Ms. Calculation

Mystery Christmas #1

by Danica Winters

Welcome to Mystery, Montana, a small town with dark secrets…

The body found in the Dunrovin Ranch stables isn’t just a crisis for Wyatt Fitzgerald’s family or his top priority as sheriff—Gwen Johansen is both the victim’s sister…and Wyatt’s ex. And in a small town like Mystery, events of the past don’t seem to fade. Maybe she’d misjudged his potential when they were younger, but now he could be her greatest ally—and not just in the investigation. That is, if he can work his way around a broken heart. With the killer circling, the clock is counting down on more than Christmas, a time when family means everything and forgiveness is the best gift of all.

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Mystery, Harlequin, Westerns, Second Chance Romance

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 21, 2017

About the author

Danica Winters is an Amazon bestselling author who has won multiple awards for writing books that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and occasionally a touch of magic. Most recently, Danica was the winner of the Paranormal Romance Guild’s Paranormal Romantic Suspense Book of the Year Award and Chanticleer Media’s Paranormal Book of the Year for her novel Montana Mustangs.
When she’s not working, she can be found in the wilds of Montana testing her patience while she tries to understand the allure of various crafts (quilting, pottery, and painting are not her thing). She always believes the cup is neither half full nor half empty, but it better be filled with wine.

Reviews

[Paula Brandon · Rating 1 out of 5]

"You spin me right round baby, right round, like a record baby, right round right round."

My head was certainly left spinning by the relationship between Gwen Johansen and Wyatt Fitzgerald! I left several comments while reading due to the sheer what-the-fuckery of it all! They were teen sweethearts who broke up because Gwen had family issues. Or something. It's never really explained. It was certainly bad enough and dramatic enough that Gwen and Wyatt NEVER SPOKE ONCE IN 1O YEARS, but Danica Winters isn't too forthcoming in giving us the nitty gritty! The 10 year gap is also perplexing in that it's repeatedly told to us that it's a very small town and everybody knows everybody else's business, and Wyatt is the town sheriff and Gwen's mother is the trouble-making town drunk. They've seriously never once crossed paths in that time?

Their reunion happens because Gwen's sister Bianca is murdered in the stables of Wyatt's family's ranch. He felt he should deliver the news himself. The two stay close while trying to solve Bianca's murder. Wyatt must also solve the mystery of Gwen Johansen herself, who gives so many mixed signals it would make your head hurt!

It was exhausting trying to keep up with Gwen and Wyatt's feelings. One minute, one of them is rejecting the other. The next, they're flirting and being "coy and sexy". Blurgh. It didn't help that I was already on the back foot, because I didn't get the full details of what broke them up in the first place. There are only vague references to it throughout the book, yet it was certainly a very significant event in their lives! I should have been given more information about it. Therefore, I felt dizzy trying to follow these two as they went back and forth over their feelings. It's one thing to have a story filled with emotional tension, but this wasn't! It simply felt like two people who couldn't make up their minds! I've left many comments as to why Gwen drove me nuts, which I won't repeat here. Basically, she's fickle and non-communicative, and Wyatt is constantly walking on eggshells around her to avoid potentially upsetting her, or setting her off about something. Not my idea of romance!

This also sucked as a mystery/thriller. A sign of a lazy writer is one who gives us an arbitrary murderer! The killer is Alli Fitzgerald, Wyatt's ex-sister-in-law, who was never once mentioned as a possible suspect, and never identified as someone who had reason to dislike Bianca or want to murder her. But, hey, it turns out she did, just to give us a Scooby-Doo surprise villain! And the ending was utterly pathetic. We get no solid motive for murder and Alli simply takes off, and is not captured by authorities. Hardly a happy ever after!

1 star for the first book in a mini-series is not a good sign. I'm actually going to slog my way through the next three books in one go, which I hardly ever do, but I've learnt my lesson from reading mini-series by Elle James and Jenna Kernan, and I want to get this over with as soon as possible! Who knows, there's a slim chance subsequent books may be better. Fingers crossed!

[Amber Daulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the first book in the Mystery Christmas series, sheriff deputy Wyatt Fitzgerald has to notify the Johansen family about the loss of a loved one. He hates that part of his job, but his connection to the Johansens makes his task even more difficult. Though they’ve lived in the same little town for years, he hasn’t had any contact with Gwen, his old high school girlfriend, and he’s still in love with her. When he tells Gwen and her emotionally damaged, alcoholic mother that her sister is dead, the rift between them slowly starts to mend.
Gwen Johansen broke Wyatt’s heart back in school, and she’s never quite got over him. When they’re thrust together to try and find her sister’s killer, old sparks fly and she wonders if she made the right choice back then to end things. When the killer targets her mother and a friend from town, Gwen knows she and Wyatt are close to finding the killer. When the killer targets Gwen, Wyatt is prepared to drop everything he’s ever worked for to keep her safe, but will it be enough?
I really enjoyed this story. Gwen and Wyatt have a lot of chemistry, but old hurt feelings and the fear of being hurt again kept putting the stops on their newfound relationship. They both have family problems, especially Gwen with her mother, and trust issues when it comes to relationships. They’re both strong, stubborn characters and their personalities meshed.
For readers who like sweet but sensual stories, you should pick this one up. The language is clean and the sex is tame. There’s a plot line not tied up, but it carries over into the next book. This story ends with a HEA. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
5 Stars

Disclaimer – I volunteered to read and review this book. Thank you, Danica Winters, for sending me a print copy. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

[Sven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book. I have to say that I really enjoyed it. Gwen and Wyatt were sweethearts in high school and then broke up. A murder at Wyatt's Family's ranch ends up bringing them together after years apart as the victim is Gwen's sister. I enjoyed how the relationship between the two builds throughout the book. I thought Danica did a great job with the mystery behind the murder and I like that it isn't all wrapped up in the end. It makes me look forward to the next book in the series, which luckily comes out next month so I don't have to wait too long! It was really an enjoyable read and I very much look forward to the next 3 books in the series!

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy for an honest review, and I have to say Danica Winters’s Christmas series is her best work for Intrigue yet. Her heroine, rancher Gwen Johansen hasn’t had it easy. Her father is dead, her mother has disappeared into the bottle, and now her sister has died under mysterious circumstances at Dunrovin Ranch, home of Gwen’s ex. Wyatt Fitzgerald’s now a deputy sheriff, and he steps up to deliver the news to what remains of Gwen’s family. Although feelings both of them had thought buried resurface, they must put them aside to find the killer before he kills again. On every page, Winters captures the grit and the passion it takes to live in Western Montana.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 overall

Being a fan of Danica Winters, I usually enjoy her books. She didn't disappoint with the start of this new series. There were ups and downs and the laying of groundwork for characters to come. Though I'd love a little more background on the brothers of the family, but I found too it wasn't totally necessary but would of been appreciated.

I enjoy the small book series', but would really like to see Danica Winters write a 10+ book series where she can continue to weave the characters throughout each story like she does so well!

Looking forward to more books to come, maybe more this Christmas?

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Copy for Review

When a dead body is found on the Dunrovin Ranch it reunites Officer Wyatt Fitzgerald and his former ex girl friend Gwen Johansen who is the dead body sister. Further investigate causes a strings of murder on Gwen’s mom and other people.

As Christmas approaches and he is scheduled to do work in Alaska, will he be able to find the killer he leaves? Will he and Gwen be able to move pat their family feud and work together and fall in love again?

A nice mystery that is left unresolved .

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to the new series. Wyatt is called to his family's ranch to investigate a suspicious death and to notify the victim's next of kin. Unfortunately for him, there is some history with that next of kin. Gwen is his ex-girlfriend, plus her mother still blames Wyatt's family for the death of her husband on the Fitzgerald ranch. Gwen is devastated by her sister's death but puts her grief aside to help Wyatt investigate Bianca's death.

I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Wyatt and Gwen. They had been high school sweethearts until Gwen broke things off, not because she didn't love him but because she loved him too much. She believed that he was better off without her. Wyatt went off to the city to pursue his dreams and has only recently returned to Mystery. Though they live in a small town, he and Gwen have managed to avoid each other until now. Both are surprised to discover that the attraction between them is still alive. Wyatt is wary of getting his heart broken again, and Gwen isn't so sure that she deserves another chance. There were times when I wanted to shake them both, as they contemplated past mistakes and dreams I wanted them to talk to each other not just think about it. Eventually, the sparks started to burn away the walls between them and they began to realize that they belonged together.

The suspense of the story was very good. It's clear from the beginning that Bianca had known the person who killed her and it's up to Wyatt and Gwen to figure it out. As they delved into Bianca's life, Wyatt and Gwen discovered that Bianca had had more secrets than either had known. Each secret that they uncover leads to more questions. Did her murder have to do with her affair with a married man? There is definitely something off about the man, but is he capable of murder? Could it be his wife, tired of his philandering ways? Or is there someone else with a grudge against her? I loved seeing Wyatt and Gwen work together through each step, coming closer and closer to discovering who it is. The final revelation comes as a bit of a surprise, and while the mystery is solved there are still some things left unresolved. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Jessica Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

It had potential, but the story is rendered unbelievable by miscalculations in the detective work and a cookie-cutter ending.

[Linda McMullin · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is nothing worst than spending all weekend reading a mystery with a lousy ending. It all worked out a little too neatly and it felt extremely rushed. Very disappointing.

[Helen Bassett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting mystery. Red boots clue was not too helpful. So the end was somewhat a surprise.

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The small town of Mystery, Montana certainly has its fair share of secrets.

When the body of the local vet is found dead in the barn of a well-known ranch, the past comes back to haunt Wyatt Fitzgerald, the sheriff in charge of the investigation. The ranch? Well, it belongs to Wyatt's family. The dead body? Is, of course, the sister of the girl he loved many years before.

Gwen Johansen is devastated when she is notified that her sister's body was found in the barn at Dunrovin Ranch. At first the death doesn't look suspicious but Gwen knows there is no way her sister killed herself. Now she just has to convince Wyatt to look harder into the circumstances surrounding the death. When it become evident that her sister was murdered, Wyatt and Gwen work together to figure who and why. They know they are getting close when the killer begins targeting others in town.

Ms. Calculation tells the story of two people destined to be together even after so many years apart. It's unfortunate that a death had to occur for Gwen and Wyatt to reunite even though they live in the same small town. I enjoyed how the author didn't just rush them back together. She let the chemistry build slowly and into something more than longing or lust. She made it evident that it wasn't a case of Wyatt preying upon Gwen while she's emotionally distracted. Wyatt does not take advantage of her grief or emotional state.

The character development was wonderful. We learned about Wyatt and Gwen and their pasts. We got to know about Gwen's mom and how her lifestyle has affected both Gwen and herself. The world building was done well and I could visualize every component of the story. The setting was enjoyable and the story was engaging. The author did a great job building up the suspense and shielding the murderer from the reader. The book is suspenseful, gritty, emotional, and deals with real life issues outside of the murder.

Danica Winters is one of my favorite authors. I've been reading her books since The Nymph's Labyrinth came out in 2012. Her writing spans a few different genres and she aces them all.

[Books and Spoons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Calculation was very enjoyable romantic suspense story with a second chance romance between two high school sweethearts, and an escalating murder mystery that has the small town law enforcement on their toes.
The plot development of the story lays heavily on the development of the relationship between Wyatt Fitzgerald and Gwen Johansen as they are trying to solve the puzzling recent crimes in Mystery, Montana.
The hurt from the past, the years being separated, the history between the two families, and the tragedies with the Johansen family are all hurdles Wyatt and Gwen have to resolve and learn to move forward from.
The little town of Montana has all the same problems that big cities, with domestic violence, alcoholism, cheating, and so on, but here the problems are highlighted as everyone knows each other, and the list of suspects is much shorter, people you interact daily with.
Both Wyatt and Gwen are likable, charismatic characters that were easy to like and relate to. The emotions they were battling with were raw and real, the attraction between them sizzling hot even after all the years apart.
The rural life with its challenges and demands was fascinating while realistic and sound. I enjoyed the author's voice, her way of telling the story, and weave the plot.
The mystery and crimes were sort of solved to a point - I'm hoping this will continue on to a more conclusive conclusion as the series continue.
Ms. Calculation had engaging storytelling, with intriguing criminal puzzles to be solved and compelling, tender romance to be enjoyed
~ Four Spoons

[Kathy Wideman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Danica and I really liked. This book has intrigue, mystery, romance, and danger. Wyatt and Gwen dated in high school but Gwen broke things off because she thought it was the right thing to do. Wyatt never stopped loving her and now unfortunate circumstances have brought them back into each other lives again. A body is found at his family’s ranch and he going to be the one to tell Gwen that the body was her sister’s. Gwen is so tough and has been through so much. Now she is going to have to work with Wyatt to find out who killed her sister. They live in a small town and nothing is private in a small town. Gwen’s sister had secrets that would be better kept that way but Gwen will need to let Wyatt know about them to help with the investigation. While working together Gwen begins to wonder who things would be if she hadn’t broken things off all those years ago. They are learning that not everything as it seems in Mystery. Will they find out who killed Gwen’s sister or will the killer get everyone who they are after? Gwen and Wyatt are fantastic characters. Really all the characters in this series are great. Gwen and Wyatt find themselves getting closer as the investigation continues. It seems that Wyatt wasn’t the only still holding on to feelings. Gwen finds herself falling back into her feelings for Wyatt. This book had me hooked right from the beginning. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I look forward to reading more books by Danica as well.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deputy Wyatt Fitzgerald has the unenviable task of notifying his former high school girlfriend Gwen Johansen that her sister Bianca has died…on his family’s guest ranch. Bianca was the local vet, there to treat a horse for a leg injury. The circumstances are mysterious, and at first it’s not clear to them if it was an accident or something more sinister. To make matters worse, the Ranch was the site of Gwen’s father’s death, and her mom Carla has never forgiven the Fitzgeralds.

After they find that Bianca’s cabin has been ransacked, Gwen accompanies Wyatt to Dunrovin where they find an important clue that proves her sister’s death was no accident. They start to follow a trail of clues that exposes her sister’s secret tryst with a married man, and then more trouble strikes when Gwen’s mom is poisoned and another woman is brutally murdered. While danger stalks them, the investigation allows Wyatt and Gwen to grow closer, but will they solve the murders in time?

I enjoyed this first outing into the Fitzgerald family and Dunrovin, even though the complete story is not wrapped up in this novel. The culprit is identified but manages to get away-and once again I didn’t manage to figure out who it was!

I received an advance copy of the book from the author in a contest on Facebook, but the review is my own.

[Kym Grime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Calculation, a Harlequin Intrigue novella by Danica Winters, launches the reader into the lives of a few ranchers of small town Mystery, MT. The mysterious death of Gwen’s sister brings the charming and handsome Detective Fitzgerald to her door. If this were the first time meeting him, she would probably be swooning to see him standing there, but they had a history, and of all the people to deliver the bad news, she couldn’t believe it would be him that the police department sent, reopening old wounds for both of them. Determined to figure out what happened to her sister Bianca, Gwen assists the detective in getting some answers, but as they start exploring Bianca’s life, they just end up with more questions. The more time they spend together, the more their attraction to each other reignites, complicating things of the past she had been trying to leave behind.

I enjoyed this quick read of a suspenseful romance mystery book with heat and tension between a strong, independent woman, and a protective, chivalrous gentleman who knows when to say sorry and give a woman some space. Maybe Danica Winters should have a sequel called Mr. Perfect.

[Midniteillusion · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m surprised by how high the rating is on this book.

The book started out pretty good and I liked the idea but it never seemed to go anywhere. Even the mystery/thriller aspect wasn’t nearly as good as other Harlequin Intrigues I’ve read. I felt like both characters were wanting their old relationship from high school back and neither was too open about communicating about how they felt now in the present day. I never felt the chemistry I was expecting from these reunited lovers.

There was also a lot of things hinted at in both their past as well as the murder mystery aspect that never seemed resolved. We don’t actually know why Gwen broke up with Wyatt other than he was going away to college but it was constantly hinted at that there was some big reason or it was a big production that I expected to hear/see/read about. At least something more than “I dumped him, will he want me back?”.

Too much leads or hints at plots points that never went anywhere and I just found it annoying.

I’ll still read the next book since I have the complete series but I’m just disappointed in this one.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery, Montana earns it's name well as the mystery surrounding a murder swirls around the story line and leads us on a hunt for the criminal living among them! We're brought deep into the midst of the crime from the very start of the book and watch with baited breath for the culprit to be caught. The characters are fairly well developed, and the plot is thick ... the ending was a bit abrupt and could have used a little tweaking, but overall, a solid read!

Gwen Johansen is floored when lawman Wyatt Fitzgerald shows up at her family ranch to make the notification that her sister is dead. Was it an accident, did she die naturally, was she murdered? At first the answers are up in the air as things appear different than they actually are, but Gwen will stop at nothing to find out the truth.

Wyatt was her high school sweetheart and they had a bright future planned before it all fell apart in the aftermath of one accident. He's never forgotten her, but she's never forgiven him. Will close proximity force them to confront the past and lay it to rest once and for all?

[Sharon Grow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheriff Wyatt Fitzgerald has a past history with Gwen Johansen and things only get worse when Gwen’s sister, Bianca, is found murdered. Bianca was checking on the horses at Dunrovin, Wyatt’s family’s ranch, when she was killed. Wyatt makes the notification call to Gwen and her mother and her mother blames Wyatt for her death. Since becoming sheriff Wyatt is not as familiar with the inner workings of the ranch and now must lead the investigation and find justice for Bianca. A murder in a small town like Mystery, Montana affects the entire town and Gwen is counting on Wyatt to find her sister’s killer. This is a suspenseful mystery with several possible suspects along with a very interesting story line. I enjoyed the characters Ms. Winters has created and knowing that they would continue into the next book is always a plus for me. I very much look forward to the next book in the series, Mr. Serious. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved this book free to read and give an honest review. I really liked it. It is book 1 of this trilogy with a Christmas theme set in the small town of Mystery, Montana. A body of the small towns vet Bianca Johansen is found dead at the Dunrovin dude Ranch owned by Eloise Fitzgerad. Bianca's sister Gwen Johansen is one of the cowgirls on the ranch and a teenage love of Wyatt Fitzgerald the Deputy Sheriff who is in charge of finding who killed Bianca. More people are killed and Gwen & Wyatt must work together to find and bring the killer to justice But can they learn to trust each other again as they find the old flames still burn. The storyline is good--the characters believable--and the pace is good. The ending didn't really clear everything up and left questios to be answered by the second book. it can be read as a stand alone but will leave questions,. Alice Boni

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is my introduction to this author as well as the first book in her new series .
While others will tell you about the plot I will go a different direction.
The plot and the characters were complex , well developed and interesting.
The relationship between Gwen Johansen and Wyatt Fitzgerald started when they were in HS but she hurt him and years later, they are thrown together when Gwen’s sister is found dead.
The town is similar to many small towns in which gossips spreads fast, and no one seems to have any privacy. There is the usual alcoholism, infidelity, etc.
It’s a whodunit with the possibility of second chances. Can these two solve the murder without getting hurt and can they trust each other and will they have a second chance at love.
I was gifted this book by Night Owl Reviews. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Toth Jo-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a start of a series set in Mystery, Montana. Its about a family that is non-tradional they were foster children that parents adopted later. Each one will have their own story. This one is Wyatt's story. He is a cop and a body has been found on his parents farm. Its his ex's sister. Hmm there's a story here. This story will keep you guessing as to what is going to happening next. It will have you curious and wanting to turn the page. This is the start of a series. You will get to meet all 3 of his brothers thru different books. You will enjoy them all at least I did. J
Waylon Mr Serious
Colter Mr. Taken
Rainier Ms. Demeanor

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Calculation is the First Book in Danica Winter's Mystery Alaska series. You cannot help but fall for the Fitzgerald family. They may not be perfect, but they have love.

When Gwen Johansen's sister is found dead on Dunrovin Ranch it brings back many memories. Most of which surround the death of her father on the same ranch and her high school relationship with now sheriff Wyatt Fitzgerald.

Together they work to unravel the mystery behind her death.



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

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Calculation 4/5 Stars!

This one was really interesting! I thought the story was overall very well done, and kept me wanting to read more. The mystery, (if I hadn't read the back of Book 2), would have been a complete shock to me. I goofed with reading book 2's plot, I just wanted to see who the main male character was! If I hadn't read that, I would have been completely blindsided by the who, what, and why. That rarely happens with these types of books. I'm really good at picking the who! LoL

I'm looking forward to the next book in the Mystery Christmas series!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

First it was her father who died due to an incident at Dunrovin Ranch, now her sister is found dead on the same property. Uncertain of the reason behind Bianca’s death, Gwen and Wyatt head over to her sister’s cabin. Things get interesting when they find Bianca’s ransacked abode. Soon they discover a vital clue that will change the course of Wyatt’s investigation. Ms. Calculation by Danica Winters has you guessing from start to end. The page-turning plot is compelling and riveting. Can’t wait to delve into the next book in the series!

Recommended
4 Stars

[Jennifer Andrews · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a decent mystery and romance with Wyatt and Gwen, but I had trouble relating to the characters. I didn't feel their emotion, their anger, heartache, or love. Why? Because of the writing style. Ms. Winters doesn't know the difference between telling and showing, so there was lots of telling. And passive voice. Needless to say, this was a difficult read, and Harlequin should be ashamed of themselves for publishing it.
However, the overall plot was good, so I would like to read more from this author. Hopefully, her other books are better written than this one.

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read a Harlequin and this was an interesting quick read.
This is a small town, second chance romance when old sweethearts are thrown together after a murder.
Is the murderer a family member or a stranger? Incidents keep happening and I was kept on my toes wondering who the killer was.
The story was good and the characters interesting but the ending left a lot of gaps. Not sure if there is going to be a part 2 but I felt it was unfinished.

[Winter Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 It was an enjoyable read. The suspense thread was well done, and pulled off well to keep the reader guessing who the killer actually was. The ending was set up to have the plot continue in the next book. Danica Winters has a great set up here.

As for Gwen and Wyatt, their romance was a good slow burn, and realistic for a couple that had previously been together and pulled apart. It'll be nice to see them pop up now and again in the following books.

[Nancy Reynolds · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a favorite. I never felt the reasoning behind the original breakup of the love interests. And I wan't overly fond of any of the characters. As for finding out who murdered Gwen's sister, it was really a weak story line - to me it all came together very suddenly at the end. But I did stick with the story to find out "whodunit". And ... I really hate it when the title of a book doesn't fit the story - as I feel was this case here.

[Donna Was A Scandal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm excited to see where this bigger story takes us, check out my full 3.5 star review over on Scandalicious Book Reviews:

http://bit.ly/2wy677y

The ending is abrupt and I'm not sure how these two have avoided each other in this small town but I liked the bigger story and the details of the mystery.

[David Slayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody writes romantic suspense like Danica Winters.

This one has all the tension, romantic and mystery, I've come to expect from her. She kept me guessing on the killer up to the revel and really wondering if Wyatt and Gwen were going to make it to Christmas and beyond. Another great read I highly recommend.