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Ainsley McGregor #3
A Case for the Toy Maker
Ho. Ho. No…
It’s Christmas in Sweet River, Texas, and the whole town is feeling festive apart from Ainsley McGregor. Ainsley has never enjoyed the holidays and would rather ignore them, but with her shop Bless Your Art busier than ever and filled with happy shoppers, even she’s feeling some Christmas spirit. That is, until her Great Dane, George Clooney, sniffs out a dead body in the Santa House at the Christmas Festival.
When one of her favorite crafters becomes the prime suspect, Ainsley is determined to prove his innocence. The case is full of so many twists and turns that even Ainsley begins to fear the truth. Is she protecting a killer?
With help from her friends and some extremely nosey townsfolk, Ainsley and her dog hurry to find the truth—as long as they can outwit and outrun the killer first. Otherwise, this Christmas might just be her last.
It’s Christmas in Sweet River, Texas, and the whole town is feeling festive apart from Ainsley McGregor. Ainsley has never enjoyed the holidays and would rather ignore them, but with her shop Bless Your Art busier than ever and filled with happy shoppers, even she’s feeling some Christmas spirit. That is, until her Great Dane, George Clooney, sniffs out a dead body in the Santa House at the Christmas Festival.
When one of her favorite crafters becomes the prime suspect, Ainsley is determined to prove his innocence. The case is full of so many twists and turns that even Ainsley begins to fear the truth. Is she protecting a killer?
With help from her friends and some extremely nosey townsfolk, Ainsley and her dog hurry to find the truth—as long as they can outwit and outrun the killer first. Otherwise, this Christmas might just be her last.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2020
388 people are currently reading
651 people want to read
About the author
Candace Havens
70 books1,016 followersBestselling author Candace Havens has published more than 25 books. Her novels have received nominations for the RITA's, Holt Medallion, Write Touch Reader Awards and National Readers Choice Awards. She is a Barbara Wilson Award winner. She is the author of the biography “Joss Whedon: The Genius Behind Buffy” and a contributor to several anthologies. She is also one of the nation's leading entertainment journalists and has interviewed countless celebrities from George Clooney to Chris Pratt. Candace also runs a free online writing workshop for more than 2000 writers, and teaches comprehensive writing classes. She does film reviews with Hawkeye in the Morning on 96.3 KSCS, and is a former President of the Television Critics Association.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 12, 2025
Someone stabbed Santa Claus with the North Pole and he’s dead😵💫🎄
Could you believe he was found by a Great Dane named George? George Clooney❗️He was in his Santa House getting ready for the Sweet River Holiday Festival when something awful happened. Who would want to hurt Santa?
George and his human, Ainsley, aren’t new to this murder solving game. A CASE FOR THE TOY MAKER is volume number 3 in the Ainsley McGregor series by author, Candace Havens. It’s easily read as a standalone as Havens provides brief bits of history about how this duo, her brother, the sheriff, and a few key townsfolk have arrived at their current positions.
This is a charming, cozy series with a cast of residents that anchor the story in and around the town of Sweet River. It won’t take readers long to become fond of Ainsley, her friends and family. The experience had me thinking about Cabot Cove with a much younger FMC.
Greg, the sheriff, and Lucy, his second in command, are stretched out over multiple communities. I’ve seen that budget saving issue in various other series of books as well as on television and in my own state’s rural communities. It doesn’t seem that safety first is the main message anymore…
So why did Santa get dead? Was he bad at his job? Did he owe someone something?
Who’s gonna figure it out? Ainsley & George or one of their capable cohorts?
Recommended for anyone who loves good, clean, cozy mysteries. There is no foul language, descriptive violence or sexual content; safely read by your 12 year old sleuths📚
Could you believe he was found by a Great Dane named George? George Clooney❗️He was in his Santa House getting ready for the Sweet River Holiday Festival when something awful happened. Who would want to hurt Santa?
George and his human, Ainsley, aren’t new to this murder solving game. A CASE FOR THE TOY MAKER is volume number 3 in the Ainsley McGregor series by author, Candace Havens. It’s easily read as a standalone as Havens provides brief bits of history about how this duo, her brother, the sheriff, and a few key townsfolk have arrived at their current positions.
This is a charming, cozy series with a cast of residents that anchor the story in and around the town of Sweet River. It won’t take readers long to become fond of Ainsley, her friends and family. The experience had me thinking about Cabot Cove with a much younger FMC.
Greg, the sheriff, and Lucy, his second in command, are stretched out over multiple communities. I’ve seen that budget saving issue in various other series of books as well as on television and in my own state’s rural communities. It doesn’t seem that safety first is the main message anymore…
So why did Santa get dead? Was he bad at his job? Did he owe someone something?
Who’s gonna figure it out? Ainsley & George or one of their capable cohorts?
Recommended for anyone who loves good, clean, cozy mysteries. There is no foul language, descriptive violence or sexual content; safely read by your 12 year old sleuths📚
November 2, 2020
I enjoyed reading A Case for the Toy Maker by Candace Havens book three in her Ainsley McGregor mystery series. Ainsley McGregor, a former, and now part-time, English professor, followed her dream and opened an artisan market in Sweet River, Texas. The market, “Bless Your Art”, would be a central location for local artists to sell their merchandise and teach classes, as well as hopefully bring tourists to the town.
Thanksgiving has just passed and as Christmas approaches, the entire town gets into the spirit as well as into the Holiday Craft Fair and Christmas Festival. The town and Ainsley’s shop is busier than ever, filled with lots of happy shoppers. As Ainsley and her Great Dane, George Clooney, walk through the Christmas Festival displays, once again, George sniffs out a dead body. This time, it’s the man who was to be their Santa in the Santa House. When one of her favorite crafters becomes the prime suspect, Ainsley is determined to prove his innocence. The case is full of so many twists and turns that even Ainsley begins to fear the truth; could she possibly be protecting a killer? With the help of her friends and the nosy townsfolk, Ainsley and her dog sniff out the truth, being on the tail of the killer; as long as she can outwit and outrun the killer.
I genuinely enjoyed reading this funny, sweet and intriguing book and had trouble putting this book down. Ms Havens kept me on my toes guessing who the killer was, throwing in some challenging red herrings, until I turned the last page. Her writing had me feeling as if I was there, watching the events unfold. I loved seeing Ainsley’s friendship with Jake progressing. I highly recommend A Case for the Toy Maker to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Thanksgiving has just passed and as Christmas approaches, the entire town gets into the spirit as well as into the Holiday Craft Fair and Christmas Festival. The town and Ainsley’s shop is busier than ever, filled with lots of happy shoppers. As Ainsley and her Great Dane, George Clooney, walk through the Christmas Festival displays, once again, George sniffs out a dead body. This time, it’s the man who was to be their Santa in the Santa House. When one of her favorite crafters becomes the prime suspect, Ainsley is determined to prove his innocence. The case is full of so many twists and turns that even Ainsley begins to fear the truth; could she possibly be protecting a killer? With the help of her friends and the nosy townsfolk, Ainsley and her dog sniff out the truth, being on the tail of the killer; as long as she can outwit and outrun the killer.
I genuinely enjoyed reading this funny, sweet and intriguing book and had trouble putting this book down. Ms Havens kept me on my toes guessing who the killer was, throwing in some challenging red herrings, until I turned the last page. Her writing had me feeling as if I was there, watching the events unfold. I loved seeing Ainsley’s friendship with Jake progressing. I highly recommend A Case for the Toy Maker to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 1, 2020
This is the third book in this brilliant series featuring Ainsley McGregor and her Great Dane, George Clooney, who seems to have an uncanny ability to sniff out dead bodies, much to the chagrin of Ainsley’s brother who is the town’s Sheriff!
Ainsley moved to Sweet River, Texas, to escape the violence of cities and to start up her shop, Bless Your Art, with its lovely mix of crafts folk selling their wares there. One of the crafters, Don, becomes the prime suspect when his visiting friend’s body is discovered by Ainsley in the Santa’s House which Don created. For the first time, her brother encourages her to discover what she can about the dead visitor from other traders at the Christmas Festival in an attempt to quickly bring the perpetrator to justice. Let’s hope this time she can do so without putting herself in danger again!
This is a fantastic addition to the series and a fun read, even though it is another death that Ainsley is investigating. With all the fun of the carnival, lots of strangers in town, her possible boyfriend returning after three months away on an intensive training course along with many characters from the earlier books, I thoroughly enjoyed escaping to Sweet River again! I believe this book would work as a standalone but I think I enjoyed it more because I knew so many of the characters from the earlier books. As I said, it is a superb series and I highly recommend anyone who enjoys ‘cosy’ mysteries reads them all!
Thanks to Tule Publishing for my copy of this book which I have read voluntarily and honestly reviewed.
Ainsley moved to Sweet River, Texas, to escape the violence of cities and to start up her shop, Bless Your Art, with its lovely mix of crafts folk selling their wares there. One of the crafters, Don, becomes the prime suspect when his visiting friend’s body is discovered by Ainsley in the Santa’s House which Don created. For the first time, her brother encourages her to discover what she can about the dead visitor from other traders at the Christmas Festival in an attempt to quickly bring the perpetrator to justice. Let’s hope this time she can do so without putting herself in danger again!
This is a fantastic addition to the series and a fun read, even though it is another death that Ainsley is investigating. With all the fun of the carnival, lots of strangers in town, her possible boyfriend returning after three months away on an intensive training course along with many characters from the earlier books, I thoroughly enjoyed escaping to Sweet River again! I believe this book would work as a standalone but I think I enjoyed it more because I knew so many of the characters from the earlier books. As I said, it is a superb series and I highly recommend anyone who enjoys ‘cosy’ mysteries reads them all!
Thanks to Tule Publishing for my copy of this book which I have read voluntarily and honestly reviewed.
October 28, 2020
I would just like to say a very big thank you to Xpresso Tours for arranging this Book Tour and for gifting me a copy in return for an honest review,
This book was set in Sweet River Texas, where the main character, Ainsley, is in charge of the towns holiday festival.
This was a wonderful murder mystery with a little bit of romance and comedy thrown in as well, which kept me engrossed right through to the very end.
I loved that it was set at Christmas and that there featured a wonderful Christmas market. All the characters were very down to earth and were very believable. There were also little hints of romance that were very nice and sweet and i loved trying to figure out who did it!!
All in all this was a very enjoyable book and the story had quite a few twists and turns, which kept me enthralled all the way through.
This book was set in Sweet River Texas, where the main character, Ainsley, is in charge of the towns holiday festival.
This was a wonderful murder mystery with a little bit of romance and comedy thrown in as well, which kept me engrossed right through to the very end.
I loved that it was set at Christmas and that there featured a wonderful Christmas market. All the characters were very down to earth and were very believable. There were also little hints of romance that were very nice and sweet and i loved trying to figure out who did it!!
All in all this was a very enjoyable book and the story had quite a few twists and turns, which kept me enthralled all the way through.
October 27, 2020
A Case for the Toy Maker is the third book in the Ainsley McGregor series by Candace Havens.
It is Thanksgiving time and Black Friday is going to be a big day at Bless Your Art. The start of the Sweet River Holiday Festival is upon the town. Businesses, local and from afar, are setting up booths and getting the Santa House ready for the kids. Ainsley and Shannon take a break from setting up their booth to visit the Santa House and see it all set up and decorated. They get to see much more than they bargained for, though, when George Clooney, the Great Dane, discovers a body in Santa's throne. Now, a local citizen, who is also a crafter in Bless Your Art, become a suspect. Ainsley knows he is not a murderer and Ainsley makes it her mission to prove it.
The mystery was set up and executed well. I enjoyed trying to figure out who did it an why. I had no idea who the murderer was in A Case for the Toy Maker, or why. The author included so many twists and turns, I had a really hard time trying narrow down my suspect list. Every time I was sure I knew who it was, the author tossed in something to change my mind. The uncertainty amplified the suspense and nail-biting action of certain scenes, decisions, and the ultimate showdown.
Ainsley is a wonderful character with business know-how and impeccable customer service skills. Her brother, Greg, is the local sheriff, and he tries to keep her from interfering with the case but with sights set on Ainsley's friend, she knows she can't sit on the sidelines. Shannon is her best friend and partner-in-crime. Jake is a firefighter, friend of Greg's, and Ainsley's closest neighbor. Together, the four of them along with Ainsley's friends and former students, make up a great cast of characters.
This book was so much fun, enjoyable, and a fast read that keep me engaged. I loved the setting: an artisan market during the holidays with wonderful characters, written realistically, and are completely relatable. The world building allowed me to visualize the scenes and I felt like I was there with the characters as they lead their normal, everyday lives. I love the little hints of romance threaded through the book, not too strong but noticeable and sweet. I really like the direction the author is taking Ainsley, as a business owner, small-town citizen, and in her love life. I couldn't put the book down.
I was provided a copy of this book to read.
It is Thanksgiving time and Black Friday is going to be a big day at Bless Your Art. The start of the Sweet River Holiday Festival is upon the town. Businesses, local and from afar, are setting up booths and getting the Santa House ready for the kids. Ainsley and Shannon take a break from setting up their booth to visit the Santa House and see it all set up and decorated. They get to see much more than they bargained for, though, when George Clooney, the Great Dane, discovers a body in Santa's throne. Now, a local citizen, who is also a crafter in Bless Your Art, become a suspect. Ainsley knows he is not a murderer and Ainsley makes it her mission to prove it.
The mystery was set up and executed well. I enjoyed trying to figure out who did it an why. I had no idea who the murderer was in A Case for the Toy Maker, or why. The author included so many twists and turns, I had a really hard time trying narrow down my suspect list. Every time I was sure I knew who it was, the author tossed in something to change my mind. The uncertainty amplified the suspense and nail-biting action of certain scenes, decisions, and the ultimate showdown.
Ainsley is a wonderful character with business know-how and impeccable customer service skills. Her brother, Greg, is the local sheriff, and he tries to keep her from interfering with the case but with sights set on Ainsley's friend, she knows she can't sit on the sidelines. Shannon is her best friend and partner-in-crime. Jake is a firefighter, friend of Greg's, and Ainsley's closest neighbor. Together, the four of them along with Ainsley's friends and former students, make up a great cast of characters.
This book was so much fun, enjoyable, and a fast read that keep me engaged. I loved the setting: an artisan market during the holidays with wonderful characters, written realistically, and are completely relatable. The world building allowed me to visualize the scenes and I felt like I was there with the characters as they lead their normal, everyday lives. I love the little hints of romance threaded through the book, not too strong but noticeable and sweet. I really like the direction the author is taking Ainsley, as a business owner, small-town citizen, and in her love life. I couldn't put the book down.
I was provided a copy of this book to read.
October 26, 2020
What a wonderful Romantic Mystery with some Comedy thrown in at the perfect time in our lives. Come back to visit Sweet River, Texas, and say Hi to all the characters who live in this fun town. I knew when I cracked opened this book I was going to get something mysterious from George Clooney, Ainsley McGregor's great Dane who always has a nose for "trouble". It's Christmas time to show you know her shop, Bless Your Art will be filled to the brim with not only her community who fill the shop with art but also the shoppers themselves. Is one the killer? Once again we have a well-written book that reads like a made for tv movie. If you have not read the other books in this series I would highly recommend them to you.
April 19, 2025
Was cute and had a good ending! I’ve really enjoyed this little cozy mystery series. Sad I only have one more left.
October 26, 2020
I received this arc from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is Ms. Havens’ third book in the Ainsley McGregor mysteries series. I really enjoy trying to guess who the murderer is in each book. The books are all so well written with lots of descriptions and having the same main core of characters appearing in each book to give it continuity. Ainsley is always in the center of the activities so it’s no wonder, she is always the one to find the body, along with her dog George Clooney.
We return to Sweet River Texas for the town’s holiday festival that Ainsley is in charge of. There is a Santa House as well as many booths manned by local as well as out of town people. Ainsley and her friend Shannon have a booth together to represent Bless Your Art and Shannon’s cafe. The Santa for the festival, a man named Davy, stops by the shop and another associate of hers, Don, admits to having been friends with him 25 years earlier and then he disappeared until now. Later that day, George Clooney alerts Ainsley to a problem when she and Shannon were checking out the Santa House. They find a dead body, Davy. She calls her brother Greg, the sheriff. It isn’t confirmed Yet that Davy was murdered.
Greg and his partner Lucy and the techs come to the crime scene. They later ask Ainsley to use her position as head of the festival to meet the other booth owners and investigate what they might know. Don seems to be a suspect since he knew the deceased. Ainsley meets the owner of the company that was running the carnival portion as well as some women who were friends with Davy. All of her friends and those from out of town with booths keep asking her for information while she is doing the same.
Ainsley is such a fun character. It is entertaining that we get to read everything she’s thinking and planning to do. I love reading about her process to discover the killer in each book. It is also interesting to see the interactions she has with her brother, Lucy, the coroner Kane, her love interest Jake, Shannon, the people from Bless Your Art and the people participating in the festival. I give this 5 stars and look forward to reading the next book in this delightful series.
We return to Sweet River Texas for the town’s holiday festival that Ainsley is in charge of. There is a Santa House as well as many booths manned by local as well as out of town people. Ainsley and her friend Shannon have a booth together to represent Bless Your Art and Shannon’s cafe. The Santa for the festival, a man named Davy, stops by the shop and another associate of hers, Don, admits to having been friends with him 25 years earlier and then he disappeared until now. Later that day, George Clooney alerts Ainsley to a problem when she and Shannon were checking out the Santa House. They find a dead body, Davy. She calls her brother Greg, the sheriff. It isn’t confirmed Yet that Davy was murdered.
Greg and his partner Lucy and the techs come to the crime scene. They later ask Ainsley to use her position as head of the festival to meet the other booth owners and investigate what they might know. Don seems to be a suspect since he knew the deceased. Ainsley meets the owner of the company that was running the carnival portion as well as some women who were friends with Davy. All of her friends and those from out of town with booths keep asking her for information while she is doing the same.
Ainsley is such a fun character. It is entertaining that we get to read everything she’s thinking and planning to do. I love reading about her process to discover the killer in each book. It is also interesting to see the interactions she has with her brother, Lucy, the coroner Kane, her love interest Jake, Shannon, the people from Bless Your Art and the people participating in the festival. I give this 5 stars and look forward to reading the next book in this delightful series.
October 26, 2020
A Case for the Toy Maker by Candace Havens
Ainsley McGregor series, Book 3
Ho. Ho. No…
It’s Christmas in Sweet River, Texas, and the whole town is feeling festive apart from Ainsley McGregor. Ainsley has never enjoyed the holidays and would rather ignore them, but with her shop Bless Your Art busier than ever and filled with happy shoppers, even she’s feeling some Christmas spirit. That is, until her Great Dane, George Clooney, sniffs out a dead body in the Santa House at the Christmas Festival.
When one of her favorite crafters becomes the prime suspect, Ainsley is determined to prove his innocence. The case is full of so many twists and turns that even Ainsley begins to fear the truth. Is she protecting a killer?
With help from her friends and some extremely nosey townsfolk, Ainsley and her dog hurry to find the truth—as long as they can outwit and outrun the killer first. Otherwise, this Christmas might just be her last.
This is Ainsley McGregor and Don's story.------
As I reached up to unlock the back door to my shop, Bless Your Art, something bumped me from behind. “George Clooney, that’s rude. Stop it.” I turned to find out why he was sniffing me and invading my personal bubble. He was usually well-behaved and courteous— except when squirrels were involved. They were the bane of his existence.
I picked them off and handed them to George who gobbled them up. I had been kind of groggy from my turkey hangover this morning. I love Thanksgiving, but I have no willpower when it comes to the sides and desserts.
George and I had been worn out by the time we made it home from my friends Shannon and Mike’s winery, and we fell asleep on the couch at seven the night before and woke up at five.
Nine hours later, we finally had a lull at the store. There were still kids waiting to see “Santa,” who was our favorite toymaker Don, but there were only a few left. We’d been slammed since nine that morning with a store full of customers. It appeared as if everyone wanted to get their holiday shopping done early.
We’d been slammed since nine that morning with a store full of customers. It appeared as if everyone wanted to get their holiday shopping done early. Even though the store was doing okay, we’d had a slow fall, and we were all counting on these holiday sales. That said, I was exhausted and starving. Okay, not starving, but hungry just the same. I
Don grinned and there was nothing but joy on his face.
I recommend reading.
A Case for the Toy Maker by Candace Havens is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Candace Havens.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Ainsley McGregor series, Book 3
Ho. Ho. No…
It’s Christmas in Sweet River, Texas, and the whole town is feeling festive apart from Ainsley McGregor. Ainsley has never enjoyed the holidays and would rather ignore them, but with her shop Bless Your Art busier than ever and filled with happy shoppers, even she’s feeling some Christmas spirit. That is, until her Great Dane, George Clooney, sniffs out a dead body in the Santa House at the Christmas Festival.
When one of her favorite crafters becomes the prime suspect, Ainsley is determined to prove his innocence. The case is full of so many twists and turns that even Ainsley begins to fear the truth. Is she protecting a killer?
With help from her friends and some extremely nosey townsfolk, Ainsley and her dog hurry to find the truth—as long as they can outwit and outrun the killer first. Otherwise, this Christmas might just be her last.
This is Ainsley McGregor and Don's story.------
As I reached up to unlock the back door to my shop, Bless Your Art, something bumped me from behind. “George Clooney, that’s rude. Stop it.” I turned to find out why he was sniffing me and invading my personal bubble. He was usually well-behaved and courteous— except when squirrels were involved. They were the bane of his existence.
I picked them off and handed them to George who gobbled them up. I had been kind of groggy from my turkey hangover this morning. I love Thanksgiving, but I have no willpower when it comes to the sides and desserts.
George and I had been worn out by the time we made it home from my friends Shannon and Mike’s winery, and we fell asleep on the couch at seven the night before and woke up at five.
Nine hours later, we finally had a lull at the store. There were still kids waiting to see “Santa,” who was our favorite toymaker Don, but there were only a few left. We’d been slammed since nine that morning with a store full of customers. It appeared as if everyone wanted to get their holiday shopping done early.
We’d been slammed since nine that morning with a store full of customers. It appeared as if everyone wanted to get their holiday shopping done early. Even though the store was doing okay, we’d had a slow fall, and we were all counting on these holiday sales. That said, I was exhausted and starving. Okay, not starving, but hungry just the same. I
Don grinned and there was nothing but joy on his face.
I recommend reading.
A Case for the Toy Maker by Candace Havens is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Candace Havens.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
April 7, 2025
It’s Thanksgiving weekend, and Sweet River is getting ready for the holiday festival season. Everything is great until Ainsley finds Davey, the festival’s Santa, dead in Santa’s workshop, and Bless Your Art’s own toy maker Don is on the suspect list.
A Case for the Toy Maker is the third book in the Ainsley McGregor cozy mystery series. I love the closeness of the citizens and that even though there have now been three mysterious deaths, each is different with unique circumstances. Overall, I really enjoyed the mystery. I love that it wasn’t straightforward, and it wasn’t what it seemed. I’m glad that some of the characters are changing and growing with the series. For example, Police Deputy Lucy, who was in the first book, is learning to trust Ainsley and even making friends. I like Ainsley and how she works to figure out the cases. I enjoy that her brother is allowing her to help and accepts that she’s pretty smart.
That said, there are some issues. First, Ainsley can be hypocritical, and it’s not a good look for her. She plays games with poor Jake by ignoring him, not communicating and being honest, and trying to make him jealous by going out with another guy whom she knows she doesn’t like as more than friends. She then lays into Jake about how he basically made a mess of things because he listened to her brother and didn’t talk to her. He does the groveling, and it’s not balanced. I got really mad at her. It ends well, but if they are unsettled and uncommunicative in the next book, I’m done.
Ainsley also is a bit TSTL (too stupid to live) when she agrees to talk to Rob at her house. He’s a stranger in town who is clearly hiding things and just shows up at her home. She is okay because “George (her Great Dane) will protect her” and she has a “gut feeling” Rob is an okay guy… Um… not okay, oh and by the way, in the previous book, she invited the killer to live with her and George liked her. So her radar is way off.
Finally, I believe in Christmas miracles, but the whole diagnosis of a local woman via a photo over the phone, and don’t worry about insurance, let your kid stay with strangers, drive a few hours to an unknown doctor to be treated… is WAY too unbelievable and just not smart.
Narration: the story is shared via the first person POV of Ainsley. Wetherell’s voice is strong and matter of fact, which suits Ainsley who is observant and focused. Wetherell does a great job of altering character dialogue based on gender, age, and in some cases ethnicity, adding slight accents without overemphasizing them. She produces a wide range of voices, both male and female, and does great non-speaking cues like chocking up, laughing, etc. She infuses her performance with strong emotion when called for.
I honestly liked the overall story in A Case for the Toy Maker, but there were times I just had to shake my head. I’m invested in the town and its residents, so I’ll continue to listen, and I hope that these issues don’t crop up in the next book, A Case for the Candle Maker (audiobook out April 8th).
My Ratings:
Story: C+
Narration: B+
Review copy provided by the publisher
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
A Case for the Toy Maker is the third book in the Ainsley McGregor cozy mystery series. I love the closeness of the citizens and that even though there have now been three mysterious deaths, each is different with unique circumstances. Overall, I really enjoyed the mystery. I love that it wasn’t straightforward, and it wasn’t what it seemed. I’m glad that some of the characters are changing and growing with the series. For example, Police Deputy Lucy, who was in the first book, is learning to trust Ainsley and even making friends. I like Ainsley and how she works to figure out the cases. I enjoy that her brother is allowing her to help and accepts that she’s pretty smart.
That said, there are some issues. First, Ainsley can be hypocritical, and it’s not a good look for her. She plays games with poor Jake by ignoring him, not communicating and being honest, and trying to make him jealous by going out with another guy whom she knows she doesn’t like as more than friends. She then lays into Jake about how he basically made a mess of things because he listened to her brother and didn’t talk to her. He does the groveling, and it’s not balanced. I got really mad at her. It ends well, but if they are unsettled and uncommunicative in the next book, I’m done.
Ainsley also is a bit TSTL (too stupid to live) when she agrees to talk to Rob at her house. He’s a stranger in town who is clearly hiding things and just shows up at her home. She is okay because “George (her Great Dane) will protect her” and she has a “gut feeling” Rob is an okay guy… Um… not okay, oh and by the way, in the previous book, she invited the killer to live with her and George liked her. So her radar is way off.
Finally, I believe in Christmas miracles, but the whole diagnosis of a local woman via a photo over the phone, and don’t worry about insurance, let your kid stay with strangers, drive a few hours to an unknown doctor to be treated… is WAY too unbelievable and just not smart.
Narration: the story is shared via the first person POV of Ainsley. Wetherell’s voice is strong and matter of fact, which suits Ainsley who is observant and focused. Wetherell does a great job of altering character dialogue based on gender, age, and in some cases ethnicity, adding slight accents without overemphasizing them. She produces a wide range of voices, both male and female, and does great non-speaking cues like chocking up, laughing, etc. She infuses her performance with strong emotion when called for.
I honestly liked the overall story in A Case for the Toy Maker, but there were times I just had to shake my head. I’m invested in the town and its residents, so I’ll continue to listen, and I hope that these issues don’t crop up in the next book, A Case for the Candle Maker (audiobook out April 8th).
My Ratings:
Story: C+
Narration: B+
Review copy provided by the publisher
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
October 26, 2020
A Case for the Toy Maker (Ainsley McGregor #3) by Candace Havens has Great Dane, George Clooney finding another dead body at the Christmas Festival no less. If that won’t put a damper on the Christmas spirit, nothing will. Ainsley McGregor had already been struggling to make the most of the season. The wonderful success of her business, Bless Your Art, had helped. Now this.
Ainsley McGregor may be a businesswoman who is reviving the arts in Sweet River, Texas but she is also a surprisingly good amateur sleuth. Of course, plenty of friends and others in the community come along to help. Twists and turns and a killer to catch makes for an interesting Christmas story. Let us not forget George Clooney is right there beside her too.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ainsley McGregor may be a businesswoman who is reviving the arts in Sweet River, Texas but she is also a surprisingly good amateur sleuth. Of course, plenty of friends and others in the community come along to help. Twists and turns and a killer to catch makes for an interesting Christmas story. Let us not forget George Clooney is right there beside her too.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 10, 2025
Love a fun cozy mystery! Charming small town and likable characters helping Ainsley McGregor get to the bottom of the crime.
October 26, 2020
This is book 3 in the Ainsley McGregor series and it's great to visit Sweetwater, Texas for the Christmas season. Ainsley and George her Great Dane discover the body of Santa in his tent prior to the Christmas Festival. With plenty of suspects to fill her time, Jake her maybe boyfriend is back from his 3 month fire school and her friends preparing for for Christmas she is busy as can be. A nice recap of the previous romances. This is an enjoyable read and is suitable for a wide variety of ages. It can be read as as stand alone. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 26, 2020
Another fun cosy mystery were once again Ainsley McGregor is at the centre of a murder mystery I tell you Sweet River, Texas, isn't the place to live or visit if you want to stay alive Once again it is the people of the town and the ongoing cast of characters that make this story
Davy is the Santa at the centre of the town Christmas celebration that is until someone kills him. Is it someone from his past a visitor to the town or even shock horror one of their own who has killed You will have to read to see Ainsley turn her mind to the mystery with the help of George Clooney (her great dane) and the sheriff who happens to be her brother.
Davy is the Santa at the centre of the town Christmas celebration that is until someone kills him. Is it someone from his past a visitor to the town or even shock horror one of their own who has killed You will have to read to see Ainsley turn her mind to the mystery with the help of George Clooney (her great dane) and the sheriff who happens to be her brother.
November 15, 2020
My favorite of the 3. Fun, witty and surprising.
November 9, 2020
Wonderful holiday read, a great mystery with some feel good moments by the end. Candace never fails to deliver a good story line in her books and this series is just as sweet, funny, a little dab of romance and mystery all rolled up in a neat little package for this season as I would expect her books to be. She never lets me down when I pick up one of her books!
November 7, 2025
This was my first Ainsley McGregor Mystery and I hope it won’t be my last. I loved it. It was like being in the middle of one of my Hallmark mystery movies. It kept me spellbound all the way through. The characters are friends you want to have in your personal friends group. Their lives are exciting with all the gossip, love triangles, and festivals happening in their small town, but then throw in a murder, and now we are talking next level. Not to mention her non-romance with Jake, her older brother’s best friend.
Let's get into it. Ainsley owns Bless Your Art, which sells handmade art and goods from local artisans. She is also a professor at the local college. Not to mention, she has great people skills and instincts that let her hone in on things the average person doesn’t pick up on. Almost like a sixth sense. Her trusty Great Dane a rescue who also rescued her right back. “George Clooney” is almost always by her side. They had been at Shannon and Mike’s winery, for Thanksgiving since her brother Greg is the Sheriff he had to work.
She and George went home and fell asleep on turkey overload. She is on the couch at seven. Now it's five in the morning. It's Black Friday, and they have a big day planned at the shop. Ainsley put on a Bless Your Art apron. She loved that every booth had an individual spin on the holidays, but they’d coordinated with multicolored lights and garland for all the vendors, and they’d draped the walls of the tall brick warehouse in the same way. Her shop was on Main Street, in the center of Sweet River, Texas, where all the holidays were celebrated by the town with decorations and festivals.
One they had coming up soon. Someone banged on the back door. George turned into the demon guard dog, barking loudly and ferociously. Ainsley may have screamed. “Ains, are you okay? Are you in there?” her friend Shannon asked. She held a cardboard container with two cups of coffee. With the other hand, she showed her a brown paper bag. “I have three cinnamon rolls for you and a biscuit for George. I figured you’d need caffeine and sugar to power through today. Do you forgive me for scaring you?”
She owned the coffee shop around the corner and was known for amazing baked goods, and the best coffees and teas in Texas. “Of, course.” Ainsley took the bag and the drinks. She always brought her an extra one to reheat later in the afternoon. “Thank you.” Since it’s early for you, she thought maybe the caffeine would help. “Did you hear Jake’s coming home tomorrow?” Ainsley snorted. That was the real reason she’d come over. Jake was the local fire chief and a guy she sometimes hung out with.
She had thought they were dating. Then he headed off to do specialized training for emergency services for three months. Other than a text or two the first few weeks he was gone, she hadn’t heard much from him. Though, he did text her yesterday afternoon to say he was headed home and needed to talk to her. She figured, he was bound to let her down easily, now that he’d be back in town. “Yep. It doesn’t matter, it’s not like he missed me, or I missed him. I mean, sure as a friend but nothing more than that.” “Are you sure?
He’s a tough one to read. Mike said last time he’d talked to him that they were working sixteen-hour days because they’d combined several of the classes.” Does she not see the irony in what she just said? She just told her that while Jake was gone she’d gotten one or two texts over the first couple of weeks she hadn’t heard from him, yet he found time to call her fiancé. “I’ve got a lot going on right now. I’m not worried about it.” Did she really have time to be any man’s afterthought, That is my question?
Jake was an incredible human being, and she cared about him, and she’d been certain he had the same feelings for her. But now she wasn’t so sure. Distance didn’t always make the heart grow fonder. The festival was in full swing and Don was in the booth being Santa in order to give the parents time to shop. It worked out well. When breaks were needed she read stories for the kids surrounding the holidays for all faiths. She was about to take a break when an elderly gentleman walked in the door. This guy looked like Santa, even more than Don did, and that’s saying something.
Several children exclaimed, “Two Santa's, yeah.” “Ainsley, this is my friend Davy Santos. I’ve known him almost half my life.” “Dude, we are old,” Davy said. Then it clicked in her head that he was the guy working their Santa house this year. She was chairperson for their holiday festival, and in addition to running her store, she’d been involved in several committees pulling the event together. It was a ten-day holiday wonderland with vendor booths, a Christmas tree lot, and carnival rides. “I’m glad we decided to do a big booth together for the Sweet River Holiday Festival,” Shannon said, as she finished wiping down the long counter at the front of the booth.
There were more than seventy-five booths at the opposite end of the park was the fireman’s Christmas tree lot and a bunch of cool carnival rides for kids and adults were. “This could be someone’s house. Don and Ms. Peggy did such an amazing job building this.” The booth was something out of a fairy tale. They’d fashioned it after the Santa house they’d built, which was in the center of the park. “They did,” she said. “They finished the Santa house a few days ago. Do you want to check it out with me?”
“Hey, dude, you want to go for a walk?” In less than a second, he was on all fours. And the whole thing was movable. We could store it in the old barn at her farm, and load it on a flatbed trailer to take it back and forth to the park for the festivals. Beat building a new booth every other month for whatever holiday they celebrated. They headed to the center of the park. “There’s the Santa house,” Shannon said, just as George growled menacingly. “What’s wrong, George?” That growl was never a good sign, and the hairs on the back of her neck stood up.
She had a strong urge to turn around and walk back to the store. But her curiosity knew no bounds. Ainsley had to find out what was going on. “Wow, they did a great job. It’s fancy,” she said. George growled again. A knot formed in her stomach, twisting hard. Shannon glanced at him and then at her. “Ainsley? You don’t think…is something wrong?” “I hope not,” she said. He barked and then did the high-pitched whine that told her something she really didn’t want to know. “No,” she whispered. “Ains?”
She took a deep breath and pulled her phone out of her pocket. “Hold on to George—tight.” After handing her the leash, Ainsley turned on the flashlight app on her phone. When she open the doors and the door and saw all the blood she told Shannon to, “Call Greg.”
Let's get into it. Ainsley owns Bless Your Art, which sells handmade art and goods from local artisans. She is also a professor at the local college. Not to mention, she has great people skills and instincts that let her hone in on things the average person doesn’t pick up on. Almost like a sixth sense. Her trusty Great Dane a rescue who also rescued her right back. “George Clooney” is almost always by her side. They had been at Shannon and Mike’s winery, for Thanksgiving since her brother Greg is the Sheriff he had to work.
She and George went home and fell asleep on turkey overload. She is on the couch at seven. Now it's five in the morning. It's Black Friday, and they have a big day planned at the shop. Ainsley put on a Bless Your Art apron. She loved that every booth had an individual spin on the holidays, but they’d coordinated with multicolored lights and garland for all the vendors, and they’d draped the walls of the tall brick warehouse in the same way. Her shop was on Main Street, in the center of Sweet River, Texas, where all the holidays were celebrated by the town with decorations and festivals.
One they had coming up soon. Someone banged on the back door. George turned into the demon guard dog, barking loudly and ferociously. Ainsley may have screamed. “Ains, are you okay? Are you in there?” her friend Shannon asked. She held a cardboard container with two cups of coffee. With the other hand, she showed her a brown paper bag. “I have three cinnamon rolls for you and a biscuit for George. I figured you’d need caffeine and sugar to power through today. Do you forgive me for scaring you?”
She owned the coffee shop around the corner and was known for amazing baked goods, and the best coffees and teas in Texas. “Of, course.” Ainsley took the bag and the drinks. She always brought her an extra one to reheat later in the afternoon. “Thank you.” Since it’s early for you, she thought maybe the caffeine would help. “Did you hear Jake’s coming home tomorrow?” Ainsley snorted. That was the real reason she’d come over. Jake was the local fire chief and a guy she sometimes hung out with.
She had thought they were dating. Then he headed off to do specialized training for emergency services for three months. Other than a text or two the first few weeks he was gone, she hadn’t heard much from him. Though, he did text her yesterday afternoon to say he was headed home and needed to talk to her. She figured, he was bound to let her down easily, now that he’d be back in town. “Yep. It doesn’t matter, it’s not like he missed me, or I missed him. I mean, sure as a friend but nothing more than that.” “Are you sure?
He’s a tough one to read. Mike said last time he’d talked to him that they were working sixteen-hour days because they’d combined several of the classes.” Does she not see the irony in what she just said? She just told her that while Jake was gone she’d gotten one or two texts over the first couple of weeks she hadn’t heard from him, yet he found time to call her fiancé. “I’ve got a lot going on right now. I’m not worried about it.” Did she really have time to be any man’s afterthought, That is my question?
Jake was an incredible human being, and she cared about him, and she’d been certain he had the same feelings for her. But now she wasn’t so sure. Distance didn’t always make the heart grow fonder. The festival was in full swing and Don was in the booth being Santa in order to give the parents time to shop. It worked out well. When breaks were needed she read stories for the kids surrounding the holidays for all faiths. She was about to take a break when an elderly gentleman walked in the door. This guy looked like Santa, even more than Don did, and that’s saying something.
Several children exclaimed, “Two Santa's, yeah.” “Ainsley, this is my friend Davy Santos. I’ve known him almost half my life.” “Dude, we are old,” Davy said. Then it clicked in her head that he was the guy working their Santa house this year. She was chairperson for their holiday festival, and in addition to running her store, she’d been involved in several committees pulling the event together. It was a ten-day holiday wonderland with vendor booths, a Christmas tree lot, and carnival rides. “I’m glad we decided to do a big booth together for the Sweet River Holiday Festival,” Shannon said, as she finished wiping down the long counter at the front of the booth.
There were more than seventy-five booths at the opposite end of the park was the fireman’s Christmas tree lot and a bunch of cool carnival rides for kids and adults were. “This could be someone’s house. Don and Ms. Peggy did such an amazing job building this.” The booth was something out of a fairy tale. They’d fashioned it after the Santa house they’d built, which was in the center of the park. “They did,” she said. “They finished the Santa house a few days ago. Do you want to check it out with me?”
“Hey, dude, you want to go for a walk?” In less than a second, he was on all fours. And the whole thing was movable. We could store it in the old barn at her farm, and load it on a flatbed trailer to take it back and forth to the park for the festivals. Beat building a new booth every other month for whatever holiday they celebrated. They headed to the center of the park. “There’s the Santa house,” Shannon said, just as George growled menacingly. “What’s wrong, George?” That growl was never a good sign, and the hairs on the back of her neck stood up.
She had a strong urge to turn around and walk back to the store. But her curiosity knew no bounds. Ainsley had to find out what was going on. “Wow, they did a great job. It’s fancy,” she said. George growled again. A knot formed in her stomach, twisting hard. Shannon glanced at him and then at her. “Ainsley? You don’t think…is something wrong?” “I hope not,” she said. He barked and then did the high-pitched whine that told her something she really didn’t want to know. “No,” she whispered. “Ains?”
She took a deep breath and pulled her phone out of her pocket. “Hold on to George—tight.” After handing her the leash, Ainsley turned on the flashlight app on her phone. When she open the doors and the door and saw all the blood she told Shannon to, “Call Greg.”
November 8, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
It’s time to return, once again, to Ainsley’s new town, new shop, with a brand new cozy mystery to be solved right at Christmas time with A Case for the Toy Maker. It should be a most joyous time of the year – but someone isn’t celebrating, they’re killing, and if Ainsley isn’t careful she’s next on their list.
Once more it’s George Clooney (Ainsley’s Great Dane) who noses out a dead body in the Santa House right near Santa’s throne. And, equally unfortunate, it’s one of the crafters at Ainsley’s business, Bless Your Art, that is the main suspect in the crime. She knows he doesn’t have a killing bone in his body but someone else certainly does. Now it’s a race against the clock and the local police who are convinced they have the murderer in hand, to find the actual murderer in this small community.
A Case for the Toy Maker is a fun, engaging, fast-paced Cozy Mystery that kept me on my toes with twists and turns that eventually lead to the killer. But before that fiend is discovered we have a puzzle to solve, some townsfolk to get involved, and more danger to be faced. I had such a good time with this story. It features all the characters I’m coming to love and enjoy, a definite puzzle to figure out, and my favorite character of all… a Great Dane by the name of George Clooney. If you love a really Cozy Mystery then you’ll want to pick this one up… right now.
Do you have to read the earlier books? No, not really. But they are fun, enjoyable stories that would hold your attention and give you a bit of background. I’d suggest starting from the beginning if you can for this series gives you everything you’d want to find in a good Cozy Mystery.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Tule Publishing. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
It’s time to return, once again, to Ainsley’s new town, new shop, with a brand new cozy mystery to be solved right at Christmas time with A Case for the Toy Maker. It should be a most joyous time of the year – but someone isn’t celebrating, they’re killing, and if Ainsley isn’t careful she’s next on their list.
Once more it’s George Clooney (Ainsley’s Great Dane) who noses out a dead body in the Santa House right near Santa’s throne. And, equally unfortunate, it’s one of the crafters at Ainsley’s business, Bless Your Art, that is the main suspect in the crime. She knows he doesn’t have a killing bone in his body but someone else certainly does. Now it’s a race against the clock and the local police who are convinced they have the murderer in hand, to find the actual murderer in this small community.
A Case for the Toy Maker is a fun, engaging, fast-paced Cozy Mystery that kept me on my toes with twists and turns that eventually lead to the killer. But before that fiend is discovered we have a puzzle to solve, some townsfolk to get involved, and more danger to be faced. I had such a good time with this story. It features all the characters I’m coming to love and enjoy, a definite puzzle to figure out, and my favorite character of all… a Great Dane by the name of George Clooney. If you love a really Cozy Mystery then you’ll want to pick this one up… right now.
Do you have to read the earlier books? No, not really. But they are fun, enjoyable stories that would hold your attention and give you a bit of background. I’d suggest starting from the beginning if you can for this series gives you everything you’d want to find in a good Cozy Mystery.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Tule Publishing. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
November 4, 2020
Someone dared to kill Santa!!! And George Clooney and Ainsley McGregor are going to find out who would do such an outrageous thing. Because seriously? Santa? Dead?
This is the third book in this quirky series where a Great Dane always steals the show. And this time, we are visiting Sweet River, Texas, at Christmas time when the town is hosting a wonderful outdoor holiday market. And yes, there is a Santa but someone is definitely on the naughty list since Santa is dead and it definitely isn't natural causes. Yes, Santa and candy canes go together but a candy cane should never be used as a weapon.
Ainsley always seems to find herself surrounded by crime and other sorts of shenanigans. And I do not think it is because her brother is the local sheriff. I think it is more her Great Dane George Clooney can sniff out anything.
The Christmas market is marred before it even opens by someone killing Santa. And with that, the mystery begins. There are a lot of possible suspects in this story but it is as always entertaining and fun trying to figure out who done it.
I took a chance when I read the first book in this series because I had never heard of the author and promptly fell in love with her writing style and characters. The characters are all a little quirky but in a good way. The town is full of wonderful well meaning people who sometimes interfere when you don't want them too. But it is always done because they care about you.
This book is a great Christmas read without it being too Christmasy. It will keep you guessing and entertained and help you forget that you forgot to buy presents for anyone but yourself this year too. Hint, buy yourself more books to read.
I did receive a copy of this novel in advance from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
This is the third book in this quirky series where a Great Dane always steals the show. And this time, we are visiting Sweet River, Texas, at Christmas time when the town is hosting a wonderful outdoor holiday market. And yes, there is a Santa but someone is definitely on the naughty list since Santa is dead and it definitely isn't natural causes. Yes, Santa and candy canes go together but a candy cane should never be used as a weapon.
Ainsley always seems to find herself surrounded by crime and other sorts of shenanigans. And I do not think it is because her brother is the local sheriff. I think it is more her Great Dane George Clooney can sniff out anything.
The Christmas market is marred before it even opens by someone killing Santa. And with that, the mystery begins. There are a lot of possible suspects in this story but it is as always entertaining and fun trying to figure out who done it.
I took a chance when I read the first book in this series because I had never heard of the author and promptly fell in love with her writing style and characters. The characters are all a little quirky but in a good way. The town is full of wonderful well meaning people who sometimes interfere when you don't want them too. But it is always done because they care about you.
This book is a great Christmas read without it being too Christmasy. It will keep you guessing and entertained and help you forget that you forgot to buy presents for anyone but yourself this year too. Hint, buy yourself more books to read.
I did receive a copy of this novel in advance from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
October 30, 2020
Third in the Ainsley McGregor cosy mystery series, A Case For The Toymaker is a light and entertaining Christmas mystery. Set in Sweet River Texas, this story sees Ainsley and her Great Dane George Clooney once again stumble upon a newly dead body, this time the man hired by the town’s festival committee to play Santa Claus. Wth hundreds of visitors in town for the festival and Ainsley’s brother Greg, the town sheriff, busy on another case, Ainsley is asked to help the investigation by doing what she does best, chatting to people.
This story is packed with colourful characters, both regulars like toymakers Don and Peggy and visiting stallholders like Christine. Ainsley’s on again off again love interest Jake is there in the background as well, leaving Ainsley with a bit of angst because she really doesn’t know how he feels about her. The mystery unfolds at a clipping pace and is nicely peppered with humour, sweetness and of course those odd moments where just a dash of fear keeps you on the edge of your seat. I’ve really enjoyed the books in this series and this one is a very fitting addition. Loved it!
This story is packed with colourful characters, both regulars like toymakers Don and Peggy and visiting stallholders like Christine. Ainsley’s on again off again love interest Jake is there in the background as well, leaving Ainsley with a bit of angst because she really doesn’t know how he feels about her. The mystery unfolds at a clipping pace and is nicely peppered with humour, sweetness and of course those odd moments where just a dash of fear keeps you on the edge of your seat. I’ve really enjoyed the books in this series and this one is a very fitting addition. Loved it!
May 8, 2024
Something about this series makes me return to it every few days. It's not like the plot is really complicated or intriguing, though I have to give credit to the author that with every succeeding book she does get better with her twists and resolution. From the first book where it was pretty straightforward and in-your-face, to this book, where the climax was unexpected, she's getting better with the 'whodunit' feature of her plot. It's a little disappointing that we don't have a varied range of characters. The characters are either good or evil, and if they are the former, then they end up being saccharine sweet. Are people living in small towns that nice? Hard to believe, but I thing that is the charm of cozy mystery novels. To just live a fantasy for a few hours where the world is good a place to live in, and if some crime does happen, sanitised as it is, then the killer is caught swiftly without any disruption to the general programme of fest and carnival (like in this one). I guess, what I really like is that the main character living out a life made up of our fantasies, where nothing goes wrong for her, and she saves the day, with her dog in the tow.
November 20, 2024
Ainsley McGregor is a teacher, art novelty shop owner, and the organizer for the annual Christmas festival.
When a friend of the person playing Santa comes to visit, and is later found dead in what was to be Santa's house.
Ainley can't help but to stick her nose into it, much to her brothers dismay.
Her brother just happens to be the sheriff in town.
This was a good story with developed characters and some humor.
It is mostly a stand alone book, but with a few references to previous cases Ainsley worked.
I would recommend reading from the first book of the series.
When a friend of the person playing Santa comes to visit, and is later found dead in what was to be Santa's house.
Ainley can't help but to stick her nose into it, much to her brothers dismay.
Her brother just happens to be the sheriff in town.
This was a good story with developed characters and some humor.
It is mostly a stand alone book, but with a few references to previous cases Ainsley worked.
I would recommend reading from the first book of the series.
April 3, 2024
I have truly enjoyed this series! Ainsley is the grand niece I never had and a fine human being of a character. A girl or woman could do a lot worse for a role model. The plot is straightforward and easily followed and the premise is finding out who killed Santa and why. The answer was the most tragic part of the story. I most certainly recommend this book!
October 10, 2024
A Holiday Heart-thumper
Another terrific, fun reading murder mystery, this time at Christmas, in Sweet River, Texas. Love the regular characters of this small town, and Ms. Havens brought in a delicious bunch of artists and carnies for the local festival. Twists and turns sparkled like an ornament on the tree.
Another terrific, fun reading murder mystery, this time at Christmas, in Sweet River, Texas. Love the regular characters of this small town, and Ms. Havens brought in a delicious bunch of artists and carnies for the local festival. Twists and turns sparkled like an ornament on the tree.
October 19, 2024
a crazy way to die
Solving the crazy way to die is the main plot. It involves quite a few side characters that add depth and layers of things all to be considered in solving the crime. It’s fun, very touching, heartwarming with just a touch of romance and a meddling older brother.
It’s completely clean.
Solving the crazy way to die is the main plot. It involves quite a few side characters that add depth and layers of things all to be considered in solving the crime. It’s fun, very touching, heartwarming with just a touch of romance and a meddling older brother.
It’s completely clean.
October 23, 2024
Delightful Holiday Story
Around the holidays, I don't want creepy mysteries and thrillers. They seem to squash the Christmas Spirit. But, I must read. This story has just the right amount of intrigue and just the right size dab of romance and wonderful characters. Have a terrific holiday season.
Around the holidays, I don't want creepy mysteries and thrillers. They seem to squash the Christmas Spirit. But, I must read. This story has just the right amount of intrigue and just the right size dab of romance and wonderful characters. Have a terrific holiday season.
December 6, 2025
This cozy holiday mystery was a quick easy read. It’s book three in series but can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the previous books.
The Christmas decor thief side plot was far-fetched and rushed, but the main mystery was interesting enough to keep my attention and ended in an unexpected way. It didn’t wow me but I easily turned pages until the end.
The Christmas decor thief side plot was far-fetched and rushed, but the main mystery was interesting enough to keep my attention and ended in an unexpected way. It didn’t wow me but I easily turned pages until the end.
December 27, 2025
Will the Christmas season be merry?
Sweet Water, TX...Small town where everyone knows everyone and all look after one another. Then Santa gets killed...accident or murder. Ainsley McGregor has a knack for helping to solve crimes and the town depends on her. Fast moving. Keeps you guessing. Can you solve the cozy mystery before she does?
Sweet Water, TX...Small town where everyone knows everyone and all look after one another. Then Santa gets killed...accident or murder. Ainsley McGregor has a knack for helping to solve crimes and the town depends on her. Fast moving. Keeps you guessing. Can you solve the cozy mystery before she does?
October 13, 2024
A Case for the Toy Maker, Book 3
I loved the story the characters the town made you wish you were there. Loved George. I will tell my friends to read it and they will enjoy it as much as I did. Can't wait to read Book 1.
I loved the story the characters the town made you wish you were there. Loved George. I will tell my friends to read it and they will enjoy it as much as I did. Can't wait to read Book 1.
October 23, 2024
Great book!!
I love this series. As is referenced in the book several times, it’s like READING a Hallmark Christmas movie! Easy read that I look forward to. I hope Candy writes more books in the series. On to the next one..
I love this series. As is referenced in the book several times, it’s like READING a Hallmark Christmas movie! Easy read that I look forward to. I hope Candy writes more books in the series. On to the next one..
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