Peppermint Cookie Murder

Christmas Catastrophe #1

by Trixie Silvertale

When Santa’s daughter leaves the North Pole on a baking quest, will her sweet dreams turn fatally sour?

Cindy Claus is excited to open her own bakery. She’s determined to pursue her passion and have her holiday treats prove she’s more than a Yuletide heir. But before she can whisk up a success, her roommate is murdered and Cindy is the prime suspect.

With finding the real killer the only way to beat the rap, Cindy relies on the kindness of strangers and her father’s trusted arctic fox. But without a recipe for success in the unfamiliar human world, grilling the wrong suspects could put her behind bars…

Can Cindy sift out the clues before she’s done and dusted?

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Christmas, Holiday, Ebooks, Fiction, Fantasy

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2023

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author Trixie Silvertale grew up reading an endless supply of Lilian Jackson Braun, Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew novels. She loves the amateur sleuths in cozy mysteries and and obsesses about all things paranormal. Those two passions unite in her Mitzy Moon Mysteries, and she's thrilled to write them and share them with you.

Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/author/trixies...

BookBub Author:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/trixi...

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/trixiesilve...

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrixieSilver...

Reviews

[Mystery, She Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 🌟

Mood/Seasonal Reading: Christmas

I was hoping to enjoy the whimsy of this one far more than I did. Sadly, the main character’s confusion by everything wore off very quickly and I never connected to her. Felt like this book as a whole needed some polishing as it quickly became too unbelievable even for a paranormal.

I see myself giving the sequel a shot at least though.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cringey as a book, but I could see it being a cute Hallmark movie. A cute and quick Christmas read.

[٠࣪⭑aurora · Rating 2 out of 5]

it's a Christmas story that's all. the murder takes too long to happen and it takes too little to get solved. I knew by the length and the topic what I was getting myself into so I don't judge.
it's an easy read but beware it's also extremely cringe.
I just want to reach 50 books by the end of the year and this was one of the shortest in my library xoxo

[bookswithanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Für meinen Geschmack war es leider nichts 😔
(Kein Spoiler, steht in Beschreibung) dadurch dass sie noch nie mit Menschen zutun hatte und absolut nichts kennt und literally im zweiten Kapitel in die menschenwelt geht, wird sie sehr “dumm” beschrieben. Macht ein und den selben Fehler 1000 mal und benimmt sich sehr kindlich. Dadurch hat es sich etwas sehr nach einem Kinderbuch angefühlt, was ich persönlich nicht erwartet hat und meinen persönlichen Geschmack dadurch nicht treffen konnte.
Grundsätzlich war das das Hauptproblem aber auch die story fühlte sich etwas runter gerattert an.

[Darcia Helle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I so badly wanted to love this book. Given all the glowing reviews, I expected to at least enjoy it.

I didn’t.

The beginning, which takes place at the North Pole, was fun. But once Cindy Claus ventured out on her own, the story lost its appeal.

This is silly humor. Very silly. If you like that sort of thing, you’ll probably love this book.

The “murder” feels almost juvenile. Young teens could read this without parents worrying about gruesome details or anything vaguely “adult” in content.

The police apparently have no clue how to investigate a murder. I mean, there is no investigation. None. Cindy Claus does it all. And it’s not hard to solve, so I’m not sure what the police actually do in this town.

The atmosphere was festive, and the cookies sounded yummy, but nothing else worked for me.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peppermint Cookie Murder is the first book in the new Christmas Catastrophe series by Trixie Silvertale. The main character of the book is Santa's daughter, Cindy Claus who leaves the North Pole for the first time ever to open a bakery. Cindy feels like her dreams are coming true until the first friend she makes is murdered and Cindy is the prime suspect. Cindy has to prove her innocence in a world she's unfamiliar with, but luckily she has help from Artikoa, the talking arctic fox, who is posing as her pet.

Cindy is a sweet main character who is intelligent, in spite of being new to human ways. Cindy proves that someone can succeed by being understanding and kind. Artikoa is there to advise Cindy on things like money and slang, but he gains a new appreciation for Cindy when he sees how well she gets along with the other residents of her new hometown of Silver Shoals. It didn't take long for Cindy to win me over, either, and as I was reading, I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. This is a fast-paced, fun and whimsical read that I would rate 4.5 stars. In the author's note at the end of the book, the author promises there will be more stories in this series and I'm looking forward to reading them!

I received a copy of this ebook at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Rachaelbookhunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Santa's daughter, Cindy Claus, is set to take over her father's job. The only problem is that Cindy doesn't want to do it. For 115 years she has lived at the North Pole, immersed in Christmas cheer year round, but her heart is leading her somewhere else. Now Cindy is going to open a bakery and live among humans. The only thing to remain the same is her love for Santa and hot cocoa. Santa's trusted advisor, Artikoa, who is an Arctic fox, will accompany her. Adjusting to life in Silver Shoals won't be easy especially when Cindy is accused of murder.

This is a sweet, fun read. It's a short book so things move quickly and a lot of the book is spent on non murder life as we get introduced to Cindy. It makes for some humorous situations. The fox is my favorite as he adjusts to life as a pet.

Peppermint Cookie Murder is fun and something different. It's high on magic and kindness and low on mystery (for now anyway). I'm not sure the magic parts quite work for me but I also don't normally read paranormal mysteries. If you want a feel good holiday story this might be for you even if you don't usually read mysteries.

[Crys · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I rarely score books below 3 stars. If it’s a book that doesn’t jive with me, I step away. I stayed with this one because the promise was there - it just didn’t pay off.

The premise is interesting - Santa’s daughter moving out to open her own Christmas-themed bakery, but when her neighbor is murdered, she’s the prime suspect.

But y’all, this just did not pay off for me as a cozy mystery reader. And the cover says paranormal cozy, so I’m wondering what was paranormal. Was it that Mrs. Claud was an elven queen? Because that’s about as paranormal as it got. Well, Santa does send his most trusted advisor, who happens to be a fox but pretends to be her pet in the human world. But if you’re going to put paranormal on the cover, I’m expecting more than that.

This just wasn’t for me, but I stayed until the end because I downloaded it from KU, and I wanted to make sure the writer was paid the full amount.

This is one cozy I would not recommend, and I don’t plan on continuing to see if it gets better.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehhh it was ok

[Kathy Brackin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! 🎄🎅🏻🤶🏻

[Susan Reads Cozies · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but a part of me wishes it was set in North Pole just to make it more holiday themed. It kinda reminded me of the movie I watched on Hallmark called Annie Claus is Coming to Town.

[Cozy Beauty Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was nice cozy mystery about a half elf named Cindy whose dad just so happens to be Santa Claus. Cindy wants to live in the human world away from the North Pole for a while and truely be on her own without her dad hoovering over her. Her biggest goal while living in the human world is to run her her bakery.

Its not long before cindy and her magical white Fox that is passing as a dog get caught up in a murder mystery that she is trying to clear her name from. Cindy while still trying to understand the human world still wants to find out the true killer in Bettys murder.

This was a fast paced Christmasy cozy mystery. I do like the references to the cookies and how much Cindy likes baking. Arikoka the white fox i enjoyed because he actually talks and he passed very easily as a dog and really noone in town noticed. I do plan to read more from the author as well as finish the series.

Rating : 4.75 🌟

[Charmeon Simpkins-Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for a Cozy Christmas Read

A quick and easy read. Well told story with a great plot and fun characters. A hallmark movie with an elven twist.

[Michele Reise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute new holiday cozy mystery series.
Simple, fast read
Look forward to the next one.

[Tambi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review:
As I delved into "Peppermint Cookie Murder," I was immediately whisked away on a festive journey that seamlessly blends the charm of Christmas with the intrigue of a intriguing mystery. This first installment of the Christmas Catastrophe Mysteries series by Trixie Silvertale introduces us to Cindy Claus, Santa's spirited daughter, who is determined to carve out her own identity beyond the North Pole. Her dream of opening a bakery is dashed when a shocking murder places her in the center of an investigation. Cindy's journey to clear her name is both enthralling and heartwarming. The book skillfully intertwines the magic of the holiday season with the suspense of a whodunit. I not only found myself captivated by the quirky characters and the humorous scenarios they find themselves in, particularly Cindy's amusing encounters with humans, but also the small-town setting that provides a cozy backdrop, contrasting beautifully with the mystery at hand.
The story is a delightful treat, quick to read, and well-paced. It’s a perfect holiday read that features plenty of twists and turns to keep readers on their toes. With an intriguing storyline filled with red herrings and a plethora of suspects, each chapter builds suspense while still offering moments of lighthearted fun. The inclusion of Cindy's furry sidekick, the loyal arctic fox, Artikoa, that Santa requested to aid Cindy in the human world, adds an extra sprinkle of magic to the tale, and the enchanting family and friendship dynamics add layers of depth to the narrative as well. The book offers a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends, leaving you with a warm, festive feeling. It even includes some holiday recipes at the back, which is a delightful bonus for readers who enjoy culinary adventures.
In conclusion, "Peppermint Cookie Murder" is a deliciously entertaining read that will leave you craving more from this delightful series. If you're looking for a book that combines the warmth of Christmas with the thrill of a mystery, this is the one to pick up. It’s a feel-good story that's sure to tickle your funny bone and engage your sleuthing skills. Don't let this book be the one that got away—add it to your reading list and savor the sweet taste of mystery with a side of holiday cheer. This novel truly takes the cake, and I can’t wait to sink my teeth into the next installment - Apple Dumpling Murder. Bravo, Trixie Silvertale, for baking up a mystery that's sure to rise to the occasion!

Opinionated Book Rating:
Originality: 5.0/5.0
Plot Structure: 5.0/5.0
Pacing: 5.0/5.0
Dialogue and Narrative: 5.0/5.0
Personal Enjoyment: 5.0/5.0
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Peppermint Cookie Murder” is a delightful and enchanting paranormal cozy mystery that blends the magic of the North Pole with the charm of a small town, creating a festive and heartwarming read. Trixie Silvertale introduces readers to Cindy Claus, Santa's daughter, who is on a baking quest to prove herself beyond her Yuletide heir status.

From the very beginning, the story captivates with its whimsical tone and festive spirit. Cindy Claus is a lovable protagonist with a heartwarming blend of naivety and kindness. Her determination to open her bakery and pursue her passion adds a layer of depth to her character, making readers root for her from the start.

The introduction of Artikoa, the talking arctic fox and Santa's trusted advisor, adds a magical element to the narrative. Artikoa's presence is not only amusing but also serves as a guiding force for Cindy as she navigates the human world. The dynamic between Cindy and Artikoa forms a delightful partnership, enhancing the overall charm of the story.

The plot takes an unexpected turn when Cindy's “nearly” roommate is murdered, and Cindy becomes the prime suspect. The mystery element is well-crafted, keeping readers engaged as Cindy, with the help of Artikoa, seeks to unravel the truth and clear her name. The narrative skillfully combines the paranormal and mystery genres, creating a unique and enjoyable reading experience.

Cindy's journey of adapting to human ways and learning about their customs and slang adds humor to the story. The fish-out-of-water scenario, coupled with Cindy's genuine and kind-hearted nature, makes for entertaining and endearing moments throughout the book.

Silvertale's writing style is engaging and flows smoothly, making it an easy and enjoyable read. The festive atmosphere, the small-town setting, and the well-developed characters contribute to the overall charm of the book. Additionally, the inclusion of recipes from the story adds a delightful touch, allowing readers to bring a taste of Cindy's baking adventures into their own homes.

Peppermint Cookie Murder is a perfect holiday read for those who enjoy cozy mysteries with a touch of magic. Trixie Silvertale has crafted a delightful start to the Christmas Catastrophe Mysteries series, promising readers a tasty whodunit with kind-hearted heroines, furry sidekicks, and a dash of mistletoe magic.

I received an advance copy of the book. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this authors Mitzy Moon series, so jumped at the chance to start a new series from the start. Especially one focussed around Christmas because hey who doesn't love Christmas. Well I can say it was a real treat (and not just because you get the recipes for a lot of the baked goods at the end of the book). The magic and fun from the Mitzy series are continued on in this series but with the added Christmas element to give it a little twist. I loved the fact that Cindy had never left the North pole before and everyday things or sayings we take for granted are seen in a while new light. The arctic fox as the familiar was just perfect for the setting and Character. Cindy is a great main character and I am going to enjoy following along with her. The mystery was good and despite it being the first book in the series with a lot of background setting up, it didn't get lost in the background. I had no clue who the killer was. It's the kind of book you can read or listen too any time of the year and I can't wait for the next book.
Cindy knew she was supposed to take over from her father by delivering toys once a year but her passion lives else where. Getting up the courage to finally tell her parents that she wants to be a baker goes better than she thought and she is soon on her way. With an arctic fox along to guide her. What doesn't go to plan is discovering her flatmate dead. The victim had a number of secrets and wasn't the nice person Cindy first thought, a fact her father's list would have cleared up for her but Cindy is out in the real world on her own for the first time and quickly discovers that not having her father's naughty or nice list means she will have to uncover the killer the old fashion way, by investigating.. Especially if she hopes to get her bakery up and running. Can she and her father's most trusted advisor find the killer? Before the police arrest her?
I liked the new narrator. I am so use to the narrator for the Mitzy series and think I would have struggled picturing Cindy if the author had gone with the same voice, so it was a good choice to go with somebody else. It also helped that she was good and did some interesting voices for the characters. Five stars all round from me.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Katinka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cynthia Claus was born and raised at the North Pole. She is the daughter of Santa Claus, and grew up knowing that someday she was expected to take over delivering toys to the children of the world. There’s just one problem with that plan; that's not what she wants to do with her life. What she really wants is to live somewhere else and run her own bakery. Baking, rather than toy making, is where her passions truly lie. Yes, her parents are disappointed at first that she doesn’t want to follow in her father’s footsteps, but they do what they can to help her make her dream possible.

When she moves into her first apartment in a small town far from the North Pole and begins a new life for herself, her first friend is her neighbor, who soon happens to be murdered next door to Cindy’s apartment. And being the first to find the just dead woman who had been killed using a unique pen that Cindy had given away not long before, the police arrest Cindy as the murderer. Now she needs to discover who actually committed the crime. If she can’t, her first time leaving home may wind up with her spending years in prison for a murder she didn’t commit.

This was a fun little Christmas Cozy mystery. I read it through in one day and really enjoyed it. It even includes the recipes for several types of cookies and other sweet treats that were made by the main character in the story. While I haven’t tried baking any of them myself (Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of peppermint), they do sound interesting, and at some point I may have to give the gingerbread cookies or maybe the lemon drop cookies a try. There’s also a cheesecake recipe that sounds pretty good too.

This was the first book in a new holiday series, a quick read, and I think it’s a good story. I know that I enjoyed it and it made me smile. I’ll be waiting and watching for the next one in the series. This one came just in time for me to have a nice quick little Christmas-themed book to read and review before the Christmas holidays, though I have no idea when the next one will be released. But I will be keeping my eyes open for it.

[Marian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peppermint Cookie Murder is a delightfully cozy Christmas mystery that blends festive charm with a heartfelt story about independence, self-discovery, and stepping into the world on your own terms. It’s an easy, comforting read—perfect for the holiday season—and still manages to weave in meaningful themes beneath all the cozy vibes.
One of the things I enjoyed most was the premise of Santa’s daughter, Cindy, choosing to leave the North Pole and experience the human world for herself. Instead of falling into the expected path of taking over the family legacy, Cindy wants to figure out who she is outside of her father’s workshop. The book touches beautifully on the idea that children don’t have to follow the career paths or traditions of their parents, and that wanting something different doesn’t make you any less honest or loving—it just makes you human.
Another highlight for me was watching the slow development of Cindy’s relationship with Artikoa, Santa’s most trusted advisor and a magical arctic fox. At the beginning of their journey, there’s definitely tension—they don’t exactly get along, and they’re more stuck together out of obligation than choice. But as they navigate the human world, face challenges, and learn more about each other, that initial friction gradually shifts into mutual respect and genuine care. Their evolving dynamic adds warmth and depth to the story and becomes one of the most endearing parts of the book.
The mystery itself hits all the cozy notes: engaging but not overly heavy, festive without feeling cliché, and paced well enough to keep you invested. The blend of North Pole magic and real-world settings creates a fun contrast that keeps the story fresh while still capturing that comforting Christmas atmosphere.
Overall, Peppermint Cookie Murder is a charming and enjoyable read that left me excited to continue the series. With its blend of holiday magic, character growth, and a touch of mystery, it sets up a world I’m eager to return to—and I can’t wait to see where Cindy and Arti’s journey goes next. 🎄🦊✨

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book in a new paranormal cozy murder mystery series is AMAZING! I never laughed so hard with each page as I did with this one. What an unbelievable premise! Our protagonist is Cindy Clause who just happens to be the daughter of Santa Claus. Being primed to take over daddy's business when he retires, Cindy longs to see the world and become a baker, much to the chagrin of her family. But with a lot of convincing, her parents gave in with one condition. She has to take her father's advisor, an enchanted, arctic fox by the name of Artikoa so he can help her acclimate to the human world as well as keep tabs on her for her parents. He has to pretend to be a dog, but he does talk to Cindy to help her survive her naivete as well as the nuances of the town. She has no idea of slang or even what some of the regular things are for like money! Her father set her up in an apartment with an empty bakery downstairs in the small town of Silver Shoals. What a hoot! Everyone she meets seems to take to her right away and gives her the help she needs to fix up the bakery to her liking. She is making a great name for herself since she has been giving away her cookies to all the townspeople who are kind to her. But when the first friend she makes, Betty, who lives next door is murdered, Cindy becomes a suspect. She realizes she has to become a sleuth to clear her name. With the help of Artikoa and the nice medical examiner, she sets out to find the real murderer. How hard it is when there seem to be so many suspects. Apparently, the side she showed to Cindy was not how she was in real life. This book is so much fun, I can't wait to see what Cindy will come up against in her naive little world! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a brand new series by Ms. Silvertale with Cindy Claus, Santa's daughter, as the protagonist. She is not keen on taking up her father's post when he retires, she has her own hopes to fulfil and wants to explore the human world and travel to lands other than the North Pole. Furthermore she dreams of opening her own bakery and wants to prove to herself that she can be independent and self reliant, so she ventures on her own quest to her parents dismay. She arrives in Silver Shoals, a small town where everyone knows everyone, and realises that she is not well versed in the human ways. Cindy is naïve, too kind and trusting, and cannot come to grips with the nuances of the English language, however she is adamant she would not return home without giving her quest her best try. Her father had sent his advisor, the enchanted arctic fox known as Artikoa with Cindy, to be her protector and advisor, and he was more well versed in the human ways. However even though her intents were good Cindy gets accused as a prime suspect when her close neighbour is murdered. And she soon finds out that Betty was not as well liked and as good a person as she had thought her to be. Cindy is forced to turn into an amateur sleuth to clear her name before her quest is put on hold for good and she gets put behind bars for a crime she did not commit. I love this new paranormal cozy mystery series and really fell in love with Cindy and most particularly with Artikoa. There is humour in this light-hearted read as well as maybe a touch of romance on the horizon. I look forward to our next mystery case.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my Santa goodness! This was ah-maaaa-zing!

Easy to get into. I loved the main character, Cindy. Before I even finished Chapter 1, I just KNEW I was going to love it, it has the right tone, the right vibe, the right feel. The right amount of whimsy! And it felt so exciting! I felt so excited for Cindy, going on this adventure, and I felt honored to be able to join her on that adventure.

This was when Cindy really moved me, really got to me in a big way: “I don’t like being assertive, Artikoa. I enjoy being kind.” This is me. This is so me! So that formed a deep connetion.

Her confusion with the human ways is so funny! How she reacted to the human ways of doing things and saying things, LOL! Learning to be a human is hard, and that process was so funny to read about! Living on her own is a challenge and she makes mistakes, of course, but I loved how she learns from them and grows. She would have been lost if Artikoa wouldn’t have been there! Artikoa is the talking arctic fox, and I must say, I warmed up to him a lot towards the end of the book!

What an awesome book. Straight to my top favorites list!

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful new series from Trixie about Santa’s heir who doesn’t want to make or deliver toys at Christmas but bake Christmas cookies and live among humans!

Being naive of all things human Cindy finds herself overwhelmed when her parents agree to let her go and is unsure of what to do or say, but she has her father’s trusted advisor a talking arctic fox named Artikoa, to help her.

She meets her next door neighbor and strikes up a friendship but she is found murdered two days later and Cindy becomes the prime suspect.

While trying to clear her name, she finds friendships with others in the town and even discovers her neighbor wasn’t always nice to others. She gets kidnapped by the murderer but Artikoa is able to
rescue her by bringing help.

I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next one
to follow Cindy’s adventures in the human world. I
heartily recommend this book as a great one to read around Christmas to get into the holiday cheer of the season and year round as well and there are recipes from the book you can make yourself to eat while you read this story!

Enjoy this short story that will leave you feeling good and happy that you read it!

[Regina Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a Christmas cozy mystery that will keep you laughing and give you all the Christmas feels this the mystery for you!

When Cindy Claus finally confesses to her Father and Mother (Santa & Mrs. Claus) that she doesn't want to be the next Santa but go out to the human world and open a bakery it doesn't go well as first but at 115 years old her parents know it is the right thing to do so when she lands in the small town of Silver Shoals where she immediately makes friends with Betty Troup.

Cindy is finding out that the way things are done in the human world is nothing to how things are done at the North Pole. She has to learn what money is and it's usefulness, get use to the weird things humans say and whole lot of little things thankfully here father sent his most trusted adviser an artic fox name Artikoa to help her adjust.

What didn't think she would have to do prove her innocence when she is arrested for the murder of Betty! Will Cindy and Artidoa be able to clear her name or will she find herself baking in prison instead of her own bakery?!

This is a delightful and funny fantasy cozy mystery series!

[Dianne Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new series

Trixie Silvertale is on her way to another successful cozy mystery series with this audio version of “Peppermint Cookie Murder”! In this, the first in the Christmas Catastrophe Mysteries collection, we meet Cindy Claus as she is just beginning to learn how to navigate the human world – that is, the world outside her protected life at the North Pole. With what promises to be an interesting cast of characters, a novel approach to the origin of Santa’s mission, and hints of paranormal developments to come I look forward to seeing how the story line develops as Cindy comes into her own. From reading her previous Mitzi Moon series I know that Trixie is a master at allowing her characters to grow as their tale unfolds, and I have no doubt we will see this demonstrated going forward. BTW, I loved the shout out to Pin Cherry Harbor! As narrator Claire Duncan does a great job of capturing Cindy’s innocent (and a little confused?) personality. A good storyteller lets you ‘see’ the characters as they are introduced, and as the story commenced I immediately saw Cindy in my mind’s eye.

I was given a link for a free review copy of this audiobook.

[Micky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun cozy mystery with a year-round Christmas theme! Santa's daughter, Cindy, has decided to reside in the human world and boy does she have a lot to learn! You'll giggle as you read the wonderfully created plot as Cindy stumbles through not only learning how human's live, but also must solve a murder before she ends up spending her life among humans in prison! It's fun to see normal everyday sayings be misinterpreted by being taken literally rather than as the colloquialism it is meant as. For example, "I'd kill for a donut!" makes Cindy think that people have murderous intent even though in her gut she feels they would fall on the nice list. A great twist to the character's personality. It makes you stop and think how often you say some quirky saying that you have heard and said your entire life. The characters are well developed for a first book in the series and you get to know them naturally has the story unfolds. The plot is well crafted, interesting and delightfully entertaining. The narrator did an outstanding job of bringing the characters to life and made the story even more engaging. I will definitely be looking for the next book in the series!!!

[Angela Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy holiday treat!

What imagination Trixie Silvertale has! This is such a clever and original reworking of the Santa Claus story; it gives Cindy a believable backstory and pulls the reader into her world from the start. Bedtime stories, cookie breakfasts, decision to move away with no home, no money, no life skills...I found Cindy unbelievably adolescent at the start and frankly wondered what her parents were thinking, letting her loose in the world! However, her earnest charm and undeniable smarts gradually won me over; I'm still glad she's got a wise arctic fox (Artikoa) to help her navigate this new experience, though. The mystery is is cleverly plotted and serves as much to acquaint Cindy and the reader with her new home as it does to uncover whodunit. She's already building a core support team, and this reader is already ready for Book Two! Discovering Cindy's new paranormal skills and how she wields them will be fun; too bad she doesn't have any "live"-in assistance...

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cindy Claus is the daughter of the famous Santa Claus but she's left the North Pole for the small town of Silver Shoals where she plans to open a bakery. She's accompanied by Artikoa, her father's arctic fox assistant. She's determined to pursue her passion and to make it on her own although she has a lot to learn. But before she even begins, her neighbor is murdered and she becomes the prime suspect. So she and Artikoa set out to find the real killer. Cindy is making friends, but will her unfamiliarity with the human world have her trusting the wrong person?

This is the first book in a newer series by Trixie Silvertale and it was an absolutely fabulous read. The book was well-written with fun, well-rounded characters, and a fast-paced plot. This was a holiday tale but I read it in mid-September and still enjoyed it very much. The story was captivating and kept me hooked from beginning to end. There was a sweetness to this read and a sense of new friendships being developed. I loved this book and am eager for the next one.

[Marietta Slater · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a whimsical fantasy read. Not sure if the author intends this to be a YA book but young teenage girls would definitely enjoy this book. I have not read any reviews yet but I have a feeling this was written by a novice. I'm giving her 4 stars mainly for effort. I did enjoy the storyline but at times it was disjointed. Again, time and more experience in writing will improve her style.
Cindy is Santa's daughter, but doesn't want to follow in her Dad's footsteps. She is part Elf because of her mother so she does have some powers. Cindy has asked her parents to leave the magical place of the North Pole so she can start a bakery. Santa sends his talking Arctic Fox to help Cindy adjust to *human* life. I did enjoy how Cindy interacts with humans and has to learn the slang. When Cindy's new friend is found dead and Cindy is charged with the murder, she is forced to find the real murderer.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cindy Claus is supposed to take over her father's job as Santa, but she has other plans. Cindy has a passion for baking and really wants to go to the human world to open up her own bakery and be independant. Her parents can see her heart isn't really into being Santa and they decide to give her a chance to follow her dream. Cindy picks Silver Shoals to move to and when she arrives with Artikoa, her father's trusted artic fox, she finds she has an empty bakery and an apartment above it waiting for her. She also meets her neighbor across the hall, Betty, who helps her set up an account at the grocery store, and shows her around town. She soon finds out Betty isn't on Santa's nice list and when she is murdered with Cindy's pen, Cindy becomes the primary suspect. With the help of Artikoa she investigates what Betty has been up to so that she can find the killer and prove her innocence before Christmas.