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Charlie Parker #10.5
Holidays Can Be Murder
From USA Today bestselling author Connie Shelton a light, charming holiday mystery novella, complete with lots of special Southwestern Christmas traditions. two of the recipes featured in the story.
It's a New Mexico Christmas. The lights are strung, the luminarias are set along the sidewalks. Treats are abundant and Charlie Parker is getting ready for her mother-in-law's holiday visit. But there is trouble in the neighborhood and when death shows up--right next door--Charlie's bright, festive plans suddenly take a turn for the dark. Get in the spirit with this holiday novella.
Praise for Connie Shelton's Charlie Parker
"A Charlie Parker mystery is always a good read." -- Southwest Book Views
"Connie Shelton does a fantastic job of interweaving various New Mexico locales and cultures into the plot so that the state feels like the land of enchantment." Harriet Klausner, online reviewer
It's a New Mexico Christmas. The lights are strung, the luminarias are set along the sidewalks. Treats are abundant and Charlie Parker is getting ready for her mother-in-law's holiday visit. But there is trouble in the neighborhood and when death shows up--right next door--Charlie's bright, festive plans suddenly take a turn for the dark. Get in the spirit with this holiday novella.
Praise for Connie Shelton's Charlie Parker
"A Charlie Parker mystery is always a good read." -- Southwest Book Views
"Connie Shelton does a fantastic job of interweaving various New Mexico locales and cultures into the plot so that the state feels like the land of enchantment." Harriet Klausner, online reviewer
148 pages, Paperback
First published October 5, 2009
64 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Connie Shelton
95 books310 followersMy love of books started with weekly trips to the library as a child and from the moment I learned to read I can't remember a time that I didn't have at least one book going. For the past 25 years, that list has grown to include what I'm reading and what I'm writing at any given time.
I began writing my Charlie Parker series when my husband and I lived on Kauai, then continued them in my home state of New Mexico. Charlie lives in Albuquerque and manages to travel to a variety of locations, wherever her investigation business and her husband's helicopter business take them. My second series featuring Samantha Sweet, the 50-ish woman who breaks into houses for a living, is set in Taos, New Mexico.
In addition to reading and writing, I've traveled quite a lot, taught writing courses, and been a speaker at a whole lot of mystery conventions and writing conferences. In my spare time I also love to paint, draw, cook and spend time at the beach.
Series:
* Charlie Parker Mystery
I began writing my Charlie Parker series when my husband and I lived on Kauai, then continued them in my home state of New Mexico. Charlie lives in Albuquerque and manages to travel to a variety of locations, wherever her investigation business and her husband's helicopter business take them. My second series featuring Samantha Sweet, the 50-ish woman who breaks into houses for a living, is set in Taos, New Mexico.
In addition to reading and writing, I've traveled quite a lot, taught writing courses, and been a speaker at a whole lot of mystery conventions and writing conferences. In my spare time I also love to paint, draw, cook and spend time at the beach.
Series:
* Charlie Parker Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
December 29, 2018
This book was a complete surprise to me. First, I've not read any of Connie Shelton's books, second, Charlie Parker and her hubby live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. That was a huge shock, third, they talk of the traditions we have here in Albuquerque and New Mexico such as luminarias, dishes that are prepared, etc. How fun is that!!!
Hold it right there, ma'am," a sharp voice commanded. A rough hand gripped my shoulder and spun me around "Charlie?"
"Kent? What's going here?"
He dropped his hand and stood firmly blocking my way. "This is a crime scene. Neighbors of yours, I gather?"
Uh, yeah. I live right here," I said, indicating our house with a vague wave. "What kind of crime?" I knew it was a stupid question the minute it slipped out. Kent Taylor only worked one kind of case - homicide.
Charlie Parker lives in a quiet neighborhood in Albuquerque. She has lived there since childhood and now enjoys the home that was once her parents' with her husband Drake and their dog Rusty. When Drake informed her that his mother would be coming for the Christmas holidays her red flags went up. She had only briefly met Catherine and had no idea as to how they would get along. Entertaining her would be just one more thing to add to her holiday activities. Then came the call from her newest neighbor Judy, asking for help with the list of decoration required by the community every year. Coming from Chicago she wasn't even sure what luminarias were. Yet another addition to the do-do-list. And on top of this, she still had to keep up with the private investigation agency she and her brother Ron owned.
Christmas came and went but the day after brought the celebrations to a stop when a neighbor was found murdered. The police have their suspect but Charlie knows deep down that they are wrong and it's her job to prove it. And prove it she does.
This book is a quick, easy read that takes you on a few curvy roads along the way. It kept me turning pages while giving me very little clues as to who the murderer would turn out to be. It also has me wanting read more of this author's work. Can't wait to read more of these.
Hold it right there, ma'am," a sharp voice commanded. A rough hand gripped my shoulder and spun me around "Charlie?"
"Kent? What's going here?"
He dropped his hand and stood firmly blocking my way. "This is a crime scene. Neighbors of yours, I gather?"
Uh, yeah. I live right here," I said, indicating our house with a vague wave. "What kind of crime?" I knew it was a stupid question the minute it slipped out. Kent Taylor only worked one kind of case - homicide.
Charlie Parker lives in a quiet neighborhood in Albuquerque. She has lived there since childhood and now enjoys the home that was once her parents' with her husband Drake and their dog Rusty. When Drake informed her that his mother would be coming for the Christmas holidays her red flags went up. She had only briefly met Catherine and had no idea as to how they would get along. Entertaining her would be just one more thing to add to her holiday activities. Then came the call from her newest neighbor Judy, asking for help with the list of decoration required by the community every year. Coming from Chicago she wasn't even sure what luminarias were. Yet another addition to the do-do-list. And on top of this, she still had to keep up with the private investigation agency she and her brother Ron owned.
Christmas came and went but the day after brought the celebrations to a stop when a neighbor was found murdered. The police have their suspect but Charlie knows deep down that they are wrong and it's her job to prove it. And prove it she does.
This book is a quick, easy read that takes you on a few curvy roads along the way. It kept me turning pages while giving me very little clues as to who the murderer would turn out to be. It also has me wanting read more of this author's work. Can't wait to read more of these.
January 4, 2023
Kindle freebie at time of download Dec. 2022. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.
Charlie Parker looks forward to Christmas in New Mexico every year. She can't wait for snow and getting cozy with her new husband. Even a visit from her mother-in-law can't dampen Charlie's enthusiasm. Her new neighbor, Judy, needs a lot of help learning how to celebrate according to the rules of the neighborhood. Then Judy's mother-in-law shows up and nearly ruins Christmas with her out-of-control behavior. Judy is at her wit's end and could just about kill Paula. Unfortunately someone does kill Paula and the detective in charge is convinced Judy is the killer. Charlie will do whatever it takes to free Judy. Good thing her brother is a P.I.!
Not having read any of this series before, I don't feel like I missed too much. Charlie recaps enough of her background that I got a sense of who she is. I didn't care for the writing style. It's very dull and uninspired. The plot didn't really interest me all that much either. I was surprised by the identity of the killer though and didn't expect that at all.
Charlie is boring. I didn't connect to her at all. I don't have a sense of her personality or interests except she likes snow and she's a loyal friend. Her husband, Drake, seems nice but not around very much. He invites his mother to visit without consulting Charlie and that to me would be grounds for divorce. Fortunately, Catherine is nice and she and Charlie seem to get along. Even their dogs get along.
Judy Garfield next door is a bundle of nerves. She's anxious to do things right and needs to consult Charlie at every turn. She's a tea drinker but doesn't understand the fine art of brewing and sipping tea so I really can not like her. I feel sorry for her but I don't like her. (Tea drinkers don't drink tea dust in tea bags nor do they dunk their digusting swill in hot water!) Her husband Wilbur is a meek and mild-mannered guy who needs to man up and tell his toxic mother to go to a hotel. Pay for it if necessary! Paul is awful! She's a middle-aged woman stuck in young adulthood. She drinks to excess, dresses like a hooker, does drugs and behaves badly. She's embarassing and doesn't understand social cues. That's not really a good reason to murder her though.
The only real suspect, besides Judy, is Chuck, a mean tempered man who had a run-in with Paula at a party. Charlie doesn't think he did it because he's mean to everyone but I think he's a good candidate. There's also a mysterious man driving around the neighborhood. No one knows who he is or what he wants. Maybe Paula's death was a break-in gone wrong? What about her ex-husband #5 in California? Could he have wanted Paula out of his life for good? He seems like he could be a good suspect. The ex scorned? The ex who had enough? Maybe she had some dirt on him? I think it was Ray. Or maybe Gus, her drug dealer? He's no prize either.
I didn't like this story enough to want to read the rest of the series.
Charlie Parker looks forward to Christmas in New Mexico every year. She can't wait for snow and getting cozy with her new husband. Even a visit from her mother-in-law can't dampen Charlie's enthusiasm. Her new neighbor, Judy, needs a lot of help learning how to celebrate according to the rules of the neighborhood. Then Judy's mother-in-law shows up and nearly ruins Christmas with her out-of-control behavior. Judy is at her wit's end and could just about kill Paula. Unfortunately someone does kill Paula and the detective in charge is convinced Judy is the killer. Charlie will do whatever it takes to free Judy. Good thing her brother is a P.I.!
Not having read any of this series before, I don't feel like I missed too much. Charlie recaps enough of her background that I got a sense of who she is. I didn't care for the writing style. It's very dull and uninspired. The plot didn't really interest me all that much either. I was surprised by the identity of the killer though and didn't expect that at all.
Charlie is boring. I didn't connect to her at all. I don't have a sense of her personality or interests except she likes snow and she's a loyal friend. Her husband, Drake, seems nice but not around very much. He invites his mother to visit without consulting Charlie and that to me would be grounds for divorce. Fortunately, Catherine is nice and she and Charlie seem to get along. Even their dogs get along.
Judy Garfield next door is a bundle of nerves. She's anxious to do things right and needs to consult Charlie at every turn. She's a tea drinker but doesn't understand the fine art of brewing and sipping tea so I really can not like her. I feel sorry for her but I don't like her. (Tea drinkers don't drink tea dust in tea bags nor do they dunk their digusting swill in hot water!) Her husband Wilbur is a meek and mild-mannered guy who needs to man up and tell his toxic mother to go to a hotel. Pay for it if necessary! Paul is awful! She's a middle-aged woman stuck in young adulthood. She drinks to excess, dresses like a hooker, does drugs and behaves badly. She's embarassing and doesn't understand social cues. That's not really a good reason to murder her though.
The only real suspect, besides Judy, is Chuck, a mean tempered man who had a run-in with Paula at a party. Charlie doesn't think he did it because he's mean to everyone but I think he's a good candidate. There's also a mysterious man driving around the neighborhood. No one knows who he is or what he wants. Maybe Paula's death was a break-in gone wrong? What about her ex-husband #5 in California? Could he have wanted Paula out of his life for good? He seems like he could be a good suspect. The ex scorned? The ex who had enough? Maybe she had some dirt on him? I think it was Ray. Or maybe Gus, her drug dealer? He's no prize either.
I didn't like this story enough to want to read the rest of the series.
December 19, 2022
i liked the writing and characters, but it was so obvious whodunnit that there was no satisfaction in it.
July 17, 2018
I loved this story. It was like being home for Christmas and everything that could go wrong, Did!
It is about nice Holiday celebrations in New Mexico. Charlie and Drake live in a subdivision and the Holiday is shared by everyone who lives there. They all decorate their homes. There are people who drive through the neighborhood to see all the lights, and usually cause traffic jams!
The neighbors have a cookie swap, share dinners together and walk the neighborhood to see the lights also.
Charlie and Drake have Drake's Mom staying with them until after New Years. The next door neighbors, Judy and Wilbur have Wilbur's Mom for the holidays and she tells them she will be living with them until she can find a place to live and a job. The problem is Judy does not get along with Paula, Wilbur's Mom.
So when Paula ends up dead, everyone is looking at Judy! The story is so well written that I did not see who done it coming when it did.
If you want a good holiday story to read, this is it.
It is about nice Holiday celebrations in New Mexico. Charlie and Drake live in a subdivision and the Holiday is shared by everyone who lives there. They all decorate their homes. There are people who drive through the neighborhood to see all the lights, and usually cause traffic jams!
The neighbors have a cookie swap, share dinners together and walk the neighborhood to see the lights also.
Charlie and Drake have Drake's Mom staying with them until after New Years. The next door neighbors, Judy and Wilbur have Wilbur's Mom for the holidays and she tells them she will be living with them until she can find a place to live and a job. The problem is Judy does not get along with Paula, Wilbur's Mom.
So when Paula ends up dead, everyone is looking at Judy! The story is so well written that I did not see who done it coming when it did.
If you want a good holiday story to read, this is it.
December 2, 2023
This is a fun and funny short read for the holiday. Not your typical holiday love story, just a story with a twist of murder.
May 31, 2018
Fun little short story. Who done it in the suburbs type of book.
September 12, 2022
Holidays Can Be Murder is an entertaining read. Shelton creates characters that are easy to love or easy to hate. Her stories are character driven, more so than plot/action driven. Connie uses a lot of foreshadowing to let the reader know what lies ahead, but the real physical action never starts before the reader has almost reached the end of the book, perhaps about three-quarters of the way through the story.
I’m an adrenaline jockey in real life, and in my choice of the books that I read. I like nonstop action thrill rides from the first page to the last page. Blood and guts action makes a book a page turner/burner for me. I don’t read too many cozy mysteries. Most of them bore me to death, and I toss them aside after a chapter or two. Connie Shelton’s cozy mysteries are the exception to the rule. It’s her characters, characters like Charlie and Ron Parker, that hold my interest and that keep me turning the pages.
If you’re an adrenaline junky like me and have never read a cozy mystery, or, at least never finished one, you need to read this one. Connie will turn you into a cozy mystery fan, well...at least a Connie Shelton fan.
I’m an adrenaline jockey in real life, and in my choice of the books that I read. I like nonstop action thrill rides from the first page to the last page. Blood and guts action makes a book a page turner/burner for me. I don’t read too many cozy mysteries. Most of them bore me to death, and I toss them aside after a chapter or two. Connie Shelton’s cozy mysteries are the exception to the rule. It’s her characters, characters like Charlie and Ron Parker, that hold my interest and that keep me turning the pages.
If you’re an adrenaline junky like me and have never read a cozy mystery, or, at least never finished one, you need to read this one. Connie will turn you into a cozy mystery fan, well...at least a Connie Shelton fan.
August 17, 2017
As Charlie's mother-in-law comes to town for the Christmas holiday, Judy, tells her next-door neighbor also has her mother-in-law come for a visit. The only difference is that Paula, Judy's mother-in-law is crude and abrasive and no one really likes her.
When Paula is murdered and Judy is arrested, Charlie steps in to investigate because the police don't care to investigate further as Judy had been heard to say that she wanted to kill Paula.
Charlie's investigation takes her to California to meet one of Paula's drug suppliers, and puts her in danger of being the next victim after she is kidnapped and pushed down into a basement.
Connie wrote another great Charlie Parker story; the only problem I had is she did not close out the reason for a vehicle that kept showing up in the neighborhood.
When Paula is murdered and Judy is arrested, Charlie steps in to investigate because the police don't care to investigate further as Judy had been heard to say that she wanted to kill Paula.
Charlie's investigation takes her to California to meet one of Paula's drug suppliers, and puts her in danger of being the next victim after she is kidnapped and pushed down into a basement.
Connie wrote another great Charlie Parker story; the only problem I had is she did not close out the reason for a vehicle that kept showing up in the neighborhood.
December 17, 2018
Charlie and her husband are getting ready for Christmas. They are going to help their new transplant neighbors create luminaries and her mother-in-law is coming for Christmas. After her mother arrives, her neighbor's mother-in-law comes to town also. Soon after she mentions that she will be moving to the area permanently, she is found murdered in her son's home. The first suspect is the daughter-in-law. Charlie, part-owner of a detective agency, helps to search for the true murderer.
The story was short and interesting. I have found and marked several other books with this protagonist to-be-read. I will have to go back to the beginning as this was just filling the Holiday reads for me, but it was fun, so I am interested to see if they stay the same.
The story was short and interesting. I have found and marked several other books with this protagonist to-be-read. I will have to go back to the beginning as this was just filling the Holiday reads for me, but it was fun, so I am interested to see if they stay the same.
December 4, 2019
2.5 stars. This was a short little audiobook mystery, but it seemed much longer than under three hours. There was a lot of setup at the beginning, which was actually my favorite part. The descriptions of holiday decorations in New Mexico and the amateur sleuth getting ready for Christmas with her husband and neighbors really set the scene. Once the murder took place, it kind of fell off for me. The investigation part didn't seem very realistic to me, and I had already figured out who did it before she set off on a trip to look into alternatives. I think this writer probably works better when she has more time to unfold the story instead of rushing it in a shorter piece. I liked Charlie and the setting and other characters, so I might try another in the series to see how it goes.
December 4, 2017
Holidays Can Be Murder was a quick-reading cozy novella. The main character, Charlie, is trying to enjoy the holidays and get through a massive to-do list, which includes preparing for a short notice visit from her mother-in-law. Living on a popular Candy Cane Lane means lots of outside prep work too. Fortunately, their close knit community works well together and their new neighbors seem so helpful and sweet that Charlie feels compelled to help when his mother is killed.
I enjoyed the build up to the murder just as much as how Charlie solved it. Holidays Can Be Murder was a great choice for a seasonal read.
I enjoyed the build up to the murder just as much as how Charlie solved it. Holidays Can Be Murder was a great choice for a seasonal read.
December 30, 2021
I'm new to Connie Shelton's books, and I really enjoyed it. Not too cozy, not too gritty, but just right. There was a little bit of awkward writing ("We good-morninged each other" comes to mind), but as it was only in two or three places, it wasn't very bothersome. I'd like to read more of her books.
Charlie Parker is the accountant for her husband's private investigation firm, so of course she does some sleuthing of her own, especially when her friend is accused of murder.
As a New Mexican, I really enjoyed the Albuquerque setting and descriptions of local holiday traditions. My only disappointment: the description says two recipes are included...they are not. :(
Charlie Parker is the accountant for her husband's private investigation firm, so of course she does some sleuthing of her own, especially when her friend is accused of murder.
As a New Mexican, I really enjoyed the Albuquerque setting and descriptions of local holiday traditions. My only disappointment: the description says two recipes are included...they are not. :(
January 1, 2018
This slim volume, 148 pages, focuses on Christmas in New Mexico when Charlie’s mother-in-law Catherine’s comes for a surprise visit. Judy’s colorful mother-in-law is murdered and the Albuquerque Police Department arrests Judy, Charlie puts her own life at risk to find the killer. The fast-paced plot includes two recipes.
I received this book through a random giveaway. Although encouraged as a courtesy to provide feedback, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I received this book through a random giveaway. Although encouraged as a courtesy to provide feedback, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
December 15, 2019
Celebrate Christmas in New Mexico with private investigator, Charlie Parker. With yummy biscochitos, green chile stew, and enchiladas red or green (or the true New Mexican way order with both, we call this Christmas) all of my favorite holiday goodies. And don't forget the pretty luminaries lit up and down the streets, making everything look pretty. Connie Shelton described the holiday season perfectly. Quick and easy to read. It was the perfect binger, with a who-done-it vibe. This was my first Connie Shelton read and I can say I will be reading more of this Charlie Parker series.
December 31, 2022
Charlie is looking forward to Christmas and her mother-in-law’s visit. But her friend and neighbor isn’t doing as well, as her mother-in-law, Paula, has decided to also come visit, and she is a really annoying and boisterous person. I t doesn’t help when she announces she’s divorced from husband number 5 and has decided to make her home with them! When she winds up dead, her daughter-in-law, Judy, is accused of the murder! Charlie has to figure out who did it, as she’s sure Judy is innocent. Great story with some of my favorite characters!
September 27, 2017
This is an adorable cozy happening during the Christmas holiday --- thru all the busy Christmas activities a neighbor's mother-in-law gets killed and who did it? I don't think I've ever come across a Connie Shelton story I haven't enjoyed - well written, well plotted and it's not until the story is almost finished and it's too late that you know who the murderer is! Has a couple of recipes also (both of which I plan on trying)!
March 18, 2018
I loved this book. The main character is Charlie and her husband Drake. Their neighbor , Judy has her mother-in-law visiting for Christmas and said mother-in law is everyone nightmare. After a few days where is embarrassed everyone she if found murdered. The police are sure Judy did it and Charlie decides she has to figure out who really did it. The ending sure did surprise me. Looking forward to reading more.
December 13, 2019
This was a quick easy read or shall I say listen. I listened to the audio version of this. This is a story of someone who is accused of murdering their mother in law which I'm sure is fairly common feeling especially around the holidays. The detective doesn't take long to figure out who the real perpetrator is. But the whole story is really a discussion of all the different stresses around the holiday time.
December 18, 2019
A quick holiday mystery.
Charlie and her husband are getting ready for Christmas and her mother-in-law is visiting. As they are working on preparations her neighbor comes over and says her obnoxious mother-in-law has showed up unannounced. When everyone meets her they are not impressed. Then the woman is murdered and Charlie helps figure out who the killer is.
Set in Albuquerque showcasing some of the areas Christmas traditions.
Charlie and her husband are getting ready for Christmas and her mother-in-law is visiting. As they are working on preparations her neighbor comes over and says her obnoxious mother-in-law has showed up unannounced. When everyone meets her they are not impressed. Then the woman is murdered and Charlie helps figure out who the killer is.
Set in Albuquerque showcasing some of the areas Christmas traditions.
January 19, 2021
HOLIDAYS CAN BE MURDER is the eighth book in the Charlie Parker Cozy Mystery series. It can be read as a stand-alone.
This is a quick and light suspense mystery set during the Christmas season.
I would definitely love to read more of this series and this author.
Title: HOLIDAYS CAN BE MURDER
Series: Charlie Parker #7.5
Category /Genre: Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 14+
Grammar/editing: B – a few small errors
Received from: Connie Shelton (as a gifted copy)
This is a quick and light suspense mystery set during the Christmas season.
I would definitely love to read more of this series and this author.
Title: HOLIDAYS CAN BE MURDER
Series: Charlie Parker #7.5
Category /Genre: Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 14+
Grammar/editing: B – a few small errors
Received from: Connie Shelton (as a gifted copy)
January 17, 2025
HOLIDAYS can be MURDER.
CONNIE SHELTON
Review by Author Roy Murry
HOLIDAYS is the first book I have read by Ms. Shelton. I am impressed with the story's setup. However, the mystery is easy to figure out - her neighbor's mother-in-law is killed.
The characters are well-developed for a series, and the main character, Charlie Parker, controls the action throughout the play. She finds clues while the detective in her company, her brother, is not involved.
Those follow-ups take Charlie in circles and lead her back to square one, where the answer lies. The adventure is enjoyable for the reader.
CONNIE SHELTON
Review by Author Roy Murry
HOLIDAYS is the first book I have read by Ms. Shelton. I am impressed with the story's setup. However, the mystery is easy to figure out - her neighbor's mother-in-law is killed.
The characters are well-developed for a series, and the main character, Charlie Parker, controls the action throughout the play. She finds clues while the detective in her company, her brother, is not involved.
Those follow-ups take Charlie in circles and lead her back to square one, where the answer lies. The adventure is enjoyable for the reader.
May 26, 2025
Charlie's mother in law comes to town as does her neighbor Judy's mother in law. Unfortunately, Judy's mother in law is crude and abrasive and no one likes her. Paula is murdered and Charlie steps in to investigate as the police had arrested Judy after finding out she had been overheard threatening to kill her mother in law. Charlie's investigations take her to California where she ends up being in danger of being the next victim. This is a short, interesting Christmas story set in New Mexico.
September 17, 2017
Charlie Parker is getting ready for Christmas in New Mexico. In her neighborhood they decorate to the extreme. So she is decorating and getting ready for her mother in law to visit. When there is a murder next door. Of course Charlie has to get involved and solve the crime. A quick read with lot's of twists and turns.
December 22, 2017
Holidays Can Be Murder is a short cozy mystery. Being short, there is no time to weave a much deeper plot. The story was pretty much straight forward. The neighbor’s obnoxious mother-in-law is murdered and the story is on to solve the murder. The result, of course, is a twist in that you don’t suspect who the actual murderer is until the unmasking at the end. Good short story.
December 7, 2019
I found this Christmas Cozy Mystery Novella at my library in audio form. I love to listen to audiobooks when I have things to do, and that always seems to be the case. :) This was my first Charlie Parker book and I found it quick and entertaining. I can see that it would be a fun series for cozy mystery fans to read from the beginning.
August 14, 2020
This was my first Connie Shelton book. It was so much better than I thought it was going to be! A very enjoyable story, with a nice happy ending. Well-written, well-paced, and entertaining. I'm hoping my library obtains the other books from this author and this series. It was very well worth the time to read.
April 17, 2022
I received this book from the author's offering in a Bookfunnel promotion. I hadn't read anything else by this author, but I plan to based upon my reading enjoyment of this book. Except for some formatting and other printing errors, I liked it. It was a quick read perfect for the Christmas season and all-year round. I recommend it.
December 11, 2025
The plot for this murder-mystery novella kept me unsure of the killer until near the end. Obviously Connie Shelton writes good stories. The drawback for me was this felt like a story that she couldn't decide how to end it as a longer tale; kind of like she gave up, threw a quick ending in place, and called it done.
January 18, 2017
Charlie Parker is getting ready for the holidays and waiting for her mother in law to arrive. In between all this there is a murder next door. A light hearted mystery perfect for reading during the holidays when you need a bit of a break. Don't miss this adorable book
October 26, 2017
A nice short mystery set during Christmas. Southwest setting. I feel sorry for the culprit and wish they hadn't been caught. This is part of a series that I was not familiar with but my lack of knowledge made no different in understanding what was happening.
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