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Christmas Catastrophe #3

Linzer Cookie Murder: Paranormal Cozy Mystery

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NEW SERIES from USA Today Bestselling Author!

A shocking attack. A terrible truth. Will our unseasoned baker burn the wrong bridges? Cindy Claus enjoys her successful bakery business. She’s finally proven to be more than the heir to her father’s sleigh. But right in the middle of her busiest season, a panicked message from her regal mother threatens to destroy her dreams.

With Santa hovering on death’s doorstep and Cindy delivering the presents this year, she’ll need her new sleuthing skills and the help of her father’s trusted arctic fox to save Saint Nic. But without a major holiday miracle, this could be the beginning of the end…

Can Cindy corner the culprit, or will this be the world’s last Christmas?

Linzer Cookie Murder is the third book in the festive paranormal cozy series, Christmas Catastrophe Mysteries. If you like kind-hearted heroines, furry sidekicks, and a dash of mistletoe magic, then you’ll love Trixie Silvertale’s Yuletide puzzler.

Buy Linzer Cookie Murder to wrap up a mystery today !
*Features recipes from Cindy’s bakery!

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2025

71 people are currently reading
35 people want to read

About the author

Trixie Silvertale

94 books399 followers
USA Today Bestselling author Trixie Silvertale grew up reading an endless supply of Lilian Jackson Braun, Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew novels. She loves the amateur sleuths in cozy mysteries and and obsesses about all things paranormal. Those two passions unite in her Mitzy Moon Mysteries, and she's thrilled to write them and share them with you.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Christine.
1,996 reviews63 followers
September 27, 2025
4.25 stars
This is the third book in the Christmas Catastrophe Mysteries. Cindy Claus has been making a new life for herself running a bakery among the human world, along with her sidekick "Arti" the Arctic fox. Her mother summons her back to the North Pole because Cindy's father, Santa Claus, is very ill and may not be able to deliver presents on Christmas Eve. Cindy thinks there is more to Santa's illness than the flu and is determined to get come answers.

I loved seeing Cindy's new confidence in her investigation and in her life. I also liked the message that everyone should be allowed to follow their own path in life to do what they feel passionate about, which in Cindy's case is baking. (There are some delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book.) This is a fast-paced paranormal cozy mystery that is fun to read. A couple of developments which could be setting up a fun book 4!

I received an advance copy of this ebook from the author for review consideration, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
Profile Image for Trisha Kelly.
Author 32 books93 followers
September 11, 2025
I have to be honest, though I'm a great fan of Trixie Silvertale, especially her Mitzy Moon books, I'm a little deflated with this Christmas mystery. I enjoyed the previous books in this series, but I feel something is lacking in this one. It doesn't have a murder as such or much of a mystery. It sort of fits more into a middle-grade category. I couldn't put it into a younger age group because children believe in Santa, and it wouldn't fit into that! I'm sorry, but for me personally, it seemed to be missing the sparkle I enjoy so much from this author. Having said that, it would suit anyone who loves a light read without wanting to work things out too much. There's still plenty of seasonal bits and pieces to enjoy, and some great recipes.
1,324 reviews24 followers
September 12, 2025
I received an ARC copy from the author and though I wasn’t required to post a review, I wanted to offer my Horst, voluntary impression upon finishing nit.

I have enjoyed this series about Cindy Claus, Santa’s daughter who wanted to venture into the human realm and open a bakery and become a baker like her elf friend, her mentor, at the North Pole but also finds
she has the curiosity to solve mysteries with her mortal human friends!

The series has been a fun one with Cindy trying to understand humans after all she is half elf from her mother’s side and 1/4 Angel and 1/4 human from her father’s side.

In this story Cindy gets a summons from her mother that her dad is really sick and she needs to return to deliver presents this year in his place causing her to request her mentor handle things in the human realm and run her bakery in her absence.

She and her furry companion transport to the North Pole where they find things aren’t as they should be. The Forest elves want to leave which will really cause major problems if they go and Santa seems to be getting progressively worse. She comes to a conclusion of what the problem could be but it seems so unlikely!

In trusting that her furry companion will discover the source, Cindy gets ready and makes the Christmas Eve run around the world delivering the presents ensuring Christmas will continue.

They are all surprised when the truth comes out who has been making Santa sick requiring not only her and her mother’s magic but that of the guardians of the North Pole to combat this evil presence as well!

If you’re looking for a sweet story to start to get you in the Christmas spirit pick up this book! I really enjoyed it and loved how the story just flowed through the pages keeping my interest and
curiosity sated! There are even recipes included in the back of this book that you can try out!

I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend getting and reading this book. If you are interested in the earlier books in this series why not get them as well when getting this book if you haven’t read them already.

I think you’ll quickly see why Trixie has a great following and people are so hooked on her books!
You’ll find that you are as well so why not pick up the books now and start a journey and adventure you’re going to love!
Profile Image for Marian.
83 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2025
3.5
Linzer Cookie Murder is the third book in the Christmas Catastrophe series, coming after Peppermint Cookie Murder and Apple Dumpling Murder, and it takes Cindy Clause’s journey in an exciting new direction. Instead of following Cindy and Arti around the cozy town of Silver Shoals, this installment sends them straight back to the North Pole—because Christmas itself is suddenly in danger. Santa has become deathly ill, and no one seems to understand why. Will Cindy and Arti be able to solve the mystery of who—or what—is making Santa so sick before Christmas is ruined?
This book is noticeably faster paced than the first two, and while it’s still a warm, easy, cozy read, the mystery itself feels a bit more rushed. The stakes, however, feel higher than ever. Returning Cindy to the North Pole brings a fresh layer of magic and urgency to the story. I loved seeing her reunite with her family and jump headfirst into the holiday chaos, doing everything she can to keep Christmas afloat while facing a problem no one has encountered before.
Even with most of the plot centered at the North Pole, we get more moments between Cindy and Keith than I was expecting—moments that add a surprising and intriguing twist to the storyline. Their interactions introduce extra mystery that deepens Cindy’s overall journey and sets up bigger things to come.
And that ending… it absolutely sets the stage for a continuation. What Cindy learns from Keith at the end of this book strongly suggests that her story with Arti is far from over. There’s a sense that this world is expanding and that even more secrets are waiting to be uncovered.
For now, Linzer Cookie Murder closes out this chapter of their adventures, but with everything Cindy just discovered, it’s hard to imagine this being the last time we step into Silver Shoals—or the last mystery Cindy and Arti will have to solve.

1,129 reviews32 followers
September 16, 2025
I’ve really been enjoying Trixie Silvertale’s Christmas Catastrophe Mysteries, and Linzer Cookie Murder was such a fun ride. Cindy Claus—Santa’s daughter—has been chasing her dream of running a bakery in the human world, but she can’t seem to stay away from a good mystery. This time, a frantic summons from her mother pulls her back to the North Pole, where things are far from merry and bright.

Santa is gravely ill, the reindeer are restless, and the forest elves are threatening to leave—disaster for Christmas. To make matters worse, someone has to deliver the presents, and that responsibility falls to Cindy. With her mentor keeping the bakery running back home and her loyal fox companion Arti at her side, Cindy fights to keep Christmas on track while unraveling the mystery of what’s weakening Santa. I especially liked how it took not only her determination but also the combined magic of her family and the guardians of the North Pole to set things right.

The little touches make this series shine—playful names like Cinnamon Roll, Barrel Roll, and Jelly Roll, plus a clever crossover cameo from Deputy Paulsen in the Mitzy Moon series. And as always, Trixie includes recipes at the end, which add to the cozy holiday feel.

If you’re looking for a story that blends Christmas spirit, magical mayhem, and a solid mystery, this book hits the spot. Cindy Claus is a charming heroine, and watching her juggle her bakery dreams with her magical heritage makes the series special. I highly recommend Linzer Cookie Murder—and if you haven’t yet, you’ll want to grab the first two books as well.

I received an advance copy from the author, and these opinions are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Darla Taylor.
1,875 reviews
September 19, 2025
Cindy Claus is enjoying her time in the human world and her bakery has become a success. But in the middle of her busiest season, she receives a panicked call from her mother. Santa is very sick and Cindy will need to deliver the toys this year. However, when she returns home, Cindy soon realizes something is very wrong. It'll take her newly discovered sleuthing abilities and the help of her father's arctic fox, Artikoa, to find a holiday miracle and save Santa.

This has been a wonderful series and this book's no exception. It's well-written with well-rounded characters and it was a quick, fun read. I've enjoyed reading about Cindy Claus and the arctic fox, Artikoa; it's been a remarkable series. I was drawn into this magical story and kept hooked from start to finish. I love Trixie Silvertale's writing and have treasured all of her books that I've read. This is a cozy mystery full of intrigue, friendship, family, and a hint of romance. I adored the book and am looking forward to more from the series.
Profile Image for Lana.
2,811 reviews60 followers
September 26, 2025
Cindy Claus loves baking, and she has managed to build up a reputation for her home baked goods in her bakery in the human realm. She never wanted to take over the responsibilities of her father, known as Santa Claus, and was dying to see more of the world apart from the North Pole. However when she gets summoned by her royal mother she is forced to return and to take up her father's job, to deliver the presents over christmas to all the kids around the world. Her father has taken ill, and is not recovering at all. Cindy suspects foul play, so apart from trying to prove her capabilities as santa's replacement, she is also forced to put her sleuthing skills to the test in order to discover who wants her father dead. She does this with the help of her cute arctic fox who is an elder and mentor in real life. Can poor Cindy do all this before the christmas season ends? This is the 3rd cozy mystery in this fun series which I really enjoy reading, and which brings great happiness to me whilst doing so. I do hope other mysteries are being prepared for us to look forward to.
Profile Image for callistoscalling.
1,037 reviews33 followers
October 4, 2025

📖 Book Review 📖 Nothing says Christmas like sprinkled sugar cookies and cozy mysteries and Trixie Silvertale knows how to deliver. With a name like Cindy Claus, how could this baker not bring joy to the holiday season? After taking a sabbatical from the magical duties that accompany being Santa’s daughter, Cindy is successful and happy running her bakery. But this year, Cindy’s very famous father’s illness threatens it all and she must return to the North Pole to save Christmas.
Linzer Cookie Murder brings an enchanting story with a strong heroine. Filled with charming Christmas details down to the buttons and bells of it all, this is an immersively fun read. Though you may have a sweet tooth flare-up…Trixie Silvertale writes a whimsical tale for all of the grownups who do not want to let go of the Christmas magic. So go ahead and eat all of the cookies (no one is judging you) and binge this holiday mystery.
And yes, this book includes recipes from Cindy’s bakery!!! Because who doesn’t love cookies?!?

486 reviews6 followers
October 8, 2025
Cindy Claus has made a home for herself living as a human and running a successful bakery. No one in the small town where she lives knows that she is Santa Claus’ daughter and that her “dog” Artikoa is really an arctic fox and Santa’s trusted advisor sent with Cindy as her protector. When Cindy gets a frantic call from her mother notifying her that her beloved father is gravely ill and that she returns home immediately. Soon she is back at the north pole and seeing how ill her father is, she wonders if she is up to the task of taking over Santa’s job of delivering gifts to all the children in the world. How can she do that? Having lived with humans for two years and knowing that bad things can happen, Cindy begins to wonder if her father’s illness is caused by someone wanting to hurt Santa Claus and not from natural causes. This charming story is a sweet treat that I thoroughly enjoyed. This is my honest and voluntary review of an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,646 reviews25 followers
October 1, 2025
This is the third book in one of my favorite Christmas series ! Cindy Clauss is having success in the human realm with her bakery and she is ready to enjoy her busiest season when she receives a frantic call from her mother. It seems her father is very ill and not recovering. Cindy has to deliver Christmas for her father, but she is also very suspicious of her father being so sick. Does someone want Santa to die? Leave it to Cindy and her mentor, her father's arctic fox, Artikoa or Arti as he is called to find the truth. Who wants Santa out of the way an why? Can her father ever recover? This is a fantastic unputdownable fast read that keeps you turning pages until the end! I highly recommend not only this book but the first two in the series as well. I can't wait for more. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Kara Marks.
473 reviews81 followers
October 2, 2025
This is the 3rd book in this delightful paranormal Christmas cozy mystery series. I’ve read and loved the 2 previous books, but this one would stand alone well. Cindy, Santa’s daughter, left the North Pole to live disguised as a human in the human world and run a bakery. She has loved it there, much to the dismay of her parents, and she’s solved several crimes as an amateur sleuth. Now Santa is sick and her mother has begged Cindy to come home; Cindy may have to make the delivery of Christmas presents if Santa doesn’t get well soon, and frankly, they’re afraid he may die! Cindy begins managing things and investigating a bit and hopefully she can figure out why Santa is sick. I loved getting to see more of Santa and Mrs. Claus and the book is so much fun. I can highly recommend this book and series; I received an ARC, which I appreciate, but these opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Andrea.
832 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2025
North Pole mystery

Cindy Claus, daughter of Santa and Mrs. Claus, has opted for life in the human world, where she runs a successful bakery. She’s summoned back to the North Pole when Santa falls ill, and prepares to take over the Christmas Eve run while he recovers. Meanwhile, Cindy is quite suspicious about her father’s declining health and decides to get to the bottom of it. The mystery is solved, but the charm in the story is found in the behind-the-scenes preparation for the annual sleigh ride. This is a very sweet book, and there are several enticing recipes at the end that I’d like to try: the one for the Yule log sounds amazing but way too complex for this lazy cook.
149 reviews
October 19, 2025
Santa is Ill and Something Doesn’t Quite Add Up

Another winning story by Trixie, but I’m sure that comes as no surprise to all her fans. Cindy Clause has to go to the North Pole when her mother gets in touch and informs her Santa is ill, but something doesn’t quite make sense and of corse Cindy is in detective mode ASAP. I could give you more but as you all know that would not be like me at all, so if you want to read another fantastic Cindy Clause mystery then I suggest strongly that you buy this book yourself and read it as soon as you are able, like I always say, you won’t be sorry you did;)
2,048 reviews
October 25, 2025
A cute story with a puzzling mystery. Fun reading!


Amazon synopsis:
Cindy Claus enjoys her successful bakery business. She’s finally proven to be more than the heir to her father’s sleigh. But right in the middle of her busiest season, a panicked message from her regal mother threatens to destroy her dreams.

With Santa hovering on death’s doorstep and Cindy delivering the presents this year, she’ll need her new sleuthing skills and the help of her father’s trusted arctic fox to save Saint Nic. But without a major holiday miracle, this could be the beginning of the end…

Can Cindy corner the culprit, or will this be the world’s last Christmas?
Profile Image for Brenda Ellis.
665 reviews8 followers
September 13, 2025
This is the third book in the Christmas Catastrophe Mysteries and I was not disappointed. We have a situation that requires Cindy to return to the North Pole to sub for Santa's Christmas toy run. A missing reindeer, sick Santa, an elf uprising, and an unlocked greehouse. How do they all connect? Cindy and Arti investigate and answers are found, along with the culpret. We also have a cameo of a character from Almost Canada.

This was a fun read and I look forward to more of Cindy and her adventures in the human world.
142 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2025
This is such a cute series. This is the third book in the series. Cindy Clause is living her life among humans working at her successful bakery. She gets word from her mother that her father was ill and she needed to return home. Cindy goes home to the North Pole to save Christmas by delivering the presents and while there discovers that there is foul play which is why her dad was so ill. Can Cindy solve the mystery and save Christmas and Santa. I enjoyed the book. It is a good read to get you in the mood for Christmas.
Profile Image for Julia David.
2,528 reviews26 followers
September 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. Cindy gets a call from her mom saying Santa is sick, so she has to return home to deliver all the Christmas toys. When she sees her dad, she’s shocked at how unwell he looks. After he eats her cookies, he starts feeling a bit better, but when he eats the delivered cookies, he gets sick again. As Cindy prepares for Christmas, she also needs to figure out why her dad is ill. On top of that, her mom has some exciting news to share. Can Cindy save Christmas, uncover the saboteur, and make it back to her bakery?
138 reviews
October 26, 2025
Santa's daughter Cindy one again has her hands full. This time at the North Pole where her father is ailing and she has to take over the Christmas duties for him, something she never wanted to do but the children of the world are depending on her for their gifts. Cindy steps into her father's shoes and deals with an elf uprising, getting the gifts built in time, and somehow figure out what is wrong with her father. Cindy has not time to waste, Christmas will be there soon. Another fun, whimsical story in the series. I received an ARC and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
Profile Image for Margery.
926 reviews13 followers
September 19, 2025
Candy Claus gets a message from her mom that she has to come home now. It seems Santa, who is never, has fallen ill and won't be able to deliver the presents. She gets her head baker elf to take over the bakery while she heads on home. What is making Santa sick was the cookies made at her bakery. Someone is trying to kill Santa with poison! In true Trixie Silvertale this is a delightful and funny book with a surprise twist at the end.
82 reviews
September 21, 2025
Santa’s daughter Cindy Claus is called to the North Pole to hep with a family emergency. Her mentor Cinnamon Roll comes to Silver Sholes to fill in at the bakery while she’s gone. Cindy gets to do the most high duty. Someone or something is causing havoc back at the North Pole. Cindy is going to use her skills as an earthly investigator to find out who’s responsible. This is a wonderful wholesome story in the 4th book in the “Christmas Catastrophe Mystery series”.
Profile Image for Phthon.
2,352 reviews8 followers
October 3, 2025
What an intense mystery! I figured out what was going fairly quickly BUT I did NOT see THAT twist coming! I loved this story. I love that Cindy was able to step into her father’s shoes and save Christmas. I love that her mother was more willing to let Cindy know that she is proud of her daughter. I am also very curious about the pin, why did it not disappear with Violet? I am wondering if there is something nefarious about it. This series just keeps getting better with each book! I LOVE it!
Profile Image for Jodi Sweet.
1,795 reviews9 followers
October 5, 2025
Why would anyone want to harm Santa? That’s what Cindy and Artie need to figure out. Plus get the presents delivered, all while hoping things are going good back at the bakery with Cinnamon Roll helping out. Will she remember not to say anything about the North Pole to the humans?

This was an absolutely thrilling book! They things that happened…just when you think it’s all solved, something else pops up. Totally jaw dropping. I loved it!
345 reviews
December 9, 2025
Christmas

Santa needs help and who better than his daughter. Everything in the North pole seems to be go go go! Cindy gets there and she is baking, checking on the reindeer, getting fitted for her Santa suit, checking in on the elves and trying to figure out what is wrong with her father. This series is so much fun and is the new deputy Paulson the same from Pin Cherry. Mmm I wonder! Well on to the next adventure!💙💚😉🎄
701 reviews6 followers
September 13, 2025
I do really enjoy this series, just as I enjoy all of this author's work.

When Santa is taken seriously ill, his only child Cindy, has to come home to take over the family business. As it is Christmas, that means delivering all the presents to the world's children. Cindy then puts her sleuthing skills to work and find out what or who has brought Santa so near to death.
1,440 reviews5 followers
September 21, 2025
Book 3 in the Christmas Catastrophe Mysteries, one of my favorites. Cindy Claus has left the North Pole and is living in a small town and running her own bakery. However, her father Santa is home sick and if Cindy doesn’t deliver the toys it won’t happen! As Cindy arrives home she realizes something is off. Join Cindy as she learns how to make reindeer fly and find out why Santa is ill. Loved it!
803 reviews11 followers
September 23, 2025
What a fun book to read during the Christmas season....and, hint, hint!!! No one dies. Yeah, I know the title has "murder" in it but I'm not lying. So, *that's* why its a fun (and perfect) book to read at Christmas. I've loved read all of this author's books and this series is shaping up to be another of hers that I'm loving to re-read in the future.
Profile Image for E.
1,889 reviews
September 30, 2025
Fantastic!

I loved this story. I enjoyed seeing Cindy in both worlds solving problems. Two things I really like about these stores are one, that the story goes on a little bit after the big mystery is solved and two that there are recipes. It was fun to see a character from Pin Cherry make an appearance. I hope to read more in the series!!
Profile Image for Misha.
171 reviews
October 6, 2025
Cindy Claus is a delightful character and she doesn't disappoint in this latest installment. With her bakery an absolute success, Cindy is happy go lucky with her life until her momma, Mrs. Santa Claus, sends her an urgent message -Santa is ill and there may not be a Christmas EVER again! Cindy must put her best sleuthing skills to help save Christmas and her father. Amazing read.
968 reviews8 followers
October 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Cindy Claus is so innocent! This book emphasizes the importance of family or clans. Where we came from and what we will do for family. The who dunnit in this book was very easy to figure out. But it left us with another mystery of Cindy and her tenant! I’m excitedly waiting for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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