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Murder Through the Snow
All books in the Silver Pines Series are interconnected standalones. 🌲
Clare Garner is determined to make this holiday season merry and bright. Between decorating the gallery, planning the town’s annual Snow Stroll, and avoiding another romantic tangle between Jackson and Blake, she’s juggling enough tinsel to wrap the whole town. ❄️
But when a body is found surrounded by suspiciously perfect ⛄snowmen—Silver Pines goes from festive to frantic. With 🍵cocoa-fueled gossip swirling faster than a snow globe, Clare finds herself knee-deep in clues, cocoa, and Christmas chaos.
Can she unwrap the truth before the killer melts back into the crowd—or will this holiday mystery be her last gift of the season?
Perfect for fans of witty sleuths, 💕slow-burn romance, and small towns that sparkle even when there’s a body under the mistletoe.
All books in the Silver Pines Mystery series are interconnected standalones.
#1 Murder at Maisie's 🏡#2 Murder in the Garden 🌸#3 Murder Over Coffee ☕#4 Murder Under Autumn Leaves 🍂#5 Murder Through the Snow ❄️
Clare Garner is determined to make this holiday season merry and bright. Between decorating the gallery, planning the town’s annual Snow Stroll, and avoiding another romantic tangle between Jackson and Blake, she’s juggling enough tinsel to wrap the whole town. ❄️
But when a body is found surrounded by suspiciously perfect ⛄snowmen—Silver Pines goes from festive to frantic. With 🍵cocoa-fueled gossip swirling faster than a snow globe, Clare finds herself knee-deep in clues, cocoa, and Christmas chaos.
Can she unwrap the truth before the killer melts back into the crowd—or will this holiday mystery be her last gift of the season?
Perfect for fans of witty sleuths, 💕slow-burn romance, and small towns that sparkle even when there’s a body under the mistletoe.
All books in the Silver Pines Mystery series are interconnected standalones.
#1 Murder at Maisie's 🏡#2 Murder in the Garden 🌸#3 Murder Over Coffee ☕#4 Murder Under Autumn Leaves 🍂#5 Murder Through the Snow ❄️
153 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2025
4 people are currently reading
1311 people want to read
About the author
Lyla Blue
11 books50 followersA longtime fan of witty sleuths, clever puzzles, and small-town charm, Lyla writes with a mix of heart, humor, and murder—perfect for fans of character-driven cozies with a dash of romance and a sprinkle of sawdust. Her books are filled with colorful townsfolk, local legends, and enough red herrings to keep readers guessing until the very end.
When she’s not writing, Lyla enjoys road trips through the Blue Ridge Mountains, drinking endless cups of coffee or tea, and daydreaming about quirky inns she’d one day like to renovate—minus the dead bodies, of course.
When she’s not writing, Lyla enjoys road trips through the Blue Ridge Mountains, drinking endless cups of coffee or tea, and daydreaming about quirky inns she’d one day like to renovate—minus the dead bodies, of course.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 31, 2025
A snowy small town, buried secrets, and a mystery that kept me hooked from start to finish. Lyla Blue delivers atmosphere, tension, and a cast of characters you can’t help but suspect. Perfect winter reading.
What I loved most is how the story balances tension with warmth. The characters feel lived in, the relationships layered, and the clues sprinkled just enough to keep you guessing without ever feeling lost. If you enjoy mysteries with a strong sense of place, a dash of emotional depth, and a finale that ties everything together in a satisfying way, this one deserves a spot on your winter reading list.
What I loved most is how the story balances tension with warmth. The characters feel lived in, the relationships layered, and the clues sprinkled just enough to keep you guessing without ever feeling lost. If you enjoy mysteries with a strong sense of place, a dash of emotional depth, and a finale that ties everything together in a satisfying way, this one deserves a spot on your winter reading list.
December 27, 2025
Enjoyable series with awesome audio narrators. The author gives the backstory to the main characters in different ways which each book, so you can read out of order and still know what is going on. Charming with lovable characters, some romance, and fun mysteries.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
December 28, 2025
Murder Through the Snow is the kind of cozy winter mystery that makes you want to curl up with a blanket while also trying to solve the case before the characters do. The story takes place in a charming small snowy town where everyone seems warm and friendly on the surface, yet every smile hides something unspoken. The main character is smart, kind, stubborn in the best way, and deeply loyal to the people she loves. What makes her so engaging is that she is not perfect. She second guesses herself, she makes mistakes, and she feels very human. Watching her push through fear and doubt to uncover the truth makes you root for her the whole time.
The side characters feel just as real. Friends support her but also question her choices when she gets too close to danger. The love interest has that sweet Hallmark warmth mixed with quiet strength. Their chemistry is gentle and heartfelt, with moments of humor, tension, and soft comfort in the middle of the chaos. Even the townspeople matter. Each one has a role, history, and emotion behind their actions. Conversations are not just filler. They reveal secrets, deepen relationships, and slowly show how each person is connected to the mystery.
The mystery itself has that perfect Hallmark mix of cozy charm and real danger. There is snow, twinkling lights, holiday warmth, and yet there is also suspense, lies, and hidden motives. It never feels too dark, but it also never feels silly. The balance is just right. You feel the stakes, but you also feel the heart. By the end, the truth is satisfying, emotional, and meaningful, showing how love, honesty, and community truly matter. It is warm, gripping, sweet, and a little chilling in the best way, which makes it a very strong and enjoyable four star read.
The side characters feel just as real. Friends support her but also question her choices when she gets too close to danger. The love interest has that sweet Hallmark warmth mixed with quiet strength. Their chemistry is gentle and heartfelt, with moments of humor, tension, and soft comfort in the middle of the chaos. Even the townspeople matter. Each one has a role, history, and emotion behind their actions. Conversations are not just filler. They reveal secrets, deepen relationships, and slowly show how each person is connected to the mystery.
The mystery itself has that perfect Hallmark mix of cozy charm and real danger. There is snow, twinkling lights, holiday warmth, and yet there is also suspense, lies, and hidden motives. It never feels too dark, but it also never feels silly. The balance is just right. You feel the stakes, but you also feel the heart. By the end, the truth is satisfying, emotional, and meaningful, showing how love, honesty, and community truly matter. It is warm, gripping, sweet, and a little chilling in the best way, which makes it a very strong and enjoyable four star read.
December 25, 2025
4.75
This was cute for a Gilmore girls, cozy hallmark mystery book. It was the perfect little story to listen to on Christmas Day ❤️ but could be read at any time really. * just a snowy vibe *
I need to go back at the start of the series because I didn’t realize when requesting the ALC that it was not a standalone. The story follows Clare and her love story from book one and continues on throughout the stories… but the mystery is just in this one book! This one is a pretty important one in Clare’s relationship so I wish I had started from the very beginning. Thankfully Lyla is really good at catching you right up with not too many major spoilers (minus one I assume)
The mystery was good … I usually read a lot of romantic suspense and while this one includes a murder investigation - i don’t think this one has the same type of trigger warnings that im used too. And that was not a bad thing at all!
Also there are so many cute pets in this!! Ugh, cozy. ❤️
Thank you BNA for the audio ❤️🎄
Eleanor Caudill is not a familiar name to me but she’s great. She speaks clearly and she doesn’t overact the lines. She fit well as Clare in characteristics and her voice didn’t come off too young or old for the role. And while the story was in Clare’s POV…Sebastian was perfection as usual and can uniquely play multiple male characters.
This was cute for a Gilmore girls, cozy hallmark mystery book. It was the perfect little story to listen to on Christmas Day ❤️ but could be read at any time really. * just a snowy vibe *
I need to go back at the start of the series because I didn’t realize when requesting the ALC that it was not a standalone. The story follows Clare and her love story from book one and continues on throughout the stories… but the mystery is just in this one book! This one is a pretty important one in Clare’s relationship so I wish I had started from the very beginning. Thankfully Lyla is really good at catching you right up with not too many major spoilers (minus one I assume)
The mystery was good … I usually read a lot of romantic suspense and while this one includes a murder investigation - i don’t think this one has the same type of trigger warnings that im used too. And that was not a bad thing at all!
Also there are so many cute pets in this!! Ugh, cozy. ❤️
Thank you BNA for the audio ❤️🎄
Eleanor Caudill is not a familiar name to me but she’s great. She speaks clearly and she doesn’t overact the lines. She fit well as Clare in characteristics and her voice didn’t come off too young or old for the role. And while the story was in Clare’s POV…Sebastian was perfection as usual and can uniquely play multiple male characters.
February 10, 2026
Clare and the other business owners in Silver Pines are building a Christmas Village for the town square that replicates their own businesses. But when Clare goes to check on the village after a snowy night, she discovers one of her fellow business owners dead in the snow near the display. When other people in the community becomes suspects with the town sheriff, Clare does her own sleuthing to discover what really happened.
If I had to give a general description of this book, it's what I imagine a Hallmark Christmas movie would be that included a murder mystery. My main issue with this book, is that it's part of a mystery series, but it's really light on the actual mystery part. In fact, I feel like the author spends more time talking about things happening in the town and the love triangle between Clare and her two ex-boyfriends (one from high school and one from college), then she spends on the actual mystery.
Cute and sweet and a very short read, but I did not find myself invested at all in the mystery part. It seemed like a total afterthought.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If I had to give a general description of this book, it's what I imagine a Hallmark Christmas movie would be that included a murder mystery. My main issue with this book, is that it's part of a mystery series, but it's really light on the actual mystery part. In fact, I feel like the author spends more time talking about things happening in the town and the love triangle between Clare and her two ex-boyfriends (one from high school and one from college), then she spends on the actual mystery.
Cute and sweet and a very short read, but I did not find myself invested at all in the mystery part. It seemed like a total afterthought.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2026
I really love how romanticised the winter is in Murder Through the Snow and this was the perfect post festive listen.
Silver Pines may also be about to oust Cabot Cove as my favourite small town mystery setting. I enjoyed how different the mystery was this time round too and it really kept me engaged as I tried to work it all out. I had so many theories as to who the killer was and was definitely surprised at the final reveal.
Eleanor Caudill and Sebastian York continue to work so well together balancing out the sweetness and low angst drama of the will they, won't they, love triangle. The slow burn is starting to smoulder with Clare deciding to make her move. The last chapter definitely left me desperate for the next book!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
Silver Pines may also be about to oust Cabot Cove as my favourite small town mystery setting. I enjoyed how different the mystery was this time round too and it really kept me engaged as I tried to work it all out. I had so many theories as to who the killer was and was definitely surprised at the final reveal.
Eleanor Caudill and Sebastian York continue to work so well together balancing out the sweetness and low angst drama of the will they, won't they, love triangle. The slow burn is starting to smoulder with Clare deciding to make her move. The last chapter definitely left me desperate for the next book!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
January 2, 2026
Fun, cozy, winter mystery.
This series continues to entertain me. Clare is back, and somehow manages to stumble on the body of a prominent and well-liked business owner after a significant snowfall. I would start to have a complex if this happened to me, but Clare takes it all in stride. She’s her inquisitive, tenacious self. Much to the sheriff’s dismay. She brings along her friends for another investigation she can’t seem to stay out of.
Narrated by Sebastian York and Eleanor Caudill. They continue to deliver fantastic, engaging performances. Their voices blend well together, and both handle the multiple characters perfectly.
The love triangle finally has a conclusion in sight, and I’m thrilled about it. It’s done in a sweet, endearing way without the angst. This series continues to deliver the small town charm filled with an array of characters that add to the story. It was filled with twists that kept me guessing until the end. It’s a comfortable, cozy mystery and a delight to my ears. I can’t wait for the final book of the series.
This series continues to entertain me. Clare is back, and somehow manages to stumble on the body of a prominent and well-liked business owner after a significant snowfall. I would start to have a complex if this happened to me, but Clare takes it all in stride. She’s her inquisitive, tenacious self. Much to the sheriff’s dismay. She brings along her friends for another investigation she can’t seem to stay out of.
Narrated by Sebastian York and Eleanor Caudill. They continue to deliver fantastic, engaging performances. Their voices blend well together, and both handle the multiple characters perfectly.
The love triangle finally has a conclusion in sight, and I’m thrilled about it. It’s done in a sweet, endearing way without the angst. This series continues to deliver the small town charm filled with an array of characters that add to the story. It was filled with twists that kept me guessing until the end. It’s a comfortable, cozy mystery and a delight to my ears. I can’t wait for the final book of the series.
December 31, 2025
Another cozy win from Lyla Blue. The snow finally falls on Silver Pines just in time for the holidays and SNAP! Clare finds another body. Truly, if I were Clare, I’d be house hunting elsewhere by now. The girl cannot catch a break.
This one delivered some solid twists, and I was genuinely impressed by how the mystery unfolded. Well played, Lyla. You had me guessing until the very end. And thank you for finally laying the love triangle to rest, even if you made us (and Jackson and Blake) work for it.
On audio, Eleanor Caudill and Sebastian York are fantastic. Eleanor’s narration is warm, confident, and exactly what you want in a cozy mystery, while Sebastian brings that steady, grounded presence. Together, they’re pure cozy magic.
If you love cozy mysteries, this series is smartly plotted, keeps you guessing, and is packed with interesting characters that’ll make you want to move to Silver Pines…just maybe not too close to Clare. :P
This one delivered some solid twists, and I was genuinely impressed by how the mystery unfolded. Well played, Lyla. You had me guessing until the very end. And thank you for finally laying the love triangle to rest, even if you made us (and Jackson and Blake) work for it.
On audio, Eleanor Caudill and Sebastian York are fantastic. Eleanor’s narration is warm, confident, and exactly what you want in a cozy mystery, while Sebastian brings that steady, grounded presence. Together, they’re pure cozy magic.
If you love cozy mysteries, this series is smartly plotted, keeps you guessing, and is packed with interesting characters that’ll make you want to move to Silver Pines…just maybe not too close to Clare. :P
December 28, 2025
Murder Through the Snow is the fifth book in the Silver Pines Mysteries series. We're back in the small town of Silver Pines while they prepare for their annual Snow Stroll. This story is another cozy, charming, low stakes mystery with a mean looking snowman, a chemistry lesson and, of course, coffee.
Clare, unfortunately, stumbles upon another murder. Her intuition puts her back into helping the investigation. The love triangle continues between Clare, Jackson and Blake, but it seems as though she may finally realize who she really wants to be with.
Audio: Eleanor Caudill and Sebastian York did another fantastic job of bring the characters to life. Their personalities and emotions are clear. They keep the story feeling cozy yet there's a small feeling of uncertainty.
Clare, unfortunately, stumbles upon another murder. Her intuition puts her back into helping the investigation. The love triangle continues between Clare, Jackson and Blake, but it seems as though she may finally realize who she really wants to be with.
Audio: Eleanor Caudill and Sebastian York did another fantastic job of bring the characters to life. Their personalities and emotions are clear. They keep the story feeling cozy yet there's a small feeling of uncertainty.
December 30, 2025
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this audiobook and have decided to give my honest review:
Murder Through the Snow by Lyla Blue is a cozy Christmas mystery that is perfect to read or listen to before or after Christmas.
It follows Clare, Jackson, Blake, Susie, Pate, and many others in the small town of Silver Pines North Carolina. It gives all the best cozy mystery vibes, and keeps you guessing who did it until the very end.
The audiobook is read in dual narration by Eleanor Caudill and Sebastian York. They do an amazing job of bringing this story and its characters to life. The audiobook is perfect to listen to when you’re doing chores, crafting, relaxing, or running errands.
The audiobook is now available on Audible and is produced by Blue Nose Audio.
Murder Through the Snow by Lyla Blue is a cozy Christmas mystery that is perfect to read or listen to before or after Christmas.
It follows Clare, Jackson, Blake, Susie, Pate, and many others in the small town of Silver Pines North Carolina. It gives all the best cozy mystery vibes, and keeps you guessing who did it until the very end.
The audiobook is read in dual narration by Eleanor Caudill and Sebastian York. They do an amazing job of bringing this story and its characters to life. The audiobook is perfect to listen to when you’re doing chores, crafting, relaxing, or running errands.
The audiobook is now available on Audible and is produced by Blue Nose Audio.
December 29, 2025
Silver pines has quickly become one of my favorite places to visit. The characters in this small town are realistic and engaging. The heartwarming friendships, past and present, along with the town’s holiday annual festivities easily made this my favorite book of the series. Clare, Jackson and Blake are lovable characters in this small town mystery.
The audiobook was a quick enjoyable listen. The narrators did a superb job in their portrayal of these likable and pragmatic characters.
I look forward to more Silver Pines and the characters who live there.
Thank you to Blue Nose Audio and Lyla Blue for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
The audiobook was a quick enjoyable listen. The narrators did a superb job in their portrayal of these likable and pragmatic characters.
I look forward to more Silver Pines and the characters who live there.
Thank you to Blue Nose Audio and Lyla Blue for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
December 30, 2025
This was the perfect audio to finish out December with!! 🎧❄️
I usually read books with much heavier themes, but I’ve completely fallen in love with the Silver Pines series. They’ve been such a great way to lighten my mood fun, cozy, and cute… minus the murders 😅🔪
The narration was such a highlight for me. Eleanor Caudill brings so much warmth and heart to Clare, making her incredibly easy to connect with. And Sebastian York adds that familiar, comforting presence that always makes an audio even better. Together, they made this one impossible to stop listening to.
I can’t wait to see what happens next in Silver Pines 🖤
I usually read books with much heavier themes, but I’ve completely fallen in love with the Silver Pines series. They’ve been such a great way to lighten my mood fun, cozy, and cute… minus the murders 😅🔪
The narration was such a highlight for me. Eleanor Caudill brings so much warmth and heart to Clare, making her incredibly easy to connect with. And Sebastian York adds that familiar, comforting presence that always makes an audio even better. Together, they made this one impossible to stop listening to.
I can’t wait to see what happens next in Silver Pines 🖤
January 8, 2026
✩°｡⋆⸜ ♥️🎧✮ Audiobook Review! ✩°｡⋆⸜ ♥️🎧✮
This is the fifth book in the Silver Pines Mysteries series, and another entertaining cozy mystery. I love this series, and this installment did not disappoint. Clare, Jackson, and Blake are engaging and well developed characters. The mystery unfolds smoothly, with a well crafted and satisfying plot. I really enjoyed following Clare, both in her investigations and in her personal life. Eleanor Caudill and Sebastian York delivered an outstanding narration, bringing the story and characters vividly to life. I highly recommend this series to fans of cozy mysteries. #BlueNoseAudio
This is the fifth book in the Silver Pines Mysteries series, and another entertaining cozy mystery. I love this series, and this installment did not disappoint. Clare, Jackson, and Blake are engaging and well developed characters. The mystery unfolds smoothly, with a well crafted and satisfying plot. I really enjoyed following Clare, both in her investigations and in her personal life. Eleanor Caudill and Sebastian York delivered an outstanding narration, bringing the story and characters vividly to life. I highly recommend this series to fans of cozy mysteries. #BlueNoseAudio
December 26, 2025
I wanted to love this one, but I think this was my least favorite of them all. The murder investigation on this one was really interesting and I enjoyed that part, although it made me sad that the victim was someone nice and not a villain like previously. I felt like this focused on really random aspects like an engagement. And it still lives the love triangle unresolved. This one would be a 3.5 for me.
Tropes:
Cozy murder investigation - book 5
Dog Mom
Love Triangle
Small Town
Tropes:
Cozy murder investigation - book 5
Dog Mom
Love Triangle
Small Town
December 29, 2025
Claire is busy working on props for the town's annual Snow Stroll. She's also balancing her feelings for Jackson and Blake, her business which is booming at Christmas time and the upcoming trivia competition. When she finds the body of Roy Johnston among the decorations in the snow she calls in the police. The police bring in Amanda, the victim fiancee for questioning, but Claire doesn't think she could have killed him. They were so in love. Claire begins her investigation to help clear her name.
Another great book in the series.
Another great book in the series.
January 1, 2026
Claire is enjoying the holiday season, between decorating and getting ready for the town's annual Snow Stroll. Unfortunately, she soon discovers a body in the snow.
I enjoyed the holiday theme. Fun holiday activities were mentioned adding to the fun in the story. The mystery was interesting and kept my attention. There was a good amount of romance as well. The narrators did a very good job as well.
I enjoyed the holiday theme. Fun holiday activities were mentioned adding to the fun in the story. The mystery was interesting and kept my attention. There was a good amount of romance as well. The narrators did a very good job as well.
January 1, 2026
I think this story might be my favorite of the series. Yay science! The significant moments between Clare and Jackson are beginning more frequent, but so are her moments with Blake. The mystery left me guessing until the very end, which was a nice surprise. Again, Lyla writes an engaging and unique story.
Eleanor Caudill and Sebastian York are delightful together. They are quite the dynamic duo and I love listening to them.
Eleanor Caudill and Sebastian York are delightful together. They are quite the dynamic duo and I love listening to them.
February 4, 2026
This was a super short read and although there is a seasonal/holiday theme, it's really perfect for an anytime read! I liked the character dynamics and the way the information is relayed - enough details to know each characters familiarity with each other, but not overwhelming and just enough to keep you curious! Enjoyed the twist! Although it can be read as a standalone, I think I'd enjoy it more had I started with book one!!
December 26, 2025
I have really been enjoying these short stories of a small town with Clare, Jackson and Blake as the main characters along with Susie Clare’s best friend and Clare’s dog Lucy. This one was a perfect listen to for December . Clare’s intuition is always spot on for trying to figure out who or what is going on in Silver Pines.
December 28, 2025
Small town...Check
Murder...Check
Will we find out which guy she chooses at the end???... maybe
This whole series so far has been fantastic. Super hometown, cozy reads that leave you guessing until the end. I have had the pleaser of getting to listen to all of these on audiobooks and the narration is phenomenal. Definitely recommend to YA and Adults looking for some short reads.
Murder...Check
Will we find out which guy she chooses at the end???... maybe
This whole series so far has been fantastic. Super hometown, cozy reads that leave you guessing until the end. I have had the pleaser of getting to listen to all of these on audiobooks and the narration is phenomenal. Definitely recommend to YA and Adults looking for some short reads.
December 23, 2025
I loved it!!!
December 23, 2025
Great cozy mystery read. I will be reading more from this author for sure
December 27, 2025
got sent this in a goodreads giveaway! enjoyed the pace of this and the twist in murder plot! not gruesome and enjoyed it! would read the others!
January 4, 2026
I enjoyed this cozy mystery. I enjoyed the characters and the story. Loved the Christmas town.
January 26, 2026
I liked the book. It was a good mystery.
January 1, 2026
Murder Through the Snow by Lyla Blue was such a fun and cozy listen. I loved being completely clueless the entire time — the mystery genuinely kept me guessing, and the ending was very satisfying. The duet narration was fantastic and added so much personality and charm to the story. Overall, it was a light, engaging, and delightful audiobook that I really enjoyed.
February 8, 2026
I think this was my favorite of the series. The local characters are at their finest, the mystery keeps you wondering until the end, and the romance storyline that has been running through the series takes the best possible turn. Another fun read!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews