Mona Marple

Up until now I really enjoyed reading this cosy [murder] mystery series with a - mostly subtle - touch of romance. It was charming and a good "I need to turn my brain off for a while" read over the last couple of days.

Then I started reading this one and within a few pages I got hit with the full onslaught of AI-isms and -tells. As a result this book reads more like the first one in the series, which was a bit simplistic when it came to the writing style, only now it's in addition sounding show more like any other "book" spit out by The Slop Machine ever since everybody-who-always-wanted-to-write-a-book-but-didn't-want-to-put-the-work-in has decided to agonise readers who actually care about the content and quality of the books they read. The same uninspired, lifeless, tell-the-tellings-tales prose of countless other books generated or "edited" to [readability and style] death by AI.

I frankly do not care if the whole thing got AI generated or if someone choose to mutilate their book by mangling it through an AI "editor" and then not being able to tell that the result that "editor" spat out is utter garbage that did nothing but ruin their writing.

I'm tired of all the AI-slop thrown at readers left, right, and centre. I want to read a decent book, written - and edited - by someone who actually cares about their writing, their characters, their ideas, and their readers. By someone who takes pride in the art and craft of writing. If you let any kind of genAI or LLMs near your writing you clearly do not give a flying flamingo about any of those.

And just like that, I am done with this author (not an author any longer, in my eyes).

P.S. Yes, I checked [two books] deeper into the series, unfortunately this wasn't an one-off "mishap of curiosity" and laps of judgement. I wouldn't have been chuffed about that either, but I'd be willing to point it out and move on. Alas... show less

Holly Wood is on her way home when her car hits a patch of black ice and she ends up, unconscious, in a snow bank. She’s woken later by a lovely old lady who introduces herself as Mrs Claus. Since her car is stuck and there’s no reception, Mrs Claus insists she come home with her to Candy Cane Hollow to see a doctor. Holly is absolutely awe struck by the town. It’s like Santa’s North Pole, even including elves, yet it’s only a few miles from London. She also appreciates how show more friendly everyone is, well, except the doctor’s receptionist. Later, when the receptionist is found dead, Mrs Claus becomes the prime suspect and Holly, along with Mrs Claus’ son, Nick, are determined to prove she is innocent.

Christmas Corpse is a sweet and very charming Christmas cozy by Mona Marple full of holiday cheer and it is just a whole lot of fun. Despite being a murder mystery (sorta), this will put the joy of the season into even the worst Scrooges out there. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Charlie Albers whose perky voice matches perfectly the spirit of the tale.

Thanks to Netgalley and Tantor Media for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review show less

Holly Wood would never have guessed that 40 minutes from London, there is a magical winter wonderland called Candy Cane Hollow with various parts of town called Tinker Town and Mistletoe Moor. But then again, Holly never thought she'd slide off the road into a snow bank on her way home from the last day of her contractor job before Christmas and be rescued by none other than Mrs. Claus and taken home to Claus Cottage. Holly's not only dazzled by the quaint setting but also learning of show more holiday events like the Christmas Light Switch on, the Mince Pie Half-Marathon, the Candy Cane Cross-Country Skiing, and even an Ice Sculpture Competition.

It's unbelievable that murder could occur in such an extraordinary place, and it is inconceivable that the Candy Cane Constabulary from Poinsettia Precinct has become focused on a beloved community member. Can Holly stay and help solve the mysterious case?

This is the most enchanting Christmas cozy mystery that I've ever read. The descriptions of the setting are picturesque; the characters are charming, and the names of everything bring to vivid color all the joys of one's childhood imagination of the North Pole, only closer to home. I can't wait to read more of this series! But first, I need to go and make myself a cup of hot cocoa (Candy Cane Hollow style). You'll need to read the cozy yourself to learn why it's an essential and delicious accompaniment to read this story. show less

Another fun story in the Christmas Cozy Mystery series. I absolutely love Imelda, she is hilarious. She is also right, they only ever call on her when they something, they never just reach out to say hi. I hope that means she will come visit Santaland in the future as a guest of the castle with no ulterior motive.

Charlie Albers did a great job narrating this story and I hope they continue narrating the series.