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Donut Hole Mystery #31
Christmas Donut Murder
When Heather Shepherd picks up the newspaper, the last thing she expects to find is a report about the murder of a local businessman in his own home. She’s shocked – why hasn’t Ryan called her?
That shock transforms into irritation when she realizes that her husband is trying to ‘give her a break’ from the one thing she enjoys – solving cases. Heather is determined to figure this one out and sets off on a Christmas sleuthin’ adventure, armed with a box of her Christmas Donuts and a lot of help from her ever-sarcastic bestie. This one should be easy - all the suspects were in the house at the time of the victim’s death. Except it never is: some suspicious internet activity has invoked the involvement of the FBI and they make it clear, Heather’s special brand of investigation, isn’t welcome.
Heather’s caught between her integrity and the desire to have a care-free Christmas. She’s got to solve the case before the FBI and the local authorities botch another investigation.
That shock transforms into irritation when she realizes that her husband is trying to ‘give her a break’ from the one thing she enjoys – solving cases. Heather is determined to figure this one out and sets off on a Christmas sleuthin’ adventure, armed with a box of her Christmas Donuts and a lot of help from her ever-sarcastic bestie. This one should be easy - all the suspects were in the house at the time of the victim’s death. Except it never is: some suspicious internet activity has invoked the involvement of the FBI and they make it clear, Heather’s special brand of investigation, isn’t welcome.
Heather’s caught between her integrity and the desire to have a care-free Christmas. She’s got to solve the case before the FBI and the local authorities botch another investigation.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2016
44 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 29, 2016
Heather Shepherd notices her friend Eva reading a newspaper article about a murder in Hillside. It seems Victor Hardbody was killed in his basement. His entire family was in the house at the time, but no one heard anything. Another murder in Hillside isn't new, but Heather's police detective husband Ryan not only hasn't asked her to consult on the case, he hasn't even told her about it. Heather soon discovers she has competition on this case. The FBI is in town and has told the local PD to stand down.
Heather and her friends are still busy making (and eating ) donuts in her busy shop and remain likeable after 31 books. Susan Gillard continues to develop her characters, but I wonder how many more murders Hillside can stand.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Heather and her friends are still busy making (and eating ) donuts in her busy shop and remain likeable after 31 books. Susan Gillard continues to develop her characters, but I wonder how many more murders Hillside can stand.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
January 1, 2017
It is Christmas Donut week at Donut Delights. Heather
Shepherd, owner and consultant to the Hillside Police
Department has finished all her Christmas shopping.
She is enjoying the hustle and bustle in her shop when
she spots a murder write up in the newspaper. Why
wasn't she notified?
Turns out this case is much more complicated then a
regular murder case because the FBI is involved. The
FBI agent does not want Heather involved? But will the
FBI agent deter Heather from solving the case?
Dave, the dog and Cupcake, the cat get to help when
Heather and Amy go to interview potential suspect.
You will also enjoy their antics in movie night.
Well written and enjoyable Christmas time story.
This is book # 31 in the Donut Hole Cozy Mystery Series.
I volunteered to read the eBook. Thanks to the author
for the eBook. My opinion is my own.
Shepherd, owner and consultant to the Hillside Police
Department has finished all her Christmas shopping.
She is enjoying the hustle and bustle in her shop when
she spots a murder write up in the newspaper. Why
wasn't she notified?
Turns out this case is much more complicated then a
regular murder case because the FBI is involved. The
FBI agent does not want Heather involved? But will the
FBI agent deter Heather from solving the case?
Dave, the dog and Cupcake, the cat get to help when
Heather and Amy go to interview potential suspect.
You will also enjoy their antics in movie night.
Well written and enjoyable Christmas time story.
This is book # 31 in the Donut Hole Cozy Mystery Series.
I volunteered to read the eBook. Thanks to the author
for the eBook. My opinion is my own.
December 27, 2016
It is just a few days before Christmas and Heather Shepherd has all her shopping done. She is hanging around Donut Delights enjoying the Christmas spirit. Of course we know things won't stay smooth sailing for long. Her friend Eva brings an item in the newspaper to Heather's attention. A man died in his home a week before Christmas. Entire family was home, but no one heard anything. Was it murder? Heather manages to get herself put on the case to find out. But wait, the FBI is now involved in the case! I loved watching Heather interact with the FBI and loved that we got to share some of their Christmas Day festivities. I would love to see more family interaction.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
July 23, 2017
Ok... So I have never been a fan of a who-don-it where the members of the victim's family are the suspects. I know that realistically you are more likely to be killed by someone that you know than a complete stranger, but it's still not a story I enjoy. I had an incline part way through the book that I knew who the murderer was but I didn't know for sure until the end of the book.
This book introduces another cocky law enforcement agent, this time how ever Agent Orchard is an FBI agent. Though he was not in much of this book, I have a sneaking suspicion that, similar to other annoying characters I'm not a fan of, he's going to be showing up again in future books.
Over all, this was a fun little book.
This book introduces another cocky law enforcement agent, this time how ever Agent Orchard is an FBI agent. Though he was not in much of this book, I have a sneaking suspicion that, similar to other annoying characters I'm not a fan of, he's going to be showing up again in future books.
Over all, this was a fun little book.
May 12, 2017
Great Christmas Book
I didn't read this installment during Christmas season, but any of the Donut Hole Cozy Mysteries is a good book to get when you are in any busy time. They've all quick, light reading.
Highly recommended series!!!
I didn't read this installment during Christmas season, but any of the Donut Hole Cozy Mysteries is a good book to get when you are in any busy time. They've all quick, light reading.
Highly recommended series!!!
December 28, 2016
Finally, Christmas has arrived at Hillside, Texas and donut baker, Heather Shepherd is busy baking donuts at her donut shop, Donut Delights. She’s also getting presents and preparing for the big day’s festivities for her family and many friends. Life might be hectic but Heather is happy.
As Heather was serving her best and favorite customer, Eva Schneider, she noticed that Eva seemed concerned over something she was reading in the newspaper. There was yet another murder in their town. A Hillside entrepreneur, Victor Hardbody, was murdered in his home with his whole family right there. Having another murder in town was bad enough but Heather’s husband, Detective Ryan Shepherd, didn’t tell her about it. Heather works for the Hillside Police Department as a private investigator and she wanted to know why Ryan kept her in the dark.
Ryan explained that even though he wanted her help he also wanted to give Heather a little extra time for other things she had to do for Christmas. Even though his heart was in the right place Heather still insisted that she and her best friend and assistant, Amy Givens, look into Victor’s death.
Victor was strangled with the holiday lights. The thing that might give the murderer away was that Victor was burned around the neck by them and the killer might have burns on their hands too.
The main suspects are of course the immediate family. Victor’s wife, Jennifer “Softie” Hardbody, and sons Kenny and Junior Hardbody. Even though they all had an alibi of sorts they all also has some kind of burns on them.
Upon investigating some more it was discovered that Victor was killed in the basement and the area was made to look as if someone broke into it but there was no evidence of an intruder.
A few other interesting things were discovered like Softie Hardbody hired a private investigator because she believed that Victor was cheating on her. Victor was also having some financial problems and owed a lot of money on his business.
And making matters even worse is that the FBI is now on the case with agent Orchard, who does not want the Hillside Police Department, and especially Heather, interfering.
Victor’s wife thought he was cheating on her, his sons hated him, and the FBI is involved. This is not going to be an easy case for Heather to solve.
“Christmas Donut Murder” by author Susan Gillard is the 31st book in the donut hole cozy mystery series. It’s yet another short fun novel to spend an evening reading. I have to say that Ms. Gillard’s characters have some funny names - Softie Hardbody. Well, I think it’s funny.
If you’ve been reading this series this the most recent installment and it’s as yummy as all the others. It’s always fun to see how Heather solves the many murders that happen in Hillside, Texas.
“I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.”
As Heather was serving her best and favorite customer, Eva Schneider, she noticed that Eva seemed concerned over something she was reading in the newspaper. There was yet another murder in their town. A Hillside entrepreneur, Victor Hardbody, was murdered in his home with his whole family right there. Having another murder in town was bad enough but Heather’s husband, Detective Ryan Shepherd, didn’t tell her about it. Heather works for the Hillside Police Department as a private investigator and she wanted to know why Ryan kept her in the dark.
Ryan explained that even though he wanted her help he also wanted to give Heather a little extra time for other things she had to do for Christmas. Even though his heart was in the right place Heather still insisted that she and her best friend and assistant, Amy Givens, look into Victor’s death.
Victor was strangled with the holiday lights. The thing that might give the murderer away was that Victor was burned around the neck by them and the killer might have burns on their hands too.
The main suspects are of course the immediate family. Victor’s wife, Jennifer “Softie” Hardbody, and sons Kenny and Junior Hardbody. Even though they all had an alibi of sorts they all also has some kind of burns on them.
Upon investigating some more it was discovered that Victor was killed in the basement and the area was made to look as if someone broke into it but there was no evidence of an intruder.
A few other interesting things were discovered like Softie Hardbody hired a private investigator because she believed that Victor was cheating on her. Victor was also having some financial problems and owed a lot of money on his business.
And making matters even worse is that the FBI is now on the case with agent Orchard, who does not want the Hillside Police Department, and especially Heather, interfering.
Victor’s wife thought he was cheating on her, his sons hated him, and the FBI is involved. This is not going to be an easy case for Heather to solve.
“Christmas Donut Murder” by author Susan Gillard is the 31st book in the donut hole cozy mystery series. It’s yet another short fun novel to spend an evening reading. I have to say that Ms. Gillard’s characters have some funny names - Softie Hardbody. Well, I think it’s funny.
If you’ve been reading this series this the most recent installment and it’s as yummy as all the others. It’s always fun to see how Heather solves the many murders that happen in Hillside, Texas.
“I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.”
December 25, 2016
The 31st novella in Susan Gillard’s Donut Hole Cozy Mystery series and is a quick, easy, fun, and clean read, but proofing is lacking in this series. Eva is distressed about an article in the local newspaper about the death of a local entrepreneur, Victor Hardbody, and Heather is baffled because Ryan hasn’t called or asked for her help on the case. Mr. Hardbody has been murdered in his locked mansion, only his wife and two sons are present, and there are no signs of a break in. The FBI is investigating because of suspicious internet activity and the agent-in-charge makes it clear that he doesn’t need any help but that doesn’t stop Heather from investigating.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
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December 29, 2016It's Christmas in Hillside but murder doesn't stop for the holidays. Even though Ryan would like Heather to stay out of this investigation to focus on Lilly and the shop, she jumps in with both feet. Video surveillance and family dynamics make for a very interesting puzzle. Oh! and the FBI is involved and don't want her anywhere near this case. HA! What a mistake on their part! I love the characters in this book and that the author makes you want to be a part of their lives and relationships. I do wish I knew of a donut shop like Heather's, that's for sure!
* I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
* I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
December 25, 2016
Eva shows Heather an article in the newspaper and finds out a local man was murdered and this after she met his wife the same day. Why didn't Ryan call her to help out? She calls Ryan to find out and then is off to meet up with him to solve the case but the FBI comes in and tells both her and Ryan to get lost. Will Heather figure it out before the FBI so she can get back to Christmas with the family and friends.
Great read as always. Love this series by Susan Gillard and can't wait for more.
Great read as always. Love this series by Susan Gillard and can't wait for more.
December 25, 2016
Christmas time in Hillside and Donut Delights is hopping with customers. When Eva shows Heather a newspaper article about a local man that was murdered, she wants to know why Ryan never called or asked for her help on the case. This case becomes a little more intriguing as the FBI is also involved.
Who will solve this murder first....Heather or the FBI agent?!
Great read and am loving Cupcake the cat more as her personality comes through.
Looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Who will solve this murder first....Heather or the FBI agent?!
Great read and am loving Cupcake the cat more as her personality comes through.
Looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
February 4, 2017
This time Heather has to deal with the FBI and the arrogant agent that tries to shut her down. Of course, that doesn't work and she keeps investigating. Not sure if he figured out anything by himself or just took the glory from hers. Either way this Christmas story has a great ending and a few twists as well.
April 14, 2022
We checked and technically, this is a book! I wanted more with donuts. I wanted for with Christmas. But man did this thing move. I liked it as much as the characters like getting movies on DVD. (And that's a lot.) I'd read more.
We cover this in too much detail on Howe's Things: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/co...
We cover this in too much detail on Howe's Things: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/co...
December 26, 2016
Another quick cozy mystery of trying to figure out the motive. Just wish these books would include recipe of featured doughnut!
December 29, 2016
A Smash Hit Again!!!! I just can't get enough of Heather Shepherd and the rest of the Donut Hole Mystery characters!!! I'm super excited to see what Susan Gillard has in store for 2017.
January 5, 2017
Great story!!!
Love the way Heather and Ryan deal with the situations that arise ,they keep each other balanced.
I've read books 1-31 and I'm waiting
Love the way Heather and Ryan deal with the situations that arise ,they keep each other balanced.
I've read books 1-31 and I'm waiting
January 13, 2017
This book was ok but it wasnt the usual Susan Gillard to me. I honestly wanted to love this book but it was just ok and started off very odd. Can't wait to read the next book.
January 14, 2017
A quick fun cozy mystery. I read it in one sitting. I love Christmas themed books.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews