The Vampire and the Case of the Cozy Christmas

The Portlock Paranormal Detective #5.5

by Heather G. Harris, Jilleen Dolbeare

Vampires, gingerbread and Christmas magic – what could possibly go wrong?

All I want is a perfect Christmas with great food, amazing friends and the love of my life by my side. The tree is decorated, the feast (cooked by a hearth witch!) is ready, and Connor’s home is buzzing with festive cheer. This year I can feel Christmas magic is within my reach.

Then Liv calls.

When a necromancer rings for a favour, you know it’s not about borrowing sugar. Throw in a car accident involving the town drunk and a mysterious gingerbread thief targeting poor Sigrid’s baking, and my carefully planned holiday is on the brink of collapse.

Can I juggle saving Christmas, helping my friends and making it back in time to celebrate the holiday of my dreams?

Join Bunny and Connor in this heartwarming, magical holiday tale packed with festive mischief, a sprinkle of mystery – and plenty of Christmas cheer!

Don't miss the other Portlock Paranormal adventures!
The Vampire and the Case of her Dastardly Death – Prequel
The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf – Book 1
The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren – Book 2
The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee – Book 3
The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine – Book 4
The Vampire and the Case of the Perilous Poltergeist - Book 5
The Vampire and the Case of the Cozy Christmas – Book 6
The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag – Book 7

Genres: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Vampires, Mystery, Audiobook, Magic

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 13, 2024

Reviews

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

I actually really enjoyed this cute little catch-up and lovely, warm Christmas story. It is really short even for a novella, however. It publishes at 80 pages, but the story ends 60% through, so the last 40% is promotion for other books.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but sweet

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a fun novella in the Portlock Paranormal Detective Series! Bunny and Conner are trying to host a peaceful and fun, dare I say a perfect Christmas party that keeps getting interrupted. At only 80 pages, I breezed through this one happily. I really can't wait until the next book!

[Maria Fledgling Author Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portlock, Alaska, becomes a warm and fuzzy Christmas town for the supernatural residents it harbors. Bunny, Connor, Gunnar, Sigrid, Sidney, Stan, and the rest of the gang get together at Gunnar's house.

Much sneaking around has been done to acquire the most appropriate presents for everyone. Bunny decides that since she grew up with a 'perfect' Christmas, she is going to host the most enjoyable, messy, and mushy holiday ever.

Gunnar experiences a tough decision when faced with an opportunity to fix his past. Dinner is a little tense for a while but everything works out.

Heather Harris and Jilleen Dolbeare have written a wonderful thank-you story for us fans. I finished Cozy Christmas wishing I could fly away to Portlock and join in the fun. Thank you, authors, for such a lovely gift.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone who doesn’t like holiday-themed stories, I’ve sure been reading a lot. But what is a reader supposed to do when her favorite authors write them? LOL! Anyway, two Bunny stories came out right together and I was so darn excited to be back with Bunny. She’s such a vulnerable yet strong character, soft yet able to do the difficult things, and capable but willing to admit when she needs help, and I can’t help but love her. Add in the other characters, great storylines, fun plots, and such wonderful descriptions, I can’t help but love all of these books including this short story. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Rebecca Dukes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally what the title says a ‘Cosy Christmas’ read!

A great little novella set in Portlock with our favourite residents! I loved the references to the differences between a UK Christmas and one in Portlock.

Bunny is on call this Christmas and not all is what it seems! There is trouble afoot even during the festive season.

A great light hearted easy read.

Another great book.

[Traci Otte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely Christmas novella with lots of food, plenty of friends, a dash of drama, a smidge of mystery, and a whole heaping helping of heart! It made me wish I could celebrate Christmas with Bunny, Connor, Fluffy, Shadow, and all of their friends!

[Jenette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was exactly as light and cheesy as I expected.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars:)

[Megan Wrye · Rating 5 out of 5]

As △⃒⃘lways I loved everything about this book. It was just a small step back into portlock leaving you wanting more! This writing duo is one to watch out for they are golden.

[Mettesknit · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a cosy Christmas story ✨️ ❤️

[Mariela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy Christmas indeed - spoiler alert

I kinda wanna know more about the not pixie pixies. Sounds like they might be interesting! Lol
Liv made progress. Feel bad for her but I'm glad she got off her high horse for it. Christmas miracle!

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable

This cozy story for Bunny's first Christmas in Portlock was perfect. It was just what I needed to read. I can't WAIT for the next bunny adventure

[Roger Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 Book Review by R.M. Campbell 📚
The Vampire and the Case of the Cozy Christmas
By
Heather G. Harris and Jillen Dolbeare
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was a short novella that was easy and fun to read. Bunny, the FMC, wants nothing more than to celebrate the perfect Christmas with her friends and the love of her life, Conner. Bunny has planned out every detail for the event, from the decorated tree, food, drinks, and presents. Bunny is trying to create the Christmas she never had as a child. As the affair gets closer, unexpected interruptions and mysterious occurrences mount, threatening Bunny’s perfect Christmas celebration.
Although the story was short, a deeper dive into the story and the mixture of characters brought the season's real meaning to light. The plot was well-developed and flowed effortlessly and the reader is drawn into the realization that stuff happens, make the best of it. The story brought suspense and tension, but also brought along emotions and clean romance for a satisfying and enjoyable book. This is a novella I recommend as a feel-good, enjoyable seasonal read. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader's Copy of this book.

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gorgeous sweet beautiful Xmas story! I loved every second of it! It resonates with Xmas cheer, forgiveness and family. It felt emotive, especially with the highlighting of Bunny's previous Christmases, I felt how she must have at her mother's events, cold, glitsy, pretentious and I felt her deep desire to have a Xmas filled with real love, with people who are true family in every sense of the word. Stan's and Sidnee sure were lucky when Gunnar and Sig took them in, I felt the warmth they did in the brief reminiscing. Sig, OMG is there a more perfect person??? She encompasses the meaning of a giver, she's like Mother Theresa, always putting others before her, always warm and caring, always forgiving! I adore her! And Liv, oh my soul, poor Liv! I've always loved her character but to see such vulnerability and uncertainty was magical! I want more Liv!!! Actually.... I DEMAND more Liv! 🤣 A perfect book that embraces Xmas cheer and leaves me feeling gooey and mushy! Love it! I love a book that leaves me feeling so full of joy and this one did so in spades!

[Anaïsu Anaïsu · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely perfect treat just in time for the holidays! This Christmas story with the beloved Portlock series characters is everything I hoped for—and more. Bunny’s first Christmas in Portlock is brimming with charm, as she sets out to create the magical holiday she’s always dreamed of.

Of course, Bunny being Bunny, her holiday plans take a bit of a detour as duty calls—literally. Between answering calls and helping others enjoy their festivities, Bunny still manages to spread holiday cheer, and her interactions with Liv left me feeling a bit more for her character than ever before.

The mystery thief subplot was an absolute delight, adding a touch of whimsy and bringing a smile to my face. This heartwarming tale is the perfect blend of humor, mystery, and Christmas magic. I loved every moment!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of stuff in this book
A Novelette about Bunny’s first Christmas away from her formal, strict parents. Surrounded by her friends with all the normal, traditional Christmas festivities. Fave scenes: the gingerbread, and the snow globe

Links to bonus scenes from the previous books are available by signing up for the author’s newsletter. Most in Connor’s POV, but one in Fluffy’s
1) Wolf: Ballroom party with a drunk Bunny..
2) Siren: drug disposal pickup and Bunny’s return from outside the barrier.
3) Banshee: Dinner at Connor’s house, bearing her secrets.
4) Canine: Fluff’s POV: Bunny’s mom’s arrival. Cute!
5) Poltergeist: Connor getting Shadow to accept his vest.

The Glimmer of the Other: Chapter 1. Another series by the author about a sup PI named Jinx.

Splintercat. A novel by Jilleen Dolbeare, Harris’s co-author.

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully cozy story from the Portlock Paranormal world! Bunny is back from the trooper academy and ready to celebrate Christmas with those she loves. She is excited to do things her way and not the same old stuffy Christmas she had with her parents back in England. She has everyone gathered at Connor's house when she gets a call from Liv. And then there is the mystery of the missing gingerbread men!
This is such a heartwarming tale in many aspects! Bunny gets her Christmas, there may be forgiveness on the horizon, the perfect presents given out and a surprise ending to the gingerbread mystery! All the characters are in the Christmas spirit, even the ice cold Liv.
If you're looking for a fun, heartwarming Christmas read, look no further!

[Roberta Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bunny is excited to have her first REAL Alaskan Homemade Christmas with her smoking-hot beau Connor. The tree is decorated, lights twinkle, friends gather, and Gunnar's wife Sig is cooking! All that's missing is a mincemeat pie. Unfortunately, Bunny has volunteered to be on duty and gets a call, well actually 2 calls and an extra guest comes to dinner! This Christmas is like most celebrations ~ mounds of food, exchanging of presents, quarrels & bickering, and so much love! This Cozy Christmas gave me happy tears and joy and the sweetest gift of all!! Book available December 13

[Dallass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, downloaded this first thing this morning so I could finish it before going to work. I really enjoyed it. I love the characters, and this cozy Christmas setting was very much appreciated (especially in hot and sweltering QLD at the moment), so I flew through this.

My only gripe is that out of the 80 pages, only 46 made up the story, and the rest was just sample chapters, etc. Not a fan of this padding tactic as I was expecting the short story to take up most of the page count, so for that disappointing discovery, I knocked off a star.

[D K · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Present you DON'T WANT TO MISS READING! 😍🎄❤
This is a short Novella of Bunny celebrating Christmas with her second half Connor, as well as all her favorite people and her fur babies! A-make-you feel-good short story that fits right-in with this AMAZING, CAPTIVATING and ONE-OF-A-KIND paranormal series. Thanks so much to both Heather and Jilleen for taking the time and effort to give us this bonus story filled with jolly moments, little hiccups, fun and loving memories! Happy Holidays!!! Highly Recommended ❤❤❤

[Cheryl Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is just so good. I loved the story, I like the fact that Bunny gets a proper christmas and all of her closest friends are there, even Liv manages to make up and apologise and be a part of it. There is a small story to it as well, but it's mostly about Bunny make some memorable moments and being with Connor and what they got for Christmas. I am not spoiling it by saying what it is.
There's even a small colony of little people and a call out at a critical food time but all ends well and even the dog and cat get a present.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sweet story of Bunny's first Christmas in Portlock. It highlights the best of Christmastime that can often get lost in the stress and chaos of the season. This is a quick story that you can fit in as a nice break from that chaos, and for me personally, it put me a lot more in the "Christmas spirit." Even with it being shorter than the Portlock novels, it still has all of my favorite elements. All our favorite characters, cool Alaskan mythology, and a mystery to solve. I highly recommend this book!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a Christmas story and this one was just the perfect little snippet to add to a fabulous series. It managed to highlight both Bunny’s past - a lonely, unfulfilling upbringing with her parents - and the warmth she’s found with her new chosen family in Portlock, Alaska. There were both funny and sweet moments as gifts were exchanged and as someone who strives to find the perfect gifts to give to others, the thought the authors put into matching the gifts to the characters was perfect. I adored this so, so much.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bunny and Connor are (supe) couple goals and they want the perfect Christmas with their friends. Nothing is ever totally straight forward for Bunny and there has to be a mystery to be solved. Then there is Liv… and there is NOTHING straight forward about her!

This has everything you could wish for from Bunny and the inhabitants of Portlock, wrapped up in a big Christmas bow and full of festive feels.

[Dayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adorable and charming Christmas story! Bunny has invited all of her new family and friends over for her first American Christmas celebration. It was cute to read just a cozy, small story of how she chose the gifts she chose and enjoyed the food that was provided. It was adorable, and a tiny little bit of forgiveness was found for Liv, which I am excited to see as well.

"I was going to do Christmas for myself, my pets and my friends – and it was going to be epic."

[Marci · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean, it was okay I guess. There really wasn’t anything to write home about. I think other points that haven’t been cleared up in previous books annoyed me here. Bunny forcing Gunnar to deal with Liv at Christmas? A bit hypocritical I think since she’s not talking to her parents, and Live almost killed Gunnar’s wife and his adopted children. Regardless of her being possessed or not, give the guy a little more time.

[Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely little Christmas stocking filler from Heather and Jileen that warms the heart and brings home that it doesn’t matter what you receive for Christmas but what you already have.

Of course it wouldn’t be a Bunny book without a little bit of upheaval and mystery but you’ll just have to read it for yourself and find out.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Bunny. In this book we get to see her in a relaxed setting showing compassion and enjoying life. I also greatly enjoyed seeing a new vulnerable side of Liv! Sig’s compassion and ability to forgive someone who has done her harm and continually hit on her husband it unfathomable. This was a wonderful Christmas story!

[She · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun little story

This was great, a little Christmas gathering with no super villains or dangerous situations. It would be great if the author did another one for the Vernal Equinox to hold us over until the hag book. I like it when characters get a break sometimes to have fun without fearing for life and limb. :)