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Christmas Market Murder: A Grim Christmas Novella
Betty Leichenberg has two profound obsessions in life—Christmas and animals. And because of this, her Christmas market days don’t only consist of selling her famous baked goods and crafts. They are filled with something much more menacing.
Betty the Baker may be charming and loving, but don’t let that fool you … she’s also Betty the Bone Breaker. Having a sweet tooth is putting it lightly.
It’s more like a severe taste for sweet revenge.
(This book does not have detailed descriptions of animal abuse.)
Christmas Market Murder is a standalone novella, but it ties into one of my novels called X MEMBERS OF THE FB GROUP
Betty the Baker may be charming and loving, but don’t let that fool you … she’s also Betty the Bone Breaker. Having a sweet tooth is putting it lightly.
It’s more like a severe taste for sweet revenge.
(This book does not have detailed descriptions of animal abuse.)
Christmas Market Murder is a standalone novella, but it ties into one of my novels called X MEMBERS OF THE FB GROUP
173 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2023
17 people are currently reading
845 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
December 21, 2023
My honest thoughts
Well the opening line gripped me in with so much powerful force that I couldn't put it down until I had finished it.
It's very easy to read and follow, with the story of Betty, a strong determined woman who does not put up with animal abuse! She's awesome and I want her to be my bestie!
I love that the meat pies are left to our own imagination! Think that's incredible.. I did wonder if Ded was imaginary in a few points as he would just turn up at random places..
A great seasonal novella!!
Well the opening line gripped me in with so much powerful force that I couldn't put it down until I had finished it.
It's very easy to read and follow, with the story of Betty, a strong determined woman who does not put up with animal abuse! She's awesome and I want her to be my bestie!
I love that the meat pies are left to our own imagination! Think that's incredible.. I did wonder if Ded was imaginary in a few points as he would just turn up at random places..
A great seasonal novella!!
December 22, 2023
I liked this book so much! At first I kept thinking about how crazy Betty is, but the more I read the more I liked her. I also started justifying her actions because who can be mean to animals?! It’s a great, short read and I’m so happy I got to experience it!
September 18, 2024
Did I know I was different? Yes.
Did I ever think I would relate to a serial killer? No.
Just like the twists in “Christmas Market Murder” I was taken by surprise.
How do I relate to Betty the Baker, animal abuse vigilante extraordinaire?
-We enjoy the same types of books and music.
-We have both been turkeyed. (If you don’t know what that is, read the book😏)
-We both own a well above average amount of animals, one of them sharing a name.
-We know random facts about ALL of our pets.
For example; my cat Ralphie, was born on October 10th, 2023 to Foxy and Junior. She was one of four siblings. She is not super affectionate but will do just about anything for a can of chili & beans.
My favorite paragraph 💕
“It’s a message of true love. Love for all children, no matter where they come from or where they live. The story is about a young girl who gets transported to the North Pole. This is where she discovers that Santa loves all children and no one is left behind. He doesn’t just give material gifts. He also gives gifts of joy, love, and hope. If a child sees a falling star, that’s him sending hope. When an unexpected person gives a child a hug, that’s him sending love. When someone makes a child laugh, that’s him sending joy. So, it doesn’t matter where you come from, where you live, or what mistakes you’ve made. If there isn’t a gift from Santa on Christmas morning, it’s not because he didn’t think of you. This means he sent you a gift from his heart, one that lasts forever.”
If you are looking for a light thriller that contains just enough detail without extra fluff that doesn’t pertain to the storyline - this book is for you.
Did I ever think I would relate to a serial killer? No.
Just like the twists in “Christmas Market Murder” I was taken by surprise.
How do I relate to Betty the Baker, animal abuse vigilante extraordinaire?
-We enjoy the same types of books and music.
-We have both been turkeyed. (If you don’t know what that is, read the book😏)
-We both own a well above average amount of animals, one of them sharing a name.
-We know random facts about ALL of our pets.
For example; my cat Ralphie, was born on October 10th, 2023 to Foxy and Junior. She was one of four siblings. She is not super affectionate but will do just about anything for a can of chili & beans.
My favorite paragraph 💕
“It’s a message of true love. Love for all children, no matter where they come from or where they live. The story is about a young girl who gets transported to the North Pole. This is where she discovers that Santa loves all children and no one is left behind. He doesn’t just give material gifts. He also gives gifts of joy, love, and hope. If a child sees a falling star, that’s him sending hope. When an unexpected person gives a child a hug, that’s him sending love. When someone makes a child laugh, that’s him sending joy. So, it doesn’t matter where you come from, where you live, or what mistakes you’ve made. If there isn’t a gift from Santa on Christmas morning, it’s not because he didn’t think of you. This means he sent you a gift from his heart, one that lasts forever.”
If you are looking for a light thriller that contains just enough detail without extra fluff that doesn’t pertain to the storyline - this book is for you.
Read
December 18, 2024The cover says this is a grim Christmas novella, but I disagree! The story follows Betty who is OBSESSED with Christmas and LOVES animals! She also happens to make the best meat pies ever and sells them at the market. There are tons of references to Christmas songs and all her pets have Christmas themed names. While obviously there IS a murder in this book, hence the title, overall this was cute and lighthearted. It read more like a children’s story that had a bit of darkness to it lol. The story was actually really relatable for anyone who loves animals and Christmas and of course, I do! I just wish the writing had been more mature and character details dived into a little more versus being described in 1 sentence and never mentioned again. This was super quick and super easy to read so if you are looking for a Christmas book and need something short & quick to read to meet your Goodreads reading goal, then this is for you!
December 20, 2024
This was a fun little quirky book. Betty is an interesting woman who is obsessed with both Christmas and her 22 fur babies and also enjoys unaliving people who are mean their pets.
December 21, 2023
**ARC received from author**
This was a super fun, gory Christmas stories with pies and murders! I throughly enjoyed it, and I sure do hope that Betty The Baker will return in another book on the future ;)
This was a super fun, gory Christmas stories with pies and murders! I throughly enjoyed it, and I sure do hope that Betty The Baker will return in another book on the future ;)
December 5, 2023
OMG!!!! Short and ....sweet? Loved it....had some figured out by end, but when confirmed I took a gasp! Super-fast holiday read!!!!
November 21, 2024
This didn't have a lot of reviews yet, but the reviews that are there are great so I'm in the minority with my review. I'd seen this in the Facebook group and had high hopes, but it just didn't hit the mark for me. I'll try out others from this author another time.
December 21, 2023
Christmas Market Murder is a fast paced, enjoyable read. Betty takes rescuing abused animals to a whole new level. Betty the Butcher is known in her town for her famous meat pies and not so famous paintings that she sales at the local Christmas market. Plenty of people ask her for her recipes but she refuses to give them out. Can you figure out why?
Quick fun read
Quick fun read
September 17, 2024
Hmmm. Feeling a little guilty I did not give this book 5 stars. I guess maybe it is because I want MORE. I may change the rating while I await the next book.
Yayyy. She gave us more!!! 5 stars for both this and Halloween House Murder!
Yayyy. She gave us more!!! 5 stars for both this and Halloween House Murder!
December 12, 2023
4.5 ⭐️s
In Christmas Market Murder, the lovable Betty the Butcher Character from X Members of the Facebook group is back for more (and my more I mean vengeance). Betty earned her title of The Butcher due to a *unique* hobby of hers that could absolutely land her on a spot on death row. But this time around it’s the Christmas season and despite trying to restrain herself Betty is forced to commit a crime in the name of her love of her brother, Christmas, and her dear fur babies.
Although this tale is dark and kinda gruesome it is full of dark humored jokes and comments from the narrator that had me chucking along in bed. This type of humor definitely isn’t for everyonee but if you’re anything like me I promise you’ll enjoy how twisted it is😂. I also HIGHLY suggest this read if you’re a book lover/online book group member because that’s who these books seem to be catered for. Also shoutout to the Facebook group that connected me to this amazing author for banning me from commenting or posting 😎 they hate me cuz they ain’t me.
(The only reason this didn’t get a full 5 ⭐️s is because I wanted more and don’t think you can fully enjoy it for what it is unless you read X Members of the Facebook Group first😉)
In Christmas Market Murder, the lovable Betty the Butcher Character from X Members of the Facebook group is back for more (and my more I mean vengeance). Betty earned her title of The Butcher due to a *unique* hobby of hers that could absolutely land her on a spot on death row. But this time around it’s the Christmas season and despite trying to restrain herself Betty is forced to commit a crime in the name of her love of her brother, Christmas, and her dear fur babies.
Although this tale is dark and kinda gruesome it is full of dark humored jokes and comments from the narrator that had me chucking along in bed. This type of humor definitely isn’t for everyonee but if you’re anything like me I promise you’ll enjoy how twisted it is😂. I also HIGHLY suggest this read if you’re a book lover/online book group member because that’s who these books seem to be catered for. Also shoutout to the Facebook group that connected me to this amazing author for banning me from commenting or posting 😎 they hate me cuz they ain’t me.
(The only reason this didn’t get a full 5 ⭐️s is because I wanted more and don’t think you can fully enjoy it for what it is unless you read X Members of the Facebook Group first😉)
December 7, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Christmas Market Murder by Chris Colmenero is a thrilling and fun Christmas thriller that you will finish in one sitting.
I know it's stated that this is standalone but I believe this was stated before Halloween House Murder was published. So I would say this is the first book in Betty Leichenberg's holiday series (I just literally made that up). I have high hopes that next could be a Valentine's day Murder followed by an Easter Egg Hunt murder.
Anyway, back to Christmas Market Murder.
The main character Betty Leichenberg is so special! You just like her. I absolutely love her thinking and inner dialogues! And her sense of justice for animals is so sweet! We do need more Betty's in the world!
There was a good amount of humor and I absolutely adored the reference to the Psychological thriller reader group! It was done so smoothly, and so realistic that for a second you picture Betty with Chris Colmenero's face!
If you haven't read this book I would highly recommend it!
And with this, I am wrapping up #holidayreadingchallange2024
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Christmas Market Murder by Chris Colmenero is a thrilling and fun Christmas thriller that you will finish in one sitting.
I know it's stated that this is standalone but I believe this was stated before Halloween House Murder was published. So I would say this is the first book in Betty Leichenberg's holiday series (I just literally made that up). I have high hopes that next could be a Valentine's day Murder followed by an Easter Egg Hunt murder.
Anyway, back to Christmas Market Murder.
The main character Betty Leichenberg is so special! You just like her. I absolutely love her thinking and inner dialogues! And her sense of justice for animals is so sweet! We do need more Betty's in the world!
There was a good amount of humor and I absolutely adored the reference to the Psychological thriller reader group! It was done so smoothly, and so realistic that for a second you picture Betty with Chris Colmenero's face!
If you haven't read this book I would highly recommend it!
And with this, I am wrapping up #holidayreadingchallange2024
`
December 20, 2023
I just read this novella in under 2 hours. It is very fast-paced so you never get bored.
Betty is all about Christmas! And animals. She has a house full of them, and they are all named with a Christmas theme. She is the best dog, cat, ferret, and rat mommy. Now humans are another story. You are either on her nice list, and she is the sweetest, happiest, joyful person you will ever meet, or you get on her naughty list... and she is a freakin' psychopath! It's not hard to stay off the naughty list... just don't be a prick to animals!!!!
This was,in my opinion, a very cute, fun, and enjoyable Christmas thriller. The "gore" was done tastefully. I would label this as a "cozy" Christmas thriller suitable for everyone, teens and up!
Betty is all about Christmas! And animals. She has a house full of them, and they are all named with a Christmas theme. She is the best dog, cat, ferret, and rat mommy. Now humans are another story. You are either on her nice list, and she is the sweetest, happiest, joyful person you will ever meet, or you get on her naughty list... and she is a freakin' psychopath! It's not hard to stay off the naughty list... just don't be a prick to animals!!!!
This was,in my opinion, a very cute, fun, and enjoyable Christmas thriller. The "gore" was done tastefully. I would label this as a "cozy" Christmas thriller suitable for everyone, teens and up!
December 23, 2023
Holy smokes.... That's what I kept thinking the entire time while reading this book.
This was the first book that I've read of theirs. I had so many thoughts while developing the foundation of the story. I liked how thorough the details were of what made the main character unique (the number of members in her family, how many times she completed an action (3 times each), etc.). It does make me wonder if there will be another story after this one, as it was stated that this is a standalone. We shall see!
This was the first book that I've read of theirs. I had so many thoughts while developing the foundation of the story. I liked how thorough the details were of what made the main character unique (the number of members in her family, how many times she completed an action (3 times each), etc.). It does make me wonder if there will be another story after this one, as it was stated that this is a standalone. We shall see!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2023
This was a fantastic read!
Betty the Baker is such a brilliantly created character with so many layers to peel back that she keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you've ever thought that certain people need their comeuppance then this is definitely the book for you. It's dark and twisty, but there's also a lot of humour and quirkiness, you'll find yourself on a rollercoaster of emotions that will keep you hooked and turning pages way after bedtime.
This is the second book by the author that I've read and I enjoyed this as much as the first (X-Members.) I'd highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a dark thriller.
Betty the Baker is such a brilliantly created character with so many layers to peel back that she keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you've ever thought that certain people need their comeuppance then this is definitely the book for you. It's dark and twisty, but there's also a lot of humour and quirkiness, you'll find yourself on a rollercoaster of emotions that will keep you hooked and turning pages way after bedtime.
This is the second book by the author that I've read and I enjoyed this as much as the first (X-Members.) I'd highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a dark thriller.
December 19, 2023
Most winter weekends, you can find Betty selling her artwork and famous meat pies at local craft markets. Her Christmas spirit is unbeatable, from her numerous animals named after famous Christmas icons to her 1946 red Ford pickup named Mistletoe. But Betty the Baker has a darker side…a side which calls her to rid her community of evil. In this novella, follow Betty the Bone Breaker as she celebrates the Christmas season by claiming another victim while spreading holiday cheer. You don’t want to end up on her naughty list!
December 4, 2023
Chris has done it again!! I LOVE this book :) I don’t want to say too much and give anything away, but it definitely didn’t disappoint. And I love how quick it was. Read it in just 45 minutes! I need more of Betty the Butcher (I mean Baker)! And reading this book made me buy her Children’s’ story as well for my kids. ;) I can’t wait to read what she writes next!
December 26, 2023
A few days ago I received my signed copy of this book and I couldn't wait to jump right in. I was not disappointed! Colmenero simultaneously had me laughing as well as hoping to never get on her bad side! What a fun novella to read just in time for the holidays! P.S., I Googled Ded Morosz, super interesting!!!
December 4, 2023
This was a really cool cute read... I loved it and now I am invested in Betty and this whole entire group! I need more!!! Very quick read!! Love it!!!
December 11, 2023
Okay, this was probably my favorite short thriller. It was so fun, and I loved Betty’s neurotic personality. She’s cooky and full of life, makes the best meat pies in the state, loves animals, and even kills for them. What more could you want?
December 12, 2023
Quick and great read
I loved how easy this book flowed and how
you love Betty for all the right reasons. Great ending! Loved
I loved how easy this book flowed and how
you love Betty for all the right reasons. Great ending! Loved
December 20, 2023
A fun christmassy read, with plenty of murder! Betty the bone breaker is a fun character who you can't help but like. I'll definitely be reading more from Colmenero!
December 21, 2023
This was a fun, easy read -- perfect for the holidays! Betty is a bizarre character but in all the most lovable ways. Her quirks keep the book interesting and entertaining throughout, and her love for Christmas was the perfect little cherry on top of this enjoyable holiday read. Morbid-cute stories are my favourite, and this one checks all the boxes!
December 22, 2023
Christmas Market Murder is the perfect twisted festive story that had me hooked from the first page! This book is entertaining and full of suspense, all leading to the perfect ending. Can’t wait to read more of Chris Colmenero’s books!
December 22, 2023
I received an ARC from the author.
This novella was a quick, fun read. I really enjoyed reading about “Betty the Baker” and her love for animals. Would love another installment of this book and her next adventure.
This novella was a quick, fun read. I really enjoyed reading about “Betty the Baker” and her love for animals. Would love another installment of this book and her next adventure.
December 23, 2023
I'm giving this all the stars!!!!!! What a short, sweet, scary ride of a book that I finished in under 4 hours. It was the perfect book to satiate my dark soul and I can't wait to hear what other people think!
December 23, 2023
It was such a well written and quick novella. I loved it!
February 10, 2024
I enjoyed this story very much. Any animal lover is a friend of mine, and the premise of the book is excellent although I was surprised about the meat pies, which maybe I shouldn’t have been but I didn’t get it until the author mentioned it. It definitely would recommend this book.
December 11, 2024
3.5 🌟 fun little book club read for this month! perfect if you need a dark, quick, festive read you can finish in less than an hour 🎄
January 16, 2025
It like serial mom and dexter. I absolutely enjoyed this fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews