Gingerbread and Grief

by Nova Walsh

The lights are twinkling, the cider is steaming, and Ginny Malone is ready for a peaceful Christmas—until a holiday festival turns deadly…

Ginny and her boyfriend Vince are spending Christmas with his big, boisterous family in the mountain town of Wyattville. Between glittering apple orchards, gingerbread competitions, and cozy farmhouse chaos, Ginny’s prepared for a festive whirlwind—just not a murder. When a prominent politician suddenly collapses at the Winter Festival, the joyful morning transforms into a crime scene…and Ginny and Vince are pulled into the investigation.

As rumors fly and the suspects stack up, Ginny finds herself tangled in small-town secrets, poison, and a mystery that cuts deeper than holiday rivalry. And when Vince’s family grows uneasy and the case threatens to overshadow Christmas, Ginny must rely on her instincts to help uncover the truth before the killer crushes their holiday.

Filled with festive charm, family warmth, and a satisfying whodunit that wraps up by the final page, Gingerbread and Grief delivers the perfect bite-sized cozy mystery for the season. New to Moonstone Bay? No worries—this holiday novella can be enjoyed in any order.

Curl up with a mug of cocoa and solve a Christmas murder in the coziest Moonstone mystery yet!

Genres: Christmas, Cozy Mystery

85 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2025

About the author

Author Nova Walsh writes culinary cozy mysteries full of humor, shenanigans, and friendships that last a lifetime. She mixes in a healthy dose of amateur sleuthing, some slow-burn romance, and a pinch of comedy in every book she writes.
Nova is a former chef/caterer who still loves to cook but loves to write even more. She’s an enthusiastic, if not totally successful gardener who loves travel, wine, and hanging out with friends.
Nova grew up in the southwest, and now lives in Galveston, Texas, with her husband, son, and dogs. When she isn’t writing, she’s often cooking, spending time with family, or reading a good book with a pup by her side.

Reviews

[Estelle Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This holiday novella balances cozy charm and emotional depth beautifully. The Christmas setting at the Rinaldi family orchard is idyllic in the way only cozy mysteries can be: twinkling lights, gingerbread competitions, cider, family chaos, and just enough snow-dusted nostalgia to lull you into a sense of safety. Naturally, that’s when everything goes sideways.

Ginny continues to be a refreshing protagonist—capable, observant, and grounded. I loved seeing her slightly out of her comfort zone, navigating Vince’s family dynamics while still being completely herself. Her relationship with Vince feels natural and earned, and this installment does a great job of showing how well they function as a team, both emotionally and intellectually.

The mystery itself is darker than expected for a Christmas entry. Poison at a holiday festival raises the stakes without straying from the cozy genre, and the investigation felt believable and tightly paced for a shorter work. The political undercurrent added an extra layer of realism, making the crime feel personal to the town rather than conveniently random.

This isn’t just a “murder with cookies.” The book explores guilt, regret, family loyalty, and the weight people carry into the holidays. The quiet moments—late-night conversations, shared baking, awkward family honesty—are just as satisfying as the clues.

If you’re already invested in the Moonstone Bakery Mysteries, this is a must-read. And if you believe Christmas stories can hold both magic and murder, Gingerbread and Grief is the perfect winter companion.

Recommended—preferably with a cup of spiced cider and something sweet within arm’s reach. 🍪❄️

[Angelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this Moonstone Bay holiday novella, cupcake baker and sleuth Ginny is spending her first Christmas with her PI boyfriend Vince’s family at their apple farm. She’s having a great time getting to know the family and spending quality time with Vince. Everything’s perfect. Until the judge at a gingerbread contest is poisoned.
When the sheriff asks Ginny and Vince to help with the case, they jump right in. Unfortunately, everyone in town hated the guy, so they have no shortage of suspects. They’re racing the clock in this one to make sure they catch the culprit before they get away with the perfect murder.
I really love this series, and this book is no exception. Ginny is a likeable heroine. I appreciate that she’s smart and logical. She’s not the type of gal to confront the murderer in an abandoned building without backup. Ginny and Vince’s romance is sweet. The supporting characters are likeable and fun. And the mystery is well written. The book is only 80 pages long, but there’s absolutely nothing missing from this story.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily and enthusiastically leaving this 5-star review.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. I've been following the story of Ginny, who left her life as a high powered lawyer and cheating boyfriend to realise her dream of opening a bakery on the northern California coast, and her landlord, charismatic PI Vince, who was struggling until Ginny arrived and it seems that together they have a knack for solving murders. In this Christmas novella, Vince's Italian family invite Ginny for Christmas. Inevitably, there is a murder. Unlike the hostile (and full witted) sheriff of Moonstone Bay, the sheriff local to Vince's family recognises him as the detective he is. It's not quite the Christmas they planned, but this is nice, easy read short story in this serirs.

[Sherry Bendorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Book Sirens and the author for the complimentary copy to review. This is my honest review.

I enjoyed visiting Moonstone Bay once again. Until now, I had only read the first book in this series, so I wasn't sure if I would feel like I was missing something by reading this novella that is #5.5, but I felt like it was enough of a story to not feel "lost".

I was engaged with the story from the very beginning. i like the strong family ties throughout and the Christmas celebration. There was a lot packed into this cozy mystery that some of it felt a little rushed, understandably given the length. I wish there would've been a bit more to it.

I look forward to reading more from Moonstone Bay. I appreciate that this is a clean, no spice-only kisses series.

[Michelle Kssili · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gingerbread and grief was a heartfelt and engaging read that blended mystery with emotion beautifully. The story balances grief and healing in a way that feels genuine without weighing the plot down.

Ginny and Vince make a great investigating team—their dynamic feels natural, and their teamwork adds both warmth and momentum to the story. I really enjoyed how their interactions helped move the investigation forward while also deepening their characters.

The cozy mystery elements, paired with moments of reflection and emotional depth, made this an enjoyable and comforting read. While a few parts felt a bit predictable, the charm of the characters and the overall tone kept me invested.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vince is taking Ginny home for the holidays, but they didn't expect a murder!!! They were closing in rapidly, but it was the wrong suspect!! Better luck next time. More sleuthing and they have a solid suspect, but the chief wants to go it with real reinforcements. See who came through with the solid evidence! Gobsmacked! A short fun read! Looking forward to more short page turners with twists from this author. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Melonie Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @booksirens and @NovaWalah for the ARC copy of Gingerbread and Grief.

Genre: Cozy Mystery

What I loved about this book:

⭐️ Charming characters that are portrayed so well, you feel you have known them all your life.

⭐️ Entertaining plot that is a quaint and easy read, which made for a great way to unwind at night.

⭐️ Descriptive writing style that paints wonderful scenery and makes the personalities of characters so vivid and relatable.

If you love these:
🌞 Small town settings
🌞 Cozy mysteries
🌞 Christmas mysteries
🌞Romance

You will love this!!

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is a perfect light read just before Christmas. Ginny and Vince travel to his family for a short Christmas break, only to end up involved in a murder investigation when a man dies at the local winter festival.

It's a story that held my interest as Ginny identifies a suspect immediately and then her investigation yields another possible suspect. All gets wrapped up nicely in the end, like a Christmas present. Looking forward to reading more in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gingerbread and Grief is Book 5.5 in A Moon stone Bakery Novella by Nova Walsh. It's Christmas and Ginny is spending the holiday with her boyfriend's family. In my opinion, this story is about family and friends with a small town murder. I thought the murder and the sleuthing was we written. After 5 books in this series, the reader knows the characters, but, the author wrote an enjoyable, fresh story. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite cozy mystery series! This one wrapped up beautifully. Just like a Christmas present. 🎁

It was so sweet to spend Christmas with Vince and his family.

If you need a short book to catch up on your reading goal and you want a holiday mystery, snatch this up!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jacqueline Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice quick read. Just the thing for a relaxing lazy afternoon. Very well written. Quick paced and captivating from the very first page to the last. Loved it!Nice quick read. Just the thing for a relaxing lazy afternoon. Very well written. Quick paced and captivating from the very first page to the last. Loved it!

[Jessica Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read but it was still a good mystery. I like seeing how Vince and Ginny's relationship is growing. Even though it was a shorter book, you still get the reasoning behind why the suspects become such. Another good cozy mystery read for me. Disclaimer: I am leaving my honest review voluntarily after receiving a free advance review copy.

[Paige J Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC book. A nice and easy read. As a novella you know it is going to be short. However I felt some of the discoveries were rushed and came from nowhere. Overall I enjoyed the book but didn’t get invested in the storyline

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ginny joins her boyfriend Vince's family for Christmas she didn’t expect to be faced with a murder and a lot more. An intriguing read which has you on the edge of your seat. I received this ARC copy via Booksirans and recommend this book to other readers.

[Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great quick cozy mystery. They seem to find trouble wherever they go. A judge collapses at the gingerbread contest and they help to solve the case. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I can't wait to read more by Nova Walsh.

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a charming little short story.
The mystery was intriguing and the protagonists were likeable and efficient.
I look forward to reading another book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jane Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow a very good book.

I didn’t realize the killer in this book either.
I hope this isn’t the last of this series?

[Julie Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and family and of course murder. Very enjoyable

[T M. Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nova Walsh once again stirs together the perfect blend of holiday charm and small-town mystery in Gingerbread and Grief, a cozy novella that sparkles like tinsel on a frosty morning.

Returning readers of the Moonstone Bakery series will feel right at home, but newcomers can comfortably dive in without missing a beat.

Ginny Malone and her boyfriend Vince head to his hometown of Wyattville for what promises to be a picture-perfect Christmas—complete with steaming cider, glittering orchards, and a gingerbread competition that practically smells of cinnamon and nutmeg.

But when a local politician suddenly collapses during the Winter Festival, the cheerful holiday celebration turns into a chilling investigation. Walsh deftly transitions from festive warmth to intrigue, blending humor, family dynamics, and mystery in a way that keeps the pages turning.

The mystery itself is nicely paced, full of red herrings and small-town gossip that feel authentic without becoming heavy. As Ginny and Vince dig deeper, their sleuthing never loses sight of the cozy tone that defines the series. The supporting cast—especially Vince’s exuberant family—adds warmth and holiday heart even as tensions simmer beneath the tinsel.

If there’s a slight drawback, it’s that the novella format leaves readers wishing for a bit more depth in the resolution and character development. Still, Walsh’s writing is crisp, her descriptions deliciously festive, and her sense of timing impeccable.Gingerbread and Grief is the kind of story you can devour in one sitting by the fire, mug of cocoa in hand. It’s a satisfying addition to the Moonstone Bakery world and an ideal holiday read for anyone who loves a mystery sprinkled with sugar, spice, and just a hint of danger.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great mystery in Moonstone Bay! I love a cozy, clean, mystery but sometimes that means the characters fall flatand become too predictable - not the case here! I enjoyed the storyline centered around the importance of family and look forward to more in the series!
I received an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily - thanks for a great read Booksirens!!