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The 12 Mysteries of In the Nick of Time Faith Tillerson loves her job as a school teacher but it doesn’t leave much opportunity to meet eligible bachelors—unless you count divorced fathers and perhaps a stalker. Nick Claussen knows he’s a workaholic but what’s a guy to do when murder doesn’t take a holiday? Hopefully they’ll be able to get through the holidays alive. THE 12 MYSTERIES OF CHRISTMAS
Book 1: IN THE NICK OF TIME by Susette Williams
Book 2: GABRIEL’S SECRET by Alexa Verde
Book 3: GUARDING CANDY KANE by V.B. Tenery
Book 4: UP ON THE ROOFTOP by Lilly York
Book 5: TIDINGS OF JOY by P. Creeden
Book 6: HOLLY IN HIDING by P. Creeden
Book 7: STARR WITNESS by Susette Williams
Book 8: NOELLE ON THE RUN by Alexa Verde
Book 9: GOLDEN BELLES ARE WRINGING by Gina Conroy
Book 10: DEATH BY FIGGY PUDDING by P. Creeden
Book 11: SWEET REVENGE by Lilly York
Book 12: MERRY WITHOUT MALICE by P. Creeden

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First published August 1, 2018

164 people are currently reading
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About the author

Susette Williams

120 books60 followers
also publishes under the name Susette Renee Williams

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5 stars
71 (40%)
4 stars
55 (31%)
3 stars
35 (19%)
2 stars
13 (7%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa.
899 reviews12 followers
December 23, 2018
This was a really fast read. I’ve been meaning to try this series out. I started with this one. I love the title. It fits so well. I had been in the middle of a book but read a few paragraphs of this one and was so hooked I couldn’t stop. Even though there were a few things I thought could’ve been written different, it was still so engaging I have to say I will read anything this author writes.
Profile Image for Gloria.
1,137 reviews160 followers
September 22, 2018
This is a short and fast paced suspense that is great to if you want a short read or between longer books. The characters are realistic and the plot is developed quickly but well. Nick Claussen is taking a break for his job in the FBI and visiting his sister, Carol, and nephew, Colton, in Christmas Tyme, Colorado for Christmas. Faith Tillerson is Colton's teacher, a young attractive woman. She and Nick hit it off right away. But after one of the cafeteria workers is killed in her home and Faith and the school nurse both receive gifts with disturbing notes, Nick starts using his FBI skills with the local police to investigate. This is a great afternoon read full of suspense, romance and some Christmas wishes answered.
Profile Image for Kat Lebo.
855 reviews15 followers
December 4, 2018
In the Nick of Time (The 12 Mysteries of Christmas #1)
by Susette Williams.

This was the first of (obviously) 12 novellas/novels, all written by different authors. With this as the first one, I can't image anyone buying any of the others.

First, the writing is about the level of the child in the story -- 5th grade. And very judgemental. Glad I don't know any of these characters IRL. Note to authors, if I want to read scripture, I can read the Bible. While there was a good mystery in the book, that was really about all.

Also, at 205 on my kindle, there was this inexplicable word use: "...I work with the FBI, and in lieu of some of the incidents we have seen recently, it concerned me that the school didn't even check my I.D. before allowing me to go to your class." I will give the author the benefit of the doubt that she meant to say ...in light of some of the incidents we have seen..., but the ...in lieu... of not only makes no sense, it pretty much negates what she intended to convey. And yes, that was my first clue that I should just close the book and move on. Sorrowfully, I did not do that. Note to self: trust your gut.

I read 50%, then scanned the rest, but it is definitely on my threw it at the wall shelf.
Profile Image for Trish R..
1,772 reviews58 followers
November 9, 2018


This was a nice little story about a making of a serial killer, who only killed one woman before he was killed himself.

However, this is definitely not an author for me. I wouldn’t even have finished it if it had been more than 83 pages.

It started going wrong for me when Nick and Faith, she’s a teacher and he’s an FBI agent, ran into each other at church. Then Nick said grace at dinner. Then Faith said she would “pray for wisdom and God’s will.” Then Nick said he wanted to keep their relationship chaste so he doesn’t tarnish her reputation. Definitely not my kind of reading material. I don’t care if it’s clean but I don’t care for all the religious stuff. It could have been a better story.

And for a lot of you I doubt you would have liked that Nick and Faith were saying “I love you” in about 4 days.

Like I said, it was a cute story but I won’t be reading this author again. All the other books in this series are written by different authors but they’re all listed under “Christian Books.” So, that’s a bummer.
128 reviews
August 16, 2018
Nick meets Faith at school when he comes to pick up his nephew while he's on a visit. There is a spark between the two despite an misunderstanding about a gift Nick found sitting outside Faith's room. Nick is in law enforcement and when strange, scary things start to happen to Faith and a fellow teacher, he jumps right in to figure out what's going on. This story has sweet written all in it. You root for Nick and Faith to solve the mystery so they can move forward with a relationship.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Wade.
750 reviews26 followers
November 26, 2018
This was a quick holiday read. There wasn't much of a mystery to it as the culprit was pretty much the only reasonable suspect presented. I thought for sure that this was a big red herring and a nice twist was on its way; no such luck. Also, the romance angle was hurried. I see that this series is written by different authors so can't say that I won't continue and give book #2 a try to see if better than the first. I did appreciate the Christian aspects presented; I just wish there was more mystery involved.
1,399 reviews7 followers
August 8, 2018
When Nick showed up at Colton’s school to surprise him, he never expected to meet someone like Faith. When strange things start happening to Taylor and Faith, Nick can’t stand back and not help them. The characters in this book are all very special people. You will feel God working throughout this whole book. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
Profile Image for Renate Deutsche Oma.
1,381 reviews
August 26, 2018
Unusual Christmas Bears with creepy poems lead to a twist and turn plot during the Christmas season. A quick read with intriguing characters ending with a satisfying conclusion. While I enjoyed the story, the mystery needed another edit for a few typos that did not distract from the reading, but made me pause and reread a few sentences.
Profile Image for Susan.
623 reviews30 followers
August 8, 2018
What a good start to a Christmas mystery series. I loved Nick and Faith, and Colton was a joy. This was an easy read and just right for the holidays. I would recommend it.
I was given a digital copy of the book by the author and was not required to write a positive review.
35 reviews
November 5, 2018
Good read

This was a little short. I bought this thinking it was a collection of stories not just book 1. My fault for not reading closer. The story was good, but seemed rushed do to the length.
516 reviews4 followers
December 27, 2018
Good short story.

This is a Christian short mystery. You find yourself involved with this book pretty much from the beginning. This is a Christmas mystery that has love, hope, faith and murder all mixed to deliver a good story. Look forward to more of this author's work.
Profile Image for Holly.
706 reviews22 followers
December 20, 2019
I read this book as part of a set. Really enjoyed it! The writing was strong and the characters were related and I enjoyed the story.

Unfortunately, book 2 didn't grab me and I set the series aside for now.
Profile Image for Susan Clark.
547 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2020
This book is a heartwarming reminder that there are still good people in the world. However, the flip side is there, stark reminders of evil all-too-close. Quite well written. I hope to meet the main characters again sometime.
1,829 reviews12 followers
April 30, 2023
FBI agent Nick is supposed to be on vacation. But he becomes involved in a mystery that includes 2 women at his nephew's school. This is a cute, short story that is perfect for an afternoon read. I enjoyed it very much.
Profile Image for Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review.
2,351 reviews31 followers
December 15, 2024
It was okay. Clean, Christmas romance with some minor suspense. Many of the reviewers complained about the religious aspect. It’s a Christian romance. That’s what you’re signing up to read, folks. I wasn’t bothered by that aspect of the book, I just didn’t think it was great reading. It was okay.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,289 reviews18 followers
August 3, 2018
Truly a super read. Well written. I was engaged from the first sentence. Edge of my seat suspense. Highly recommend. I was given an advance reader copy by the author. Opinions are my own.
111 reviews
November 1, 2018
Very Good

A new author for me. Did not disappoint. Well written and kept you in your toes. My thought was, is Grayson the killer? Or someone else.
1,829 reviews24 followers
November 23, 2018
Mystery 1

This was a nice little story. I like mysteries that don’t go into great detail, so this one was very good.
Profile Image for Shanon Edwards.
3 reviews
November 25, 2018
Light reading

Pretty interesting read. Light and entertaining. Just right for a very busy Christmas season. I would read another from this author
Profile Image for Dawn Trainer.
123 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2018
Very Enjoyable!

An exciting start to the 12 book series! I can't wait to read the rest of the Twelve Mysteries set!!!
2,339 reviews26 followers
January 20, 2019
Well written short romantic suspense story. The characters were realistic and I enjoyed trying to figure out who the bad guy was.
513 reviews
July 16, 2020
Quick Christmas murder mystery

Do you need a quick romance fix? This is just the thing. It's short and to the point. Merry Christmas!
Profile Image for Rachael.
980 reviews
January 22, 2025
Good read.

This book was good for a novella. The plot was well developed and there was a bit of suspense. The romance was light. Good, short, clean story.
88 reviews
November 8, 2025
lo enjoy cleansing stories and trying to figure out who dunnit. This did not disappoint. I really enjoyed it and will be reading more of her books!
Profile Image for Glenda Parker.
Author 14 books21 followers
September 14, 2018
My review today is on the mystery, In the Nick of Time. This is the first book in The Twelve Mysteries of Christmas. I really enjoyed this book. It is well written, full of intrigue, and faith. I know you are going to love it. I always like Susette's books.

FBI Agent Nick Claussen is on vacation. Truth to tell he is coming home to visit his sister and his nephew because he is a little burned out and alone. His boss has encouraged him to take a little time off. He arrives at his nephew's school to pick up him up. He is concerned when no one checked his ID. He just signed a paper. When he arrives at the right room there is a large Christmas bear in front of the door. He picks it up and carries it in. The teacher runs into him but he handed her the bear. What he wouldn't have given to have a teacher like her.

Faith Tillerson is upset about a strange man giving her a gift no matter how good looking he is. The bear had a creepy note with it. She tries to avoid him at the church on Sunday but he comes straight for her. He assures her he didn't send the bear it had been sitting in the door. He cautions her about the lack of security at the school. Monday the nurse comes to her room and is shocked to see the bear. She has received one too but with a creepy note, along with a Christmas tree, and a photo of herself. Something strange is going on. She shared her concerns with Nick. When a body that looks much like her shows up Nick is concerned about a serial stalker/killer.

A journey of two wounded souls struggling to find who is stalking her and why he is after her. God has a plan for them a good plan and not for evil. God has a plan for you too, a plan for a hope and a future. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life.
7,755 reviews49 followers
August 24, 2018
Nick took some vacation to be with family, for the holidays. Before going to his sister a surprise for his nephew when he picked him up first. No ID was asked, which as agent with the FBI that bothered him. Then seeing a gift outside his nephew’s classroom, and the teacher also was puzzled by it.
Faith thinks the gift and message was creepy and from him. Wanting to see her again, ask if he could invite her over at his sister’s house. Nice plot of family at Christmas time. Giving Nick time to reevaluate on family and his interest in Faith. With the mysterious gift, that a few teachers are getting has his curiosity who is sending,they definitely weren’t approximate, and he was looking into them. A good plot, the characters, you feel like you know them. Definitely a good story to read.
181 reviews
April 1, 2022
Enjoyable

It is amazing to me how quickly the author can pull the reader in to a story and develop such characters, plot, and fast-paced action in so few pages. Well written!
582 reviews4 followers
November 11, 2018
This was more like a novella. I am not usually a fan of mysteries, but this one was good and I did enjoy it. It takes place at Christmas time revolving around an FBI agent on vacation, meeting his nephew's teacher, and a serial killer.
Profile Image for Susan Carroll.
362 reviews4 followers
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April 4, 2019
Ho Ho Ho That teddy bear is not from Santa

Even an FBI agent has to eventually take time off. What better place for Nick, than at his sister's place for Christmas. But mysterious teddy bears with freaky notes, find Nick getting involved in a police investigation, just when he has started his own investigation of his nephew's pretty blue eyed teacher. Will Nick find time for his Christmas wish?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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