A Stony Point Christmas

Annie's Attic Mysteries #21

by K.D. McCrite

Annie Dawson has had many mysteries thrown at her since moving to Stony Point, Maine, but nothing has matched this one. A mysterious benefactor is leaving generous gifts for various Stony Point residents, each one accompanied by a handwritten note saying, "Early Merry Christmas, from Stony Point's Santa."

Annie would leave the philanthropist alone to do his or her good deeds, if it weren't for the fact that more and more people from the small seaside village suspects that Annie, the transplant from Texas, is the secret Santa. If it's not Annie, who is it?

Could it be one of the members of the Hook and Needle Club, the handcrafting group Annie belongs to and who have helped her again and again solve the mysteries that fate tosses her way? Or maybe Ian Butler, Stony Point's mayor who would also like to be Annie Dawson's suitor, is Stony Point's Santa.

All of the clues seemingly lead nowhere as Annie tries to prove she is not the source of the lavish gifts. And then a surprise gift is left within the walls of Grey Gables -- a gift that will leave Annie speechless. Join Annie and her friends as they tackle this latest mystery in A Stony Point Christmas.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Christmas

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Also writes as Sydney Hope Archer.

K.D. McCrite was raised on a small dairy farm in the Ozarks. She has a degree in psychology from Drury University and has worked as a librarian and as a mental health caseworker.

She currently resides in Arkansas.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library)]

A charming Yuletide mystery.

[Linda Klager]

Book # 21 in the Annie's Attic Mysteries is read. I love Christmas stories. This one had a Secret Santa. There was a big surprise for Annie in this book. Annie, as usual, blessed so many people.

[Josephine Briggs]

This is such a sweet Christmas story.

Annie Dawson is always helping people. When her daughter called her to tell her she and her family wouldn't be able to come for Christmas. The family had a visitor from another country visiting. Annie will miss them, but she will not have Christmas alone. She will invite folks to come and enjoy good food and company.

There is an elderly gentleman living in an old, rundown shack on the beach. Annie brings the gentleman food, warm clothes, blankets to stay warm. The man is snarky with Annie. He doesn't need anything, he doesn't like nosy bodies and do gooders. Leave him alone, stay out of his business. Best friend, Alice, worries. Annie is too good and trusting, she needs to be careful who she befriends.

There is a Santa Claus who is buying gifts for those who need them, expensive, practical gifts. There is a question people want to know, Annie in particular. Why not just thank the one who wants to stay unknown.

It is a cold, snowy winter two weeks before Christmas. Maine does have long, cold winters.

A two year old toddler is left in Annie's large, beautiful house. The child, a little girl,is frail, not well cared for, is always hungry, has a good appetite. Tiny as she is, she eat. Annie wants to keep her, but who and where is her family? She is afraid her real family won't take care of her. They haven't before. Annie loves to help others.

Folks believe Annie is the Santa Claus, others think Secret Santa is the town mayor, Ian.

Good book for the holidays. Cute story.

[Sarah Coller]

Let me be upfront and say this type of story is not my normal cup of tea. I don't usually go for the sappy and sweet fiction and I'm definitely not a hand-crafter or anywhere near the ages of the women in this book. Suffice it to say: I'm not the intended audience, so take my review with a grain of salt.

The "mysteries" were very, very obvious---both the mystery of the Secret Santa, as well as the identity of Noelle's guardian. Often in these cases, I still enjoy reading how things come about---even if the mystery is not so mysterious. However, this one just grated on my nerves. Annie is preachy and Graham's contrived self-reflection was weird and sudden. I kept getting mixed up between Annie and Alice---not always a great idea to have two main characters with such similar names---and the strange insertions of 1990s-ish details like outdated clothing or phrases was distracting. Not to mention the obvious illegality of Noelle being left, Noelle being hidden, Noelle being kept, etc. I don't care how sweet or capable Annie was, in reality she'd be brought up on charges of aiding "Nanny" in her further neglect of the child.

[ABookAddictHere]

Once again we are sucked back into Stony Point and involved in another mystery with Annie trying her best to figure it out. There are some new members of The hook and Needle club and some new gifts being given to other members of the club and town. Of course Annie is intrigued and wants to uncover who it is, while the town thinks it is her! Find out who it is and how Annie and the town helps one another in the season of giving.

[Holly]

This is a delightful story. I love returning to Stony Point and trying to solve the mysteries with Annie. This one was a little bit sweeter since it was during Christmas time and a little one was found to need a loving and caring home. I also loved the mystery of the Secret Santa. Who could it be giving gifts that are greatly needed. If you love a warm, heartfelt mystery this is the book for you. Happy reading my friends.

[Paula Shreckhise]

It's July but it's good to be back in Stony Point for a Christmas story. As usual Annie has a mystery or three to solve. A secret Santa bestowing gifts on the inhabitants of Stony Point and a new lady in town in need of friendship. The writing is interesting and the story works out to a happy ending in this quaint little homey town. Now to see what's up next to Annie and her friends.

[Donna]

This was a wonderful story. At first it bothered me that they were all trying to figure out who the secret Santa was. I think gifts given anonymously are the best kind and people should not try to figure out who the giver was. I had to put that thought aside for the sake of the book though and it did turn out to be a treasure. This might just be my favorite of the series.

[Fawn Pender]

Who is the Secret Santa granting wishes throughout Stony Point? Many think it might be the mayor, although suspicions begin to rise about it being Annie Dawson herself. This Annie's Attic Mystery kept me guessing...and ended on just the right note.

[Pat]

This book had an interesting copyright, which yielded information that this is a series written by several authors. Their goal is to bring you cozy stories. For writers starting out in their craft, this might be the way to get started.

[Jenny]

Another good story in this series.

[carol]

Easy cozy mystery. Always good to read about thoughtful people being very generous even though it may be fiction. Annie's mysteries are feel-good books!

[Sharon]

What a sweet story.

[Sarah Marchuk]

This was such a wonderful parallel of the true Christmas story. It was beautiful and a tear jerker at times. I loved it!!!

[Pat]

One of the best of this series. Annie's daughter and family were suppose to come to Maine for Christmas, but their plans change leaving Annie alone or not. Annie's life and her home are filled with friends and new friends for Christmas.

[Janet]

I enjoyed this story - a warm and lovely tale of love, friendship, and trust. The anonymous Santa made such an impression on the folks of Stony Point that they became more aware of each others needs.

[Stacy Papineau]

Best out of this series I've read so far. Almost shed some tears near the end.

[Janet Noonan]

While not a mystery in the strictest sense it was a very enjoyable sweet story with an air of mystery to
It. Loved it and am sorry it has come to an end.

[Kathie]

Another delightful Annie's Attic mystery.

[Diane Davis]

Very lovely story...