. Sara and Sean McKinley are looking forward to their first Christmas since they married. They and Jeannie and Leon, her adoptive parents, have just picked out their Christmas trees to decorate their homes. Before leaving the tree farm, they meet Maggie and Elbert Wilson who are neighbors to Sara and Sean they have yet to know. That is because Sara and Sean have been on an extensive trip to Europe. But Jeannie has met them as she house sat Sara's new home while they were in Europe. Her folks stop by their house for some warming hot chocolate and getting the tree set up, then left for their home in the snowy weather. Very shortly, fire trucks can be heard screaming not too far away. Sara was fearful it may be an accident involving her mom and dad. As they rush outside, they see massive smoke coming from the Wilson home. The fire chief tells them both Wilsons are dead, found on the couch in the living room. Until the investigation is complete, he believes they were sleeping and died from smoke inhalation. The Christmas cheer is gone, replaced with sadness. The Wilson's have a daughter but the fire chief cannot reveal her name yet. Sara always follows the obituaries in the newspaper and knows who to contact to learn her name. But Sara wonders how the fire started. Harold Fox, the fire chief, knows the McKinleys and their reputation of solving crimes. As prior police officers, Sean and Sara have much experience, with Sara, well, having a natural curiosity to know the rest of the story! This is a relaxed, fun read with an easy writing style to maximize your reading enjoyment. Sit by the fire, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, a cat or dog nestled beside you, and read this good mystery. You can't go wrong!
February 18, 2015
Christmas is Murder review
Christmas is Murder is the seventh novella in the McKinley Mysteries series written by author Carolyn Arnold. It is a light, fun story.
Christmas is Murder is the seventh novella in the McKinley Mysteries series written by author Carolyn Arnold. It is a light, fun story.
October 12, 2024
So great - Carolyn Arnold quickly became a fav!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews