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Maid Ivy #10
Swiss Secrets
A cozy chalet, a cunning killer, and a blizzard that’s turned paradise into prison.
Ivy Stone planned for a scenic ski retreat with her three best friends in the Swiss Alps—not a murder mystery straight out of an Agatha Christie novel. But when the storm of the century blows in, and the manager is found strangled, shock turns to horror as the power fails.
With guests panicked and staff in chaos, Ivy’s head maid instincts take over. Despite years at a five-star London hotel, nothing prepared them to keep order with a killer on the loose. As the four friends fall into familiar roles, Ivy catches details that don’t add up. Someone is hiding a deadly secret.
A scorned lover nursing heartbreak. A handyman with an icy grudge. And a shadowy figure prowling the chalet at night.
As fuel runs low and fear takes hold, Ivy races to unmask the killer. If she fails, she may never see her beloved Great Dane Monty or her fiancé Max again. Because in this blizzard, the deadliest threat isn’t the cold—it’s the murderer snowed in with them.
**Author Hazel Smith books can be read in any order and are free from cussing, graphic descriptions of violence, and bedroom activities. Bonus recipes included!
Ivy Stone planned for a scenic ski retreat with her three best friends in the Swiss Alps—not a murder mystery straight out of an Agatha Christie novel. But when the storm of the century blows in, and the manager is found strangled, shock turns to horror as the power fails.
With guests panicked and staff in chaos, Ivy’s head maid instincts take over. Despite years at a five-star London hotel, nothing prepared them to keep order with a killer on the loose. As the four friends fall into familiar roles, Ivy catches details that don’t add up. Someone is hiding a deadly secret.
A scorned lover nursing heartbreak. A handyman with an icy grudge. And a shadowy figure prowling the chalet at night.
As fuel runs low and fear takes hold, Ivy races to unmask the killer. If she fails, she may never see her beloved Great Dane Monty or her fiancé Max again. Because in this blizzard, the deadliest threat isn’t the cold—it’s the murderer snowed in with them.
**Author Hazel Smith books can be read in any order and are free from cussing, graphic descriptions of violence, and bedroom activities. Bonus recipes included!
- GenresCozy MysteryMysteryCozy
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
April 8, 2025
I hovered between a 3-4stars for a while on this book as it’s the first book by the author I’ve read and I probably needed to read the rest of the series. Having said that, I ended up going with 3.7 rounded up to 4 stars because the killer’s reveal was really good. This was a very cozy mystery with Ivy and her friends of on vacation and of course a murder occurs. Being isolated in the chalet, they take it upon themselves to investigate the murder. What you have is a steady book filled with twist, secrets, betrayals, and intrigue. You also have a strong friendship between the four friends as they navigate life changes. Overall it ended up being a good read. I received an ARC from the author but not required to post a review, this is a voluntary and honest opinion of the book.
April 10, 2025
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for posting an honest review.
This is the first book that I have read from this series. Ivy and her friends Elise, Kat and Moira are on a girls vacation in Switzerland. On their last day, a snowstorm hits the chalet and knocks out electricity and wi-fi, leaving them trapped. Then, the manager is mysteriously murdered. The friends take it upon themselves to figure out who the killer is before it’s too late. This book had many plot twists and kept me guessing until the amazing and surprising reveal. It was hard to put down and I finished it in a day. I think many cozy mystery readers will enjoy this book.
This is the first book that I have read from this series. Ivy and her friends Elise, Kat and Moira are on a girls vacation in Switzerland. On their last day, a snowstorm hits the chalet and knocks out electricity and wi-fi, leaving them trapped. Then, the manager is mysteriously murdered. The friends take it upon themselves to figure out who the killer is before it’s too late. This book had many plot twists and kept me guessing until the amazing and surprising reveal. It was hard to put down and I finished it in a day. I think many cozy mystery readers will enjoy this book.
December 21, 2025
Being the last in the series with Ivy (at least up until now when I write this), this one was longer a bit, and even a bit out of the "ordinary", in the sense that action is far away from hotel LaFontaine, in a chalet up in the mountains, where Ivy and her long friends from the maids are having a vacation, each without their loved ones (humans and dogs, alike), a vacation all to themselves.
Obviously (guh), they need to face a murder - the chalet owner himself, and all while outside there was a strong storm happening, all ties cut with the world - no electricity, no signal to their phones, no landline phone either.
I was about to complain about Monty's figure appearing on the cover, but alas, he came into play at the last few chapters, when Max arrived at the chalet (why did he bring only Monty, and not the other dogs ? well, a slip from the author, it seems); he even managed to arrive just in time to rescue the girls from their supposed final room (were they were supposed to die from intoxication with gas and/or explosion from that gas .... btw, why did they not think to put down the candle light, when they figured out what was the plan of the killer - to provocue an explosion ... )
All in all, a pretty good reading.
Obviously (guh), they need to face a murder - the chalet owner himself, and all while outside there was a strong storm happening, all ties cut with the world - no electricity, no signal to their phones, no landline phone either.
I was about to complain about Monty's figure appearing on the cover, but alas, he came into play at the last few chapters, when Max arrived at the chalet (why did he bring only Monty, and not the other dogs ? well, a slip from the author, it seems); he even managed to arrive just in time to rescue the girls from their supposed final room (were they were supposed to die from intoxication with gas and/or explosion from that gas .... btw, why did they not think to put down the candle light, when they figured out what was the plan of the killer - to provocue an explosion ... )
All in all, a pretty good reading.
April 3, 2025
The mystery in this one kept me on the edge of my seat! I love Ivy and her friends. I really enjoyed how different this one was. I had no clue whodunnit and was just as confused as they were. I absolutely loved the ending of this one! I can’t wait for what’s next for Ivy and the gang!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
April 2, 2025
I received an ARC from the author but wasn’t required to post a review. This is my honest,voluntary
opinion of the book after reading it.
Ivy and her friends decide to take a skiing trip vacation in Switzerland to get away from London for
a few days but it seems murder seems to follow them even when they’re trying to have a fun vacation!
The girls only spend a couple of days at the lodge when a blizzard hits knocking out the power and then the manager turns up dead. Cut off, Ivy soon realizes that the murderer is one of the guests but which one? Now the guests and staff point fingers at everyone else but which one of them is the guilty party?
With the blizzard and food and fuel running out and no way to communicate because the outside lines and Wi-Fi are down the girls are on their own.
This was a thrilling cozy mystery trying to unravel whodunnit! I really enjoyed it and the tension which ratchets up and up as the final clue reveals who the murderer is only to have them facing a slow but later quick death before help comes in the last person Ivy ever expected to see again in this life!
The Ivy Stone mystery series just gets better and better! The writing is superb, the plot very believable and the cast of supporting characters lends a credence of believable realism to the story!
I throughly enjoyed this book and wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend it to any and everyone who is looking for a cozy mystery to read and enjoy!
The plot is very believable and you’ll be turning the
pages faster and faster to discover who the killer is and it’ll surprise you when you find out!
Hazel’s book always deliver a quality read that is enjoyable and thrilling to read at the same time!
I urge you to get this book and prepare to really enjoy a whodunnit that will have you scratching your head trying to figure it out before food and fuel run out!
opinion of the book after reading it.
Ivy and her friends decide to take a skiing trip vacation in Switzerland to get away from London for
a few days but it seems murder seems to follow them even when they’re trying to have a fun vacation!
The girls only spend a couple of days at the lodge when a blizzard hits knocking out the power and then the manager turns up dead. Cut off, Ivy soon realizes that the murderer is one of the guests but which one? Now the guests and staff point fingers at everyone else but which one of them is the guilty party?
With the blizzard and food and fuel running out and no way to communicate because the outside lines and Wi-Fi are down the girls are on their own.
This was a thrilling cozy mystery trying to unravel whodunnit! I really enjoyed it and the tension which ratchets up and up as the final clue reveals who the murderer is only to have them facing a slow but later quick death before help comes in the last person Ivy ever expected to see again in this life!
The Ivy Stone mystery series just gets better and better! The writing is superb, the plot very believable and the cast of supporting characters lends a credence of believable realism to the story!
I throughly enjoyed this book and wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend it to any and everyone who is looking for a cozy mystery to read and enjoy!
The plot is very believable and you’ll be turning the
pages faster and faster to discover who the killer is and it’ll surprise you when you find out!
Hazel’s book always deliver a quality read that is enjoyable and thrilling to read at the same time!
I urge you to get this book and prepare to really enjoy a whodunnit that will have you scratching your head trying to figure it out before food and fuel run out!
April 15, 2025
This latest book in the series of "Maid Ivy" books is a bit of a departure for Ivy Stone. Apart from the prequel in Scotland, her adventures and the crimes she solves have all been located in London, associated with the Hotel LaFontaine, where she began as a newly hired maid/housekeeper and earned the position of Head Housekeeper when the previous one retired. Assisting her in finding the truth have been her good friends, with whom she is taking a Swiss Vacation in this book. The murder in this book finds her without some of her other support structure, and moreover finds her confined to the chalet where it happens, and getting decisive indications that the murderer did not leave before they are all trapped by an unexpected severe winter storm. She thus cannot turn to surveillance video to help track people's comings and goings. However, despite being in strange surroundings without the familiar helps, they are forced into somewhat familiar roles as those they had in the hotel. But they also have to contend with diminishing supplies and the possible danger. I did find one "cozy mystery cliche" (which I will not name to keep from prejudicing your reading) a bit off-putting, but not enough to downgrade my five star rating. In the end, they are instrumental in bringing the murderer to justice, and the story as a whole is cleverly put together. There is
[stop here if you prefer to be completely spoiler-free]
a bit of a surprise at the end, though the cover actually hints at it.
Note that I received my copy as an ARC, and I have done my level best not to let that influence me in any way.
[stop here if you prefer to be completely spoiler-free]
a bit of a surprise at the end, though the cover actually hints at it.
Note that I received my copy as an ARC, and I have done my level best not to let that influence me in any way.
April 11, 2025
Ivy Stone and her three closest friends are treating themselves to a much-needed vacation. They booked rooms at a charming Swiss chalet and are enjoying days filled with skiing, trips to the sauna, gourmet meals that they didn’t have to cook or clean up, and rooms that they didn’t have to clean or tidy up. But if that was all that happened, it would make for a boring book.
As they are coming close to the end of their vacation, a body is discovered in the chalet. No one knows who’s responsible and everyone seems suspicious. To add to the building drama, a severe snowstorm traps them inside, and also knocks the power out. They have no way to contact the authorities about the murder and no way to get out. Tensions continue to build and the guests are getting restless. They seem to forget that Ivy and her friends aren’t employed by the chalet, but still expect them to provide for their needs. Of course Ivy and friends know how a hotel should run, but it’s not their responsibility to care for the other guests.
As Ivy and her friends search for clues on who the murderer could be, and at the same time provide food, wood for fires, and other creature comforts, they must have gotten too close to the murderer because they suddenly find themselves in danger for their own lives. Will they all escape? How? You will be shocked by the reveal of the murderer.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
As they are coming close to the end of their vacation, a body is discovered in the chalet. No one knows who’s responsible and everyone seems suspicious. To add to the building drama, a severe snowstorm traps them inside, and also knocks the power out. They have no way to contact the authorities about the murder and no way to get out. Tensions continue to build and the guests are getting restless. They seem to forget that Ivy and her friends aren’t employed by the chalet, but still expect them to provide for their needs. Of course Ivy and friends know how a hotel should run, but it’s not their responsibility to care for the other guests.
As Ivy and her friends search for clues on who the murderer could be, and at the same time provide food, wood for fires, and other creature comforts, they must have gotten too close to the murderer because they suddenly find themselves in danger for their own lives. Will they all escape? How? You will be shocked by the reveal of the murderer.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
April 13, 2025
In this installment of the Maid Ivy Mysteries, Ivy and the girls are on vacation at a remote chalet in the Swiss Alps. Unfortunately, they can't take a vacation from murder. The owner of the chalet is killed right before an horrific snow storm shuts the chalet off from the world. The girls are trapped with no electricity, very little food and fuel and a murderer on the loose.
I love this series. I love the characters. I love the humor, and I enjoy the mysteries. All of those elements were in this book, but it wasn't up to Ms. Smith's usual standards. I read the e-book and found a lot of oddly spaced paragraphs that seemed like they were triple or quadruple spaced. A lot of the actual writing was repeated within a page or two. For example, in Chapter 8, Ivy and the gang are searching for the source of a noise. Ivy grabs a fire poker and says, "No one goes unarmed." A few lines of dialogue later, Kat says, "No one's going unarmed." There were so many tense--urgent conversations, silent shadowy figures and soft deliberate noises that it became tedious. Although, all of the repetition did give me the feeling of the tedium of being trapped in a chalet during an unending snow storm.
Even with all of its faults, I really recommend this book. It's an entertaining mystery with a great cast of characters, and even if it's not Ivy's best mystery, it's still a really fun read.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love this series. I love the characters. I love the humor, and I enjoy the mysteries. All of those elements were in this book, but it wasn't up to Ms. Smith's usual standards. I read the e-book and found a lot of oddly spaced paragraphs that seemed like they were triple or quadruple spaced. A lot of the actual writing was repeated within a page or two. For example, in Chapter 8, Ivy and the gang are searching for the source of a noise. Ivy grabs a fire poker and says, "No one goes unarmed." A few lines of dialogue later, Kat says, "No one's going unarmed." There were so many tense--urgent conversations, silent shadowy figures and soft deliberate noises that it became tedious. Although, all of the repetition did give me the feeling of the tedium of being trapped in a chalet during an unending snow storm.
Even with all of its faults, I really recommend this book. It's an entertaining mystery with a great cast of characters, and even if it's not Ivy's best mystery, it's still a really fun read.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 10, 2025
I received a copy of Swiss Secrets as an advanced reader and this is my honest, voluntary review of Maid Ivy’s latest adventure. Thanks to Hazel Smith for the chance to read her new mystery.
I've read about Ivy, her friends and colleagues at the Hotel LaFontaine before, but this time they are at new location where they also face a new threat. Ivy, Moira, Élise and Kat go on a relaxing skiing holiday but end up in the middle of a real murder mystery. Matters become worse once a snow storm traps them with a murderer for days and no way of getting help or provisions.
This is a nice, cozy mystery that kept me engaged for a few nights as I unwound before bed. It's similar to the mysteries that I like to watch on TV with my mother. Also, it reminded me of a good old Poirot or Miss Marple mystery, especially because of the location. The story felt a little long and drawn out in some areas but I still enjoyed it. Almost everyone was hiding secrets but were they cause for murder? I had my suspicions but did not anticipate who the murderer actually was or why they did it. That was a surprising twist. Nice ending too.
I've read about Ivy, her friends and colleagues at the Hotel LaFontaine before, but this time they are at new location where they also face a new threat. Ivy, Moira, Élise and Kat go on a relaxing skiing holiday but end up in the middle of a real murder mystery. Matters become worse once a snow storm traps them with a murderer for days and no way of getting help or provisions.
This is a nice, cozy mystery that kept me engaged for a few nights as I unwound before bed. It's similar to the mysteries that I like to watch on TV with my mother. Also, it reminded me of a good old Poirot or Miss Marple mystery, especially because of the location. The story felt a little long and drawn out in some areas but I still enjoyed it. Almost everyone was hiding secrets but were they cause for murder? I had my suspicions but did not anticipate who the murderer actually was or why they did it. That was a surprising twist. Nice ending too.
April 11, 2025
Will They Find the Killer ? . . .
Ivy Stone and her best friends from work, Elise, Moira, and Kat, had taken a wonderful relaxing ski vacation together to experience the Swiss Alps. The first oddity noticed was the Wi-Fi seemed to be down, but maybe something was wrong with the router. Hearing and responding to a sudden loud scream, they find the chalet’s manager Stefan Meier dead by strangulation and with a violent storm trapping everyone inside with the killer, panic sets in. Finding no visible snow tracks on the entryway mats, it seemed likely the killer had already been inside all along. And it was even worse when the power went out. Ivy and her friends concentrate on solving the murder and keeping the guests calm. But the longer they are trapped inside, the faster the food and wood for the fire dwindles, threatening more danger and no way to get outside help. Will Ivy and her friends be able to figure out who the killer is before more deaths occur? And would anyone be able to come to their rescue in time?
Ivy Stone and her best friends from work, Elise, Moira, and Kat, had taken a wonderful relaxing ski vacation together to experience the Swiss Alps. The first oddity noticed was the Wi-Fi seemed to be down, but maybe something was wrong with the router. Hearing and responding to a sudden loud scream, they find the chalet’s manager Stefan Meier dead by strangulation and with a violent storm trapping everyone inside with the killer, panic sets in. Finding no visible snow tracks on the entryway mats, it seemed likely the killer had already been inside all along. And it was even worse when the power went out. Ivy and her friends concentrate on solving the murder and keeping the guests calm. But the longer they are trapped inside, the faster the food and wood for the fire dwindles, threatening more danger and no way to get outside help. Will Ivy and her friends be able to figure out who the killer is before more deaths occur? And would anyone be able to come to their rescue in time?
April 5, 2025
This has been the best book in the series. The book took the tension of being trapped with a killer by adding dwindling supplies and stormy weather. The other guests, outside of Ivy and her friends, were all hiding something and so entitled the girls should have told them to fend for themselves. Max did an amazing job of describing Ivy as someone who cares for others and she kept reminding herself to step forward and lead.
The mystery was pretty good and the tough conditions made solving it much harder. Anyone of the guests or staff could have been behind the murder. The story was loaded with red herrings in the form of miserable people and I was surprised by the outcome.
The ending could not have been more perfect and it brought us our much needed dose of Monty. With the revelation at the end, I hope this story continues.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The mystery was pretty good and the tough conditions made solving it much harder. Anyone of the guests or staff could have been behind the murder. The story was loaded with red herrings in the form of miserable people and I was surprised by the outcome.
The ending could not have been more perfect and it brought us our much needed dose of Monty. With the revelation at the end, I hope this story continues.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2025
Ivy Stone and her three best friends head to the Swiss Alps for a much needed vacation. The scenery is beautiful, but Ivy can't help but compare their lodgings to the immaculate and well-managed Hotel LaFontaine where they all work. The chalet’s front desk manager is curt and seems to resent the presence of the guests to the point of arguing publicly with one of them.
Ivy is determined to enjoy herself until a violent storm blows in and the guests and staff find themselves snowed in. Then, the power is knocked out by the storm and the manager is found murdered.
Ivy’s sleuthing instincts kick in and she enlists the help of her three friends to find the murderer while keeping the other guests and staff under control.
I just love the Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery series!
This book is full of secrets and plot twists and an amazing ending. I recommend this entire series to all cozy mystery lovers!
Ivy is determined to enjoy herself until a violent storm blows in and the guests and staff find themselves snowed in. Then, the power is knocked out by the storm and the manager is found murdered.
Ivy’s sleuthing instincts kick in and she enlists the help of her three friends to find the murderer while keeping the other guests and staff under control.
I just love the Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery series!
This book is full of secrets and plot twists and an amazing ending. I recommend this entire series to all cozy mystery lovers!
April 15, 2025
This was the first book I read in the series. There were times I found it a little slow, but I think that is because of the setting. Trapped with a killer during a blizzard with no electricity. I was more worried about them surviving the storm and getting rescued.
While on vacation with her 3 best friends, Ivy, Elise, Kat, and Moira are enjoying the skiing, hot tub, sauna and great eats until they stumble on the dead body of the chalet manager. Not the friendliest of hosts, but who of the small number of guests and employees would want to see him dead? When the storm escalates and knocks out the power, no one is able to leave and there is no way to contact the outside world, so it is up to the four friends to solve the murder while waiting out the storm.
A few secrets to sus out, while not freezing or starving to death themselves. Not to mention the killer running amok at the chalet.
While on vacation with her 3 best friends, Ivy, Elise, Kat, and Moira are enjoying the skiing, hot tub, sauna and great eats until they stumble on the dead body of the chalet manager. Not the friendliest of hosts, but who of the small number of guests and employees would want to see him dead? When the storm escalates and knocks out the power, no one is able to leave and there is no way to contact the outside world, so it is up to the four friends to solve the murder while waiting out the storm.
A few secrets to sus out, while not freezing or starving to death themselves. Not to mention the killer running amok at the chalet.
April 17, 2025
Ivy Stone and her three best friends have taken a much needed vacation to the Swiss Alps. Unfortunately the friend’s trip takes a turn when the hotel manager is found strangled at the front desk. When the storm of the century blows in and takes the power out, Hazel and her friends must help hold everything together as they continue the search for the killer.
I actually enjoyed this entertaining story and the change in locale was a good departure from the typical Hotel LaFontaine setting. The story had a strong locked room mystery vibe and the hotel guests addded an interesting plethora of suspects with various motives. I did miss the inclusion of Monty in this story because he always adds a bit of levity and who doesn’t love a pet sidekick? I thought this was one of the more suspenseful stories in the series but it stilll managed to hold on to its cozy vibe. Overall I think this is one of the stronger stories in a series that just continues to get better over time.
I actually enjoyed this entertaining story and the change in locale was a good departure from the typical Hotel LaFontaine setting. The story had a strong locked room mystery vibe and the hotel guests addded an interesting plethora of suspects with various motives. I did miss the inclusion of Monty in this story because he always adds a bit of levity and who doesn’t love a pet sidekick? I thought this was one of the more suspenseful stories in the series but it stilll managed to hold on to its cozy vibe. Overall I think this is one of the stronger stories in a series that just continues to get better over time.
April 2, 2025
If you want an adventure without the hassle of travel or the danger that might be involved while spending a few days away in a Swiss chalet with your closest group of gal pals, this book is a must read! This latest book with Ivy and her friends takes us to Switzerland and what should have been a relaxing few days away from their regular duties at Hotel LaFontaine turns into a snowstorm that lasts for days. A murder as the storm begins, dwindling food, fuel, and no cellular service to the outside world leaves Ivy and her friends in a desperate situation.Plus, all the while knowing the killer is still likely in the chalet with them, leads Ivy and her Hotel LaFontaine family on a desperate search for the killer. This book has a number of subplots and twists until the very end. An excellent read that will leave you looking forward to Ivy’s next adventure!
April 10, 2025
A friends vacation to ski and enjoy a Swiss chalet turns deadly. Set in an idyllic place Ivy and the girls are enjoying some well deserved time off. First a storm comes and then there’s murder. Trapped together they face not only the possibility that one of them is guilty but the very scary threat of running out of food and heat. The girls band together and do their best and that must be enough.
This was a bit darker than other books in the series. A take on the manor house mystery with a twist. I also got And Then There Were None vibes too. Definitely not getting a five star review for this trip but in the end the girls are true to form and find a way. Quirky for sure but definitely a chillingly good read. Pun intended sorry not sorry. Also loved that ending! Finally woo!!
I received an ARC from the author these are my sincere thoughts on this story.
This was a bit darker than other books in the series. A take on the manor house mystery with a twist. I also got And Then There Were None vibes too. Definitely not getting a five star review for this trip but in the end the girls are true to form and find a way. Quirky for sure but definitely a chillingly good read. Pun intended sorry not sorry. Also loved that ending! Finally woo!!
I received an ARC from the author these are my sincere thoughts on this story.
April 10, 2025
Book 9 of the Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery series takes us away from Hotel LaFontaine and into a chalet in the Swiss Alps, where Ivy Stone is taking a break with her 3 best friends, Elise, Kat and Moira.
During a blizzard, the chalet loses WiFi and then the Chalet Manager, Stefan Meier is found dead, and as Ivy attempts to contact the police to report the murder, the phone lines go down, therefore meaning there is nobody to help. As with other Ivy Stone books, she and her friends jump into action, to keep order and at the same time try to find the killer. Is it one of the guests? Is it a member of staff?
Everybody seems to have secrets to keep, but eventually the killer is uncovered. Another great story and good to have a new venue for these amateur sleuths.
I received this book as an ARC from the author, but review comments are my own.
During a blizzard, the chalet loses WiFi and then the Chalet Manager, Stefan Meier is found dead, and as Ivy attempts to contact the police to report the murder, the phone lines go down, therefore meaning there is nobody to help. As with other Ivy Stone books, she and her friends jump into action, to keep order and at the same time try to find the killer. Is it one of the guests? Is it a member of staff?
Everybody seems to have secrets to keep, but eventually the killer is uncovered. Another great story and good to have a new venue for these amateur sleuths.
I received this book as an ARC from the author, but review comments are my own.
April 10, 2025
Ivy Stone and her friends, Kat, Moira and Elise are off for a well earned break for a pampering holiday at a chalet in the Swiss Alps.
The last thing they expected (or maybe they should have going by past experiences) Is a murder.
The manager Stefan is found strangled in the lobby.
Ivy and her friends swing into maid action and try to take charge and make order out of chaos and look after the other guests.
For not only are they in a place with a suspected killer roaming around but they are also stranded as a violent snow storm gusts outside.
As they desperately try to survive, ration food and keep each other safe while trying to work out who the killer is.
That killer is slowly prowling around getting closer to them...
A tense, locked room cosy murder mystery with an exotic location and a worthy addition to the rest of the series.
The last thing they expected (or maybe they should have going by past experiences) Is a murder.
The manager Stefan is found strangled in the lobby.
Ivy and her friends swing into maid action and try to take charge and make order out of chaos and look after the other guests.
For not only are they in a place with a suspected killer roaming around but they are also stranded as a violent snow storm gusts outside.
As they desperately try to survive, ration food and keep each other safe while trying to work out who the killer is.
That killer is slowly prowling around getting closer to them...
A tense, locked room cosy murder mystery with an exotic location and a worthy addition to the rest of the series.
April 3, 2025
While vacationing in the Swiss Alps, Ivy and her friends, Elise, Moira and Kat, find the body of the manager of the chalet where they are staying. Stefan Meier was found at the chalet's front desk. He had been strangled to death. Ivy and the gang not only have a whodunit on their hands, but they are also battling the elements of cold and little food as they are stuck in the chalet due to a severe snowstorm having hit the area. Who killed Stefan and why? Will the gang solve the mystery and survive the harsh elements as well? Find out the answers to those questions by reading this outstanding
book, which I highly recommend to other cozy mystery readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
book, which I highly recommend to other cozy mystery readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
April 5, 2025
I love Maid Ivy cozies. This one is set in the Swiss Alps on a ski trip with friends instead of the Hotel. I enjoyed being in a new place. Also interesting was getting snowed in during the storm of the century. Ivy and her friends had no security or police to either help or hinder her investigation of this murder. And in addition to being snowed in with a murderer, they are also in danger of running out of food and wood to burn for warmth.
There are plenty of red herrings and I guessed wrong on the whodunnit. I loved that the friends turned to each other while in danger, especially when things were not looking good. And there are some swoony moments in the end too.
No sex or language
Some violence-not graphic
There are plenty of red herrings and I guessed wrong on the whodunnit. I loved that the friends turned to each other while in danger, especially when things were not looking good. And there are some swoony moments in the end too.
No sex or language
Some violence-not graphic
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April 7, 2025On their first vacation together, Ivy, Elise, Moira and Kat are enjoying their time at a lovely ski resort. The small resort only has a few guests, some who enjoy skiing and those who prefer to sit near a fire with a cup of hot chocolate. When a violent storm blows in, they wonder how long they will be trapped. When Ivy finds a body and attempts to call the police, she soon realizes that the storm has caused the phone lines to fail and with no Wi-Fi, Ivy, her friends and the guests are trapped with a dead body, very little wood, hardly any food and the realization that they may be trapped with a killer. I read way into the night until I got to the of this terrific book. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
April 11, 2025
I love all things Hazel Smith, and this does not disappoint; this is A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery. Ivy Stone, the Head Maid at The Hotel La Fontaine in London, is on a ski retreat with her friends from the hotel; Elise, Moira, and Kat. Of course murder and death follow Ivy. The chalet manager Stephan is found murdered. Their is a blizzard outside, no phone service, and the power goes out! Because the storm goes on for days they end up limiting food and heat. Is the murderer still at the chalet? With Ivy and her friends their is a total of eleven people. Will their be another murder? Will they be found in time? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Hazel Smith!!!
April 12, 2025
This is the 9th book in a fantastic series and it is a great addition. Ivy, Moira, Elise and Kat are taking a vacation from their jobs at Hotel LaFontaine and decide to take it in a Swiss Chalet in the Alps. But the relaxing vacation they all hoped for took a turn for the worst. When the manager is found murdered and a big storm has them trapped at the Chalet with all services down so they can't call for help, Ivy and friends decide to investigate themselves. With a murderer among the guests, will the girls find the murderer or will the murderer stop them? What a great ending, since you are guessing throughout, you are surprised in the end. I can't see what Ivy and her friends get involved with next! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
May 20, 2025
What should’ve been a week of skiing or just being a snow bunny at the chalet turned into mayhem and murder as the guy in charge was killed, a huge snowstorm hit then the power went out. With the staff at the chalet basically useless from either not coming to work in the storm, being missing or just being scared, Ivy and her friends pretty much had to run the place. Moira being a champion in the kitchen rocked the meals.
This seemed like Ivy and her friends’ most hopeless and dangerous showdown ever (I was totally surprised by whodunit) since there was basically no way to get word to anyone. But by some miracle, they got out alive and enjoyed a super sweet ending! I can’t wait for the next book!
This seemed like Ivy and her friends’ most hopeless and dangerous showdown ever (I was totally surprised by whodunit) since there was basically no way to get word to anyone. But by some miracle, they got out alive and enjoyed a super sweet ending! I can’t wait for the next book!
April 3, 2025
I received an ARC of this story. I have read every book in the series. Ivy, Moira, Elise, and Kat are the best of friends and coworkers. Their talents complement each other. They have booked a ski vacation at an old chalet. As the week is coming to an end, a blizzard arrives, virtually locking them into the chalet with the other guests. The owner has been killed. No wifi, no electricity, only wood stoves and candles to survive. Everyone becomes a suspect. Can Ivy and friends uncover the motive and suspect? This can be read as a stand alone. However, the story is richer with the background of the previous books.
April 6, 2025
4.5 stars
Ivy and friends FINALLY get a well-deserved vacation. Everything is going marvelously until a freak blizzard comes over the Alps and shuts everything down for a few days. Oh, not to mention the owner/manager of the chalet is found strangled and he'd been postponing replenishing supplies.
Ms. Smith has done an excellent job of creating tension and rampant suspicion among the guests. It makes the reader very glad that Ivy is there with her three closest friends to navigate it all together. With secrets, suspicious falls, locked doors, and missing keys, Swiss Secrets will keep you guessing until the end.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
Ivy and friends FINALLY get a well-deserved vacation. Everything is going marvelously until a freak blizzard comes over the Alps and shuts everything down for a few days. Oh, not to mention the owner/manager of the chalet is found strangled and he'd been postponing replenishing supplies.
Ms. Smith has done an excellent job of creating tension and rampant suspicion among the guests. It makes the reader very glad that Ivy is there with her three closest friends to navigate it all together. With secrets, suspicious falls, locked doors, and missing keys, Swiss Secrets will keep you guessing until the end.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
April 6, 2025
Ivy and her three best friends from the posh London Hotel LaFontaine decide to take a well deserved break from work and head to the Swiss Alps to relax with some down time in a beautiful Chateau. While skiing , hot chocolate and a lovely spa are on the menu they got much much more. Taking the ladies out of the hotel in London gave a new background to romp in but murder just seems to find our friends no matter where they go. It was a fun read. I do enjoy this group of companions and their antics. A wonderful clean little whodunnit as always.
I received a copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale.
I received a copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale.
April 8, 2025
Ivy and her three best friends take a vacation to a ski resort in the Swiss Alps.
After a couple of days there, an unexpected and severe winter storm sweeps in,
locking everyone into the inn just as tragedy strikes.
The manager is found murdered, food and fuel supplies are in short supply.
So, Ivy and her friends go into investigative roles, while making sure everyone stays as safe as possible with a killer in their mists.
This is the 9th book in the series, and it is my favorite one.
My only complaint about the book is it is mislabeled.
While it's listed as a cozy, it reads as a clean suspense story.
And a really good one.
After a couple of days there, an unexpected and severe winter storm sweeps in,
locking everyone into the inn just as tragedy strikes.
The manager is found murdered, food and fuel supplies are in short supply.
So, Ivy and her friends go into investigative roles, while making sure everyone stays as safe as possible with a killer in their mists.
This is the 9th book in the series, and it is my favorite one.
My only complaint about the book is it is mislabeled.
While it's listed as a cozy, it reads as a clean suspense story.
And a really good one.
April 8, 2025
I received an advanced reader copy of lastest book in series. When Ivy and her friends go away on relaxing trip, what could be possibly go wrong. A murder and blizzard. When the owner of the Chalet they are staying, is found murdered it’s up to Ivy to find the killer. My biggest complaint is if I am staying at resort and the owner is murdered, all guests should assist. The other guests expected to be served by Ivy and her friends, the least they could do is get their own beverage. The maintenance man was the only employee who worked. The maid worked the first day.
All guests are suspected as the killer. Kept me guessing till the end.
All guests are suspected as the killer. Kept me guessing till the end.
April 8, 2025
Swiss secrets. Hazel smith
This is another maid Ivy story but this one is not set in the usual hotel La Fontaine. In this story Ivy and her friends Elise, Moria and Kat travel to the Swiss alps for a vacation.
After witnessing an argument and some strange interactions a body is discovered and the murder investigation begins. A storm adds to the atmosphere and we learn about interesting characters all set within the beautiful alps.
I have read a few books by this author now and I have enjoyed all of them. The beautiful descriptions, the intriguing storylines, the interesting characters and the general flow of her stories show how talented she is.
This is another maid Ivy story but this one is not set in the usual hotel La Fontaine. In this story Ivy and her friends Elise, Moria and Kat travel to the Swiss alps for a vacation.
After witnessing an argument and some strange interactions a body is discovered and the murder investigation begins. A storm adds to the atmosphere and we learn about interesting characters all set within the beautiful alps.
I have read a few books by this author now and I have enjoyed all of them. The beautiful descriptions, the intriguing storylines, the interesting characters and the general flow of her stories show how talented she is.
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