Notebook Mysteries Murderous Christmas Mischief

by Kimberly Mullins

Snow is falling, cookies and pies are on the counter, and the team is back together for Christmas. Expectations are high for a quiet Christmas, though that changes when Dora believes she sees a murder outside the kitchen window. Was it real or brought on by a high fever? Dora is unsure if anything actually happened, and so is the team.

They move forward with Christmas celebrations, keeping one eye turned to their neighbor.

143 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2025

About the author

Kimberly Mullins is the author of a series of books called “Notebook Mysteries”. She also writes Adult historical fiction under the name K. R. Mullins. She holds a BS in biology and a Masters in business. Her favorite classes were in history. She lives in Texas with her husband and son. When she is not writing she works as a Process Safety Engineer at a large chemical company. You can connect with her on her website at kimberlymullinsauthor.com, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Its a quick read but a good read.

This Christmas tale brings Emma and her band of super sleuths together once again to celebrate the holidays but there is a cloud hanging over the celebrations. Is there a murder or isn’t there? As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover clues that cast a suspicion on Dora’s neighbour.
Notebook Mysteries Murderous Christmas Mischief is a short novella with all the magical trimmings of Christmas set in the 1880’s in Chicago.

As always Kimberly, cleverly constructs a complex cosy tale filled with intrigue, suspense, and drama. Her rich narrative brings both the characters and the setting to life, allowing readers to see the wonders of the festive season and to feel the tension and danger surrounding the investigation.
I look forward to Kimberly's future works.

[Amber Oakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful addition to this series and another Christmas mystery to continue with. Cause murder does not stop just because it is the Christmas season. Dora believes she has seen a murder behind their home. Only thing is to get the family to believe her. Taken very ill and not being herself, Tim, Emma and Jeremy believe she might have hallucinated seeing a young woman being strangled. What Dora described as the couple she saw seems to be their new neighbors. As the family starts to suspect something is just not right with the neighbors, they get a little more proof. Hen just happens to be friends with a lad named Jimmy who just happens to work for the neighbors. As he explains to the group that the misses does not seem to be the same but looks the same. It gets everyone questioning more and more. As Tim, Emma, Jeremy and now Hen and Jimmy take on the digging for clues things start to come to light. Read on to see how this family makes finding a killer just part of their daily routine.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and I always look forward to the Christmas novella, and as usual I was kept merrily turning the pages. I enjoyed being back with Emma, Jeremy and their family and friends as they solve another mystery. Once again the descriptive narrative brings the characters and setting vividly to life, whilst the historical details transport you back in time. As the team come together to enjoy a quiet Christmas, Dora becomes unwell and believes she witnesses a murder from the kitchen window. However, as she had a high fever, even she doesn’t know if what she saw was real. Although they carry on with their Christmas celebrations, Emma and the team also keep a close eye on their neighbour. With the snow falling, and the Christmas cookies and pies baked, the spirit of Christmas really came across in the narrative. As usual the intriguing storyline and plot twists kept me hooked throughout. A perfect novella to get you in the mood for Christmas!

[Lucinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Murderous Christmas Mischief" is a cozy Christmas mystery that is part of the Norebook Mystery series. I haven't read any of the other books in the series, but you don't need to have read them to fully enjoy this one. However, I suspect I would enjoy reading the others as well.

The story is set in Chicago in the late 1800s, which adds a delightful ambience to the setting. Dora is suffering from a fever when she witnesses what she believes to be a murder at her neighbour's house. However, complications arise when the neighbour's wife reappears days later, alive and well. Was it just a fever-induced hallucination, or is there something more sinister at play? Did the doctor actually kill his wife and attempt to kill Dora, too?

A family team of detectives takes on the case while also celebrating Christmas together. The narrative skillfully blends these two storylines into a charming cozy mystery.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notebook Mysteries: Murderous Christmas Mischief by Kimberly Mullins delivers a cozy yet suspenseful holiday mystery that blends festive charm with just the right dose of intrigue. As snow blankets the town and the scent of baked goods fills the air, Dora and her team prepare for a quiet Christmas, until a possible murder disrupts the peace. With Dora unsure whether she truly witnessed a crime or fell victim to a fevered hallucination, the team must balance celebration with cautious observation. Mullins captures the tension of uncertainty while maintaining the warmth and camaraderie fans of the series have come to love. Lighthearted, clever, and infused with holiday spirit, this installment is a delightful addition to the Notebook Mysteries series, perfect for readers who enjoy a dash of mystery with their Christmas cheer. While this is part of a series, it is easily read as a stand-alone!

[Susan VanDeWoestyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murderous Christmas Mischief a treat for all mystery lovers.

Kimberly Mullins does it again! Murderous Christmas Mischief is a hit for sure!
All our favorite characters Emma, Jeremy, Dora and Tim plus more interesting characters.
Christmas with the family is never dull especially when murder is involved. Dora doesn't know if she witnessed a murderer or was having a drug induced dream.
Did the doctor next door kill his wife, did he try to kill Dora? Every day closer to Christmas brings more questions than answers.
With the help of the whole team and Jimmy Henrietta's new friend they form a plan to get answers and solve the case.
Great book, all our favorite characters plus new ones. All the twists and turns to keep us guessing. Kimberly Mullins does not disappoint.

[Enchanted Owl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic festive novella!

Notebook Mysteries: Murderous Christmas Mischief is another wonderful cozy holiday read. Set in 1880s Chicago, Jeremy and Emma, along with their family and friends, dive into another investigation. Dora is feeling unwell and has a high fever, and believes she saw a murder, but she’s unsure if it was real or just a hallucination.
This delightful festive novella captures the Christmas spirit with twists woven throughout.

Even though it’s part of the Notebook Mysteries series, you can enjoy it as a standalone, and you won’t miss a thing. Kimberly Mullins does a fantastic job with this series. I definitely recommend reading any of these books in the Notebook Mystery series.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I look forward to these Christmas novellas in this series! Set in Chicago in the 1880's, Emma, Jeremy, their family and friends are all ready to celebrate a quiet, no frills Christmas. It's been awhile since they could just enjoy the company of each other without some sort of crime taking place. Dora, who's battling a fever, happens to look up and is convinced that she sees someone sinister outside the window. So much for a non-working Christmas! It takes her a bit to convince the team that they should look into this and eventually, they do.

It's a quick, exciting read that will have you wanting more!

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

While gearing up for Christmas with the family Dora believes she has witnessed a murder next door. She was sick with a fever at the time so she couldn't be sure. Was it real? Yet another case has arisen for our favorite crew. All of the original players are back and they have brought along some new friends. The author has set the scene perfectly to fit the season. If you haven't read any of the other books I highly recommend picking them up. I don't feel that they necessarily need to be read in order but you can do that if you wish. Although they are fairly quick reads they will keep you entertained from beginning to end. This is an absolutely enjoyable series.

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful time Christmas is unless you have flu and you’re convinced you’ve seen a murder but nobody believes you 🤷‍♀️🙈

Everyone is expecting a quiet Christmas but Dora is down with flu and fever so when she is convinced she saw a murder take place from her kitchen window not only does she question herself but so do others but she’s uneasy about the doctor next door and with the help of Henrietta and Jinny they investigate 😉

It was good to catch up with old friends and make new ones 🤗

[S. Bittles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas hit!

This is my first read by this Author and I thoroughly enjoyed it, I read it in one sitting. I will be going to read their previous books, and the series as well.

There are a lot of characters and familiarity, but it isn’t overwhelming. This book can be read as a stand-alone and still be enjoyed.

The Author writes with such ease for it being historical era. They have fantastic world building and lovable characters. I look forward to reading more!

[Finn Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murderous Christmas Mischief is part of the "Notebook Mysteries" series by Kimberly Mullins, and its the perfect mystery to end your December TBR list! Its a delightfully cozy historical mystery that will keep you guessing till the end! Kimberly Mullins has definitely been one of my favorite authors this year, I really really recommend it, i certainly couldn't get enough! I highly look forward to getting to read more from this author!

[Paula Sayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great continuation of this series!! I have come to love all of these characters. Dora is recovering from being ill and is not sure whether or not she witnessed a murder or if she was hallucinating. This book takes on the subject of addiction that flows with the story. A quick page turning read that is so enjoyable!!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 - 4.5 Stars

Murderous Christmas Mischief is the latest instalment in the Notebook Mysteries series by Kimberly Mullins. It is another fun historical cozy mystery, with a Christmas backdrop, crime & investigation, plenty of dramatic developments, family, friendship, action, adventure, suspense, tension, intrigue, and more.
Ms. Mullins historical mystery blends the warmth of the holiday season with the intrigue of a whodunit. Set in late 1800’ Chicago, the story reunites readers with Emma and her close-knit team, who are hoping for a peaceful Christmas filled with snow, baking, and good company. But, their peace is quickly shattered when Dora believes she witnessed a murder right outside the kitchen window. This is the question that drives the plot and is deliciously engrossing – probing if it was a real crime or just a fevered dream? Ms. Mullins skillfully keeps us guessing, weaving in rich period details, clever sleuthing, and the cozy-yet-tense atmosphere of a Victorian Christmas.
The characters, who are very familiar to us fans of the series, continue to grow in depth and warmth. The Christmas backdrop adds a delightful contrast to the darker tones of the mystery, making it a perfect seasonal read for those who enjoy historical cozies with a dash of danger.
A festive, engaging, and cleverly plotted mystery that will satisfy both long-time fans of the Notebook Mysteries series, as well as newcomers looking for a holiday read with heart and intrigue.
The Series Contains (so far):
- Emma (Book #1)
- Decisions and Possibilities (Book #2)
- Changes and Challenges (Book #3)
- Unexpected Outcomes (Book #4)
- Haunted Christmas (a novella)
- Suspicions (Book #5)
- Parisian Intrigue (Book #6)
- A Party to Remember (a novella)
- Art of Deception (Book #7)
-The Twelve Days of Murder (a novella)
-Murderous Christmas Mischief (a novella)
Happy Reading!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notebook Mysteries: Murderous Christmas Mischief by Kimberly Mullins is a delightful and suspenseful holiday mystery that blends cozy charm with a chilling whodunit. Set around the festive season, the story centers on a group of young sleuths who, with their notorious “notebooks” in hand, are drawn into unraveling a murder that casts a dark shadow over what should’ve been a joyful holiday celebration.

Kimberly Mullins does a fine job creating an atmosphere that feels both cozy and ominous: twinkling lights and holiday cheer contrast sharply with suspicion, secrets, and danger. As clues appear in surprising places, each page brings new questions. The narrative unfolds at a steady pace, balancing festive warmth with growing tension, making it hard to stop reading.

The characters are vividly drawn and relatable. The sleuths, brave, curious, and clever, have dynamic friendships and believable reactions to fear, suspicion, and moral dilemmas. Their interactions add heart to the story; you care about them and want them to succeed. The way Mullins highlights holiday traditions alongside the mystery lends emotional weight to the stakes: this isn’t just a crime to solve, it’s a disruption of cherished celebration and trust.

Mullins’ writing style is engaging and accessible, ideal for readers who enjoy light mysteries with seasonal flavor. Dialogue flows naturally, and descriptions of the setting evoke the holiday spirit without overwhelming the tension. Overall, Notebook Mysteries: Murderous Christmas Mischief is a well-crafted, entertaining read. Its combination of cozy holiday vibes and murder-mystery intrigue makes it a perfect pick for readers who love light-hearted seasonal stories with a dark twist.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4 Stars

Dora and her team are all set for what they fully intend to be a quiet Christmas. But when Dora believes she witnessed a murder outside the kitchen window, the team are on high alert. But did she see what she thought she saw? The fact that she had a high fever at the time cast some serious doubts. But doubts do not mean they can’t investigate, and so they carry on with their Christmas, all the while keeping a close eye on the Doctor next door.

There's nothing I love more, over the Christmas period, than cuddling up with a good murder mystery - the cosier the better! Murderous Christmas Mischief definitely delivered on that and more. I was a little concerned going in because this is a novella in quite an established series, and I have not read any of the previous installments. While I think that reading the other books (and I definitely intend to) would have given a little more depth to some of the characters - simply from knowing them better and seeing them go through so much more - the novella was a great stand-alone, being a thoroughly enjoyable read, even without the extra backstory and context for some of the characters. Mullins writes wonderfully, and her characters are just fantastic. It also made me feel better about working over Christmas, having Dora and the gang forced to do the same. I did empathise a whole heck of a lot. Nothing ruins a quiet Christmas like murder! I can’t wait to get to know them even better when I read the rest of the series!

Would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a cosy Christmas Whodunnit with amazing characters. You will not be disappointed.

[Jamie Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notebook Mysteries: Murderous Christmas Mischief is like curling up with a mug of hot cocoa while someone unravels a deliciously twisty cinnamon roll of a holiday mystery right beside you. It’s cozy, it’s clever, and it’s packed with enough festive charm to light up an entire Christmas tree.
The heroine is an absolute delight—sharp enough to catch the clues everyone else misses, but still totally down-to-earth. Following her through snowy streets, bustling holiday markets, and tinsel-covered crime scenes feels like being on a Christmas adventure yourself. And the suspects? Let’s just say they’re as colorful as a box of ornaments.
The mystery has all the good stuff: sneaky clues, red herrings wrapped up like presents, and a reveal that lands with the satisfaction of snapping the last piece into a holiday puzzle. Plus, the cozy friendships and small-town warmth give the whole story that snug, feel-good glow.
If you want a book that brings together merry vibes, a dash of danger, and plenty of Christmas sparkle, Notebook Mysteries: Murderous Christmas Mischief is the perfect read to tuck under your tree—or devour in one sitting. It’s festive fun with a side of mystery, and I loved every minute!

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is Christmas time and in Dora and Emma's household, but this year, Dora becomes ill just before all the preparation is due to begin, but they are still hoping that this year will be a quiet one, especially with Dora not being well, however, true to past form, while she is sick, Dora believes that she saw something, something nefarious and something dangerous, a murder out in the snow, but everybody blames it on the illness.

Unfortunately, Dora continues to be ill, even when they ask a doctor to come and see her, but this causes Dora to doubt what she saw, just like everyone else, that is until there is some drama at their neighbours house which casts suspicions that mauve Dora was right, so Emma and Jeremy decide to investigate, all while preparing for Christmas and looking after Dora.

As the days speed by and Dora recovers, more memories surface from while she was ill and they are not dismissed this time, but will the team be able to solve the mystery of whether what Dora saw actually came to pass, and will it affect the quiet Christmas they are all dreaming of? This is another mystery in this series where old school investigating methods in a historical time come together with a gripping result.

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is yet another great addition to the Notebook Mysteries series that I have loved from the first book. It is a festive historical cozy mystery novella set in 1880s Chicago that continues the ongoing adventures of Emma, Jeremy, Dora and their close knit circle. Themes of family, friendship, loyalty, and intuition run throughout, wrapped in a festive atmosphere of snow, baking, and Christmas traditions. The story follows Dora, bedridden with a severe fever, who believes she witnesses a murder outside the kitchen window. Her hazy memory, later complicated by the discovery that her medication contained opium, creates a gripping uncertainty: was it a hallucination or a real threat? As she recalls the supposed killer trying to smother her, the team springs into action and begins an investigation. I adore the characters in this series and have grown fonder of them with each new addition to the series. Dora is sensitive yet courageous; Emma and Jeremy provide steady leadership, and the group’s supportive dynamic give the novella its heart. This was a quick, cozy, and entertaining holiday mystery that would be perfect for readers who enjoy historical settings, lovable characters, and a touch of seasonal suspense. Anxiously awaiting the next instalment in this series!

[Jessica Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story delivers a cozy, historical novella that perfectly captures the tension between festive cheer and Victorian-era intrigue. Set in the late 19th century, this installment in the Notebook Mysteries series is a quick but engaging holiday read. The story opens with the investigative team gathering for what they hope will be a peaceful Christmas filled with cookies, pies, and falling snow. However, the holiday tranquility is shattered when Dora believes she witnesses a murder through a kitchen window. Dora is suffering from a high fever at the time of the sighting, leading both her and the team to question if the crime was a hallucination or a cold-blooded reality. Mullins excels at painting a "Christmas card" version of the 1880s, balancing the warmth of the fireplace with the chilling possibility of a killer next door. As a novella, the plot moves quickly. It eschews heavy subplots to focus on the central question: What did Dora actually see? This is an ideal one-sitting read for a cold winter night. While it works best if you are already familiar with the characters from previous Notebook Mysteries books, it stands alone well enough. It successfully blends the cozy elements of holiday baking and family with the mischief of a Victorian crime.

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma and crew are back, but this time, the mystery hits a little too close to home. While glancing out the back door, Dora witnesses a murder happen in their backyard. Or did she? At the time of seeing it, Dora was experiencing a high fever and could have just imagined it all?? The new doctor next door sure seems to think that that is the case anyway. Meanwhile, Christmas happenings are still progressing and there are parties to attend, parties to host, and kids growing up amongst it all. Can they all sort out what really happened? Or are they all destined to have a new doctor next door with strange clientele?

This is always a fun series to read! Having Dora take center stage in this book was a fun change of pace. The team all show up for each other and work together (with the addition of a new character!) to figure out what is really happening next door. I appreciate the aspects of chosen family and blood family all pulling for and protecting each other. I also love how the author always puts a note at the end to explain where their inspiration came from for the premise of the book. I find this to be a fascinating touch! This was a fun Christmas read!

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the latest installment in the Notebook Mysteries series. I love this authors writing. Their attention to detail really brings the time period to life making the reader feel transported back in time. Even though these books can be read as a standalone I think you will just fall in love with Emma and her sleuthing family. This is a historic, festive cosy mystery which is fast paced and contains twists and turns I didn't see coming.

When Dora gets up early on morning she witnesses a man killing a women. Was this all just a hallucination brought on my fever or did she really witness it?
When she tells her family what she saw at first they blamed the fever but when strange things start happening at the house next door Emma knows she has to investigate. What they uncover shocks everyone. From disappearing wife, drug abuse and danger, Emma and her family have a challenge on their hands to get to the truth. Of course it's not really Christmas unless they have a mystery to solve and a bad guy to bring to justice.

[Ashley Hasting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notebook Mysteries: Murderous Christmas Mischief by Kimberly Mullins is a delightful holiday mystery that perfectly blends cozy charm with clever intrigue. From the opening pages, the story pulls you into a festive setting where Christmas cheer collides with sharp wit, unexpected twists, and a genuinely engaging whodunit.
Mullins does a fantastic job developing her characters—they feel relatable, layered, and full of personality. The mystery itself is well-paced and thoughtfully constructed, with enough clues to keep you guessing without ever feeling confusing or rushed. I especially enjoyed how the holiday atmosphere was woven seamlessly into the plot, adding warmth and humor while still allowing the darker elements of the story to shine.
This book is ideal for cozy mystery fans who enjoy smart storytelling, a seasonal backdrop, and a satisfying conclusion. Murderous Christmas Mischief is both fun and suspenseful, making it the perfect read for curling up with during the holidays. I’ll definitely be looking forward to more from the Notebook Mysteries series!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

: Murderous Christmas Mischief felt like curling up with a warm blanket and then suddenly wondering if someone was outside your window with a knife. I loved how the book opens with cozy details—snow, cookies, and that small–town holiday feeling that makes you want to bake something even if you can’t. When Dora thinks she sees a murder through the kitchen window, it’s such a perfect “wait… what?” moment that I caught myself reading faster just to find out if she imagined it. The fever angle made me laugh a little—because who hasn’t convinced themselves they saw something weird when they were sick? I really enjoyed how the team keeps trying to celebrate Christmas like normal, but with one eye permanently glued to the neighbor’s house. It’s a fun, festive mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and honestly, it made me want cookies and a good amateur sleuth adventure all at once.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a shorter Christmas mystery story by an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book. This story is part of a series you don’t want to miss out on. I highly suggest reading other books in this series to help with your enjoyment of this author 's writing skills and characters. Dora thinks she saw a murder happen outside her window. Did she really see someone? Don’t miss what Dora and her team find out. Dora and her team are such great characters. I enjoy what they add to the story and how easy they make it to read. I also enjoy the entertainment element that they bring to the story. This may be a shorter story but the author did a great job of packing a full mystery into a short time. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story that has great growth throughout. I enjoyed reading this story and I highly recommend it.

[Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murderous Christmas Mischief is the part of the Notebook Mysteries series of historical mysteries. It follows on from other Christmas novellas in the series which are always a lovely treat to catch up with familiar characters over the festive season.

In Murderous Christmas Mischief, Dora thinks she’s witnessed a murder. Unfortunately, neither she nor anyone else can work out whether she really saw that, or if it was a hallucination brought on by her illness. The team have to work out what really happened to reassure Dora, and potentially keep her safe.

I love that these Christmas stories have loads of details about the festive traditions of the time. It makes them a fun and informative holiday read! Murderous Christmas Mischief gets five stars from me, and I would recommend it to fans of the Notebook Mysteries series looking for something to read over the holidays.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notebook Mysteries - Murderous Christmas Mischief by Kimberly Mullins. I am loving this series and this short read was no different. Set in the 1800's in Chicago during the holiday season and all Dora wants to do is bake cookies, wrap presents and enjoy family but when she thinks she sees a murder right outside the kitchen window everything changes. Now Dora is sick with an illness that causes fever so she thinks maybe she is just hallucinating, but maybe not. This begins the fun with her friends and they search to see if there really was a murder or if Dora was just dreaming from her fever. The author writes so well that I always feel like I am right in the middle of these mysteries and I love it. This is a great mystery for the holiday season that will keep you flipping the pages. I finished this one in one sitting! Such a fun historical mystery!

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Notebook Mysteries – Murderous Christmas Mischief By Kimberly Mullins

Notebook Mysteries-Murderous Christmas Mischief is a Historical Cozy Mystery that I truly enjoyed reading. I’m a huge fan of this author and this series. The attention to detail along with fully developed characters make for a wonderful story. As always a wonderfully written story that pulls you into their world and makes you feel like you are apart of the story. This story is packed with action, suspense, mystery, adventure and so much more. Dora thinks she saw someone get murdered outside of her window. Is she seeing things or did something actually happen? I don’t want to give anything away. I promise it’ll be worth the read. I highly recommend reading this fast paced story to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author.

[Nancy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notebook mysteries: Murderous Christmas Mischief captured me right from the first page and kept me guessing all the way through. It was cozy and full of merry atmospheres, with clever twists that made it the perfect seasonal cozy mystery to curl up with over a warm drink. I really liked how the notebook clues unfolded. They lent themselves to an extra aspect of intrigue and yet did not confuse the reader in any way. The characters seemed alive, and I could feel that they had been drawn right out of my imagination as though I could meet these people in some small town during Christmas. I would say indeed that this was a festively fun and satisfying tale of a mystery, one I would cheerfully endorse to other fans of cozy mysteries.

[Beverly Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts with Dora being in the kitchen and seeing what she believes to be a murder right outside however she is sick and feverish. When she wakes and starts feeling better she’s not sure if she dreamed from illness or what she seen was real. However between finding that she had been given opium from a doctor thats not her normal doctor, to seeing this man act odd and with another woman that may not be his wife the family makes a plan to catch the doctor and find his real wife. The book wraps up with a wonderful family christmas and a mystery solved.

This is a series however this read as a stand alone book with all descriptions of the characters to know who they were without reading any other books in the series. This was a great holiday story.