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The Sphynx Who Stole Christmas
Book 2 of the Black Orchid Enterprises Mystery series finds Johnny Ly, Dianne Cortez, and JD Thompson trying to celebrate their first year in business in a small Central Texas town. The weather outside is frightful, and indoors isn't looking too good either, not when a crazed hairless cat invades their Christmas party and leaves a trail of destruction in his wake.
The murder in the backyard doesn't help, but Johnny and Dianne are more worried about the cat. After the police reduce the suspect list from the entire town of Beauchamp, Texas, to just the Black Orchids' friends and family, Attorney JD Thompson springs into action to clear them all, preferably before Monday night's concert. Life's hard for a veterinarian, accountant, lawyer, and ABBA tribute band.
The murder in the backyard doesn't help, but Johnny and Dianne are more worried about the cat. After the police reduce the suspect list from the entire town of Beauchamp, Texas, to just the Black Orchids' friends and family, Attorney JD Thompson springs into action to clear them all, preferably before Monday night's concert. Life's hard for a veterinarian, accountant, lawyer, and ABBA tribute band.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2022
29 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 25, 2023
Definitely good.
I accidentally found the first book in this new series when I was looking for a different book. I never did find the other book. I read the first book that introduced Black Orchid Enterprises, finished it, and went straight to reading this book. I wish there was more to read by this author because I have not been so entertained by a book in a long time, and I read every day, sometimes most of the day (it's okay, I'm retired). JD Thompson, a tall, blond, curly-haired lawyer, is the narrator of the story. His conversation is dry, amusing, tongue in cheek, and whimsical as he describes his best friends, Dianne, the beautiful Latinx CPA, and John Ly, cat veterinarian, Assistant Justice and Animal Control Officer (JD's humor reminds me of Melvin Dougles from the old movies from the '30s and 40's). There's always a murder or two, but the real fun isn't in the solving of the crime; it's how JD and friends and their extended, extended families go through their everyday lives as they work to solve it. There isn't much that's normal about their lives. Now, I wish I was part of the family so I could be there to help. I will be looking forward to the next book because I will be watching for it, and I will be reading it.
I accidentally found the first book in this new series when I was looking for a different book. I never did find the other book. I read the first book that introduced Black Orchid Enterprises, finished it, and went straight to reading this book. I wish there was more to read by this author because I have not been so entertained by a book in a long time, and I read every day, sometimes most of the day (it's okay, I'm retired). JD Thompson, a tall, blond, curly-haired lawyer, is the narrator of the story. His conversation is dry, amusing, tongue in cheek, and whimsical as he describes his best friends, Dianne, the beautiful Latinx CPA, and John Ly, cat veterinarian, Assistant Justice and Animal Control Officer (JD's humor reminds me of Melvin Dougles from the old movies from the '30s and 40's). There's always a murder or two, but the real fun isn't in the solving of the crime; it's how JD and friends and their extended, extended families go through their everyday lives as they work to solve it. There isn't much that's normal about their lives. Now, I wish I was part of the family so I could be there to help. I will be looking forward to the next book because I will be watching for it, and I will be reading it.
June 10, 2024
fun book with great character development
I am having fun with this series. I really like the character development. Everyone seems real and I look forward to learning more about them.
I am having fun with this series. I really like the character development. Everyone seems real and I look forward to learning more about them.
January 20, 2025
This is arguably my favorite book of the series so far. Not that the other books are bad, but I really enjoyed the plot and some of the character interactions in this one. It's another community Christmas party Chez Black Orchids and it's not too long before shenanigans (and Abba songs) ensue. The cover is directly out of a scene from the book (Think “Ohhhh, no! There goes Gingerbread Tokyo!”). That cat is equal parts scary and adorable. There are characters that are misunderstood, both for better and for worse. And I really appreciate the Chaucer plot steal, even if it's accidental.
Unlike the first book, this is a complete novel-length story. The plot is a bit deeper and more convoluted, and digs into the history of the town of Beauchamp. The story focuses on Johnny's quirky extended family and gives us some more information about Dianne's, too. Chantal also gets her pet parent moment in the sun. JD is more of the supportive friend and narrator, but don't worry – future books get into his background, too.
Unlike the first book, this is a complete novel-length story. The plot is a bit deeper and more convoluted, and digs into the history of the town of Beauchamp. The story focuses on Johnny's quirky extended family and gives us some more information about Dianne's, too. Chantal also gets her pet parent moment in the sun. JD is more of the supportive friend and narrator, but don't worry – future books get into his background, too.
May 4, 2025
Gingerbread Houses, A Christmas Mystery, and The Cat from..???
Enchanting and delightfully entertaining, I enjoyed this second book in the series. Another Christmas open house, all the aunts, cousins, and other various relatives and neighbors have converged for food, music and celebration. But 2 mysteries and a rare Sphynx cat intent on destroying everything and everyone he comes in contact, with puts a damper on everyone's holiday.
The four main characters from the Black Orchids Enterprises are taxed with trying to solve two murders, repair dozens of destroyed gingerbread houses, prepare for a concert, and last but not least ride out a snow storm. Add in the terror of a cat from...well you can guess kitty has some issues. It held my interest throughout, again lots of witty banter, laugh out loud moments and tongue in cheek dialogue. I have purchased the remaining books to add to those I will definitely want to read again. Fun read! 💞
Enchanting and delightfully entertaining, I enjoyed this second book in the series. Another Christmas open house, all the aunts, cousins, and other various relatives and neighbors have converged for food, music and celebration. But 2 mysteries and a rare Sphynx cat intent on destroying everything and everyone he comes in contact, with puts a damper on everyone's holiday.
The four main characters from the Black Orchids Enterprises are taxed with trying to solve two murders, repair dozens of destroyed gingerbread houses, prepare for a concert, and last but not least ride out a snow storm. Add in the terror of a cat from...well you can guess kitty has some issues. It held my interest throughout, again lots of witty banter, laugh out loud moments and tongue in cheek dialogue. I have purchased the remaining books to add to those I will definitely want to read again. Fun read! 💞
October 3, 2024
This is the second in the series. The main characters are J.D. and Dianne and Johnny. They are in Texas and are doing a Christmas gathering with lots of people and gingerbread houses. Suddenly there is a lot of noise and action. They have a cat loose and it's a cat with no fur. Then is starts to snow. Crazy for Texas but it was enough to close down the whole town. Then they find a body and the cop arrives. While they are trying to figure out who did it, they find another body. Who can be behind all of this ? As they follow the clues, leaving the cop far behind, they are not sure of what they are learning. Can they figure this out ?
December 30, 2025
Nothing says Christmas in Beauchamp like murder, mayhem, and an ABBA tribute band. And when the annual party is crashed by a feral sphynx cat and an over enthusiastic police K9, you know it’ll be another chaotic Christmas for the Black Orchid Enterprises. Chock full of the investigative processes and scientific inquiry missing from the first book, The Sphynx Who Stole Christmas makes you feel a part of the process. With laugh out loud banter, relatable encounters, and a cozy small town feel, you’ll want to keep reading about Beauchamp, because reading about Beauchamp feels a lot like coming home…
December 28, 2025
Book 2, it helps to read the first book. However, the story can be read as a standalone. It has been a year since Black Orchid Enterprises was established but their anniversary brings back déjà vu as disaster strikes. A murder takes place and JD is hired by the suspect who has a motive but proclaims her innocence. However, as the subject list gets smaller and more personal, JD has a big case on his hands. In the meantime, a cat causes a lot of destruction. This is a cosy and visual story.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.
March 31, 2025
I love the author's use of language, wry comments, dry humour. Christmas is bedlam at Gregg House with members from multiple families, from multiple faiths, with an abandoned cat wreaking havoc, two very unpleasant people being murdered and a snow storm blackout. And that is just the start. Great fun. Enjoyed it and the playlist at the end. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 14, 2024
The Sphinx Who Stole Christmas
Beautiful story no loved all the different religious traditions and beliefs. Very entertaining and enjoyable. I have to go back and reread book one. Too long ago.
Beautiful story no loved all the different religious traditions and beliefs. Very entertaining and enjoyable. I have to go back and reread book one. Too long ago.
June 18, 2024
Great Book
I loved this book. There were plenty of wild and crazy things happening in this book to keep me flipping the pages. I never saw the end coming.
I loved this book. There were plenty of wild and crazy things happening in this book to keep me flipping the pages. I never saw the end coming.
February 18, 2025
This is arguably my favorite book of the series so far. Not that the other books are bad, but I really enjoyed the plot and some of the character interactions in this one. It's another community Christmas party Chez Black Orchids and it's not too long before shenanigans (and Abba songs) ensue. The cover is directly out of a scene from the book (Think “Ohhhh, no! There goes Gingerbread Tokyo!”). That cat is equal parts scary and adorable. There are characters that are misunderstood, both for better and for worse. And I really appreciate the Chaucer plot steal, even if it's accidental.
Unlike the first book, this is a complete novel-length story. The plot is a bit deeper and more convoluted, and digs into the history of the town of Beauchamp. The story focuses on Johnny's quirky extended family and gives us some more information about Dianne's, too. Chantal also gets her pet parent moment in the sun. JD is more of the supportive friend and narrator, but don't worry – future books get into his background, too.
Unlike the first book, this is a complete novel-length story. The plot is a bit deeper and more convoluted, and digs into the history of the town of Beauchamp. The story focuses on Johnny's quirky extended family and gives us some more information about Dianne's, too. Chantal also gets her pet parent moment in the sun. JD is more of the supportive friend and narrator, but don't worry – future books get into his background, too.
June 19, 2023
Hurrah for a cozy mystery with verve and humor to die for. Attorney and occasional pianist/singer JD is no simple amateur sleuth. He has relatives and friends who paint Central Texas with colorful insights and dialogue. A major protagonist (or possibly antagonist?) is the Sphynx kitty who tears up the gingerbread at a holiday party, then plays a major role in the ultimate climax of this affectionate murder mystery. Enjoy this entertaining read about lively characters who don’t want to suspect each other.
May 29, 2023
The Sphynx Who Stole Christmas is the second book in A Black Orchid Enterprises mystery series written by M. R. Dimond. A fun cozy mystery involving the crazy life of a group of three friends and their extended families. It was a great and Interesting story which included a Sphynx cat. There was a good plot and with well descriptive characters. Looking forward to more in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
September 22, 2023
The Sphynx Who Stole Christmas is book #2 in the Black Orchid Enterprises Mystery series by M. R. Dimond.
Another fun story about the Black Orchids and their friends and family. There was a lot of characters to keep track of. It’s been a year since they started. It was an interesting mystery and great fun with the Sphynx cat. I enjoyed this and look forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another fun story about the Black Orchids and their friends and family. There was a lot of characters to keep track of. It’s been a year since they started. It was an interesting mystery and great fun with the Sphynx cat. I enjoyed this and look forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2024
This is the 2nd book I have read in this series, and probably my last. It just didn't click with me.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews