Elvis and the Blue Christmas Corpse

A Southern Cousins Mystery #5

by Peggy Webb

Someone's ringing slay bells and Callie, her bodacious Cousin Lovie, and the basset hound who believes he's the King reincarnated must go on the hunt for a killer who's anything but jolly.

It may be Christmas in Tupelo, but there's precious little peace in the valley for the Valentine gang. Callie Valentine Jones' not-quite-ex Jack is trussed up like a holiday turkey, recovering from a shattered leg. Cousin Lovie's on the rebound, looking for love in all the wrong stockings. And Elvis the basset hound is out for revenge on the Lhasa Apso who's been singing "Merry Christmas, Baby" to his sweet French poodle behind his tail.

Everyone finally gets into the spirit when Uncle Charlie is pressed into service as Santa at a weekend charity event in the mall. But Yuletide cheer turns to Yuletide fear after a killer tries to zap Charlie back to the North Pole marked "Return to Sender"--and sends Rudolph to the big reindeer pen in the sky.

Determined to find out who's decking the mall with Christmas corpses, Elvis and the Valentines fill up their sleigh with suspects. Could it be the cookie lady who puts more than sugar into her Christmas goodies? The deranged vet who vows to barbecue Santa? Or the former beauty queen who's been stalking Charlie in her spare time? Can the Valentine gang unmask this devil in disguise in time to turn their "Blue Christmas" all Christmas-y and white?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Christmas, Adult Fiction, Humor

304 pages, Hardcover

First published September 25, 2012

About the author

Peggy Webb. USA Today Bestseller, is the author of more than 100 novels. Her thrillers and literary novels have topped Amazon charts. A former adjunct instructor of writing at Mississippi State University, Millions of her novels have sold around the world in more than 25 languages. Peggy is the most prolific writer her home state of Mississippi has ever produced, and she is considered one of the most beloved and iconic authors in the business. Pat Conroy calls her literary work "astonishing," Kathie Fong Yoneda labels it "brilliant," and readers consider her books "Must Reads." Peggy's has won numerous awards, including many Reviewer's Choice, the Maggie, a Waldenbooks Award for #1 Bestseller of the Year, several Word Weaving Award of Excellence, and the prestigious Pioneer Award for creating the subgenre of romantic comedy. One of her novels was submitted for a Pulitzer. Peggy also writes under the pen names, Anna Michaels and Elaine Hussey.

Peggy is an accomplished pianist and singer, and has graced the stage of her local community theater in roles such as M'lynn in Steel Magnolias (played by Sally Field in the movie), and the White Witch in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. She composed the blues lyrics she credited to her characters in two of her books, including her latest thriller series from Bookouture, the Logan Sisters. She passed her love of music to her family. Her son plays guitar and harmonica, her daughter and two granddaughters sing, her youngest grandson plays piano, and her grandson David Webb made the gorgeous photographs that appear through her new, state-of-the-art website. For her latest news, visit her website at peggywebb.com, stop by her blog to leave a note, and contact her with any questions. She appreciates her fans and loves hearing what you think.



Series:
* Westmoreland Diaries
* A Southern Cousins Mystery

Reviews

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review. This is the first book in this series I have read and initially I found the large number of quirky characters and the alternation between a chapter narrated by Callie and a chapter narrated by her dog Elvis a bit odd. But about halfway through the book the mystery got into full swing and I wound up enjoying the book.

[Sallee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and this book was no exception. How can you not like it with a Basset hound who thinks he is Elvis, the King reincarnated Callie his human mom who owns the towns's beauty salon, her BODACIOUS friend and cousin, Lovie, her over the top mother, Ruby Nell and Jack, her husband who does mysterious (as in special ops) things. While technically separated, this book is bringing them back together as Callie and Jack really love each other. Hopefully in the future, Jack will change his mind about having babies and then Callie's life will be complete.
This story centers around Christmas. When Charlie's uncle almost get electrocuted and his helper elf does, the mystery is who is out to kill Santa and why? Throw in a few Christmas Grinch-type characters who try and sabotage the holiday by stealing Christmas decorations and putting ex-lax in cookies for children, it makes a story that is funny and a great read! Oh, and the bonus is the recipes at the back of the book...Butterscotch cream pie for starters...YUM!

[Lynn Ewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elvis is at it again

This story continues the hilarious adventures of Callie and her Bassett Hound, Elvis, who thinks he is Elvis Presley. Peggy Webb does a great job of bringing the characters to life. I especially love home Elvis gives his opinion about different things. I can't wait to read about the next adventure.

[Kristi, A Book Fanatic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment in the Southern Cousins series ... This series is just so cute!!

[Lindsay Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful from beginning to end!

[Jae · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fifth book in the "Southern Cousins" mystery series. Story is told in alternating, first-person pov by both Carolina "Callie" Valentine-Jones and her basset hound, Elvis. The dog actually is Elvis, reincarnated. While I didn't have any trouble jumping into the midst of a series, I did get the sense that I was missing some context, and I think I would have enjoyed some characters more, had I been following along from the first book. Not the author's fault; just putting it out there.

It's the holidays in Tupelo, Mississippi, but no one is in the Christmas mood. Callie's not-quite-ex husband, Jack, is currently ensconced in her home, thanks to a badly broken leg. Elvis is plotting revenge on the Lhasa Apso that's been sniffing around his ladylove, and someone has been stealing Christmas decorations. Making matters worse, the man playing Rudolph at Santa's court in the mall gets electrocuted, and Callie's Uncle Charlie, who'd stepped in to play Santa, is injured in the same incident. It seems a tragic accident until another Santa gets electrocuted.

With Jack out of commission, Callie and her larger-than-life cousin, Lovie, take it upon themselves to find out who's holding a grudge against the holidays. Elvis does not approve, nor does Callie's mother, Ruby Nell. And, if Jack and Uncle Charlie (both "company" men) find out, the jig will be up.

The story was lighthearted and funny. Callie and Lovie manage to get themselves into the most ridiculous predicaments as they try to snoop and sleuth their way to clues. Each of them is having man trouble: Callie has been dating Luke "Champ" Champion while trying to keep Jack at arm's length, and Lovie is angry at her (ex) boyfriend, Rocky. If Elvis has his way, Callie and Jack will kiss and make up, and he's not the only one trying to push them back together. Characters were done well; I especially liked Fayrene--she was a hoot! Pacing was good, but we rarely saw Callie at work (her salon); it seemed the investigation consumed her time and attention. I also gotta say, I wasn't on board with Elvis the dog being the real Elvis. I'm okay with sentient pets and pets that are people reincarnated, but not so much with one being the reincarnation of an actual celebrity.

A good story, overall, in spite of my misgivings about Elvis and everyone trying to throw Callie and Jack back together. Four stars.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Dogs have instincts about these things, but humans have washed out, drowned out, preached out, and legislated out their natural instincts. They twist and turn with every one of life's storms. They get lost, start over, pray, agonize, discuss, debate, and rationalize till it's a wonder a single one of them ever finds his way to peace and happiness.
If I could have one wish granted this Christmas, it would be that human beings would become more like dogs. We always listen to our instincts, are happy with leftovers, and almost never pee on anybody's shoes."


~~Elvis, the basset hound. His quote is at the top of my review. Who could say no to those eyes??

Meet Callie Valentine Jones. She's preparing for the Christmas holiday season while caring for her almost-ex Jack. He's staying with her while he heals from a broken leg. Their mutual basset hound, Elvis, hopes this temporary living arrangement brings his human parents back together. He also thinks he is the reincarnation of Elvis himself, and is prone to go into howling "song" at the drop of a hat.

The plot is a convoluted, head-scratching mess. Callie is voluntold to help with a charity fund raiser at the mall by filling in as Santa's elf. Well, there's electrical wiring to Santa's chair. Somehow the voltage gets turned up, but since Santa was holding hands with Rudolf, the unfortunate human playing a reindeer winds up dead instead. Following the mystery so far? Naturally the cops chalk the death up to faulty wiring, and doubt foul play. Naturally Callie disagrees and sets out to solve the murder with her cousin Lovie.

My two cents: Webb has a quirky sense of humor. While her puns, tongue in cheek sentences, and zany characters occasionally made me chuckle, overall the humor quickly became old. Her "cozy" mystery isn't all that mysterious. There were half a dozen suspects, and the wrap-up felt like one of the suspects was just chosen at random and crowned the winner. Given 0.5 stars or a rating of "Very Bad". Read at your own risk!

Further reading: A link to some of the conspiracy theories surrounding Elvis's death (or the lack thereof as the theorists claim). His being reincarnated as a dog is surprisingly NOT one of the theories! :) https://time.com/4897819/elvis-presle...

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Callie owns a saloon and a god who thinks he was Elvis back in the day. Part of the A Southern Cousins Mystery Series this book takes us to Christmas where Santa himself is on a list...a murder list. Callie, her cousin Lovie and others work to find who is taking the Merry out of Christmas in the most naughty way.

This book was ok, a bit hard to get into if you haven't followed the series. I wonder how much Dodge Ram gave to the author..or perhaps should. EVERY time they got in the truck we heard it was a Dodge Ram, even from the dog 'Elvis'.

As the book moved on I began to like it more. The Romance of the almost ex husband was weird with out the history of it all from previous books. In the end the couple feels right however.

I did love the cousin bond, made me wish for being closer to my cousins.

Over all an ok book for a cozy mystery.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confusing start for me, then everything came together with Callie getting into as much trouble as she can without trying. When Santa gets a shock and Rudolph dying at the mall event. Callie and her dog Elvis start searching for clues as who would want to harm Santa. Then there is the fact that Santa displays are being taken, why and who?

[April Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is #5 of Peggy Webb’s Southern Cousins Mysteries but my first of the series. I didn’t mind starting here but it made me want to back up and read the previous books.

Cousins Callie and Lovey are a hoot along with Callies Bassett Elvis. I enjoyed all the characters

Someone is trying to take out Santa but Callie Lovey & Elvis are on the case. A very enjoyable read!

[Michele Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callie and her cousin Lovie turn sleuths after the mall Santa and his elf are electrocuted. With the help of Callie's basset hound, Elvis, (who is the King reincarnated) and her almost ex-husband Jack, they manage to keep themselves from being next on the killer's hit list. A fun holiday read.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as entertaining as the other books in the series, and I can't put a finger on why.

[Karen Newby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read because you can't put it down!! Loved it

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars

[Sandy Lipinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brave women trying to sort the love of their lives and find a murderer. Wacky and well written.

[Susan Moxley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie and her Dog Elvis must figure out who is killing the Santa's before it is too late.

[Drebbles · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is Christmas time and Callie Valentine has plenty on her mind - like the fact that her not quite ex-husband Jack is staying at her house while he recovers from leg surgery. But Kelly soon has more to worry about when the person playing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is killed and her Uncle Charlie almost dies while playing Santa at the mall. Callie, along with other family members, is determined to track down the killer. They have plenty of suspects but need to be careful - this killer is not afraid to strike again.

“Elvis and the Blue Christmas Corpse” is a cute mystery set at Christmas time. There are a lot of things to like about this book and series starting with Elvis the Bassett Hound who thinks he is the reincarnation of THE Elvis. The book alternates viewpoints between Elvis and his owner Callie - a plot device that works quite well. Callie is another great character - not quite over Jack's betrayal, dating a little, but still has feelings for Jack. Other characters are also well done but, while they are quite funny, the humor sometimes is close to being over the top. Lovie is a good example (can't author Peggy Webb actually write the swear words she says - just once?). Fayrene is another example. I've come to dislike characters who mangle words in cozy mysteries - it stops being funny very quickly. Having said that, there is so much to enjoy in this book that those are minor flaws. While the book is a cozy mystery, the Christmas setting and killings make this just a bit creepy - deliciously so (although you'll think twice about accepting free cookies at a mall!) There are a number of smaller plot lines that are also deliciously creepy. The mystery aspects are well done with plenty of suspects – there sure are some odd characters in Callie Valentine's world!

“Elvis and the Blue Christmas Corpse” may not be perfect but it is a fun cozy mystery.

[Suspense Magazine]

Have you ever wondered whatever happened to the King—Elvis Presley? Has he really “left the building?” Or is his death an elaborate hoax, designed to let the undisputed King of Rock and Roll live out his days in peaceful anonymity? Peggy Webb answers that question in this laugh-out-loud mystery: Elvis is now living the high life of a pampered pooch with his human mama, Callie Valentine Jones, in Mooreville, Mississippi. Who knew?

As Christmas approaches, Callie is sweet-talked by her own mama into being part of a holiday program at the local mall, complete with Santa. Things don’t go as planned, especially when Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer gets the shock of his life when he sits down on Santa’s throne. Immediately leading to the shock of his death. Could Callie’s Uncle Charlie—who’s playing the role of Santa, and is also seriously injured, have been the intended victim? A logical guess, given Charlie’s previous career as a CIA agent.

The police determine the electrocution of Rudolph was simply a tragic accident, and another poor soul is cast in the role of Santa.

Zap. Bye-bye, Santa. Yes indeed, all is not well in Elvis’ world. And since he “writes” every other chapter of this book, he makes sure readers know his opinion on how badly the humans are handling the case. Callie is determined to solve the mystery and protect her family from any more harm. With a little help from a certain four-legged basset hound. “Elvis and the Blue Christmas Corpse” has a zany cast of characters and a fast-moving plot that is sure to entertain readers. A perfect gift to put under the Christmas tree!

Reviewed by Susan Santangelo, author of “Marriage Can Be Murder” for Suspense Magazine

[Jessica Sinn (Books and Trouble) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Find the full review on Chick Lit Café! http://loonachicklit.wordpress.com/

I must confess, the cover is the reason why I bought this book. How can you go wrong with a dog detective who might just be the reincarnation of Elvis Pressley? The slapstick humor is front and center of the mystery, so this should appeal to those who like their whodunits loaded down with zany hijinks and slapstick banter. Amidst the silly shenanigans, there’s a mystery involving a murderous Ebenezer Scrooge with a vendetta against mall Santas. The mystery begins when Callie’s beloved uncle Charlie almost dies in an “electrical accident” while sitting in Santa’s throne. The hijinks ensue when she teams up with her binge-eating cousin/BFF to ferret out the killer. Complete with a cast of eccentric Southern women, this series is somewhat of a mashup of Steal Magnolias and Janet Evonovich’s Stephanie Plum series. The off-the-wall antics got a little tiresome, but I’d be lying if I said that some of the girls’ ill-fated escapades weren’t amusing. Plus there’s some romantic intrigue going on between Callie and her soon-to-be ex hubby.

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elvis is back in Mississippi with his crime solving co-owners, Callie Valentine and Jack Jones. The Jones just back from the misadventures in the Mayan jungles are co-existing while Jack's broken leg heals. Although the divorce is proceeding, our Callie is having second thoughts.

Uncle Charlie Valentine agrees to involve the entire family in a charity Christmas Santa show at the local mall. When Rudolf gets electrocuted, Callie has to search for the killer because Uncle Charlie might have been the desired victim except for chance.

Elvis, a true hound dog (basset variety) who knows he is the human Elvis reincarnated, is Callie's love and security (in his mind.) Elvis treats us to his thoughts, songs, and wardrobe desires and thoughts throughout the novel. A truly humorous treat.

This mystery is not as straight forward as it might seem, filled with twists, unusual characters, and more. The mystery is quite complex as you laugh your way through. At the end are some delicious and luscious recipes, by cousin Lovie.

A fun and solid reading treat for a cozy murder.

[Diana S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed reading this series. I love Elvis, the once "King of Rock and Roll". Now basset hound living in Mississippi with his human mom, Callie Valentine Jones and her extended family including her soon-to-be ex, Jack. Not only is Elvis busy helping Callie and her cousin Lovie solve the mystery. We get insights of his life when he was "The King". I think he handles being a basset hound very well! :D
Why is someone trying to kill Santa Claus? That's exactly what Callie and her cousin, Lovie want to know. The murderer has already killed Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer aka. Steve Boone,owner of the Tupelo Hardware.
Is Uncle Charlie in danger or is it the man who originally played Santa Claus.
As Elvis is busy sniffing out clues, he's also busy trying to get his human mom (Callie) and his human dad (Jack) back together again.
I give this book 3.5 stars***. Suspenseful! Great Characters! Funny! I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are a few historicals with the real Elvis, in different stages of his career, as detective. This series features partial narration (roughly every other chapter) by a basset hound who's convinced he's the reincarnation of Elvis. The rest of the narration is by his owner, beauty salon operator Callie Valentine, who gets involved in this murder because her beloved Uncle Charlie is injured and she fears he may be the target. She's aided by Charlie's daughter, Lovie. The two women break into houses and assume disguises to interview suspects. Meanwhile, Elvis is hoping Callie will get together with her almost-ex husband Jack, who's recuperating from a broken leg he received in the last book...Well, there's a lot to keep you reading. If you enjoy whimsey, this just might be your book.

[Alex_is_hawks · Rating 1 out of 5]

I actually did not like this book one bit. It had several flaws, of which the most annoying was that it expected you to have read the previous books in order to understand what was going on and the relationships within the book. As a person who likes to wander the library and see something that catches my eye...this is not a good thing. I saw it and I thought well this will be cute. It wasn't. It was annoying, it expected me to understand the heroines relationships with every character, it expected you to understand the relationships between everyone else. It expected you to know and understand that the soap opera like background that made everyone connected to each other.

The plot often got lost in that, as did the plot "twist" ending where the bad guy was actually a person who was never a suspect or even mildly suspected.

Horrible. Truly horrible, in my mind.

[Bonnie McHenry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Southern Cousins series is back and I'm loving every minute! Again we join the 4 goofball, fiesty, commited to each other amateur sleuths Callie, Lovie, Ruby Nell and Fayrene in solving the mysteries of the murdered "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus". As always joining them, are Uncle Charlie and Jack, both sweet and strong! Put them together and they can tackle any murder thrown their way, but not without adventurous and dangerous escapades. And how can we forget the ever present, funny, and devoted "hunk of burnin love" Elvis the Bassett Hound! I love the added touches that Darlene and Bobby bring to the story, nice little love story that is developing. Cute series!

[Emily Cullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callie Valentine Jones is drafted to be an elf. But when Santa's Reindeer is electrocuted and her uncle badly hurt, her and her cousin Lovey start investigating who has it in for Santa and company. I really liked this "Southern Cousins" cozy Christmas mystery. The book is told from Callie's point of view and her basset hound, Elvis, who claims to be the reincarnation of "The King" himself! There's also an interesting romance between Callie and her soon to be -ex husband. This is a mystery series that I plan on reading!

[Bonnie Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's a Hound to do to protect the one's he loves. Search, sniff out clues(if someone would let him "Callie " my human mommy. Well there's only one thing I could do and that's to SING!!! Yes! Elvis is in the game to track down a killer before he hurts someone else. Grab a copy of and see if you can track down who did it, with the help of "The King Of Rock & Roll".

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was happy to read another installment about Elvis the basset hound and his human family and friends...and his dog and cat adversaries, too. And as usual, Uncle Charlie and Jack have to keep things under control, after Lovie and Callie go on the hunt for a murderer and have a few narrow escapes once again. What a crew!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just think this series is so much fun, and this one was great because of the Christmas theme and the fact that there were more chapters from Elvis' point of view than ever before. I'm anxious for the next in the series, to see how things work out with Callie's love life!

[Gizzard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of confused why the women in these humorous mysteries need to do so many downright stupid things. Outside of that, this book was just mediocre as far as plot and character behavior. Good for free or from the library, I wouldn't pay more than 99 cents for it.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me awhile to get past the two points of view story. But it was a good story. Another thing that slowed me down was Mrs. Malaprop's misuse of words. At first I was thinking that the author had made errors, but then noticed that it was only on this character.