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Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries #8
Handmade Ho-Ho Homicide
Two and a half weeks ago magazine crafts editor Anastasia Pollack arrived home to find Ira Pollack, her half-brother-in-law, had blinged out her home with enough Christmas lights to rival Rockefeller Center. Now he’s crammed her small yard with enormous cavorting inflatable characters. She and photojournalist boyfriend (and possible spy) Zack Barnes pack up the unwanted lawn decorations to return to Ira. They arrive to find his yard the scene of an over-the-top Christmas extravaganza. His neighbors are not happy with the animatronics, laser light show, and blaring music creating traffic jams on their normally quiet street. One of them expresses his displeasure with his fists before running off.
In the excitement, the deflated lawn ornaments are never returned to Ira. The next morning Anastasia once again heads to his house before work to drop them off. When she arrives, she discovers Ira’s attacker dead in Santa’s sleigh. Ira becomes the prime suspect in the man’s murder and begs Anastasia to help clear his name. But Anastasia has promised her sons she’ll keep her nose out of police business. What’s a reluctant amateur sleuth to do?
Christmas craft projects included.
In the excitement, the deflated lawn ornaments are never returned to Ira. The next morning Anastasia once again heads to his house before work to drop them off. When she arrives, she discovers Ira’s attacker dead in Santa’s sleigh. Ira becomes the prime suspect in the man’s murder and begs Anastasia to help clear his name. But Anastasia has promised her sons she’ll keep her nose out of police business. What’s a reluctant amateur sleuth to do?
Christmas craft projects included.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2019
29 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Lois Winston
62 books327 followersNewsletter sign-up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
USA Today and Amazon bestselling and award-winning author Lois Winston writes mystery, romance, romantic suspense, chick lit, women’s fiction, children’s chapter books, and nonfiction under her own name and her Emma Carlyle pen name. Kirkus Reviews dubbed her critically acclaimed Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series, “North Jersey’s more mature answer to Stephanie Plum.” In addition, Lois is a former literary agent and an award-winning craft and needlework designer who often draws much of her source material for both her characters and plots from her experiences in the crafts industry.
Visit Lois and Emma at www.loiswinston.com and visit Anastasia at the Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers blog, www.anastasiapollack.blogspot.com. Follow everyone on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Anasleuth.
USA Today and Amazon bestselling and award-winning author Lois Winston writes mystery, romance, romantic suspense, chick lit, women’s fiction, children’s chapter books, and nonfiction under her own name and her Emma Carlyle pen name. Kirkus Reviews dubbed her critically acclaimed Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series, “North Jersey’s more mature answer to Stephanie Plum.” In addition, Lois is a former literary agent and an award-winning craft and needlework designer who often draws much of her source material for both her characters and plots from her experiences in the crafts industry.
Visit Lois and Emma at www.loiswinston.com and visit Anastasia at the Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers blog, www.anastasiapollack.blogspot.com. Follow everyone on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Anasleuth.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 30, 2019
Sleuth Anastasia Pollack’s half brother-in-law Ira filled her yard with decorations, and she quickly returns them. Ira’s lawn looks like a Christmas animatronics extravaganza and is a sore spot with neighbors. The next day, a man is dead in Ira’s mechanized Santa-sleigh. Ira wants Anastasia to investigate, only her sons already made her promise to leave police matters to the police.
Balancing work, home, family, pets, and boyfriend leaves little time for Anastasia to sleuth but she does it intuitively, picking apart Ira’s life until all that’s left is one angry killer.
A breezy, entertaining read!
Balancing work, home, family, pets, and boyfriend leaves little time for Anastasia to sleuth but she does it intuitively, picking apart Ira’s life until all that’s left is one angry killer.
A breezy, entertaining read!
November 9, 2019
Once again Anastasia finds herself in the middle of murder and family disputes. Although her ungracious mother-in-law continues her nasty behavior towards the woman who provides her both home and meals, that's not the main problem relative. Her half-brother-in-law, Ira, and his out of control children are making life miserable for Anastasia. The how and why are humorously told by Ms Winston, along with an unusual solution to some of the problems with the younger generation. I laughed a lot while reading this, and had a difficult time putting the book down when life interfered with my reading! From beginning to the last sigh of contentment, this was a terrific book that I recommend heartily!
October 23, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Handmade Ho-Ho Homicide by Lois Winston is a fast-paced ride, complete with murder, kidnapping, holiday hijinks, and Christmas celebrations. I put it another way; I loved it.
Is Ira a murder, or is Ira the target?
Anastasia
Anastasia Pollack has her hands full. She the crafts editor at a woman's magazine, and she is a mother of two teenage boys. Although that isn't all, she also has to deal with her mom, her mother-in-law, half-brother-in-law, and his kids. Then there are her pets, a french bulldog (ownership is questionable), and a parrot. Did I mention that she also is our sleuth? Well, she is.
Anastasia is such a likable character; I was immediately pulling for her. The only thing that I thought she might want to try to let go of the past and her deceased husband. It's hard, and it's only been about a year that seems like a hundred, but for her sanity, let go of the Dead Louse of a Spouse.
Mystery
It all happens so fast. Ira moves in, sets up a holiday extravaganza in his front yard, Ira is assaulted, and a man is found dead in his yard. Don't worry, Anastasia is on the case, well unwillingly, but she is on it. Anastasia, with the help of her friends and family, finds the killer and get justice. Sorry, that is all you get. You'll have to read the book to find out her the killer is.
Five Stars
I thoroughly loved Handmade Ho-Ho Homicide by Lois Winston, so it gets five stars. The story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I haven't read the other books, but if they are half as good as this one, then you should read them too.
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Prize: (5) E-COPY - Handmade Ho-Ho Homicide (An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery) by Lois Winston
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Is Ira a murder, or is Ira the target?
Anastasia
Anastasia Pollack has her hands full. She the crafts editor at a woman's magazine, and she is a mother of two teenage boys. Although that isn't all, she also has to deal with her mom, her mother-in-law, half-brother-in-law, and his kids. Then there are her pets, a french bulldog (ownership is questionable), and a parrot. Did I mention that she also is our sleuth? Well, she is.
Anastasia is such a likable character; I was immediately pulling for her. The only thing that I thought she might want to try to let go of the past and her deceased husband. It's hard, and it's only been about a year that seems like a hundred, but for her sanity, let go of the Dead Louse of a Spouse.
Mystery It all happens so fast. Ira moves in, sets up a holiday extravaganza in his front yard, Ira is assaulted, and a man is found dead in his yard. Don't worry, Anastasia is on the case, well unwillingly, but she is on it. Anastasia, with the help of her friends and family, finds the killer and get justice. Sorry, that is all you get. You'll have to read the book to find out her the killer is.
Five Stars
I thoroughly loved Handmade Ho-Ho Homicide by Lois Winston, so it gets five stars. The story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I haven't read the other books, but if they are half as good as this one, then you should read them too.
Other Books in the Series
Prize: (5) E-COPY - Handmade Ho-Ho Homicide (An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery) by Lois Winston
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February 9, 2020
Anastasia Pollack has her hands full with her sons and her mother-in-law. When her husband died she inherited her mother-in-law, Lucille, who now lives with her. Lucille and her friends are quirky which just adds to the book. It's the Christmas holiday season and Anastacia's ex brother in law has surprised her by covering her front yard with quite a few blow up decorations. She pulls the plug on them all and get as many in her car as she can to return them. When she sees Ira's house, lights, music, blow up decorations, she understands why his neighbors are not happy. The next day a dead body shows amid the blow ups. Now Ira is a suspect and Anastasia does some investigating. Quirky but lovable cast of characters and a good mystery make this a book I recommend!
November 17, 2023
Audiobook: I enjoyed book 8 of the "An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery" series. When Anastasia went to return the inflatables that Ira Pollack, her half-brother-in-law, had left on her lawn, she found a dead body in Ira's Christmas decorations. Once again, Anastasia was pulled into a murder investigation as Ira begged her to clear his name. I liked that the story was set during the Christmas season. I found the whole Christmas decorations' descriptions amusing. I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride with all the twists and turns that were in the tale. Alexandra Bitton-Bailey's narration was entertaining, and her performance added to my enjoyment of the story. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
November 27, 2023
Audiobook for Review
It’s the holiday season but it does not matter as Anastasia is back again dealing with a string of murders. A body is found at her ex husband step brother’s outrageous Christmas display. She’ll have to deal with saving her brother-in-law from being thrown in jail and not gaining her spoiled in-law children.
This is a charming season story with her insane mother and mother-in-law in the mix to keep her on her toes. You cannot help but enjoy yourself on this holiday ride.
It’s the holiday season but it does not matter as Anastasia is back again dealing with a string of murders. A body is found at her ex husband step brother’s outrageous Christmas display. She’ll have to deal with saving her brother-in-law from being thrown in jail and not gaining her spoiled in-law children.
This is a charming season story with her insane mother and mother-in-law in the mix to keep her on her toes. You cannot help but enjoy yourself on this holiday ride.
December 9, 2023
A perfect read for the season, yes there was a murder, yes Anastasia got into yet another scrape, but it was such a fun story overall.
I love Ira - he is my Christmas decorating hero! and Ralph who managed somehow to steal the final scene is such a welcome different animal character.
I really enjoyed this entry in the series, and it boosted my Christmas spirit.
I love Ira - he is my Christmas decorating hero! and Ralph who managed somehow to steal the final scene is such a welcome different animal character.
I really enjoyed this entry in the series, and it boosted my Christmas spirit.
February 1, 2020
I enjoy the characters and melodrama in Anastasia's life. The murder mystery was well constructed and enjoyable to read.
May 29, 2020
love Lois's books and her charachters
November 14, 2021
Another great book in this series.
July 6, 2023
A very fun series.
November 29, 2023
This author really knows how to tell a fun story and make up wonderful characters.
January 2, 2020
Christmas, cozy mystery, craft, how can I not love this book? Humor, twists and turns, adorable characters make this story truly engaging from the first to the last page.
Anastasia Pollack is a widow, her husband left her full of debts. The only positive note was Zack, her tenant who, in addition to bringing her an income, brought a little joy to her heart. Her most recent problem is her half brother-in-law Ira who makes her find a house full of Christmas lights that seems to be at the Rockefeller Center. When she tries to bring back his decorations she finds his house exaggeratedly full of lights, Christmas decorations and with deafening music and Ira surrounded by angry neighbors, one of whom hits him with a fist. The next morning Anastasia returns to finally leave the Grinch and the other characters but finds a corpse in Ira's sled. Ira is obviously the biggest suspect. Will Anastasia succeed in not investigating how she has promised his sons?
I loved Anastasia because she isn't a woman with super powers but a simple person with her flaws and her limits. She has two sons, a boyfriend Zack, a perfidious eighty-year-old communist mother-in-law with her terrible dog Mefisto, a troublemaker half brother-in-law.
I loved every page of this story, it's fun, fast paced with lots of humor, Christmas atmosphere, suspense, brilliant dialogues.
Although it is the eighth book of the series you can read it easily as a standalone, I had no problems.
This book is perfect for those who love Christmas and cozy mysteries.
Anastasia Pollack is a widow, her husband left her full of debts. The only positive note was Zack, her tenant who, in addition to bringing her an income, brought a little joy to her heart. Her most recent problem is her half brother-in-law Ira who makes her find a house full of Christmas lights that seems to be at the Rockefeller Center. When she tries to bring back his decorations she finds his house exaggeratedly full of lights, Christmas decorations and with deafening music and Ira surrounded by angry neighbors, one of whom hits him with a fist. The next morning Anastasia returns to finally leave the Grinch and the other characters but finds a corpse in Ira's sled. Ira is obviously the biggest suspect. Will Anastasia succeed in not investigating how she has promised his sons?
I loved Anastasia because she isn't a woman with super powers but a simple person with her flaws and her limits. She has two sons, a boyfriend Zack, a perfidious eighty-year-old communist mother-in-law with her terrible dog Mefisto, a troublemaker half brother-in-law.
I loved every page of this story, it's fun, fast paced with lots of humor, Christmas atmosphere, suspense, brilliant dialogues.
Although it is the eighth book of the series you can read it easily as a standalone, I had no problems.
This book is perfect for those who love Christmas and cozy mysteries.
November 16, 2019
Homemade Ho-Ho Homicide earns 5/5 Santa Sleighs…Clever, Engaging Fun!
Merry Crises! Lois Winston has brought back Anastasia’s delightful first-person narrative of family, friends, dysfunction, and murder, and made it again very entertaining! Everyone loves the Christmas season, but enough is enough when your own house is the victim of an overzealous “Secret Elf.” Anastasia decides to take the offending decorations back to the “Elf,” but discovers another over-the-top display with a blinding lights and loud music, gawkers choking the streets, and Anastasia’s late husband’s half-brother, Ira Pollack, in the middle of some emotional neighbors! KaaaPOW! Ira gets surprised with a fist in the face. Kids call 9-1-1, but the man is nowhere to be found when cops arrive. It happened so quickly, witnesses aren’t able to provide an identification beyond “average.” No problem...the next day Anastasia again tries to return the unwanted decorations, but instead finds an additional figure...a dead body resting in Santa’s sleigh covered in snow. That’s the man! Oh, no! Ira could very well be the best person of interest.
I greatly enjoyed Lois’s writing style filled with descriptive language (the displays had my head spinning) and dialogue perfect for each character. The murder mystery is well-written and paced with misdirections, peril, dead ends, more danger, kidnappings, and a mother-in-law that would cause anyone to hide in the closet! Accenting an already entertaining read, Anastasia’s clever quips, fun stories, and well-deserved digs kept me smiling. Anastasia, her boys, and Zac are enjoyable, but the chilly weather has invaded their “Peace on Earth” with conflicts and talks of “I know a guy who knows a guy!” to deal with the antics of the mother-in-law, her friend, Ira, and his kids. Wow! Can you spell M-O-B? What a great journey!
Just in time for the holidays…Anastasia’s Repurposed Greeting Card Crafts. Lois provides easy-to-follow directions for 3-D Ball Garlands, 3-D Ornaments, Triangular Flag Garlands, Triptych Wall-hanging Photo Frame, Greeting Card Wreath, and DIY Decorative Gift Bags.
Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Merry Crises! Lois Winston has brought back Anastasia’s delightful first-person narrative of family, friends, dysfunction, and murder, and made it again very entertaining! Everyone loves the Christmas season, but enough is enough when your own house is the victim of an overzealous “Secret Elf.” Anastasia decides to take the offending decorations back to the “Elf,” but discovers another over-the-top display with a blinding lights and loud music, gawkers choking the streets, and Anastasia’s late husband’s half-brother, Ira Pollack, in the middle of some emotional neighbors! KaaaPOW! Ira gets surprised with a fist in the face. Kids call 9-1-1, but the man is nowhere to be found when cops arrive. It happened so quickly, witnesses aren’t able to provide an identification beyond “average.” No problem...the next day Anastasia again tries to return the unwanted decorations, but instead finds an additional figure...a dead body resting in Santa’s sleigh covered in snow. That’s the man! Oh, no! Ira could very well be the best person of interest.
I greatly enjoyed Lois’s writing style filled with descriptive language (the displays had my head spinning) and dialogue perfect for each character. The murder mystery is well-written and paced with misdirections, peril, dead ends, more danger, kidnappings, and a mother-in-law that would cause anyone to hide in the closet! Accenting an already entertaining read, Anastasia’s clever quips, fun stories, and well-deserved digs kept me smiling. Anastasia, her boys, and Zac are enjoyable, but the chilly weather has invaded their “Peace on Earth” with conflicts and talks of “I know a guy who knows a guy!” to deal with the antics of the mother-in-law, her friend, Ira, and his kids. Wow! Can you spell M-O-B? What a great journey!
Just in time for the holidays…Anastasia’s Repurposed Greeting Card Crafts. Lois provides easy-to-follow directions for 3-D Ball Garlands, 3-D Ornaments, Triangular Flag Garlands, Triptych Wall-hanging Photo Frame, Greeting Card Wreath, and DIY Decorative Gift Bags.
Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
December 28, 2019
This is the second book I have read in this series. They are certainly fun with some crazy family members plus a great cozy mystery. Recommend.
October 18, 2019
If you are looking for a cute holiday themed cozy mystery, this is definitely the book for you. This is probably one of the most relaxing books I've read recently. By relaxing, I mean a book I could get lost in and just enjoy, which I did, immensely.
You have a family member who is basically going all Grizwald with the Christmas decorations much to the chagrin of the neighbors. You have some crazy in-laws and other assorted relatives too.
The wacky characters make for a fun read, especially when her half brother in law is a suspect in the murder of a man that wasn't to thrilled with his decorations.
There is so much to love about this book, including one of the errors at the beginning when Bea Arthur is referenced as Maude's character in the Golden Girls.
I loved Anastasia and her family, because they were so goofy, from her cougar mother to Ira and his unpleasant children. Oh and there's the ex-Marine that comes to whip Ira's kids into shape. He reminded me a bit of Ranger from the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich.
The holiday setting made this read even more fun
This was such a fun quick read and considering the length, I liked how the author wrapped up things without making it feel too hurried. I can't wait to read more of this series.
You have a family member who is basically going all Grizwald with the Christmas decorations much to the chagrin of the neighbors. You have some crazy in-laws and other assorted relatives too.
The wacky characters make for a fun read, especially when her half brother in law is a suspect in the murder of a man that wasn't to thrilled with his decorations.
There is so much to love about this book, including one of the errors at the beginning when Bea Arthur is referenced as Maude's character in the Golden Girls.
I loved Anastasia and her family, because they were so goofy, from her cougar mother to Ira and his unpleasant children. Oh and there's the ex-Marine that comes to whip Ira's kids into shape. He reminded me a bit of Ranger from the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich.
The holiday setting made this read even more fun
This was such a fun quick read and considering the length, I liked how the author wrapped up things without making it feel too hurried. I can't wait to read more of this series.
November 16, 2019
Anastasia has her hands full with work, family (some crazier than others), boyfriend, and pets. Throw a murder into the mix, and mayhem and madness ensues. I was captivated from beginning to end. I love how the story unfolds, and I was glued to the pages, and the edge of my seat. This book is a page turner with twists and turns that I did not see coming. I hope there are many more to come in this series. Lois Winston is an exceptional storyteller, and I highly recommend Handmade Ho-Ho Homicide!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews