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A Christmas Cozy Mystery #1
Christmas Corpse: A Christmas Cozy Mystery Series Book 1
Welcome to Candy Cane Hollow, where every day feels like Christmas!
Holly Wood (yes, that's her real name) is driving home for Christmas and not feeling too happy about the empty house waiting for her.
When her car skids into a snow bank, she's rescued by a sweet old lady who promises her name is Mrs Claus.
Holly is taken to Candy Cane Hollow to recover, and finds herself in a genuine winter wonderland.
As Christmas Day approaches, the grouchy medical receptionist appears to have been poisoned by a mince pie.
And to Holly's surprise, Mrs Claus is the prime suspect.
With Mrs Claus under suspicion, Holly vows to return the woman's generosity by clearing her name.
Maybe it will impress Mrs Claus' dimpled dish of a son, too?
Holly Wood (yes, that's her real name) is driving home for Christmas and not feeling too happy about the empty house waiting for her.
When her car skids into a snow bank, she's rescued by a sweet old lady who promises her name is Mrs Claus.
Holly is taken to Candy Cane Hollow to recover, and finds herself in a genuine winter wonderland.
As Christmas Day approaches, the grouchy medical receptionist appears to have been poisoned by a mince pie.
And to Holly's surprise, Mrs Claus is the prime suspect.
With Mrs Claus under suspicion, Holly vows to return the woman's generosity by clearing her name.
Maybe it will impress Mrs Claus' dimpled dish of a son, too?
134 pages, Hardcover
First published December 3, 2020
1128 people are currently reading
1671 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 500 reviews
December 21, 2023
This was such a sweet cozy Christmas 🎄 who done it which I loved you have elves 🧝♂️ a cute cast of characters who I can’t wait to revisit in book 2 in this series.
Holly Wood ( yes that’s her name) is on her way home after she was picking up groceries from the local store, it’s snowing 🌨️ & she crashes her car on black ice & is unconscious.
A woman by the name of Mrs Claus takes her back to see a doctor she has frostbite & needs bed rest, she arrives in Candy Cane Hollow where she is taken in by Mrs Claus 🤶.
Her home 🏠 Claus Cottage has been in the family for generations she also has a son who is handsome called Nick but when Persephone the doctors receptionist is found dead poisoned by eating a mince pie the police come in to investigate & Mrs Claus is the main suspect.
This was such a funny cute cozy which I loved the characters adorable I want to live at Candy Cane Hollow 😊 I want to jump into book 2 but that may have to wait highly recommended.
Holly Wood ( yes that’s her name) is on her way home after she was picking up groceries from the local store, it’s snowing 🌨️ & she crashes her car on black ice & is unconscious.
A woman by the name of Mrs Claus takes her back to see a doctor she has frostbite & needs bed rest, she arrives in Candy Cane Hollow where she is taken in by Mrs Claus 🤶.
Her home 🏠 Claus Cottage has been in the family for generations she also has a son who is handsome called Nick but when Persephone the doctors receptionist is found dead poisoned by eating a mince pie the police come in to investigate & Mrs Claus is the main suspect.
This was such a funny cute cozy which I loved the characters adorable I want to live at Candy Cane Hollow 😊 I want to jump into book 2 but that may have to wait highly recommended.
August 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook 🎧
This book was so sweet it gave me a cavity! 🦷
Holly Wood is driving home when her car hits a patch of black ice and goes off the road. She’s awaken hours later by a little old woman who tells her she’s Mrs. Claus and she’s been in an accident and must go with her to be checked by the doctor. At first she thinks she must have a concussion and when she wakes up things will be normal again. Instead she finds herself in Candy Cane Hollow with the real Mrs. Claus and her son, Nick. The next day Mrs. Claus is accused of murder and Holly wants to repay her kindness by clearing her name.
If you’re looking for a good, clean, holiday read that leaves you feeling like you just drank a cup of festive hot chocolate then this series is for you.
Christmas Corpse is Book #1 of the Cozy Christmas series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media for the opportunity to review this book.
This book was so sweet it gave me a cavity! 🦷
Holly Wood is driving home when her car hits a patch of black ice and goes off the road. She’s awaken hours later by a little old woman who tells her she’s Mrs. Claus and she’s been in an accident and must go with her to be checked by the doctor. At first she thinks she must have a concussion and when she wakes up things will be normal again. Instead she finds herself in Candy Cane Hollow with the real Mrs. Claus and her son, Nick. The next day Mrs. Claus is accused of murder and Holly wants to repay her kindness by clearing her name.
If you’re looking for a good, clean, holiday read that leaves you feeling like you just drank a cup of festive hot chocolate then this series is for you.
Christmas Corpse is Book #1 of the Cozy Christmas series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media for the opportunity to review this book.
dnf
November 12, 2025No rating because I did not finish the book. Cozy mysteries with social commentary/lectures- even briefly- are a hard no for me. Christmas is a Christian holiday even if the story is centered on secular aspects.
December 28, 2025
3.5 Stars
This was such a cute Christmas mystery. I didn't expect it to go so hard with the “Santa” angle but it worked because the book kept a serious tone of realism. This story is much simpler and sweeter than my usual preference but it was a really enjoyable pallete cleanser.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher .
This was such a cute Christmas mystery. I didn't expect it to go so hard with the “Santa” angle but it worked because the book kept a serious tone of realism. This story is much simpler and sweeter than my usual preference but it was a really enjoyable pallete cleanser.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher .
December 7, 2025
4.5★s
When Holly was rescued by a lady whose name was Mrs Claus, after her car had ploughed into a snow drift, Holly was astounded by Candy Cane Hollow, a delightful winter wonderland filled with happy, friendly people - though perhaps one or two weren't that way inclined. After visiting the doctor, Mrs Claus took her to her home, where she was to rest and recuperate. The meals Holly ate, the dishy Nick Claus, Mrs Claus' son, whom she met - she thought she must be dreaming. Only calling her sister August, seemed real. But when a body was discovered, and Mrs Claus was top suspect, Holly decided to find the real killer to repay Mrs Claus' hospitality. But could she? Christmas Day was fast approaching and she knew she needed it solved before then..
Christmas Corpse is the 1st in A Christmas Cozy Mystery by Mona Marple and it was loads of fun, and filled with entertainment. A perfect read leading up to Christmas, lots of magical happenings and an amateur sleuth who was determined to get results. Recommended.
When Holly was rescued by a lady whose name was Mrs Claus, after her car had ploughed into a snow drift, Holly was astounded by Candy Cane Hollow, a delightful winter wonderland filled with happy, friendly people - though perhaps one or two weren't that way inclined. After visiting the doctor, Mrs Claus took her to her home, where she was to rest and recuperate. The meals Holly ate, the dishy Nick Claus, Mrs Claus' son, whom she met - she thought she must be dreaming. Only calling her sister August, seemed real. But when a body was discovered, and Mrs Claus was top suspect, Holly decided to find the real killer to repay Mrs Claus' hospitality. But could she? Christmas Day was fast approaching and she knew she needed it solved before then..
Christmas Corpse is the 1st in A Christmas Cozy Mystery by Mona Marple and it was loads of fun, and filled with entertainment. A perfect read leading up to Christmas, lots of magical happenings and an amateur sleuth who was determined to get results. Recommended.
December 18, 2025
The Cutest Cozy Christmas Mystery Novella!
Christmas Corpse was exactly what I needed to put me into the holiday spirit. This story follows Holly Wood ((yes, she knows her name is ridiculous)). After losing her job, Holly is driving home to her empty house for Christmas.
Along the way, she ends up in a spot of trouble and goes off the road. When she awakens in her freezing cold car hours later, it's to a Good Samaritan coming to her rescue.
The Samaritan in question claims her name is Mrs. Claus, and she whisks Holly away to her home in the magical, seemingly secret, village of Candy Cane Hollow.
Holly is more than happy to recuperate at Mrs. Claus's home, where she gets to know the jolly, kind-hearted woman, as well as her handsome son, Nick.
Shortly after Holly is coming to realize just how magical a place Candy Cane Hollow is, they receive word that the local doctor's receptionist, Persephone, has been murdered, apparently poisoned by a mince pie.
Well, most unfortunately, Mrs. Claus happens to be the best mince pie baker in the village, and therefore becomes the prime suspect. Holly vows to stay on and clear Mrs. Claus's name. After all, Mrs. Claus saved her from freezing to death in a snowbank, it's the least she can do in return.
This is just the cutest story. It's like a warm hug, with just a touch of murder. I won't deny it's a simple story, but it's also funny, engaging, full of likable characters and cozy Christmas cheer.
If you're like me, and your brain feels pulled in a million different directions this time of year, this could be the perfect holiday read for you. I know it certainly made me much more in the mood for the holidays than I was before.
I love how Holly gets pulled into this magical little village, seemingly hidden from the rest of the world, and becomes completely enmeshed in local life. The villagers were more than happy to take her in and treat her like one of their own.
This is the 1st-book in a Cozy Christmas Mystery series, and I already have the next 2-books on audio from the publisher. I'm so excited to keep going with the series.
I have no doubt that the further I go with it, the more attached I'm going to become to this cast of characters and the adorable setting. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for some Christmas Cozy vibes!
Christmas Corpse was exactly what I needed to put me into the holiday spirit. This story follows Holly Wood ((yes, she knows her name is ridiculous)). After losing her job, Holly is driving home to her empty house for Christmas.
Along the way, she ends up in a spot of trouble and goes off the road. When she awakens in her freezing cold car hours later, it's to a Good Samaritan coming to her rescue.
The Samaritan in question claims her name is Mrs. Claus, and she whisks Holly away to her home in the magical, seemingly secret, village of Candy Cane Hollow.
Holly is more than happy to recuperate at Mrs. Claus's home, where she gets to know the jolly, kind-hearted woman, as well as her handsome son, Nick.
Shortly after Holly is coming to realize just how magical a place Candy Cane Hollow is, they receive word that the local doctor's receptionist, Persephone, has been murdered, apparently poisoned by a mince pie.
Well, most unfortunately, Mrs. Claus happens to be the best mince pie baker in the village, and therefore becomes the prime suspect. Holly vows to stay on and clear Mrs. Claus's name. After all, Mrs. Claus saved her from freezing to death in a snowbank, it's the least she can do in return.
This is just the cutest story. It's like a warm hug, with just a touch of murder. I won't deny it's a simple story, but it's also funny, engaging, full of likable characters and cozy Christmas cheer.
If you're like me, and your brain feels pulled in a million different directions this time of year, this could be the perfect holiday read for you. I know it certainly made me much more in the mood for the holidays than I was before.
I love how Holly gets pulled into this magical little village, seemingly hidden from the rest of the world, and becomes completely enmeshed in local life. The villagers were more than happy to take her in and treat her like one of their own.
This is the 1st-book in a Cozy Christmas Mystery series, and I already have the next 2-books on audio from the publisher. I'm so excited to keep going with the series.
I have no doubt that the further I go with it, the more attached I'm going to become to this cast of characters and the adorable setting. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for some Christmas Cozy vibes!
December 6, 2024
4.5 stars! I was ho-ho-hoping this would be a great Christmas book and it was! Lots of Christmas descriptive imagery with the locations and names of characters. I took off 0.5 stars because of the predictability -- I was expecting more of a plot twist. Nonetheless, if you're looking for a fun, holiday mystery with a bit of romance, this is it!
Shortened summary: A woman gets into a car crash and is rescued by Mrs. Claus who then takes her to Candy Cane Hollow. When another character is murdered and Mrs. Claus is the prime suspect, the woman makes it her mission to clear Mrs. Claus' name. There are holiday activities and treats, including Mrs. Claus' son *wink* *wink*.
It's more about the plot than the romance, but it wrapped up nicely! No spice so good for readers who aren't into that.
Shortened summary: A woman gets into a car crash and is rescued by Mrs. Claus who then takes her to Candy Cane Hollow. When another character is murdered and Mrs. Claus is the prime suspect, the woman makes it her mission to clear Mrs. Claus' name. There are holiday activities and treats, including Mrs. Claus' son *wink* *wink*.
It's more about the plot than the romance, but it wrapped up nicely! No spice so good for readers who aren't into that.
January 3, 2021
I loved my visit to Candy Cane Hollow. A wonderful, even if short excursion into Christmas. I should have read it before Christmas and not right after. I will make sure to read the next one in December 2021.
It was a sweet mystery with so much Christmas spirit. I spotted the murderer early on but that didn't take away the joy of reading.
It was a sweet mystery with so much Christmas spirit. I spotted the murderer early on but that didn't take away the joy of reading.
February 15, 2025
In my desire to read holiday-themed books until the year ended, I decided to read Christmas Corpse, the first short novel in the Christmas Cozy Mystery series written by Mona Marple (which may be a pen name). Clearly, a writer that knows what she's doing, there are numerous tropes used here to show that this murder mystery is meant to be holiday "feel-good" fare.
Lamenting her loneliness, and finding her life in a bit of freefall, Holly Wood is rescued from a snowbank by Mrs. Claus and taken to the isolated village of Candy Cane Hollow. Mrs. Claus immediately takes Holly to get her checked out by the village doctor, where the receptionist shows herself to be not as welcoming as Mrs. Claus.
Nick Claus is the son of Mrs. Claus, who is single and attractive. A murder occurs where Mrs. Claus' minced pie is determined to be the murder weapon. Holly decides to defend Mrs. Claus and investigate in an attempt to repay the goodness shown by Nick and Mrs. Claus. Nick takes Holly around to introduce her to elves and people in the village. Holly does the questioning of people who may have something to do with the murder or are simply red herrings.
Since this is a feel-good holiday story, there really is not meant to be very much complication. Miracle on 34th Street is very predictable, but it still delivers on its goal. Such is the case, here. The story is not complicated, but it fulfills its objectives as a cozy (clean) stress-free, holiday, murder mystery.
Lamenting her loneliness, and finding her life in a bit of freefall, Holly Wood is rescued from a snowbank by Mrs. Claus and taken to the isolated village of Candy Cane Hollow. Mrs. Claus immediately takes Holly to get her checked out by the village doctor, where the receptionist shows herself to be not as welcoming as Mrs. Claus.
Nick Claus is the son of Mrs. Claus, who is single and attractive. A murder occurs where Mrs. Claus' minced pie is determined to be the murder weapon. Holly decides to defend Mrs. Claus and investigate in an attempt to repay the goodness shown by Nick and Mrs. Claus. Nick takes Holly around to introduce her to elves and people in the village. Holly does the questioning of people who may have something to do with the murder or are simply red herrings.
Since this is a feel-good holiday story, there really is not meant to be very much complication. Miracle on 34th Street is very predictable, but it still delivers on its goal. Such is the case, here. The story is not complicated, but it fulfills its objectives as a cozy (clean) stress-free, holiday, murder mystery.
December 3, 2020
Christmas Corpse is a new series by Mona Marple and it is off to an entertaining start! Holly Wood has a car accident and wakes to find a woman who claims to be Mrs Claus trying to help her. They end up in a small friendly, fun town. Well, fun for everyone except the receptionist at the doctor’s office. She ends up dead and it is looking bad for Mrs Claus! Holly wants to help the woman as Mrs C saved her life. Mrs C also has a dreamy son, Nick, but he wouldn’t be a reason to want to stick around, would he? With a competition coming up that the victim was entered in, a desirable unmarried man in the village and Holly herself being new in town, there are plenty of suspects. Could it have been Mrs Claus? Will Holly find herself behind bars? And why has she never come across this small town with elvish looking inhabitants before? What is going on?
I loved this book! It is an easy, fun Christmas story that will help you get in the holiday spirit. Holly is a wonderful character, Nick is dashing and the rest of the cast, fun. I even liked the sheriff, who was more intent on having someone locked up before Christmas than he was solving the crime. After all, Christmas must go on! I can’t wait to read more in this series. It was a perfect read on a night I couldn’t sleep due to crazy weather. I did have my Christmas lights on, most of the time, and I enjoyed a cup of peppermint cocoa turning a bad night into a festive reading escape. I totally recommend this book!
I loved this book! It is an easy, fun Christmas story that will help you get in the holiday spirit. Holly is a wonderful character, Nick is dashing and the rest of the cast, fun. I even liked the sheriff, who was more intent on having someone locked up before Christmas than he was solving the crime. After all, Christmas must go on! I can’t wait to read more in this series. It was a perfect read on a night I couldn’t sleep due to crazy weather. I did have my Christmas lights on, most of the time, and I enjoyed a cup of peppermint cocoa turning a bad night into a festive reading escape. I totally recommend this book!
September 13, 2025
Holly Wood leaves work on her last day and it's very cold and snowing and while on her way to the grocery store get into a car accident and passes out. She is rescued by a woman who says she will take her to get checked out as she probably has frost bite. While driving there she sees a sign for a town she has never heard of before and wonders why she has never seen that before. The woman is Mrs. Claus. Her son is Nick and is very handsome and eligible. There are elves too.
I loved this story and can't wait to read more about the Clauses and Holly.
I loved this story and can't wait to read more about the Clauses and Holly.
December 5, 2022
A great Christmas mystery!
December 25, 2022
A delightful visit into Christmas even though a murder takes place. But it is full of joy.
December 3, 2020
What a wonderful warm Christmas book!
Wow, what a wonderful, warm, welcoming, wintery, witty, well-written story!
It feels so effortless, I’m being pulled into a dreamworld of Christmas and snow. But will the dream turn into a nightmare? This is the kind of book you just want to read in one go. A true page-turner and I’m so glad there will be more books in this series!
I did know whodunnit but that didn’t take away from the immense pleasure in reading this at all. It’s such a cute, sweet, funny story!
Wow, what a wonderful, warm, welcoming, wintery, witty, well-written story!
It feels so effortless, I’m being pulled into a dreamworld of Christmas and snow. But will the dream turn into a nightmare? This is the kind of book you just want to read in one go. A true page-turner and I’m so glad there will be more books in this series!
I did know whodunnit but that didn’t take away from the immense pleasure in reading this at all. It’s such a cute, sweet, funny story!
November 10, 2025
This story is like a sugary sweet Christmas treat.
It's like one of those horrible cheesey Christmas movies, every character is a grotesque one dimensional caricature of a person. But sometimes that's exactly what you need to escape the chaos and stress of the Christmas season.
Be ready for a hot Santa, diabetic inducing amounts of hot chocolate, elfs, a murder and a Justice system that is plain cruel.
I had the audiobook version of this book, the voice matches the story, but doesn't really help selling it. I actually googled if it was a real person because of the over pronunciation of every word.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Media, and Mona Marple for giving me the opportunity to listen to this book.
It's like one of those horrible cheesey Christmas movies, every character is a grotesque one dimensional caricature of a person. But sometimes that's exactly what you need to escape the chaos and stress of the Christmas season.
Be ready for a hot Santa, diabetic inducing amounts of hot chocolate, elfs, a murder and a Justice system that is plain cruel.
I had the audiobook version of this book, the voice matches the story, but doesn't really help selling it. I actually googled if it was a real person because of the over pronunciation of every word.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Media, and Mona Marple for giving me the opportunity to listen to this book.
December 29, 2022
Christmas Corpse is book one in the A Christmas Cozy Mystery series by Mona Marple. Dr Holly Wood was on her way home for Christmas went she skidded into a snow bank. When Holly woke up, she found a lovely lady called Mrs Claus stopping by her car to assist and take her to Candy Cane Hollow. However, when the receptionist at the medical centre dies on Christmas Eve, Mrs Claus becomes the prime suspect. Holly decided with Mrs Claus's son Nick to find answers to clear her name. The readers of Christmas Corpse will continue to follow Mona Marple to find out what happens.
You should read this funny, sweet, cozy mystery book to forget the day's worries. Who would not love to live in a rural town like Candy Cane Hollow? I engaged and laughed at the action of the characters and the plot of this book. I love Mona Marple's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Christmas Corpse was well-written and researched by Mona Marple. I like Mona Marple's description of the settings of Christmas Corpse, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
You should read this funny, sweet, cozy mystery book to forget the day's worries. Who would not love to live in a rural town like Candy Cane Hollow? I engaged and laughed at the action of the characters and the plot of this book. I love Mona Marple's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Christmas Corpse was well-written and researched by Mona Marple. I like Mona Marple's description of the settings of Christmas Corpse, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
December 29, 2023
This is just so godawful it's almost good... Almost. It's like the Sharknado of the cozy Christmas mystery world.
The writing is truly terrible and the dialogue sounds like it was written by an AI. The characters are totally one dimensional and the killer was immediately obvious.
But, it is at least festive and the author seems self aware that this is just SO over the top that it might just work... Although ultimately it really really doesn't.
I did have fun laughing with my husband about how bad it was. Once they mentioned CandyBook (instead of Facebook) I was ready to throw my e-reader out the window. But, I persevered and got a mediocre ending with possibly the worst final line of a novel... Ever.
It only gets 2 stars rather than 1 because I enjoyed laughing at how ridiculous it was, and it was super short.
The writing is truly terrible and the dialogue sounds like it was written by an AI. The characters are totally one dimensional and the killer was immediately obvious.
But, it is at least festive and the author seems self aware that this is just SO over the top that it might just work... Although ultimately it really really doesn't.
I did have fun laughing with my husband about how bad it was. Once they mentioned CandyBook (instead of Facebook) I was ready to throw my e-reader out the window. But, I persevered and got a mediocre ending with possibly the worst final line of a novel... Ever.
It only gets 2 stars rather than 1 because I enjoyed laughing at how ridiculous it was, and it was super short.
January 21, 2021
This was a great little story which I read as an ARC reader. It is sweet and reminds me of the sort of tale you would watch on TV during the run up to Christmas. There is a child-like element throughout, making it suitable for children as well.
Holly Wood finds herself rescued from her crashed car by none other than Mrs Claus. Not long after the rescuer takes her home and gives her shelter, Santa's wife is accused of murder!
I did know who had done it, but it didn't matter. This isn't a classic whodunnit. A perfect, gentle read.
Holly Wood finds herself rescued from her crashed car by none other than Mrs Claus. Not long after the rescuer takes her home and gives her shelter, Santa's wife is accused of murder!
I did know who had done it, but it didn't matter. This isn't a classic whodunnit. A perfect, gentle read.
October 10, 2025
Christmas Corpse by Mona Marple was absolutely delightful. Holly Wood (her actual name) has a car accident and ends up getting saved by Mrs. Claus and in Candy Cane Hollow, the new North Pole. There, she meets the new hot Santa and his sweet mom who ends up getting accused of murder. Holly decides to snoop around and find the killer in order to clear Mrs. Claus.
I listened to Christmas Corpse and it was an absolute marshmallow of a book. The characters were charming and sweet. I loved that there's a sexy new Santa, that made me laugh a lot. The book accomplishes exactly what it set out to do but I didn't give it 5 stars because it was too short in my opinion. I wanted more!
Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Media, and Mona Marple for giving me the opportunity to listen to this book. All opinions are my own.
I listened to Christmas Corpse and it was an absolute marshmallow of a book. The characters were charming and sweet. I loved that there's a sexy new Santa, that made me laugh a lot. The book accomplishes exactly what it set out to do but I didn't give it 5 stars because it was too short in my opinion. I wanted more!
Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Media, and Mona Marple for giving me the opportunity to listen to this book. All opinions are my own.
December 20, 2020
Sweet Xmas Story!! Recommend 🎅🏻⛄️
October 9, 2022
Holly Wood would never have guessed that 40 minutes from London, there is a magical winter wonderland called Candy Cane Hollow with various parts of town called Tinker Town and Mistletoe Moor. But then again, Holly never thought she'd slide off the road into a snow bank on her way home from the last day of her contractor job before Christmas and be rescued by none other than Mrs. Claus and taken home to Claus Cottage. Holly's not only dazzled by the quaint setting but also learning of holiday events like the Christmas Light Switch on, the Mince Pie Half-Marathon, the Candy Cane Cross-Country Skiing, and even an Ice Sculpture Competition.
It's unbelievable that murder could occur in such an extraordinary place, and it is inconceivable that the Candy Cane Constabulary from Poinsettia Precinct has become focused on a beloved community member. Can Holly stay and help solve the mysterious case?
This is the most enchanting Christmas cozy mystery that I've ever read. The descriptions of the setting are picturesque; the characters are charming, and the names of everything bring to vivid color all the joys of one's childhood imagination of the North Pole, only closer to home. I can't wait to read more of this series! But first, I need to go and make myself a cup of hot cocoa (Candy Cane Hollow style). You'll need to read the cozy yourself to learn why it's an essential and delicious accompaniment to read this story.
It's unbelievable that murder could occur in such an extraordinary place, and it is inconceivable that the Candy Cane Constabulary from Poinsettia Precinct has become focused on a beloved community member. Can Holly stay and help solve the mysterious case?
This is the most enchanting Christmas cozy mystery that I've ever read. The descriptions of the setting are picturesque; the characters are charming, and the names of everything bring to vivid color all the joys of one's childhood imagination of the North Pole, only closer to home. I can't wait to read more of this series! But first, I need to go and make myself a cup of hot cocoa (Candy Cane Hollow style). You'll need to read the cozy yourself to learn why it's an essential and delicious accompaniment to read this story.
March 14, 2023
You know those movies that are so bad you lowkey start to enjoy them? That's almost what this book was for me. It's not well-written, sentences are repetitive and over the top, the main characters name is Holly Wood ffs. It's a quick read, the killer is obvious from about 1/3 in (because everyone is just so nice and loved except this one character no one really talks about and no one seems to have any connection with?), and the last sentence of the book is literally "all I want for christmas is you".
But really, I'm sitting here smiling at how bad this was so it's a 2 for me.
But really, I'm sitting here smiling at how bad this was so it's a 2 for me.
September 5, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🤔🎵🤗🎧
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book one of six
She is driving in a snow storm and runs off the road. Mrs. Claus rescues her and the fun begins with a murder.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of mystery novels 🏠👒🎎. 2024
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book one of six
She is driving in a snow storm and runs off the road. Mrs. Claus rescues her and the fun begins with a murder.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of mystery novels 🏠👒🎎. 2024
December 10, 2025
3,75 ⭐️
This was very wholesome and had great Christmas vibes!
Sometimes it was a bit cheesy but I had a really good time!
This was very wholesome and had great Christmas vibes!
Sometimes it was a bit cheesy but I had a really good time!
October 10, 2024
This was a different and twisty story that kept me intrigued. Lots of fun.
December 6, 2021
This was a really cute holiday cozy - with very light magical elements. Perfect for reading during the holiday season. I enjoyed the mystery and all things at Claus Cottage.
I borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited to read for book club. My rating and review are not influenced in any way.
I borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited to read for book club. My rating and review are not influenced in any way.
December 8, 2022
“I’d been a lover of all things Christmas once upon a time.”
“In truth, I’d never really stopped believing in Santa, in the magic of Christmas.”
“I really was in a winter wonderland surrounded by elves and ice sculptures and… a murderer.”
Dreadful. Not a good cozy. And definitely not an author I will ever read again.
“In truth, I’d never really stopped believing in Santa, in the magic of Christmas.”
“I really was in a winter wonderland surrounded by elves and ice sculptures and… a murderer.”
Dreadful. Not a good cozy. And definitely not an author I will ever read again.
November 22, 2024
I checked twice to make sure this wasn’t a children’s book.
December 21, 2025
Christmas Corpse (A Christmas Cozy Mystery) by Mona Marple
This is a cute, magical murder mystery with a strong Christmas theme, very much on the fun and cosy side of the genre.
Who knew Santa does not live at the North Pole, but in a small English town? Our main character, Holly Wood, accidentally ends up there after being rescued from a car crash by Mrs Claus herself. Things quickly take a turn when someone is murdered by a poisoned mince pie, and Mrs Claus becomes the main suspect. Naturally, Holly feels compelled to help clear her name.
The police are, at first glance, incredibly incompetent, though the story later suggests they are not quite as useless as they seem. Still, the investigation often feels more like luck than actual detective skill, and clues are sometimes missed in ways that made me raise an eyebrow.
That said, this book is clearly meant to be cute and fun rather than serious or realistic. Once I leaned into that, I was able to look past the lack of professionalism and just enjoy the ride. This is very much a comedy mystery, exactly as the blurb promises. If you get easily annoyed by obvious clues being overlooked, this one might not be for you.
With plenty of wintery details and festive atmosphere, this makes for a cheerful seasonal read. A light, cosy mystery to relax your brain, sip a hot drink, and enjoy Christmas vibes without thinking too hard.
This is a cute, magical murder mystery with a strong Christmas theme, very much on the fun and cosy side of the genre.
Who knew Santa does not live at the North Pole, but in a small English town? Our main character, Holly Wood, accidentally ends up there after being rescued from a car crash by Mrs Claus herself. Things quickly take a turn when someone is murdered by a poisoned mince pie, and Mrs Claus becomes the main suspect. Naturally, Holly feels compelled to help clear her name.
The police are, at first glance, incredibly incompetent, though the story later suggests they are not quite as useless as they seem. Still, the investigation often feels more like luck than actual detective skill, and clues are sometimes missed in ways that made me raise an eyebrow.
That said, this book is clearly meant to be cute and fun rather than serious or realistic. Once I leaned into that, I was able to look past the lack of professionalism and just enjoy the ride. This is very much a comedy mystery, exactly as the blurb promises. If you get easily annoyed by obvious clues being overlooked, this one might not be for you.
With plenty of wintery details and festive atmosphere, this makes for a cheerful seasonal read. A light, cosy mystery to relax your brain, sip a hot drink, and enjoy Christmas vibes without thinking too hard.
September 4, 2025
Christmas Cozy Mystery with a touch of cozy romance
"Christmas Corpse: A Festive Christmas Cozy Mystery Set In A Winter Wonderland (A Christmas Cozy Mystery Series #1)" by Mona Marple (aka Katie Forrest) has Holly Wood getting whisked off to the mew North Pole shortly before Christmas. Her car hit some black ice when leaving her temp job in London and the Mrs. Claus saved her from freezing to death. Mrs. Claus brings her home to Candy Cane Hollow to recover.
While there Holly meets the hunky heir to the Santa Claus legacy. He's about to fully take over from his dad as current Santa. Unfortunately, things get extra stressful when his mom (Mrs. Claus) gets accused of poisoning the local doctor's secretary. There's a couple of other suspects, but the only evidence points to Mrs. Claus.
Holly decides to hang around and help investigate. Mrs. Claus did save her life after all and maybe flirt about with Nick (Hunky New Santa). I was ready to settle on one particular suspect but the actual culprit was slowly creeping in as my top pick when the reveal started.
This book hits all the classic cozy mystery themes. There's also a smidge of cozy romance. Holly seems to have found a place she'll fit in and find what she's been looking for.
"Christmas Corpse: A Festive Christmas Cozy Mystery Set In A Winter Wonderland (A Christmas Cozy Mystery Series #1)" by Mona Marple (aka Katie Forrest) has Holly Wood getting whisked off to the mew North Pole shortly before Christmas. Her car hit some black ice when leaving her temp job in London and the Mrs. Claus saved her from freezing to death. Mrs. Claus brings her home to Candy Cane Hollow to recover.
While there Holly meets the hunky heir to the Santa Claus legacy. He's about to fully take over from his dad as current Santa. Unfortunately, things get extra stressful when his mom (Mrs. Claus) gets accused of poisoning the local doctor's secretary. There's a couple of other suspects, but the only evidence points to Mrs. Claus.
Holly decides to hang around and help investigate. Mrs. Claus did save her life after all and maybe flirt about with Nick (Hunky New Santa). I was ready to settle on one particular suspect but the actual culprit was slowly creeping in as my top pick when the reveal started.
This book hits all the classic cozy mystery themes. There's also a smidge of cozy romance. Holly seems to have found a place she'll fit in and find what she's been looking for.
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