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Homicide at the Holidays

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Join Dahlia, Diantha, and Taco Dog as they solve a pine-scented murder mystery in the festive seaside town of Saltcliff!
Dahlia and the gang are preparing to host the Donovan family at the Saltcliff Inn for the week of Christmas. The Donovans are practically Saltcliff royalty--one of the oldest families in town, and the ones who originally built the Saltcliff Bed & Breakfast. The pressure is on!

So when a body is found (in a barrel in the bar in the basement, ha!) just as they arrive, Dahlia must figure out who it is, who put it there, and why.

But unraveling a hundred year old murder is the least of her worries. As she and Detective Owen Sanderson dig through the windy trail of clues, they uncover an even bigger secret. One that relates to Dahlia's history, and Diantha's future!

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2024

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28 people want to read

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Nancy Stewart

6 books40 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Elizabeth Connor.
1,466 reviews41 followers
December 21, 2024
Thanks to the author for an ARC of this novel, which I read and forgot to post my review. Sorry. I definitely recommend this book. I wondered how they could possibly fit another murder into Dahlia’s life, but they do. And it’s surprising and well done. The author even pokes fun at the idea by saying, “It had been a great year, but there had been more bodies than in a typical year, now that I thought about it. Especially since typical years had no bodies at all.”

I also loved the author’s literary humor, like when she repeatedly used this bit of alliteration: “There’s a body in a barrel in the basement.” Owen, head (only?) detective in Saltcliff and boyfriend of Dahlia, quickly shuts her down when she keeps repeating the phrase. If you’re familiar with Dahlia’s character, I don’t need to tell you about her quirks. She has never been able to build personal relationships, so the through-line in all of these books is Dahlia’s personal growth.

Dahlia is building strong relationships with her new family and experiencing emotions that scare her—something entirely new for her. It’s bittersweet because she has all of this now because of the death of her sister Daisy. One of her new family members is her sister’s teenaged daughter, Diantha. When Diantha goes out in the icy weather, Dahlia encourages her to be careful. Her response is: “Did you ever think about how silly that is, how we tell people to be careful? Like I always hear people say, ‘drive safely.’ As if whoever they’re telling had been planning to drive erratically instead (sic), but now will change their plans since someone who loves them suggested they be careful instead.”

I could go on, but really, I just want to recommend this series. It’s funny, it’s well-written, and it’s touching to experience Dahlia’s new-found emotions with her.
Profile Image for Tammy Moldovan.
1,985 reviews25 followers
November 22, 2024
Holidays, homicide and family secrets

I loved this holiday addition to this cozy mystery series - Dolly and Owen (and Taco) are some of my new favorite characters. I just love their interactions and the building of their relationship. Like the other books in this series, the story hooked me in and took me along for a fun mystery sleuthing adventure as seen through the eyes of an awkward and endearing neurospicy heroine with a super cute dog. Despite being about murder, the book really has a warm cozy and happy feel. Dahlia (Dolly) is a shy introvert who struggles in social interactions. She is a likable, witty, and captivating character who is a real, relatable person who has flaws, but is really trying to just do her best as a messy human. She has settled into her new life as the guardian of her 12 year old niece, Diantha (Danny) and running the Saltcliff Inn. The family of the original owner of the Inn rents out the entire Inn to spend their holidays there. Of course, right before their guests’ arrival, Dolly and the construction foreman doing renovations in the basement of the Inn find a body in a barrel. To solve the decades old murder while dealing with the sniping family staying at the Inn, and the family secrets will take all of Dolly’s powers of observation and deduction along with a big dose of patience. This well written story has a little bit of everything just like you would expect from a good cozy mystery - sweet moments, friendships, laughs, real life issues, imperfect characters, painful pasts, small town quirky people, gossip, a competent sweet detective, mysteries, unexpected plot twists, and secrets. I am happy to know there will be more mysteries for Dolly and Owen to solve. I love them. 4.5 stars.
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,694 reviews
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December 12, 2024
A Holiday Homicide by Nancy Stewart, book three in the Saltcliff Mysteries, is an enjoyable cozy mystery as Dahlia, Taco Dog, Diantha (Danny), Amal and Owen are back for yet another murder in the lovely seaside town of Saltcliff by the Sea.

It‘s holiday time and the Donovan family has rented the entire inn for the holidays, they are the original owners of the inn. The coastal town of Saltcliff gets an ice/snowstorm keeping everyone inside. The Donovan's include Margaret the Matriarch, modest teachers Eric & Vanessa with their twins, a sullen sister, Emily and a spoiled older son just waiting for his inheritance, Peter & Sabrina & daughter Isabelle. This time a body is found in the bar, in a barrel, in the basement, hidden for almost 100 years. Owen and Dahlia, with the help of Danny and Isabelle search for clues as well as how this is somehow connected to the Donovan family.

This enjoyable cozy holiday story has a little bit of everything, just as you would expect from a good cozy mystery: sweet moments, new friendships, laughs, real life issues, imperfect characters, painful pasts, small town quirky people, gossip, competent handsome police, mysteries and secrets. Add in a freak snowstorm and a dysfunctional family of guests, and you’ve got a story that will keep you engaged; wanting to figure out the mystery. I can't wait to see what's next for Dahlia.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
444 reviews5 followers
November 23, 2024
This is the third book in the „Saltcliff Mysteries“ series and while it can be read as a stand-alone it will be enjoyed more if you have read at least the first book in the series to know most of the background information.

It‘s christmas and the inn is booked by the Donovan family that used to own the inn before Dahlia‘s sister bought it. Unfortunately shortly before they arrive a body is found in the inn‘s basement - one that has been hidden there for almost 100 years. Dahlia and Owen with the help of Dahlia’s niece and the guests start to investigate to solve how the body ended up in a barrel in the basement a century ago…

I really enjoyed reading this book. I love this series and this book is a perfect cozy mystery for the holidays. The mystery is intriguing and I enjoyed reading about Saltcliff and it‘s quirky inhabitants again. I read the book in one day and am already looking forward to the next installment.

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Claudia, Cmarie927.
2,065 reviews41 followers
November 16, 2024
I am in love with this series!

Dahlia and Taco Dog find themselves in the middle of another murder mystery! Seriously, how many people meet their demise in this town! hahaha...

This time, the situation surrounds the family of the original owners of the Inn. Coincidentally, relatives of the owners have come to stay at the Saltcliff for Christmas. I found the love story (that winds through the mystery of how and why) just as addictive as the family drama of the visitors. It was fun to be back with these characters, and continue following their journey of healing from their loss of Daisy. Additionally, Owen and Dahlia's attraction continues to make my heart happy, they are just so cute!

I recommend reading this series in order., and I am eager for the continuation of this storyline.
I received a free ARC (thank you) and voluntarily leave my review. One click this today... it's great.
2,202 reviews6 followers
November 23, 2024
This is the third in the cozy mystery series that takes place at the Saltcliff Inn. Dahlia, Dianthus and Amal (owner, niece, and friend/employee) are all back, as well as Taco Dog (Dahlia's allergen alert service dog) and detective Owen Sanderson. It's Christmas, and the Donovan family who used to own the inn has come to visit. They have barely arrived when they are snowed in for the first part of their visit. Nothing like forced proximity to bring out the best and worst of a family's relationships. The scene is set for the discovery of a body (hidden long ago in a barrel in the old speakeasy part of the inn) and the plot takes off. There are plenty of interesting revelations and surprises to this story. And even a few recipes included, which seems only fair after reading about all the lovely meals and snacks that the inn's guests enjoy. This is a perfect cozy holiday read!

I was given an ARC and volunteered to provide a review.
1,707 reviews14 followers
January 1, 2025
The third installment is a great addition to the series. While preparing for a family to show up to the inn, Dahlia is informed that there is something she needs to see in the speakeasy. When she gets downstairs, she finds out that there is a body in a barrel. She calls Owen, and even though they try to keep a secret from the family, they see the coroner.

There were a lot of twists and turns during this book and one big revelation that I hope leads to more visits. I love how the relationship between Owen and Dahlia is progressing, even though it is slow, it makes sense because of who she is. I also adore her niece and how she seems to be growing the more she learns about her aunt and her mom.

With so many avenues this series can take, I hope there are more to come. I am really enjoying this series and this book added things that I didn’t even realize I wanted to be added. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.
260 reviews4 followers
December 10, 2024
I was honoured to receive this advance copy of this book and this is my honest reply.

Diantha, Dahlia, Taco the dog and the rest of the gang are back again for this new story. This can be read as a stand alone.

The Bed & Breakfast in Saltcliff was fully booked for over Christmas by a family called the Donovan's. This is the exact family that built and ran the B&B for years.

There is a major weather warning for snow, but as it is incredibly rare no-one heeded the warning.

As Dahlia was having contractors doing some work in the building. It wasn't until they looked inside some kegs that they came across a dead body.

This body was discovered just as all the guests were arriving.
Detective Owen Sanderson was contacted. Because the Donovan's owned the B&B in the past - are any of these guests guilty??
77 reviews3 followers
December 12, 2024
This latest Saltmarsh mystery finds Dahlia in high gear prepping for the Christmas holidays. A quick inspection of the construction going on in the inn's old basement speakeasy, comes with an unwelcome surprise. There's a body in a barrel in the basement! Timing could not be worse as the entire inn has been booked by the Donovan family, whose antecedents were the inn’s Founder's! As the corpse’s story unfolds, it spins a web that wraps around the inn, the Donovans and even Dahlia and Diantha.


Once again, Ms. Stewart gives us an intriguing cast of characters. The storyline explores complicated family dynamics, drops tantalizing hints and leads us down a twisted path to unexpected answers. Just when you think you've figured it out, there's a new wrinkle. And you love every minute. This is the book you'd definitely want to find your stocking! 
Profile Image for Linda Dunn.
1,287 reviews29 followers
December 1, 2024
The truth always comes out in the end...

Murder is afoot again. It appears Dahlia is embroiled in another mystery very close to home, in fact right in the Inn. The original owners of the Inn, the Donovans, are having their Christmas celebration at the Inn which puts even more pressure on Dahlia to try and solve it as quickly as possible.

Detective Owen Sanderson has his hands full in trying to sort out this whodunit which appears to be 100 years old. I am once again lured into what is inevitably an enjoyable array of events that are puzzling and full of riddles. I am hoping in the next book, Owen and Dahlia take their relationship to the next level.
1,873 reviews33 followers
December 11, 2024
I could not put this book down! I was so caught up in the story that I lost all track of time.

It's Christmas at Saltcliff and the family of the original owners of the inn have booked the entire building for an extended holiday trip. Dahlia is looking forward to learning more about the history of the inn.

However, when renovations of the newly discovered downstairs speakeasy turn up an unexpected surprise, Dahlia and her boyfriend, Detective Owen, have a century old mystery on their hands.

I had so much fun putting the clues together with Dahlia and Danny. And I'm looking forward to more adventures!
Profile Image for Melenareads .
3,304 reviews79 followers
December 14, 2024
This cozy mystery series is so much fun to pick up! Homicide at the Holidays is the third book and I love that there are now through lines from the first two books as we've gotten to know the characters a bit. I really like how Dahlia and Diantha are finding their way with their new normal and how Dahlia is settling into the inn and town.

The mystery was well done and had enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. I enjoyed solving it alongside Dahlia as the clues were revealed.

This was a fun read and I am looking forward to more from the series!

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
January 5, 2025
As Dolly prepares for the holiday season she is hit with unwelcome news when a body that has been there for a while is uncovered. This is not what she needs as she is expecting a full house and she and Owen must work to uncover the truth with her guest being none the wiser.

Owen is a detective and Dolly’s boyfriend who once again finds himself embroiled in her shenanigans as mayhem and suspicious activities have a way of following her even if it is through no fault of her own.

In her past Dolly has always felt like she never truly belonged so I am enjoying seeing her relationships develop with Owen, her niece and the townspeople and the mystery adds another aspect to the story.
5 reviews
April 17, 2025
In Saltcliff Mysteries #3, Nancy Stewert delivers another captivating tale. Unlike the past two books, this one is set entirely in the inn, which gives it a nice twist. A speakeasy, a 100-year-old body, and a snowstorm set the scene as Dahlia (and Taco dog!) unravel a mystery tied to the inn's past. Hosting a family with deep ties to the inn adds to the chaos as Dahlia must navigate family dynamics and new holiday traditions with her niece, all while unraveling dark secrets of the past but digging up history has some unexpected surprises for Dahlia and Danny.
203 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2024
This is Nancy Stewart's third book in her cozy mystery series. It is a great read that keeps you engaged and entertained throughout the book. Dahlia is getting more accustomed to Owen's amorous attention. He is so patient with her - you just have to love him! The portrayal of the Donovan family gives some insight into real family dynamics with all the diverse characters and their interesting interactions with each other and the Inn staff. Ms Stewart did another fine job.
Profile Image for Gladys.
14k reviews162 followers
December 12, 2024
This is a totally wonderful entry in a not to be missed series that I'm always eager to dive back into. I love the combination of cozy mystery that will keep you guessing, main characters that are likable and engaging, suspense that causes you to feverishly turn those pages, tempting recipes that will make you eager to head into the kitchen and a tantalizing bit of brewing romance that I am already deeply passionately invested in.
Profile Image for Caroline.
321 reviews11 followers
December 14, 2024
My absolute favorite in the series thus far!

I really enjoyed the solving of a murder that took place a hundred years ago! I do enjoy a great cold case in a cozy setting. The Donovan family and the Christmas setting made it even more fun. Also—I laughed out loud reading Owen’s and Dahlia’s text exchanges. Cannot wait for the next book!

The Saltcliff Mystery series has the Gilmore Girls feel…just add in a dash of murder and move it to the west coast.


Single POV
Small town vibes
B&B setting
Romantic sub-plot
Cozy culinary series
Found family
Can be read as a standalone
52 reviews3 followers
December 13, 2024
Found: A body in a barrel in the bar in the basement
With the whole Donovan family occupying the Inn for the holidays, finding a body in a barrel in the bar in the basement is the start of an unexpected trip down memory lane. Saltcliff is an idyllic seaside town, with all the drama that comes with small town living. Come join the mayhem of a snowed-in Christmas, including the twists and turns of a century old murder mystery.
I received an advanced copy from the author
Profile Image for AmandaJR.
870 reviews8 followers
December 14, 2024
I love a good cozy mystery, and a Christmas cozy mystery I love even better! You have all the favorite characters in this series, Dolly, Taco Dog, Owen, Danny, and Amal (just to name a few, only because I can’t name everyone in the whole dang town) at the Saltcliff Inn working through a super old (but newly found) body in a barrel mystery.

~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~
Profile Image for Toni.
1,571 reviews65 followers
November 27, 2025
Good plot and interesting theme set in a 1920s speakeasy

I enjoyed this book. It wasn't exactly what I thought it would be. The family staying at the Inn made this read a bit trying and complex. I enjoyed the majority of the search for who the dead man was and how he was connected to the speakeasy. The system of letters passed between two characters in the 1920s was probably the most compelling aspect. This definitely had a lot of ups and downs but over all a good read.
Profile Image for Hannah B..
8 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2025
As I keep reading these books, they keep getting better and better. I am so happy I stumbled upon this author and this series.

I love Christmas time and this book captures that giddy feeling you get when you are about to celebrate Christmas with loved ones. The story line is cute, and keeps me engaged.

On to the 4th one now!
1,284 reviews19 followers
November 17, 2024
Homicide at the Holidays is a fantastic holiday cozy mystery. I love this series. The characters are fantastic. The mystery in this book is complex with many surprises. The Christmas setting is magical. This was a fun and engaging story. I could not put the book down. I absolutely loved this book.
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,925 reviews6 followers
December 12, 2024
Great Mystery Series

I'm really enjoying this mystery series and all the characters of Saltcliff. Dahlia,  Diantha and Amal run the Saltcliff Inn where there's always a mystery to solve with lots of intrigue and suspense.  A captivating read that I totally enjoyed.
Profile Image for Stephenie McNeil.
367 reviews3 followers
January 5, 2025
Great mystery

What a cute small town mystery. The varying of people and their personalities. The twists to this were quite unexpected, but very welcomed.
This author writes a great rom-com, but she’s also proven herself to write great small town mysteries as well!
Profile Image for Angie Boyter.
2,329 reviews97 followers
October 6, 2025
A well-done and enjoyable family holiday story.
The mystery element does not take off until WELL into the story, though, so if this is your main interest you might save this for a day when you are more in the mood for the above.
777 reviews3 followers
December 12, 2024
I loved this mystery such a clean story . Finding more about her family and sister . And enjoying the relationship with the police officer .
Profile Image for Beth Helm.
1,079 reviews
December 16, 2024
Great Story

I loved this book. There were plenty of unexpected twists and turns. I never saw the definitely shocking end coming.
Profile Image for Cecilia Dawn.
168 reviews2 followers
December 12, 2024
If you’re looking for a cozy holiday read, look no further! As Dahlia continues to settle into her new role as inn keeper and guardian to her niece, she finds herself embroiled in another mystery - one that’s been 100 years in the making! Add in a freak snowstorm and a dysfunctional family of guests, you’ve got a story that keeps the reader engaged. 5-star read, for me!
Profile Image for Schellie.
877 reviews
December 13, 2024
Well, book three of the Saltcliff Mysteries did not disappoint! We have the same amazing characters returning for more mysteries! Dahlia, Diantha, Amal, Owen & of course Taco Dog! This time, the Donovan family has rented the entire inn for the holidays, they are the original owners of the inn. Saltcliff gets an ice/snowstorm keeping everyone inside. The Donovan's include Margaret the Matriarch, humble teachers Eric & Vanessa, a sullen sister, Emily & a spoiled older son just waiting for his inheritance, Peter & Sabrina. This book, we find a body, in the bar, in a barrel, in the basement! Just how is all of this connected to the Donovan's? Owen, Dahlia, Danny & Isabelle(P&S daughter) help find all the clues! This story was exciting to read & I enjoyed the twist at the end as well! Enjoy!
Profile Image for Sarah.
57 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2025
Homicide at the Holidays follows in the steps of the previous Saltcliff Mysteries with a well written cozy murder mystery. It is not necessary to read the first two novels to enjoy this holiday themed story, but considering this story further deepens the relationships between the characters and the history of the Saltcliff Inn it is worth the time to start at the beginning. Unlike the previous novels this story is keeps the story tightly centered on the Inn itself. inclement weather requires the proprietors of the Inn and its guests to remain sequestered in the Inn.

The story takes some clearly telegraphed twists and turns, but the final reveal was an interesting and pleasant surprise. I would have preferred more development of the relationship between Owen and Dahlia, but I appreciate that it was not forced and feels authentic to the characters.

I won the first book in the series as part of a Goodreads Giveaway and it was effective in creating a fan of Nancy Stewart and this series. I look forward to future titles in this series and it appears the I won’t have to wait long for Book 4.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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