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Evie Parker Mystery #7
Murder and a Christmas Gift: 1920s Historical Cozy Mystery
It's the thought that counts . . .
Seth, the seven-year-old Earl of Woodridge, is spending Christmas at Halton House and he would like nothing better than to help trim the tree with the Christmas decorations his father had carved for him. But no one has any idea where these decorations are.
Determined to make the young Earl's wish come true, Evie and her bodyguard, Tom Winchester, set out to a nearby village where the young Earl had lived in the hope that they might recover the lost decorations.
Caught in a fog bank, they take refuge in a village manor house only to find themselves among a group of people who might all be suspects in the murder of a local villager.
Seth, the seven-year-old Earl of Woodridge, is spending Christmas at Halton House and he would like nothing better than to help trim the tree with the Christmas decorations his father had carved for him. But no one has any idea where these decorations are.
Determined to make the young Earl's wish come true, Evie and her bodyguard, Tom Winchester, set out to a nearby village where the young Earl had lived in the hope that they might recover the lost decorations.
Caught in a fog bank, they take refuge in a village manor house only to find themselves among a group of people who might all be suspects in the murder of a local villager.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published August 30, 2022
542 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Sonia Parin
124 books199 followersI write Cozy Mysteries: humorous historical (1920s), contemporary and paranormal.
All my books provide a 'clean' read - no swearing and no graphic violence.
These fun cozy mysteries are intended to provide lighthearted entertainment for those who enjoy quirky characters and humorous tales.
All my books provide a 'clean' read - no swearing and no graphic violence.
These fun cozy mysteries are intended to provide lighthearted entertainment for those who enjoy quirky characters and humorous tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 30, 2019
Finding the perfect gift can lead to murder.
A gentle, easy read cozy that takes stranded guests at a manor house and gives it a twist. She thought she had young Sets sorted for Christmas but after seeing his delight at Tom's present she had to have a rethink. A pony was hard to beat but maybe the Christmas decorations his father had carved before his death would fit the bill. But where could they be? His former home? An early morning start, pea soup fog and a manor house. They aren't the only people stranded. Plus there's been a murder in the neighbourhood. The more she listens the more the stories don't add up. A seance, a phone call and an early morning drive add a little curiosity and see if it leads to a cold blooded killer.
Nicely paced and although it is about a murder it still incorporates the bonhomie feeling of Christmas.
A gentle, easy read cozy that takes stranded guests at a manor house and gives it a twist. She thought she had young Sets sorted for Christmas but after seeing his delight at Tom's present she had to have a rethink. A pony was hard to beat but maybe the Christmas decorations his father had carved before his death would fit the bill. But where could they be? His former home? An early morning start, pea soup fog and a manor house. They aren't the only people stranded. Plus there's been a murder in the neighbourhood. The more she listens the more the stories don't add up. A seance, a phone call and an early morning drive add a little curiosity and see if it leads to a cold blooded killer.
Nicely paced and although it is about a murder it still incorporates the bonhomie feeling of Christmas.
May 17, 2020
Sonia is one of my go to mystery authors. Loving her roaring 20 series with Evie Parker. I read this in about 2 hours, Could not put it down , Great story
December 26, 2024
A good book and well worth a read.
January 4, 2020
Loved it
As usual Eve & Tom stumble across a mysterious death and manage to solve the mystery in the nick of time. Adding in another Lady detective adds to the curious plot twists.
As usual Eve & Tom stumble across a mysterious death and manage to solve the mystery in the nick of time. Adding in another Lady detective adds to the curious plot twists.
January 14, 2022
This is my second read of the series. I liked it a bit better than book one. It didn't have so many people with titles and heirs. The Christmas gift doesn't have much to do with the plot, but it is the reason Evie and bodyguard, Tom, get lost in a thick fog and end up taking shelter at a local estate. Of course, Evie and Tom stumble into a crime scene. There are seven other people who get stranded at the estate of Sir Kenneth and Lady Audrey. The day before had seen the murder of a close neighbor. The police come and tell Sir Kenneth to "beware of strangers". Now that he has nine (including Evie and Tom) in his home, it's a bit late for the warning. Evie decides to try her hand at solving the murder while they wait for the roads to clear and they can get little Seth's Christmas gift, a set of handmade ornaments left behind at a previous residence by Seth's parents. The highlight of the investigation is a seance held by a close neighbor to try to bring the victim from the beyond to point out his killer. It was a short, fun read with lots of 1920s atmosphere.
December 28, 2019
When Tom gets the 7-year-old Earl of Woodridge a pony for Christmas.
Evie is feeling left out. She learns that he really would like some ornaments his father had carved before his death. Being competitive in everything, she rushes Tom off to the home where Seth had grown up before being sent to boarding school.
On the way, they get lost in a heavy fog and are stranded. They find shelter in the home of Sir Kenneth Audrey, who happens to be a neighbor of the new owners of the home they are heading to. While waiting for the fog to clear, they wind up in another murder that Evie just can't seem to stay out of.
I was a little disappointed that the story ended before the ornaments were given to the young earl. And I also missed what was sure to be a hum-dinger of a showdown between Evin and Toodles.
Evie is feeling left out. She learns that he really would like some ornaments his father had carved before his death. Being competitive in everything, she rushes Tom off to the home where Seth had grown up before being sent to boarding school.
On the way, they get lost in a heavy fog and are stranded. They find shelter in the home of Sir Kenneth Audrey, who happens to be a neighbor of the new owners of the home they are heading to. While waiting for the fog to clear, they wind up in another murder that Evie just can't seem to stay out of.
I was a little disappointed that the story ended before the ornaments were given to the young earl. And I also missed what was sure to be a hum-dinger of a showdown between Evin and Toodles.
May 5, 2021
I See Dead People
The reason why I gave this installment a 3* rating instead of my usual 4 is because although the actual mystery was up to the high standards previously set (innovative, suspenseful etc), the story lacked showing any significant growth in the relationship of Evie and her bodyguard Tom. Without the personal interaction of Evie with her relatives and staff the aura of family and friends was missing. This was especially apparent when young Seth (heir to the title) seemed to be more engaged with everyone except Evie. Finally the author violated a pet peeve of mine, she had a character say "find closure" it's the 1920's ! Even in this decades that term has been beaten to death, it could not have possibly survived from the 20's. Still a fun read just not quite on the same level as previous installments.
The reason why I gave this installment a 3* rating instead of my usual 4 is because although the actual mystery was up to the high standards previously set (innovative, suspenseful etc), the story lacked showing any significant growth in the relationship of Evie and her bodyguard Tom. Without the personal interaction of Evie with her relatives and staff the aura of family and friends was missing. This was especially apparent when young Seth (heir to the title) seemed to be more engaged with everyone except Evie. Finally the author violated a pet peeve of mine, she had a character say "find closure" it's the 1920's ! Even in this decades that term has been beaten to death, it could not have possibly survived from the 20's. Still a fun read just not quite on the same level as previous installments.
May 4, 2021
Seth
It wasn’t really finished. We didn’t find out how her and Seth ended and her staff should have felt terrible treating her the way they did.
Yes Seth was a child but Evie feelings about not having a child and Seth taken that child’s place should have been more an issue it’s just human not jealousy but regret for what didn’t happen; or her having come to resolve with those feelings. That would have explained her wanting to keep the child at arms length and the next few books could be about them building that relationship.
That is where the book is lacking and possible where Mother in law Sarah could have been a great help in helping Evie come to terms with her unresolved motherhood cut short by her husband’s death.
It wasn’t really finished. We didn’t find out how her and Seth ended and her staff should have felt terrible treating her the way they did.
Yes Seth was a child but Evie feelings about not having a child and Seth taken that child’s place should have been more an issue it’s just human not jealousy but regret for what didn’t happen; or her having come to resolve with those feelings. That would have explained her wanting to keep the child at arms length and the next few books could be about them building that relationship.
That is where the book is lacking and possible where Mother in law Sarah could have been a great help in helping Evie come to terms with her unresolved motherhood cut short by her husband’s death.
May 4, 2023
Not my favourite in the series.
Sorry in advance for this is a little rant. However, this started out with a bit of a kick in the guts blow to Evie. Won’t spoil it, but I felt really bad for her, and how what happened made her feel - and yet nobody else gave her much of a thought. Honestly, I know her family, the servants, and especially Tom can be a bit too much at times, but I thought their dismissal of her feelings was a bit much. Therefore when the mystery got underway, I didn’t care what was happening as I was rather miffed at Tom and his sweeping aside of Evie’s feelings at his actions rather badly done. I know he’s being set up as the love interest, but he’s really getting on my nerves lately. Ok, I’m good.
Sorry in advance for this is a little rant. However, this started out with a bit of a kick in the guts blow to Evie. Won’t spoil it, but I felt really bad for her, and how what happened made her feel - and yet nobody else gave her much of a thought. Honestly, I know her family, the servants, and especially Tom can be a bit too much at times, but I thought their dismissal of her feelings was a bit much. Therefore when the mystery got underway, I didn’t care what was happening as I was rather miffed at Tom and his sweeping aside of Evie’s feelings at his actions rather badly done. I know he’s being set up as the love interest, but he’s really getting on my nerves lately. Ok, I’m good.
January 25, 2021
Brief and very light cozy historical. Lady Evie Parker is the guardian for the seven-year-old Earl of Woodridge. When he is presented with a pony for Christmas, Evie is sad that she cannot find a gift to compare. Feeling left out of the holiday spirit, she is reminded that Seth's father had carved a beautiful set of wooden Christmas ornaments, and that Seth would love to have them again. Taking her bodyguard Tom with her, Evie embarks on a trip to locate the ornaments and winds up in a predicament. Improbable but sweet.
May 31, 2024
It's Christmas and the young Earl of Woodridge is back at Halton House. Evie wants to make his holiday special but can she top Tom's gift of a pony? Maybe, with his family's Christmas decorations. So Evie and Tom are off to find them. But, they get caught in a dense fog and are forced to take shelter in a nearby manor house. That normally wouldn't be an issue but someone in the village died recently and the people decide to hold a seance that seems... odd. Could it be that the man was murdered? Why?
This was a quick read. Mostly about the mystery but an odd number of other little side stories for such a short book.
This was a quick read. Mostly about the mystery but an odd number of other little side stories for such a short book.
Read
December 31, 2019Smart and funny
Tom and Evie, the Countess of Woodbridge, are hosting her 7 year old cousin, the new Duke of Woodbridge, for Christmas. The household has come together to give the young orphaned Duke his best Christmas, but everyone has left Evie in the dark. So when the young orphaned Duke gets a pony. Evie gets a little competitive. Read and enjoy!
Tom and Evie, the Countess of Woodbridge, are hosting her 7 year old cousin, the new Duke of Woodbridge, for Christmas. The household has come together to give the young orphaned Duke his best Christmas, but everyone has left Evie in the dark. So when the young orphaned Duke gets a pony. Evie gets a little competitive. Read and enjoy!
April 11, 2020
Compared to the authors who land with a thud, Parin has grown on her and her characters Evie and Tom and their wild troop of relatives have added to the mix. Parin has given them personalities and relationships so they they are dimensional characters and she has added some subtle humor--rounding out the characters.
May 13, 2020
Oh too short!!
I rather adore Evie and wish it had been longer! She's still falling into trouble wherever she goes but now Toodles is in England she's rather determined to push Evie into having some ambition and drive to do more than drop into cases.
Will Evie become a real Lady detective? Or will she merely continue to drift along with Thomas ever present at her side?
I rather adore Evie and wish it had been longer! She's still falling into trouble wherever she goes but now Toodles is in England she's rather determined to push Evie into having some ambition and drive to do more than drop into cases.
Will Evie become a real Lady detective? Or will she merely continue to drift along with Thomas ever present at her side?
May 24, 2021
I think I enjoyed this book in the series more than the other ones. Everyone was more willing to come together without any snootiness. And also, Evie is away from her grandmothers and Caro. As I said in my last book review, Caro was beginning to get on my bad side, with her gasping about Evie being presented.
December 31, 2019
Clever!
Love this series! This is more novella than novel but still very entertaining, fully developed plot, and continues Evie's and Tom's adventures in sleuthing. It occurs just before Christmas.
Love this series! This is more novella than novel but still very entertaining, fully developed plot, and continues Evie's and Tom's adventures in sleuthing. It occurs just before Christmas.
January 13, 2021
Erie Parker finds trouble!
Evie and Tom leave to surprise Seth with a box of ornaments he would love to have, as a Christmas surprise. Of course things do not go smoothly and they come across another murder victim! As always, entertaining story!
Evie and Tom leave to surprise Seth with a box of ornaments he would love to have, as a Christmas surprise. Of course things do not go smoothly and they come across another murder victim! As always, entertaining story!
September 6, 2021
Good story, good plot, but, the ending seemed rushed. Given the clues at the half-way point, it was obvious whodunnit.
And, if I was being treated as Toodles is treating Evie, I'd take off and never be seen nor heard from again.
And, if I was being treated as Toodles is treating Evie, I'd take off and never be seen nor heard from again.
November 2, 2025
Can you have a quick, fun and cozy murder mystery? Well, if you can, this is it. Evie Parker is at it again with quickly solving a crime by questioning the implausible. It’s in the fun and cozy setting of the roaring 20s manor house at Christmas time.
January 2, 2020
Enjoyed it
Evie and Tom's adventures are always enjoyable. The story is interesting and I love the characters. I look forward to the next one.
Evie and Tom's adventures are always enjoyable. The story is interesting and I love the characters. I look forward to the next one.
February 10, 2021
Little Seth comes home for the holidays and happiness reigns (with a few bumps in the road, of course!).
February 17, 2021
This story was a fun story. The characters were fun to read about, the plot was easily followed, and the ending was most satisfactory.
September 14, 2022
Short but good!
September 25, 2022
ok
It starts in a rather strange manner. To use a popular term I felt as if Evie was disrespected during the entire story.
It starts in a rather strange manner. To use a popular term I felt as if Evie was disrespected during the entire story.
December 18, 2023
This was a lightweight reading. At the end, I feel like it was a little rushed but still good.
July 20, 2024
2 1/2 stars. There isn't a lot of detection going on in this story but it is cute.
September 30, 2024
This book is ok to pass the time, but did not stand out. The heroine is too self-absorbed and spoiled.
October 8, 2024
I don't know why I keep reading these other than it's free on audible
November 7, 2024
Great book to listen to on a rainy day
February 16, 2025
another fun romp thru 1920’s England
In this book, you meet more of the family. Christmas is spent stranded at a manor house. Who is the victim and the killer? Quick read
In this book, you meet more of the family. Christmas is spent stranded at a manor house. Who is the victim and the killer? Quick read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews