Santa Claus Surprise

Holiday Cozy Mystery #8

by Tonya Kappes

Celebrate Good CrimesIn the heart of Holiday Junction, where festive cheer and snowflakes blanket the streets, journalist Violet Rhinehammer prepares for the most anticipated event of the the Mistletoe Masquerade Ball. However, the holiday mood is deeply marred when a chilling mystery comes to light. The gruesome discovery of a man, brutally murdered behind the living manger scene in Holiday Park, casts a dark shadow over the town's festivities.

As Violet delves deeper into the case, her journalist instincts kick into overdrive, unearthing a list of suspects that could fill Santa’s naughty list twice over. With the missing Winter Crest coin entwined in the heart of this mystery and potential suspects lurking around every festive corner, Violet realizes she's racing against the clock.

Can Violet solve the murder and recover the coin in time to save the Ball and preserve the holiday spirit? Or will this Santa Clause Surprise be the one that leaves the town with more chills than cheer?

Dear reader, if you love dogs, every holiday with all the holiday trimmings, and a cozy town, you’re going to love this new series by Tonya Kappes. It's time to CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES in the town of Holiday Junction! Just because it's the holiday, doesn't mean it's free of crime and murder! But I can guarantee this series is clean with no foul language or gore. Each book can be read as a stands alone because each murder is wrapped up. Grab your cozy blanket and a cup of tea or coffee! It's time to sleuth along Violet Rhinehammer and celebrate good crimes!

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Christmas, Audiobook, Holiday, Contemporary, Fiction

162 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 17, 2023

About the author

A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times.

Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.

Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
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Webpage
tonyakappes.com

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For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years,

Reviews

[Tonya Kappes]

YIPPEE!! It's here!! Grab your copy! Celebrate good crimes🔎🎅☠️🔍

[Linda Galella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oozing with Christmas decorations and events, SANTA CLAUS SURPRISE is a gentle, Southern, cozy mystery that’s #8 in a series by the prolific author, Tony Kappes.

I’ve read a few different series by Kappes and don’t find as much affinity with this one as the others; different strokes and all that. Actually, I think it’s the main couple. They are not the most interesting characters, IMO. I found the secondary characters had better potential to anchor a story. Since this is a small town with lots of family members, perhaps they will show up soon.

As with her other series, this one is also free from foul language, gratuitous violence and sexual content📚

Christmas in July 2024 #4

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

This is a kindle e-book novella from my Kindle Unlimited account book eight in the series.

Violet and Darren are putting out the sign for the Christmas Season Ball when they find a dead body. Violet and friends are once again involved in the investigation of the murder. Why? Whom? It all comes together with a happy ending and the arrest of the killer.

I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 👒😀😡🏡💘

Next book in the series March 2024. Happy reading 📚 and have fun 🌙😀.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holiday Junction is getting ready for the Mistletoe Masquerade Ball. However the discovery of the body of a delivery man puts a damper on all the holiday cheer. Violet is determined to help solve the murder to remove the dark cloud threatening to ruin the ball.

I really enjoyed reading the Christmas cozy. Mrs. Kappes is great at weaving a story with humor, mystery, and a touch a romance. The mystery is well plotted to keep you guessing. The characters are fun and relatable. You feel like you are reading story about your friends.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, I have not been influenced by anyone.

[kileigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Southern, cozy and Christmas-y murder/mystery.

A “who done it”, but make it christmas as fuck!

[Helen Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful festive story. Holiday Junction which celebrates every holiday pulls out all the stops for the Jingle Junction Jamboree. As the Merry Makers, Violet Rhinehammer and Darren Strickland, are putting up the sign to mark the location for the finale of the festival, they spot a body. What appears to be death by hypothermia turns out to be murder.

The festival with all its activities goes on and Violet must cover the events for the Junction Journal, including taking pictures to capture the spirit of those events. While doing this she and Darren try to solve the murder for very personal reasons. Several other people are helping them.

Reading about all these delightful events, including an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest and the Mistletoe Masquerade Ball put me in the mood for Christmas. The true spirit of Christmas is expressed in this story.

The story also introduces new characters. One of Tonya Kappes’ strengths as an author is developing wonderful characters while weaving an engaging murder mystery with a number of red herrings.

I can’t wait to read what comes next, especially for Violet and Darren.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s the Christmas holiday season in Holiday Junction and there’s a lot going on. Violet and Darren are occupied with Merry Maker duties, the town has become the new North Pole, and Santa’s sleigh is ready for the big night. Unfortunately, before everyone can enjoy the festivities, Earl, a homeless man, is found dead under the manger.

While it first appears as if Earl died from hypothermia, it soon becomes clear that Earl was actually murdered. Violet, being the intrepid amateur sleuth that she is, is convinced that she can solve the crime and bring the killer to justice. Before long, Violet, Darren, and Radley are chasing down clues and compiling a list of suspects. But will Violet discover the truth or become the next victim?

Tonya Kappes has many series and they are all wonderfully plotted and have such fun, unique characters, but I have a special fondness for the Holiday Cozy Mystery series because it’s the one that first got me hooked on Tonya’s great books.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lucky day when Violet Rhinehammer was stranded in Holiday Junction! It is a special town where every holiday is a cause for celebration! She is now the editor of the Holiday Junction newspaper and has a special love interest, Darren. But with every holiday comes murder and Christmas is no different! And it seems like Violet and Darren keep stumbling on those bodies! True to form, Violet can't rest until the murderer is caught! Can she solve this murder before the Christmas celebration is ruined? Violet and the rest of the residents of Holiday Junction are some of my very favorite friends! This is a town I would love to visit!

[Ashley Yungbluth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Santa Claus Surprise" is book eight in the "Holiday Cozy Mystery" series by Tonya Kappes. It's always a pleasure to return to Holiday Junction with Violet and Darren. While they were walking, they came across a body, and they didn't want to be a suspect in the murder. So they have to come up with an excuse as to why they were by the Nativity scene and not give away their secret. Violet is a reporter, and it is in her to investigate and try to get a story out of it for The Junction Journal. This is a great series by Tonya, and I absolutely love seeing what happens next.

[amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

violet and darren are out late at night when they discover the body of a local man. at first, it is ruled ad hypothermia but after the coroner assesses the body, he is found to have been attacked. the book, like all the others, follows violet exploring the death.

i have started to find that the author often repeats things that she had said even chapters before which sometimes makes reading it confusing as the timeline feels like it is messed up. however, the book was still enjoyable and an easy read

[Carol Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet is getting ready for the Ball but of course things cannot stay stay as they need to be as there is a murder to be solved. She is tasked with finding out who killed a man and who has the missing coin. Violet realizes that she has to hurry to figure out what is going on so that all can be merry.

[Tara Kat (MagnoliaPigeonBookBlurbs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

❄️ 🔪 🎄 Ho Ho Ho! Merry….Murder?? 🎄 🔪 ❄️

We are back in Holiday Junction just in time for the Holiday Season! The town is busy decorating and the Merry Maker is getting ready to spread some Holiday cheer! All appears calm & bright until a man is found murdered right next to the manger display! With the holiday spirit dampened and a killer on the loose, Violet jumps into super sleuth mode and opens her own investigation! She is conducting interviews, collecting clues, making a list and checking it twice so she can wrap up this case in time to save the Mistletoe Masquerade Ball!

Full of all the holiday vibes, mystery, sleuthing, hoot and a half humor, twists, turns, family & friendship - Santa Claus Surprise is a fantastic addition to a wonderful series!

Check out Santa Claus Surprise 12.17.23 and remember to “Celebrate Good Crimes”!

Thank you Tonya Kappes for the gifted copy!

[Natassia Hyduk · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Meezan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun and festive visit to Holiday Junction. The mystery got started almost immediately and kept going at a fast pace. I enjoyed the mystery and I did not figure out the whodunnit. I can't wait to visit Holiday Junction again soon!

[Javon50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding a body in a manger is not how Violet and Darren wanted to end their evening. And, when they discover that a homeless man who was welcomed by the community is now dead, they are saddened. When editor and reporter of the local newspaper, Violet Rhinehammer discovers that the man did not die of natural causes, she begins to investigate and when the Merry Maker is implicated Violet and Darren must find the real killer or have their secret revealed. This entertaining series never fails to keep me engaged until the final page. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Author,
Please, proofread your book. Fix the errors, including continuity.
Thanks.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holiday Junction is hopping with one of the biggest celebrations of the year! The Christmas Jingle Junction Jamboree will be underway in a few hours, and Violet and Darren are carrying the fabulous Merry Maker’s sign indicating where the festival’s grand finale will be held. The identity of the Merry Maker is supposed to be a secret, but when the sun comes up, that secret will be sorely tested.

Violet was chosen to be the Merry Maker shortly after she landed in Holiday Junction from Normal, Kentucky. She chose Darren to be her co-Merry Maker. Vern, the only person who knows the identity of the Merry Maker, makes the most magnificent signs! This one is a Santa Claus popping out of a Santa-in-the box decoration. As they arrived at Holiday Park at about 4 AM to place the sign, they noticed something odd about the manger scene for the Living Nativity. There is a pair of legs and feet sticking out from under the manger! It was a strange place to take a nap on a cold December night! There was one little problem with the man attached to the legs. He was dead. Darren prepared to call his dad, the police chief, and hopes he can do it without giving away their identities as the Merry Maker. They assumed that, since nothing else was evident, the man died of hypothermia.

Later that day, they had more little problems. The man in the manger scene, Elias, was a homeless man who had been around Holiday Junction for years and did many odd jobs for people. First, he had been murdered. Second, it was assumed that the Merry Maker was the only person who had been in the area during the time frame Elias was killed in when setting up the big sign. There was even speculation that Elias saw the Merry Maker put up the sign, wanted money to keep quiet, and was killed by . . .the Merry Maker? Despite Chief Matthew’s warning for them to stay out of this investigation, they both know they must find out whodunit fast, or risk wearing orange jumpsuits for a long time.

The quirky characters in this mystery and series are so much fun! They are described very well, and I enjoy learning more about them each time. Violet, away from her hometown of Normal, Kentucky, and having the freedom she does as the editor in chief of the Junction Journal, is somebody I have really grown to like. Since her parents moved to Holiday Junction and her mother became active in the community, they get along much better, also. Darren is the best boyfriend that Violet could have; I get a kick out of seeing them together. Violet didn’t date anyone in the past, so she hasn’t had to kiss all those frogs before meeting the handsome prince!

This, like most cozy mysteries by the author, kept me guessing throughout in an effort to discover whodunit. Violet, Darren, Radley, the Journal’s reporter, and Matthew had given the investigation all they had. The killer was quite a surprise, as was the motive! The person didn’t give any obvious indications of being the bad guy, so they were only on my suspect list a very short time. The ending was perfect, and I am looking forward to the next holiday celebration in Holiday Junction!

From a thankful heart: I received an uncorrected proof copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Santa Claus Surprise
Holiday Cozy Mystery, Book #8
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Celebrate Good Crimes
In the heart of Holiday Junction, where festive cheer and snowflakes blanket the streets, journalist Violet Rhinehammer prepares for the most anticipated event of the year: the Mistletoe Masquerade Ball. However, the holiday mood is deeply marred when a chilling mystery comes to light. The gruesome discovery of a man, brutally murdered behind the living manger scene in Holiday Park, casts a dark shadow over the town's festivities.
As Violet delves deeper into the case, her journalist instincts kick into overdrive, unearthing a list of suspects that could fill Santa’s naughty list twice over. With the missing Winter Crest coin entwined in the heart of this mystery and potential suspects lurking around every festive corner, Violet realizes she's racing against the clock.
Can Violet solve the murder and recover the coin in time to save the Ball and preserve the holiday spirit? Or will this Santa Clause Surprise be the one that leaves the town with more chills than cheer?

Dear reader, if you love dogs, every holiday with all the holiday trimmings, and a cozy town, you’re going to love this new series by Tonya Kappes. It's time to CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES in the town of Holiday Junction! Just because it's the holiday, doesn't mean it's free of crime and murder! But I can guarantee this series is clean with no foul language or gore. Each book can be read as a stands alone because each murder is wrapped up. Grab your cozy blanket and a cup of tea or coffee! It's time to sleuth along Violet Rhinehammer and celebrate good crimes!

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. As Violet and her friends prepare for the Mistletoe Masquerade Ball all is not Merry and Bright. A man is found murdered in a manger scene and Violet must find the killer before someone else is murdered. Join Violet on her quest to find the killer.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. Whether I was reading about Violet working the case or her spending time with Darren, I felt like I was right there watching all the action taking place. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery was well plotted and it took Violet quite a bit of work to solve it.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This book is a great edition to the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.

[Lisa Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is the Marry Maker of Holiday Junction a killer? That is a question that some of the people asked themselves in ‘Santa Claus Surprise’. It is up to Violet and Darren to clear the Mary Maker’s name and help solve the case of why someone would get murdered.

Before I even turned the page Tonya Kappes had me hooked on the mystery that is surrounding this case. Tonya’s writing style when it comes to mystery is great and she even had me guessing someone else was the killer who I thought would never be a killer. I ended up wrong about that but that is the joy of mystery books trying to figure out who did it. She also can add some southern wit and charm in the book that always makes me smile when I read it, and that adds to the charm of Violet and the gang.

Seeing the relationship between Violet and Darren grow even more in this book was great to see and I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store for these two. Their personalities complement each other and you can feel the love and care they have for each other when you read the pages.

Even though there is something between Violet and Darren the sizzle level to ‘Santa Claus Surprise’ is none. When it comes to cozy mystery books I don’t ever expect to have any sizzle in it but the mystery that needs to be solved is a great read. With the mystery that had me turning pages as fast as I could I am giving this book 4 ½ stars. You will want to make sure that you pick up this book and read it between all the holiday festivities you will be doing.

‘Santa Claus Surprise’ was just released and is available on Amazon. If you are a Kindle Unlimited member it is included in your membership.

**I would like to thank Tonya Kappes for the ARC copy of this book. Getting the ARC Copy did not influence my thoughts on the book as they are all my own.**

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to live in this charming, holiday-crazed town. The people of Holiday Junction love holidays. It is just another excuse to celebrate and decorate. On this particular night there is an aromatic scent in the air of pinecones and cinnamon. The town is dressed like the North Pole. Santa's sleigh is ready for his arrival and the nativity is ready for the live actors who will do their parts. Violet and Darren are performing their covert ops as the Merry Maker of Holiday Junction by placing their sign and leaving their mysterious mark. The manger is empty, but unfortunately there is a body under the manger. Holiday Park is not looking so festive right now.

Never fear Violet is the editor of the local newspaper and sleuthing investigator on the side. She is like a dog with a bone when there is a mystery to be solved, and she is actually quite good at solving murders. The cast of characters in this book and this series are so lovable. There is really not anyone that I do not like. Tonya Kappes knows how to provide just the right amount of mystery and intrigue along with a tad of romance with a little comedy as well. There was an especially funny scene when Violet's mother brought her some dresses to try on for the Ball. Attention - the 70's called and they want their costumes back. I enjoy the wonderful relationship that Violet has with her mother. There is a mystery to be solved, but in Holiday Junction the holiday cheer and Christmas spirit will always shine through the gloom. Once again Tonya Kappes has made my heart happy with another clean, fun mystery.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

How much fun it must be to live in a town that makes the most of every holiday! They even have a secret position called the “Merry Maker(s)” who decide where the final celebration will be held for each celebration. While it sounds like the town would be nothing but fun and good times, every now and then, there is a murder, and Violet Rhinehammer, the editor of the local newspaper, is right there to help solve the mystery.

When Violet landed (literally) in Holiday Junction, she thought it would just be for a few hours or maybe a few days. Little did she know that she would find a job, start a romantic relationship, and have her parents also move to town!

As the Merry Makers, Violet and Darren were out late one night getting ready to place the sign to identify the final location to wrap up the Christmas Jingle Junction Jamboree when they found a body. Since the actual Merry Maker is unknown to the town, they must figure out how to notify the Chief of Police without revealing their secret or being accused of murder! This time, Violet also includes Radley, the Junction Journal’s other employee, in her sleuthing, so hopefully, he will be included in other future adventures.

The descriptions of the scenery in these books are incredible and submerge readers in the town of Holiday Junction. I could vividly picture the Mistletoe Masquerade Ball setting with the frozen waterfall ice sculpture, twinkling lights, and Darren, Violet, and the other guests dressed in their finest holiday attire.

The plot will keep you guessing, and another twist will be presented just when you think you have it figured out,

I received an ARC of this book; all opinions are my own.

[Jane Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jingle Junction Jamboree in Holiday Junction is just a few days away. Darren & Violet are getting ready to place the Merry Maker sign near the Manger. As they are walking, they hear Dave the Rooster crowing. Dawn is a few hours away & they can't understand why Dave is crowing. It sounds like he is close by & not out at the airport he guards. They are hoping Dave doesn't wake anyone up & they look out to see Darren & Violet carrying the Merry Maker sign. As they set the sign down by the Manger, the clouds drift apart revealing a bright, full moon. Violet sees a pair of legs, clad in dark trousers & worn shoes emerging from the crib. Darren goes to see if maybe the person is just sleeping but he isn't. Darren calls his Dad, Matthew Strickland, the Chief of Police.

The body is a homeless man, Elias Beckford, who is around town doing odd jobs most of the year. During the Winter, he usually goes to Centerville where he has a room he can stay in at one of their inns for free. They think he died of hypothermia. Darren & Violet decide to tell Matthew that she was working late at the Junction Journal & after hearing Dave crowing in the wee hours got nervous & called Darren to walk her home!

As always, Violet wants to figure out what happened. As she heads back to the Junction Journal to look at the schedule of the Events today, she also is wondering exactly what happened.

As the Events are described, I wish there were pictures in the book! Tonya does an excellent job of describing everything, I can "see" them, but pictures wou!d be wonderful! Another great Holiday Junction mystery with a huge twist at the end!

[Jozie | Cozy Romantasy Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas / Contemporary Mystery / Cozy Mystery / Holiday / Murder Mystery / Women Sleuths

Spice Level: 🤍 Sweet & Slow (0/5 Flames)

🖤 THE VIBE CHECK: Cozy Festive Murder
Santa Claus Surprise is an unpredictable cozy murder mystery filled with the spirit of Christmas.


🎄 The Curated Plot
While Violet and Darren are out on official Merry Maker business, they come across the dead body of a homeless man in the manger. At first, it looks like a weather related death but they soon learn that he had been stabbed multiple times. Violet is a reporter who is covering the festive events happening around Holiday Junction, so why not try to solve a murder at the same time. 


🗡️ Unpredictable Murder Mystery
I listened to the audiobook edition of this book and I’m glad I gave it a chance! It’s a fun and engaging festive read that will keep you guessing. I had no idea who the murderer was up until the ending. It was fun following Violet as she covered the festive events as well as interviewed the victims acquaintances.  


👥 The Characters
As far as the characters go, there was nothing that really stood out to me that made them unique or special, but they served the plot well. 


⭐ The Cozy Conclusion (Rated: 3/5 Curated Coziness)
Overall, if you’re looking for a low-stress, true cozy mystery with a ton of Christmas cheer and an independent FMC sleuth, give this book a read or listen.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holiday Junction loves to celebrate every holiday with vigor. And now with Christmas coming, it is time to celebrate the Christmas Jingle Junction Jamboree. The Secret Merry Makers, Violet and Darren set out in the middle of the night to set the Merry Maker sign at the finale point for the celebration. But, something looked wrong by the Living Nativity Scene. There weren't supposed to be feet sticking out from under the manger. It turns out to be Elias, a homeless man who did odd jobs for the townspeople. Could he have fallen asleep and frozen to death. No, it seems he was murdered and Darren had to call his father, Chief Matthews without giving his and Violet's Merry Maker position away. The chief is certain the murderer is the Merry Maker and even developed his own theory for the matter that was so obviously off base, since Violet and his son are the Merry Makers. So, to keep from being tagged for the murder, Violet and Darren have to investigate themselves and as they uncover some possibilities, they find there are more suspects than they though there could be. With so many twists and turns and red-herrings, we are taken on a roller-coaster ride until the surprise in the end! I highly recommend this whole series and this book is an amazing addition. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Charissa Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overview: Holiday Junction's current Merry Makers, Violet Rhinehammer and Darren Strickland, are delivering the Merry Maker's Santa-in-a-box to its station for the year. Unfortunately, they've stumbled upon a horrible scene at the living Nativity scene. Why was Earl even in Holiday Junction when he usually migrated south for the winter? And who would be so angry with him? He seemed to be a fixture of the town, who wanted him dead? And how will Violet and Darren keep the secret of Holiday Junction's Merry Maker? Let's find out.

Dislikes: I suppose that Violet was suffering from a bit of tunnel vision. There had to be a way of clearing the Merry Maker without blabbing the secret across the town. After all the only threat to the Merry Maker, would have been Violet herself, as she was the town's reporter.

Likes: Holiday Junction really takes their claim to fame seriously. We had a Holiday Trolley, Christmas Market, Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, and a Merry Masquerade. Holiday Junction went all out for Christmas. Plus, we have Mayor Paisley, the town's Boston Terrier mascot.

It was rather funny and cute when Violet found Millie Kay in Darren's bar.

Conclusion: This was a fun story, though I was more interested in the setting than in the mystery. If you enjoy holiday themed mysteries, you might want to add this one to your reading list. Enjoy the read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Santa Claus Surprise is another entertaining read in Kappes' Holiday cozy mystery series. Violet is looking forward to celebrating Christmas in Holiday Junction this year especially now that she and Darren are official. Things definitely don't go as planned when Violet and Darren discover a body when performing their joint Merry Maker duties. Things go from bad to worse when the Merry Maker becomes a suspect. Violet and Darren need to solve this case fast to keep their secret about being the Merry Maker.

Kappes sets up a great Holiday read that delivers mystery, holiday fun, and a great time. I loved seeing Violet and Darren together and working together to solve this mystery. Violet is still willing to do what she needs to do to solve the case, but I am enjoying this partnership regarding the mystery. I also loved seeing my favorite secondary characters back as well since I always think that they add to the story. The book's mystery is well done full of enough twists and turns to keep the reader's attention. Overall Santa Claus Surprise proved to be a great, entertaining read. I look forward to reading Violet's next adventure.

Received a copy of Santa Claus Surprise from the author.

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Santa Claus Surprise is the eighth book in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series, a spin-off of the Camper and Criminals series. The spin-off is headlined by Normal's ace reporter Violet Rhinehammer. She exits Normal to move onto greener pastures and finds herself in a different small town.

It's Christmastime in book eight and the town of Holiday Junction is preparing for the various holiday events. As Violet continues to keep the Junction Journal afloat and tend to her civic duties, a body is found near the living nativity scene. When a primary suspect hits a little too close to home, Violet can't help herself; she just has to look into the murder. Digging into the victim's past brings a lot to light and Violet must tread carefully.

Santa Claus Surprise is a fun and quick read. I continue to enjoy Violet and Darren and love how their relationship continues to grow as the series progresses. I enjoy getting to know everyone in Holiday Junction. We get to meet many interesting people and learn how important holidays are in this town. The mystery was well thought out, full of suspense, and contains red herrings. I am looking forward to the next book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Tonya Kappes once again proves that she is a master at mixing murder into a story that is a lot of fun to read. She brings her characters to life and describes her settings so well you feel as if you are right there.

Holiday Junction’s Merry Maker discovers a dead body when out making the secret placement of a sign announcing the town’s holiday festivities. Who could have committed this heinous crime? Because the body is found near the sign, early fingers point toward the Merry Maker!

Journalist Violet Rhinehammer immediately jumps in to help solve this mystery. She, along with the help of a few friends, work together to clear the Merry Maker’s name and determine who is responsible. Of course, they run into a number of dead ends in their investigation but discover some helpful clues in their search.

Oh, it’s not all murder and Christmas parties. We have the ongoing relationship between Violet and her boyfriend to make the romantics among her readers smile.

If you love a good cozy mystery and holidays, then run get your copy of Santa Claus Surprise today.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 8th book in this series; I’ve read and loved all the books in the series, but this book stands alone well. As the series has covered a couple of years in “series time,” though, I think the reader’s enjoyment would be enhanced by having read some other books in this series first, since this town is quite unique in its many celebrations for every holiday. Violet and her boyfriend Darren are the main characters in this story and I would love to see their relationship progress. They discover a body, and since she’s the editor of the local newspaper and he’s the son of the police chief/law student, they feel obliged to solve the murder, with some help from a newspaper reporter. Amidst the merriness of a wide range of Christmas activities, they manage to cover all of the events for the paper, as well as to investigate. If you’re not already in the Christmas spirit, this book will help you get there. If you like your cozy mysteries seasonal, this is the perfect book and series. I received an arc, which I really appreciate, but these opinions are my own.

[Amy aka Books, Bakes and Belle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook.

This book follows Violet, a journalist and “merry-maker”, as she tries to solve the murder of a local homeless man, around Christmas time, with her prime clue, a valuable old coin.

I enjoyed the mystery aspect of this story, and uncovering who the murderer was. I didn’t solve the crime, so it was a bit of a surprise when Violet figured out who was the perpetrator.

The setting of Holiday Junction, though cute, was just a little too cheesy for me, and seemed to be trying too hard to fit the popular “festive, cosy town” trope. I felt a lot of the book was wasted being overly descriptive about random characters that had no bearing on the story, for example, the Victorian choir singers, which made the writing feel quite immature for me and often left me considering skipping ahead (I didn’t, but I definitely felt like it).

The book was fine for a “cosy mystery” but it felt too forced and cheesy, so I probably won’t bother with any other books in this series/by this author unfortunately.