On My Shelf… For the Holidays
My “To Read” pile keeps growing and growing with books I am excited to check out, and I hope that I’ll have time around the holidays to read these books that are currently on my shelf / in my stocking.
The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict
Description: Who will survive until the twelfth night of Christmas? With the promise of answers to her mother’s death, Lily Armitage returns to her ancestral home of Endgame House to take place in the annual Christmas Game. However, this year, the prize is not presents, but the deed to the mansion. And this year’s game might prove deadly.
Why I’m Excited to Read: I’ve been hearing a lot about this book before its release and am excited to finally get a chance to read it and take a stab at solving the mystery. It promises to have lots of riddles and puzzles to solve as well as a murder. I like that it’s set in England and that it sounds like a snowstorm is going to cause trouble for the suspects, which is perfect for a winter read. The book also promises a “game within the game” that readers can play that I find very enticing.
2. The Enemy You Gnocchi by Catherine Bruns
Description: When chef Tessa Esposito’s dear friend is accused of murdering the local Scrooge, Tessa must uncover the man’s other enemies and catch the killer before they can strike again.
Why I’m Excited to Read: I really enjoyed the previous books in this An Italian Chef Mystery series (starting with Penne Dreadful) and am excited for a story set at Christmas. I do have a soft spot for widows in cozies, and I was “all in” with Tessa in the earlier books as she sought to find the truth. I love her large Italian family and chubby cat, as well as the descriptions of her meals. I’m hoping this book with make me laugh, tear up, and crave tomato sauce just as much!
3. The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by David Rosenfelt
Description: Defense lawyer Andy Carpenter wanted to avoid taking on a case near the holidays, but won’t abandon his dog rescue friend, Pups, who needs to fight a zoning complaint about where she rescues dogs. However, the case becomes a lot more complicated when the man who made the complaint winds up dead and Pups becomes the main suspect.
Why I’m Excited to Read: While not quite cozy, I do really enjoy the Andy Carpenter series about this funny defense lawyer who loves dogs. (There are some thriller elements and the occasional mobster.) I love the New Jersey references, that Andy is able to take only the cases that he really believes in, and the main character’s narration of events that can make me literally laugh out loud. I’ve jumped around in this series (there are 27 books!) and am excited to read a Christmas story.
4. Apple Cider Slaying by Julie Ann Lindsay
Description: Winnie is attempting a “First Annual Christmas at the Orchard” to drum up business for her struggling farm, but when her granny’s nemesis is found dead on the property, she has to work to find the real killer so her grandma isn’t locked up for the holidays.
Why I’m Excited to Read: This is the first in a new series and I am happy that it begins with a Christmas book. The apple orchard and farm as a setting is what has me most excited about this book, and I love that the description says that the dead body is found lodged in an apple press.
5. Christmas Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke
Description: While Hannah attempts to complete her lengthy holiday “to do” list, she must also make sure that an attempted murder does not succeed on its second time around on a “John Doe” who has lost his memory.
Why I’m Excited to Read: I thought I had read every Hannah Swensen mystery there was, but this one got past me. I am eager to be able to say that I have read all of them, and overjoyed that I can do so with a holiday read. The recipes and descriptions of food in this series are always delightful.
Fingers crossed I can finish them all by the new year! I’m sure my “to read” pile with continue to grow.
