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Georgia Rae Winston #2
Deadly Holiday
A New Boyfriend. (Maybe.) A Christmas Program to Run. And a Man Dying at Her Feet.
Georgia Winston is now dating Detective Cal Perkins, planning a Christmas program, and navigating her relationship with her twin stepbrothers. Just another day. But then her church’s youth pastor dies of poisoning, and she’s the only one who hears his final word, “Anchor.”
After the youth pastor’s girlfriend disappears, Georgia starts asking questions. Too many. When she’s almost run off the road, she goes on the offensive—with her stepbrothers’ help—and starts putting the pieces of the murder together. But Cal isn’t happy. Because any one of those pieces could get her killed.
Deadly Holiday is the second book in the ongoing story of Georgia Rae Winston. A woman of strength. A woman of talents. A woman who can’t seem to stop bumping into mysteries in the farming community of Wildcat Springs, Indiana.
Georgia Winston is now dating Detective Cal Perkins, planning a Christmas program, and navigating her relationship with her twin stepbrothers. Just another day. But then her church’s youth pastor dies of poisoning, and she’s the only one who hears his final word, “Anchor.”
After the youth pastor’s girlfriend disappears, Georgia starts asking questions. Too many. When she’s almost run off the road, she goes on the offensive—with her stepbrothers’ help—and starts putting the pieces of the murder together. But Cal isn’t happy. Because any one of those pieces could get her killed.
Deadly Holiday is the second book in the ongoing story of Georgia Rae Winston. A woman of strength. A woman of talents. A woman who can’t seem to stop bumping into mysteries in the farming community of Wildcat Springs, Indiana.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2018
47 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Marissa Shrock
23 books73 followersMarissa Shrock is a survivor of many awkward blind dates and many years of teaching middle school. Both provide excellent inspiration for her fictional yarns.
Since childhood, she’s loved to read a variety of genres, so her own work includes dystopian thrillers and cozy mysteries. She’s the author of the Emancipation Warriors Series and the Georgia Rae Winston Mystery Series. Her debut novel, The First Principle, was a Carol Award Finalist.
Marissa enjoys playing golf, building elaborate LEGO creations, and traveling to new places. Her home is in Indiana, where she’s surrounded by corn and soybean fields.
Since childhood, she’s loved to read a variety of genres, so her own work includes dystopian thrillers and cozy mysteries. She’s the author of the Emancipation Warriors Series and the Georgia Rae Winston Mystery Series. Her debut novel, The First Principle, was a Carol Award Finalist.
Marissa enjoys playing golf, building elaborate LEGO creations, and traveling to new places. Her home is in Indiana, where she’s surrounded by corn and soybean fields.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 11, 2019
4 Star review Deadly Holiday (Georgia Rae Winston #2) by Marissa Shrock
Audio Review:
Marissa Shrock is a relatively new author to me although I have listened to a few books from narrator Jennifer Jill Araya before. I enjoyed this clean, Christian cozy mystery and although I don’t often listen to Christian books I found the mystery and suspense intriguing.
I like Georgia Rae Winston of Wildcat Springs, Indiana. Detective Cal Perkins, her new boyfriend caught my eye as he tried to keep Georgia safe whilst trying to solve the case.
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. There are twists, turns and surprises in Deadly Holiday as Georgia, Cal and her band of family and friends follow the clues.
The narrator did a great job and added to my listening pleasure as her voice is easy to listen too and kept me entertained.
Deadly Holiday was a book filled with secrets, miss communication and clues to satisfy my detective spirit. The intrigue and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat as I listened to this story and tried to guess the identity of the killer.
I was given a copy of this audio book from the narrator and have voluntarily left this review.
Audio Review:
Marissa Shrock is a relatively new author to me although I have listened to a few books from narrator Jennifer Jill Araya before. I enjoyed this clean, Christian cozy mystery and although I don’t often listen to Christian books I found the mystery and suspense intriguing.
I like Georgia Rae Winston of Wildcat Springs, Indiana. Detective Cal Perkins, her new boyfriend caught my eye as he tried to keep Georgia safe whilst trying to solve the case.
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. There are twists, turns and surprises in Deadly Holiday as Georgia, Cal and her band of family and friends follow the clues.
The narrator did a great job and added to my listening pleasure as her voice is easy to listen too and kept me entertained.
Deadly Holiday was a book filled with secrets, miss communication and clues to satisfy my detective spirit. The intrigue and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat as I listened to this story and tried to guess the identity of the killer.
I was given a copy of this audio book from the narrator and have voluntarily left this review.
December 14, 2019
Deadly Holiday is one of the best mysteries I have listened to in a long time! The six hours of this book starts off quick, and there is not a dull moment the entire time! Lots of very convincing suspects. It is a clean listen and perfect for Christmas time. There were some clues, I saw the twists coming and many I did not.
Jennifer Jill Araya is one of my favourite narratours! I have been listening to her for about a year, and she continues to get better and better (and she was already fantastic before.) Her voices are great and distinct. Her emotions are spot on. Whether you are a new listener or a seasoned one, Araya is a great one to listen to. She just heightens the listening experience with her talent.
I received a copy of this audiobook at my request, and I have voluntarily left this review.
Jennifer Jill Araya is one of my favourite narratours! I have been listening to her for about a year, and she continues to get better and better (and she was already fantastic before.) Her voices are great and distinct. Her emotions are spot on. Whether you are a new listener or a seasoned one, Araya is a great one to listen to. She just heightens the listening experience with her talent.
I received a copy of this audiobook at my request, and I have voluntarily left this review.
January 5, 2020
Great audio listen as Georgia Rae's uncertain romantic hopes and Christmas time adventures kept the story unfolding at a steady pace.
January 20, 2020
This is a wonderfully written mystery. The characters are fun, relatable and realistic. Two of my favorite secondary characters in this book are the twins. The twins have big personalities and their banter between one another and Georgia gives the story the right amount of comedic relief The storyline grabs your attention from early on its twists and turns and no shortage of suspects.
I listened to the audio version of this book. Narrator Jennifer Jill Araya is a wonderful storyteller. Her accents are great and distinctive. She has great timing and emotions. Her contribution elevates the reader's enjoyment to an already great read.
I voluntarily agreed to listen to a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced by anyone.
I listened to the audio version of this book. Narrator Jennifer Jill Araya is a wonderful storyteller. Her accents are great and distinctive. She has great timing and emotions. Her contribution elevates the reader's enjoyment to an already great read.
I voluntarily agreed to listen to a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced by anyone.
September 17, 2018
Once again Georgia Rae Winston finds herself thrust into another mystery. After reluctantly taking on the task of leading the choir in the upcoming Christmas program, Georgia finds the youth pastor on the floor of the nativity scene. Before passing out, he utters a word that leaves her suspicious. Later, he’s pronounced dead and the cause listed is poisoning. This puts Georgia in the investigative mode and begins to look into the puzzle despite her boyfriend (or is he her boyfriend?) Detective Cal Perkins’ warning to let him do his job.
In the midst of this mystery, Georgia begins to question whether or not Cal is still interested in her. Why hasn’t he kissed her yet and what personal information is he withholding?
As the clues pile up, Georgia is soon targeted by someone wanting her to keep her nose out of it. Can she do this or will she find herself the next victim?
Once again, Marissa Shrock has given us another delightful cozy mystery in Deadly Holiday – book 2 in the Georgia Rae Winston mysteries. Her plot kept me turning the pages in an attempt to unravel the mystery. The clues were woven throughout effectively. They kept me wondering who the killer was.
I love the community the author has depicted in this series. Everyone wants to help each other out even the town gossip. The characters are fun, especially the twins. Loved the banter between them and Georgia. The humor used throughout this book is engaging. I loved Georgia’s quirkiness along with the other characters.
The faith aspect of the novel was done organically and was very effective.
I give Deadly Holiday five ornaments. This excellent mystery will keep you guessing right to the very end!
**An e-copy of this book has been provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
In the midst of this mystery, Georgia begins to question whether or not Cal is still interested in her. Why hasn’t he kissed her yet and what personal information is he withholding?
As the clues pile up, Georgia is soon targeted by someone wanting her to keep her nose out of it. Can she do this or will she find herself the next victim?
Once again, Marissa Shrock has given us another delightful cozy mystery in Deadly Holiday – book 2 in the Georgia Rae Winston mysteries. Her plot kept me turning the pages in an attempt to unravel the mystery. The clues were woven throughout effectively. They kept me wondering who the killer was.
I love the community the author has depicted in this series. Everyone wants to help each other out even the town gossip. The characters are fun, especially the twins. Loved the banter between them and Georgia. The humor used throughout this book is engaging. I loved Georgia’s quirkiness along with the other characters.
The faith aspect of the novel was done organically and was very effective.
I give Deadly Holiday five ornaments. This excellent mystery will keep you guessing right to the very end!
**An e-copy of this book has been provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
February 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I love the characters especially Georgia Winston twin step brothers and there fighting over who makes the best sidekick. The mystery was good and took a couple of twists I didn't see coming and with a number of credible suspects the story played out well. It was a nice easy cosy Christmas mystery that is backed up with romance, a little bit of religion and a humours family life. I have listened to a few books in this series and have enjoyed them all and it doesn't seen to matter which order you listen to them. Despite this story being set more around the church I thought there was actually less preying in this book and found my really caught with the characters and story. Can't wait to start the next book.
When the music director gets injured just before the annual Christmas show rehearsals is about to start, Georgia Winston finds herself volunteering to step in and help. Then she stumbles over the youth pastor, just in time to hear his dying word, Anchor. It doesn't take long to discover the young girl he had been seeing has gone missing. Did she kill him? Or is there a connection? Georgia 's boyfriend begs her to stay out of it but when everybody comes to her with information or clues she has no choice but to ask questions and he supportive of her fellow church goers. Then someone breaks into her home and she is followed and even the police start to think she is on to something. Aided by her twin step brothers in the investigation can they find the killer and the missing girl all before the Christmas show.
I like the narrator and think she is up there with some of the most talented narrator's.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
When the music director gets injured just before the annual Christmas show rehearsals is about to start, Georgia Winston finds herself volunteering to step in and help. Then she stumbles over the youth pastor, just in time to hear his dying word, Anchor. It doesn't take long to discover the young girl he had been seeing has gone missing. Did she kill him? Or is there a connection? Georgia 's boyfriend begs her to stay out of it but when everybody comes to her with information or clues she has no choice but to ask questions and he supportive of her fellow church goers. Then someone breaks into her home and she is followed and even the police start to think she is on to something. Aided by her twin step brothers in the investigation can they find the killer and the missing girl all before the Christmas show.
I like the narrator and think she is up there with some of the most talented narrator's.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 5, 2018
Sentimental, great mystery - all wrapped into one read.
Another terrific read and possibly even better than the first book. A nice fresh plot that has you really having to think and still not getting who the killer is until nearly the end of the book. Terrific! The Christmas nativity play would have been enjoyable if she didn't have to take over as choirmaster after a traffic accident and if she could get her mind off the young pastor's death. Plus his girlfriend was still missing. With Cal not around she takes on the task of investigating. Even though it brings her twin step-brothers in as her sidekicks. What was the pastor trying to convey as he lay dying? Why do people keep downsizing? Where is the girlfriend's body? Why does everyone think a cult is involved? Even though she still feels unsure about Cal's feelings for her, she would dearly love to see him over Christmas. But what to get him? The characters have unfolded even more in this book and getting insights into what makes them tick is woven into the storyline with finesse.
Another terrific read and possibly even better than the first book. A nice fresh plot that has you really having to think and still not getting who the killer is until nearly the end of the book. Terrific! The Christmas nativity play would have been enjoyable if she didn't have to take over as choirmaster after a traffic accident and if she could get her mind off the young pastor's death. Plus his girlfriend was still missing. With Cal not around she takes on the task of investigating. Even though it brings her twin step-brothers in as her sidekicks. What was the pastor trying to convey as he lay dying? Why do people keep downsizing? Where is the girlfriend's body? Why does everyone think a cult is involved? Even though she still feels unsure about Cal's feelings for her, she would dearly love to see him over Christmas. But what to get him? The characters have unfolded even more in this book and getting insights into what makes them tick is woven into the storyline with finesse.
August 4, 2021
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
You get know Georgia and Cal better in the book as their relationship starts to bloom. Georgia also ends up holding a dying man that is shortly thereafter pronounced dead from poisoning. He dying words to Georgia certainly give you something to think about. And how a few simple words can have so many different meanings.
Also when cal makes the promise to look into her fathers murder your just constantly thinking that something might show up in the background. It was a little disappointing when nothing on that plot came up but goods things are worth the wait!
I enjoyed this book as much as the first. Georgia’s curiosity and openness often have people telling her things that they were sure or didn’t tell the police.
Many things happen at the holiday season and can often times be a stress event for all involved. But things turn out right in the end.
Like the first I love the religion woven in the story. Not preachy and god has his plans.
You get know Georgia and Cal better in the book as their relationship starts to bloom. Georgia also ends up holding a dying man that is shortly thereafter pronounced dead from poisoning. He dying words to Georgia certainly give you something to think about. And how a few simple words can have so many different meanings.
Also when cal makes the promise to look into her fathers murder your just constantly thinking that something might show up in the background. It was a little disappointing when nothing on that plot came up but goods things are worth the wait!
I enjoyed this book as much as the first. Georgia’s curiosity and openness often have people telling her things that they were sure or didn’t tell the police.
Many things happen at the holiday season and can often times be a stress event for all involved. But things turn out right in the end.
Like the first I love the religion woven in the story. Not preachy and god has his plans.
June 4, 2019
This is the continuation of Georgia Rae's story, and once again she gets herself in a wee bit of trouble when she finds her church's youth pastor dying. He says "Anchor" before he falls unconscious and Georgia Rae just has to figure out what that means.
Cal seems to have given up in trying to keep her from investigating and actually asks her for some help on this one, and surprisingly her step-brothers are also helpful (and a bit of comedic relief).
Amidst the joys of the Christmas season, this story brings us a couple of sad occasions too. Very good mystery and romance.
I received a free copy of this story from the author for an honest review.
This is a clean read.
Cal seems to have given up in trying to keep her from investigating and actually asks her for some help on this one, and surprisingly her step-brothers are also helpful (and a bit of comedic relief).
Amidst the joys of the Christmas season, this story brings us a couple of sad occasions too. Very good mystery and romance.
I received a free copy of this story from the author for an honest review.
This is a clean read.
December 18, 2019
Deadly Holiday is a murder mystery but also so much more. I loved how Marissa landed Georgia Rae Winston into investigating this new murder in her quirky small town. So creative, and so well done! The plot keeps you reading and was wonderfully unpredictable. The challenge of Georgia Rae loving to investigate while dating a detective who doesn't want her investigating is also a delightful paradox. I absolutely loved Georgia's interactions with her twin stepbrothers, and this book's ending was so perfect.
December 24, 2021
2.5 Keep in mind: mysteries are not my genre, so not sure I should get a vote, so to speak. It would have been a 3, as I liked the setting (Indiana), and characters were likable. HOWEVER, the lack of mention of responses to trauma/grief were odd. I also thought it very odd that a woman of faith had not prayed about her life, especially thinking about a marriage partner. In addition, and on that note, the parts of this that were “Christian” seemed a bit of a random toss into the story line.
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December 10, 2022You should know that this is a Christian book, because I didn’t. After I realized what I’d gotten myself into, I read the description on Hoopla again, and the only place it was mentioned was in the genre information way at the bottom. I was just looking for a holiday mystery. If I’d known, I would have skipped the proselytizing. That said, I liked it enough to finish it. I won’t be reading more in the series, but if you’re looking for a Christian mystery, you’ll probably enjoy this.
March 19, 2023
I have never been much of a fan of first person point of view books.....which this series is.....but I have really enjoyed the two books I have read so far.
In this one, Georgia's twin stepbrothers, Preston and Austin make an appearance, and they add to the hilarity of the book. Hopefully they are in the rest of the books.
This book was even better than the first, and even more funny and entertaining. I definitely recommend them
In this one, Georgia's twin stepbrothers, Preston and Austin make an appearance, and they add to the hilarity of the book. Hopefully they are in the rest of the books.
This book was even better than the first, and even more funny and entertaining. I definitely recommend them
December 8, 2021
Don’t let my rating scare you away if you are ables to read the book for free. Give it a chance more than I am. Seldom do I give up reading a book; however, at 15% into this book , I did. I just couldn’t engage. The characters felt , how shall I say: one dimensional, flat, without any known qualities, or descriptions. Perhaps I felt this way since my previous read was quite good.
August 24, 2018
Another outstanding book by Marissa Shrock!! This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and you won't be able to put it down till the last page is read. It has action, suspense, and romance. I loved it!!!
December 25, 2021
A Great CHRISTmas Read!
This book was enjoyable and brought up relationships, good vs.evil, church community, and murder mystery. All led to a couldn’t put down the book read! Highly recommend it!
This book was enjoyable and brought up relationships, good vs.evil, church community, and murder mystery. All led to a couldn’t put down the book read! Highly recommend it!
December 9, 2022
This book is a good one to read to get you in the Christmas spirit, although murder is also a part of the plot. I would recommend reading book one first, to more fully appreciate some of the ongoing plot elements.
December 13, 2022
Mystery lacks suspense and intrigue. Bland as toast and judgmental MC. Unnatural, stilted dialogue. Heavy handed proselytizing.(I will admit I did not research it beforehand so I was unaware this was a Christian book.)
December 14, 2018
I love Georgia Rae! Buy this book and prepare to laugh, gasp, and feel good at the end!
April 14, 2020
Witty and delightful meet inspirational suspense in this fun series from Marissa Shrock. I look forward to more from this author.
February 12, 2021
This was a good book. The characters were fun, the plot well thought out and the ending satisfactory.
December 2, 2021
I am not normally a fan of contemporary stories, but these Georgia Rae Winston mysteries are so much fun!
December 7, 2021
Great Read!
I loved this novel because it was clean, Christ centered and romantic! I should have stopped reading an hour and a half ago but just couldn’t put it down!
I loved this novel because it was clean, Christ centered and romantic! I should have stopped reading an hour and a half ago but just couldn’t put it down!
December 12, 2021
was good.
December 15, 2021
This was pretty funny and entertaining.
December 25, 2021
Fun read
Good characters. A little twist at the end. The story moves quickly and keeps your interest. Worth every minute to enjoy.
Good characters. A little twist at the end. The story moves quickly and keeps your interest. Worth every minute to enjoy.
June 8, 2022
Oh Georgia Rae. We're done.
December 22, 2022
I didn’t know anything about this book, author, or series going into it. The suspense part was okay, but overall the book was too Christian-cheesy for me
September 22, 2018
Fun, quick mystery to read. Great combination of laughs, mystery, and a bit of romance. I kept wanting to find out what kind of trouble Georgia got into next and whether or not it would land her in serious trouble or not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews