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A Party to Die For
Nothing says small-town charm like a neighborhood Christmas party—unless the guest of honor has been murdered and the primary suspect is the party planner's father.
"Please help me, I'm dying." As new-client voicemails go, this one's a doozy and Addy Winters is quick to respond.
The request, an after-death Christmas party for the neighbors on Johanna Meyers' block, is totally in Addy's party planner wheelhouse.
Two small Johanna's imminent demise has been predicted by a psychic, not a doctor, and she wants to give away her house as a door prize. Addy feels sorry for the reclusive, lonely, and apparently delusional woman and plays along, fully planning to refund the deposit when Christmas rolls around and Johanna is still alive. What could possibly go wrong?
But then Johanna is murdered right on the psychic's schedule and Rich, Addy's grifter father, vanishes without a trace. Turns out he's managed to find his way not only into the dead woman's bed but also into her freshly written will. He's got motive, means, and opportunity and now there's a warrant out for his arrest.
Addy dives headlong into a tangle of psychic predictions, romantic complications, and one very messy family reunion. With Christmas only days away it will take all of her ingenuity and party planning mojo to find her father, fulfill Johanna's dying wish, and unmask the killer.
"Please help me, I'm dying." As new-client voicemails go, this one's a doozy and Addy Winters is quick to respond.
The request, an after-death Christmas party for the neighbors on Johanna Meyers' block, is totally in Addy's party planner wheelhouse.
Two small Johanna's imminent demise has been predicted by a psychic, not a doctor, and she wants to give away her house as a door prize. Addy feels sorry for the reclusive, lonely, and apparently delusional woman and plays along, fully planning to refund the deposit when Christmas rolls around and Johanna is still alive. What could possibly go wrong?
But then Johanna is murdered right on the psychic's schedule and Rich, Addy's grifter father, vanishes without a trace. Turns out he's managed to find his way not only into the dead woman's bed but also into her freshly written will. He's got motive, means, and opportunity and now there's a warrant out for his arrest.
Addy dives headlong into a tangle of psychic predictions, romantic complications, and one very messy family reunion. With Christmas only days away it will take all of her ingenuity and party planning mojo to find her father, fulfill Johanna's dying wish, and unmask the killer.
- GenresHumor
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
1421 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Schafer
22 books217 followersKerry Schafer (aka Kerry Anne King) is the Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestselling author of thirteen novels. An incorrigible genre hopper, Kerry has written fantasy, paranormal mystery and book club fiction. Known for her lyrical writing and memorable characters, Kerry weaves deep emotional insights, humor, and often a touch of magic into all of her tales. Her most recent writing venture is an amateur sleuth novel, Party Planning Can Be Murder, releasing in March of 2025.
In addition to writing, Kerry co-hosts the One Happy Thing podcast with bestselling authors Jennifer Moorman and Maddie Dawson and runs Author Genie, where she provides virtual assistant services to fellow authors.
Kerry lives in a small town in northeastern Washington with her real-life Viking and a crew of neurotic rescue animals—two dogs and four cats—whose favorite pastime is interrupting her writing.
In addition to writing, Kerry co-hosts the One Happy Thing podcast with bestselling authors Jennifer Moorman and Maddie Dawson and runs Author Genie, where she provides virtual assistant services to fellow authors.
Kerry lives in a small town in northeastern Washington with her real-life Viking and a crew of neurotic rescue animals—two dogs and four cats—whose favorite pastime is interrupting her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 1, 2025
I’m not sure I want to go to this party, but it sure was fun reading about it! Addy is a full-time party planner, part-time detective—a smart, funny, and entertaining character! In A Party to Die For, Addy becomes embroiled in a murder mystery and a whole lot of family drama, and I was there for it all! Set at Christmas, this book is a great holiday book for those looking for a holiday book that isn’t a romance (although I’m not gonna lie, there was a bit of smooching, but that’s a whole other part of the story!). Besides Addy herself, there is a whole cast of colorful and quirky characters! So put this book on your Christmas reading list and kick back and enjoy this madcap story! I received an advance reader copy of this book.
November 7, 2025
Addy’s back. And so is her no good father. Starting A Party to Die For is like catching up with an old friend. Yes, she’s gotten herself involved in another harebrained scheme, but you love her and are rooting for her.
Meet Johanna, but not for long. She’s convinced she’s going to die, so she’s called in Addy Winters to plan an after-death party for her. Shades of Leno (you don’t have to read the first Party Planner mystery to enjoy this one, but if you do, it will enrich your enjoyment of this one.)
Johanna is agoraphobic. She hasn’t been out of her house in decades. She see no one, so why does she want Addy to plan a party for her, and why does she want to give her the house to give away at the party? Johanna knows nobody, so whoever gets the house will be a stranger. Or will they?
Enter Addy’s failed actor bum of a father who only shows up in Addy’s life when he needs something. He arrives on her doorstep just as she is about to visit the still very much alive Johanna, and somehow he talks her in to letting him accompany her on the visit.
The next day Johanna is dead and Richard is missing. You know he didn’t do it. So where is he, and will Addy clear his name or feed him to the wolves?
There are lots of other wonderful characters in this book—Addy’s twin brother Vic and her best friend Britt for two. But there’s also a creepy new lawyer in town. Get ready to be hooked because you’re not going to put this one down until you find out whodunit.
Meet Johanna, but not for long. She’s convinced she’s going to die, so she’s called in Addy Winters to plan an after-death party for her. Shades of Leno (you don’t have to read the first Party Planner mystery to enjoy this one, but if you do, it will enrich your enjoyment of this one.)
Johanna is agoraphobic. She hasn’t been out of her house in decades. She see no one, so why does she want Addy to plan a party for her, and why does she want to give her the house to give away at the party? Johanna knows nobody, so whoever gets the house will be a stranger. Or will they?
Enter Addy’s failed actor bum of a father who only shows up in Addy’s life when he needs something. He arrives on her doorstep just as she is about to visit the still very much alive Johanna, and somehow he talks her in to letting him accompany her on the visit.
The next day Johanna is dead and Richard is missing. You know he didn’t do it. So where is he, and will Addy clear his name or feed him to the wolves?
There are lots of other wonderful characters in this book—Addy’s twin brother Vic and her best friend Britt for two. But there’s also a creepy new lawyer in town. Get ready to be hooked because you’re not going to put this one down until you find out whodunit.
December 7, 2025
Kerry Schafer and Kerry Anne King have brought us a very unique Christmas story! It is A Party to Die For. If you are looking for a break from the normal holiday romance, this one might be for you. If you love a book that not only takes place during Christmas and is quirky, fun, with a little supernatural, has some odd characters and has not one but two murder stories in one book then this book is definitely going to be in your wheelhouse! This is the second book in the Addy Winters mystery series with the first one being Party Planning Can Be Murder. I found both books highly entertaining.
Addy Winters is a party planner and is quickly becoming known for throwing after death parties. This one is for Johanna Meyers. She was just told by her Psychic that she is going to die before Christmas and she wants Addy to plan an after death Christmas Party for her neighbors. I must tell you that Johanna is a recluse and has not left her home in years so there is a lot of speculation about her in the neighborhood.
This is a book that is so full of stuff going on that it will keep you turning the pages to see what is going to happen next! There are some quirky characters and then there are the characters that are like people we know in our own lives. I am not really sure how Addy keeps up with everything, but apparently, her brain is much younger than mine.
Without being in my face about it, A Party to Die For kind of made me think about how I want my “After Death” party to be handled. I think I would like to go out with a huge party rather than some funeral with everyone in tears. I’d like to lighten it up some and hope my loved ones have a blast at my expense!
Both of these books are standalone. I think you might get a little more kick out of them if you read the first before you read A Party to Die For but if you want, jump right in. Now is a good time to start. Kerry Schafer and Kerry Anne King did a great job with this book and I highly recommend you don’t miss this experience! Put this on your nightstand and you will go to sleep with a smile on your face. Until next time…Happy Reading!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review. Even a few words help.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Addy Winters is a party planner and is quickly becoming known for throwing after death parties. This one is for Johanna Meyers. She was just told by her Psychic that she is going to die before Christmas and she wants Addy to plan an after death Christmas Party for her neighbors. I must tell you that Johanna is a recluse and has not left her home in years so there is a lot of speculation about her in the neighborhood.
This is a book that is so full of stuff going on that it will keep you turning the pages to see what is going to happen next! There are some quirky characters and then there are the characters that are like people we know in our own lives. I am not really sure how Addy keeps up with everything, but apparently, her brain is much younger than mine.
Without being in my face about it, A Party to Die For kind of made me think about how I want my “After Death” party to be handled. I think I would like to go out with a huge party rather than some funeral with everyone in tears. I’d like to lighten it up some and hope my loved ones have a blast at my expense!
Both of these books are standalone. I think you might get a little more kick out of them if you read the first before you read A Party to Die For but if you want, jump right in. Now is a good time to start. Kerry Schafer and Kerry Anne King did a great job with this book and I highly recommend you don’t miss this experience! Put this on your nightstand and you will go to sleep with a smile on your face. Until next time…Happy Reading!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review. Even a few words help.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 17, 2025
A Party to Die For is a delightfully quirky holiday mystery bursting with wit, heart, and just the right dose of chaos. Kerry delivers a clever blend of humor, suspense, and small-town eccentricity that kept me smiling even as I tried to guess the killer.
The mystery is twisty enough to keep readers guessing, but the real magic comes from the emotional layers and colorful cast: neighbors, eccentrics, and would-be love interests who make the town feel wonderfully alive. And the Christmas atmosphere adds the perfect cozy touch.
If you love holiday mysteries with big heart, memorable characters, and a heroine who never stops trying—even when the universe throws glitter-covered curveballs—A Party to Die For is an absolute treat!
The mystery is twisty enough to keep readers guessing, but the real magic comes from the emotional layers and colorful cast: neighbors, eccentrics, and would-be love interests who make the town feel wonderfully alive. And the Christmas atmosphere adds the perfect cozy touch.
If you love holiday mysteries with big heart, memorable characters, and a heroine who never stops trying—even when the universe throws glitter-covered curveballs—A Party to Die For is an absolute treat!
November 18, 2025
I couldn't wait for the 2nd book in the Addy Winters mystery series once I read the 1st one and delved in immediately! Addy and many of her original cast of crazy characters are back with some notable additions to the new story. Indigo is running a close second to my all time fave!!
Interesting interactions entwine the characters into trouble from start to end. Nothing is obvious but the clues are available for the savvy. I personally did not guess the culprit but love how the author wrapped it up in Christmas bows without over explaining.
Another fun, who done it installment with characters I've come to adore. I would love some more romance between Addy and Owen though!
Definitely put this one on your Holiday reading list!
Interesting interactions entwine the characters into trouble from start to end. Nothing is obvious but the clues are available for the savvy. I personally did not guess the culprit but love how the author wrapped it up in Christmas bows without over explaining.
Another fun, who done it installment with characters I've come to adore. I would love some more romance between Addy and Owen though!
Definitely put this one on your Holiday reading list!
November 13, 2025
Put together a party planner, Addy Winters, with her newest client, Johanna; a psychic, Indigo, who has predicted Johanna's upcoming demise and you have the makings for Book 2 in the Addy Winters series. Add in this mix : Addie's father, Richard; Addie's mom; Vic, Addie's twin brother; Britt, Addie's bestie; Owen, Jackson, Alex, Chip Fitzwilliam, Johanna's attorney and Charlene PLUS all of Johanna's neighbors and you have the makings for a A Party to Die For. An enjoyable who dunnit with a twist!! A fast read with a mystery to solve...
December 1, 2025
A Party to Die For is a deliciously sharp and wickedly funny mystery that had me grinning, gasping, and guessing from beginning to end. With snappy dialogue, a delightfully tangled plot, and just the right amount of holiday chaos, this story serves up edgy comedy with intelligence and heart. Addy Winters is a charmingly imperfect sleuth you’ll root for, and her family drama is as entertaining as the whodunit itself. This is amateur sleuthing at its finest. It's fast-paced, smart, and a whole lot of fun.
December 1, 2025
This second book with Addy as a party planner is just magnificent. I loved the thrills and all the laughs throughout the book. A new client, Johanna, wants Addy to throw an after death party for her because a psychic has told her she is gonna die. Addy goes along with it but doesn’t think she will die. But Johanna is murdered and her father is the prime suspect. Can she figure out what is going on, and throw the party that Johanna wanted?
December 3, 2025
A Party to Die For is a charming, lightly suspenseful cozy mystery. Blending holiday warmth with some small town quirks, carrying on the vibe from Book 1 of this Addy Winters series, Kerry Schafer gives the story a playful tone without losing the tension of the central mystery. The annoying new family members introduced in this story leave a lot to be desired but Addy’s determination and heart make her easy to root for. This is a quick, entertaining read and I can't wait for Book 3!
January 9, 2026
A PARTY TO DIE FOR more than lived up to the high expectations I had for it after reading the first book in the series (PARTY PLANNING CAN BE MURDER). Addy Winters is a lovable, quirky protagonist who leads a cast of delightfully flawed characters through one of funniest Christmas party/murder investigations ever while trying to navigate her way through an awkward new family connection. Oh, Addy! You are so YOU. I hope like heck there is a third installment on the horizon.
January 2, 2026
Another excellent read! Addy is one of my favorite characters. She's just so real and likable. The story flows quite nicely and you don't have to have read the first book to jump into this one, though I do recommend the first one. There are new personalities added to this motley crew and they certainly add to the fun and the mystery.
December 2, 2025
I loved this zany mystery filled with delightfully quirky characters and plot twists. Schafer's characteristic wit and humor are also on full display. Highly recommended.
December 25, 2025
Addy has one heck of a wild life but it makes for a great adventurous read that keeps the pace. Cannot wait to explore more of this series!
December 26, 2025
Good read. Solid mystery. Fun characters.
Great book two of this fun series. I am enjoying the quirk and snark. I am looking forward to more.
Great book two of this fun series. I am enjoying the quirk and snark. I am looking forward to more.
December 1, 2025
A twisty holiday mystery with some quirky characters.
Addie is a party planner, a part time detective and gets herself caught up once again in a murder. I think this one is crazier than her last party she was planning. The family drama certainly gets interesting.
I give Addie credit for not letting anything stop her from getting the answers she wants. An entertaining, funny mystery that is a great holiday read.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
Addie is a party planner, a part time detective and gets herself caught up once again in a murder. I think this one is crazier than her last party she was planning. The family drama certainly gets interesting.
I give Addie credit for not letting anything stop her from getting the answers she wants. An entertaining, funny mystery that is a great holiday read.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews