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Kitchen Witch Mysteries #2.5
Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas
Mia Malone is planning a holiday party to promote her catering and cooking school business—but she’s got a Christmas spirit to deal with first, in this new Kitchen Witch Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon . . .
For all its merriment, Christmas can also bring melancholy—and in Magic Springs, Idaho, Mia finds that the season has brought her an unhappy ghost who’s pulling poltergeist-style pranks to get her attention. When she demands an explanation, the ghost just sends a message: Ask Mary Alice—that is, Mia’s beloved Grans, who’s been training her to develop her witchy talents. If anyone can figure this out, it’s Grans . . . even if she still hasn’t managed to free Mia’s cat from a previous spell that she cast.
The restless spirit turns out to be Magic Spring’s most well-known ghost, Dorothy, who supposedly died peacefully in her sleep. Now Dorothy claims she was murdered, and she wants her killer brought to justice. And she doesn’t have much patience about it, so the pressure is on Mia—with some help from her boyfriend, Trent, and a strangely secretive Grans. There aren’t many dicing-and-chopping days till Christmas—but this year, the most important gift Mia can give is to cheer up this troubled spirit . . .
For all its merriment, Christmas can also bring melancholy—and in Magic Springs, Idaho, Mia finds that the season has brought her an unhappy ghost who’s pulling poltergeist-style pranks to get her attention. When she demands an explanation, the ghost just sends a message: Ask Mary Alice—that is, Mia’s beloved Grans, who’s been training her to develop her witchy talents. If anyone can figure this out, it’s Grans . . . even if she still hasn’t managed to free Mia’s cat from a previous spell that she cast.
The restless spirit turns out to be Magic Spring’s most well-known ghost, Dorothy, who supposedly died peacefully in her sleep. Now Dorothy claims she was murdered, and she wants her killer brought to justice. And she doesn’t have much patience about it, so the pressure is on Mia—with some help from her boyfriend, Trent, and a strangely secretive Grans. There aren’t many dicing-and-chopping days till Christmas—but this year, the most important gift Mia can give is to cheer up this troubled spirit . . .
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2021
122 people are currently reading
2173 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Cahoon
105 books2,397 followersNYT and USA Today bestselling author, Lynn Cahoon, writes the Tourist Trap, Cat Latimer, Farm-to-Fork, Kitchen Witch, Survivors' Book Club, the Haunted Life, and the Bainbridge Island cozy mystery series. No matter where the mystery is set, readers can expect a fun ride Sign up for her newsletter at www.lynncahoon.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
October 31, 2021
Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is the latest novella in the Kitchen Witch Mysteries written by Lynn Cahoon, a popular and charming cozy mystery author with many wonderful series. I've read most of her other work and all the books in this relatively new series. In this holiday special, Mia is preparing for a Christmas party in the school she's renovating (as her catering / food business) when the ghost of a former occupant shows up with demands. "Find my killer!"
Of course, Mia can't risk the party falling apart, even though most of Magical Springs has some idea of the magic deep within several of its residents. The victim turns out to be connected with the very first homicide in the series, and Mia's grandmother knows who might've killed the woman too. But she will protect her friend at all costs. What really happened all those years ago, and who is trying to collect an inheritance today? A fun way to get to know the characters with this light mystery... makes the series even more entertaining and alluring when you have these ~100 page tales to keep you connected in between the larger annual novels. I enjoy the food shenanigans and the light magic in the background.
Of course, Mia can't risk the party falling apart, even though most of Magical Springs has some idea of the magic deep within several of its residents. The victim turns out to be connected with the very first homicide in the series, and Mia's grandmother knows who might've killed the woman too. But she will protect her friend at all costs. What really happened all those years ago, and who is trying to collect an inheritance today? A fun way to get to know the characters with this light mystery... makes the series even more entertaining and alluring when you have these ~100 page tales to keep you connected in between the larger annual novels. I enjoy the food shenanigans and the light magic in the background.
January 20, 2023
Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas by Lynn Cahoon is the third novella length book in the paranormal cozy Kitchen Witch Mysteries series. The Kitchen Witch Mysteries also have three full length books in the series with this third novella falling between books two and three. As with most cozy mysteries though each of the books do contain it’s own mystery that will be fully solved within the book so they can be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. There is character development that carries over from book to book for those that follow the series from the beginning.
In the prequel novella in the series readers were introduced to Mia Malone who had traveled back to her hometown of Magic Springs, Idaho at the urging of her grandmother who Mia fondly calls Grans. Magic Springs is a place where magic is out in the open and Mia’s family is far from normal with Mia inheriting her Grans magical abilities and she now uses that witchcraft to create her tasty culinary treats.
Since that trip back to Magic Springs though Mia’s world had fallen apart with Mia finding herself single when her boyfriend left her and also became unemployed. Mia decided that the best thing to do was to return to Magic Springs for good where she could use her magic in a gourmet dinner delivery business. Now that Mia’s business is running she is planning a holiday party to promote her catering but Mia keeps getting distracted by an unhappy ghost that keeps pulling pranks on her. Mia promises the spirit that she’ll do what she can to figure out just how she died.
The Kitchen Witch Mysteries series is one of many that I have been following from the beginning from author Lynn Cahoon and as always I was happy to return with this latest installment. The Kitchen Witch Mysteries series is a little different from the author’s other works though as this one is not just a cozy mystery but also a paranormal with a magical witch leading the series. I love the crossing of genres though and would only complain that I wouldn’t mind the novellas to be longer but still great to return with each new book despite the length.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
In the prequel novella in the series readers were introduced to Mia Malone who had traveled back to her hometown of Magic Springs, Idaho at the urging of her grandmother who Mia fondly calls Grans. Magic Springs is a place where magic is out in the open and Mia’s family is far from normal with Mia inheriting her Grans magical abilities and she now uses that witchcraft to create her tasty culinary treats.
Since that trip back to Magic Springs though Mia’s world had fallen apart with Mia finding herself single when her boyfriend left her and also became unemployed. Mia decided that the best thing to do was to return to Magic Springs for good where she could use her magic in a gourmet dinner delivery business. Now that Mia’s business is running she is planning a holiday party to promote her catering but Mia keeps getting distracted by an unhappy ghost that keeps pulling pranks on her. Mia promises the spirit that she’ll do what she can to figure out just how she died.
The Kitchen Witch Mysteries series is one of many that I have been following from the beginning from author Lynn Cahoon and as always I was happy to return with this latest installment. The Kitchen Witch Mysteries series is a little different from the author’s other works though as this one is not just a cozy mystery but also a paranormal with a magical witch leading the series. I love the crossing of genres though and would only complain that I wouldn’t mind the novellas to be longer but still great to return with each new book despite the length.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
October 28, 2021
Reading this on my kindle I failed to notice it was a novella until I finished it in record time. So I do have a complaint - it should have been longer!
No complaints really. Lynn Cahoon writes this series really well. The characters are friendly and pleasant to spend time with, the stories are good and all the food sounds yummy. Mia Malone runs a catering business with her sister in law Christina, and in this book they are organising an Open House before Christmas with an eye to getting more business.
Christina, Mia and her boyfriend Trent are flat out cooking and decorating when a rather demanding ghost appears seeking Mia's help to solve her murder and help her finally cross over. The team set out to discover the true facts about Dorothy's death. They do this very neatly with just a little help from Mia's extra powers.
This is a short, sweet read which started me feeling quite a bit Christmassy. There was a lot of talk about trees and decorations and pies and cakes and of course a really interesting recipe at the end.
Recommended especially if you are looking for something short and easy to put you in a good mood.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
No complaints really. Lynn Cahoon writes this series really well. The characters are friendly and pleasant to spend time with, the stories are good and all the food sounds yummy. Mia Malone runs a catering business with her sister in law Christina, and in this book they are organising an Open House before Christmas with an eye to getting more business.
Christina, Mia and her boyfriend Trent are flat out cooking and decorating when a rather demanding ghost appears seeking Mia's help to solve her murder and help her finally cross over. The team set out to discover the true facts about Dorothy's death. They do this very neatly with just a little help from Mia's extra powers.
This is a short, sweet read which started me feeling quite a bit Christmassy. There was a lot of talk about trees and decorations and pies and cakes and of course a really interesting recipe at the end.
Recommended especially if you are looking for something short and easy to put you in a good mood.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 19, 2021
Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a holiday novella in the Kitchen Witch Mysteries. I enjoy it when this author provides her readers with these novellas in her series. They give her readers a quick visit with the characters during a specific period of time or during the holidays. I think the novellas also help with character development which I think is coming along nicely with these characters. Mia is in the process of preparing for a holiday open house when she is visited by a ghost whose mystery must be solved before time runs out. The only problem is that the deadline is right after the open house so Mia must multi-task and solve the mystery while cooking and baking tasty treats. The only criticism I have is that the ending felt rushed. One minute Mia was asking questions and investigating and the next minute the culprit was on trial. I wish the author had provided a short chapter bridge between those two time periods.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own and were in no way influenced by the manner in which I received this book.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own and were in no way influenced by the manner in which I received this book.
October 2, 2021
Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas was a fun read. It was a short story with Mia Malone, the main character in the story and, owner of Mai's Morsels, a catering company. She lives in a town called Magic Springs which is a town of witches. She is having a party as part of the Winter Carnival to introduce some of her food and programs to customers. A ghost named Dorothy who died in her sleep at a nursing home wants her to find out who murdered her. . She suspects Adele, her grandmother's friend of killing her. Mia along with her boyfriend, Trent Major and her grandmother follow the trail to find out who killed her and what happened to her money after she died. It is a sweet story that comes to a very happy and surprising conclusion.
I have read the other stories in this series and have enjoyed them all.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corporation for this ARC..
I have read the other stories in this series and have enjoyed them all.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corporation for this ARC..
June 7, 2022
Quick listen and worked as an in-between until the next novel in the series.
October 28, 2021
"Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas” the 3rd instalment in the "Kitchen Witch" Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon.
Mia Malone is planning a holiday party to promote her catering and cooking school business—but she’s got a Christmas spirit to deal with first!
I love visiting Magic Springs, Idaho and catching up with Mia, Grans, Christina and Trent! I found myself engrossed in the story and seeing how Mia pulls off her her Christmas open house and figure out what Dorothy's ghost wants. I’m a huge fan girl of Lynn’s and always fall in love with her characters, town and this is no exception!
I found the mystery very interesting as well as entertaining, full of twists and turns that kept me guessing till the very end. I cant wait to see what happens next for Mia and her friends in the next instalment.
I highly recommend this new series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
Mia Malone is planning a holiday party to promote her catering and cooking school business—but she’s got a Christmas spirit to deal with first!
I love visiting Magic Springs, Idaho and catching up with Mia, Grans, Christina and Trent! I found myself engrossed in the story and seeing how Mia pulls off her her Christmas open house and figure out what Dorothy's ghost wants. I’m a huge fan girl of Lynn’s and always fall in love with her characters, town and this is no exception!
I found the mystery very interesting as well as entertaining, full of twists and turns that kept me guessing till the very end. I cant wait to see what happens next for Mia and her friends in the next instalment.
I highly recommend this new series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
August 12, 2022
Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a novella that, in order of sequence, comes between books 2 and 3 in the Kitchen Witch Mysteries by Lynn Cahoon.
Currently, I have only read the first book in the series which I quite enjoyed and just like this novella, it was in an audiobook format. With a running time of just under 3 hours, I breezed through this novella and it was a fun read. I like the setting of this cozy mystery series and the characters are very likeable as well. As a narrator, Angie Hickman manages to bring the story and characters to life.
Overall, it was a quick and fun read and I will try to get around to reading the other books published so far in the series.
Currently, I have only read the first book in the series which I quite enjoyed and just like this novella, it was in an audiobook format. With a running time of just under 3 hours, I breezed through this novella and it was a fun read. I like the setting of this cozy mystery series and the characters are very likeable as well. As a narrator, Angie Hickman manages to bring the story and characters to life.
Overall, it was a quick and fun read and I will try to get around to reading the other books published so far in the series.
October 28, 2021
Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas by Lynn Cahoon is A Kitchen Witch Mystery Novella (#2.5). It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series, but I believe it is best if you read the other two books first. Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a cute short story. Mia is busy preparing for a Christmas party to promote Mia’s Morsels. Unfortunately, a ghost starts wreaking havoc causing delays. The ghost is Dorothy Purcell who believes she was murdered. If Mia is going to have a successful party and a jolly holiday, she will need to do a little sleuthing with help from her friends. Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a fun story. It is well-written with friendly characters and the story moves along at a quick pace. When Mia is not digging for clues, she is decorating the lobby for the holiday party or busy cooking. Grans, Trent, and Christine are back, and they help Mia with her investigation. Mr. Darcy/Dorian is present too. The mystery was cute and suited the length of the book. I was left with an unanswered question at the end of the book (and I really wanted the answer). I would have liked more magic. There was very little magic in the story (except for seeing ghosts). I would like more of the magical elements. I enjoyed reading Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas and I am looking forward to reading Three Tainted Teas when it comes out in the spring. Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a spirited cozy mystery with sweet sugar cookies, a grumpy ghost, an enigmatic Grans, a beau with a talent for bedecking the halls, a cooperative college student, and a harried kitchen witch.
September 9, 2021
I received this from a Goodreads giveaway.
Cozy Mysteries aren't my usual genre but I quite enjoyed this one as an all-in-one-sitting read. I had a holiday playlist going from youtube on my tv with a picture of a big cozy fire and tree and it helped settle me in for the holiday spirit jam-packed in this short book. The descriptions about decorating at the beginning of the book really made it feel like it was Christmas time.
I was very interested in the details on Mr. Darcy sharing his little cat body with a human. I might have to pick up the previous book in the series to learn more about that.
I think the magic could have been shown a bit more. She's supposed to be a kitchen witch but nothing she did really made it seem like she was magical other than being able to see and talk to a ghost. Oh, and her having a familiar that was mentioned a whole two times. It would have been nice to see how her magic affects her baking skills.
I liked Mia and her companions a lot. Her friends and grandmother were complimentary to Mia's life, especially her boyfriend Trent who seemed to be more like a guiding light as he helped Mia solve her little crisis'. He was also pretty charming. It was mentioned that he had a grimoire and a magic name and came from magic parents, but I couldn't tell if he was a practicing magic user or if he'd given up his magic as was briefly mentioned as something he thought about when he was younger. So I was at a loss there still by the end of the book. Maybe it's explained in book 1?
The town sounds down right charming. I wish the book had taken the time to expand upon the town and it's magical feel. Descriptions of the people and places would have been a big bonus.
The ending was pretty good and mysterious, as I didn't see it coming. I thought maybe the but was glad it turned out differently because that would have been too obvious.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It put me in the holiday spirit and I want to decorate today, even though Christmas is still over 3 months away. I think that with a good editor and some additional details to make it a longer book, it would have been excellent.
Cozy Mysteries aren't my usual genre but I quite enjoyed this one as an all-in-one-sitting read. I had a holiday playlist going from youtube on my tv with a picture of a big cozy fire and tree and it helped settle me in for the holiday spirit jam-packed in this short book. The descriptions about decorating at the beginning of the book really made it feel like it was Christmas time.
I was very interested in the details on Mr. Darcy sharing his little cat body with a human. I might have to pick up the previous book in the series to learn more about that.
I think the magic could have been shown a bit more. She's supposed to be a kitchen witch but nothing she did really made it seem like she was magical other than being able to see and talk to a ghost. Oh, and her having a familiar that was mentioned a whole two times. It would have been nice to see how her magic affects her baking skills.
I liked Mia and her companions a lot. Her friends and grandmother were complimentary to Mia's life, especially her boyfriend Trent who seemed to be more like a guiding light as he helped Mia solve her little crisis'. He was also pretty charming. It was mentioned that he had a grimoire and a magic name and came from magic parents, but I couldn't tell if he was a practicing magic user or if he'd given up his magic as was briefly mentioned as something he thought about when he was younger. So I was at a loss there still by the end of the book. Maybe it's explained in book 1?
The town sounds down right charming. I wish the book had taken the time to expand upon the town and it's magical feel. Descriptions of the people and places would have been a big bonus.
The ending was pretty good and mysterious, as I didn't see it coming. I thought maybe the but was glad it turned out differently because that would have been too obvious.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It put me in the holiday spirit and I want to decorate today, even though Christmas is still over 3 months away. I think that with a good editor and some additional details to make it a longer book, it would have been excellent.
October 26, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC to review. The request was fulfilled today, day before release, so luckily this was a novella.
I think it's important to have read the other parts of this series; it certainly didn't come across as stand-alone, with readers expected to know who was who and what had happened earlier. So, coming in cold, I didn't exactly get a good first impression.
The protagonist Mia's boyfriend Trent spent all of his dialogue mansplaining and telling her what to do, which was annoying and not encouraging me to read any more in this series. I also had the observation others did - a lot of funny talk about decorating for Christmas, but overall there were not a lot of Christmas vibes to this story? And neither were there many witchy vibes - offhand references to spells and a ouija board, the latter of which I don't consider witchcraft per se.
If you've read the rest of the series and enjoyed, I think this'd be a "just fine", quick read. A low-stakes tale that you can get through quickly, with a lot of mentions of food. Three stars rounded up from me.
I think it's important to have read the other parts of this series; it certainly didn't come across as stand-alone, with readers expected to know who was who and what had happened earlier. So, coming in cold, I didn't exactly get a good first impression.
The protagonist Mia's boyfriend Trent spent all of his dialogue mansplaining and telling her what to do, which was annoying and not encouraging me to read any more in this series. I also had the observation others did - a lot of funny talk about decorating for Christmas, but overall there were not a lot of Christmas vibes to this story? And neither were there many witchy vibes - offhand references to spells and a ouija board, the latter of which I don't consider witchcraft per se.
If you've read the rest of the series and enjoyed, I think this'd be a "just fine", quick read. A low-stakes tale that you can get through quickly, with a lot of mentions of food. Three stars rounded up from me.
October 20, 2021
This is a fun Christmas cozy mystery novella, book 2.5 in the Kitchen Witch series. I like this series a lot, and this novella is a good addition to the series. Mia Malone is back, she’s having an open house to promote her meal delivery/cooking school business as part of the Winter Carnival. She lives in Magic Springs, ID, a town with a lot of witches.
Mia is crazy busy, and it gets worse when a ghost named Dorothy appears and tells Mia she’ll disappear forever if she doesn’t find out the circumstances of her death. Dorothy was well known in Magic Springs, and everyone thought she died a natural death. She tells Mia to ask her Mary Alice, Mia’s grams. Mia can’t have Dorothy disrupting the open house, so she gets her boyfriend Trent, Grams, and her friend Christina to help her figure out what really happened to Dorothy.
The characters are personable and familiar, and the plot was as developed as one for a full length book would be. I recommend this book, 4 stars.
Mia is crazy busy, and it gets worse when a ghost named Dorothy appears and tells Mia she’ll disappear forever if she doesn’t find out the circumstances of her death. Dorothy was well known in Magic Springs, and everyone thought she died a natural death. She tells Mia to ask her Mary Alice, Mia’s grams. Mia can’t have Dorothy disrupting the open house, so she gets her boyfriend Trent, Grams, and her friend Christina to help her figure out what really happened to Dorothy.
The characters are personable and familiar, and the plot was as developed as one for a full length book would be. I recommend this book, 4 stars.
October 26, 2021
Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas by Lynn Cahoon is the 2.5 novella in the Kitchen Witch Mystery series, and another fun addition. I enjoy all of Ms. Cahoon's series, and I'm enjoying this one too. Mia Malone is a kitchen witch who is starting over in Magic Springs, Idaho where her grandmother lives, and witches and warlocks are accepted. Mia has open a new gourmet dinner delivery business and her ex's sister Christina. In this adventure, they are dealing with a unhappy ghost, Dorothy, who needs them to find out who killed her in the next few days, so she can pass to the other side. I enjoyed this clever story, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend this cozy mystery with includes a little magic.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 1, 2024
This book was fast and fun! Nice and cozy little paranormal holiday murder mystery. Think Hallmark channel with a ghost!
December 10, 2024
Honestly, there's not much of a story here
October 5, 2021
Lynn Cahoon is a well loved cozy author of long running series so I was pleased to receive this for review. This is a short Novella just 88 pages but centers around a Christmas theme festival. It was fun to read and a great introduction to cozy Christmas theme reading.
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley. My review opinion is my own.
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley. My review opinion is my own.
September 28, 2021
Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley and Kensington Books.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Mia finds herself dealing not only with planning a catering party to promote her business but with pesky ghosts during the Christmas season. There is nothing like a restless ghost to put things amuck.
She will have to figure out how to tame the ghost in order to keep havoc from occurring.
A short read to put you in the holiday season.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Mia finds herself dealing not only with planning a catering party to promote her business but with pesky ghosts during the Christmas season. There is nothing like a restless ghost to put things amuck.
She will have to figure out how to tame the ghost in order to keep havoc from occurring.
A short read to put you in the holiday season.
November 20, 2021
Until recently I mostly avoided novellas but Lynn Cahoon is one of several authors whose work has convinced me that shorter novels can be as good as a full length one. Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas from the Kitchen Witch Mysteries series is a prime example of a complete and delightful tale presented in a novella.
When a well known ghost wreaks havoc with Mia's preparations for a holiday open house to promote her catering, meal prep, and cooking lesson business, she has no choice but to help the spirit even though she has no time to spare. Much of what the ghost shares doesn't make sense, and the things she refuses to share complicate things even more, but the elderly spirit is absolutely convinced that she has limited time for a resolution and Mia agrees to try her best. With help from her assistant and her special guys, the new caterer is determined not to fail at either endeavor.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for accepting my request for an ARC to the delightful Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas from the Kitchen Witch Mystery series. I have loved every book and story in the series.
#Netgalley #KensingtonBooks #LynnCahoon #HaveaHollyHauntedChristmas #KitchenWitchMysteries
When a well known ghost wreaks havoc with Mia's preparations for a holiday open house to promote her catering, meal prep, and cooking lesson business, she has no choice but to help the spirit even though she has no time to spare. Much of what the ghost shares doesn't make sense, and the things she refuses to share complicate things even more, but the elderly spirit is absolutely convinced that she has limited time for a resolution and Mia agrees to try her best. With help from her assistant and her special guys, the new caterer is determined not to fail at either endeavor.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for accepting my request for an ARC to the delightful Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas from the Kitchen Witch Mystery series. I have loved every book and story in the series.
#Netgalley #KensingtonBooks #LynnCahoon #HaveaHollyHauntedChristmas #KitchenWitchMysteries
October 27, 2021
Mia is excited for an upcoming holiday party that she has been planning for to let people in to see her new business. She is hoping that the jovial get together will bring in more customers and its a way to meet new people. During the decorating Mia soon learns that she has an unhappy ghost in her midst. She is worried that the ghost will ruin her party and keep people away from her business. The ghost is actually someone she recognizes. The ghost wants her help, she asks Mia to find out who killed her and she needs to solve the mystery by a certain date. Even though her plate is full Mia decides to look into the woman's death and figure out just what is going on. Follow along to see if Mia can pull off her event and solve a mystery at the same time. This series is fun, inventive, and always a great read.
October 10, 2021
Thanks to NetGallery and Kensington Books for the ARC.
I won't detail the plot other than to say Mia Malone is being haunted by a ghost imploring her to find out who her murderer was. Of course, the first problem is that Mia has no clue who the ghost is. Even after the ghost is identified, the task ahead is difficult. Let's just say that there is every indication Dorothy, as the ghost turns out to named, appears to have died peacefully in her bed.
Mia's search for answers, which includes digging into finances and birth records, must come in-between preparing for the holidays and parties. Ghost Dorothy tells them there is a deadline for her to know the truth about her murder because, basically, if it isn't revealed by the anniversary of her death that year she'll simply, well, go poof. That give an urgency to the search for answers although, ironically, for a Magic Kitchen Witch book, magic isn't really utilized . With the help of boyfriend Trent, who seems to come from a magical family, too, but has shunned magic to be, as he dubs it, "boring", and some investigation and sheer luck, Mia digs into the mystery. But what if the real mystery isn't what they think it is? Hmmm...
My only real concern with the novella is that while as a stand-alone holiday story it manages to work, more background on all involved and the setting of Magic Springs itself might be helpful to first time readers. Heck, I'm sure I've read earlier books in this series and had no clue how or why certain things were happening. For instance, why Trent's mother seemed to have contacts with those who would know about the afterlife. I also had a few unanswered questions at the end, including who gave Dorothy that deadline in the first place and why. Not to mention the back story on Mia's cat could have been more fully detailed. I obviously missed that book in the series. Thus, even while going into this knowing it was a short novella, I felt new readers might be lost at times.
That said, it was a quick, fun read. Although not thoroughly satisfying, it got me in the mood for Christmas decorations and food, lots and lots of goodies.
I won't detail the plot other than to say Mia Malone is being haunted by a ghost imploring her to find out who her murderer was. Of course, the first problem is that Mia has no clue who the ghost is. Even after the ghost is identified, the task ahead is difficult. Let's just say that there is every indication Dorothy, as the ghost turns out to named, appears to have died peacefully in her bed.
Mia's search for answers, which includes digging into finances and birth records, must come in-between preparing for the holidays and parties. Ghost Dorothy tells them there is a deadline for her to know the truth about her murder because, basically, if it isn't revealed by the anniversary of her death that year she'll simply, well, go poof. That give an urgency to the search for answers although, ironically, for a Magic Kitchen Witch book, magic isn't really utilized . With the help of boyfriend Trent, who seems to come from a magical family, too, but has shunned magic to be, as he dubs it, "boring", and some investigation and sheer luck, Mia digs into the mystery. But what if the real mystery isn't what they think it is? Hmmm...
My only real concern with the novella is that while as a stand-alone holiday story it manages to work, more background on all involved and the setting of Magic Springs itself might be helpful to first time readers. Heck, I'm sure I've read earlier books in this series and had no clue how or why certain things were happening. For instance, why Trent's mother seemed to have contacts with those who would know about the afterlife. I also had a few unanswered questions at the end, including who gave Dorothy that deadline in the first place and why. Not to mention the back story on Mia's cat could have been more fully detailed. I obviously missed that book in the series. Thus, even while going into this knowing it was a short novella, I felt new readers might be lost at times.
That said, it was a quick, fun read. Although not thoroughly satisfying, it got me in the mood for Christmas decorations and food, lots and lots of goodies.
November 24, 2021
Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas Earns 5/5 Ghostly Apparitions…Entertaining!
Mia Malone suddenly is feeling tense. Sure, it’s the first Christmas since she began embracing her kitchen witch abilities, but it seems to be more than just a feeling of being overwhelmed with the holidays, her business Mia’s Morsels, and the open house she is planning to spark greater interest in her catering, pre-prepared meals, and cooking classes. One of Mia’s special magical talents, outside of a few potions and spell casting, is feeling the emotions of those around her, so the intense feeling of sadness is disconcerting. It becomes problematic with practical jokes and unexplained electrical glitches that threaten to derail her plans for the open house. A flicker of light is seen by the stairs as the room itself became darker and darker, and after asking how can she help, a voice is heard, ”Find out who killed me.”
Lynn Cahoon has added a bit of magic as the perfect respite from decorating and holiday shopping in this novella in her Kitchen Witch Mystery. The Christmas season is always busy, but adding to Mia’s to-do list an oddly time-sensitive, decades-old mystery makes it…hectic! The idea that the old woman’s natural “in her sleep” death is in question, and her ghostly reply “Ask Mary Alice,” Mia’s grandmother, is not an easy proposition. The investigation is also hampered since there are only journals, books, and faded memories to pursue, but WOW! Clever surprise. Entertaining fun! I am a fan of a bit of magic in my cozy, and Lynn doesn’t go overboard weaving realistically the ghosts, a possessed cat, and being a witch into running a business, preparing for the shop’s special event, supporting friends and neighbors of varying magical skill, and navigating a nice romance with a hunky guy. And you ask, what’s in the kitchen? Well, of course, a witch, but a recipe for one of Lynn’s favorite treats to take to holiday parties: Cranberry Gooey Bars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Kensington thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Mia Malone suddenly is feeling tense. Sure, it’s the first Christmas since she began embracing her kitchen witch abilities, but it seems to be more than just a feeling of being overwhelmed with the holidays, her business Mia’s Morsels, and the open house she is planning to spark greater interest in her catering, pre-prepared meals, and cooking classes. One of Mia’s special magical talents, outside of a few potions and spell casting, is feeling the emotions of those around her, so the intense feeling of sadness is disconcerting. It becomes problematic with practical jokes and unexplained electrical glitches that threaten to derail her plans for the open house. A flicker of light is seen by the stairs as the room itself became darker and darker, and after asking how can she help, a voice is heard, ”Find out who killed me.”
Lynn Cahoon has added a bit of magic as the perfect respite from decorating and holiday shopping in this novella in her Kitchen Witch Mystery. The Christmas season is always busy, but adding to Mia’s to-do list an oddly time-sensitive, decades-old mystery makes it…hectic! The idea that the old woman’s natural “in her sleep” death is in question, and her ghostly reply “Ask Mary Alice,” Mia’s grandmother, is not an easy proposition. The investigation is also hampered since there are only journals, books, and faded memories to pursue, but WOW! Clever surprise. Entertaining fun! I am a fan of a bit of magic in my cozy, and Lynn doesn’t go overboard weaving realistically the ghosts, a possessed cat, and being a witch into running a business, preparing for the shop’s special event, supporting friends and neighbors of varying magical skill, and navigating a nice romance with a hunky guy. And you ask, what’s in the kitchen? Well, of course, a witch, but a recipe for one of Lynn’s favorite treats to take to holiday parties: Cranberry Gooey Bars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Kensington thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
October 25, 2021
Having read Lynn Cahoon's début novel (book one) in her Kitchen Witch mystery series and 'Two Wicked Desserts', the second full instalment (the author writes short novellas in between the full-length mysteries) I grabbed the chance to read this, Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas.
I got to meet kitchen witch Mia Malone who is the owner of Mia's Morsels, in book one, 'One Poison Pie'. In this novella, Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas, Mia is planning a holiday party to further promote her catering business. All of the characters are amusing, relatable, and many have a good rapport with one other. Set in Magic Springs, Idaho, a place that welcomes ghosts, warlocks and the paranormal, I really enjoyed this compelling story and I continued to find Mia endearing and caring. Mia's boyfriend, Trent, is also a witch though he is non-practising.
The writing was smooth, the plot was strong and comfortably paced, and the puzzling mystery kept me guessing regarding the ghostly victim and inheritance. All in all, a fabulous instalment with a few possibilities and the characters added humour and variety. I will certainly be returning to Palm Springs to see what Mia and her mates are getting up to next time.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I got to meet kitchen witch Mia Malone who is the owner of Mia's Morsels, in book one, 'One Poison Pie'. In this novella, Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas, Mia is planning a holiday party to further promote her catering business. All of the characters are amusing, relatable, and many have a good rapport with one other. Set in Magic Springs, Idaho, a place that welcomes ghosts, warlocks and the paranormal, I really enjoyed this compelling story and I continued to find Mia endearing and caring. Mia's boyfriend, Trent, is also a witch though he is non-practising.
The writing was smooth, the plot was strong and comfortably paced, and the puzzling mystery kept me guessing regarding the ghostly victim and inheritance. All in all, a fabulous instalment with a few possibilities and the characters added humour and variety. I will certainly be returning to Palm Springs to see what Mia and her mates are getting up to next time.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
July 29, 2022
This was a short Christmas Novella in the Kitchen Witch Mystery series. Mia is still trying to build up her business, her catering and cooking school business, so she is planning a holiday party. Unfortunately for Mia, Dorothy, Magic Spring’s most well-known ghost, has surfaced and wants Mia to find out who killed her. She only has until Christmas to solve the crime, so she needs to get on with it, as well as all the work she needs to do for the party. She is lucky to get some help from her secretive Grans and her boyfriend Trent.
This is a short, sweet story that fit in with getting prepared for Christmas. I loved all the talk of decorations, trees, parties and of course good food. Trent and Mia worked well together to figure out what had happened and why there is a deadline. There were secrets revealed and a nice happy ending without a big showdown. This was a fun story to fill in those waits between full length stories. My usual issue with novellas is character development, but because there are already two books before this one, I knew the characters well already.
This is a short, sweet story that fit in with getting prepared for Christmas. I loved all the talk of decorations, trees, parties and of course good food. Trent and Mia worked well together to figure out what had happened and why there is a deadline. There were secrets revealed and a nice happy ending without a big showdown. This was a fun story to fill in those waits between full length stories. My usual issue with novellas is character development, but because there are already two books before this one, I knew the characters well already.
October 9, 2021
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this feel-good, Christmas-themed novella. It was my first experience with this author.
Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is part of a series, and although reading the other books might have helped me understand the characters, relationships, and backstory, I didn't get lost reading it as a stand-alone. Apparently, the protagonist, Mia Malone, is a witch, but witchcraft did not play much of a role in this story.
It's a quick, light-hearted read, with a bit of holiday atmosphere. Mia and her team are preparing for an open-house Christmas party to promote her catering business and cooking school. But preparations are disrupted by a troubled ghost haunting the facility. Dorothy supposedly died peacefully in her sleep in the local nursing home twenty years earlier, but now she believes she might have been murdered. She begs Mia and her grandmother to investigate the circumstances of her life and death so she can finally cross over in peace. There's a sense of urgency as Dorothy believes the clock will run out soon.
The characters are likable, and Magic Springs, Idaho, seems like a charming place.
Recipes are included.
Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is part of a series, and although reading the other books might have helped me understand the characters, relationships, and backstory, I didn't get lost reading it as a stand-alone. Apparently, the protagonist, Mia Malone, is a witch, but witchcraft did not play much of a role in this story.
It's a quick, light-hearted read, with a bit of holiday atmosphere. Mia and her team are preparing for an open-house Christmas party to promote her catering business and cooking school. But preparations are disrupted by a troubled ghost haunting the facility. Dorothy supposedly died peacefully in her sleep in the local nursing home twenty years earlier, but now she believes she might have been murdered. She begs Mia and her grandmother to investigate the circumstances of her life and death so she can finally cross over in peace. There's a sense of urgency as Dorothy believes the clock will run out soon.
The characters are likable, and Magic Springs, Idaho, seems like a charming place.
Recipes are included.
December 19, 2021
Love this Christmas novella! This was a fun story about Mia Malone, a caterer who is refurbishing an old school to become the hub of her business. Mia is haunted by Dorothy, a well known ghost in town who is seeking her murderer. Dorothy stresses that she needs to get her business resolved soon or she will never be able to cross over. Mia is concerned about ongoing hauntings in her new building, and she is juggling trying to host an open house for her business and solve this mystery.
I really enjoyed this Kitchen Witch mystery and I am looking forward to the next one! I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a magical cozy mystery. As a bonus, I made the recipe in the back for a holiday party and it was a big hit!
I really enjoyed this Kitchen Witch mystery and I am looking forward to the next one! I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a magical cozy mystery. As a bonus, I made the recipe in the back for a holiday party and it was a big hit!
October 11, 2021
Have a Holly Haunted Christmas is a wonderful novella length addition to the Kitchen Witch Mysteries. Mia Malone is preparing for Christmas and a special party to advertise her business. A ghost asks for help in the midst of the preparations.
The way the story plays out it feels like the definition of cozy. The party goes well. The ghost’s dilemma is resolved. And Mia and Trent are in for the lovely Christmas. It leaves the reader with warm and fuzzy feelings.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book prior to publication.
The way the story plays out it feels like the definition of cozy. The party goes well. The ghost’s dilemma is resolved. And Mia and Trent are in for the lovely Christmas. It leaves the reader with warm and fuzzy feelings.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book prior to publication.
October 25, 2021
Mia and crew are trying to get things ready for a Christmas open house, but an unhappy ghost is trying to wreck their opportunity to promote her business. Mia and crew need to figure the who, where, what and when as well as the whodidit, before this unhappy ghost has her filing for bankruptcy! Fun characters that are a delight to read about along with a well plotted mystery to keep you entertained for hours! If you haven't started this series you absolutely should as each book gets better and better! I can't wait to see what happens to these characters next!!!
October 8, 2021
I received a copy of Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a novella in Lynn Cahoon's Kitchen Witch Mystery series. In this short cozy mystery, Mia Malone finds herself helping a ghost find out what happened to her as she plans an open house Christmas party for her business.
This mystery is short and sweet and the perfect feel good Christmas story. I enjoy this series overall, the characters, the town and the Kitchen Witch premise and this installation was no different. I enjoyed following Mia as she made the ghost's Christmas as she figured out what was holding her back from passing on. This was a great read and the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a novella in Lynn Cahoon's Kitchen Witch Mystery series. In this short cozy mystery, Mia Malone finds herself helping a ghost find out what happened to her as she plans an open house Christmas party for her business.
This mystery is short and sweet and the perfect feel good Christmas story. I enjoy this series overall, the characters, the town and the Kitchen Witch premise and this installation was no different. I enjoyed following Mia as she made the ghost's Christmas as she figured out what was holding her back from passing on. This was a great read and the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.
May 5, 2022
This short story is #2.5 in the Kitchen Witch Mystery series. Mia and Gran are planning a holiday party when their resident ghost sends a message, Ask Mary Alice who happens to be Gran. Local ghost Dorothy wants Mia and Gran to find her killer in time for everyone to celebrate Christmas. A cute story that can be read as a stand alone. Lots of small town residents offer to help and the setting is a fun spot. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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