Deadly Cheer

Witch in the Woods #33

by Jenna St. James

A Forty-Something Witch with a New Career


A Gargoyle Sheriff Raising a Daughter

And an Enchanted Island Full of Secrets





It’s almost Yule, and the citizens of Enchanted Island are brimming with joy, excitement... and secrets. And not the good kind tucked in glittery boxes. These secrets are darker.


When Shayla and Needles are called out to Midlake to investigate a deceased fairy dressed as an elf, they have no idea they’re stepping into a maelstrom of holiday trouble. Everyone seemed to like the victim, or so they say. But Shayla, Needles, Alex, and Grant quickly learn that not all festive smiles are sincere, and suspects are as plentiful as enchanted peppermints.


Can Shayla and Needles uncover the truth before the annual tree-lighting ceremony? Or will an unsolved murder cast a shadow over the Yuletide cheer?

151 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

Jenna writes in the genre of traditional cozy, paranormal cozy, and romantic comedy. Her humorous characters and stories revolve around over-the-top family members, creative murders, and there's always a positive element of the military in her stories. Jenna currently lives in Missouri with her fiancé, step-daughter, Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever dog, Brownie, and her tuxedo-cat, Whiskey. She is a former court reporter turned educator turned full-time writer. She has a Master’s degree in Special Education and an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She also spent twelve years in full-time ministry.
When she’s not writing, Jenna likes to attend beer and wine tastings, go antiquing, visit craft festivals, and spend time with her family and friends. You can friend request her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjennas... or catch her on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/authorjennas.... Check out her website at http://www.jennastjames.com/. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter so you can keep up with the latest releases!

Reviews

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preparations for the Winter Solstice fair are underway. With magical snowmen and women walking around, to kids making their own snowmen, with one looking more like a walking zombie the air is electric with excitement. The bakery is doing booming business as Serena and Tamara are inventing treats that coincide with their cravings. Seems everything has pickle added to everything and the townsfolk are loving it. In true form there is always one bee buzzing about causing havoc. Not the funny kind of havoc like the twins,but the kind that is giving Gigi a headache. The fairy who was in charge of vendor booth placements was an angry and difficult woman to be near. Shayla and Alex were called back to the grounds late the night before the fair. What they found was the angry fairy Marla, face down on the ice rink surrounded by the magicked snowmen. They all had evil faces, each holding a bloodied knife, sneering at the body of Marla. In true Jenna St. James style you will find many twists and turns that always are fresh and page turning.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanted Island can't seem to have a crime free festival and there are plenty of suspects in this really twisted murder. Enchanted snowmen are front and center. It is wonderful to see the island filling up with so many delightful and entertaining children. Lots of special relationships are forming as well. So many wonderful characters make it fun to visit this special place. So many good motives I didn't guess this killer. Can't wait to read the next adventure.

[Conny CONE · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating narrative from a beloved author that showcases their exceptional storytelling prowess. The characters are brilliantly crafted, with the talking porcupine standing out as a particularly memorable and endearing figure. Having devoured all 33 books in the series, I remain thoroughly enchanted by the author's remarkable literary world.

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy another visit to Enchanted Island. Shayla, Zoie and Needles are on the case when a murder occurs right before the Yule festival in the park. There were several suspects, a few twists to keep me guessing and then a dramatic reveal that totally surprised me. Plus, we have the twins, Cayden and Brooke, who steal every scene when they appear.

[Diane Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a wonderful read

Shayla and Alex are a good team. Suspects and surprises. The whole crew works well together. Needles is a little terror as are the twins. More babies coming so that will be fun.

[Linnette Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yule Murder

So many things going on and then the murder. Can this be solved in time? Great to visit the island and all the friends we’ve made there. Love the people, the kids and this well crafted story!

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a twisted storyline, I didn't figure it out. I love the twins, they are so interesting and entertaining. Can't wait to see what they will do as they get older. Great storyline!!

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Cheer by Jenna St. James is book 33 in the Witch in the Woods series.
This series just gets better and better!

The Winter Solstice is here with the fair and all the wonderful things that come with it.

Magical snowmen and plenty of tables are set up for the local businesses.
I love the pregnancy special treats from Serena and Tamara's business; the flavors are so wild!

The coordinator of the fair is miserable and causing everyone to be upset.
When she turns up dead, there are no shortage of suspects.

So many twists and turns. I love this series; the world building is amazing.

Can't wait for more books!

[Marcelline Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun

As always, whenever I need to read something light, fun and enjoyable, these books are my go too..


Thank you

[Ramona Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

book33

Great story, there is reason to kill, it would have been nice if one of the magical snowmen just sat on her until she saw the light

[Jennifer Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun read

Always a fun read. Shayla, Zoie, Alex and the gang never disappoint. The stories are fun and always a little exciting.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Consistently fun series that is a very quick and easy read.

[Stephen Levesque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!