What do you think?
Rate this book
A Domestic Diva Mystery #8
The Diva Wraps It Up
In the latest novel in the national bestselling Domestic Diva Mystery series, it’s beginning to look a lot like murder…
The holidays are domestic diva Sophie Winston’s favorite time of year. But this season, there seem to be more mishaps than mistletoe. First, Horace Scroggins tumbles from a balcony during his office Christmas party. Then, Sophie’s neighbor takes a fall from his ladder while decorating his roof with lights. But it’s the cookie swap that really starts her wondering who’s naughty or nice….
Sophie arrives at the annual event with high spirits and thirteen dozen chocolate-drizzled gingersnaps. But when an argument erupts and a murder ensues, it becomes clear that the recent string of events is anything but accidental. Now Sophie has to make a list of suspects…and check it twice!
The holidays are domestic diva Sophie Winston’s favorite time of year. But this season, there seem to be more mishaps than mistletoe. First, Horace Scroggins tumbles from a balcony during his office Christmas party. Then, Sophie’s neighbor takes a fall from his ladder while decorating his roof with lights. But it’s the cookie swap that really starts her wondering who’s naughty or nice….
Sophie arrives at the annual event with high spirits and thirteen dozen chocolate-drizzled gingersnaps. But when an argument erupts and a murder ensues, it becomes clear that the recent string of events is anything but accidental. Now Sophie has to make a list of suspects…and check it twice!
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 3, 2014
205 people are currently reading
1992 people want to read
About the author
Krista Davis
36 books3,261 followersKrista Davis lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where she writes mysteries. She lived in Northern Virginia for many years and resided for a time in Old Town Alexandria where her Domestic Diva Mysteries take place.
Krista also writes the Paws and Claws Mysteries, which debuted with MURDER, SHE BARKED. Her Pen & Ink Mysteries featured covers that can be colored! Read the book and have fun coloring the cover.
WEBSITE: https://www.kristadavis.com
NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/3Wi0jcR
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/KristaDavisAu...
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kristadavisauthor
Krista also writes the Paws and Claws Mysteries, which debuted with MURDER, SHE BARKED. Her Pen & Ink Mysteries featured covers that can be colored! Read the book and have fun coloring the cover.
WEBSITE: https://www.kristadavis.com
NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/3Wi0jcR
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/KristaDavisAu...
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kristadavisauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
November 21, 2014
This one was better than the last one in the series. I know everyone loves this series but
December 7, 2023
This was very enjoyable. Natasha was not nearly as irritating as in other books. I enjoyed the mystery but there were a lot of characters to keep track of. I really liked all the cookie recipes at the end and the stories shared by those who contributed them.
May 20, 2016
Really 4.5 stars but I rounded up.
Eight books in and this series is still great! In The Diva Wraps it Up family secrets mix with misplaced loyalties and pranks to form an amazing mystery.
I really love the Christmas theme in books, and especially in this series. This is the second book that has a Christmas theme in this series and it really casts a cheery feeling to the book and makes me wish Christmas was here with all of the excitement that goes with it!
Sophie was once again a really fun character. She logically thinks through problems and solves them without being obnoxious. This book also (finally) has Wolf back in it, however, there are still a lot of questions I have about Wolf and what happened after The Diva Digs Up the Dirt that were unresolved in this book. I'm starting to really like Alex and, to be completely honest, Natasha is growing on me. I wish we learned a little more about her. I also loved Edith in this book, she's a new character, but hopefully a reappearing one.
The mystery was great. There were so many secrets and twists and turns that I had no idea who it would be, but when Ms. Davis revealed the killer it made perfect sense.
Overall a really nice book, I really hope my questions about Wolf are resolved. One more to go!
Eight books in and this series is still great! In The Diva Wraps it Up family secrets mix with misplaced loyalties and pranks to form an amazing mystery.
I really love the Christmas theme in books, and especially in this series. This is the second book that has a Christmas theme in this series and it really casts a cheery feeling to the book and makes me wish Christmas was here with all of the excitement that goes with it!
Sophie was once again a really fun character. She logically thinks through problems and solves them without being obnoxious. This book also (finally) has Wolf back in it, however, there are still a lot of questions I have about Wolf and what happened after The Diva Digs Up the Dirt that were unresolved in this book. I'm starting to really like Alex and, to be completely honest, Natasha is growing on me. I wish we learned a little more about her. I also loved Edith in this book, she's a new character, but hopefully a reappearing one.
The mystery was great. There were so many secrets and twists and turns that I had no idea who it would be, but when Ms. Davis revealed the killer it made perfect sense.
Overall a really nice book, I really hope my questions about Wolf are resolved. One more to go!
September 22, 2021
for my thoughts on this book and other cozy mysteries subscribe to my YouTube channel @:https://t.co/Jx58B4KNW5?amp=1 ...more ...more
October 22, 2023
It's Christmas time! A local woman sends out a Christmas card that seems to imply she is having an affair. This gets the whole town talking. Sophia is getting ready for a cookie swap, when she sees her neighbor fall off his balcony...or was he pushed? The town goes crazy over Christmas decorations, and a body is found gift wrapped.
Over the top, but mostly in a good way.
Over the top, but mostly in a good way.
August 11, 2019
I generally like this series, but a couple of books haven't clicked with me. Pretty sure it's because Davis threw a wrench in the works by making Wolf a still married man with long lost wife, and now she hasn't a clue which direction to go. I enjoyed it then because even though I thought very less of Wolf, there wasn't much else wrong with Sophie's circle of friends including Natasha. I also liked Sophie and Mars' amicable post divorce relationship.
But with this rekindling Sophie and Mars thing, Mars comes off as a complete rat. He's hardly ever with Natasha, even when she's under stress and maybe needs someone with her. Sometimes it truly is about Natasha. Also, if you're going to be a rat anyway, why not break it off completely? Gah. I know everyone hates on Sophie for being indecisive, but she broke off two relationships, she doesn't hang around Wolf's kitchen munching on the cookies Wolf's wife bakes. For that matter, she's hardly at Natasha's either. I hated Wolf, but now I've transferred my hate over to Mars. I mean this book even has Wolf, who is also kind of a rat. (But I knew that anyway).
I miss Kenner. I miss Francine, where did she go? So many old ladies but not that one. But Edith makes up for it. I also really love Wong. I like so many things about the series, I just wish Sophie would just settle down with the Alex person (although he's also separated or something unclear, I can just see how that's going to work).
But with this rekindling Sophie and Mars thing, Mars comes off as a complete rat. He's hardly ever with Natasha, even when she's under stress and maybe needs someone with her. Sometimes it truly is about Natasha. Also, if you're going to be a rat anyway, why not break it off completely? Gah. I know everyone hates on Sophie for being indecisive, but she broke off two relationships, she doesn't hang around Wolf's kitchen munching on the cookies Wolf's wife bakes. For that matter, she's hardly at Natasha's either. I hated Wolf, but now I've transferred my hate over to Mars. I mean this book even has Wolf, who is also kind of a rat. (But I knew that anyway).
I miss Kenner. I miss Francine, where did she go? So many old ladies but not that one. But Edith makes up for it. I also really love Wong. I like so many things about the series, I just wish Sophie would just settle down with the Alex person (although he's also separated or something unclear, I can just see how that's going to work).
August 15, 2021
I adore this series; however, I think this was my least favorite book thus far. I loved the story and of course I love the all the main players but something was just a miss for me. Ms. Davis throws in a ton of characters in every book. They usually work well but in this book, I just didn't like them. The characters added in for this story were not likable or relatable in my opinion. Also, this was the first book that Sophie and Wolf finally meet up since the break up. I have been wanting closure or a conversation between them, Sophie was owed that much, we were owed that much. I hated how cold she made Wolf towards Sophie in the beginning of the book. It became lighter throughout but she made him to be a jerk when he should worship Sophie for what she did for him. I also don't think I like the relationship between Sophie and Alex. I just feel like its being forced just so she can she have a boyfriend. Anyone else secretly wish Sophie and Bernie would hook up?? I want to meet Nina's husband eventually as well. I missed Francine and Humphrey in this book too.
Oh and what happened to Vegas?? Did she just disappear after the Halloween book? Did I miss something in a previous book? Its possible.
Oh and what happened to Vegas?? Did she just disappear after the Halloween book? Did I miss something in a previous book? Its possible.
December 5, 2014
There is a lot going on in this book both in Sophie's personal life and in the mystery itself. I enjoyed the read, but it wasn't quite as good as previous book in the series. What's up with Wolf? Mars? Natasha needs some redeeming qualities and some sign of rational thought - I mostly wish she was the next victim because as is, she's just vapid and vein. Very good murder mystery though.
Also, some embarrassing editing errors (i.e. mixing up Gwen and Patty in the same paragraph).
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/105742...
Also, some embarrassing editing errors (i.e. mixing up Gwen and Patty in the same paragraph).
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/105742...
February 28, 2019
It was ok.
I should have done this one during the holiday season as it does bring back the feeling of the season, especially w/the overly decorated homes & contests.
Her descriptions were well written.
My one big criticism of this series is that there are too many characters. I always forget who was who.
I tried to pay attention this time to catch clues so I would be able to guess the killer.
This wasn’t one of the better ones in the series b/c there were too many people who had so many similarities, I got confused and just had no clue who anyone was.
I should have done this one during the holiday season as it does bring back the feeling of the season, especially w/the overly decorated homes & contests.
Her descriptions were well written.
My one big criticism of this series is that there are too many characters. I always forget who was who.
I tried to pay attention this time to catch clues so I would be able to guess the killer.
This wasn’t one of the better ones in the series b/c there were too many people who had so many similarities, I got confused and just had no clue who anyone was.
August 22, 2020
This is another holiday installment in the Domestic Diva Mystery series. Set during Christmas, I loved the idea of the neighborhood decorating contest and the reference to Mars decorating like Clark Griswald from Christmas Vacation. Unfortunately, the holiday is marred by another murder and yes, once again Sophie discovers the body. I love the characters in this series. Sophie is warm, smart, and caring. There is a good dose of wit and humor in the dialogue and I was happy to see Natasha got a bit of a comeuppance, but the impact doesn't last long. There are several mysteries that are intertwined and I loved the way Ms. Davis was able to weave them all together and tie them up nicely at the end. The only resolution that I need is for Sophie's love life to settle down and for her to pick a steady boyfriend. There are starting to be too many ex's.
On to the next book which is on hold at the library. The people in line ahead of me need to read faster.
On to the next book which is on hold at the library. The people in line ahead of me need to read faster.
January 16, 2016
Sophie Winston loves the holidays but this year gets off to a rocky start. Mars also goes a little crazy trying to win the Clark Griswald House Decorating Contest decorating her house. Then Horace Scroggins falls from a balcony during his office Christmas party, and one her neighbors falls of a ladder while hanging Christmas lights and later gets zapped by set of lights too. On top of that is the neighborhood cookie swap and of course things do not go as planned. When one of the bakers is found murdered Sophie starts to think all the accidents may be related and could even be connected to the murder. It is time for Sophie to determine who has been nice and who has been very naughty. The list just gets longer and longer.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
When writing a series you have to take the characters through the calendar year and it was truly a gift to visit Sophie and her friends for Christmas in the Spring. Winter has barely left Wisconsin so it was easy to read about the snow flying in Virginia while the sun was shining and the birds were singing here. The last time we were there for the holidays was in The Diva Cooks a Goose (A Domestic Diva Mystery) back in 2010.
This time Sophie really had her hands full, there was a lot going on. There were several twists to keep the readers and the characters on their toes. Plus you know the crazy relatives always seem to come for the holidays.
Of course Natasha is right in the middle of everything too. She always decides that red and green are so overdone as Christmas colors she comes up with a few new color combinations. One of the colors she chooses is my favorite color but I would never build a Christmas theme around it.
Krista Davis has plotted out another fine mystery. Secrets, secrets, secrets! Nina and Sophie are trying to find a very special person. Someone isn’t who they seem to be and a Christmas letter has left everyone wondering and brings someone new to town.
This was a very captivating mystery. This entire series has been fun and entertaining but the author has made it clear the title does not mean the Diva mysteries are wrapping up. There is more fun and drama coming in the future for Sophie, Natasha and all the rest. This entire series in fantastic.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
When writing a series you have to take the characters through the calendar year and it was truly a gift to visit Sophie and her friends for Christmas in the Spring. Winter has barely left Wisconsin so it was easy to read about the snow flying in Virginia while the sun was shining and the birds were singing here. The last time we were there for the holidays was in The Diva Cooks a Goose (A Domestic Diva Mystery) back in 2010.
This time Sophie really had her hands full, there was a lot going on. There were several twists to keep the readers and the characters on their toes. Plus you know the crazy relatives always seem to come for the holidays.
Of course Natasha is right in the middle of everything too. She always decides that red and green are so overdone as Christmas colors she comes up with a few new color combinations. One of the colors she chooses is my favorite color but I would never build a Christmas theme around it.
Krista Davis has plotted out another fine mystery. Secrets, secrets, secrets! Nina and Sophie are trying to find a very special person. Someone isn’t who they seem to be and a Christmas letter has left everyone wondering and brings someone new to town.
This was a very captivating mystery. This entire series has been fun and entertaining but the author has made it clear the title does not mean the Diva mysteries are wrapping up. There is more fun and drama coming in the future for Sophie, Natasha and all the rest. This entire series in fantastic.
April 26, 2015
Third time was the charm for me with this book. I finally was able to get past the dreaded 80 page mark and finish this. I'm so glad I finally was able to. This mystery was very good. It kept me guessing all the way up to the end, and even at the end, I was totally surprised by who the killer was.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book when it is released in June.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book when it is released in June.
October 29, 2024
Something pointed out in a few reviews that I now can’t unsee: does no one in this world work? Sophie has the occasional event as the setting for a story, but she’s usually stumbling into dead bodies on her downtime, and while there’s a certain healthy suspension of disbelief needed to think that she’s got a business thriving enough to afford the upkeep on her sprawling old house and well-paying enough that she can afford to take so much time off, it’s impossible for her to have no events to plan during all the seasonal stories this series boasts. Speaking as a food service worker at a business that does some small caterings, the winter holidays are our busiest time of year. This wouldn’t even annoy me so much if Sophie herself hadn’t drawn attention to the fact almost immediately.
As an event planner, I didn't typically handle small company gatherings, but for the past few years, Horace had talked me into arranging his real estate company's Christmas party.
(Krista Davis, The Diva Wraps It Up, p.2)
It’s nice that she’s doing well enough that she can afford to be selective, but it also solves the mystery of why I keep forgetting what she does for a living. Also, her best friend is always at home doing nothing and is at Sophie’s beck and call 24/7. Nina supposedly works for a shelter or an animal rescue foundation (it’s hard to remember when they never work) but the only time we’ve seen her on the job is during the last book’s fundraising event (On the extreme other end of the spectrum, I only just found out her husband works in forensics. He's conveniently 'away for work' for every single book; I'd gotten the impression he was a long-haul trucker). At least the other neighbor, Francie, I can assume is retired.
On the topic of neighbors, we again run into a problem and possibly the biggest issue I had with the book. It’s established that this story takes place a few years after Haunts a House , but in that time her entire neighborhood has moved out and been replaced with new families (all of whom are either secretly related to each other or secretly dated each other in the past). I didn’t recognize a single, solitary person outside the tiny main cast (which was reduced to less than usual with the convenient absences of mortician Humphrey and immediate neighbor Francie). I may as well have been reading an entirely new series, and I’m not sure it’s one I’d be willing to pick up again. I feel that the author may have been under an unreasonable deadline or suffering from family troubles, because the writing wasn’t nearly up to Davis’s usual standard. The normally effortless weaving of Sophie’s cooking into the scenes is suddenly clunky and awkward, and frequently feeling like an interruption to the flow (instead of Sophie talking about a murder while fixing hors d'oeuvres, now they’re talking about a murder, stopping to make the appetizers in a tedious step-by-step, then going back to discussing the murder as if there were no pause in the conversation).
And Nina, the best friend, is normally a pretty nosy character, but she and Sophie go above and beyond acceptable in Wraps . Sophie is entrusted with a private letter from a man who had to be rushed to the hospital and who didn’t want his wife to find it. Bringing it home and making the mistake of leaving it out in the open, Nina comes over, opens it, and reads it. She’s never opened and read Sophie’s mail before, and Sophie just finished telling her it was someone else’s, so what the hell was she thinking? The letter was an old love letter between the man and his teenage sweetheart, and the two girls set off on a mission to find his old girlfriend. Not because he wants them to, not because she’s needed for anything important, just because they’re being nosy.
"How are we ever going to find a girl Horace loved thirty or forty years ago? She could be anywhere."
Nina cut a piece of French toast and devoured it. "Mmm. So good. We could start by paying Horace a visit."
(Krista Davis, The Diva Wraps It Up, p.32)
Yes, do that! Do that so he can tell you two to mind your own damn business!
But Sophie isn’t spared from going to extremes of character, either. She suspects every little accident in her neighborhood to be nefarious, even before actual proof arises. Her ex-husband suggests it’s a reflex to her break-up with Wolf, a homicide detective, even though it’s already been established that this book takes place some years later (and Sophie spends a painfully long amount of time mentally monologuing about feeling guilty over a kiss between them that happened, again, years ago).
"Are you suggesting Gwen wanted Baxter to fall?"
"I'm simply making a discreet inquiry."
Mars tucked a bit of ribbon in the corner. "I think you miss Wolf."
[...]
"Come look at the ladder with me."
"Excuse me, Baxter," Mars quipped, "Sophie wants to know if I think Gwen is trying to kill you. You don't mind us inspecting your ladder, do you?"
(Krista Davis, The Diva Wraps It Up, p.51-50)
I feel a little bad that the review has become nothing but criticisms, but there’s not really much else to discuss. The plot was muddled and the characters were overdramatic, forgettable, and way too many. All in all, it was a disappointment.
CHARACTERS:
Almost the entire cast was new and there were way too many characters. No one acted like real people, and few of the main characters acted like themselves. And it’s petty on top of all the other bigger problems, but Natasha is breaking the law and it’s treated as an annoyance. I’ve seen enough Judge Judy to know that a landlord is absolutely not allowed to enter a rented property without the renter's permission (the renter is complaining to Sophie that Natasha has been letting herself in to rearrange things and nag about how she folds her towels).
SETTING/WORLD BUILDING:
Nothing from the established series survived to this book. None of the places we've seen before are mentioned and there are a bunch of new stores that sound like they should have come up previously (boutiques, mostly, but the really annoying one was a design supply store that had never been mentioned despite Sophie being an event planner). So much work was done in showing off the huge new cast that it was all too much too fast; like when a movie puts so much detail into the settings that you can't admire the forest for the trees. I would normally at least give a half score since we should have had the main cast's homes to ground us, but Sophie spends so much time running around town and stuffing cooking in between her dialogues that it took me a few minutes of thinking before I could even remember a scene that took place at her house.
PLOT/SOLUTION:
The plot was getting so convoluted with multiple injuries before the murder, and possible gaslighting, and over-the-top personalities all demanding that their dramas be the center of attention, that I couldn't finish the book this second time reading it. It was, again, too much too fast. Spread the plot out and double the book size so we have a bit of breathing room, or cut out half the incidents. I'll give it a star since I gave it full marks on Goodreads after the first read-through, though I can't remember why, so there must be something a first time reader can find to like in it.
THE VERDICT?
Well, after rethinking the quality of The Diva Digs Up the Dirt I suppose I'm fine with another lower quality book to take its place. I guess...
As an event planner, I didn't typically handle small company gatherings, but for the past few years, Horace had talked me into arranging his real estate company's Christmas party.
(Krista Davis, The Diva Wraps It Up, p.2)
It’s nice that she’s doing well enough that she can afford to be selective, but it also solves the mystery of why I keep forgetting what she does for a living. Also, her best friend is always at home doing nothing and is at Sophie’s beck and call 24/7. Nina supposedly works for a shelter or an animal rescue foundation (it’s hard to remember when they never work) but the only time we’ve seen her on the job is during the last book’s fundraising event (On the extreme other end of the spectrum, I only just found out her husband works in forensics. He's conveniently 'away for work' for every single book; I'd gotten the impression he was a long-haul trucker). At least the other neighbor, Francie, I can assume is retired.
On the topic of neighbors, we again run into a problem and possibly the biggest issue I had with the book. It’s established that this story takes place a few years after Haunts a House , but in that time her entire neighborhood has moved out and been replaced with new families (all of whom are either secretly related to each other or secretly dated each other in the past). I didn’t recognize a single, solitary person outside the tiny main cast (which was reduced to less than usual with the convenient absences of mortician Humphrey and immediate neighbor Francie). I may as well have been reading an entirely new series, and I’m not sure it’s one I’d be willing to pick up again. I feel that the author may have been under an unreasonable deadline or suffering from family troubles, because the writing wasn’t nearly up to Davis’s usual standard. The normally effortless weaving of Sophie’s cooking into the scenes is suddenly clunky and awkward, and frequently feeling like an interruption to the flow (instead of Sophie talking about a murder while fixing hors d'oeuvres, now they’re talking about a murder, stopping to make the appetizers in a tedious step-by-step, then going back to discussing the murder as if there were no pause in the conversation).
And Nina, the best friend, is normally a pretty nosy character, but she and Sophie go above and beyond acceptable in Wraps . Sophie is entrusted with a private letter from a man who had to be rushed to the hospital and who didn’t want his wife to find it. Bringing it home and making the mistake of leaving it out in the open, Nina comes over, opens it, and reads it. She’s never opened and read Sophie’s mail before, and Sophie just finished telling her it was someone else’s, so what the hell was she thinking? The letter was an old love letter between the man and his teenage sweetheart, and the two girls set off on a mission to find his old girlfriend. Not because he wants them to, not because she’s needed for anything important, just because they’re being nosy.
"How are we ever going to find a girl Horace loved thirty or forty years ago? She could be anywhere."
Nina cut a piece of French toast and devoured it. "Mmm. So good. We could start by paying Horace a visit."
(Krista Davis, The Diva Wraps It Up, p.32)
Yes, do that! Do that so he can tell you two to mind your own damn business!
But Sophie isn’t spared from going to extremes of character, either. She suspects every little accident in her neighborhood to be nefarious, even before actual proof arises. Her ex-husband suggests it’s a reflex to her break-up with Wolf, a homicide detective, even though it’s already been established that this book takes place some years later (and Sophie spends a painfully long amount of time mentally monologuing about feeling guilty over a kiss between them that happened, again, years ago).
"Are you suggesting Gwen wanted Baxter to fall?"
"I'm simply making a discreet inquiry."
Mars tucked a bit of ribbon in the corner. "I think you miss Wolf."
[...]
"Come look at the ladder with me."
"Excuse me, Baxter," Mars quipped, "Sophie wants to know if I think Gwen is trying to kill you. You don't mind us inspecting your ladder, do you?"
(Krista Davis, The Diva Wraps It Up, p.51-50)
I feel a little bad that the review has become nothing but criticisms, but there’s not really much else to discuss. The plot was muddled and the characters were overdramatic, forgettable, and way too many. All in all, it was a disappointment.
CHARACTERS:
Almost the entire cast was new and there were way too many characters. No one acted like real people, and few of the main characters acted like themselves. And it’s petty on top of all the other bigger problems, but Natasha is breaking the law and it’s treated as an annoyance. I’ve seen enough Judge Judy to know that a landlord is absolutely not allowed to enter a rented property without the renter's permission (the renter is complaining to Sophie that Natasha has been letting herself in to rearrange things and nag about how she folds her towels).
SETTING/WORLD BUILDING:
Nothing from the established series survived to this book. None of the places we've seen before are mentioned and there are a bunch of new stores that sound like they should have come up previously (boutiques, mostly, but the really annoying one was a design supply store that had never been mentioned despite Sophie being an event planner). So much work was done in showing off the huge new cast that it was all too much too fast; like when a movie puts so much detail into the settings that you can't admire the forest for the trees. I would normally at least give a half score since we should have had the main cast's homes to ground us, but Sophie spends so much time running around town and stuffing cooking in between her dialogues that it took me a few minutes of thinking before I could even remember a scene that took place at her house.
PLOT/SOLUTION:
The plot was getting so convoluted with multiple injuries before the murder, and possible gaslighting, and over-the-top personalities all demanding that their dramas be the center of attention, that I couldn't finish the book this second time reading it. It was, again, too much too fast. Spread the plot out and double the book size so we have a bit of breathing room, or cut out half the incidents. I'll give it a star since I gave it full marks on Goodreads after the first read-through, though I can't remember why, so there must be something a first time reader can find to like in it.
THE VERDICT?
Well, after rethinking the quality of The Diva Digs Up the Dirt I suppose I'm fine with another lower quality book to take its place. I guess...
October 13, 2019
Yet another 3.5 cosy star effort!
I am really enjoying this series - I like and relate to Sophie.
The mystery is always well written and surprising.
Nothing - other than the fact that people in the same middle class neighbourhood keep getting murdered - is too outlandish.
Are there really women like Natasha and Gwen in the world? I’m glad I don’t know any...
On to number 9!
I am really enjoying this series - I like and relate to Sophie.
The mystery is always well written and surprising.
Nothing - other than the fact that people in the same middle class neighbourhood keep getting murdered - is too outlandish.
Are there really women like Natasha and Gwen in the world? I’m glad I don’t know any...
On to number 9!
September 3, 2018
This one was just ok for me.
March 24, 2022
It's Christmastime in Old Town and the residents are eagerly gearing up for the holiday celebrations. Sophie is busy with a holiday party for Horace Scroggins's real estate company. Horace, the closest thing Old Town has to a Santa Claus look-alike, loves Christmas and chooses Scottish themed decor, complete with an antique dirk. When Horace pulls out the dagger to show a neighbor, he crashes right through the upstairs balcony railing and right onto the sidewalk on top of his dirk! Horace survives the fall but whispers an important task to Sophie. Inside his desk drawer is a letter from a "brown eyed girl" to "Moondoggie." Is that his wife, Edith, the most odious, unfriendly woman imaginable or did Horace have a long-ago romance? When Edith refuses to visit her husband in the hospital, Nina is convinced they need to find brown eyed girl and bring her to Horace to help with his recovery. How can they find one brown-eyed old woman when they don't have any other clues to go on? Edith reveals to Sophie someone is trying to make her appear senile and she's terrified. She needs Sophie to find out who is moving things in her home and who tried to kill her husband. Meanwhile, Sophie agrees to let Mars and Bernie Clark Griswold her house, mainly to annoy Natasha who has a less traditional decorating scheme in mind. Sophie's social life is looking up, finally, with a date with handsome lawyer Alex German on the horizon and a cookie swap party at her new neighbor Gwen Babineaux's house. Gwen's husband Baxter's ex-wife Patty shows up to stay with Sophie at the request of her mother who was a sorority sister of Sophie's mother. When Sophie spies Patty leave the house in the middle of the night, she's concerned but not nosy. Then other odd accidents occur and Gwen goes missing and is later found by Sophie and Daisy in Natasha's craft garage "carriage house" dead and wrapped in Natasha's signature wrapping paper. Uh-oh! While Sophie finds Natasha annoying, she believes deep down Natasha didn't kill anyone but who did? Natasha needs Sophie and after all, they are friends, sort of. Patty also needs Sophie to clear her name as well. Sophie insists she's not a private detective and Officer Wong is more than capable but still... she knows neither of her friends are murderers and no one knows the neighbors as well as Sophie so she can ask questions and share clues with the police. When Wolf shows up to investigate, it reignites old feelings among the men of Old Town. How is Sophie going to get through this Christmas with so many mysteries to solve?
I actually liked this story best of all the ones I've read so far. The Christmas season setting is fun and festive. I love Christmas even more than Sophie does and that's saying a lot. The mystery is really clever. I never guessed anything that was going on. There were so many twists and turns, red herrings and hidden clues. In spite of the cookie swap and reader submitted recipes, I didn't see any Christmas cookie recipes I wanted to save. Most of them are old-fashioned cookies I've seen elsewhere and I know my family isn't interested in. That was disapointing.
Sophie seems to be the goddess of Old Town for some reason. People confide in her and think she's a detective. Men fall in love with her at the drop of a hat in spite of her being judgmental and nearly too stupid to live. She says she's not judgmental but I think she protests too much. She's still feeding the random people who pop in and out of her house and still too nice to Natasha. Mars indicates he'd dump Natasha in a heartbeat if Sophie would take him back. Wolf, too, seems to still have feelings for Natasha. Then there's Alex. Their relationship won't work because Sophie is one of those immature, insecure heroines who needs her law professional boyfriend to share confidential information with her before she'll share her gossip with him. I HATE that! Alex seems nice enough but I don't see them working out as a couple. He works a lot and is an excellent lawyer. He knows how to keep client privilege, something Sophie doesn't understand.
Someone needs to slap Natasha and tell her to get a life and get a grip. She's CRAZY! In what world are fuschia, orange and purple Christmas colors? Christmas is all about tradition but Natasha doesn't recognize tradition. She's also such an annoying snob that she thinks anything she cooks is haute cuisine even when people find it inedible. She never learns anything and doesn't consider anyone else's thoughts or opinions valid. Natasha gets into a bigger rivalry with neighbor Gwen Babineaux. Yes I can see why Natasha is angry but Sophie gives it a good spin. Then Natasha reveals her lack of sense of humor when playing games at the cookie party. I guess Gwen was bullying Natasha but Natasha could have participated and been a good sport. I wouldn't be happy either and would probably cry (been there, done that) but I'd never do anything as immature and stupid as Natasha did. Did Natasha also stoop to murder? Personally I think Gwen made Natasha look like a fool and Natasha should learn something from Gwen's copying her but I don't think she will. Officer Wong is on the scene and she's careful and sincere about her work as usual. I really like her.
There are several new neighbors on the street. Horace Scroggins is such a dear man. He really is a real life Santa Claus. He's not a saint, he has skeletons in his closet but they're pretty minor. He worked his way up from nothing after marrying Edith for her money and family connections. They seem mismatched. She's horrid. She's the type to complain about everything and badmouth a business for sticking to their rules. She isn't interested in socializing with anyone-she's above them all. Yet, like Sophie, I feel bad for her. Is Edith paranoid or is someone gaslighting her? Could it be Horace's secretary, Phyllis Tate? She seems VERY fond of him and they spend a lot of time together. Could she be "brown eyed girl"? Perhaps after all this time she wants her chance with Horace? But why did he fall through the balcony? Did someone else do that or is Phyllis out to punish Horace for choosing Edith?
Luis Simon, a distinguished psychiatrist and his wife Liza with a Z are transplants from New York. Luis seems nice but I think he's a fake. He keeps sharing information about how he thinks Gwen has a personality disorder with anyone who listens. That's super unethical since she's a)not his client and b)if she was it would violate her privacy to share that diagnosis. He seems to enjoy being a big man in Old Town. His wife Liza is not so very nice. She misses New York City and doesn't like suburban life AT ALL. She doesn't want anything her husband wants and has been cast in the role of wicked stepmother to Luis's spoiled daughter. I think this couple needs to split up. It's not working. They want different things. I was furious with Liza for being scared of the basement with stone walls and a fireplace. It was clearly the original townhouse kitchen which she would know if she bothered. The place where "servants" prepared meals for the family upstairs. Yes it probably is haunted - by the spirits of the enslaved kitchen maids and cooks! THAT would be a good story.
The Babineaux family moved in recently. Baxter works for Scuggins real estate. He seems like an affable chap. He loves his family but is playing hardball with his ex-wife over the children, Baxter has the resources to punish Patty and take the children away. He's raising them in an affluent lifestyle Patty can't afford and she isn't happy. She's come to town to see about custody of her children for the holidays. They're teenagers now and frankly I think they're legally old enough to decide which parent they want to live with and if they want to see their mother. Bethany would stay with her dad because she's so smart they're going to homeschool her, according to Gwen's Christmas letter. Or is that the lie Gwen promised was hidden in her letter? Gwen is not very likable. She's a wannabe Natasha, more va-va-va voom and her Christmas letter is very boastful about all kinds of things. Like Natasha, Gwen prefers the finer things in life. Little Katrina is only 6 years old and Gwen and Baxter's daughter. Katrina wants nothing more than a cat of her own but Gwen keeps insisting Katrina is allergic. When Gwen turns up dead, it's no surprise someone wanted to kill her since she claimed to be having an affair with a neighbor but who would do that to little Katrina? That's incredibly unfair to destroy a child's life. Katrina is innocent and sweet. She has no idea what happened to Mommy.
Patty is a fierce mother. She'd do anything to protect her children. Does that include murder? Sophie's instinct tells her Patty is too nice to kill anyone but Sophie isn't a mother. She doesn't know the depths a mother would go to in order to protect her children. Baxter's brother Elvin shows up unexpectedly for Christmas. He arrives in a tricked out old VW camper. Baxter is thrilled to see his brother but Gwen is not. She disapproves of Elvin's vehicle and basically everything Elvin does. Elvin is such a kind man. He's very caring and will do anything to help out his family. Does that include murder? He's even helped out Patty from time to time. Would he help her by getting rid of Gwen? He brings along Sugar, his girlfriend, even more va-va-va voom than Gwen, Sugar attracts a lot of attention. The women all think sexist thoughts about her and fear losing their men to the gorgeous dancer. She turns out to be unexpectedly kind and helpful. I rather liked her. I feel bad for her that the women automatically hate her. This is the 21st century. There's no reason to shame someone over how they dress and what their chosen career is. Women should help each other and support each other.
Jonah and Twiggy Lawrence have recently come to town and opened a toy store that is the closest thing to Santa's workshop anyone has ever seen! It sounds incredible and I would probably be so broke if I went in there. They seem like a really nice couple. Everyone likes Twiggy because she's small, adorable and nice. (Read: she appears too childlike to be threatening to their men). Twiggy and Jonah rent the apartment above Natasha and Mars's garage and are trying to get a good start in life. It's not easy but hopefully the holiday season will give them a boost. As Sophie gets to know them, she senses something is wrong with Twiggy. Is it the stress of the holiday season or trouble in paradise? Is Jonah the neighbor Gwen had an affair with? He doesn't seem like her type. He's just a regular old nice guy. If Jonah had an affair with Gwen (Sophie thinks "ew she's much older!") then maybe Twiggy killed Gwen. Say it's not Twiggy! She's too nice and she owns a toy store! I don't think she's strong enough to have done the deed. Jonah's mother Claudine is also in town helping out at the store. She seems to really like Twiggy and doesn't give preference to her son just because he's her baby. She sees more than she lets on and is very astute. She lets her son work out his own problems - or does she? Maybe she killed Gwen to protect her son's secret? I think she's too sensible for that.
There's a lot going on here and it doesn't all connect but it makes me curious what Sophie's relationship status will be in the future. She needs to sit down and examine her feelings for Mars. I will plow on for more good recipes, maybe skimming the plot.
I actually liked this story best of all the ones I've read so far. The Christmas season setting is fun and festive. I love Christmas even more than Sophie does and that's saying a lot. The mystery is really clever. I never guessed anything that was going on. There were so many twists and turns, red herrings and hidden clues. In spite of the cookie swap and reader submitted recipes, I didn't see any Christmas cookie recipes I wanted to save. Most of them are old-fashioned cookies I've seen elsewhere and I know my family isn't interested in. That was disapointing.
Sophie seems to be the goddess of Old Town for some reason. People confide in her and think she's a detective. Men fall in love with her at the drop of a hat in spite of her being judgmental and nearly too stupid to live. She says she's not judgmental but I think she protests too much. She's still feeding the random people who pop in and out of her house and still too nice to Natasha. Mars indicates he'd dump Natasha in a heartbeat if Sophie would take him back. Wolf, too, seems to still have feelings for Natasha. Then there's Alex. Their relationship won't work because Sophie is one of those immature, insecure heroines who needs her law professional boyfriend to share confidential information with her before she'll share her gossip with him. I HATE that! Alex seems nice enough but I don't see them working out as a couple. He works a lot and is an excellent lawyer. He knows how to keep client privilege, something Sophie doesn't understand.
Someone needs to slap Natasha and tell her to get a life and get a grip. She's CRAZY! In what world are fuschia, orange and purple Christmas colors? Christmas is all about tradition but Natasha doesn't recognize tradition. She's also such an annoying snob that she thinks anything she cooks is haute cuisine even when people find it inedible. She never learns anything and doesn't consider anyone else's thoughts or opinions valid. Natasha gets into a bigger rivalry with neighbor Gwen Babineaux. Yes I can see why Natasha is angry but Sophie gives it a good spin. Then Natasha reveals her lack of sense of humor when playing games at the cookie party. I guess Gwen was bullying Natasha but Natasha could have participated and been a good sport. I wouldn't be happy either and would probably cry (been there, done that) but I'd never do anything as immature and stupid as Natasha did. Did Natasha also stoop to murder? Personally I think Gwen made Natasha look like a fool and Natasha should learn something from Gwen's copying her but I don't think she will. Officer Wong is on the scene and she's careful and sincere about her work as usual. I really like her.
There are several new neighbors on the street. Horace Scroggins is such a dear man. He really is a real life Santa Claus. He's not a saint, he has skeletons in his closet but they're pretty minor. He worked his way up from nothing after marrying Edith for her money and family connections. They seem mismatched. She's horrid. She's the type to complain about everything and badmouth a business for sticking to their rules. She isn't interested in socializing with anyone-she's above them all. Yet, like Sophie, I feel bad for her. Is Edith paranoid or is someone gaslighting her? Could it be Horace's secretary, Phyllis Tate? She seems VERY fond of him and they spend a lot of time together. Could she be "brown eyed girl"? Perhaps after all this time she wants her chance with Horace? But why did he fall through the balcony? Did someone else do that or is Phyllis out to punish Horace for choosing Edith?
Luis Simon, a distinguished psychiatrist and his wife Liza with a Z are transplants from New York. Luis seems nice but I think he's a fake. He keeps sharing information about how he thinks Gwen has a personality disorder with anyone who listens. That's super unethical since she's a)not his client and b)if she was it would violate her privacy to share that diagnosis. He seems to enjoy being a big man in Old Town. His wife Liza is not so very nice. She misses New York City and doesn't like suburban life AT ALL. She doesn't want anything her husband wants and has been cast in the role of wicked stepmother to Luis's spoiled daughter. I think this couple needs to split up. It's not working. They want different things. I was furious with Liza for being scared of the basement with stone walls and a fireplace. It was clearly the original townhouse kitchen which she would know if she bothered. The place where "servants" prepared meals for the family upstairs. Yes it probably is haunted - by the spirits of the enslaved kitchen maids and cooks! THAT would be a good story.
The Babineaux family moved in recently. Baxter works for Scuggins real estate. He seems like an affable chap. He loves his family but is playing hardball with his ex-wife over the children, Baxter has the resources to punish Patty and take the children away. He's raising them in an affluent lifestyle Patty can't afford and she isn't happy. She's come to town to see about custody of her children for the holidays. They're teenagers now and frankly I think they're legally old enough to decide which parent they want to live with and if they want to see their mother. Bethany would stay with her dad because she's so smart they're going to homeschool her, according to Gwen's Christmas letter. Or is that the lie Gwen promised was hidden in her letter? Gwen is not very likable. She's a wannabe Natasha, more va-va-va voom and her Christmas letter is very boastful about all kinds of things. Like Natasha, Gwen prefers the finer things in life. Little Katrina is only 6 years old and Gwen and Baxter's daughter. Katrina wants nothing more than a cat of her own but Gwen keeps insisting Katrina is allergic. When Gwen turns up dead, it's no surprise someone wanted to kill her since she claimed to be having an affair with a neighbor but who would do that to little Katrina? That's incredibly unfair to destroy a child's life. Katrina is innocent and sweet. She has no idea what happened to Mommy.
Patty is a fierce mother. She'd do anything to protect her children. Does that include murder? Sophie's instinct tells her Patty is too nice to kill anyone but Sophie isn't a mother. She doesn't know the depths a mother would go to in order to protect her children. Baxter's brother Elvin shows up unexpectedly for Christmas. He arrives in a tricked out old VW camper. Baxter is thrilled to see his brother but Gwen is not. She disapproves of Elvin's vehicle and basically everything Elvin does. Elvin is such a kind man. He's very caring and will do anything to help out his family. Does that include murder? He's even helped out Patty from time to time. Would he help her by getting rid of Gwen? He brings along Sugar, his girlfriend, even more va-va-va voom than Gwen, Sugar attracts a lot of attention. The women all think sexist thoughts about her and fear losing their men to the gorgeous dancer. She turns out to be unexpectedly kind and helpful. I rather liked her. I feel bad for her that the women automatically hate her. This is the 21st century. There's no reason to shame someone over how they dress and what their chosen career is. Women should help each other and support each other.
Jonah and Twiggy Lawrence have recently come to town and opened a toy store that is the closest thing to Santa's workshop anyone has ever seen! It sounds incredible and I would probably be so broke if I went in there. They seem like a really nice couple. Everyone likes Twiggy because she's small, adorable and nice. (Read: she appears too childlike to be threatening to their men). Twiggy and Jonah rent the apartment above Natasha and Mars's garage and are trying to get a good start in life. It's not easy but hopefully the holiday season will give them a boost. As Sophie gets to know them, she senses something is wrong with Twiggy. Is it the stress of the holiday season or trouble in paradise? Is Jonah the neighbor Gwen had an affair with? He doesn't seem like her type. He's just a regular old nice guy. If Jonah had an affair with Gwen (Sophie thinks "ew she's much older!") then maybe Twiggy killed Gwen. Say it's not Twiggy! She's too nice and she owns a toy store! I don't think she's strong enough to have done the deed. Jonah's mother Claudine is also in town helping out at the store. She seems to really like Twiggy and doesn't give preference to her son just because he's her baby. She sees more than she lets on and is very astute. She lets her son work out his own problems - or does she? Maybe she killed Gwen to protect her son's secret? I think she's too sensible for that.
There's a lot going on here and it doesn't all connect but it makes me curious what Sophie's relationship status will be in the future. She needs to sit down and examine her feelings for Mars. I will plow on for more good recipes, maybe skimming the plot.
June 18, 2014
I rate books by the level of enjoyment, understanding, surprise, and sadness they impart to me. The major reason for giving a book 5/5 is pure enjoyment. And the reason for giving a book 1/5 is boredom and obscure writing. It is with a confused heart that I rate The Diva Wraps It Up one star. This is a smart book. It is even self aware. But I was lost and bored from reading it. The new characters peopling Sophie Bauer's neighborhood were not up to the task of replacing previous persons.
I think Krista Davis tries to disguise her hand in crafting new stories. She is smart in that way. And most of her readers probably appreciate her. I can only account for myself. In my opinion, gone are the days when I could enjoy the Domestic Diva series. Despite what I've said, I think Davis made a big mistake in getting rid of Sophie's family. And she made a second mistake in allowing the tension between Mars and Sophie to cool down.
The references to the Vacation series of movies, you know, the Chevy Chase showcases, were bizarre and distracting. Also the return to Sophie Winston's frenetic cooking, despite any circumstances, had a macabre aftertaste to them instead of being quaint and charming. Fatally, the tear jerking moments fell flat for me, apart from Patty's sob story, which touched me briefly. As for the murderer's identity, it was forgettable, which is the staple of all cozy mysteries and not something I hold against the author. Altogether I simply could not connect to this book. It's sad to say that as far as I'm concerned, the best days of the series are behind me. I will try to keep reading them though, as there is something of value in this style of plotting and executing. This I firmly believe.
I think Krista Davis tries to disguise her hand in crafting new stories. She is smart in that way. And most of her readers probably appreciate her. I can only account for myself. In my opinion, gone are the days when I could enjoy the Domestic Diva series. Despite what I've said, I think Davis made a big mistake in getting rid of Sophie's family. And she made a second mistake in allowing the tension between Mars and Sophie to cool down.
The references to the Vacation series of movies, you know, the Chevy Chase showcases, were bizarre and distracting. Also the return to Sophie Winston's frenetic cooking, despite any circumstances, had a macabre aftertaste to them instead of being quaint and charming. Fatally, the tear jerking moments fell flat for me, apart from Patty's sob story, which touched me briefly. As for the murderer's identity, it was forgettable, which is the staple of all cozy mysteries and not something I hold against the author. Altogether I simply could not connect to this book. It's sad to say that as far as I'm concerned, the best days of the series are behind me. I will try to keep reading them though, as there is something of value in this style of plotting and executing. This I firmly believe.
June 4, 2014
It's Christmas time in Old Town, Domestic Diva, Sophie's most wonderful time of year but murder and mayhem soon befalls on Old Town when Horace Scroggins falls from a balcony during his office Christmas party. Then, a neighbor of Sophie's Baxter Babineaux falls off of his ladder decorating his house for the Annual Christmas lighting Contest. At the annual Christmas Cookie Swap hosted by Gwen Babineaux, tempers flare when Gwen snaps unflattering pictures of Natasha, Sophie's rival domestic diva and girl friend of Sophie's ex husband Mars.
After the cookie Swap, Gwen was found murdered by Sophie and her dog, Daisy, Wrapped up like A Christmas Present complete with a bow in Natasha's garage/work room. Neighbors wonder if Natasha, Domestic Diva could really be a cold blooded killer but it is soon discovered that many had it in for Gwen after she wrote a Christmas letter claiming some goings on that could be held true or untrue. Now it's up to Sophie and her friends to seek out the real killer before someone else's night becomes silent.
It's like visiting old friends when I pick up Krista Davis's A Domestic Diva Mystery. I'm always eager to see how the the relationship between Sophie and Natasha will play out and the descriptions of food and the combination of food and murder are the best. What I look forward to most when reading this series is the characters I will get to know. Always leaves me wanting more, a delightful addition to the series.
After the cookie Swap, Gwen was found murdered by Sophie and her dog, Daisy, Wrapped up like A Christmas Present complete with a bow in Natasha's garage/work room. Neighbors wonder if Natasha, Domestic Diva could really be a cold blooded killer but it is soon discovered that many had it in for Gwen after she wrote a Christmas letter claiming some goings on that could be held true or untrue. Now it's up to Sophie and her friends to seek out the real killer before someone else's night becomes silent.
It's like visiting old friends when I pick up Krista Davis's A Domestic Diva Mystery. I'm always eager to see how the the relationship between Sophie and Natasha will play out and the descriptions of food and the combination of food and murder are the best. What I look forward to most when reading this series is the characters I will get to know. Always leaves me wanting more, a delightful addition to the series.
May 27, 2014
Krista has done it again! Not only has she written 8 and is working on 9 diva books, she has kept each book fresh and new and has kept so many of us enchanted by Sophie and her friends. How many Christmas themed books are released in June and still manage to please so many readers?
Sophie and Natasha are once again up to their old tricks, this time debating (arguing) about the neighborhood Christmas decorations. The rivalry between Sophie and Natasha is so real that I'm sure every neighborhood, everywhere, has their own Sophie and Natasha. Starting with a tragic accident at a real estate Christmas party, which Sophie helped plan. Sophie finds herself drawn to the victim's elderly wife who, sadly, seems to be losing her mind. New neighbor Gwen hosts the 1st annual Christmas exchange party, and another tragic accident happens there. While neighbor Luis is decorating his house, still another accident occurs. After this 3rd accident, (isn't there some old wives tale about 3 events?), everyone starts to feel as if Christmas should be cancelled this year.
Krista entertains me every time I pick up one of her books. She also writes the fairly new series, Paws and Claws. I look forward to a new book by Krista in either series, both are delightful.
Sophie and Natasha are once again up to their old tricks, this time debating (arguing) about the neighborhood Christmas decorations. The rivalry between Sophie and Natasha is so real that I'm sure every neighborhood, everywhere, has their own Sophie and Natasha. Starting with a tragic accident at a real estate Christmas party, which Sophie helped plan. Sophie finds herself drawn to the victim's elderly wife who, sadly, seems to be losing her mind. New neighbor Gwen hosts the 1st annual Christmas exchange party, and another tragic accident happens there. While neighbor Luis is decorating his house, still another accident occurs. After this 3rd accident, (isn't there some old wives tale about 3 events?), everyone starts to feel as if Christmas should be cancelled this year.
Krista entertains me every time I pick up one of her books. She also writes the fairly new series, Paws and Claws. I look forward to a new book by Krista in either series, both are delightful.
April 24, 2020
So many twists in this one. This series just keeps getting better!
December 9, 2018
I can see why this would be a fun escape. the main character has a beautiful house, she's constantly preparing delicious food or decorating or chatting with her friends. this is full of christmas cheer, and I did enjoy the seasonal details, but I just didn't love this, thanks to some truly bizarre, convoluted plot elements and the characters often felt unreal to me. main character Sophie was dating a guy named Mars, who left her for her best friend Natasha. Sophie still talks to both of these people, and Mars is constantly hanging out with her and explaining why he can't stand being around Natasha. ?? ? Sophie talks to a guy who is so nice and likes helping other people so much that she immediately thinks he would... help someone commit a murder. to be helpful. also, because Sophie is always preparing food, many discussions about murder happen while people are eating. I'm sorry, after finding a corpse, I think the last thing on my mind would be how I'm preparing the bacon for my gourmet grilled cheese. so, these characters rarely felt like real people. whatever. I get it! this is a fun alternate reality where people are apparently unemployed and independently wealthy so they can do exactly whatever the heck they want to do. also, a love triangle.
September 19, 2019
Horace Scroggins poured hot chocolate into a mug.
Sophie Winston is back with another Domestic Diva book. It's Christmas in Old Town. A prominent citizen is gravely injured during his annual Christmas party. The death of a neighbor creates suspicion that the first incident was not an accident.
I haven't read a book in this series in a long time. It was nice to fall back in with the characters. I'm always starving by the time I finish the book. This time there was a cookie swap. The recipes in the back of the book are wonderful.
I was disappointed to see that Sophie and Wolf were not together. I'll have to go back and read when that happened. I rarely read books out of order but need this one for a challenge.
The characters are well developed and I learn something new about them each time. I enjoy the interaction between Sophie, Mars and Natasha. I like the little snippets of advice from the dueling divas.
This is an enjoyable series. I like to read it on a relaxing afternoon when I have nothing else going on.
Sophie Winston is back with another Domestic Diva book. It's Christmas in Old Town. A prominent citizen is gravely injured during his annual Christmas party. The death of a neighbor creates suspicion that the first incident was not an accident.
I haven't read a book in this series in a long time. It was nice to fall back in with the characters. I'm always starving by the time I finish the book. This time there was a cookie swap. The recipes in the back of the book are wonderful.
I was disappointed to see that Sophie and Wolf were not together. I'll have to go back and read when that happened. I rarely read books out of order but need this one for a challenge.
The characters are well developed and I learn something new about them each time. I enjoy the interaction between Sophie, Mars and Natasha. I like the little snippets of advice from the dueling divas.
This is an enjoyable series. I like to read it on a relaxing afternoon when I have nothing else going on.
October 17, 2019
It is Christmas Time and everyone has gone to a party at one neighbor's house, Sophie put together. When the man falls from the balcony, he is injured and his wife throws everyone out and sends them on their way. When it is found out that the man was poisoned and his wife seeks out Sophie to help her find out who is poisoning the food at her home, she gets involved in trying to find out what happened and who is trying to frame her rival in business and living with her ex-husband. While this is happening, the neighbors are putting up lights and decorating their houses and making cookies for a cookie exchange.
The story was fun and had some interesting turns with the decorating and made it seem very much like Griswold's and their neighbors.
The story was fun and had some interesting turns with the decorating and made it seem very much like Griswold's and their neighbors.
December 9, 2022
What great timing - a Christmas themed Diva mystery and I read it in December!
The previous book was my least favorite of the series so far, and, while this volume is better, there are still some judgmental attitudes and negative stereotypical characterizations that made me uncomfortable. That said, elsewhere in the book, there's a underlying lesson not to judge people based on stereotypes or on first impressions.
Side notes: I was amused by the homages to Christmas classics like a Christmas Carol, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, etc. The tips this time were also excellent, about holiday decorating, baking, gift wrapping, etc.
The previous book was my least favorite of the series so far, and, while this volume is better, there are still some judgmental attitudes and negative stereotypical characterizations that made me uncomfortable. That said, elsewhere in the book, there's a underlying lesson not to judge people based on stereotypes or on first impressions.
Side notes: I was amused by the homages to Christmas classics like a Christmas Carol, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, etc. The tips this time were also excellent, about holiday decorating, baking, gift wrapping, etc.
December 11, 2020
I really enjoy the characters in this series. Sophie is warm and friendly and smart. I’m not sure about her relationship choices, but I’ve only read two in the series so far, so can’t really say too much. Her friends, and frenemies, make me smile. The Christmas time setting was perfect. I enjoyed all the tips and I love that Sophie always has something ready to throw in the oven. I wish I did.
The plot itself was maybe a little overly complicated, but it did keep it interesting. All the loose ends were tied up by the end. This was a fun read for the season.
The plot itself was maybe a little overly complicated, but it did keep it interesting. All the loose ends were tied up by the end. This was a fun read for the season.
May 26, 2020
I absolutely LOVE this series and highly recommend it. It is in my top 3 favorite cozy mystery series. This one was centered around the Christmas holiday. I enjoyed having a little Christmas 🎄 in May! The characters are so fun! I love all of the gatherings at Sophie’s house with the neighbors, complete with festive foods and drinks throughout the book while they try to solve the murder. The murder mystery was great! It stumped me. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
January 4, 2025
This is starting to become my go-to series this year. The funny part bit about this becoming my go-to series is I only kind of liked the first one. But right now i keep falling back to it. I'm reading a romance right now also but I keep needed space from it so I fall back to this series
November 26, 2025
Look, these books are ridiculous. The writing isn't great and the mystery is always so-so. But they are cozy mysteries that take place in Old Town Alexandria (❤️) and the in-depth descriptions of the food, drinks, outfits, and decor just tickle me. This is exactly the kind of popcorn reading I want to kick off my holiday season.
September 8, 2019
I really like this series with its varied cast of characters. I particularly enjoy the “Dear Natasha & Dear Sophie” advice.
July 13, 2021
These books make me so hungry... the food descriptions are just yum. The mystery in this one was a bit convoluted but still a solid entry in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews