Goodreads (Add it to your TBR!)
Genre: Holiday, Cozy mystery, mystery, historical mystery
Number of pages: 366
ASIN: B0BHL6KDYF
Format: Kindle (ebook), paperback
Publication date: November 1st, 2022
Publisher: Self-Published
Type: Book, Anthology
Introduction
When I was offered to be part of Merry Little Mysteries' blog tour, I couldn't say no! I mean, I had been waiting for such a holiday present :D! I never did any holiday-themed blog tour, and the stories sounded funny (I was NOT disappointed!) and exciting (again, I have been captivated).
*Thank you to the authors, and particularly C. H. Sessuns, who gave me an e-ARC of this amazing book! I offer this review willingly without any compensation.*
Overall
I could barely put down my Kobo ereader to go and do stuff around the house, and that includes eating and other fun activities. So, that’s quite telling on the quality and amusement of this book! I was just so immersed in its tales!
It almost makes me want to add cozy mysteries to my wishlist, which is a feat in itself as it never interested before now.
In fact, I just might… 😉
The First Story: Murder Takes the Train
The first cliffhanger in the story is just so good! Also, the main character Zadie Belle is lovely. I love her personality, her nerves, determination and kindness. She’s funny too. A sweet, but tough woman.
This quote is one I find hilarious: “The moment the RTV began to slow from breakneck speed to something akin to twisted ankle speed…”
I mean, come on, haha, that’s genius!
Honestly the mystery is good. For a long while I didn't know who did it still, but clues and accusations were showing up. Fun!
I did dislike that it goes in and out of first POV to third POV omniscient, and it’s really annoying.
However, the wrapup Christmasey ending was very sweet. I loved this story!
My Two Favorite Stories:
Feliz Navidead
The main character, Carlie, is funny and resourceful and sooo charming in an ordinary mundane way. I love her!
The villain was also very interesting, and I didn’t know who it was until Carlie herself figured it out. Nice!
Moreover, one of the surprises got me going : "Ohhh yewww!!!" It was funny and quite unexpected.
The only thing is there's a bit of a rushed ending, but it was still good and cute.
The Children's Party
Oh, it's in a different time period. Interesting! The phraseology, language and ideology are believable for that time.
The French excerpts are also excellent. "Jaime beaucoup les fêtes." There was no mistake! And my mother tongue is French, so I might know a thing or two, haha…!
As for the characters, Hippolyta is my girl. Yup. And that William Roy and Patrick Napier… just… I’m so glad she met them both, haha! It’s like I’m living a dream through her. Neat! William Roy is soooo cute and thoughtful and enthusiastic and…. Argh, come on Hippolyta, go with him! The romance in this story is killing me softly! (But I have NO regrets :3)
Lastly, the mystery dealt by children and young people in general is quite amusing. It is also intriguing and kept me on the edge of my seat!
In Conclusion
Did you know there are cute icons and images throughout the books? They're so sweet and pleasant! Well, now you know! While I mentioned three stories for different reasons, know there are many more to be enjoyed! All fantastic in their unique ways. Enough so that it truly makes me consider the genre (cozy mysteries) for my TBR in general. And I never liked it before. Kudos to Merry Little Mysteries for this achievement! 🙂 All in all, I give a rating of 5 stars out of 5 for this holiday anthology. I just wished the book was better edited, but it's still a delightful gift to read!
Ad Librum Aeternam 