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Killer Chocolate #1
A Christmas Candy Killing
Their chocolates are to die for—but things aren’t so sweet when a real killer comes to town, in this debut mystery perfect for fans of Joanne Fluke and Laura Childs.
Identical twin sisters Alex and Hannah are the owners of Murder and Mayhem, a mystery bookshop that sells their famous poison-themed Killer Chocolates. But now, there’s a real killer in their midst. Shortly before Christmas, their septuagenarian neighbor, Jane, confides to Alex that a murderer from a true-crime show has taken up residence in the village. Unfortunately, she’s also shared her suspicions with town gossip Netta. The next morning, Alex shows up at Jane’s house to watch the show, but instead discovers Jane's body, with a box of Killer Chocolates nearby.
The sheriff quickly zeroes in on two suspects: Alex, a beneficiary in Jane’s will, and Zack, a handyman who was seen leaving the crime scene. But Alex maintains her innocence and sets out to draft a list of other potential suspects—townsfolk who’d recently been seen arguing with Jane.
When Alex gets hold of Jane’s journal, she begins to understand the truth. But a bearer of ill tidings is arriving early this year—and Alex just might not make it to Christmas.
Identical twin sisters Alex and Hannah are the owners of Murder and Mayhem, a mystery bookshop that sells their famous poison-themed Killer Chocolates. But now, there’s a real killer in their midst. Shortly before Christmas, their septuagenarian neighbor, Jane, confides to Alex that a murderer from a true-crime show has taken up residence in the village. Unfortunately, she’s also shared her suspicions with town gossip Netta. The next morning, Alex shows up at Jane’s house to watch the show, but instead discovers Jane's body, with a box of Killer Chocolates nearby.
The sheriff quickly zeroes in on two suspects: Alex, a beneficiary in Jane’s will, and Zack, a handyman who was seen leaving the crime scene. But Alex maintains her innocence and sets out to draft a list of other potential suspects—townsfolk who’d recently been seen arguing with Jane.
When Alex gets hold of Jane’s journal, she begins to understand the truth. But a bearer of ill tidings is arriving early this year—and Alex just might not make it to Christmas.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published October 11, 2022
About the author
Christina Romeril
4 books196 followersChristina Romeril loves to plot murders, especially by poisoning. When she’s not plotting how to kill one of her characters she’s coming up with ways to dispose of the body. Since writing her debut novel her husband’s friends have been regularly checking on his well-being.
Christina also loves to read, eat chocolates, and travel when she’s not in her she shed writing. She grew up in Southern Ontario and spent most of her summers in Muskoka swimming, boating, and generally getting into mischief. She’s lived on both coasts of Canada and has a love of being near the water and close to a forest. Thus, it makes perfect sense that she moved to the prairies of Southern Alberta over twenty years ago.
During the warmer months you’ll find her escaping to nearby Waterton Lakes National Park with her cooler stocked full of chocolate and pastries. Occasionally, the once avid hiker will even set out on one of the many hiking trails and hope she doesn’t run into a hungry bear.
Christina's debut cozy mystery novel, A CHRISTMAS CANDY KILLING, released in 2022 and A NUTCRACKER NIGHTMARE, the second instalment in the Killer Chocolate Mysteries will be out October 17, 2023.
Christina enjoys interacting on social media and hopes you'll sign up for her newsletter. Be sure to like her Facebook page and follow her on Instagram and Twitter for upcoming book releases, special events, and more!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinaro...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinarom...
Twitter: https://Twitter.com/romerilchris
Christina also loves to read, eat chocolates, and travel when she’s not in her she shed writing. She grew up in Southern Ontario and spent most of her summers in Muskoka swimming, boating, and generally getting into mischief. She’s lived on both coasts of Canada and has a love of being near the water and close to a forest. Thus, it makes perfect sense that she moved to the prairies of Southern Alberta over twenty years ago.
During the warmer months you’ll find her escaping to nearby Waterton Lakes National Park with her cooler stocked full of chocolate and pastries. Occasionally, the once avid hiker will even set out on one of the many hiking trails and hope she doesn’t run into a hungry bear.
Christina's debut cozy mystery novel, A CHRISTMAS CANDY KILLING, released in 2022 and A NUTCRACKER NIGHTMARE, the second instalment in the Killer Chocolate Mysteries will be out October 17, 2023.
Christina enjoys interacting on social media and hopes you'll sign up for her newsletter. Be sure to like her Facebook page and follow her on Instagram and Twitter for upcoming book releases, special events, and more!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinaro...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinarom...
Twitter: https://Twitter.com/romerilchris
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews
January 8, 2023
This is a fun and entertaining read and a promising start to a new series.
I loved the idea of a mystery bookshop which also sells poison-themed chocolates. The characters are three-dimensional and likeable (Miss Watson is adorable) and the mystery progresses at a nice pace. Being German, I also enjoyed the German expressions thrown in here and there (I am curious to know how they are pronounced in the audio version 😃).
All in all, it was a great read and I am looking forward to the next installment in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of the book.
I loved the idea of a mystery bookshop which also sells poison-themed chocolates. The characters are three-dimensional and likeable (Miss Watson is adorable) and the mystery progresses at a nice pace. Being German, I also enjoyed the German expressions thrown in here and there (I am curious to know how they are pronounced in the audio version 😃).
All in all, it was a great read and I am looking forward to the next installment in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of the book.
October 10, 2022
This is the first book in a new series which appears to have plenty of promise!
Sisters Alex and Hannah run a mystery themed bookshop called Murder and Mayhem. They also sell home-made chocolates which are in keeping with the theme, with fillings named after poisons often used in the literature like Strychnine Strawberry. (Clever and entertaining but seriously it would put me off eating the chocolates!).
When Alex's close friend Jane is found murdered Alex gets The Sleuth Book Club motivated to help discover the killer. It is a race against time when other people die or are threatened and even Alex herself has a narrow escape. Once or twice I thought Alex's actions were a little naive but then if everyone was smart all the time nothing dramatic would ever happen, and the story would be very dull.
A Christmas Candy Killing is far from dull and I would recommend it, especially for during the holiday season.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Sisters Alex and Hannah run a mystery themed bookshop called Murder and Mayhem. They also sell home-made chocolates which are in keeping with the theme, with fillings named after poisons often used in the literature like Strychnine Strawberry. (Clever and entertaining but seriously it would put me off eating the chocolates!).
When Alex's close friend Jane is found murdered Alex gets The Sleuth Book Club motivated to help discover the killer. It is a race against time when other people die or are threatened and even Alex herself has a narrow escape. Once or twice I thought Alex's actions were a little naive but then if everyone was smart all the time nothing dramatic would ever happen, and the story would be very dull.
A Christmas Candy Killing is far from dull and I would recommend it, especially for during the holiday season.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 19, 2022
Identical twins Alex and Hanna have made a life for themselves in a small Montana town, where they have opened Murder and Mayhem, a combination mystery bookstore and chocolate shop. In the time they’ve been here, Alex has become friends with Jane, one of their neighbors. Jane invites Alex over to view a true crime show because she believes that one of their neighbors is the killer still at large at the end of the episode. But when Alex arrives, she finds Jane’s dead body. The police think it was a robbery gone wrong, but Alex wonders if Jane was really onto something. Can she find the killer?
Between the culinary cozy theme and the Christmas setting, I have to give this debut a chance. I’m glad I did. The first couple of chapters had a bit too much background on Alex and Hanna, but once the murder happened, things picked up. I appreciated how the clues were folded into the story. Not that I figured out the killer using them. The characters are good, but they could be a little stronger. Likewise, the setting is good, but could be a little stronger. Both of these are minor complaints since I am definitely ready to visit my new friends and this location again soon. I enjoyed the Christmas timing as well. This is a delicious debut.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Between the culinary cozy theme and the Christmas setting, I have to give this debut a chance. I’m glad I did. The first couple of chapters had a bit too much background on Alex and Hanna, but once the murder happened, things picked up. I appreciated how the clues were folded into the story. Not that I figured out the killer using them. The characters are good, but they could be a little stronger. Likewise, the setting is good, but could be a little stronger. Both of these are minor complaints since I am definitely ready to visit my new friends and this location again soon. I enjoyed the Christmas timing as well. This is a delicious debut.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
April 10, 2022
An appealing debut cozy that whisks readers away to a world of savory chocolates with poison-themed names. Protagonist Alex Wright and her twin sister, Hanna, are the middle-aged co-owners of Murders and Mayhem: Killer Chocolates and Bookshop in the lovely Rocky Mountains of Montana. When a Sleuth Book Club member is found murdered in an odd manner, Deputy Sheriff Duncan Fletcher is called to investigate. The story action begins very quickly!
Swift pacing, humor, and an awesome main set of characters top my list of things I liked about the story. The theme of using poison in the names of the chocolates is an original concept I’d never heard of before. The author provides an ample supply of secondary characters who seem suspicious until she narrows their alibi’s one by one until close to the end of the story when one person in particular becomes a focal point and the killer is revealed! The lovable Miss Watson, Alex and Hanna’s staffordshire terrier is a heroine! I also enjoyed the Christmastime trimmings. Happy Reading!
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
Swift pacing, humor, and an awesome main set of characters top my list of things I liked about the story. The theme of using poison in the names of the chocolates is an original concept I’d never heard of before. The author provides an ample supply of secondary characters who seem suspicious until she narrows their alibi’s one by one until close to the end of the story when one person in particular becomes a focal point and the killer is revealed! The lovable Miss Watson, Alex and Hanna’s staffordshire terrier is a heroine! I also enjoyed the Christmastime trimmings. Happy Reading!
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
December 23, 2022
3.5 stars
Since I couldn't decide between 3 or 4 stars, I guess 3.5 is my final answer. This was a very typical cozy Christmas mystery. Instead of just one woman moving to a small town, the author serves up twin sisters. Alex runs the mystery bookstore, Hannah is the chocolatier specializing in poison themed Killer Chocolates.
Alex and Hannah are both single, of course, although Hannah is divorced (luckily she is still friends with her policeman ex-husband). As is usual in cozies, there is romantic speculation about both women. Piles of cookies, scones, and chocolates get consumed during the course of the investigation. Despite the fact that they set up a “murder board" to keep track of their thoughts, it often seems that Alex is just randomly poking at things without much thought to her own safety.
Another frequent trope used in the cozy mystery is the incompetent law enforcement officer, driving the main character to investigate for themselves. In this case, it's a smug sheriff who has pegged Alex as her best friend's murderer. So it's okay to interfere in an investigation under those circumstances, right? Hah!
Although there's no mention of it yet, I'm pretty sure there will be another book. Hannah may have found a new admirer, but Alex hasn't sealed a deal yet. I'm glad that this book was good enough for Christmas reading (I'm more forgiving of Christmas books), as the author is a local and I'd like to see her do well.
Since I couldn't decide between 3 or 4 stars, I guess 3.5 is my final answer. This was a very typical cozy Christmas mystery. Instead of just one woman moving to a small town, the author serves up twin sisters. Alex runs the mystery bookstore, Hannah is the chocolatier specializing in poison themed Killer Chocolates.
Alex and Hannah are both single, of course, although Hannah is divorced (luckily she is still friends with her policeman ex-husband). As is usual in cozies, there is romantic speculation about both women. Piles of cookies, scones, and chocolates get consumed during the course of the investigation. Despite the fact that they set up a “murder board" to keep track of their thoughts, it often seems that Alex is just randomly poking at things without much thought to her own safety.
Another frequent trope used in the cozy mystery is the incompetent law enforcement officer, driving the main character to investigate for themselves. In this case, it's a smug sheriff who has pegged Alex as her best friend's murderer. So it's okay to interfere in an investigation under those circumstances, right? Hah!
Although there's no mention of it yet, I'm pretty sure there will be another book. Hannah may have found a new admirer, but Alex hasn't sealed a deal yet. I'm glad that this book was good enough for Christmas reading (I'm more forgiving of Christmas books), as the author is a local and I'd like to see her do well.
October 1, 2022
I enjoy reading cozy mysteries, especially those with a holiday theme. It's even better when the book is the first in a new series and from a new-to-me author! When I saw this book available for review, I jumped right on it. Had to read it!
Felt a little weird reading a Christmas theme cozy in August.....but just thinking about Christmas and snow and the holidays somehow made the afternoons feel a little less blazing hot. I even made a cup of cocoa at one point because the book kept mentioning chocolate. Had to have some!
The basics: Murder and Mayhem is a mystery bookshop owned by twins, Alex and Hannah. Just before Christmas, murder becomes something real and not just something in the books they sell. One of their neighbors is killed and one of the twins is a suspect!
This is a fun, entertaining read! I like the characters, the basic premise, the idea of a mystery bookshop, the plot -- I just had a fun time reading this story in general! The mystery progresses at a nice pace. There is a good amount of amateur sleuthing and surprises along the way. Great start to a cozy series!
I will definitely be reading more of this series!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
Felt a little weird reading a Christmas theme cozy in August.....but just thinking about Christmas and snow and the holidays somehow made the afternoons feel a little less blazing hot. I even made a cup of cocoa at one point because the book kept mentioning chocolate. Had to have some!
The basics: Murder and Mayhem is a mystery bookshop owned by twins, Alex and Hannah. Just before Christmas, murder becomes something real and not just something in the books they sell. One of their neighbors is killed and one of the twins is a suspect!
This is a fun, entertaining read! I like the characters, the basic premise, the idea of a mystery bookshop, the plot -- I just had a fun time reading this story in general! The mystery progresses at a nice pace. There is a good amount of amateur sleuthing and surprises along the way. Great start to a cozy series!
I will definitely be reading more of this series!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
October 18, 2022
I really tried!
This book seemed odd to me, as if this was not the first book in its series, I can’t really put my finger on why. I feel like the main characters weren’t introduced very well and also the rest of the second plan characters seemed too impersonal and all sort of the same-y.
I found the writing to be a little awkward and stumbling at times and the plot very very slow.
I’m not sure if it’s just me, as I know there are a lot of people loving this book, but it almost seems like I read a completely different book!
Anywho, it really wasn’t the book for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
This book seemed odd to me, as if this was not the first book in its series, I can’t really put my finger on why. I feel like the main characters weren’t introduced very well and also the rest of the second plan characters seemed too impersonal and all sort of the same-y.
I found the writing to be a little awkward and stumbling at times and the plot very very slow.
I’m not sure if it’s just me, as I know there are a lot of people loving this book, but it almost seems like I read a completely different book!
Anywho, it really wasn’t the book for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
March 18, 2022
I enjoyed reading A Christmas Candy Killing although I found it a little long. Alex Wright is the main character who owns Murder and Mayhem Killer Chocolates and Bookshop with her identical sister, Hanna Eastham. They live in Harriston, Montana. The supporting characters add a lot to the story. They have a book club named Sleuth Book Club. The club is devoted to dissecting the motives, clues and methods of murder in mystery novels. One of her best friends, Jane Burrows tells her that she saw a reenactment of a cold case. She is certain that the killer lives in their town. The killer killed 4 people 10 years ago. She asks Alex to come to her house to see the series. When Alex goes to her house she finds Jane dead in her bedroom. She calls Duncan Fletcher a deputy sheriff to report the death. Alex is notified that she is in Jane's will which makes her a suspect. Netta Griffiths wants to talk to Alex so when Alex goes to her house she finds Netta dead at the bottom of her stairs. Both woman were murdered.
Jane and Hanna decide that they need to find out who murdered them to clear her name. This is where the reader goes on an adventure of whodunit to the exciting end.
.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC
Jane and Hanna decide that they need to find out who murdered them to clear her name. This is where the reader goes on an adventure of whodunit to the exciting end.
.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC
October 16, 2022
Mix chocolates, a mystery bookshop and true crime documentaries in a story plot and you get A Christmas Candy Killing, the first book in a debut series. This was overall an entertaining read with a good plotline with the mystery connected to true crime documentaries that Jane, an elderly resident, is addicted to watching and which eventually becomes a reason for her death. It wasn't easy to guess who the culprit was until the reveal at the end but later I realised the clues were very much there.
Plus, chocolates are my guilty pleasure, aphrodisiac (whatever you call it) and this book had ample description and discussion of chocolates to get my mouth watering! The book has recipes too at the end but were very complicated for me to give it a try... let the professionals handle the art of chocolate making and I will stick to just eating them 😋😁!
A promising and delectable start to a new cozy mystery series for sure!
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Christina Romeril for the e-Arc of the book. The book published on 11th October, 2022.
Plus, chocolates are my guilty pleasure, aphrodisiac (whatever you call it) and this book had ample description and discussion of chocolates to get my mouth watering! The book has recipes too at the end but were very complicated for me to give it a try... let the professionals handle the art of chocolate making and I will stick to just eating them 😋😁!
A promising and delectable start to a new cozy mystery series for sure!
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Christina Romeril for the e-Arc of the book. The book published on 11th October, 2022.
November 5, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Killer Chocolates and mysteries are what you will find at twin sisters Alex and Hanna’s Murder and Mayhem shop in Harriston, Montana. With names like Strychnine Strawberry, Ricin Raspberry Creams, Cotton Candy Coniine, and Veronal Vanilla Cream, the candies are flying out the door as Christmas approaches. While these poison theme candies have fun names, and no poison is used in the creations there may be a real killer nearby. Alex’s elderly friend Jane watches every true crime television show she can. She tells Alex that she knows one of the killers she has seen on television is living in Harriston. She confesses she also told her friend Nessa, who has never met a piece of gossip she hasn’t spread. Alex reluctantly agrees to visit Jane the next day to watch the program.
When Alex arrives at Jane’s house the next day she finds Jane dead . . . with a box of Killer Chocolates too close for comfort.
Alex is beside herself when she is named as a suspect along with a handyman, Zach who did a lot of work for Jane. Hanna knows she is innocent and she believes Zach is too. She just needs to prove it and fast. She has no desire to spend the holiday behind bars.
This new series is off to a fabulous start.
I really like these twin sisters. Alex runs the book part of the shop and Hanna makes the chocolate creations, but they crossover to help each other and work with the customers because most usually leave the place with a least one book and a box of candy. Their relationship is comfortable and relatable. Alex has a real knack for getting people to open up to her especially if she is offering candy. These characters are well-developed for the first book in the series. Ms. Romeril has left plenty of room for them to continue to evolve as the series continues though.
The author took the first couple of chapters to introduce readers to Alex, Hanna, and their dog Miss Watson. We also meet their neighbor Pastor Tom Kennedy, Penelope Shaw, a divorcee, who lives across the street from Tom, and her sights on him as her next husband, Duncan Fletcher who dated Hanna for about 2 months and then he put her in the friend zone and Gary, owner of Harriston Bloom greenhouse. These characters as well as others we meet in the story are all cleverly crafted.
The mystery was very well-plotted. I really enjoyed the way Alex attacked her investigation. Her former career in banking for 20 years gave her the instincts and knowledge needed to be a pretty good amateur sleuth. I was delighted to follow along with her step by step as she worked through the clues. A key piece of evidence reveals the truth she was looking for and everything started to fall into place. The ending was exciting. I loved the way it played out with a surprising hero.
What more could you want? Candy and books are what this girl loves and to have them both in one place is Perfect!
A Christmas Candy Killing was such an entertaining cozy. With characters I can’t wait to visit again, a sweet mystery, a unique theme, a fun setting, and humor in all the right places, this book is A Perfect Escape. I am excited about the next Killer Chocolate Mystery.
Killer Chocolates and mysteries are what you will find at twin sisters Alex and Hanna’s Murder and Mayhem shop in Harriston, Montana. With names like Strychnine Strawberry, Ricin Raspberry Creams, Cotton Candy Coniine, and Veronal Vanilla Cream, the candies are flying out the door as Christmas approaches. While these poison theme candies have fun names, and no poison is used in the creations there may be a real killer nearby. Alex’s elderly friend Jane watches every true crime television show she can. She tells Alex that she knows one of the killers she has seen on television is living in Harriston. She confesses she also told her friend Nessa, who has never met a piece of gossip she hasn’t spread. Alex reluctantly agrees to visit Jane the next day to watch the program.
When Alex arrives at Jane’s house the next day she finds Jane dead . . . with a box of Killer Chocolates too close for comfort.
Alex is beside herself when she is named as a suspect along with a handyman, Zach who did a lot of work for Jane. Hanna knows she is innocent and she believes Zach is too. She just needs to prove it and fast. She has no desire to spend the holiday behind bars.
This new series is off to a fabulous start.
I really like these twin sisters. Alex runs the book part of the shop and Hanna makes the chocolate creations, but they crossover to help each other and work with the customers because most usually leave the place with a least one book and a box of candy. Their relationship is comfortable and relatable. Alex has a real knack for getting people to open up to her especially if she is offering candy. These characters are well-developed for the first book in the series. Ms. Romeril has left plenty of room for them to continue to evolve as the series continues though.
The author took the first couple of chapters to introduce readers to Alex, Hanna, and their dog Miss Watson. We also meet their neighbor Pastor Tom Kennedy, Penelope Shaw, a divorcee, who lives across the street from Tom, and her sights on him as her next husband, Duncan Fletcher who dated Hanna for about 2 months and then he put her in the friend zone and Gary, owner of Harriston Bloom greenhouse. These characters as well as others we meet in the story are all cleverly crafted.
The mystery was very well-plotted. I really enjoyed the way Alex attacked her investigation. Her former career in banking for 20 years gave her the instincts and knowledge needed to be a pretty good amateur sleuth. I was delighted to follow along with her step by step as she worked through the clues. A key piece of evidence reveals the truth she was looking for and everything started to fall into place. The ending was exciting. I loved the way it played out with a surprising hero.
What more could you want? Candy and books are what this girl loves and to have them both in one place is Perfect!
A Christmas Candy Killing was such an entertaining cozy. With characters I can’t wait to visit again, a sweet mystery, a unique theme, a fun setting, and humor in all the right places, this book is A Perfect Escape. I am excited about the next Killer Chocolate Mystery.
December 31, 2023
Great cozy mystery! This is the first book in this series, I really enjoyed it!
I listened to this book on audio. I thought the narrator did a wonderful job!
I thought the characters were interesting. The mystery had me guessing until the end!
I listened to this book on audio. I thought the narrator did a wonderful job!
I thought the characters were interesting. The mystery had me guessing until the end!
October 22, 2022
This is a fun new series because it contains several of my favorite things - chocolate, books, and murder. Ok, so may not the murder so much, but there has to be a mystery somewhere.
While this story features twin sisters, the focus really seems to be on Alex, and her twin, Hannah, seems to be a secondary character. Alex is really the one investigating the murder of her friend, Jane, and is the one that finds herself in hot water one too many times.
I do love the bookstore, especially the chocolate truffles that they sell that are named after various poisons. What a clever idea, and not to worry, there are several recipes at the back of the book that you can try yourself. It is interesting that the bookstore stocks primarily mystery novels. What if someone wants a romance or historical novel? I guess they find one that is a mystery too.
I enjoyed the mystery and trying to decipher who the killer might be. I was able to pinpoint the correct character but not the why. I suspected another character, but it was all a red herring, and it was too obvious to suspect this one character. Alex does find herself in harm's way a time or two, but thankfully, various friends and citizens come to her rescue.
There is a potential romance between Alex and her neighbor Tom. I had to chuckle when another neighbor, Penelope, would come over and try and get between them. That woman is a mess! There is even a budding romance for Hannah...or perhaps she has two suitors. Only future books will tell.
We enjoyed this book and look forward to future installments. We give it 4 paws up.
While this story features twin sisters, the focus really seems to be on Alex, and her twin, Hannah, seems to be a secondary character. Alex is really the one investigating the murder of her friend, Jane, and is the one that finds herself in hot water one too many times.
I do love the bookstore, especially the chocolate truffles that they sell that are named after various poisons. What a clever idea, and not to worry, there are several recipes at the back of the book that you can try yourself. It is interesting that the bookstore stocks primarily mystery novels. What if someone wants a romance or historical novel? I guess they find one that is a mystery too.
I enjoyed the mystery and trying to decipher who the killer might be. I was able to pinpoint the correct character but not the why. I suspected another character, but it was all a red herring, and it was too obvious to suspect this one character. Alex does find herself in harm's way a time or two, but thankfully, various friends and citizens come to her rescue.
There is a potential romance between Alex and her neighbor Tom. I had to chuckle when another neighbor, Penelope, would come over and try and get between them. That woman is a mess! There is even a budding romance for Hannah...or perhaps she has two suitors. Only future books will tell.
We enjoyed this book and look forward to future installments. We give it 4 paws up.
October 22, 2022
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
This is a fabulous start to a new cozy series by a new to me author. We meet twins Alex and Hannah who own an adorable bookshop that they use to also sell their poison-themed Killer Chocolates. I must say this is an adorable idea that makes me wish this was areal store that I could visit as the chocolate sounds oh so yummy. Their town is gearing up for the Christmas season when their older neighbor tells them that a murderer from a true-crime t.v. show has moved into town. Before Alex can watch the show with her she turns up dead with the sisters chocolates in her hand making Alex a prime suspect. Well of course that cannot stand so they start looking things making for a fun adventure filled with a wide range of characters, small town charm, and plenty of secrets to keep the story moving. Makes for a fabulous start to this new series that is sure to delight cozy fans. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
This is a fabulous start to a new cozy series by a new to me author. We meet twins Alex and Hannah who own an adorable bookshop that they use to also sell their poison-themed Killer Chocolates. I must say this is an adorable idea that makes me wish this was areal store that I could visit as the chocolate sounds oh so yummy. Their town is gearing up for the Christmas season when their older neighbor tells them that a murderer from a true-crime t.v. show has moved into town. Before Alex can watch the show with her she turns up dead with the sisters chocolates in her hand making Alex a prime suspect. Well of course that cannot stand so they start looking things making for a fun adventure filled with a wide range of characters, small town charm, and plenty of secrets to keep the story moving. Makes for a fabulous start to this new series that is sure to delight cozy fans. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
October 12, 2022
Why do cozy mystery sleuths always end up with the best jobs? Take Alex: along with her identical twin sister, Hannah, she acts as co-proprietor of Murder and Mayhem, a mystery bookshop that serves up poison-themed chocolates. On the flipside, after her friend and fellow true crime enthusiast Jane is found murdered, the sheriff has a short list of suspects and Alex's name is right at the top. Not exactly a great trade-off for such a cool job.
Fortunately, author Christina Romeril in her debut cozy, A Christmas Candy Killing, has provided Alex with all the proper qualities to prove her innocence. She's smart and generally collected. Romeril has crafted a grounded investigator who relies more on logic rather than brute-forcing her way through a mystery. Plus, as someone ensconced in crime in both her personal and professional life, she has a theoretical knowledge of murder that translates to well-thought-out snooping. This isn't a cozy with explosions and whistles, but that makes the moments Alex does take a risk all the more pulse-pounding.
Yet it's not just a fun job and solid detective work that makes this a success. All of this would be for nothing if Alex didn't inhabit a fully realized, almost idyllic world—there's a murder on, after all. Where on earth could a shop made up of toxic-punned chocolates and books succeed? Montana, apparently, with an absolutely charming lot of locals ready to help and hinder Alex's prying. From unrequited love over freezer-burnt casseroles to a gossipy coterie of true crime buffs, Romeril has infused plenty of unique flavor to keep this new series going a good, long while.
Ultimately, A Christmas Candy Killing is a solid debut with the added bonus of featuring one of the best jobs in cozy fiction.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Also reviewed at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
Fortunately, author Christina Romeril in her debut cozy, A Christmas Candy Killing, has provided Alex with all the proper qualities to prove her innocence. She's smart and generally collected. Romeril has crafted a grounded investigator who relies more on logic rather than brute-forcing her way through a mystery. Plus, as someone ensconced in crime in both her personal and professional life, she has a theoretical knowledge of murder that translates to well-thought-out snooping. This isn't a cozy with explosions and whistles, but that makes the moments Alex does take a risk all the more pulse-pounding.
Yet it's not just a fun job and solid detective work that makes this a success. All of this would be for nothing if Alex didn't inhabit a fully realized, almost idyllic world—there's a murder on, after all. Where on earth could a shop made up of toxic-punned chocolates and books succeed? Montana, apparently, with an absolutely charming lot of locals ready to help and hinder Alex's prying. From unrequited love over freezer-burnt casseroles to a gossipy coterie of true crime buffs, Romeril has infused plenty of unique flavor to keep this new series going a good, long while.
Ultimately, A Christmas Candy Killing is a solid debut with the added bonus of featuring one of the best jobs in cozy fiction.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Also reviewed at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
November 30, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- Great cover on this one!
This was a decent start to the Killer Chocolate series. The writing was good. It was well paced. I really love the setting. Especially a mystery bookstore that sells handmade chocolates named after poisons. I thought that was quite original! The plot was engaging and kept me guessing with plenty of suspects and red herrings. Alex is a good main sleuth, and the secondary characters are likable. And of course, it wouldn't be a cozy without a few recipes to end us off! I look forward to diving into the next book in this series. 👍🏻👍🏻
**ARC Via NetGalley**
This was a decent start to the Killer Chocolate series. The writing was good. It was well paced. I really love the setting. Especially a mystery bookstore that sells handmade chocolates named after poisons. I thought that was quite original! The plot was engaging and kept me guessing with plenty of suspects and red herrings. Alex is a good main sleuth, and the secondary characters are likable. And of course, it wouldn't be a cozy without a few recipes to end us off! I look forward to diving into the next book in this series. 👍🏻👍🏻
**ARC Via NetGalley**
March 7, 2022
I adore holiday themed cozy mysteries, and the cover of this book was screaming my name. I couldn't resist and started reading A Christmas Candy Killing as soon as I had the chance.
Alex and Hannah are identical twins, and together own a unique book/chocolate shop, where they feature killer candies.
Of course, there's no real poison in their candies, but that doesn't stop a nefarious criminal from using them to kill.
I found all the characters to be easy to like, and the story itself was interesting and informative.
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author, and hope the series continues.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#AChristmasCandyKilling #NetGalley
Alex and Hannah are identical twins, and together own a unique book/chocolate shop, where they feature killer candies.
Of course, there's no real poison in their candies, but that doesn't stop a nefarious criminal from using them to kill.
I found all the characters to be easy to like, and the story itself was interesting and informative.
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author, and hope the series continues.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#AChristmasCandyKilling #NetGalley
October 30, 2022
I love the idea of twin sisters owning a mystery bookshop called Murder and Mayhem that also sells their famous poison themed candy chocolates. Another thing that was fun for me is their mother lives and owns her own shop that is in my home state and knew the city that was mentioned. There's a lot of fun and cozy Christmas mentioning. I did enjoy a handful of characters from this small close knit community. I did feel this was a little slow for my taste but I look forward seeing where the author takes us in the second book.
Thank you NetGalley for a early review copy.
Thank you NetGalley for a early review copy.
October 10, 2022
A Christmas Candy Killing is the first book in the A Chocolate Killer Mystery series by Christina Romeril.
A Christmas Candy Killing is an excellent beginning to a new series that I am looking forward to reading more books. This series is located in the quaint village of Harriston, Montana. Alex and Hanna are identical-twin sisters who have opened a handmade chocolate candy shop with a bookstore sharing space called Murder and Mayhem. Their specialty is chocolates whose names have the name of poison added, such as Belladonna Black Currant, Strychnine Strawberry, Poison Pear Ganache, and others. They also host the Sleuth Book Club, headed by a retired school teacher, Jane Burrow.
Jane asks Alex to watch a true crime program. Jane says the person in the show is living in Harriston. Jane adds that it would be someone who moved to town about years ago. When Alex arrives the following day, there is no answer to her knocking. Alex finds the door unlocked and enters, calling Jane’s name. When there is no answer, Alex starts searching the house and soon finds Jane’s body on the floor of her bedroom, having been stabbed. The police will have two suspects, Zach, a local handyman that Jane had used and has a coin collection that reportedly Jane had given him, and Alex, as the cause of death was found to be chocolates laced with poison from her shop. In addition, Alex was named in Jane’s will, getting half of her estate. To clear her name, Alex soon finds several people who moved to town about ten years ago and sets out to learn if any of them might have a criminal history. Alex wonders if the two deaths are related when a second suspicious death occurs. She knows she must find the killer before any more suspicious deaths occur.
Ms. Romeril does a wonderful job of developing believable and endearing characters. I would love to have them as friends, except for the killer. The story is well-written and plotted, moves at a good pace, and was hard to put down.
Delicious-sounding recipes are also included in the book.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the delightful new series.
A Christmas Candy Killing is an excellent beginning to a new series that I am looking forward to reading more books. This series is located in the quaint village of Harriston, Montana. Alex and Hanna are identical-twin sisters who have opened a handmade chocolate candy shop with a bookstore sharing space called Murder and Mayhem. Their specialty is chocolates whose names have the name of poison added, such as Belladonna Black Currant, Strychnine Strawberry, Poison Pear Ganache, and others. They also host the Sleuth Book Club, headed by a retired school teacher, Jane Burrow.
Jane asks Alex to watch a true crime program. Jane says the person in the show is living in Harriston. Jane adds that it would be someone who moved to town about years ago. When Alex arrives the following day, there is no answer to her knocking. Alex finds the door unlocked and enters, calling Jane’s name. When there is no answer, Alex starts searching the house and soon finds Jane’s body on the floor of her bedroom, having been stabbed. The police will have two suspects, Zach, a local handyman that Jane had used and has a coin collection that reportedly Jane had given him, and Alex, as the cause of death was found to be chocolates laced with poison from her shop. In addition, Alex was named in Jane’s will, getting half of her estate. To clear her name, Alex soon finds several people who moved to town about ten years ago and sets out to learn if any of them might have a criminal history. Alex wonders if the two deaths are related when a second suspicious death occurs. She knows she must find the killer before any more suspicious deaths occur.
Ms. Romeril does a wonderful job of developing believable and endearing characters. I would love to have them as friends, except for the killer. The story is well-written and plotted, moves at a good pace, and was hard to put down.
Delicious-sounding recipes are also included in the book.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the delightful new series.
October 11, 2022
A good start to a new series. I liked the idea of a bookstore with chocolates and found the various names of their chocolates creative. The mystery was OK but I really hate when the MC doesn't actually go to work. The premise of the series is based on their profession - it's what cozies center themselves on - so when you're not actually there, then why mention it? I also didn't really connect with any of the characters and the writing. Whereas there was tons of description of places, several conversations that should have been detailed were glossed over, particularly one section very early in the book with the Sheriff where so much information could have been laid out in the conversation but it wasn't even covered. I may continue with the series but it depends on availability at the library.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
October 23, 2022
A Christmas Candy Killingis the excellent first book in the new “A Killer Chocolate Mystery” series by Christina Romeril. I love the original theme behind this book. Killer Chocolates, created by twin sisters, with the names of poisons, many of which are used in murder mysteries, are delightful. Add in the Christmas holiday and the murder of a real murder television show devotee, and you have everything you need for a fun-filled day of reading.
Alex and Hannah are twins, but they are not completely identical. One twin is definitely more outgoing, while the other is happy to have a small social circle. Both are hard-working, and their killer chocolates are to die for, literally. When a friend is murdered, and Alex becomes a prime suspect, it is up to her to clear her name and find the actual killer before it’s too late. There are more suspects than Alex would have thought. After all, she thought everyone loved Jane. Why would anyone want to kill an old lady who was so well-loved? But it doesn’t take long for Alex to figure out that not everybody loved Jane, and some had an excellent motive to commit murder.
I loved the way the author unveils the clues and points fingers at the suspects. Using a twin as the prime suspect isn’t overly common in cozy mysteries and lent a feeling of newness to the genre. I especially enjoyed the poison theme killer chocolates. It isn’t that poisoned chocolates haven’t been used in a cozy before, but I don’t recall one that built the main characters’ business around something so commonplace. The chocolates aren’t really poisoned, but the names suggest they could be, and that makes them attractive to Alex and Hannah’s customers. The main characters are enchantingly complex and simple at the same time. The setting is compelling, with just the right amount of small-town politics mixed with life in a tourist town and beautiful surroundings.
The victim is the girl who cried wolf; she loved real crime shows and was always accusing people of being a killer if they even slightly resembled someone she had seen in a show. This time, however, it may have gotten her killed. Killer chocolates and being a twin won’t help Alex figure out who the murderer is, but it doesn’t stop her from going all out to track the person down. Was Jane right this time? Did she find a killer among the townspeople? Is Alex the next victim? When the murderer is found, readers won’t be totally stunned, but many will find that they guessed incorrectly. And this makes A Christmas Candy Killing not only a fun holiday read but a captivating mystery that keeps readers flipping the page.
Alex and Hannah are twins, but they are not completely identical. One twin is definitely more outgoing, while the other is happy to have a small social circle. Both are hard-working, and their killer chocolates are to die for, literally. When a friend is murdered, and Alex becomes a prime suspect, it is up to her to clear her name and find the actual killer before it’s too late. There are more suspects than Alex would have thought. After all, she thought everyone loved Jane. Why would anyone want to kill an old lady who was so well-loved? But it doesn’t take long for Alex to figure out that not everybody loved Jane, and some had an excellent motive to commit murder.
I loved the way the author unveils the clues and points fingers at the suspects. Using a twin as the prime suspect isn’t overly common in cozy mysteries and lent a feeling of newness to the genre. I especially enjoyed the poison theme killer chocolates. It isn’t that poisoned chocolates haven’t been used in a cozy before, but I don’t recall one that built the main characters’ business around something so commonplace. The chocolates aren’t really poisoned, but the names suggest they could be, and that makes them attractive to Alex and Hannah’s customers. The main characters are enchantingly complex and simple at the same time. The setting is compelling, with just the right amount of small-town politics mixed with life in a tourist town and beautiful surroundings.
The victim is the girl who cried wolf; she loved real crime shows and was always accusing people of being a killer if they even slightly resembled someone she had seen in a show. This time, however, it may have gotten her killed. Killer chocolates and being a twin won’t help Alex figure out who the murderer is, but it doesn’t stop her from going all out to track the person down. Was Jane right this time? Did she find a killer among the townspeople? Is Alex the next victim? When the murderer is found, readers won’t be totally stunned, but many will find that they guessed incorrectly. And this makes A Christmas Candy Killing not only a fun holiday read but a captivating mystery that keeps readers flipping the page.
September 12, 2022
A CHRISTMAS CANDY KILLING is the first book in the brand-new Killer Chocolate Mysteries by Christina Romeril. From the darling mystery book and chocolates shop, Murder and Mayhem, to the “killer” chocolates named after deadly poisons used in murder mysteries (Ricin Raspberry Creams anyone?), to the identical twin sisters, of a certain age, who run the shop, this new series has an appealing premise. The main protagonist, Alex, runs the bookshop while her sister, Hanna, creates the poison-themed chocolates. The core characters are well-developed and I enjoyed seeing the interaction between the two sisters. Sometimes, in a new series, the details of getting to know the setting (which is in picturesque Montana), the townspeople, and the personalities, can slow down the plot just a bit. But I still found the storyline enjoyable with a solid mystery to solve, and it whet my appetite to read more in the Killer Chocolate Mysteries now that the foundation has been laid.
When the organizer of the Sleuth Book Club is found murdered by one of the chocolates, Alex is thrust into the role of suspect. Using (non-poisonous) chocolates from the shop, Alex tempts townspeople into talking to her. The victim had confided in her, without naming names, that she suspected a murderer featured on a true crime show was now a resident of the town. Ms. Romeril weaves in researching the past and piecing together who might fit the bill. Needless to say, some of the secretive townsfolk aren’t happy with the implications and having their past brought to light. I greatly enjoyed the potential love interests between the sisters and the two men who supported their investigation and were good sounding boards. The reveal was quite suspenseful, no matter that I had a strong suspicion who the culprit was. The author wrote a heart stopping scene that kept me engrossed until I’d read the last page.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When the organizer of the Sleuth Book Club is found murdered by one of the chocolates, Alex is thrust into the role of suspect. Using (non-poisonous) chocolates from the shop, Alex tempts townspeople into talking to her. The victim had confided in her, without naming names, that she suspected a murderer featured on a true crime show was now a resident of the town. Ms. Romeril weaves in researching the past and piecing together who might fit the bill. Needless to say, some of the secretive townsfolk aren’t happy with the implications and having their past brought to light. I greatly enjoyed the potential love interests between the sisters and the two men who supported their investigation and were good sounding boards. The reveal was quite suspenseful, no matter that I had a strong suspicion who the culprit was. The author wrote a heart stopping scene that kept me engrossed until I’d read the last page.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 16, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book. It is engaging and has nice cozy Christmas atmopshere. It kept me guessing till last chapters. Looking forward to read next one of this serie.
October 6, 2022
This was such a fun Christmas read! I'm a summer fan who's simply ready for Christmas once summer's all over. I could ideally skip fall aka allergy season lol, and this helped put me in a good Christmas mood. I really liked these sisters who were different enough but still enjoyed sleuthing together, although it was usually Alex doing the legwork since Hanna was the chocolate maker and felt she needed to stay put. The people making up their circle of friends were just so awesome it made me wish I could be friends with them too, like Maggie and Drew, bless his li'l hypochondriac heart anyway lol. The store was so cool too with the poison-named chocolates and the bookstore selling just mysteries.
That sweet doggie Miss Watson reminded me so much of the adorable boy who looked just like a Staffordshire that we fed over Labor Day, and her adoption story was similar. (Happy ending: the dog we helped has his forever home with someone now). Watson was super gentle but boy, when Alex needed her in action, Watson made her proud!
I'd sorta suspected someone from when clues just started to click, but it was definitely before Alex had the idea. She and Watson were holding their own in the showdown, but the help from a couple friends was very appreciated too. Hopefully one of said friends might be thinking in terms of being more than friends with Alex.
And the end was a little bit funny and a little bit sad for Duncan who'd broken up with Hanna a while back but still liked hanging out with her. He realized he might not be the only guy interested in her now! And a refreshing change from the MC getting a triangle--I think I could handle it better for a secondary character. I'm definitely eager to read the next book which does have a GR title listing only, but I'm waiting until there's a cover picture to add it to my WTR. I'm just weird like that lol. Don't miss this awesome embodiment of all things expected in a cozy mystery when it releases October 11!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
That sweet doggie Miss Watson reminded me so much of the adorable boy who looked just like a Staffordshire that we fed over Labor Day, and her adoption story was similar. (Happy ending: the dog we helped has his forever home with someone now). Watson was super gentle but boy, when Alex needed her in action, Watson made her proud!
I'd sorta suspected someone from when clues just started to click, but it was definitely before Alex had the idea. She and Watson were holding their own in the showdown, but the help from a couple friends was very appreciated too. Hopefully one of said friends might be thinking in terms of being more than friends with Alex.
And the end was a little bit funny and a little bit sad for Duncan who'd broken up with Hanna a while back but still liked hanging out with her. He realized he might not be the only guy interested in her now! And a refreshing change from the MC getting a triangle--I think I could handle it better for a secondary character. I'm definitely eager to read the next book which does have a GR title listing only, but I'm waiting until there's a cover picture to add it to my WTR. I'm just weird like that lol. Don't miss this awesome embodiment of all things expected in a cozy mystery when it releases October 11!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
June 15, 2022
This is the first book in the killer chocolate series. Alex and Hanna are sisters who run a myste4ry book shop that sells killer chocolates that are named after poisons used in murder mysteries. One of Alex's friends asks Alex to come over and watch a true crime tape as she thinks the person wanted for 3 murders is now living in their town. When Alex arrives in the morning, she finds her friend dead. Alex becomes one of two suspects in the crime and has to prove her innocence. I thought this was a really great first book. The author developed the characters well enough and made me want to learn more about them. The mystery was well done. I was trying to figure out the killer and I figured it out just before the Alex did. There were a decent number of suspects that I was kept guessing until the end. I am excited to read more in the series. I received this book from net galley in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2022
4.5 stars
New cozy mystery series make me happy. Christmas cozy mysteries also make me happy. So do cozy mysteries that I can totally see being made into one of Hallmark’s Signature Mystery series. I got all of the above in A Christmas Candy Killing by Christina Romeril, and I’m – of course – happy about it.
Alex and her twin sister Hanna (spelled Hannah in the book blurb but Hanna in the actual book so idk) have opened a mystery-bookstore-slash-mystery-chocolate-shop in a quaint Montana village – a place (the village and the bookstore) that I would definitely be frequenting were it to exist in real life. Alex’s elderly friend Jane tends to see a local fugitive under every true-crime-TV-show rock, but this time her furtive request for Alex to stop by the next morning seems different somehow. And then when Jane is found murdered, Alex knows there must be something to whatever Jane thought she saw on the true crime show she’d been referring to. A couple problems, though: Jane never told Alex who she suspected or which show she’d been watching… and the smug sheriff has Alex in her sights as a top suspect.
I loved the premise of this plot, and the way Romeril weaves the clues together for readers who are clever enough to pick up on them. It has an easy and smartly-paced flow that, yes, did remind me of the mysteries I love to watch on Hallmark. I’m always bemoaning the fact that they stop the mysteries every holiday season for Christmas movies when there are plenty of great Christmas cozies that would make great movies – A Christmas Candy Killing being one such book! The characters (protagonists, suspects and other supporting players) are nicely layered, and I am curious to see where the author takes them in future books – particularly the hint of romance potential for both of the twins. I loved, loved, loved Pastor Tom (who is interested in Alex) and I hope we see lots more of him in this series.
Bottom Line: A Christmas Candy Killing is an entertaining (and completely clean) debut to what promises to be a thoroughly enjoyable new cozy mystery series. The charming Montana village of Harriston is the perfect setting for this story, and its residents reminded me of the people of Jessica Fletcher’s infamous Cabot Cove. In fact, nearly the whole book reads like a tightly-produced cozy mystery TV show, with the scenes, personalities, and movement of the plot all easily visualized in the mind’s eye. I couldn’t read fast enough but I also wasn’t ready for it to end – and I’m eagerly waiting on the next installment for answers to a couple of minor questions which were left unresolved. Readers will love twin sisters Alex & Hanna, their chocolates, their mystery bookshop, their community, their sleuthing skills… and even their sweet dog Watson. The perfect choice for your next read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
New cozy mystery series make me happy. Christmas cozy mysteries also make me happy. So do cozy mysteries that I can totally see being made into one of Hallmark’s Signature Mystery series. I got all of the above in A Christmas Candy Killing by Christina Romeril, and I’m – of course – happy about it.
Alex and her twin sister Hanna (spelled Hannah in the book blurb but Hanna in the actual book so idk) have opened a mystery-bookstore-slash-mystery-chocolate-shop in a quaint Montana village – a place (the village and the bookstore) that I would definitely be frequenting were it to exist in real life. Alex’s elderly friend Jane tends to see a local fugitive under every true-crime-TV-show rock, but this time her furtive request for Alex to stop by the next morning seems different somehow. And then when Jane is found murdered, Alex knows there must be something to whatever Jane thought she saw on the true crime show she’d been referring to. A couple problems, though: Jane never told Alex who she suspected or which show she’d been watching… and the smug sheriff has Alex in her sights as a top suspect.
I loved the premise of this plot, and the way Romeril weaves the clues together for readers who are clever enough to pick up on them. It has an easy and smartly-paced flow that, yes, did remind me of the mysteries I love to watch on Hallmark. I’m always bemoaning the fact that they stop the mysteries every holiday season for Christmas movies when there are plenty of great Christmas cozies that would make great movies – A Christmas Candy Killing being one such book! The characters (protagonists, suspects and other supporting players) are nicely layered, and I am curious to see where the author takes them in future books – particularly the hint of romance potential for both of the twins. I loved, loved, loved Pastor Tom (who is interested in Alex) and I hope we see lots more of him in this series.
Bottom Line: A Christmas Candy Killing is an entertaining (and completely clean) debut to what promises to be a thoroughly enjoyable new cozy mystery series. The charming Montana village of Harriston is the perfect setting for this story, and its residents reminded me of the people of Jessica Fletcher’s infamous Cabot Cove. In fact, nearly the whole book reads like a tightly-produced cozy mystery TV show, with the scenes, personalities, and movement of the plot all easily visualized in the mind’s eye. I couldn’t read fast enough but I also wasn’t ready for it to end – and I’m eagerly waiting on the next installment for answers to a couple of minor questions which were left unresolved. Readers will love twin sisters Alex & Hanna, their chocolates, their mystery bookshop, their community, their sleuthing skills… and even their sweet dog Watson. The perfect choice for your next read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
October 28, 2022
An intriguing new cozy with a unique twist! A set of twins have opened a candy/bookstore with a murder theme and find themselves embroiled in a murder mystery when one of the twin's best friends ends up a victim of murder. A well plotted story with a plethora of suspects to weed through as you follow the twin's logic-based process of elimination. Will the ladies be quick enough to solve the murder before one or both of them find themselves the next victim on the list? You'll have to read to see for yourself! This was my first book by this author, but I sure hope it won't be my last! In particular, I hope we see more from the twins as these characters and their friends are outstanding.
December 30, 2022
A Christmas Candy Killing
by Christina Romeril
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I read this the week after Christmas and loved it! I was hooked right away and enjoyed guessing who the killer was. So many secrets to weed through! I cannot wait to see what is next for Alex & Hanna.
by Christina Romeril
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I read this the week after Christmas and loved it! I was hooked right away and enjoyed guessing who the killer was. So many secrets to weed through! I cannot wait to see what is next for Alex & Hanna.
October 12, 2022
3 1/2 stars. Chocolate, Christmas and Cillings (alright it should be killings but it doesn't have the alliteration thing going). Some of my favorite things. Well, the killings I like only in books. Good characters, plenty of twists, a very satisfying mystery, and even a touch of the holiday spirit. An excellent choice for a holiday read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
October 17, 2022
A Christmas Candy Killing marks the start of a fabulous new cozy mystery series for Christina Romeril. It features the owners of Murder and Mayhem, a bookshop that also sells chocolates, located in Harriston on the southwest shore of Echo Lake in Montana. Alex Wright and her sister, Hanna are identical twins; they run the shop and the Sleuth Book Club holds its monthly meetings there. Jane is one of the members of the book club, as well as the president of the horticultural society, a woman nearly in her eighties and a neighbour of Alex's. Unfortunately, she is found dead, crumpled on the floor beside her bed, her white nightdress stained red, on a cold winter's day just before Christmas, after inviting Alex for tea at 8 am. A small box of choccies is beside her, thought to be from Murder and Mayhem, putting Alex in the frame.
There's plenty to love in this mystery including some great characterisation and lots of terrific mouthwatering choccie descriptions if that's your bag. I was in heaven! I'm already looking forward to the next instalment.
This review was written voluntarily and my rating was in no way influenced by the fact that I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley.
There's plenty to love in this mystery including some great characterisation and lots of terrific mouthwatering choccie descriptions if that's your bag. I was in heaven! I'm already looking forward to the next instalment.
This review was written voluntarily and my rating was in no way influenced by the fact that I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley.
October 11, 2022
'Tis the season to be murder-y!
Christina Romeril's festive, fun cozy debut has all the makings of a Christmas classic. Chocolate and bookshop owner Alex is an engaging heroine you will most certainly be rooting for as she launches her own investigation into the death of a dear friend. With a strong cast of supportive characters and a potential romance sprinkled in, this cozy is a beautiful box of chocolates you will definitely gobble up!
Christina Romeril's festive, fun cozy debut has all the makings of a Christmas classic. Chocolate and bookshop owner Alex is an engaging heroine you will most certainly be rooting for as she launches her own investigation into the death of a dear friend. With a strong cast of supportive characters and a potential romance sprinkled in, this cozy is a beautiful box of chocolates you will definitely gobble up!
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