“I’ve got everything I need right here,” Cookie answered, stuffing a generous bite of pot roast into her mouth. “I brought my special tea.” She patted the large quilted bag at her side. Cookie’s “special tea” was one part Earl Grey and ten parts peppermint schnapps. I’d learned from experience not to let the sweet flavor fool me. The concoction had enough alcohol to kill germs, clear sinuses, and start campfires.
— From Slashing Through the Snow by Jacqueline Frost
Jacqueline Frost writes Christmas-themed cozy mysteries that are a delight to read all year long, and her newest one, out yesterday, is exceptionally well-done, with loads of fun Christmas activities underway at Reindeer Games, the family Christmas tree farm in Mistletoe, Maine, where the property's new inn is now being run by Holly White. An influential B&B critic pays a visit and quickly wears out her welcome, and soon, the critic's body is found in one of the town's toy-donation boxes.
The murder weapon turns out to be a nutcracker that one of Holly's friends, Cookie, gave her, and although Cookie is naturally under suspicion, no one seriously believes she committed the murder. That in and of itself ends up being a fun subplot. But the critic, it turns out, was on the naughty list of plenty of local folks, and Frost keeps readers hopping as they try to solve the crime.
The festive Christmas atmosphere in these books is hard to beat, and Frost's well-developed characters and thoughtful plotting shine in this one. With an ending that's as warm and sweet and cozy as a cup of hot peppermint cocoa, Frost has gifted readers with the perfect cozy mystery to bring on all the holiday feels. And even though it features a tad more cocoa than tea, I do believe many of you will enjoy this book as much as I did!
That sounds like a book I'd enjoy, since I like cozy mysteries and Christmas themed books. Thanks for the recommendation. (I'd never have thought to combine Earl Gray and Peppermint Schnapps though!)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the book tip! That's one I definitely want to read.
ReplyDeleteJulie Ann Lindsey, aka Jacqueline Frost, is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read her newest book, once I finish the one that comes before it.
ReplyDeleteDid not know that, so I’ll have to check out her other books too. Thanks!
DeleteI am sorry, I misspelled her name above. It's Julie Anne Lindsey
DeleteI think you have read some of her Seaside Café Mysteries. That is my favorite series of her's. But honestly I've enjoyed everything I've read that she's written. You would enjoy the Cider Shop Mysteries.
Oh, so it's Bree Baker! I had no idea (or if I ever knew, I forgot) because the voice is very different, and I love both these series. (I need her as my cozy mentor!)
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