Stone Cold Christmas

by Liz Bradford

Haunted by Christmas past and tormented in Christmas present, is there any hope for Christmas Future?



Deemed Deputy Scrooge by her Dickens, Michigan community, Deputy Noelle Stone would rather Christmas never come. Ever. But as a single mom, she does her best to make the season special for her kids. If only Christmas Past would stop haunting her.



Newly appointed Deputy Jack Baker never anticipated starting a new life in this tiny town with his ten-year-old daughter would be so difficult. But Deputy Stone is insufferable. When the town’s Christmas fair is sabotaged and the string of petty crimes turns deadly, they must learn to trust each other to survive. But can Noelle surrender her heart of stone before it’s too late?



While previously released in the Silent Night Collection, this edition has a never before released extended epilogue!

Genres: Christmas, Suspense

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2025

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever stopped partway through a book and felt like you’ve read it before? I checked my Goodreads account, and this book isn’t listed as one I've read, yet I know I’ve read it before. Oh, well. It was just as good the second time around…plus, I’d forgotten the ending!
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Added Dec. 20 - This story was previously in the Silent Night Collection in 2024!
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“What the Dickens?”

Set in a fictional town of Dickens, Michigan, along the shores of fictional Lake Dasher, two weeks before Christmas, Deputy Noelle Stone and Deputy Jack Baker are tasked with finding Santa’s killer and uncovering who has been terrorizing their town for the past few weeks.

I liked the enemies to more trope featuring two lonely souls who were forced to work together against evil. I appreciated the themes of neglect, fresh starts and appearances can be deceiving, but I’ll remember this book for what it reminded me of our worth: we are all worth saving.

The epilogue added to the enjoyment of the book.

I’d recommend this fantastic romantic suspense set at Christmas.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun Christmassy romantic suspense novel. I enjoyed how the author made several nods to various Christmas stories in the names of characters and towns and the mystery was top notch! I had an inkling of who was behind all of the happenings, but couldn't be sure of the why or the how until the end. The faith thread in this one was solid as Jack prays for Noelle throughout and eventually wins her to Christ. Though the romance moved WAY too fast for my liking (personal preference) and the writing felt stilted in a few places, this was overall a fun holiday read and one I can recommend to fans of romantic suspense.

[Sandra S. Rodstol · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd time better then the first

I knew shortly into the book I had read it before, but decided to continue reading. I found myself just as intrigued as the first time. Often remembering as I read. I usually rate books but don’t write a review. I wanted to this time because I appreciated the epilogue being included with the book and not having to subscribe to the author’s newsletter to get it. I often find it doesn’t seem like the book is really finished without it! Thank you!

[Kim English · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome christmas read

Liz Bradford struck the Heart of Christmas with this read. Not only does it have great character arc, it clearly presents the reason for the season, all wrapped up in a cozy mystery

[Kristal Holtzclaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect cozy mystery

I really enjoyed this book. I consider this to be actual Christian fiction, it had the perfect amount of sweet romance and the mystery wouldn't let me put this one down. Great story.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stone Cold Christmas was an interesting read. Noelle and Jack, both deputies, have a rocky start after Jack's first day on the job. I enjoyed the progression of their relationship and how they had to work together to solve the Christmas crimes spree. The plot had enough twists and turns that kept me guessing as to who the villian was. Readers will learn why Noelle doesn't like Christmas and her backstory and Jack's backstory. I also enjoyed the faith threads woven into the story and how Noelle learns what it means to have a new heart and not one made of stone.

[Beverly Duell-Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

What exciting suspense! Loved Noelle and her feistiness!

[Ralph · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUtsatdning

One of the best books I have read this year. Love it, is there a sequel or a second book

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read. I actually read it before, evidently in an anthology. I remembered some stuff, but not the who