Vandals and Yule Scandals

Mitzy Moon #21

by Trixie Silvertale

A puzzling fire. A purloined keepsake. Can our psychic sleuth uncover the connection before it’s ashes to ashes?

Mitzy Moon adores the Winter Extravaganza. In fact, she’s so eager to sip mulled cider this year, she’s volunteered to help with set-up. But when a mysterious blaze destroys the curling arena, her holiday treats could be the next thing to go up in flames.

With the whole town acting odd and visions of a snow princess dancing in her head, Mitzy risks her own safety to pursue the truth. She ignores ominous warnings from the sheriff, Ghost-ma and her entitled feline, and may have leaped out of the frying pan and into an inferno…

Can Mitzy’s snooping reveal what history has hidden, or will this Yuletide be her last?

Vandals and Yule Scandals is the twenty-first book in the hilarious Mitzy Moon Mysteries paranormal cozy mystery series. If you like snarky heroines, supernatural intrigue, and a dash of romance, then you’ll love Trixie Silvertale’s Christmas caper.

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Cozy Mystery, Sleuth, Romance

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2022

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author Trixie Silvertale grew up reading an endless supply of Lilian Jackson Braun, Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew novels. She loves the amateur sleuths in cozy mysteries and and obsesses about all things paranormal. Those two passions unite in her Mitzy Moon Mysteries, and she's thrilled to write them and share them with you.

Amazon Author Page:
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Reviews

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew!! Finished the series now on to the spin-off. So glad it’s not the end of Mitzi and Erik’s story. I have to say I didn’t have high hopes for Mitzi or the series when I began, but the series grew on me as Mitzi matured and had so much character growth so yayy

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Mitzy and the folks of Pin Cherry Harbor are preparing for the Winter Extravaganza the curling arena burns down mysteriously. The whole town is acting strange and sending Mitzy psychic images of a snow princess.
Despite the strangeness and the warning from the Sheriff, Ghost-ma, and Pyewacket, Mitzy is determined to find out who is behind the arson.

This has been such a fun series. If you love a paranormal cozy mystery with a touch of romance you will love this book. Mitzy is my favorite character, she is fun, smart, and full of snark. The secondary characters are just as entertaining and quirky as Mitzy. The mystery is full of twists, turns, and surprises. There is a big change in Mitzy and Erick's relationship.

The narrator is a great voice for Mitzy. She captures her personality perfectly as well as gives the other characters their unique voice. This audiobook is a must listen too.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, I have not been influenced by anyone.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Case 21 and it seems we are at the end of the Mitzy Moon Mystery Series and I cannot get over it. I have really enjoyed the light hearted mysteries with our very own sleuth Mitzy and her side-kicks, her caracal who always manages to get the best clues for her, and her ghost-ma who always helps to set up her murder board. However we need not despair as Trixie will be writing a whole new set of books about Mitzy and her hunk of a boyfriend, the sheriff Erick Harper. In this book which is set during the Christmas season, an act of arson is carried out at the hockey and curling centre, but were it not for Mitzy's clairvoyance, Kurt the guy who looked after the centre, would have been trapped inside the inferno. Obviously the case had to be resolved since their were doubts whether it was just an act of arson, and Mitzy would not be left out of the investigation. I love that finally we got to see a move in the right direction as to the romance between our favourite couple, it was high time. I now look forward to our new series which hopefully will still allow us to enjoy some of our old characters from this one but I guess we just have to wait and see!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this latest book in the Mitzy Moon series which takes place during the Christmas season. When there is a suspicious fire at the local skating/curling rink, Mitzy's special abilities help save a man's life. Mitzy and her handsome boyfriend Sheriff Erick Harper work together to find out who's responsible and those parts of the book are really good. An old enemy of Mitzy's makes an appearance, but the person was unfamiliar to me so it didn't have a lot of impact on me. I started reading this series starting with book 13, and I assume this character may have made an appearance in one of the books prior to that.

In addition to investigating this crime, Mitzy also continues to develop her psychic gifts. She falters a bit in her decisions she makes regarding a specific skill, but I'm glad she learns from her mistakes. I like Mitzy and Erick as a couple, so I especially liked the romance aspects of the book. I also like the close moments between Mitzy and members of her family.

A big change is coming up for this series and I'm looking forward to it. I appreciate that in the last few books, I can see the character development in Trixie. I appreciate her love for Pin Cherry Harbor and how quick she is to step in and help its residents, whether it's taking on investigations on their behalf or helping local businesses and individuals in need through her charitable foundation. I can't wait to see what's in store for Trixie and Erick!

I received a copy of this ebook from the author at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Micky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audiobooks of this series are absolutely on my must listen! The narrator does an outstanding job of giving each character a unique voice so you absolutely know who is talking before the narrator even has to tell you! The plots are witty, intriguing and well plotted to keep you guessing as to whodunit! Add in the life stories of the various townspeople and characters that are in Mitzy's orbit and you have a fully fleshed out story that feels more like visiting old friends than just reading or listening to a book! Now, I just need to wait for the next audiobook to be available!

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and delightful. Trixie does it again. Another book to make us fall in love with Pin Cherry and all its whimsical characters.

[Mike Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

entertaining and Paranormal cozy mystery series

This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. If I can cast of characters in an entertaining storyline. Mitzi moon is a young woman who grew up in Arizona half life raised by her mother and tell her mother died and then she was in foster care tell her 18th birthday. Then she worked a stream of crap jobs living in crap apartments until one day a lawyer showed up on her door With some news paperwork and envelope of cash in the key. She inherited her grandmothers eclectic rear bookstore in a town almost in Canada. She didn’t know her father and didn’t know any of his family and had no family left from her mother side. Her father‘s mother had been keeping tabs on her over the years though and when she passed away she left everything to Mitsy. Missy packs up moves to the small town near the border of the US and Canada And starts a new life. She also starts to find out that she has some psychic ability that has been inhibited over the years and now over time it’s going to start coming out. As her sucking ability to get stronger she also starts to realize and find out that her mentor Who is her grandmother’s lawyer. An elderly old man name Silas is actually also a alchemist with strange abilities and powers. He begins teaching Mitsy these abilities and powers which also makes her psychic abilities get stronger. As she grows and learns more she begins helping the local sheriff Solve crimes whether he wants it or not. By this book you realize that they are in a relationship and on their way to something. Every book is an adventure and entertaining in its own right. Read this one and see where it’s heading and what new adventure they’ve gone on.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. There is no murder in this book but with a fire investigation, a stolen trophy and a proposal there wasn't time for it and to be honest I didn't miss it. The author created a captivating story without it. Of course the author makes time for all the gang to be present and Pyewacket helps like only he can. The mystery is enhanced with psychic visions, a fashion obsessed ghost and a clue dropping grumpy cat. A normal fun and quirky day for Mitzy Moon. This is book the twenty-first book in the series and it feels like the series might have come to an end of at least it might be headed in a different direction, which I am glad to hear because I am not ready to say goodbye to Mitzy Moon and the gang. Mitzy is a great character (along with some memorable sidekicks and friends) and has come a long way from the first book. What an incredible journey it has been. I have loved every minute and can't wait to see what's next.
When Mitzy gets a vision of a person trapped in a mysterious blaze that destroys the curling arena, she drops everything in order to help. Saving the mans life isn't enough though and she sets out to find who set the fire in the first place. Can she find the person who set the fire and left a man to die? Especially as she is distracted with her boyfriend's led behaviour. Is he up to something? It's hard to keep secrets around a psychic but both her boyfriend and a would be killed come thief try.
I like the narrator for this series. She did such a good job throughout the series and it is had to imagine anybody else as Mitzy.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Katinka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter is in full swing in Pin Cherry Harbor and everyone is getting ready for the annual Winter Extravaganza, and based on the secrets that she can tell are being kept from her, Mitzi is expecting that Sheriff Harper will be proposing soon. But as always, there seems to be another crisis springing up, this time involving arson, a decades old curling scandal, and the son of a good friend. Can Mitzi and the others find the real arsonist and a missing solid gold trophy? Or will the blame fall on an innocent young man?

I enjoyed reading this book a great deal. There were quite a few unexpected twists that happened throughout the story that kept me guessing as to how it would end. And, hopefully without me spoiling anything, you will wind up agreeing that it was a perfect ending to this series, paving the way for the beginning of Mitzi & Erick's new adventures together.

This book is a must read for fans of the Mitzi Moon books, cozy mysteries, or those who have enjoyed any of Ms. Silvertale's other series. I would recommend having read the previous books in the series before reading this one. (Or at least having read some of them. I'm still working my way through some of the earlier books myself, but have read enough of the later ones that I didn't miss too many references to some of Mitzi's previous adventures.) But even if, like me, you haven't yet read the whole series, you will most likely still enjoy this book as much as I did. I do recommend giving this series a try if you haven't already done so.

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mitzy Moon is looking forward to the Winter Extravaganza this year and has even volunteered to help. But the town seems to be acting oddly and she's having some strange visions of a snow princess. When a mysterious fire destroys the curling arena and nearly takes a life, Mitzy is getting some clues. Can she and Erick put everything together before something else happens? Or will this be her final holiday?

I received an early copy of this book from Hidden Gems, and this is my honest, unbiased review. I've enjoyed this series immensely and this book is no exception. It's a well-written, quick, fun read that had me hooked from start to finish. It's a festive story about family (both blood and chosen), friendships, and small town connections. Mitzy is a wonderful character and her growth from the first book to the last has made for a magnificent read and series. I love Mitzy and Erick as a couple as they're not only a great team, their personalities are complementary. There's sweet romance in this captivating story and a couple mysteries that'll keep you guessing. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order for the most enjoyment and benefit. I'm saddened by the end of this series, but am really looking forward to the new one.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series all the way from Book 1 to this latest Book 21. I come away feeling as though the characters in Pin Cherry Harbor are my friends. I have an emotional investment in the characters. I love Pye, Mitzy’s caracal who always has spot-on clues for Mitzy, if she only recognized them as such.

While Mitzy Moon is known as a corpse magnet, surprisingly, she does not come about any dead bodies this time. But there is a mystery around a sports scandal that happened several years back that leads to Erick and Mitzy investigating a suspected arson at the local ice rink. The story had me on the edge of my seat.

Trixie is one of my favorite authors because her writing is always exceptionally good. She knows when to speed the plot along and when to slow it down. When to throw in the humor and when to keep it serious. This book, in particular, shows her talent. And, alas, this is the last book in this series. BUT…it is not the end of Mitzy and Erick. Their romance is heating up. Stay tuned…

Perfect for a cozy weekend read.

I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve really loved this series from the start to the end. I’m looking forward to reading the new spin off! Mitzy is in the holiday spirit helping the town decorate for the holidays. Before Amaryllis can teach Mitzy how curling is played the ice arena is set on fire. Mitzy learns about her grandpa Cal and their last winning championship and the stone made of gold. Artie the towns snow plow operators ex husband was on that team and has previously tried to steal the trophy so when it comes up missing he is suspect number one or was it his son who now runs the arena. Mitzy has her work cut out for her.
I really loved this book most of all. It’s nice to see how well Mitzy has settled into life in almost Canada! She is well loved amongst the town people and her connections r running deep! I especially loved the ending and was hoping we would get one more book. I adore Ghostma and all her antics and am so glad Mitzy got to know her. I love the scenes between her and her dad too showing how close they have become. I’m going to miss Mitzy and her antics. I highly recommend this book and this series!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

This is the 21st and last book in the series. I was sad to hear that it is the last book, but Trixie has another series starting!

Mitzy Moon is hilarious and a klutz. Her boyfriend, Erick, is the sheriff and loves Mitzy. In fact, Mitzy is waiting for a proposal but every time she’s around Erick, all she sees in her mind is a snow princess. Did I mention that Mitzy has powers? She has learned to hone those powers over the past three years from her mentor, lawyer, and friend, Silas. She could read Erick’s mind, but she’s promised herself not to do that.

As usual, Mitzy and Erick are on a case, and they work great together as a team with his skills as a sheriff and her psychic skills. Of course, her caracal, Pyewacket, has some helpful input as well.

The people of Pin Cherry Harbor have become like close friends, and I’m thrilled that there’s more to come.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great episode in the Mitzy Moon series! What a great series. This time it's not a murder. Mitzy was warned by the too hot to handle boyfriend sheriff, Erick Harper, Ghost-ma, and Pye, her entitled caracal who actually gives clues to Mitzy to stay out of it. This is a case of arson which will ruin the Winter Extravaganza Mitzy looked forward too. Add to that her vision of a snow princess she can't make sense of and the fact that her nemesis shows up. Who set fire to the Hockey/curling arena and why? Despite all the voices telling her to stay out of it, she knows she has to find out what is going on. I love how the relationships that have grown since the first book in the series. This is a fun, laugh out loud at times, cozy mystery series with some quirky characters. This is the last book in the series and you will hold your breath, laugh and even cry, but we know there will be a new Mitzy series.
I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us in the next series! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved reading this series and watching Mitzy grow. This book was as amazing as I expected it would be. The mystery this time involved arson made to look like an accident. There was a melancholy feel to it for me. Going back in memories was bittersweet, as this is the final book. Honestly though, going back and seeing how far Mitzy has come, was the best way for this series to end. The mystery brings back danger from the past and that was fitting too. The end of the book has a surprise and closes the series on a high note. There appears to be a spin off series coming and I am excited for the chapter of Mitzy's life and what it will bring. 
I highly recommend this series and suggest you read it in the order it was written for the best reading experience. There are box sets available. Time will pass quickly as you will be caught up in the story. Before you know it, you will be reading this final edition. 

[Sue Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I put off reading this one because I could tell from the previews what was coming and how the series would end. I always hate it when the writers of cozy mysteries decide have their characters get engaged and then married. It usually ruins the whole dynamic of the series. I'm not a fan of romance. I'm not a fan of marriage. I don't understand why so many women think their goal in life is to give up their independence so they can take care of a grown man who should be able to take care of himself. I don't want him to move in with her and push ghostma aside. I don't like change.

So I'm sure having them get engaged was a great way for "romance" lovers to see the series end, but for me it means I'll not be reading the new series, although I am curious about why he has to stop being sheriff.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really loved this series from start to finish and I am looking forward to the new spin-off. In this last Mitzy Moon book, Mitzy is looking forward to the holidays and even helping with setting up the decorations for the town. When Pin Cherry Harbor's ice arena catches fire, she knows that someone is inside the building. But this time, it's not a dead body! Mitzy works to understand the circumstances of the fire, especially the missing curling trophy.
There's also quite a bit happening in the romance department for Mitzy and Erick. All of the town regulars show up in this last book, not the least of which is Pyewacket the caracal. Can't wait for Erick and Mitzy's new adventures!

[Roxx Tarantini · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end of the wondering . . . but is it the end of the series too?

Erick is keeping a secret. Seems everyone around is helping him keep it. AND blocking Mitzy from "seeing" it with her clairvoyance.

As if that wasn't enough, there's a fire at the arena, a decades-old mystery resurfaces, and an old nemesis is back. Mitzy is busy, to say the least, and isn't spending too much time on figuring out what that Snow Princess vision is all about, for which everyone is grateful. What on earth is happening in Pin Cherry?

The ending had me reaching for tissues, so be prepared!

[I was fortunate to receive a pre-publication copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]

[Darcysmom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few series bring me as much joy as the Mitzy Moon Mysteries. Vandals and Yule Scandals lived up to my very high expectations!
Mitzy has fully integrated into life in Pin Cherry Harbor - life with her too-hot-to-handle sheriff boyfriend, Erick, is going well; her relationship with her father is growing; and Ghostma, Pyewacket, and Silas are happily ensconced into her world.
Christmas is coming and Mitzy is happily involved in community activities. Then...there is a fire at the local ice rink and trouble falls right into her lap.
The mystery is always clever and fun to solve with Mitzy and Erick. There are lots of wonderful surprises in this book.
I am sad that this iteration of Mitzy's stories is ending, but I am really excited for Harper and Moon Investigations!

[Christine Kurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

wish it was on Audible

I love these books. I was scared when I saw the book 21 of 21 thinking this was the end of the adventure. Thrilled to see that it is just being developed into the next step. Like a TV series new season after wrapping together the ongoing story that has it’s season finale but still has a new twist to help the journey grow. I would love to see Audible release them in sets. They are funny and filled with such quick witted humor that they can’t help but bring your spirits up. Not overly done that you miss a huge part of the story if your mind drifts for a minute. To me those are the best to enjoy listening to when actively doing something else. Time flies reading them because they are just fun. Keep writing them and I will keep reading.

[Angela Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a satisfying read!

This book has it all: personable, engaging characters; wit and humor, as well as heart and genuine emotion; a tight, well organized mystery; surprise cameos; and a VERY happy ending! Mitzy finds herself in a case with international implications, an old scandal, and a surprise foe; meanwhile, all she really wants is to be allowed to enjoy winter holidays, Erick, and her loved ones (and maybe to find out what's being kept from her!).

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written paranormal puzzler, and it is a perfect lead-in to the new Harper and Moon series.

[Trisha Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I'm pleased to have been an ARC reader from start to finish in this series. I was gutted to read this was to be the last book. You'll just have to read it yourself for the conclusion!

Another superb storyline. Pace, emotion, drama, danger, mystery, romance. I love the setting of Pin Cherry and the characters. Thanks Trixie for bringing them all to life (well, almost all of them!) I won't go into the plot this time, it started as a great series an ended as an excellent one. One of my favourites, thanks for the ride!

[Kathy Brenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book in this series and I am so sad to see it finish. Prior to the Winter Extravaganza, the curling arena goes up in flames, almost causing a death. that wasn't the only mystery in the case, as something was stolen. Of course Mitzy decides that she needs to investigate. At least this time she is mostly doing it in conjunction with the sheriff - her boyfriend. whilst all this is going on, she feels that the people closet to her are keeping a secret, but all she gets are flashes of a Snow Queen.

[Javon50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Curling Club in Pin Cherry Harbor catches fire and Mitzi Moon is made aware that there is someone trapped in the building, she notifies the sheriff, her boyfriend, Erick Harper and the man is saved. Soon it is abundantly clear that the fire was not an accident, but arson. When a dangerous person from Mitzi’s past returns, she will need all her psychic abilities to free herself from his clutches. I love this series and hope I will still be reading entertaining mysteries for a long, long time. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Doris Brase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curling, Conniving, and Cruelty

Forgetting her uncertainty about when Erick might propose marrige, Mitzy and her step mother head to the curling and ice hockey arena . A huge conflagration meets them. Mitzy get information from her ring and senses a person trapped inside. As the investigation into the arson continues, the theft of a golden trophy surfaces. The scandal surrounding the trophy leads the investigation in circles. Mitzy and Erick have some very tense moments as they unravel the puzzle.

[James Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final volume in this particular series has Pyewacket growing up and Mitzy thinking that Erick might propose soon. There's a fire in an ice rink with a stolen trophy made of solid gold so this is what she and Erick will be working on to solve.

There's also a false confession and, worse of all, Rory is back in his seemingly eternal battle to deal with Mitzy once and for all.

There's also something being planned by Mitzy's friends but she doesn't know what it is.

Another good book in the series and a very good conclusion to the entire series.

[Federica De dominicis · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A RIDE!
An absolutely perfect final book for the Mitzy Moon Mysteries. It makes perfectly sense that this series comes to an end and a new one starts as a spin off at this point. No spoilers!
The usual good writing, wit, nice mystery and incredible characters mix that Trixie Silvertale has got us used to is here and dressed in its best outfit (Ghost Ma would be proud).

For the audio version, Coleen Marlo is at her best, delivering an incredible, vivid interpretation.

Book or audio, this one is a treat.

[Dianne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewing the audiobook:

The perfect close to this thoroughly entertaining series! "Vandals and Yule Scandals" brings the Mitzy Moon Paranormal Cozy Mystery series full circle and leaves the reader feeling they have experienced a comfortable conclusion to a wild ride. The authorship and narration of the entire series has been professional and well done. I look forward to the sequel series, "Harper & Moon Investigations"!

I received a free download of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worthy final episode

Mitzy is becoming more and more a part of Pin Cherry Harbor’s community. Helping to hang the Christmas twinkle lights, isn’t she too klutzy for that? LOL.

The writing was exceptionally excellent, as per usual. The story was captivating, intriguing, and kept me interested throughout.

A beautiful and heartwarming ending. A sense of finality in this last installment of this series, or will there maybe be an opening for a spin-off? I sure hope so!

[Tonya Rash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always the best reading

I absolutely love the mystery Moon mysteries books. I have read the entire series and it's just amazing. I cannot wait to see what happens next and as soon as I see a new book listed I'm downloading and reading. I never if the books kept coming I would never put them down the only way to stop me is when I finish one and have to wait for the next and it's always seems like a terribly long way I absolutely love love love the books