It has been a rough year and I will admit that when this book came for review I took one look at the cover and decided to wait to read it. I usually watch all he Christmas movies and really get into the Christmas Spirit. This year I am just dreading it without Kris. Losing a child at any age is hard but losing your oldest child, an adult, who leaves behind a child, to suicide has really shaken me to my core. Last Friday evening I needed a book to read and this one was right there on the shelf and I thought, O.K. let’s try it. I made it through and thank you Vicki Delany for a wonderful story. Read below for my review.
Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen:
A Year-Round Christmas Mystery
Brand New Series
Setting – New York
A Berkley Prime Crime Mystery (November 3, 2015)
An Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC
Cover Illustration by Julia Green
Cover Design by Sarah Oberrender
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0425280805
E-Book ASIN: B00SI0B5R6
In Rudolph, New York, it’s Christmastime all year long. But this December, while the snow-lined streets seem merry and bright, a murder is about to ruin everyone’s holiday cheer…
As the owner of Mrs. Claus’s Treasures, Merry Wilkinson knows how to decorate homes for the holidays. That’s why she thinks her float in the semi-annual Santa Claus parade is a shoe-in for best in show. But when the tractor pulling Merry’s float is sabotaged, she has to face facts: there’s a Scrooge in Christmas Town.
Merry isn’t ready to point fingers, especially with a journalist in town writing a puff piece about Rudolph’s Christmas spirit. But when she stumbles upon the reporter’s body on a late night dog walk—and police suspect he was poisoned by a gingerbread cookie crafted by her best friend, Vicky—Merry will have to put down the jingle bells and figure out who’s really been grinching about town, before Vicky ends up on Santa’s naughty list…
Dollycas’s Thoughts
First things first, look at that gorgeous cover. I like to mention the artist and cover designers because the cozy covers are so incredible. This time Julia Green and Sarah Oberrender have taken my breath away. From the snow lined window to the puppy in the front, I don’t know how anyone could resist buying this paperback even before thinking about the fantastic story inside.
Vicki Delany takes us to Rudolph, New York. A year round Christmas Town that is such a joy to visit. That is until a dead body is found and word gets out. The cancellations to the local hotels, inns and B&B’s start before you can say Jack Frost. A series of troubling events takes place and Merry knows there will be no Merry Christmas in Rudolph until the Grinch is caught.
Merry Wilkerson, who happens to have sisters named Eve and Carol is a marvelous protagonist. Her shop Mrs. Claus’s Treasures is right in the heart of Rudolph so she is right on top of everything happening. Her dad being the former mayor and the local Santa Claus has his connections too. She knows her friend Vicky had nothing to do with the murder, she just has to prove it. She is strong, smart, and feisty.
What I really like about this story is the way the town pulls together with the exception of whoever is trying to destroy the reputation and credibility of this great tourist attraction. Even Betty than owns the store next to Vicky. She may not be the nicest person but would she sabotage the whole town? A new resident to Rudolph, Detective Diane Simmonds, is one of my favorite characters. I think and hope that she and Merry will become good friends. All the residents of Rudolph are very real and engaging, each in their own way, including Merry’s adorable St.Bernard pup named Mattie.
Delaney has given us a story full of holiday cheer, an exciting mystery, wondrous characters all in a place I would love to really visit. It’s charm just lit up my day. This is one mystery you shouldn’t miss this holiday season.
Find out more about Vicki Delany on her webpage here.
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Sorry that this contest ends after the holiday but it is on sale on Amazon
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Sounds really good and I would love to read it. The Author has a fabulous cover too and perfect for Christmas. May your year be healing.
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
The cover is lovely and the story sounds great.
Thank you for the chance! My heart breaks for what you have gone through and will be going through forever, may you find peace in places you least expect it!
I can’t wait to read this book for it sounds wonderful. I love the cover art. Thank you for the giveaway.
Another holiday themed cozy..I will never get them all read…
Thank you so much for the opportunity to win a copy of this book. I enjoy reading your blog each day and getting more information on new books that are offered. robeader53@yahoo.com
I look forward to your blog and your daily posts on Facebook so that I can learn about “new to me” authors and the latest cozy mystery releases.
Holiday theme books love them.
I definitely have to have this book! Thanks for the review!
Sending you comfort this holiday season, Lori. <3 I am really looking forward to reading this one.