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Hygge House #1
Hygge and Homicide
BOOKFEST 2026 AWARD-WINNING COZY MYSTERY!
Escape to the charming small town of Lakewood in this delightful Scandinavian-inspired cozy mystery!
When talented interior designer Minna Halonen returns to her idyllic northern hometown after decades away, she's ready for a fresh start. Recently divorced and with her daughter grown, Minna eagerly takes over Nordic Cozy, her mother Elsi's beloved home décor shop, embracing the hygge lifestyle and peaceful natural surroundings she'd forgotten she missed.
Partnering with her lifelong friend Christie, a creative event planner with an eye for detail, Minna pours her heart into transforming an old lakeside property into Hygge House—a cozy retreat for workshops, gatherings, and the perfect blend of Scandinavian comfort and woodland charm.
But on Grand Opening morning, Minna's dreams of a tranquil new beginning crumble when she discovers a dead body on her doorstep! With whispers spreading through Lakewood's tight-knit community and business grinding to a halt, Minna must channel her designer's eye for detail into amateur sleuthing.
Can this middle-aged entrepreneur catch a killer and restore harmony to her picturesque hometown? Or will Minna's second chance at happiness be cut tragically short?
Hygge and Homicide is the first book in the delightful Hygge House Cozy Mystery series—where murder meets Scandinavian comfort in a rustic northern town.
ADVANCED
"Hygge and Homicide is a delightful blend of small-town charm and sharp wit. A. L. Jensen perfectly captures the essence of hygge—warmth, comfort, and connection—while weaving a mystery that will keep you guessing until the final page. Grab a cardamom bun, wrap yourself in your favorite throw, and settle in. This is a debut that feels like coming home." ACF Bookens, author of the St. Marin's Cozy Mystery Series
Escape to the charming small town of Lakewood in this delightful Scandinavian-inspired cozy mystery!
When talented interior designer Minna Halonen returns to her idyllic northern hometown after decades away, she's ready for a fresh start. Recently divorced and with her daughter grown, Minna eagerly takes over Nordic Cozy, her mother Elsi's beloved home décor shop, embracing the hygge lifestyle and peaceful natural surroundings she'd forgotten she missed.
Partnering with her lifelong friend Christie, a creative event planner with an eye for detail, Minna pours her heart into transforming an old lakeside property into Hygge House—a cozy retreat for workshops, gatherings, and the perfect blend of Scandinavian comfort and woodland charm.
But on Grand Opening morning, Minna's dreams of a tranquil new beginning crumble when she discovers a dead body on her doorstep! With whispers spreading through Lakewood's tight-knit community and business grinding to a halt, Minna must channel her designer's eye for detail into amateur sleuthing.
Can this middle-aged entrepreneur catch a killer and restore harmony to her picturesque hometown? Or will Minna's second chance at happiness be cut tragically short?
Hygge and Homicide is the first book in the delightful Hygge House Cozy Mystery series—where murder meets Scandinavian comfort in a rustic northern town.
ADVANCED
"Hygge and Homicide is a delightful blend of small-town charm and sharp wit. A. L. Jensen perfectly captures the essence of hygge—warmth, comfort, and connection—while weaving a mystery that will keep you guessing until the final page. Grab a cardamom bun, wrap yourself in your favorite throw, and settle in. This is a debut that feels like coming home." ACF Bookens, author of the St. Marin's Cozy Mystery Series
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2026
28 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 20, 2026
There’s the foundation of a solid cozy mystery series here, but Hygge and Homicide ultimately feels like a book that needed a firmer editorial hand. (pronounced hoo-gah). The biggest issue is pacing. The homicide itself doesn’t occur until 27% of the way into the story. While some mysteries successfully build slowly, this one leans too heavily on setup. The world-building and scene-setting could have been trimmed to create a tighter, more engaging narrative. Chop off the first eight chapters and sow in the info from that into the narrative.
That said, the characters are intriguing and show promise. They’re distinct enough to carry a series forward, and I can easily see other readers connecting with them more strongly than I did.
For me, this installment didn’t quite land, and I’m unlikely to continue the series—but there’s enough potential here that fans of cozy mysteries may still find something to enjoy.
That said, the characters are intriguing and show promise. They’re distinct enough to carry a series forward, and I can easily see other readers connecting with them more strongly than I did.
For me, this installment didn’t quite land, and I’m unlikely to continue the series—but there’s enough potential here that fans of cozy mysteries may still find something to enjoy.
May 7, 2026
Ho comprato questo libro perché incentrato sulla filosofia hygge: infatti questo aspetto della storia, oltre alla famiglia "allargata" della protagonista e all'ambientazione "piccola città immersa nella natura", è quello che mi è piaciuto più di tutto. Per quanto riguarda il giallo, il colpevole era abbastanza ovvio, alla fin fine.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Before coming across A.L. Jensen’s HYGGE AND HOMICIDE, I wasn’t aware of that sub-genre author and Finnish Canadian Liisa Kovala (Surviving Stutthoff: My Father's Memories Behind the Death Gate, Sisu’s Winter War, Like Water for Weary Souls) calls nordic cozy mystery. Growing up with Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie, I found myself delighted to find easter egg-like references to the old-school dames of the cozy mystery genre.
Cozy mystery, yes, but nordic? Apparently I wasn’t even pronouncing Hygge correctly. It’s “hoo-gah” for those who, like me, thought otherwise. Do I now have a set of Iitala tealight holders in a cart at an online Scandinavian design shop? Yes, I do. Anyone not already in love with Scandinavian design, prepare to join the masses. The foundation upon which Jensen builds her mystery is decidedly nordic. The northern boreal setting, the distinctly Finnish Canadian community and the cleverly named boutique Nordic Cozy combine to give HYGGE AND HOMICIDE a delightfully, well, nordic cozy, vibe.
Set in the fictional northern Ontario town of Lakewood, we meet protagonist Minna Halonen cycling through the woodsy small town setting where she grew up with her faithful dog, Hugo Dogbert, in tow. Prepare to fall in love post-haste with Hugo. Jensen’s lush description evokes northern cottage country, with pine and maple trees, sun-dappled lakes, and small towns whose communities bear the imprint of the strong Finnish Canadian communities established in the area in the early days of rail, lumber and mining.
In her early fifties, Minna is recently (and amicably) divorced, and has left the rat race in Toronto, where she was a successful interior designer, for the slower pace of life surrounded by a tight knit community in an idyllic setting. Fictional Lakewood is populated by a mix of Minna’s childhood neighbours and newer members of the community. We meet each as Minna encounters them, establishing relationships and connections that make the cutesy town (Stars Hollow vibes, anyone?) tick. Prepare to fall in love with Minna and, through her eyes, Lakewood and its tight-knit community.
HYGGE AND HOMICIDE hits all the cozy mystery notes. Shortly after Minna returns to Lakewood and begins a new business venture with a long-time friend, a dead body is discovered, and a murder investigation begins. In the wake of the murder, Lakewood’s tourism suffers, as people are afraid while the culprit remains at large. The spectre of an unsolved murder stirs angst amongst the townsfolk, whose livelihoods rely on a healthy tourist industry. The stakes are high and Minna finds herself drawn into the role of citizen sleuth. Jensen uses dialogue thoughtfully, moving the plot forward, revealing character and building tension as Minna conducts her citizen sleuthing. Thoughtfully placed curiosity seeds draw the reader into the story as the tension builds towards a confrontation with the suspect. Red Herrings are skillfully crafted and woven into the narrative, keeping the reader on their toes. Cheery townsfolk can have secrets, too, it turns out.
Perfect for enjoying with a warm pot of tea and a quiet, comfy spot to curl up and step into the world of Minna Halonen and the people of Lakewood. As the first book in a series, HYGGE AND HOMICIDE will leave the characters and a longing for more. I will be waiting patiently for the April release of book two: MIDSUMMER, MARRIAGE, AND MURDER.
Cozy mystery, yes, but nordic? Apparently I wasn’t even pronouncing Hygge correctly. It’s “hoo-gah” for those who, like me, thought otherwise. Do I now have a set of Iitala tealight holders in a cart at an online Scandinavian design shop? Yes, I do. Anyone not already in love with Scandinavian design, prepare to join the masses. The foundation upon which Jensen builds her mystery is decidedly nordic. The northern boreal setting, the distinctly Finnish Canadian community and the cleverly named boutique Nordic Cozy combine to give HYGGE AND HOMICIDE a delightfully, well, nordic cozy, vibe.
Set in the fictional northern Ontario town of Lakewood, we meet protagonist Minna Halonen cycling through the woodsy small town setting where she grew up with her faithful dog, Hugo Dogbert, in tow. Prepare to fall in love post-haste with Hugo. Jensen’s lush description evokes northern cottage country, with pine and maple trees, sun-dappled lakes, and small towns whose communities bear the imprint of the strong Finnish Canadian communities established in the area in the early days of rail, lumber and mining.
In her early fifties, Minna is recently (and amicably) divorced, and has left the rat race in Toronto, where she was a successful interior designer, for the slower pace of life surrounded by a tight knit community in an idyllic setting. Fictional Lakewood is populated by a mix of Minna’s childhood neighbours and newer members of the community. We meet each as Minna encounters them, establishing relationships and connections that make the cutesy town (Stars Hollow vibes, anyone?) tick. Prepare to fall in love with Minna and, through her eyes, Lakewood and its tight-knit community.
HYGGE AND HOMICIDE hits all the cozy mystery notes. Shortly after Minna returns to Lakewood and begins a new business venture with a long-time friend, a dead body is discovered, and a murder investigation begins. In the wake of the murder, Lakewood’s tourism suffers, as people are afraid while the culprit remains at large. The spectre of an unsolved murder stirs angst amongst the townsfolk, whose livelihoods rely on a healthy tourist industry. The stakes are high and Minna finds herself drawn into the role of citizen sleuth. Jensen uses dialogue thoughtfully, moving the plot forward, revealing character and building tension as Minna conducts her citizen sleuthing. Thoughtfully placed curiosity seeds draw the reader into the story as the tension builds towards a confrontation with the suspect. Red Herrings are skillfully crafted and woven into the narrative, keeping the reader on their toes. Cheery townsfolk can have secrets, too, it turns out.
Perfect for enjoying with a warm pot of tea and a quiet, comfy spot to curl up and step into the world of Minna Halonen and the people of Lakewood. As the first book in a series, HYGGE AND HOMICIDE will leave the characters and a longing for more. I will be waiting patiently for the April release of book two: MIDSUMMER, MARRIAGE, AND MURDER.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This lovely book is to be published tomorrow! I was lucky enough to get an advance review copy and enjoyed it so much. It’s a typical cozy mystery, set in a town that speaks to me of Three Pines, Louise Penny’s story location. Lakewood is one of those marvellous small towns where everyone is a character and most of them have loveable quirks or interesting shops. I want to live there and explore all the cleverly named places, and/or buy the bookshop…
Minna and Christie’s purchase of the Hygge House sounds like such fun, with a friendly ghost and plans for family togetherness and a profitable business. That is, until the grand opening, when an unfortunate event casts a pall over the opening and the town as well. Murder has been done, but by whom? Everyone is a suspect to newly-returned Minna, and she can’t help starting to investigate, trusty dog in company.
All the tropes are here- the police detective who warns Minna off but can’t seem to solve anything without her help, the cranky and gossipy villagers all dipping in to offer solutions, the creepy man slipping in at the last moment. Very Agatha Christie. There’s even a budding romance or two. Minna needs to work on her interviewing techniques as she is often left apologizing afterwards, but that’s familiar, too. So a familiar structure but that’s where the comfort lies, and the story is well-executed. I do love a book where I like the characters - and I look forward to learning more about them.
In our current desperate environment, a cozy mystery goes down like a hot tea and pastries in front of a roaring fire. This read won’t challenge you, but it is cheering, entertaining, and I look forward to more in this series. Sometimes a problem with a simple solution is just what we need to read.
The book could do with another careful copy edit as some errors are hiding here and there- missing words, misspellings, etc, particularly in the latter half of the book. They don’t distract from the story, just warning the poor author that anyone who reads her book will be at pains to point out the errors (I’ve suffered this myself and it is most annoying).
A great start to the series. I’m looking forward to the next!
Minna and Christie’s purchase of the Hygge House sounds like such fun, with a friendly ghost and plans for family togetherness and a profitable business. That is, until the grand opening, when an unfortunate event casts a pall over the opening and the town as well. Murder has been done, but by whom? Everyone is a suspect to newly-returned Minna, and she can’t help starting to investigate, trusty dog in company.
All the tropes are here- the police detective who warns Minna off but can’t seem to solve anything without her help, the cranky and gossipy villagers all dipping in to offer solutions, the creepy man slipping in at the last moment. Very Agatha Christie. There’s even a budding romance or two. Minna needs to work on her interviewing techniques as she is often left apologizing afterwards, but that’s familiar, too. So a familiar structure but that’s where the comfort lies, and the story is well-executed. I do love a book where I like the characters - and I look forward to learning more about them.
In our current desperate environment, a cozy mystery goes down like a hot tea and pastries in front of a roaring fire. This read won’t challenge you, but it is cheering, entertaining, and I look forward to more in this series. Sometimes a problem with a simple solution is just what we need to read.
The book could do with another careful copy edit as some errors are hiding here and there- missing words, misspellings, etc, particularly in the latter half of the book. They don’t distract from the story, just warning the poor author that anyone who reads her book will be at pains to point out the errors (I’ve suffered this myself and it is most annoying).
A great start to the series. I’m looking forward to the next!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Review of Advance Copy in Exchange for Copy from Publisher
I finished Hyyge and Homicide this morning and already I’m looking forward to Book 2 in this new Nordic-style cozy mystery series. Set in Northern Ontario, where I am situated, I was delighted to see it represented in a book — even better, with a nod to the Nordic roots of many of us living here.
I belong to a murder mystery book club and I’ve read a lot of cosy mysteries, many of which I’ve disliked for lack of character development and for poor writing. This isn’t the case here. This book satisfied my need for a puzzle *and* for smart writing. It delivered what was promised—cosy vibes—with assuredness and ease in the writing. AL Jensen has created not only a wonderful setting in the town of Lakewood, a cozy, small town setting, her characters have depth and an internal life in particular Minna, the main character and midlife amateur detective. I loved meeting Minna, chuckled at her weakness for pastries, empathized with the difficulty of chasing suspects in an aging body, and cheered her on for eschewing an automobile for her bike-with-dog-trailer. She arrives with a personal history—with an expert background in Nordic design and a long career — which I appreciated (more 3-D, mature women in cozies, please). I’m looking forward to learning more of Minna’s backstory as the series progresses.
My book club will certainly say the murder needed to take place earlier in the story (we’re gruesome like that), but if I were to don my editor’s hat, I see that the time Jensen spent establishing the setting of Lakewood really anchors the book and, I imagine, the series to come. The town and Hygge House are central characters, I’d argue, very much alive. Hygge House, in particular, lit up my imagination and now I want to go there and see it in person.
This is a promising start to a long series. Looking forward to Book 2.
I finished Hyyge and Homicide this morning and already I’m looking forward to Book 2 in this new Nordic-style cozy mystery series. Set in Northern Ontario, where I am situated, I was delighted to see it represented in a book — even better, with a nod to the Nordic roots of many of us living here.
I belong to a murder mystery book club and I’ve read a lot of cosy mysteries, many of which I’ve disliked for lack of character development and for poor writing. This isn’t the case here. This book satisfied my need for a puzzle *and* for smart writing. It delivered what was promised—cosy vibes—with assuredness and ease in the writing. AL Jensen has created not only a wonderful setting in the town of Lakewood, a cozy, small town setting, her characters have depth and an internal life in particular Minna, the main character and midlife amateur detective. I loved meeting Minna, chuckled at her weakness for pastries, empathized with the difficulty of chasing suspects in an aging body, and cheered her on for eschewing an automobile for her bike-with-dog-trailer. She arrives with a personal history—with an expert background in Nordic design and a long career — which I appreciated (more 3-D, mature women in cozies, please). I’m looking forward to learning more of Minna’s backstory as the series progresses.
My book club will certainly say the murder needed to take place earlier in the story (we’re gruesome like that), but if I were to don my editor’s hat, I see that the time Jensen spent establishing the setting of Lakewood really anchors the book and, I imagine, the series to come. The town and Hygge House are central characters, I’d argue, very much alive. Hygge House, in particular, lit up my imagination and now I want to go there and see it in person.
This is a promising start to a long series. Looking forward to Book 2.
December 26, 2025
There's not much better for a book lover than to get in on an excellent new mystery series! Hygge and Homicide is the just such a book, in what promises to be a wonderful new cozy mystery series by author A. L. Jensen.
Set in a small town in northern Ontario, this Scandinavian-inspired cozy mystery has all of the elements that will draw cozy fans in - well-rounded and relatable characters, vividly described settings, a complex mystery, plenty of suspects, and enough red herrings to keep you turning the pages to the very end.
I particularly enjoyed the insight into Finish Canadian culture, something unique that I have not come across before in the many cozies that I have read. In particular, the core concept of hygge, which at its heart embodies coziness, is brought to life in this tale of friends and family coming together to support the main characters Minna and Christie as they work to bring their dream of Hygge House, a place for hosting events and eventually a B&B, to fruition despite the murder that mars opening day.
Jensen has written a fascinating and enjoyable book with suspense, mystery, humour, and a hint of romance that is sure to keep readers coming back for more.
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this excellent book.
Set in a small town in northern Ontario, this Scandinavian-inspired cozy mystery has all of the elements that will draw cozy fans in - well-rounded and relatable characters, vividly described settings, a complex mystery, plenty of suspects, and enough red herrings to keep you turning the pages to the very end.
I particularly enjoyed the insight into Finish Canadian culture, something unique that I have not come across before in the many cozies that I have read. In particular, the core concept of hygge, which at its heart embodies coziness, is brought to life in this tale of friends and family coming together to support the main characters Minna and Christie as they work to bring their dream of Hygge House, a place for hosting events and eventually a B&B, to fruition despite the murder that mars opening day.
Jensen has written a fascinating and enjoyable book with suspense, mystery, humour, and a hint of romance that is sure to keep readers coming back for more.
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this excellent book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Hygge and Homicide by A.L. Jensen is a charming yet mysterious crime. fiction read. It is definitely a perfect cozy mystery featuring a middle age character. I noticed that age group is commonly featured in most cozy mysteries. I believe there reason being is that the characters are wiser and have enough worldly knowledge to help them get out of terrible scenarios like having a murder thrusted onto your opening day. Minna has her hands full of chaos when she just thought the relaxing area and busy business would be the only things on her mind. I also loved that her friend who helps her run the business has the name of Christie (made me think of Agatha Christie). I loved the characters. Each one was fun to meet and follow as the plot thickened. The small-town vibe is perfect for these type of reads. A place where everybody knows everyone and yet crime still happens...besides the crime and mystery aspects, I felt as though I got to travel and explore Nordic styles, languages, and culture. A.L. Jensen is the new must go to cozy mystery writer everyone needs to add to their TBR list. The writing is flawless, entertaining, and atmospheric.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
February 9, 2026
The story follows Minna, a recently divorced interior designer who returns to her hometown of Lakewood in Northern Ontario to help run her mother’s Nordic lifestyle shop. From the very first chapter, the setting shines: forest trails, lakeside views, cozy storefronts, and a tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone. Jensen excels at grounding the reader in this world, making Lakewood feel like a place you could step into and might never want to leave.
What truly sets this novel apart is its embrace of Nordic culture and the concept of hygge. From Finnish terms of endearment to Scandinavian design, food, and traditions, these details are seamlessly woven into the narrative.
Minna is a relatable and engaging protagonist. She is thoughtful, slightly anxious, and quietly observant. Her relationships with her mother, her best friend Christie, and her daughter Sofia add emotional richness and authenticity.
As the plot unfolds, the calm, comforting rhythm of small-town life is disrupted by darker undercurrents. The mystery develops at a steady pace, with enough intrigue to keep readers turning pages until the last page. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.
What truly sets this novel apart is its embrace of Nordic culture and the concept of hygge. From Finnish terms of endearment to Scandinavian design, food, and traditions, these details are seamlessly woven into the narrative.
Minna is a relatable and engaging protagonist. She is thoughtful, slightly anxious, and quietly observant. Her relationships with her mother, her best friend Christie, and her daughter Sofia add emotional richness and authenticity.
As the plot unfolds, the calm, comforting rhythm of small-town life is disrupted by darker undercurrents. The mystery develops at a steady pace, with enough intrigue to keep readers turning pages until the last page. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Set in the fictional Ontario town of Lakewood, this novel is the very definition of cozy mystery. Minna Halonen, returns to the small town after working in the city as an interior designer for many years. Soon she and her friend Christie are in business together renovating a beautiful old home for use as an event centre and, eventually, a B&B. All is going smoothly until a body is found in the breakfast nook on the day of their grand opening. Minna decides to investigate the murder alongside local police.
I’m not typically a fan of first-person narratives, but after a few chapters, hearing the story from Minna’s perspective felt natural and worked well. The pace was good, the mystery just intricate enough, and the ending satisfying. I loved the atmospheric setting throughout. I had a good sense of the town and the other business owners on the main street, and I loved the design details at Hygge House. This was a delightful cozy mystery.
I read an advanced reader copy as a gift from the author.
I’m not typically a fan of first-person narratives, but after a few chapters, hearing the story from Minna’s perspective felt natural and worked well. The pace was good, the mystery just intricate enough, and the ending satisfying. I loved the atmospheric setting throughout. I had a good sense of the town and the other business owners on the main street, and I loved the design details at Hygge House. This was a delightful cozy mystery.
I read an advanced reader copy as a gift from the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Coziness and Ontario goodness all wrapped up in one delightful mystery.
Interior designer Minna has left the chaos of Toronto to return to her northern Ontario hometown of Lakewood to take the reins of her mother’s decor shop Nordic Cozy. After her divorce, being back in her idyllic hometown with her mother and best friend Christie is just what she needs.
When a dead body is discovered right as Minna and Christie are opening their new business, Hygge House, she takes it upon herself to ensure that Lakewood stays as safe as she remembers it.
I love, love, love this book. Being a proud Ontario girl myself, this book has little nods to our Canadian culture that I adore so much.
The characters are beautifully written, and I found myself immersed in a setting that felt like my childhood cottage town of Gravenhurst. I loved learning all about Finnish and Nordic culture too, which enriched the story all the more.
Bring on book 2!
Interior designer Minna has left the chaos of Toronto to return to her northern Ontario hometown of Lakewood to take the reins of her mother’s decor shop Nordic Cozy. After her divorce, being back in her idyllic hometown with her mother and best friend Christie is just what she needs.
When a dead body is discovered right as Minna and Christie are opening their new business, Hygge House, she takes it upon herself to ensure that Lakewood stays as safe as she remembers it.
I love, love, love this book. Being a proud Ontario girl myself, this book has little nods to our Canadian culture that I adore so much.
The characters are beautifully written, and I found myself immersed in a setting that felt like my childhood cottage town of Gravenhurst. I loved learning all about Finnish and Nordic culture too, which enriched the story all the more.
Bring on book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Finding a dead body on her doorstep is not how Minna Halonem envisioned celebrating the grand opening of her and her best friend Christie’s new Hygge House. After moving back to her hometown of Lakewood after a divorce, Minna was not sure she was interested in investing in the old, beautiful but run down home to turn it into a place for Minna, her mother Elsi and daughter could live but also be a cozy retreat for workshops, gatherings, and the perfect blend of Scandinavian comfort and woodland charm. But when the body is found the police close the space, calling it a crime scene cancelling the opening. Now, Minna and Christie hope that a killer is found soon before their new venture is stopped before even getting started. This wonderful book filled with hopes and dreams of a new life kept me reading well into the night. This is my honest and voluntary review of an advanced copy of this book.
March 19, 2026
A.L. Jensen’s Hyyge and Homicide is the first in her self-published Hyyge House Murder series. This cozy mystery (i.e., a mystery involving a crime-solver who is not a law enforcement officer of some description) is set in the fictional town of Lakewood, intended by the author to be a stand-in for anytown, Northern Ontario. Minna Halonen has left her interior design career in Toronto and returned to her hometown. For now, she’s working in her mother Elsi’s store, Nordic Cozy and reacquainting herself with Lakewood. Almost immediately, she is beset by her best friend and event planner Christie, who suggests they buy an old mansion and set it up as a venue for events. Minna hesitantly agrees and when her daughter Sophie, unable to find work in Toronto, post-graduation, also returns home while she gets her bearings, the deal is struck. Minna, Elsi, and Sophie will move into the mansion, Minna will supervise the renovation and interior décor, Sophie will handle their social media and advertising, and Christie will organize events.
Everything seems to be going swimmingly, especially with James, the handsome contractor renovating the mansion, until the Hyyge House grand opening, when Minna finds a body in the breakfast nook. With her new business foundering before it’s gotten off the ground, and everyone involved in the grand opening suddenly a suspect, Minna decides to solve the mystery before it claims anyone or anything else she loves. Also, Hugo Dogberg is adorable. A fun start to a new series.
Everything seems to be going swimmingly, especially with James, the handsome contractor renovating the mansion, until the Hyyge House grand opening, when Minna finds a body in the breakfast nook. With her new business foundering before it’s gotten off the ground, and everyone involved in the grand opening suddenly a suspect, Minna decides to solve the mystery before it claims anyone or anything else she loves. Also, Hugo Dogberg is adorable. A fun start to a new series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I can think of no better way to spend a winter evening than cozying up by the fire with a warm cup of chai and a compelling read, Hygge Homicide.
What made this novel particularly cozy was discovering Easter eggs woven throughout: local landmarks from my town that added a personal connection to the story. The author's attention to detail in crafting these scenes brought the setting to life in unexpected ways.
The Finnish elements give the book its distinctive character. From Tuuli, the aptly named bicycle, to my new favourite hair colour—Nordic Blonde—these touches offer a refreshing perspective within the genre. The mystery itself is well-constructed, keeping the culprit's identity concealed until the final pages.
For readers seeking a cozy mystery with cultural depth and a satisfying puzzle, Hygge Homicide delivers.
What made this novel particularly cozy was discovering Easter eggs woven throughout: local landmarks from my town that added a personal connection to the story. The author's attention to detail in crafting these scenes brought the setting to life in unexpected ways.
The Finnish elements give the book its distinctive character. From Tuuli, the aptly named bicycle, to my new favourite hair colour—Nordic Blonde—these touches offer a refreshing perspective within the genre. The mystery itself is well-constructed, keeping the culprit's identity concealed until the final pages.
For readers seeking a cozy mystery with cultural depth and a satisfying puzzle, Hygge Homicide delivers.
March 15, 2026
The cover of this book got me interested. Then I liked the Norwegian take on the book hygge ( Hu- gah) it felt like a cozy warm with the connections of mothers and daughters minna the main character and her mother-Elsi, Sophia her daughter and the all the side characters. Christina childhood best friend the carpenter for Hygge house James Mr fix-it and his dad .Henri, the caterer Michael, he has grace on staff and her brother owen. Mrs. Bookworth a local who owns the bookstore,
Minna, back home to Lockwood permanent - she and her friend decide to go int an event house to co-own… on their open house there was an incident and someone was found dead. Who did it and why. minna is a sleuth. And will figure out.
Really enjoyed this cozy mystery and will
look into other books by the author.
Happy 📖 Reading
Minna, back home to Lockwood permanent - she and her friend decide to go int an event house to co-own… on their open house there was an incident and someone was found dead. Who did it and why. minna is a sleuth. And will figure out.
Really enjoyed this cozy mystery and will
look into other books by the author.
Happy 📖 Reading
April 21, 2026
Hygge and Homicide is the first book in the Hygge House series by A.L. Jensen.
This cosy mystery really leans into everything you’d expect from the genre and as someone who devours cosy mysteries, this felt like such an easy and comforting read which can definitely be completed in one sitting. It was fun and adventurous as expected but also had the perfect small town vibe to it.
My only real critique is that I wanted a bit more from the characters. They’re likeable to an extent but, they don’t quite leave a lasting impression which made it harder to fully connect with them.
That said, it’s quite a fast-paced and enjoyable start to a series. I’m hoping the characters get a bit more depth as the books go on because there’s definitely potential here.
This cosy mystery really leans into everything you’d expect from the genre and as someone who devours cosy mysteries, this felt like such an easy and comforting read which can definitely be completed in one sitting. It was fun and adventurous as expected but also had the perfect small town vibe to it.
My only real critique is that I wanted a bit more from the characters. They’re likeable to an extent but, they don’t quite leave a lasting impression which made it harder to fully connect with them.
That said, it’s quite a fast-paced and enjoyable start to a series. I’m hoping the characters get a bit more depth as the books go on because there’s definitely potential here.
March 3, 2026
Hygge & Homicide
A.L. Jensen had me at “Northern Ontario” but I was delightfully surprised at how much I felt at home in this book. And, how much I learned about Finnish life. Growing up in Northern Ontario, I thought I was familiar with the Finnish culture but Jensen’s book provided so much interesting detail and colour to what I already knew…. It was indeed an eye opener. A lovely way to spend a wintry day. I’m looking forward to the next installment of Minna and her intrepid crew.
A.L. Jensen had me at “Northern Ontario” but I was delightfully surprised at how much I felt at home in this book. And, how much I learned about Finnish life. Growing up in Northern Ontario, I thought I was familiar with the Finnish culture but Jensen’s book provided so much interesting detail and colour to what I already knew…. It was indeed an eye opener. A lovely way to spend a wintry day. I’m looking forward to the next installment of Minna and her intrepid crew.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed getting acquainted with Minna, her family and friends. Interesting to learn a bit about Scandinavian culture and design. I enjoyed how the characters were fully developed and there was much more to the story than just sleuthing. The mystery was fun to puzzle through with lots of leads to follow and also red herrings. These are my thoughts after enjoying an advance copy of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
received arc to review
this book is the definition of cozy mystery. it has everything you want, except for the cup of tea and warm blanket.
the characters were fun and I can't wait to see where the series goes.
this book is the definition of cozy mystery. it has everything you want, except for the cup of tea and warm blanket.
the characters were fun and I can't wait to see where the series goes.
March 5, 2026
I am absolutely hooked on this new series! Hygge and Homicide manages to do something rare: it wraps you in a warm, fuzzy blanket of Scandinavian comfort while simultaneously keeping your heart racing with a clever mystery.
Review of advance copy
A fun start to a new series. Enjoyable reading.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a strong start to a new series. The characters have depth to them and the story was well paced. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
March 12, 2026
I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it.
April 28, 2026
A very cozy mystery!
A great start for a series! Three generations in one house planning & hosting events. Then along comes a murder. Don’t worry, they can figure out anything!
A great start for a series! Three generations in one house planning & hosting events. Then along comes a murder. Don’t worry, they can figure out anything!
May 4, 2026
it was an OK story
The story line was ok but I had a lot of trouble finishing the book. I just couldn't get into and I can't really say why, it just didn't engage me.
The story line was ok but I had a lot of trouble finishing the book. I just couldn't get into and I can't really say why, it just didn't engage me.
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