Slay Bells Ring

Music Shop Mysteries

by Jennifer Lamont Leo

A Music Shop Mysteries Christmas Novella!

Amanda Parrish loves the Christmas season in her small Idaho mountain town, but December 1920 is testing even her legendary patience. Her music shop is overflowing with holiday shoppers, her beloved niece Molly is getting married in two weeks, and her cat Moxie seems determined to sabotage every carefully arranged display.

Then the caroling party takes a sinister turn.

Venetia Blackwood, a celebrated opera singer, collapses in the snow after drinking wassail at the church fellowship hall. Within minutes, the dramatic diva can barely breathe, let alone sing. Dr. Moriarty suspects poisoning.

As Amanda investigates alongside the handsome sheriff, she traces the culprit through careful detective work. The truth reveals how jealousy and desperation can poison the heart as surely as any toxin.

Perfect for fans of historical cozy mysteries amateur sleuth with heart and determinationA small-town Christmas setting full of charm1920s period details and authentic atmosphereClean romance that makes your heart singThemes of grace, forgiveness, and second chancesJustice served with compassionSupporting casts of quirky, lovable characters (including one mischievous cat)Set during the enchanting Christmas season of 1920, Slay Bells Ring blends mystery and romance in a story about finding purpose, offering grace, and discovering that sometimes the greatest gift is friendship.

This charming novella in the Music Shop Mysteries series can be read as a standalone. Pour yourself some wassail (check it carefully first!), settle in by the fire, and enjoy a Christmas mystery.

55 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2025

About the author

**THANK YOU, dear readers, for all the great reviews, and for choosing Moondrop Miracle, You're the Cream in My Coffee and Ain't Misbehavin for your book clubs. You're the bee's knees!** Author of Moondrop Miracle, You're the Cream in My Coffee and Ain't Misbehavin'. With a passion for all things historical, Jennifer Lamont Leo captures readers' hearts through stories set in times gone by. She is also a copywriter, editor, and journalist. An Illinois native, she holds a deep affection for Chicago and its rich history. Today she writes from the mountains of northern Idaho, where she shares her home with her husband, two cats, and abundant wildlife. Visit her at A Sparkling Vintage Life (http://www.JenniferLamontLeo.com/blog), as well as on Facebook, Bookbub, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Reviews

[Answer Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slay Bells Ring is a delightful historical cozy mystery that perfectly captures the charm and bustle of a small-town Christmas in 1920s Idaho. Jennifer Lamont Leo combines holiday warmth with intrigue, creating a story that’s as heartwarming as it is suspenseful.
Amanda Parrish is a thoroughly engaging protagonist resourceful, compassionate, and delightfully relatable. Her investigation into Venetia Blackwood’s sudden illness is both clever and measured, allowing the mystery to unfold at a satisfying pace while keeping the reader invested in each twist. The inclusion of a mischievous cat, Moxie, adds lighthearted fun and perfectly complements the story’s cozy tone.
The novella shines in its setting and atmosphere. The period details feel authentic, from bustling holiday shoppers to traditional wassail and church festivities, immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and spirit of the season. Beyond the mystery, themes of friendship, grace, and second chances enrich the narrative, giving it emotional depth beyond the suspense.
Slay Bells Ring is a charming, well-crafted Christmas mystery that balances heart, humor, and clever detective work. It’s perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, historical settings, and holiday-themed reads, offering a satisfying blend of intrigue, warmth, and festive cheer.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

✒️️ Here is a fun little story that not only was cleverly written, but was also very entertaining. I especially enjoy Jennifer Lamont Leo’s easy and comfortable writing style that includes believable characters and sometimes humorous dialogue. This story also includes the very real historical facts regarding questionable ingredients in consumable products in the early days of the twentieth century and the introduction of the Food and Drug Administration. Recommended.

📔I received a copy via Book Funnel. Thank you. 😀
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[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read mystery novella. Set in the 1920s in small town Idaho. A poisoning leads Amanda to search out the culprit. Even in a such a small town there are a few suspects, and some secrets too. Thank you to Jennifer Lamont Leo for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine freely given.