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Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery #16.5 - Death of a Christmas Mitt
Christmas Mittens Murder
Just in time for the holiday season, a new mystery collection featuring cozy mystery novellas by Lee Hollis, Lynn Cahoon, and Maddie Day!
DEATH OF A CHRISTMAS MITTEN KNITTER by LEE HOLLIS The church’s annual Christmas bazaar is an unqualified success until the local jeweler cries out that a valuable diamond ring has been stolen. Food writer Hayley Powell joins the search for it but discovers something decidedly more shocking—the dead body of a local knitter with a homemade mitten stuffed in her mouth. With only days to spare before the holiday, Hayley must unravel the mystery of Bar Harbor’s crafty killer before someone else receives a deadly gift.
TWO CHRISTMAS MITTENS by LYNN CAHOON Magic Springs, Idaho, is decked out in its sparkling best for the season, but Mia Malone is almost too busy to notice. Taking a second job at the Lodge to save Mia’s Morsels doesn’t leave her much time for festivities—until she finds a dead body near one red mitten in the snow outside the Lodge during the holiday party. Learning that an ancient curse is at play, Mia must find the missing mitten and solve the murder before someone she loves is the next victim.
MURDEROUS MITTENS by MADDIE DAY A quiet Christmas in Colinas, California, at her twin sister’s charming B&B is exactly what Cece Barton needs during the holiday hustle of Los Angeles. But the morning after a lovely evening at the local wine bar, Cece learns that the bar’s proprietor, who sells mittens in her spare time, has has been found dead, hit on the head with a bocce ball nestled in one of the mittens she sells as a sideline. With her horrified twin one of the main suspects, can Cece unmask the merry murderer before this becomes a holiday from hell?
DEATH OF A CHRISTMAS MITTEN KNITTER by LEE HOLLIS The church’s annual Christmas bazaar is an unqualified success until the local jeweler cries out that a valuable diamond ring has been stolen. Food writer Hayley Powell joins the search for it but discovers something decidedly more shocking—the dead body of a local knitter with a homemade mitten stuffed in her mouth. With only days to spare before the holiday, Hayley must unravel the mystery of Bar Harbor’s crafty killer before someone else receives a deadly gift.
TWO CHRISTMAS MITTENS by LYNN CAHOON Magic Springs, Idaho, is decked out in its sparkling best for the season, but Mia Malone is almost too busy to notice. Taking a second job at the Lodge to save Mia’s Morsels doesn’t leave her much time for festivities—until she finds a dead body near one red mitten in the snow outside the Lodge during the holiday party. Learning that an ancient curse is at play, Mia must find the missing mitten and solve the murder before someone she loves is the next victim.
MURDEROUS MITTENS by MADDIE DAY A quiet Christmas in Colinas, California, at her twin sister’s charming B&B is exactly what Cece Barton needs during the holiday hustle of Los Angeles. But the morning after a lovely evening at the local wine bar, Cece learns that the bar’s proprietor, who sells mittens in her spare time, has has been found dead, hit on the head with a bocce ball nestled in one of the mittens she sells as a sideline. With her horrified twin one of the main suspects, can Cece unmask the merry murderer before this becomes a holiday from hell?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 26, 2023
126 people are currently reading
2013 people want to read
About the author
Lee Hollis
52 books821 followersLee Hollis is the pen name for Rick Copp and his sister Holly Simason.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
December 23, 2023
A super fun collection of three novellas from some of my favorite authors. Hollis delivers a wonderful holiday mystery with a knitter who is stabbed with her own needle. Which friend in the knitting circle did it (right outside a church too!). Cahoon offers another installment in the kitchen witch series with a pair of murderous mittens. Loved getting to know more magical characters. And Maddie Day teases us with the first entry in her new Cece Barton mysteries taking place in a winery in California - what more could I ask for. Good holiday fun. Easy reading. Lovely characters Always look forward to these annual collections.
October 28, 2024
I've read the Hayley Powell series before but I am new to the Cece Barton series and the Kitchen Witch series. I found all 3 stories enjoyable and immediately ordered the start of the 2 new series.
Overall, these all 3 enjoyable stories perfect to get you into the holiday spirit.
Overall, these all 3 enjoyable stories perfect to get you into the holiday spirit.
October 19, 2023
Not really a fan of novellas but I love the Hayley Powell series so I wanted to read that one. I don’t read the Kitchen Witch series so I skipped that one and the last one was just OK. Despite being a novella, Death of a Christmas Mitten felt like a full mystery – it still had the full investigation, Hayley’s column and recipes, and their hijinks. It was fun. Murderous Mittens was my first Cece Barton (I have the full-length novel on my kindle) and it felt more preachy than anything else; this does not bode well for the first one but I’ll keep an open mind. I did like the characters but really? 3 sets of twins?!!! I did enjoy the cameo by Cam Flaherty from the Local Foods Series. This is a great way to try new series so I recommend it for fans of these series or those who want to try them.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #kensingtonbooks for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #kensingtonbooks for an honest review.
April 24, 2023
I received a free copy of, Christmas Mittens Murder, by Lee Hollis, Lynn Calhoun, and Maddie Day, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Who knew mittens can be so dangerous. This book has three stories in it. The first story is: Death of a Christmas Mitten Knitter, by Lee Hollis missing jewelry and a murder too, Hayley will be busy this Christmas season, in Bar Harbor. The second story is: Two Christmas Mittens, by Lyn Cahoon, Magic Springs, Idaho should be magical at Christmas, but this year there is a murder to be solved Mia, must solve the mystery while also trying to save her business, Mia's Morsels, such a busy time of year. The third story is: Murderous Mittens by Maddie Day, Cece is looking forward to a quiet Christmas with her twin sister Allie, but someone is murdered and her twin is a suspect, can she solve the crime and save Christmas for the town? I really liked all the stories, they were all good and thrilling.
October 2, 2023
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Fresh Fiction
CHRISTMAS MITTENS MURDER is an anthology comprised of three short stories by Lee Hollis, Lynn Cahoon and Maddie Day.
After reading all the stories, I’m happy to say that I enjoyed all of them. My favorite of the bunch is the Lee Hollis’s story. As a fan of the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktail series, I honestly cannot miss a story about her. Hayley is still one of my all time favorite amateur sleuths and I loved her in this one too.
Lynn Cahoon’s contribution was also really fun and entertaining. Although I have read books by her before, this holiday-themed one made me consider going back and reading the other books in the series because I enjoyed it so much.
This was also my first read by Maddie Day, so I was interested to see how I would like this new-to-me author. I’m happy to say that I enjoyed it very much and would definitely consider trying more of her books out.
That’s why I love reading anthologies like this, it’s a great way to discover new authors! Be sure to add this anthology to your wish list this holiday season! You won’t regret it!
CHRISTMAS MITTENS MURDER is an anthology comprised of three short stories by Lee Hollis, Lynn Cahoon and Maddie Day.
After reading all the stories, I’m happy to say that I enjoyed all of them. My favorite of the bunch is the Lee Hollis’s story. As a fan of the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktail series, I honestly cannot miss a story about her. Hayley is still one of my all time favorite amateur sleuths and I loved her in this one too.
Lynn Cahoon’s contribution was also really fun and entertaining. Although I have read books by her before, this holiday-themed one made me consider going back and reading the other books in the series because I enjoyed it so much.
This was also my first read by Maddie Day, so I was interested to see how I would like this new-to-me author. I’m happy to say that I enjoyed it very much and would definitely consider trying more of her books out.
That’s why I love reading anthologies like this, it’s a great way to discover new authors! Be sure to add this anthology to your wish list this holiday season! You won’t regret it!
June 26, 2023
While I enjoyed the offering by Lee Hollis in the 'Christmas Mittens Murder' anthology, to me it was the only one that was tolerable. I love Lynn Cahoon, but completely avoid her Kitchen Witch series. I found Maddie Day's take on current day stances off-putting. I guess I just simply expected a simple, cozy Christmas anthology.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
February 20, 2024
I am only reading "Two Christmas Mittens [Kitchen Witch #4.5]" by Lynn Cahoon as I don't read the other two authors and I need this book before I read book 5 in this series. I did the math and this book has 106 pages [even though the full book will be on my GR page count] and so that is what I am counting in my personal account.
Oh how I like this series [] and it was so lovely to just get another glimpse of this world [I have the new one from NG on deck so I won't be gone from the world that long LOL]. My ONLY complaint of this book is the extremely rushed ending. We never really find out why the killer did what they did and we don't really get to see the recovery that needs to happen. If the ending had been a little more fleshed out, this would have been a five-star read for me. Regardless, it was still an excellent mystery, filled with things that have never ever crossed my mind and just cemented this series as one of my current top 10 favorites!!
Oh how I like this series [] and it was so lovely to just get another glimpse of this world [I have the new one from NG on deck so I won't be gone from the world that long LOL]. My ONLY complaint of this book is the extremely rushed ending. We never really find out why the killer did what they did and we don't really get to see the recovery that needs to happen. If the ending had been a little more fleshed out, this would have been a five-star read for me. Regardless, it was still an excellent mystery, filled with things that have never ever crossed my mind and just cemented this series as one of my current top 10 favorites!!
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December 11, 2023I cannot give a star rating because this book contains three novellas, and I have very different opinions about all three novellas. I do want to say that I absolutely loved Murderous Mittens by Maddie Day! This novella introduces the beginning of a new series for Maddie Day, and the series is called Cece Barton Mysteries. I look forward to reading Murder Uncorked very soon, which is the first book in the new series. I also enjoyed the first novella, Christmas Mittens Murder by Lee Hollis, but Maddie Day's book is absolutely my favorite of the three novellas. Two Christmas Mittens by Lynn Cahoon was not my cup of tea at all, as I dislike books about witchcraft. I understand that there is a market for that topic, so I am not qualified to judge its literary quality.
April 4, 2023
#ChristmasMittensMurder #NetGalley is a trio of stories written by three fantastic authors.
Each story revolves around Christmas mittens, who knew such cute items could be so deadly.
In the first story we catch up with Hayley Powell, where a Christmas bazaar turns deadly and everyone points a finger at possible suspects.
Our second story features our kitchen witch, Mia, and a cursed pair of mittens turns deadly. Mia needs to act fast to end the curse.
In our third and last story, we meet CeCe Barton, a new protagonist who I liked right from the start. Another death takes place, and the murder weapon, a mitten that becomes a deadly weapon.
There's nothing I like more than a holiday themed cozy mystery and this book is perfect for a weekend read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Each story revolves around Christmas mittens, who knew such cute items could be so deadly.
In the first story we catch up with Hayley Powell, where a Christmas bazaar turns deadly and everyone points a finger at possible suspects.
Our second story features our kitchen witch, Mia, and a cursed pair of mittens turns deadly. Mia needs to act fast to end the curse.
In our third and last story, we meet CeCe Barton, a new protagonist who I liked right from the start. Another death takes place, and the murder weapon, a mitten that becomes a deadly weapon.
There's nothing I like more than a holiday themed cozy mystery and this book is perfect for a weekend read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
December 1, 2023
This is pretty rough writing. Wanted to be festive.
December 13, 2023
I absolutely adore these themed collections of novellas from various cozy mysteries! First, they feed my need for more time with some of my favorite characters such as Mia the kitchen witch from Lynn Cahoon's series which is the second story in the collection. Always fantastic characters and well thought out plots that just draw you in and keep you turning entertaining page after entertaining page! Secondly, and probably most importantly in my opinion, is that it is a great way to find new characters, storylines and authors to fall in love with. Lee Hollis' story, the first in the series, introduced me to a host of new characters that I found absolutely intriguing and I can't wait to go back to the beginning of the series and get to know them all extremely well. The last story was written by Maddie Day and is the set up to a brand-new series that I can already tell will be a must read on my list of series! I love finding main characters that are closer to my physical age as I get older and I can tell that CeCe is going to be one of my favorite characters of all! The fun part of these books is the authors pick a theme and it appears in every story, in this case Christmas Mittens, were somehow worked into each mystery and it was delightful to see how creative the authors could be with their twist on the reveal!
September 15, 2023
I love these holiday collections from Kensington Publishing and was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from them and NetGalley. The book consists of three novellas by three different authors, but with the common element of "Christmas Mittens." These collections are a good way to get more of your favorite cozy authors or characters and also to meet new ones that you're not familiar with.
This collection has stories with a stolen mitten, a cursed mitten, and a mitten as a murder weapon. I've read books by each of the three authors, but two of the three were from unfamiliar series. I wasn't as engaged in these stories as in some of the prior collections, but still enjoyed them. They all have interesting main characters and the mysteries have satisfying endings. I think this book is perfect for reading inside on a cold day, with a nice cup of hot tea or hot chocolate. (3.5/4 stars)
This collection has stories with a stolen mitten, a cursed mitten, and a mitten as a murder weapon. I've read books by each of the three authors, but two of the three were from unfamiliar series. I wasn't as engaged in these stories as in some of the prior collections, but still enjoyed them. They all have interesting main characters and the mysteries have satisfying endings. I think this book is perfect for reading inside on a cold day, with a nice cup of hot tea or hot chocolate. (3.5/4 stars)
June 28, 2023
Three brilliant cosy crime authors have each written a Christmas story with mittens at their heart, and all were great reads. I was only familiar with Lynn Cahoon's characters but as the third story by Maddie Day was a prequel to her new series out later in the year and the first story by Lee Hollis was easy to follow so I was never confused.
Although the stories had mittens and murder in common, that was where the similarities ended, and a varied and enjoyably festive reading experience was provided even though at the time the temperature in England was in the 30s!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a great read for fans of all three authors and festive readers alike. Recommended.
Although the stories had mittens and murder in common, that was where the similarities ended, and a varied and enjoyably festive reading experience was provided even though at the time the temperature in England was in the 30s!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a great read for fans of all three authors and festive readers alike. Recommended.
December 11, 2023
Murder mystery anthology sounds interesting - until you read these stories. Far from any resemblance to good storytelling, one story shows the absolute worst in humanity - think of outdated sitcoms, another is - let’s say weird, and that’s weird knowing the kind of strange that does interesting me, and the last just reached really hard for impossible connections between vacationers. The only thing they really had in common was the crimes being “solved” by random people (the protagonists) not in the profession - and incredibly rushed.
January 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this three novella set
Book 1: Death if a Christmas Mitten Knitter
A local church fundraiser takes a serious turn when one of the knitters from the Knitting Mafia is found murdered. Hailey Powell amateur sleuth snd food critic finds the body and she’s off to the races trying to figure out whodunit.
Definitely love getting a short glimpse into one of the series I really enjoy. It gives you a great idea about how well written the larger books are. Lee Hollis never disappoints.
Book 2: Two Christmas Mittens
Mia finds a big mystery when a magical mitten puts an ancient curse on one of her best friends. She finds her friend in a Sleeping Beauty rest and that is after they find the dreaded one mitten without its pair. Mia and her friends go on a search for the missing mitten oh and try to save Christina and solve the murder.
Very good story. Made me miss this magical series. It gave me all the feels I love plus a bit o magic to boot. Lynn Cahoon is definitely a favorite of mine.
Book 3: Murderous Mittens
This is the prequel to the first book in Maggie Day’s new series called Murdered Uncorked. Here we find CeCe new to town and not even an employee of the wine bar yet where the manager Val gets murdered. CeCe is motivated to find the killer because they suspect her fraternal twin Allie might be the culprit. This was definitely an excellent mini mystery. To get our creative mystery solving muscle going.
Book 1: Death if a Christmas Mitten Knitter
A local church fundraiser takes a serious turn when one of the knitters from the Knitting Mafia is found murdered. Hailey Powell amateur sleuth snd food critic finds the body and she’s off to the races trying to figure out whodunit.
Definitely love getting a short glimpse into one of the series I really enjoy. It gives you a great idea about how well written the larger books are. Lee Hollis never disappoints.
Book 2: Two Christmas Mittens
Mia finds a big mystery when a magical mitten puts an ancient curse on one of her best friends. She finds her friend in a Sleeping Beauty rest and that is after they find the dreaded one mitten without its pair. Mia and her friends go on a search for the missing mitten oh and try to save Christina and solve the murder.
Very good story. Made me miss this magical series. It gave me all the feels I love plus a bit o magic to boot. Lynn Cahoon is definitely a favorite of mine.
Book 3: Murderous Mittens
This is the prequel to the first book in Maggie Day’s new series called Murdered Uncorked. Here we find CeCe new to town and not even an employee of the wine bar yet where the manager Val gets murdered. CeCe is motivated to find the killer because they suspect her fraternal twin Allie might be the culprit. This was definitely an excellent mini mystery. To get our creative mystery solving muscle going.
May 29, 2023
I received a free copy from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it.
Murderous Mittens by Maddie Day
I started with Murderous Mittens as that was the story I was most excited for. I like Maddie day's Country Story Mysteries series and am excited for this new series. This story functions as a prequel novella for the author's new series and I liked getting to know the characters and setting. Cece was likable character and I liked how she had a twin and her outings with the twin sons of her sister. Getting to know her and seeing her interact with the side character was one of my favorite parts of this story as well as getting a feel for the town. There is some holiday cheer as well. The main character teams up with a visiting farm, who is the main character from another one of the author's series that I haven't read yet, but that didn't detract from the read and it will probably be a fun cameo for fans of that series. The mystery had some suspects and was relatively straightforward. Not the best mystery and no big surprises, but still interesting to see it all play out. All in all it was a fun and satisfying read. It made me excited for the first book in this new series and reading more about these characters.
Death of Christmas Mitten Knitter by Lee Hollis
Two Christmas Mittens by Lynn Cahoon
Murderous Mittens by Maddie Day
I started with Murderous Mittens as that was the story I was most excited for. I like Maddie day's Country Story Mysteries series and am excited for this new series. This story functions as a prequel novella for the author's new series and I liked getting to know the characters and setting. Cece was likable character and I liked how she had a twin and her outings with the twin sons of her sister. Getting to know her and seeing her interact with the side character was one of my favorite parts of this story as well as getting a feel for the town. There is some holiday cheer as well. The main character teams up with a visiting farm, who is the main character from another one of the author's series that I haven't read yet, but that didn't detract from the read and it will probably be a fun cameo for fans of that series. The mystery had some suspects and was relatively straightforward. Not the best mystery and no big surprises, but still interesting to see it all play out. All in all it was a fun and satisfying read. It made me excited for the first book in this new series and reading more about these characters.
Death of Christmas Mitten Knitter by Lee Hollis
Two Christmas Mittens by Lynn Cahoon
June 8, 2023
This is a collection of 3 novellas by 3 authors, with a “Mittens” common element”
DEATH OF A CHRISTMAS MITTEN KNITTER by LEE HOLLIS
I have long been a fan of Lee Hollis’ mysteries featuring the protagonist, Hayley Powell. Hayley is a food writer for a local newspaper, and now owns a restaurant in this newest novella.
As in all previous books, the cast of colorful characters I love interact with new ones, and a murder ensues. It is up to Hayley to find out “whodunnint”.
This novella is full of Christmas the plot is clever and believable. I laughed out loud so many times! Humor mixed in with a serious case of murder always makes for easy reading. I finished this novella in a short time, and highly recommend it. Well done, authors (brother and sister).
TWO CHRISTMAS MITTENS by LYNN CAHOON
BOOK REVIEW OF “CHRISTMAS MITTENS MURDER”
This is a collection of 3 novellas by 3 authors, with a “Mittens” common element”
DEATH OF A CHRISTMAS MITTEN KNITTER by LEE HOLLIS
I have long been a fan of Lee Hollis’ mysteries featuring the protagonist, Hayley Powell. Hayley is a food writer for a local newspaper, and now owns a restaurant in this newest novella.
As in all previous books, the cast of colorful characters I love interact with new ones, and a murder ensues. It is up to Hayley to find out “whodunnint”.
This novella is full of Christmas the plot is clever and believable. I laughed out loud so many times! Humor mixed in with a serious case of murder always makes for easy reading. I finished this novella in a short time, and highly recommend it. Well done, authors (brother and sister).
TWO CHRISTMAS MITTENS by LYNN CAHOON
This is my first Lynn Cahoon book, and I have had others in my TBR pile for a while. I was surprised that this cozy is about witches and mentions “…the Goddess” a few times. (…in a Christmas-themed book?)
It took me a while to get into the story, because I was unfamiliar with the characters, and prefer not to read about witches unless during Halloween season.
I felt that the writer is excellent, and the story flows beautifully up to the conclusion, when everything is revealed.
If you like books with witches in it, you will love it.
MURDEROUS MITTENS by MADDIE DAY
I was anxious to read this novella by one of my favorite authors: Maddie Day, and read it in record time.
Very recently I read and reviewed her first full cozy mystery in the new CeCe Barton Mysteries: “Murder Uncorked”. I was absolutely hooked from the first page. As I read that book, it became evident that there was an earlier book, since some facts were mentioned…then I discovered that CeCe was introduced in this novella, so I had to read it.
I am thrilled to have the complete picture now, since a lot of the tiny holes in my mind were filled in, and I now have a better understanding of CeCe’s world. There is also a guest character from another Maddie Day series, but I won’t tell you because I want you to be surprised.
As with Murder Uncorked, this novella was a real treat. By now I just love CeCe, the fictional town of Colinas in Sonoma County, CA, and its quirky characters. Maddie’s brilliant descriptions of this amazing area, which I love, make me want to travel North to visit the area that inspired Maddie for this series. I know she did extensive research before she wrote the book, and it shows. The plot is exquisite, and very clever!
I most highly recommend this book, and suggest you read it before Murder Uncorked. Such FUN!!!
Thank you, Net Galley and Kensington Cozies, for allowing me to read this advance copy and post an honest review.
DEATH OF A CHRISTMAS MITTEN KNITTER by LEE HOLLIS
I have long been a fan of Lee Hollis’ mysteries featuring the protagonist, Hayley Powell. Hayley is a food writer for a local newspaper, and now owns a restaurant in this newest novella.
As in all previous books, the cast of colorful characters I love interact with new ones, and a murder ensues. It is up to Hayley to find out “whodunnint”.
This novella is full of Christmas the plot is clever and believable. I laughed out loud so many times! Humor mixed in with a serious case of murder always makes for easy reading. I finished this novella in a short time, and highly recommend it. Well done, authors (brother and sister).
TWO CHRISTMAS MITTENS by LYNN CAHOON
BOOK REVIEW OF “CHRISTMAS MITTENS MURDER”
This is a collection of 3 novellas by 3 authors, with a “Mittens” common element”
DEATH OF A CHRISTMAS MITTEN KNITTER by LEE HOLLIS
I have long been a fan of Lee Hollis’ mysteries featuring the protagonist, Hayley Powell. Hayley is a food writer for a local newspaper, and now owns a restaurant in this newest novella.
As in all previous books, the cast of colorful characters I love interact with new ones, and a murder ensues. It is up to Hayley to find out “whodunnint”.
This novella is full of Christmas the plot is clever and believable. I laughed out loud so many times! Humor mixed in with a serious case of murder always makes for easy reading. I finished this novella in a short time, and highly recommend it. Well done, authors (brother and sister).
TWO CHRISTMAS MITTENS by LYNN CAHOON
This is my first Lynn Cahoon book, and I have had others in my TBR pile for a while. I was surprised that this cozy is about witches and mentions “…the Goddess” a few times. (…in a Christmas-themed book?)
It took me a while to get into the story, because I was unfamiliar with the characters, and prefer not to read about witches unless during Halloween season.
I felt that the writer is excellent, and the story flows beautifully up to the conclusion, when everything is revealed.
If you like books with witches in it, you will love it.
MURDEROUS MITTENS by MADDIE DAY
I was anxious to read this novella by one of my favorite authors: Maddie Day, and read it in record time.
Very recently I read and reviewed her first full cozy mystery in the new CeCe Barton Mysteries: “Murder Uncorked”. I was absolutely hooked from the first page. As I read that book, it became evident that there was an earlier book, since some facts were mentioned…then I discovered that CeCe was introduced in this novella, so I had to read it.
I am thrilled to have the complete picture now, since a lot of the tiny holes in my mind were filled in, and I now have a better understanding of CeCe’s world. There is also a guest character from another Maddie Day series, but I won’t tell you because I want you to be surprised.
As with Murder Uncorked, this novella was a real treat. By now I just love CeCe, the fictional town of Colinas in Sonoma County, CA, and its quirky characters. Maddie’s brilliant descriptions of this amazing area, which I love, make me want to travel North to visit the area that inspired Maddie for this series. I know she did extensive research before she wrote the book, and it shows. The plot is exquisite, and very clever!
I most highly recommend this book, and suggest you read it before Murder Uncorked. Such FUN!!!
Thank you, Net Galley and Kensington Cozies, for allowing me to read this advance copy and post an honest review.
August 4, 2023
First I would like to thank #NetGalley and #Kensington publishing for a chance to read this book. The first of the three novellas was by Lee Hollis, while I have read a couple books in this series this was the one I was least familiar with. I know this is a long running series, it is just not a favorite of mine. It was a Christmas tale though and appeared to have all the usual characters, I am sure it would be better enjoyed by fans of the series. The second is by Lynn Cahoon and involved the characters from her Kitchen Witch series. This novella will definitely make you rethink how you feel about fairy tales and mittens! It was great to have all the gang working together to save one of their own. The Christmas holiday definitely added to the atmosphere, definitely an enjoyable addition to the series. The third novella and my favorite was basically an introduction to a new series by Edith Maxwell/Maddie Day. Cece Barton finds herself in wine country, visiting her twin sister and her family for the holidays. When the manager at a local wine bar is murdered, Cece's sister becomes a suspect. While Cece definitely has no experience finding the true killer, she knows she has to help her sister. Fortunately a guest at her sister's B & B, has plenty of experience and what a wonderful surprise to find a main character from another of Ms Maxwell/Day series as that guest. This was a fun read and a definite set up for the new series that I can't wait to read!!! Definitely an anthology worth reading!
November 6, 2023
3 stars:
Two Christmas Mittens (Kitchen Witch Mysteries) - Idaho
2 stars:
Death of a Christmas Mitten Murder (Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery - Maine
Murderous Mittens (Cece Barton Mystery) - California
These stories take place in December. Mittens are involved in each mystery. Sometimes it's the murder weapon; sometimes it isn't. There wasn't a whole lot going on in these stories. They lacked something this time. There were some hijinks, but it wasn't fun or funny. I also didn't like most of the characters. This was probably the problem. Almost everyone annoyed me, even characters that I normally liked. The endings weren't what I expected. One story was a setup for a series and brought in a character from another one, which I liked.
Two Christmas Mittens (Kitchen Witch Mysteries) - Idaho
2 stars:
Death of a Christmas Mitten Murder (Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery - Maine
Murderous Mittens (Cece Barton Mystery) - California
These stories take place in December. Mittens are involved in each mystery. Sometimes it's the murder weapon; sometimes it isn't. There wasn't a whole lot going on in these stories. They lacked something this time. There were some hijinks, but it wasn't fun or funny. I also didn't like most of the characters. This was probably the problem. Almost everyone annoyed me, even characters that I normally liked. The endings weren't what I expected. One story was a setup for a series and brought in a character from another one, which I liked.
May 6, 2023
Death Of A Christmas Mitten Knitter by Lee Hollis
Ms.Hollis tale of a soul murdered at Christmas is one of many with varying motives. Nicely crafted to produce, then eliminate suspects. All have viable motives, but the murderer’s was one no one suspected.
Two Christmas Mittens by Lynn Cahoon
Ms. Cahoon pens a Christmas gathering attended by a few paranormals. A gathering ending with a body and a young lady very ill. Mia and her friends race the clock to solve the mystery of how and why.
Murderous Mittens by Maddie Day
Ms. Day’s small town cozy is an intriguing look at the hospitality industry there. A small B&B, a wine bar and several small shops populate the downtown area. Her characters are varied and vivid. CeCe is visiting who sister who owns the B&B and is drawn into investigating a very unusual murder.
All three books are a little off the beaten path and enjoyable reads. I’d recommend to any cozy lover to kick off the holiday season.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC gratis and offer my opinion in the same.
Ms.Hollis tale of a soul murdered at Christmas is one of many with varying motives. Nicely crafted to produce, then eliminate suspects. All have viable motives, but the murderer’s was one no one suspected.
Two Christmas Mittens by Lynn Cahoon
Ms. Cahoon pens a Christmas gathering attended by a few paranormals. A gathering ending with a body and a young lady very ill. Mia and her friends race the clock to solve the mystery of how and why.
Murderous Mittens by Maddie Day
Ms. Day’s small town cozy is an intriguing look at the hospitality industry there. A small B&B, a wine bar and several small shops populate the downtown area. Her characters are varied and vivid. CeCe is visiting who sister who owns the B&B and is drawn into investigating a very unusual murder.
All three books are a little off the beaten path and enjoyable reads. I’d recommend to any cozy lover to kick off the holiday season.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC gratis and offer my opinion in the same.
July 6, 2023
Three great mysteries, by three great authors! Hollis continue the Hayley Powell series with this "delightful" (if you can say that about a murder mystery) tale of a missing ring and other dastardly doings. Cahoon's story adds a bit of witchcraft to this holiday tale of murder. Day's mystery is set in a charming town, with lots of wine and a perfectly plotted mystery. Bonuses in Day's story include the reappearance of a character from one of her other series, and is the origin story of Cece Barton and is the precursor to Murder Uncorked, the soon to published new series!
July 20, 2023
Three novellas all regarding mittens. Who knew mittens could be deadly.
First we start with Lee Hollis and Hayley Powell at a Christmas bazaar. Where the knitting circles fight publicly and one of them is killed with a knitting needle.
Then a Tale of Two magical mittens that are used to curse and kill.
Last, Maddie Day novella. I haven't read any of their books before so I was quite confused on who was who and what was happening.
Overall a delightful book. A fast read with some fantastic mysteries.
First we start with Lee Hollis and Hayley Powell at a Christmas bazaar. Where the knitting circles fight publicly and one of them is killed with a knitting needle.
Then a Tale of Two magical mittens that are used to curse and kill.
Last, Maddie Day novella. I haven't read any of their books before so I was quite confused on who was who and what was happening.
Overall a delightful book. A fast read with some fantastic mysteries.
January 6, 2024
I have read a few of Lee Hollis’ Hayley Powell Food & Cocktails Mystery series, which I have enjoyed and her series mini installment, Death of a Christmas Mitten Knitter was such a fun read. The warring knitting groups consisting of older people were hilarious; especially one of the knitters creating a rap video that slammed the opposing knitting group that played a part in the solving of the murder.
Lynn Cahoon’s Two Christmas Mittens, which is a part of her Kitchen Witch Mysteries series, was the first I read by her. I absolutely loved the paranormal witchy magic aspect of the story that provided much intrigue and enhanced the mystery with creative occurrences. I enjoyed it so much and I hope to read more of this series.
I have read a couple of Maddie Day’s novels and her Murderous Mittens story, which is the beginning of a new series, confirmed that her writing is not for me.The preachiness and political agenda undertone contained in the novella made me disengaged from the story and I didn’t feel too invested in the mystery.
Overall, despite not enjoying the one novella, the first two novellas are not to be missed.
Thank you Kensington Books for the arc. Thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
Lynn Cahoon’s Two Christmas Mittens, which is a part of her Kitchen Witch Mysteries series, was the first I read by her. I absolutely loved the paranormal witchy magic aspect of the story that provided much intrigue and enhanced the mystery with creative occurrences. I enjoyed it so much and I hope to read more of this series.
I have read a couple of Maddie Day’s novels and her Murderous Mittens story, which is the beginning of a new series, confirmed that her writing is not for me.The preachiness and political agenda undertone contained in the novella made me disengaged from the story and I didn’t feel too invested in the mystery.
Overall, despite not enjoying the one novella, the first two novellas are not to be missed.
Thank you Kensington Books for the arc. Thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 3, 2024
The first and third stories were interesting, but I'll admit that I had trouble keeping up with what was going on with the second story. It seemed like there were a lot of characters for a novella and a great deal of backstory from the existing series that hindered me from engaging with the plot. My draw to this book was the Maddie Day story (the third one) as it's technically the beginning of her new cozy mystery series, and when I read the first book in the full-length book series, it referenced the events of this novella.
August 6, 2023
This is a really cute collection of three short stories. The first is Death of a Christmas Mitten Knitter by Lee Hollis. It is always fun to catch up with Hayley Powell and the characters from Bar Harbor. Hayley is attending a Christmas bazar where a dead body shows up. Hayley investigates rival knitting groups to find the killer.
The second is Two Christmas Mittens by Lynn Cahoon. Mia's friend Christina picks up a enchanted mitten that causes her to be sick. Mia investigates when a murder occurs in order to help cure her friend. I always enjoy this series and the characters.
The last book is Murderous Mittens. This is a prequel to a new series by Maddie Day. I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the new series.
The second is Two Christmas Mittens by Lynn Cahoon. Mia's friend Christina picks up a enchanted mitten that causes her to be sick. Mia investigates when a murder occurs in order to help cure her friend. I always enjoy this series and the characters.
The last book is Murderous Mittens. This is a prequel to a new series by Maddie Day. I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the new series.
September 26, 2023
Three enjoyable Christmas mysteries by 3 of the best. Lots of Christmassy touches add to stories - cozy up,with a blanket and treat yourself!
November 8, 2025
Was disappointed in this book.
September 27, 2023
The new Christmas Short Story anthology, Christmas Mittens Murder, will have readers wishing for cold weather, hot chocolate, festivals, holiday cheer, and a murder or two for them to solve. But be careful what you ask Santa to put under the tree.
The stories in this year’s Christmas anthology revolve around mittens. Twists are abundant and make these stories come to life. One of the mittens is cursed and causes chaos, while the others lead to murder and holiday mayhem. “Murderous Mittens” by Maddie Day introduces readers to a new series with all new characters. Lee Hollis’ entry has Hayley learning that knitting can be a deadly hobby, while Lynn Cahoon’s story adds a new twist on finding an errant mitten near a dead body.
The stories in this annual anthology bring readers back to familiar places and beloved characters and introduce us to new ones as well. The murders are all fun and entertaining while keeping us on the edge of our seats, biting our nails. Figuring out who the killer is in each story while wondering how hard it is to knit mittens is an exciting adventure into holiday expectations and disasters, but also how important having family and friends with us during celebrations of any type really is. Or, in other words, exactly what readers want from a cozy.
The stories in this year’s Christmas anthology revolve around mittens. Twists are abundant and make these stories come to life. One of the mittens is cursed and causes chaos, while the others lead to murder and holiday mayhem. “Murderous Mittens” by Maddie Day introduces readers to a new series with all new characters. Lee Hollis’ entry has Hayley learning that knitting can be a deadly hobby, while Lynn Cahoon’s story adds a new twist on finding an errant mitten near a dead body.
The stories in this annual anthology bring readers back to familiar places and beloved characters and introduce us to new ones as well. The murders are all fun and entertaining while keeping us on the edge of our seats, biting our nails. Figuring out who the killer is in each story while wondering how hard it is to knit mittens is an exciting adventure into holiday expectations and disasters, but also how important having family and friends with us during celebrations of any type really is. Or, in other words, exactly what readers want from a cozy.
October 4, 2023
I really enjoyed the first story by Lee Hollis. I love this series and the characters in it. Reading it is like visiting with old friends. Also, I did not guess the murderer.
I didn’t finish the second story because witch cozies just aren’t my thing. Sorry.
I liked the third one by Maddie Day. I’ve read some of her other books and liked them. This one introduced her new character. One thing I didn’t like was Cece kept calling herself a failure and accepted it. I didn’t approve of her low self esteem. I will try the new book when it comes out.
I didn’t finish the second story because witch cozies just aren’t my thing. Sorry.
I liked the third one by Maddie Day. I’ve read some of her other books and liked them. This one introduced her new character. One thing I didn’t like was Cece kept calling herself a failure and accepted it. I didn’t approve of her low self esteem. I will try the new book when it comes out.
December 19, 2024
Death of a Christmas Mitten Knitter: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I really enjoyed this first mystery. Lee Hollis, whom I will admit that I didn't care much for the first book in this series, has turned into a delightful author that I will read time and time again. I love the Hayley Powell series, and this short story gives us another Christmas with Hayley and her husband, Bruce. But it is Hayley who takes the spotlight, when she is roped into providing a pricey gift basket for the church bazaar by the local pastor. It seems her friends, Mona and Liddy, along with her brother, have been tapped as well. But there is discontent among the church ladies who knit and crochet gifts, as theirs aren't as popular, and they're blaming everyone else but themselves. Fights ensue. Then a valuable diamond ring is stolen, and everyone is a suspect. When Hayley is finally allowed to leave, she finds the body of one of the knitters, with a mitten shoved in her mouth. Now Hayley is tasked once again with helping the police to find a killer...
This was a delightful story, and kept me riveted enough to read it in one sitting. I enjoy Hayley and her friends, and the strong bonds they have. Hayley is stumped with this murder, and when she finally figures out who the killer might actually be, it could cost her her life...
Two Christmas Mittens: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Full disclosure: I read Ms. Cahoon's Tourist Trap Mysteries, and love them all. Unfortunately, I am not one to read fantasy, such as those with vampires, werewolves, or witches. So this is the first I have read of hers that have to deal with such. But, I love her other books, so was willing to give it a chance. I was pleasantly surprised, and am happy that I did so.
Mia Malone is a caterer who also happens to be a witch, although she doesn't embrace it as much as others. When she and her friends find a dead body with a mitten nearby, no one thinks anything of it, until the mitten causes someone to fall into a coma, and will die if Mia and her witchy friends can't find a cure. Her grandmother can keep the woman alive for a time, but until then, they need to find a key item to endeavor a cure. Finding herself in strange situations, it isn't until she starts to put the pieces together that she's able to find the truth of the murder and who killed the person...
This was a very good mystery, even with its paranormal elements. I enjoyed the story, and everything that it entailed, including the above. I enjoyed it so much that I might actually delve into more of these mysteries. The ending was done well, and story intriguing, and worth it all.
Murderous Mittens: ⭐⭐⭐When CeCe Barton visits her twin sister Allie in Colinas, California, for a relaxing Christmas at Allie's B&B, it isn't going to be one. She meets a woman at a winery one night and by the next day the woman has been found murdered. Now she's involved in solving the murder along with a new friend named Cam who has some experience in solving mysteries herself...
I have read several of Ms. Day's books in the past and enjoyed most of them. But now I will have to do something I hate to do: which is speak of the way books have turned since before. This book is definitely 'politically correct,' and I read to get away from everyday learnings, not have them thrust upon me in books, which is why I couldn't give this more than three stars. There was more than a story in this, there were things that didn't need to be in there to get the story across.
I will say that I was surprised by the ending, which is always a good thing. It also introduces us to a new character, CeCe Barton, who is beginning her own series, and one of my earlier favorites, Cam, who had her own series of organic gardening (very good mystery series). It was like meeting an old friend and a new. A decent story for the most part, and worth reading anyway.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
This was a delightful story, and kept me riveted enough to read it in one sitting. I enjoy Hayley and her friends, and the strong bonds they have. Hayley is stumped with this murder, and when she finally figures out who the killer might actually be, it could cost her her life...
Two Christmas Mittens: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Full disclosure: I read Ms. Cahoon's Tourist Trap Mysteries, and love them all. Unfortunately, I am not one to read fantasy, such as those with vampires, werewolves, or witches. So this is the first I have read of hers that have to deal with such. But, I love her other books, so was willing to give it a chance. I was pleasantly surprised, and am happy that I did so.
Mia Malone is a caterer who also happens to be a witch, although she doesn't embrace it as much as others. When she and her friends find a dead body with a mitten nearby, no one thinks anything of it, until the mitten causes someone to fall into a coma, and will die if Mia and her witchy friends can't find a cure. Her grandmother can keep the woman alive for a time, but until then, they need to find a key item to endeavor a cure. Finding herself in strange situations, it isn't until she starts to put the pieces together that she's able to find the truth of the murder and who killed the person...
This was a very good mystery, even with its paranormal elements. I enjoyed the story, and everything that it entailed, including the above. I enjoyed it so much that I might actually delve into more of these mysteries. The ending was done well, and story intriguing, and worth it all.
Murderous Mittens: ⭐⭐⭐When CeCe Barton visits her twin sister Allie in Colinas, California, for a relaxing Christmas at Allie's B&B, it isn't going to be one. She meets a woman at a winery one night and by the next day the woman has been found murdered. Now she's involved in solving the murder along with a new friend named Cam who has some experience in solving mysteries herself...
I have read several of Ms. Day's books in the past and enjoyed most of them. But now I will have to do something I hate to do: which is speak of the way books have turned since before. This book is definitely 'politically correct,' and I read to get away from everyday learnings, not have them thrust upon me in books, which is why I couldn't give this more than three stars. There was more than a story in this, there were things that didn't need to be in there to get the story across.
I will say that I was surprised by the ending, which is always a good thing. It also introduces us to a new character, CeCe Barton, who is beginning her own series, and one of my earlier favorites, Cam, who had her own series of organic gardening (very good mystery series). It was like meeting an old friend and a new. A decent story for the most part, and worth reading anyway.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
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