In this Christmas story, there is no happy ending for Scrooge.
Louisa Henry has read the Dickens classic enough times to spot a Scrooge when she sees one. Arthur Crawford is as sour as they come. There’s no chance for his redemption because during the town’s Christmas tree lighting, his body is found hanging in the front of the largest pine.
No one is surprised that Arthur’s selfish ways finally caught up to him. But when it becomes apparent that the killer won’t stop, Lou must delve deep into Arthur’s Christmases past to find out who took away his Christmas future.
Dear reader, if you love rescue cats, goats who wear pajamas, and a cozy bookstore, you’re going to love this new series by Eryn Scott. Hold on to your hats. The town of Button is as cute as they come, but that doesn’t mean it’s free of murder. These books are clean with no foul language or gore. Each book and mystery stands alone. Curl up under a cozy blanket, cuddle with a cat (or two), and come join Lou as she solves mysteries in the town of Button.
Eryn Scott is the author of heartwarming cozy mysteries. Her novels feature close friendships and strong families because those are the most important things in her life -- a little humor doesn't hurt either.
She calls the Pacific Northwest home and doesn't plan on changing that anytime soon. Eryn loves to hike, horseback ride, knit, ski, and read. She believes musicals are the greatest thing since lattes, even though she's not particularly good at singing or dancing -- hey, a girl can dream, right?
Her first cozy mystery series, Pepper Brooks, is based on some of the greats in classic literature. Each book features a different author from Shakespeare to Austen. Eryn's newest series is set in a little town called Stoneybrook. The Stoneybrook Mysteries follow local jam-maker Hadley James as she solves mysteries in her town's year-round farmers market. From deceased knitters to sabotaged florists, these crafty citizens keep Hadley and her twin brother, a deputy sheriff, on their toes. Pebble Cove Teahouse Mysteries are great for readers who love a hint of paranormal with their mysteries. These books feature a tiny town tucked between craggy coastline and rocky shores with quirky characters of both the living and non-living variety. Look for new releases from all three of these series in 2022 as well as Eryn Scott's new cozy series.
You can visit her website, erynscott.com, for more information about her books and new releases.
Louisa Henry is excited that Christmas is soon to be celebrated in Button and her parents will be visiting for a month! The first night’s event is the tree lighting, but the lights reveal the dead body of Arthur Crawford tangled in the branches… and it appears that he was murdered. Lou is determined not to get involved with her parents here. But then another murder, the victim being Ferris Howe who had claimed to have seen Arthur interacting with Tom Rockwell, even though the two of them were mortal enemies, gets Lou’s parents and Olivia, a former NYC cop, ready to join in the investigation. With the official investigators not making much progress since everyone seemed to hate the unpleasant Arthur, Lou gives in and starts her search. Can they find the killer before he or she sneaks out of town? Was there something in Arthur’s past to suggest a motive for his death? Or will this be much more complicated when the truth finally comes out?
Grab your copy and follow the twists and turns. Don’t forget to visit the kitties along the way. And see whether you can find some clues to help Lou out.
“How can you not love the bookshop / cat sanctuary in a snowy small town in december?”
Book: “A Tail of Woe” Author: Eryn Scott Genre: Mystery (Christmas) 5 emojis: 🎄🐈📚❄️🌟 Topics: small town, bookstore, cats, holiday mystery, murders. TW: Includes murders (non graphic)
* Spoilers ahead *
If you await for this holiday season the whole year to bask in its aesthetic and watch Christmas movies (bonus points if they are unique and don’t follow the so classical shared plot) then this book is for you!! An easy but entertaining and short read!
With the right amount of words, the author managed to create the setting and the image of the characters quite nicely! It was refreshing not having to read tediously long paragraphs! The mistery that broke the utopia of the perfect christmas-y small town (Buttons is such a cute name), begining with the murder of Arthur (aka anti christmas guy) is catching without being overly complex, and I believe this makes the book a suitable and comfortable read for this season!!
It was eerie how even despite just witnessing a man’s dead body in such a public display, Willow and Lou's mom (even her dad with certain dialogues) decided to make cookies, and not in the “I need to distract myself from the trauma” (at least from my pov), but just for the joy of it. “Salvage the situation” as Lou's mom said. A map of the town as well as other details such as the calendar made by the end of CH3 make the read lovely and gets you into the story!!
The mysterious murders don’t stop at the first, though not as dramatic, it seems this person really wishes to stay hidden and obviously must have had a special bone to pick with arthur as the most dramatic death was given to him.
I leave you with a quote to allure you to read this story!
“Not only was there a murderer in Button, but it didn’t seem like they were done killing. And if what Ferris saw had gotten him killed, the biggest question in Lou’s mind was, who might be next?”
It’s Christmas time in Button and Lou is extra excited because her parents are coming for a month long visit! On their first night in town she Willow, Noah and Easton take Lou’s parents Bruce and Caroline to the Christmas decorations lighting. Unfortunately once the lights go on a man is found tangled up in a tree and even more unfortunate he was murdered. The murder mystery continues when one of the witnesses from the tree lighting turns up murdered the following day after saying he saw someone with the first victim. Lou has firmly tried to stay out of it both because she has her parents visiting but also doesn’t want to be the town snoop I’d say. However when her friend and former client Olivia also a form NYC cop comes for a book signing at the store Bruce, Caroline and Olivia seem eager and want to be investigating. Lou gets dragged into despite her best intentions. And so the lead up to Christmas is jam packed with activities. Sleuthing, various town holiday events, family traditions and even volunteering for the Elementary Schoo’s holiday play. It’s a perplexing case that has all the investigators stumped professional or otherwise. The question remains will the killer be caught before Christmas or will the holiday festivities allow them the chance to escape undetected? First off gotta day awesome title! It hints at the tone for the story perfectly. Loved the confluence of family blood and chosen on the small town of Button. A great blend of festive fun and sleuthing shenanigans. And so so many cute kitties!!! Great story for the holidays or any days!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is soooo cute and my kind of place to live, well apart from the murders of course but who wouldn't want to live in a town where you can pick up a best selling mystery and a kitten? Speaking of best selling mysteries I just love this series and this book is another great addition. I really like the characters from the old familiar favourites to the new additions, each bring something special to the series and will have you arhing and chuckling along. I loved the mystery, it kept me guessing and even added a twist that I didn't see coming. The Christmas festivities throughout the book were another reason I want to visit Button, how the author comes with her ideas (for the mystery, the time of year scene and even naming the cat's) I don't know but I hope she doesn't run out of ideas. Long may the series continue because I for one can't wait for the next book. Lou is excited not only is it Christmas, her cat friendly book shop is doing well but her parents are coming to stay for the month to fit in as many Christmas festivities and traditions as possible. Unfortunately with the very first one, the light of the town's Christmas free a dead body is found tangled in the lights. Lou doesn't want to get involved being so close to Christmas and knowing the police can handle the case but her parents have other ideas. As well as helping to plan the school Christmas show the pair can't help but ask questions about the murder. When Lou stumbles over another body she has to wonder if staying out of it is a good idea? Can Lou and her parents find the killer before Santa arrives? I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
On December first, Lou's parents arrive for their month-long stay at the bookstore, and the family can't wait to do ALL the festive things, including getting to know the bookshop's twelve new foster kittens. Their plans are shockingly interrupted when the lights come on at the tree-lighting ceremony and reveal a dead body! Lou doesn't want her family to get mixed up in a murder investigation, but it turns out her parents are even less capable of resisting a few suspicious details than Lou herself. When an old author friend, an ex-cop, arrives, it looks like Lou will have her hands full keeping her friends and family away from the risks of a criminal who would murder a second person just to keep him quiet.
As usual, this mystery is full of cozy scenes, meaningful moments, and a lot of adorable cats. The editing felt a bit rushed--there were a few more typos and redundancies than I usually expect--but I enjoyed this one just as much as I thought I would: a lot! The new characters were delightful, and the festive spirit made this a great book for the holiday season.
Absolutely wonderful holiday cozy mystery. Loved the story and always enjoy these characters. Highly recommend!
It is the holidays in Button and everyone is getting into the spirit. Even Arthur Crawford the town's most grumpy and cheap person. At the annual tree lighting ceremony Arthur is found tangled in the lights suspended in the trees apparently dead. Lou is at first determined not to get involved in solving the murder and just wants to enjoy having her parents visiting for the month of December. When she stops at the Parks facility to pick up evergreen boughs the next day she finds Ferris Howe strangled to death. Her parents and close friend/author Olivia Queen are determined to solve the case and actively chase down clues and suspects. Lou ends up solving the two murders when Olivia goes missing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Books, cats, and the holidays are some of my favorite things so I loved this newest cozy mystery from Eryn Scott.
I really like Lou and her efforts to start over in a new town after her husband passed away. She is a relatable and likeable character, and I have been enjoying this series. As a newer person in town it is interesting seeing her perspective on other residents as she tries to solve another murder. The mystery began when an unlikeable local is found dead at the town's Christmas tree lighting. I thought it had some good twists and turns that kept me guessing and the reveal of who committed the crime made sense within the story.
I can't wait to see what is next for Lou and the small town of Button!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
A Tail of Woe is the fifth book in the Whiskers and Words Mystery series. I love this series and this book. The characters are likable (both human and other) and the mystery is fun to figure out. Another sweet cozy mystery featuring small town Button, which appears too nice to have horrid things happen and yet exciting things do. I also enjoy visiting Lou and of course all her furry friends, never mind the neighbours and townsfolk as well. I recommend this cat mystery series to all who love mysteries, cats, and or both.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When the small town of Button switches on its Christmas lights, the body of a local man is tangled in the strands. Louise tries not to get involved, even advising her visiting parents to let the police handle it, but no one can resist sleuthing. This is apparently the fifth book in this series, but the first for me. A small town murder mystery is always a winner, but the town is cute, and the amateur detective runs a bookshop which also acts as a cat adoption agency. All of the characters are here, and the mystery was a good one. Plus, it's Christmas, and full of festive events. Enjoyed it!
It’s Christmas in Button and Lou’s family is coming to visit and spend the holidays with her, but when the town Scrooge is found dead in a tree, who is going to investigate the murder? Lou is determined to stay out of it as she’s working on finding homes for twelve adorable kittens by Christmas, so it looks like her family and friends are going to have to lead this case. Will the team solve the murder in time to enjoy Christmas? Will the twelve kitties be adopted? You’re going to have to read to find out.
A Tail of Woe is the fifth book in the Whiskers and Words Mystery series. I love this series and this book. The characters are likable (both human and other) and the mystery is fun to figure out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First off, I am in awe of the author's ability to name cats! Okay now that's out of the way, I couldn't put this one down! There's a bookshop/cat refuge, the small town of Button (that's cute as a button, except for the heinous murders of course) and an entire cast of carefully developed, likeable characters- what's not to love?
The murder mystery plot was intricately crafted, with many viable suspects and clues that kept me guessing till almost the end. Lou is a charming amateur detective and the interactions with her friends and family were great. Also did I mention cutely named rescue cats?
A wonderful read, Christmas themed but could be read any time. My first book by this author, and I wasn't lost jumping into the series here. Definitely will not be my last though as I will certainly read more by her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another fun book in this series. I am getting a little irritated with the main character's habit of ignoring law enforcement advice and trying to solve murders on her own while endangering herself and others. Authors - please try a different plot!!
Amazon synopsis: In this Christmas story, there is no happy ending for Scrooge.
Louisa Henry has read the Dickens classic enough times to spot a Scrooge when she sees one. Arthur Crawford is as sour as they come. Even worse? There’s no chance for his redemption because during the town’s Christmas tree lighting, his body is found suspended in the lights of the largest pine.
No one is surprised that Arthur’s selfish ways finally caught up with him. But when it becomes apparent that the killer won’t stop, Lou must delve deep into Arthur’s Christmases past to find out who took away his Christmas future.
Arthur Crawford owns A-Plus electrics and hates Christmas, people, animals....and 'most everything and everybody. Unsurprising, 'most everybody hates him too. And someone obviously hates him enough to do away with him - which means that the police now have 'most everyone as a suspect!
Another sweet cozy mystery featuring small town Button, which appears too nice to have horrid things happen and yet exciting things do. I also enjoy visiting Lou and of course all her furry friends, never mind the neighbours and townsfolk as well.
Back in the small town of Button at Christmas, with Louisa and her bookshop. Whiskers and Words. As well as books, she also has Cats needing homes, who roam the shop floor helping customers choose their books, in the hope someone might choose them to adopt too!
Louisa moved to Button where her best friend, Willow lives, after losing her husband. A successful book editor, she needed a complete change from the New York she called home after the tradegy.
This Christmas, Louisa's Mum and Dad who have been road tripping round the USA in an RV come to stay for the holidays. Her organised Mum and her Dad, an ex kindergarten teacher, get stuck in to helping Louisa with the bookshop, and soon endear themselves to everyone in town. They draw up a calendar of Christmas activities to do whilst they are in town.
Louisa has her first book signing at the bookshop - Olivia, an author she once edited books for is coming to stay a few days. Her parents are just as excited as Louisa to see Olivia because she is their favourite mystery writer.
However, when their first Christmas activity, the town tree lighting ceremony is brought to an abrupt halt after a body is found dangling from the tree, Louisa tries her best not to get involved in solving the murder. Her parents however, get totally caught up in the mystery, as does Olivia, who became a mystery writer after leaving her job as a New York Detective.
I really enjoyed reading this book and am eager to read the next book in the series. Each book is a standalone mystery but the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
A Christmas case to investigate. Celebrate the whole Christmas month with her parents who came to visit and appearance of 12 new kittens whom her father named after 12 days of Christmas. Lou and her family though they said that they wouldn't investigate the murder of the "Scrooge" in the small town of Button they couldn't help but investigate because they are a family of just love to investigate to find out who is the culprit of it. Of course though they are investigating the case, they still spend time together as a family doing their Christmas tradition and activities and her parents volunteered to help in the Christmas play entitled The Christmas Carol and Noah's daughter is playing Scrooge.
And her friend Olivia came into the picture adding in the thrill of investigating. Apparently there are two murders to investigate and they had to go around town and ask around. Can't spoil much because it is a mystery to be solve.
P.S Lou is noticing her feelings because Olivia is teasing her about it. Can't spoil it too find out when you read it.
You can purchase this on Amazon and it's available on KU.
I love this series! It's so adorable. Lou owns a bookstore that also has cats up for adoption. While getting in the Christmas spirit, a man is murdered. He might be the most unlikable character in the entire series, which also means, many people might have wanted him gone. Lou's parents are visiting and also join in on the mystery. I love the characters in this series. So many great characters. This book, we meet Lou's parents, and it makes sense where Lou gets her sleuth desire and skills. We meet a friend from New York, Olivia, who jumps in to help as well. Lou is surrounded by so many people who love her. There is some grief surrounding her husband, which is sweet and an important aspect of this character and her story. It briefly explores grief and the thoughts and feelings that can happen. I enjoy that it's discussed gently in this book because it's so important. This book had some twists to it. It was such a good read! I loved the story and the ending. This is such a great series!
I loved this so much. There was not a single thing to complain about with this one.
The mystery was really good. I liked how it played out as clues became available and then she would actively investigate it along with her friends and parents. It really kept me on my toes and had me guessing the entire time. It was very easy to follow and very intriguing.
I loved the fact that this took place in a bookstore that housed kittens. The kittens were adorable. I loved their Christmas theme names.
The Christmas vibes were great. I loved how it felt like a Hallmark movie with all the events and festivities that were going on. It really got me in the holiday spirit.
Lou’s first Christmas month in Button begins with 2 murders. Lou’s retired parents arrive for a month long visit and are soon involved in the mystery surrounding the murder of the town’s Scrooge and another young man. Lou’s friend, retired-cop turned author, Olivia, arrives for a book signing and gets involved in the investigation as well. It’s fun to meet the new store cats while they wait for adoption and experience all fun Christmas activities in Button. I love the slow growing relationships and can’t wait until Willow’s new business opens. Great meeting more of Lou’s family, too. One of my favorite series and so glad there are 2 more books coming soon. A great holiday mystery.
This series is a comfort read for me, as are all of Eryn's cozy mystery series. I am thoroughly enjoying my stay in Button as I go on a bit of a binge of these books.
This once takes place in December. Lou's parents come to stay with her for the month to celebrate her first holiday season in her new hometown. Of course, nothing ever goes completely to plan. During the tree lighting ceremony, a dead body is found strung up in Christmas lights. And it's Button's very own Scrooge. Hijinks ensue as Lou's parents decide they want to try their turn at solving a murder like their daughter. It's a fun ride to find out what actually happened and who is to blame.
Loved the play on Dickens's Christmas Carol! Though it was only a nod, their Scrooge didn't get a 2nd chance and this time it's Lou's parents and friends that won't drop the case haha Lou tries to let it go but she can't help herself and when her friend disappears she finally hopes she pieced it together before it's too late! Wasn't very intense, what with all the Christmas spirit and cute kittens that celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas, but it didn't take away from the good mystery. Really enjoyed it😊
Well this book had me stumped right up till the end! I loved it, I wish I could own a store like Lou, full of wonderful smelling books and cats. Button sounds like an amazing place to live, but for all the murders. Ms. Scott always creates the perfect small towns to have her cozy mysteries in, and this is one of my favourite. And the story is, as well! I recommend this book, I read it in one afternoon because I couldn't put it down.
I enjoyed what Eryn Scott wrote here, it does what I was looking for in a mystery novel. I enjoyed what was going on in this fifth entry, it does a great job in continuing the story and has the great writing style.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved getting to know Lou's parents, Bruce and Caro. What interesting characters, and talented ones, too. Also, meeting one of Lou's former authors, Olivia, helps to gain more insight into Lou. And two murders to solve makes for a story that is hard to put down!
This is the second book that I read in the series, and it works fine as a stand alone story. There are references to prior events but nothing that affects the readability of this book. Some elements are predictable but not annoyingly so.
New characters are being added to flesh out the community as well as others from outside the town, which adds interest.
The cats! Such a cute place. And the plot was once again great, well thought-out and fun to puzzle along with. The characters are wonderful, but my favorite thing about this series has got to be the setting!
This book will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit. With lots of fun festive puns, lots of kittens and I mean lots and great characters in the form of Lou’s parents and friend Olivia coming for a visit.