Murder in Christmas River

For a cozy mystery, this book is packed with an astonishing amount of bitterness. I'm not convinced the author knows what a cozy emotion actually feels like. A likable protagonist is essential to the genre, but Cinnamon Peters radiates negative energy the way a puppy radiates cuteness.

It’s almost time for the annual gingerbread house competition, and Cinnamon is determined to win. But a few things get in her way, like a stray dog, a dead body, and a break-in at her pie shop. This first book of the series sets up the characters, but it’s also a great mystery. Cinnamon is a strong female character, yet she has a softer side, too. She takes care of her grandpa, a somewhat crusty old-timer, and is always ready to lend a helping hand, or to try to rescue a stray dog. Or to perhaps rekindle an old romance. It’s not always fun at Christmas River, but it’s always interesting.

I enjoyed this book. I had it on my TBR for awhile and had forgotten it. Then I read Silence of the Elves for Christmas in July. I went to buy it when I rediscovered it in my tbr pile. I think I have been missing a really good series! Fortunately, I have a few of the series in my pile.
I like Cinnamon, Kara, Daniel and absolutely adore Huckleberry. The mystery was good. I almost guessed it. Lol. I love how it used gingerbread, which I totally associate with Christmas, in the plot. I was totally caught up in the relationship of Cinnamon and Daniel. There was quite a bit of sweating in that area. I was worried about Cinnamon getting lost there. I’m excited to see how things go for Cinnamon, Kara and their decisions. I even, perhaps show more evilly, am looking forward to seeing what happens with a certain couple.
I would call this book a cozy mystery romance mix, (cozy rom? Cozy mystic? ), as it was fairly even in being about both. I enjoyed it from both genres. Maybe because I could relate to so much of it. They were both well done. And Huckleberry just melted my heart so much. I’m definitely on to book 2. If you enjoy Christmas, cozy mystery, and romance this book is calling your name. Answer it. show less

This is a nice little cozy mystery told in a folksy, first person narrative style. The setting is central Oregon in the Cascades. It involves pie making, rivalry in a local contest, a long lost high school crush... I thought the narrator was well drawn and I liked her. I'll probably be interested in following her further adventures.

There are some editorial problems, however. I stumbled upon 27 typos and other slips such as missing words. I kept notes if anyone is interested... That's quite a few errors for ~180 some pages; mostly in the latter half of the book... But I still enjoyed the story.

Oh, I got this e-book during a free giveaway period, and do not know the author.

Not bad but focuses more on interpersonal relations than the mystery and the end is almost the definition of Deus ex machina. Since it takes place in central Oregon, I spent most of my time trying to figure out which town it was actually featuring. While there's definitely room for improvement, I'll try another in the series.

Murder in Christmas River
Christmas River, Book 1

I Picked Up This Book Because: Random pick from browsing AudiblePlus catalog

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: AudiblePlus
Dates Read: 12/23/23 - 12/24/23
Stars: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Randye Kaye

The Characters:

Cinnamon Peters

The Story:

This was a random selection and I’m glad I made it. It was a cute cozy mystery with tons of chemistry between the main characters. In fact, our heroine is quite in demand. I can’t wait to explore this town more.

The Random Thoughts:

Murder in Christmas River: A Christmas Cozy Mystery (Christmas River Cozy, Book 1)
Thought this would make a good Christmas read. Starts out with the baker, Cinnamon Peters, divorced now and she makes pies.
Thinks Christmas River is the best place in Oregon. Kara has dated a lot and knows many of the townsfolk.
Gingerbread house competition is about to start. Bakers from the town have been practicing...she lives with her grandfather, who raised her.
Love tips about pie making as she makes them. Her dog Huckleberry keeps her company most nights she is baking.
One comes up dead in the woods outside of the shop...her gingerbread mansion is destroyed, her ex is to marry her baking assistant..
Interesting how the dog helps them solve the case. show more All the clues and so close yet they are so far away to finding the murder....
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device). show less