I mentioned something last week about the advent of Holiday Books beginning to cross the bloggers’ post paths. I always marvel at the beautiful, colorful book covers. Somehow, though, I’m just not one to read Christmas-themed books and, granted, there are more than just cozy mysteries and Hallmark romances. But yes, this week I found a Traditional Detective Mystery and a Cozy Culinary Mystery that you are bound to love.
This week I discovered a murder mystery read and reviewed by Jen Lucas at Jen Med’s Book Reviews, White Christmas by Mark L Fowler. (Told you they weren’t all candy canes and romance.) I love her review of the story “packed with mystery and misdirection.” It’s a Tyler & Mills Mystery series that takes place in Stoke (UK) and does sound a bit cheeky. There is an amicable relationship between the two, respect, and a sense of humor. Sounds good!
Okay, then Tari Hann over at Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery wrote a lovely review for Crescent City Christmas Chaos by Ellen Byron. Yes! We will read a cozy mystery by Ellen Byron because (like Tari) we loved Cajun Country Mysteries. One of my absolute favs. It’s based around New Orleans and always atmospheric to the point of hearing that iconic music and spelling those Cajun fragrances at the street side cafes. Tari says of the protagonist, “Ricki was one busy shopkeeper this Christmas season…She had all her virtual plates spinning in the air as she tackled running the shop, helping her friends with a cookbook project, sleuthing a murder case…”
Who Started This Anyway?
Jodie, of That Happy Reader is again hosting the Christmas Reading Challenge for 2025 that she started in 2022. Her challenge runs from October 1 through December 31 (but you can start any time and read how ever many you want). She loves reading Christmas-themed books AND watching Hallmark Christmas movies! And who knows, I may add a Christmas movie as the CE loves those things.
Someone else have a holiday-themed challenge I missed? Want me to add it to this blog post? Send me the link. Otherwise, I’ll be looking for your Christmas book reviews—are there any you don’t recommend?
©2025 V Williams
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