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A Christmas Cozy Mystery #2
Slay Bells Ring
Welcome to Candy Cane Hollow, where every day feels like Christmas!
It's New Year's Eve in Candy Cane Hollow.
This winter wonderland may look festive and be home to the Claus Family, but all is not as it seems.
The festivities take a turn for the bizarre when the giant glitter ball comes crashing down on cantankerous elf chef, Greasy.
Chief Superintendent Wiggles is sure the death is just a tragic accident, but Holly isn't so sure. Greasy was lots of things, but it appears that popular wasn't one of them.
Holly begins her own investigation with the eager help of Mrs Claus, while dimpled Nick Claus warns them both to be careful.
Was the death an accident? Or is that a false ho-ho-hope?
It's New Year's Eve in Candy Cane Hollow.
This winter wonderland may look festive and be home to the Claus Family, but all is not as it seems.
The festivities take a turn for the bizarre when the giant glitter ball comes crashing down on cantankerous elf chef, Greasy.
Chief Superintendent Wiggles is sure the death is just a tragic accident, but Holly isn't so sure. Greasy was lots of things, but it appears that popular wasn't one of them.
Holly begins her own investigation with the eager help of Mrs Claus, while dimpled Nick Claus warns them both to be careful.
Was the death an accident? Or is that a false ho-ho-hope?
125 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2021
354 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
December 18, 2025
Slay Bells Ring is the 2nd-installment in Mona Marple's Christmas Cozy Mystery series. I finished the 1st-book, Christmas Corpse, yesterday and thought it was so cute and fun, I couldn't wait to start this next installment.
I ended up reading this entire thing today. They are novellas, so that wasn't a difficult feat, but nevertheless, I did and now feel like I'm in peak Christmas mode.
This series centers around Holly Wood ((yes, that is her real name)), who in the 1st-book is rescued from her car after an accident by a woman claiming to be Mrs. Claus. Holly is then brought to the Claus family home in the magical town of Candy Cane Hollow to recuperate.
Holly becomes enmeshed in the village life, even helping to solve the homicide of their doctor's receptionist. She also has become quite enamored with Mrs. Claus's son, Nick, and he seems to be with her in turn.
This installment is a New Year's Eve mystery, but the Christmas vibes are still heavy throughout. It is Candy Cane Hollow after all, where every day feels like Christmas.
The entire town, including Holly and Nick, attend the annual New Year's Eve Ball, where all is going well, until a giant glitter ball comes crashing down, crushing an elf, Greasy, a local restaurant owner and chef, to death.
Though the local authorities believe it was an accident, Holly's not convinced. She decides to lean into her new-found sleuthing skills and see if she can find the truth of what happened to Greasy.
Just like the 1st-book, this was such a pleasant read. It's simple in its construction, and the perfect read for the holiday season when my brain feels pulled in a million different directions.
There's something so warm and comforting about these little mysteries. Holly's life outside of Candy Cane Hollow wasn't going well. She had just got done at her job, and she had no close relationships. She felt very alone.
In Candy Cane Hollow, she's found a place to belong, with residents being welcoming and inclusive. It has a found family element that's so charming.
I also am enjoying the slow romance evolving between Holly and Nick. It's very charming and I'm looking forward to watching that progress.
I do have the 3rd-book in the series on audio, they're currently being released on audio and the narration from Charlie Albers definitely fits Holly's personality. I would recommend the audio if you can get them, but I'm sure the physical copies are just as fun.
Thank you to the publisher, Tantor Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I am having so much fun with this series. It's exactly what I needed right now!
I ended up reading this entire thing today. They are novellas, so that wasn't a difficult feat, but nevertheless, I did and now feel like I'm in peak Christmas mode.
This series centers around Holly Wood ((yes, that is her real name)), who in the 1st-book is rescued from her car after an accident by a woman claiming to be Mrs. Claus. Holly is then brought to the Claus family home in the magical town of Candy Cane Hollow to recuperate.
Holly becomes enmeshed in the village life, even helping to solve the homicide of their doctor's receptionist. She also has become quite enamored with Mrs. Claus's son, Nick, and he seems to be with her in turn.
This installment is a New Year's Eve mystery, but the Christmas vibes are still heavy throughout. It is Candy Cane Hollow after all, where every day feels like Christmas.
The entire town, including Holly and Nick, attend the annual New Year's Eve Ball, where all is going well, until a giant glitter ball comes crashing down, crushing an elf, Greasy, a local restaurant owner and chef, to death.
Though the local authorities believe it was an accident, Holly's not convinced. She decides to lean into her new-found sleuthing skills and see if she can find the truth of what happened to Greasy.
Just like the 1st-book, this was such a pleasant read. It's simple in its construction, and the perfect read for the holiday season when my brain feels pulled in a million different directions.
There's something so warm and comforting about these little mysteries. Holly's life outside of Candy Cane Hollow wasn't going well. She had just got done at her job, and she had no close relationships. She felt very alone.
In Candy Cane Hollow, she's found a place to belong, with residents being welcoming and inclusive. It has a found family element that's so charming.
I also am enjoying the slow romance evolving between Holly and Nick. It's very charming and I'm looking forward to watching that progress.
I do have the 3rd-book in the series on audio, they're currently being released on audio and the narration from Charlie Albers definitely fits Holly's personality. I would recommend the audio if you can get them, but I'm sure the physical copies are just as fun.
Thank you to the publisher, Tantor Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I am having so much fun with this series. It's exactly what I needed right now!
September 6, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book two of six
Holly Wood is at the New Year's Eve party when a person is killed. Then another person dies. Is it murder or an accident? The truth comes out leading to a happy ending 😀.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book two of six
Holly Wood is at the New Year's Eve party when a person is killed. Then another person dies. Is it murder or an accident? The truth comes out leading to a happy ending 😀.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024
January 14, 2021
Loved it ❤️ Nick and Holly Wood the cutest
November 24, 2025
ALC 4 Stars!
Cozy Christmas Mystery + Novella Length + Multiple Murder Mystery
This book follows Holly Wood who is a general physician living in Candy Cane Hollow. She goes to the New Year's Eve ball with her date, Nick Claus, and everything is going perfectly until the glitter ball display comes crashing down on a local business owner and elf, Greasy's, head! How the ball fell and who did it is immediately under suspicion and Holly takes it upon herself to assist the sheriff with finding out what exactly happened.
There are several key characters who are under suspicion, the rival business owner, the ex girlfriend, and the local critique. The investigation ramps up with another murder happens and the town is put more on edge in catching the killer.
This was such a cute cozy mystery. I loved the length and found it was paced perfectly. I really enjoyed the Christmas theme and the community feel of Candy Cane Hollow. I would love to see more of Holly and Nick's romance bloom as the series continues! The narrator was not my favorite and I found the voices of the elves to be a little grating. However it was still a fun listen and I would love to continue this series.
This book was sent to me from NetGalley for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cozy Christmas Mystery + Novella Length + Multiple Murder Mystery
This book follows Holly Wood who is a general physician living in Candy Cane Hollow. She goes to the New Year's Eve ball with her date, Nick Claus, and everything is going perfectly until the glitter ball display comes crashing down on a local business owner and elf, Greasy's, head! How the ball fell and who did it is immediately under suspicion and Holly takes it upon herself to assist the sheriff with finding out what exactly happened.
There are several key characters who are under suspicion, the rival business owner, the ex girlfriend, and the local critique. The investigation ramps up with another murder happens and the town is put more on edge in catching the killer.
This was such a cute cozy mystery. I loved the length and found it was paced perfectly. I really enjoyed the Christmas theme and the community feel of Candy Cane Hollow. I would love to see more of Holly and Nick's romance bloom as the series continues! The narrator was not my favorite and I found the voices of the elves to be a little grating. However it was still a fun listen and I would love to continue this series.
This book was sent to me from NetGalley for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 28, 2025
This series is pure Christmas magic and honestly the epitome of the cozy mystery genre. Holly Wood (yes, that’s really her name) falls a little more in love with Nick Claus in every book. And yes, he’s Santa’s son. He and Mrs. Claus are main characters, along with Santa’s house elf, and they’re all so charming you can’t help but root for them.
The murder and sleuthing are definitely on the lighter, cozier side, but it doesn’t even matter. The town (which we know is the North Pole) is described so vividly that you feel wrapped in warm Christmas magic the whole time. You care more about the atmosphere and the characters than who killed who or why.
I’m so glad these are being recorded and reaching a new audience. I can’t wait to continue the rest of the series.
The murder and sleuthing are definitely on the lighter, cozier side, but it doesn’t even matter. The town (which we know is the North Pole) is described so vividly that you feel wrapped in warm Christmas magic the whole time. You care more about the atmosphere and the characters than who killed who or why.
I’m so glad these are being recorded and reaching a new audience. I can’t wait to continue the rest of the series.
December 24, 2020
Holly has decided to stay on in Candy Cane Hollow...maybe indefinitely. The New Year's Eve Ball is a big affair and she has agreed to be Nick's date. During the festivities darkness descends as the disco ball falls and crashes onto one of the town residents. Something about the way it happened bothers Holly and she sets off, once again, to solve the crime and save the town she's come to love.
OK being this cute should be illegal 🤣🤣🤣 I absolutely LOVE this series! It's all things cozy, cute and Christmas perfection. I can't believe I have to wait until September for the next book!!!!🥺🥺🥺 Whelp guess I'll have to delve into this author's other cozies because I am digging her style.
OK being this cute should be illegal 🤣🤣🤣 I absolutely LOVE this series! It's all things cozy, cute and Christmas perfection. I can't believe I have to wait until September for the next book!!!!🥺🥺🥺 Whelp guess I'll have to delve into this author's other cozies because I am digging her style.
December 10, 2022
Four Stars for Christmas
This was a fun Christmas story even if a little juvenile. But isn't being a little juvenile what Christmas is about? This is the second book in this series. I read the first one last year and I will read the third next year.
This was a fun Christmas story even if a little juvenile. But isn't being a little juvenile what Christmas is about? This is the second book in this series. I read the first one last year and I will read the third next year.
December 16, 2025
Whimsical, fun and thoroughly enjoyable! The audiobook is fabulously fun with everyone having a unique voice, so you know who is talking at each time. A year-round Christmas themed mystery series as the setting is the town that Santa lives and all the various elves as well as businesses they run. Holly Wood, the vibrant main character, has landed in Candy Cane Hollow due to a car wreck in the snow and being rescued by Mrs. Claus. This is the second book in the series in which we find Holly has decided to stay and become the town doctor, but once again a death has happened and seems to be irregular. Once again Holly, Mrs. Claus and the crew are on the case! A bit of romance bubbles throughout the story between Holly and Nick (yes, he is the son of Santa and is actually, the new Santa!). The books are short novella length stories that bring laughter, fun and whimsey to your day! I absolutely can't wait to listen to the next book!
November 26, 2025
"Slay Bells Ring (Christmas Cozy Mystery #2)" by Mona Marple takes place within days of the events of the first book. Holly Wood is still in Candy Cane Hallow. She's also still staying with the Claus family. Mrs. Claus has taken her under her wing and practically job training her for a future Mrs. Claus roll. Lucky for Holly and the future Santa, they're both working towards a romantic relationship with each other and don't mind his mother's meddling.
Holly is pretty much set to start working as the new doctor in Candy Cane Hallow. She's getting to know more of the town's residents and is going to the New Year's Eve Ball with Nick (future Santa). Unfortunately, the local greasy spoon's cook gets flattened by a glitter ball on the dance floor. Holly and Mrs. Claus start investigating right away. Eventually, the local detective is as well and has Holly help him.
Holly is pretty much set to start working as the new doctor in Candy Cane Hallow. She's getting to know more of the town's residents and is going to the New Year's Eve Ball with Nick (future Santa). Unfortunately, the local greasy spoon's cook gets flattened by a glitter ball on the dance floor. Holly and Mrs. Claus start investigating right away. Eventually, the local detective is as well and has Holly help him.
December 21, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun and whimsical sequel and I loved how it picked right up where the first book ended. The story was so fun and cozy and a great book for the holiday season. Nick and Holly are such a fun couple and I love the whole setting of this series. This is such a whimsical and fun world. Candy Cane Hollow is so adorable!
This was a fun and whimsical sequel and I loved how it picked right up where the first book ended. The story was so fun and cozy and a great book for the holiday season. Nick and Holly are such a fun couple and I love the whole setting of this series. This is such a whimsical and fun world. Candy Cane Hollow is so adorable!
November 30, 2025
Charlie Albers delivered a solid performance, I very much enjoyed her various accents for the different characters. If you enjoy cozy mysteries and want something festive, this is a quick read or listen. Overall I think the story was cute and a bit humorous. The romance elements were okay but not a huge focal point of the storyline.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 24, 2023
Book 2
After loving book 1 I rushed to read the second instalment, and it didn’t disappoint. I’m loving reading about Holly and Nicks relationship bloom, and all her sleuthing with the help of Mrs Claus. Now on to book 3!
After loving book 1 I rushed to read the second instalment, and it didn’t disappoint. I’m loving reading about Holly and Nicks relationship bloom, and all her sleuthing with the help of Mrs Claus. Now on to book 3!
December 18, 2024
Fun
It is such a fun, cozy holiday mystery. With a lot of humor, romance, and festive fun. The mystery itself is easy to guess and a few in consistencices of facts on a character that should know a few things about x if they are a doctor.
It is such a fun, cozy holiday mystery. With a lot of humor, romance, and festive fun. The mystery itself is easy to guess and a few in consistencices of facts on a character that should know a few things about x if they are a doctor.
December 12, 2025
another freaking cute book.....Wiggles and Gilbert are now my favs
December 21, 2023
This book was so festive and cozy! Even though it takes place at NYE it has all the perfect Christmas / winter vibes in this town. It was light and fluffy and exactly what I wanted to read! The characters were vibrant and there is budding romance and for the most part this is a lovely welcoming Santa town. I will read one of these every year!
December 13, 2021
Murder in Christmas town
Oh such fun thinking of living where the Claus family lives. However everything is not candy canes and gifts. There has been a murder.... Fun fast read
Oh such fun thinking of living where the Claus family lives. However everything is not candy canes and gifts. There has been a murder.... Fun fast read
December 5, 2021
Slay Bells Ring is a solid 4.6 stars
Besides which it is definitely a hoot. Mona describes the Claus 🎅 family perfectly. And the visiting doctor seems to fit right in. She also loves mysteries and solving murders. This is a family that knows how to have fun. Enjoy this series!
Besides which it is definitely a hoot. Mona describes the Claus 🎅 family perfectly. And the visiting doctor seems to fit right in. She also loves mysteries and solving murders. This is a family that knows how to have fun. Enjoy this series!
December 28, 2020
Slay Bells Ring was a delight to read! Holly Wood has extended her stay in Candy Cane Hollow so she can attend the New Year's Eve Ball with Nick Claus.
While magic is everywhere you look in Candy Cane Hollow, all is not as sweet as it seems. Long before midnight, the giant glitter ball comes crashing down killing an elf named Greasy.
Holly is sure Greasy's death was not an accident. With the help of Mrs. Claus, Holly leaps into investigating Greasy's death so she can prove to Chief Superintendent Wiggles that it was murder.
Slay Bells Ring is the second book in the Christmas Mystery Series. It built on all the wonderful coziness of Christmas Corpse (book one), creating a cozy world I didn't want to leave. A Lost Claus (book three) is available for pre-order. Sadly, it is not due to be published until September 2021.
While magic is everywhere you look in Candy Cane Hollow, all is not as sweet as it seems. Long before midnight, the giant glitter ball comes crashing down killing an elf named Greasy.
Holly is sure Greasy's death was not an accident. With the help of Mrs. Claus, Holly leaps into investigating Greasy's death so she can prove to Chief Superintendent Wiggles that it was murder.
Slay Bells Ring is the second book in the Christmas Mystery Series. It built on all the wonderful coziness of Christmas Corpse (book one), creating a cozy world I didn't want to leave. A Lost Claus (book three) is available for pre-order. Sadly, it is not due to be published until September 2021.
January 1, 2021
I'm so glad readers didn't have to wait until September to read more in this magical series! I just love spending time in Candy Cane Hollow with Holly, Nick and Mrs. Claus, and Father Christmas too, of course. Holly found herself in police officer Wiggles' good graces and was invited to help with a murder investigation. The murder took place at the New Year's Ball but was thought to be an accident until Holly found some evidence in her pictures.
I love how Nick took time for her investigating, and how they were falling for each other. There were so many funny parts like Gilbert and his painting then Wiggles being in a figure skating contest--who knew? I had a good idea who the killer was, but someone else was in my mind too, and that person got what was coming to them for what they did as well. The ending was really cute, and I'm anxious as before to read the next when it comes out.
I love how Nick took time for her investigating, and how they were falling for each other. There were so many funny parts like Gilbert and his painting then Wiggles being in a figure skating contest--who knew? I had a good idea who the killer was, but someone else was in my mind too, and that person got what was coming to them for what they did as well. The ending was really cute, and I'm anxious as before to read the next when it comes out.
November 13, 2021
Another short, sweet, fun mystery. Looking forward to the next.
January 12, 2021
Holly is thinking seriously about staying in Candy Cane Hollow. She could set up a new office and there’s always Nick. As they attend a New Year’s Ball, the disco ball falls and kills a restaurant owner. His partner was also found dead several days ago. So, Holly and Mrs. Claus are back on the job of investigating.
I love, love this series. I can’t wait until September for the next book. It’s a great town, wonderful characters, and a life we would all love to live. More, more!
I love, love this series. I can’t wait until September for the next book. It’s a great town, wonderful characters, and a life we would all love to live. More, more!
January 6, 2021
Good Cozy
I liked this story, but not as well as the first book of the series. The reason was the adult language/situations. While I know it was used to illustrate the personality of one of the characters, but it was just off putting to me. Yet there were things I liked, that made me laugh. Despite my lower score, it was still worth reading!
I liked this story, but not as well as the first book of the series. The reason was the adult language/situations. While I know it was used to illustrate the personality of one of the characters, but it was just off putting to me. Yet there were things I liked, that made me laugh. Despite my lower score, it was still worth reading!
December 25, 2020
So festive!
Love this series! A slightly new take on Santa, his elves and their life. Stir in a mystery, a heroine, a few quirky characters and a sheriff named Wiggles- just as tasty as a dozen fresh baked Christmas cookies! Make a cocoa and read this series!
Love this series! A slightly new take on Santa, his elves and their life. Stir in a mystery, a heroine, a few quirky characters and a sheriff named Wiggles- just as tasty as a dozen fresh baked Christmas cookies! Make a cocoa and read this series!
January 3, 2021
Oh that Chris!
Once again Holly Wood ( yes her name), is involved in solving a murder in Candy Cane Hollow. With her feelings for Chris Claus growing and her decision to stay or go back to London , she's one busy gal!
Once again Holly Wood ( yes her name), is involved in solving a murder in Candy Cane Hollow. With her feelings for Chris Claus growing and her decision to stay or go back to London , she's one busy gal!
January 21, 2021
Cute series!
Once again, Holly Wood puts her investigating skills to the test when tragedy strikes at the New Year's Eve ball. Everything is so cosy in this new series. Great characters. The next book isn't released until September '21, be interesting to see how things progress.
Once again, Holly Wood puts her investigating skills to the test when tragedy strikes at the New Year's Eve ball. Everything is so cosy in this new series. Great characters. The next book isn't released until September '21, be interesting to see how things progress.
February 7, 2021
Another great Christmas cozy!
What an amazing book! Warm and wonderful. An original case, an original MO! And that last chapter: brilliant! And I’m happy to say that for a long while, I guessed whodunnit wrong!
What an amazing book! Warm and wonderful. An original case, an original MO! And that last chapter: brilliant! And I’m happy to say that for a long while, I guessed whodunnit wrong!
March 4, 2021
Even better than the first one!
I am so enjoying this series. Wonderful, fun characters, holiday stuff year round, what could be better?! I highly recommend this series. Can’t wait for the next book to come out.
I am so enjoying this series. Wonderful, fun characters, holiday stuff year round, what could be better?! I highly recommend this series. Can’t wait for the next book to come out.
March 12, 2021
Slay Bells Ring is a fun and cute Christmas mystery. I love this series. I love the characters and the setting at Candy Cane Hollow. This is a interesting and fun book. It is engaging and so fun. The mystery has many twists to keep you guessing. I can't wait to read more in this series.
July 12, 2021
Slay Bells Ring book 2
Slay Bells Ring is a charming cozy Christmas mystery. I can't get enough of Candy Cane Hollow sounds like a charming festive town. With all the awesome cut that play out nicely.
Slay Bells Ring is a charming cozy Christmas mystery. I can't get enough of Candy Cane Hollow sounds like a charming festive town. With all the awesome cut that play out nicely.
October 6, 2021
Fun
Well if murder can be fun, it is a cheerful fun murder mystery. There is Mrs Clause, her son Nick, and of course father Christmas. Holly Wood the new rescued ( from a snow bank) young woman is right in the middle of it.
Well if murder can be fun, it is a cheerful fun murder mystery. There is Mrs Clause, her son Nick, and of course father Christmas. Holly Wood the new rescued ( from a snow bank) young woman is right in the middle of it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews