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I am happy to share my thoughts today about Deck the Halls With Homicide: Killer Chocolate Mysteries by Christina Romeril!
Deck the Halls With Homicide: Killer Chocolate Mysteries
by Christina Romeril
About Deck the Halls With Homicide
Deck the Halls With Homicide: Killer Chocolate Mysteries
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Setting – Harriston, Montana (fictional)
Publisher : Independently Published
Publication date : October 28, 2025
Print length : 326 pages
Paperback
ISBN-10 : 1069554103
ISBN-13 : 978-1069554109
Digital
ISBN-13 : 978-1069554116
ASIN : B0FKMD2SMX
Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Frost and Vicki Delany, when a holiday decorating contest turns deadly, twin sisters Alex and Hanna trade tinsel and twinkle lights for tracking the twists and turns of a cunning killer.
Alex and Hanna, owners of Murder and Mayhem book and chocolate shop, are hoping for a quiet holiday. That is, after Alex is finished judging the Deck the Halls contest organized by Vanessa, nicknamed “The Dragon.” The whole experience has turned Alex’s usual festive spirit a little grinchy. Instead of inspiring holiday cheer with fun lawn displays, the contest has turned cutthroat and decorations have started disappearing. After Alex’s beau, Tom, is seen in a heated argument with the Dragon about his stolen trimmings, Alex finds him dressed as Santa, kneeling over Vanessa’s dead body…with one of his missing candy cane decorations buried in her chest. It’s no surprise he becomes the sheriff’s top suspect.
Alex and Hanna quickly amass a cast of suspects deeper than Santa’s reindeer roster, including an old family friend tasked by their mother with romantic interference; a nosy reporter eager to reveal Alex’s previous murder-y exploits; and the victim’s psychologist-to-the-stars husband with a spicy secret. But as they try to catch a crafty killer, Alex also grapples with the escalating wrath of Tom’s daughter, and a mysterious psychic dropping cryptic clues, while Hanna deals with her own Christmas crisis.
Murder puts a bitter spin on the twins’ sweet confections and they must find the killer and wrap up the case to keep Santa off the naughty list.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Ho! Ho! Ho! Not all is merry and bright in Harriston, Montana, this Christmas season. The owners of Murder and Mayhem book and chocolate shop, Alex and Hannah, were hoping for a holiday with no murder or mayhem. Vanessa Lindstrom, aka The Dragon, is in charge of Harriston’s Deck the Halls contest, and she has appointed Alex to be one of the judges. The contest is very popular, but this year, many are going for over-the-top displays and spending hard-earned cash trying to ensure a win. Vanessa is the biggest offender with a huge display. With the fierce competition, some of the decorations have gone missing, including Alex’s beau, Tom’s candy canes that were lining his walkway, but The Dragon is more concerned is securing the win for herself than some random missing pieces of metal.
The judges arrive at the final entrant in the contest, Vanessa’s home, and see Tom dressed as Santa, kneeling on the ground. Alex soon realizes what she is seeing. The Dragon is dead, a metal candy cane stuck through her chest, and Tom has blood on his hands.
Alex and Hanna know he couldn’t have killed Vanessa, but the sheriff may need some convincing. The Dragon had made her share of enemies, so it isn’t hard to come up with a list of more likely suspects. As if finding a murderer isn’t enough, Hannah has another issue on her plate, and Tom’s daughter is doing her darndest to break up his relationship with Alex.
Murder and mayhem reign again in Harriston, and Alex and Hannah are right in the thick of it!
I was so happy to see that Christina Romeril was continuing this series, and she sure didn’t disappoint with Deck the Halls With Homicide.
The Murder and Mayhem book and chocolate shop is doing great. Hannah creates the chocolates with puny poison names, and Alex takes care of the books, but they both help each other out as needed. Each has a variety of things going on in their personal lives, but I am leaving it there because I don’t want to spoil anything.
Unraveling the murder mystery that is full of moving parts with a plethora of suspects, tricky twists and turns, and information coming from surprising places. Everyone is kept on their toes as they try to piece together the clues to catch the killer. Another death shakes things up as alibis are tested and striking history is revealed. I had a wonderful time following along for every minute of it.
Deck the Halls With Homicide is a fabulous addition to this series. The Halls were Decked, and there was Homicide aplenty. The core characters evolved so much within the pages of this story, all while solving a complicated whodunit. Set yourself up with some holiday goodies, your favorite warm beverage, and escape into Deck the Halls With Homicide as soon as possible. I am excited to see what murder and mayhem Ms. Romeril has planned for Alex, Hannah, and the people of Harriston next.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
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About Christina Romeril
Christina Romeril grew up in Kitchener, Ontario, and has been devouring stacks of books since third grade when the Trixie Belden series sparked a love of mysteries. She has lived on both coasts of Canada as a former member of the Canadian military. As an Alberta transplant, she is fascinated by mountains and loves to spend time with her husband and two Chihuahuas, Nacho and Paco, exploring Waterton National Park in the Canadian Rockies.
Author Links
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Purchase Links –
Amazon Bookshop.org B&N Kobo Apple Books
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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.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways.
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