What do you think?
Rate this book
Home for the Homicides
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26
'Tis the season . . . for murder.
When Special Agents Holly Frost and Mark Shepherd report to the idyllic town of Christmas to investigate a very less than idyllic murder, they’re in for more than the average whodunnit.
Welcome to Christmas, a town so cozy and charming it could be the backdrop of a Hallmark movie, where crime is never in season and it’s the holidays all year round. So when a tourist is found stabbed to death by an icicle in the middle of the town nativity scene, the local police are out of their depth—after all, how do you find a criminal in a town where crime doesn't exist?
The stakes are the whole town is relying on Holly and Mark to solve the crime before the annual Jingle Bell Jubilee festival (which naturally the town's entire economic survival relies on), plus, whichever of them cracks the case will receive a promotion to Major Crimes—and there's only one spot.
Holly and Mark are both on thin ice after screwing up on the job. This assignment is their one shot at redemption, if they can put aside their bitter rivalry. And of course, it's not only their jobs on the line, it's their hearts, too—regrets of their holiday party hookup last year haunt them like ghosts of Christmas past, so they both want to wrap up this rom-com gone wrong as quickly as possible. But with just twelve days until the festival, the countdown to catch a killer—without killing each other—is on.
Co-authored by New York Times bestseller Elle Cosimano (Finlay Donovan series) and USA Today bestseller Hannah Morrissey (Black Harbor series), Home for the Homicides is a sexy, light-hearted romp, with a dash of merriment and murder.
When Special Agents Holly Frost and Mark Shepherd report to the idyllic town of Christmas to investigate a very less than idyllic murder, they’re in for more than the average whodunnit.
Welcome to Christmas, a town so cozy and charming it could be the backdrop of a Hallmark movie, where crime is never in season and it’s the holidays all year round. So when a tourist is found stabbed to death by an icicle in the middle of the town nativity scene, the local police are out of their depth—after all, how do you find a criminal in a town where crime doesn't exist?
The stakes are the whole town is relying on Holly and Mark to solve the crime before the annual Jingle Bell Jubilee festival (which naturally the town's entire economic survival relies on), plus, whichever of them cracks the case will receive a promotion to Major Crimes—and there's only one spot.
Holly and Mark are both on thin ice after screwing up on the job. This assignment is their one shot at redemption, if they can put aside their bitter rivalry. And of course, it's not only their jobs on the line, it's their hearts, too—regrets of their holiday party hookup last year haunt them like ghosts of Christmas past, so they both want to wrap up this rom-com gone wrong as quickly as possible. But with just twelve days until the festival, the countdown to catch a killer—without killing each other—is on.
Co-authored by New York Times bestseller Elle Cosimano (Finlay Donovan series) and USA Today bestseller Hannah Morrissey (Black Harbor series), Home for the Homicides is a sexy, light-hearted romp, with a dash of merriment and murder.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 13, 2026
17 people are currently reading
13706 people want to read
About the author
Elle Cosimano
18 books8,558 followersUSA TODAY and New York Times bestselling author, Edgar® Nominee, Bram Stoker® Nominee, & ITW Thriller Award winner.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 8, 2026
Romance with a murder… yes please!
I enjoyed this rom com with a side of a dead body. Two agents working a case in .. get this.. a town called Christmas! 🎄 A bit dragging in the middle and towards end, but 4 stars for creativity. I hadn’t read anything like this before. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review.
I enjoyed this rom com with a side of a dead body. Two agents working a case in .. get this.. a town called Christmas! 🎄 A bit dragging in the middle and towards end, but 4 stars for creativity. I hadn’t read anything like this before. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review.
Want to Read
April 21, 2026This looks adorable! I love a good murder for Christmas! Can't wait! Pub: 10/2026
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3/5? Idk, I was really conflicted on how to rate this book.
Here's the thing: you'll probably enjoy this book a lot if you turn your brain off and just... accept how ridiculous the book is. Even the book itself pokes fun at how ridiculous it is. I mean, it's literally murder in a Hallmark movie - what are you expecting? Don't go into this book expecting a Super Serious (TM) murder mystery. Yes, that is the plot, but it's just... not that serious.
Actually, my big gripe with this book is that I didn't care for our MCs much. Mark was... fine? But I hated Holly. I thought she was rude and had no skills of self-reflection. She was the kind of person who refused to accept that she could be wrong in any situation ever. Also, that situation at the beginning with the pot brownies kind of set the stage for my dislike of her. How are you a whole police officer and going around eating random ass brownies from random people? IDK feels like you're too dumb to be a cop for me.
Also! It pissed me off so much how rude she was to Mark about him getting to be in serious crimes, while she was working in mail crimes. How is that his fault he got in... unless he did something, like, special, such as bribing their bosses, they're the ones who chose to give him the promotion. And whether you like it or not, a lot of getting ahead in life is being social and knowing how to talk to people... along with some other issues, Holly just came off as a bitch.
Mark... I didn't like how close he let the ex-fiancee get. I get he grew up in this ridiculous ass town where they probably teach nothing but to be overly nice, but he had no spine, either with the ex or with his mom. I really hope he cuts his mom out completely in future books. None of that redemption arc BS. But I honestly can't quite get too mad over Mark and ex-gf, cause Holly spent a lot of the book pining over another guy too.
The writing was pretty good! Nothing to complain about there.
The murderer is obvious. But like I said above, don't go into this expecting a serious mystery. It's a mystery with the ridiculousness of Hallmark. The big city is literally called Big City. Make of that what you will.
Overall, it's okay. A fun little read, but I'm not sure I'd pick it up again, or read a sequel.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Here's the thing: you'll probably enjoy this book a lot if you turn your brain off and just... accept how ridiculous the book is. Even the book itself pokes fun at how ridiculous it is. I mean, it's literally murder in a Hallmark movie - what are you expecting? Don't go into this book expecting a Super Serious (TM) murder mystery. Yes, that is the plot, but it's just... not that serious.
Actually, my big gripe with this book is that I didn't care for our MCs much. Mark was... fine? But I hated Holly. I thought she was rude and had no skills of self-reflection. She was the kind of person who refused to accept that she could be wrong in any situation ever. Also, that situation at the beginning with the pot brownies kind of set the stage for my dislike of her. How are you a whole police officer and going around eating random ass brownies from random people? IDK feels like you're too dumb to be a cop for me.
Also! It pissed me off so much how rude she was to Mark about him getting to be in serious crimes, while she was working in mail crimes. How is that his fault he got in... unless he did something, like, special, such as bribing their bosses, they're the ones who chose to give him the promotion. And whether you like it or not, a lot of getting ahead in life is being social and knowing how to talk to people... along with some other issues, Holly just came off as a bitch.
Mark... I didn't like how close he let the ex-fiancee get. I get he grew up in this ridiculous ass town where they probably teach nothing but to be overly nice, but he had no spine, either with the ex or with his mom. I really hope he cuts his mom out completely in future books. None of that redemption arc BS. But I honestly can't quite get too mad over Mark and ex-gf, cause Holly spent a lot of the book pining over another guy too.
The writing was pretty good! Nothing to complain about there.
The murderer is obvious. But like I said above, don't go into this expecting a serious mystery. It's a mystery with the ridiculousness of Hallmark. The big city is literally called Big City. Make of that what you will.
Overall, it's okay. A fun little read, but I'm not sure I'd pick it up again, or read a sequel.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2026
First, thank you to NetGalley for the e-Arc of ‘Home for the Homicides’ in exchange for my honest review.
This was an interesting read for me. I enjoyed the prologue and the voice of the narrator. I enjoyed that the book was super self aware and spent a lot of time being extra hallmark movie cringey and that the authors leaned into it and called it out through the presence of the narrator. I actually was interested in the crime and wanted to see who the murderer was and at times when I just really wanted to stop reading, I didn’t because I wanted to know!
The things I enjoyed were mostly the humor and the absolutely ridiculous nature of the town and the towns people. It was a read where you needed to suspend a lot of your disbelief and just enjoy the ride.
My negatives…
Though a lot of the romance was believable, it sometimes just felt a little weird or confusing. I think because the entire voice of the book had a lot of self deprecating humor and didn’t take the story seriously it was hard to really care about the characters and their feelings for each other.
I hated the stupidity of our FMC and MMC. It was pretty tiring how incompetent they were with their deductive skills. Made a lot of the read hard to get through.
Sometimes, I was just bored. I felt like there was a ton of extra with little point? This is going to sound crazy but I feel like the cringe wasn’t leaned into enough in some spots. All of the characters felt like they were flirting with being weird but aside from their names/occupations they just kind of fell flat. I get that we are making fun of a Christmas movie trope but I still want to actually enjoy being there. It was like on the cusp of something really entertaining but didn’t actually hit the sweet spot for me.
Three stars for the escapism and attempt at being something different and original in terms of self deprecation and awareness with a splash of murder. Not the best though, I think it could have been better.
This was an interesting read for me. I enjoyed the prologue and the voice of the narrator. I enjoyed that the book was super self aware and spent a lot of time being extra hallmark movie cringey and that the authors leaned into it and called it out through the presence of the narrator. I actually was interested in the crime and wanted to see who the murderer was and at times when I just really wanted to stop reading, I didn’t because I wanted to know!
The things I enjoyed were mostly the humor and the absolutely ridiculous nature of the town and the towns people. It was a read where you needed to suspend a lot of your disbelief and just enjoy the ride.
My negatives…
Though a lot of the romance was believable, it sometimes just felt a little weird or confusing. I think because the entire voice of the book had a lot of self deprecating humor and didn’t take the story seriously it was hard to really care about the characters and their feelings for each other.
I hated the stupidity of our FMC and MMC. It was pretty tiring how incompetent they were with their deductive skills. Made a lot of the read hard to get through.
Sometimes, I was just bored. I felt like there was a ton of extra with little point? This is going to sound crazy but I feel like the cringe wasn’t leaned into enough in some spots. All of the characters felt like they were flirting with being weird but aside from their names/occupations they just kind of fell flat. I get that we are making fun of a Christmas movie trope but I still want to actually enjoy being there. It was like on the cusp of something really entertaining but didn’t actually hit the sweet spot for me.
Three stars for the escapism and attempt at being something different and original in terms of self deprecation and awareness with a splash of murder. Not the best though, I think it could have been better.
April 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, the authors, and St. Martins Press for this ARC.
I will admit that in the beginning, I was skeptical. The writing style and grammar wasn’t at all what I was used to, but it definitely improved as the story went on. I’m so glad I stuck around because I truly ended up LOVING this story!
Set in the picturesque and perfect small town of Christmas, Special Agents Mark and Holly have to overcome old feuds to work together and solve the town’s first murder.
The story is funny, sweet, and steamy- all the best aspects of a romcom- rolled into a holiday murder mystery.
I really loved the FMC Holly. I thought she was spunky and adorable and smart. I didn’t particularly fall in love with Mark- he was a bit 2 dimensional in my opinion.
The thing that really stood out was the snarky narrator that would break the fourth wall. It was unexpected and hilarious, and a great addition to the book.
Overall great story, and I hope to read the next installment in the series!
I will admit that in the beginning, I was skeptical. The writing style and grammar wasn’t at all what I was used to, but it definitely improved as the story went on. I’m so glad I stuck around because I truly ended up LOVING this story!
Set in the picturesque and perfect small town of Christmas, Special Agents Mark and Holly have to overcome old feuds to work together and solve the town’s first murder.
The story is funny, sweet, and steamy- all the best aspects of a romcom- rolled into a holiday murder mystery.
I really loved the FMC Holly. I thought she was spunky and adorable and smart. I didn’t particularly fall in love with Mark- he was a bit 2 dimensional in my opinion.
The thing that really stood out was the snarky narrator that would break the fourth wall. It was unexpected and hilarious, and a great addition to the book.
Overall great story, and I hope to read the next installment in the series!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️ 4.25/5
This was such a fun, chaotic ride.
If you’re going into this expecting a super serious mystery, don’t. This leans into the absurd in the best way possible, and honestly, that’s what made it work for me. The humor, the puns, the over-the-top moments…it all added to the experience instead of taking away from it.
The characters? Completely chaotic, in a way that somehow works. Mark and Holly’s dynamic carried this entire story for me. Their banter, tension, and overall energy made it feel fast-paced and entertaining from start to finish. And the side characters? Just as unhinged in the best way.
It didn’t fully hit 5 stars for me, the execution felt a little uneven at times, but overall, I had a great time with it.
Fun, ridiculous, and very self-aware.
If you like:
* chaotic, slightly unhinged mysteries
* strong banter and character dynamics
* humor mixed into your thrillers
* holiday settings with a twist
This one is definitely worth picking up.
ARC read — releases October 2026
This was such a fun, chaotic ride.
If you’re going into this expecting a super serious mystery, don’t. This leans into the absurd in the best way possible, and honestly, that’s what made it work for me. The humor, the puns, the over-the-top moments…it all added to the experience instead of taking away from it.
The characters? Completely chaotic, in a way that somehow works. Mark and Holly’s dynamic carried this entire story for me. Their banter, tension, and overall energy made it feel fast-paced and entertaining from start to finish. And the side characters? Just as unhinged in the best way.
It didn’t fully hit 5 stars for me, the execution felt a little uneven at times, but overall, I had a great time with it.
Fun, ridiculous, and very self-aware.
If you like:
* chaotic, slightly unhinged mysteries
* strong banter and character dynamics
* humor mixed into your thrillers
* holiday settings with a twist
This one is definitely worth picking up.
ARC read — releases October 2026
May 4, 2026
4.5 Stars
Whodunnit mystery & enemies to lovers Rom Com set in the town of Christmas which could be the backdrop of a made-for-TV holiday movie. There has never been a murder in Christmas, so when a girl ends up murdered in this idyllic town, 2 special agents (Holly & Mark, who are not fond of each other) are sent to solve the murder & save the Jingle Bell Jubilee parade.
This is a fun whodunnit where you will cringe at the murder scene & laugh at the witty banter between the sexually crazed special agents. The sex is spicy, quite provocative & sensual with a bunch of lust thrown in.
If you love a good murder with an enemies to lovers theme & lots of lusty sex, then this is the novel for you.
I enjoyed this book & can’t wait for the 2nd is the series.
Favorite Line: “So, Holly & Mark went to interview the snowman, but Frosty wasn’t talking, even after Holly threatened it with a blowtorch.”
Thank you NetGalley, Minotaur Books & the authors for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Whodunnit mystery & enemies to lovers Rom Com set in the town of Christmas which could be the backdrop of a made-for-TV holiday movie. There has never been a murder in Christmas, so when a girl ends up murdered in this idyllic town, 2 special agents (Holly & Mark, who are not fond of each other) are sent to solve the murder & save the Jingle Bell Jubilee parade.
This is a fun whodunnit where you will cringe at the murder scene & laugh at the witty banter between the sexually crazed special agents. The sex is spicy, quite provocative & sensual with a bunch of lust thrown in.
If you love a good murder with an enemies to lovers theme & lots of lusty sex, then this is the novel for you.
I enjoyed this book & can’t wait for the 2nd is the series.
Favorite Line: “So, Holly & Mark went to interview the snowman, but Frosty wasn’t talking, even after Holly threatened it with a blowtorch.”
Thank you NetGalley, Minotaur Books & the authors for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 10, 2026
Okay was it super corny? Yes. Was it over the top Christmas? Definitely. But was it everything I want in a Christmas book? 10000%. Usually in the Christmas books I read, they are competing in a Christmas competition or something silly like that so it was fun having Christmas and a murder mystery wrapped in one.
I wasn’t expecting a lot in regard to the murder mystery portion of the plot but I was pleasantly surprised. It kept me guessing who the killer was all the way till the end.
I liked the enemies to lovers, forced proximity, opposites attract and the small town vibes of Christmas (the town name).
Overall I don’t have many complaints. I liked the main Characters and side characters. It was a good blend between murder mystery and feel good Christmas. There was a little spice I just wish there was more. I definitely will be buying this book to add to my holiday collection.
Thank you to St. Martins Press, Elle Cosimano, Hannah Morrissey and team for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I wasn’t expecting a lot in regard to the murder mystery portion of the plot but I was pleasantly surprised. It kept me guessing who the killer was all the way till the end.
I liked the enemies to lovers, forced proximity, opposites attract and the small town vibes of Christmas (the town name).
Overall I don’t have many complaints. I liked the main Characters and side characters. It was a good blend between murder mystery and feel good Christmas. There was a little spice I just wish there was more. I definitely will be buying this book to add to my holiday collection.
Thank you to St. Martins Press, Elle Cosimano, Hannah Morrissey and team for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was fun! Picture a small-town Hallmark Christmas movie but with murder, comedy, and a little bit of spice thrown into the mix. I think this book touched on all the holiday-themed romantic tropes. Yes, it was somewhat cheesy, but who cares? The laughs were endless! I'm still smiling and chuckling to myself over here. I absolutely loved the narrator. This actually bumped up the funny factor in my opinion. And there were so many interesting and unforgettable characters in an LOL kind of way. I love that two of my favorite authors came together for this hilarious collaboration. I really enjoyed it! It looks like this is the first book of a new series, so fingers crossed that there will be more to come. I would definitely recommend to anyone who is need of a good laugh.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for granting me a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Expected US publication date: 10/13/26
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for granting me a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Expected US publication date: 10/13/26
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Finally — a holiday book for us thriller girls!! Home for the Homicides is everything you want in a festive escape: sharp, twisty, romantic, and just the right amount of unhinged. Think charming leads, rapid-fire witty banter, a cast of delightfully despicable (and slightly ridiculous) suspects, and a whodunit that actually keeps you guessing. This book was pure joy from start to finish!
It’s cozy without being predictable, funny without losing the plot, and packed with enough intrigue to keep you flipping pages all afternoon. The mystery is smart and satisfying, the romance adds a warm glow, and the holiday setting makes it feel like Christmas came early—just with more potential for homicide.
It’s cozy without being predictable, funny without losing the plot, and packed with enough intrigue to keep you flipping pages all afternoon. The mystery is smart and satisfying, the romance adds a warm glow, and the holiday setting makes it feel like Christmas came early—just with more potential for homicide.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Enemies to lovers/ rivalry
Forced proximity
Second chance romance
Only one bed
Holiday who did it
Smexay light hearted romp
This was a fun, cheesy, christmasy, comedy that had me giggling a few times!
The story follows Special Agents Holly Frost and Mark Shepherd, who travel to the small town of "Christmas" themed to investigate a ☠️. The agents must solve the case in 12 days ( the 12 days of Christmas) why dealing with their own messy past that pops up.
I loved the banter and tension. The holiday cheer sprinkled everywhere!
If you’re in the mood for some holiday cheer with hallmark vibes that’s cheesy with a ☠️ mystery I’d definitely recommend this book!
Forced proximity
Second chance romance
Only one bed
Holiday who did it
Smexay light hearted romp
This was a fun, cheesy, christmasy, comedy that had me giggling a few times!
The story follows Special Agents Holly Frost and Mark Shepherd, who travel to the small town of "Christmas" themed to investigate a ☠️. The agents must solve the case in 12 days ( the 12 days of Christmas) why dealing with their own messy past that pops up.
I loved the banter and tension. The holiday cheer sprinkled everywhere!
If you’re in the mood for some holiday cheer with hallmark vibes that’s cheesy with a ☠️ mystery I’d definitely recommend this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is exactly what I needed to read today!
I really really enjoyed this book a lot. Murder and romance in the town of Christmas.
The main characters Mark and Holly travel to Christmas to investigate a murder all while trying not to fall in love. The ending was great and I didnt see it coming up until the last few pages and then Im like Yep that makes sense.
The story was a mystery throughout with a whodunit question lingering in the air. I highly recommend this read it was so good.
Thank you #NetGalley for the Advanced Readers Copy I will be recommending this for a holiday read to all my family and friends.
I really really enjoyed this book a lot. Murder and romance in the town of Christmas.
The main characters Mark and Holly travel to Christmas to investigate a murder all while trying not to fall in love. The ending was great and I didnt see it coming up until the last few pages and then Im like Yep that makes sense.
The story was a mystery throughout with a whodunit question lingering in the air. I highly recommend this read it was so good.
Thank you #NetGalley for the Advanced Readers Copy I will be recommending this for a holiday read to all my family and friends.
May 5, 2026
Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Publishing, NetGalley, and the authors for this advanced reader’s copy!
As a rule, I only read one Christmas book a year and it must be in December. But as a bigger rule, if Elle Cosimano writes it, I read it. So that rule won. 5⭐️🎄 for Home for the Homicides! This book was witty, suspenseful, romantic and festive. The anti-hallmark movie trope was well done and not cliche or overdone. The suspense and twists were unpredictable and kept me glued to every page. Definitely recommending to all of my friends.
As a rule, I only read one Christmas book a year and it must be in December. But as a bigger rule, if Elle Cosimano writes it, I read it. So that rule won. 5⭐️🎄 for Home for the Homicides! This book was witty, suspenseful, romantic and festive. The anti-hallmark movie trope was well done and not cliche or overdone. The suspense and twists were unpredictable and kept me glued to every page. Definitely recommending to all of my friends.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you #NetGalley for this ARC read.
I am a sucker for Christmas hallmark movies and a sucker for true crime. This book is best of both worlds. There is lots of tension and humor throughout the book that I found myself chuckling often. However, I did want more from our main character’s. I honestly just didn't feel connected to them or how their story ended.
The mystery was pretty basic in the sense that it wasn't all that surprising but was enough to keep you engaged, which is okay!
I am a sucker for Christmas hallmark movies and a sucker for true crime. This book is best of both worlds. There is lots of tension and humor throughout the book that I found myself chuckling often. However, I did want more from our main character’s. I honestly just didn't feel connected to them or how their story ended.
The mystery was pretty basic in the sense that it wasn't all that surprising but was enough to keep you engaged, which is okay!
April 30, 2026
If you’re looking for a serious murder mystery, this isn’t the book for you. This book had me laughing out loud through most of it. While it was very predictable, it was still a fun read.
I appreciate how even the author made fun of the story and embraced all of the cheesiness that went along with it.
Thank you to the authors and NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review
I appreciate how even the author made fun of the story and embraced all of the cheesiness that went along with it.
Thank you to the authors and NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review
May 1, 2026
ARC from NetGalley
This book had everything someone could want out of a cheesy, funny, murder solving book. It was an easy read with a fun vibe the whole time and I truly laughed out loud a few times. Add the Holiday Spirit and some blood and this will be a fun book club read for the Holidays. Just beware of truly every single person having a Christmas themed name in a Christmas themed town with all the Christmas themed stores.
This book had everything someone could want out of a cheesy, funny, murder solving book. It was an easy read with a fun vibe the whole time and I truly laughed out loud a few times. Add the Holiday Spirit and some blood and this will be a fun book club read for the Holidays. Just beware of truly every single person having a Christmas themed name in a Christmas themed town with all the Christmas themed stores.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5/5
-There is a murder by icicle in an idyllic Hallmark-like Christmas town and the Big City detectives need to solve the crime
As long as you realize this is supposed to be cheesy, then I think you’ll like it as something silly and light. This didn’t quite pack the punch of Elle’s Finlay stories, but I would keep reading more from this new series in hopes it picks up more momentum.
Thank you NetGalley! Check this out before the holiday season.
-There is a murder by icicle in an idyllic Hallmark-like Christmas town and the Big City detectives need to solve the crime
As long as you realize this is supposed to be cheesy, then I think you’ll like it as something silly and light. This didn’t quite pack the punch of Elle’s Finlay stories, but I would keep reading more from this new series in hopes it picks up more momentum.
Thank you NetGalley! Check this out before the holiday season.
May 1, 2026
I will always want to champion Hannah’s books, and I haven’t read any other book by Elle…but this was not my favorite book. I’m sure it has its audience, but it felt much too “social media modern” for me and that’s just not my cup of tea. There was a lot of references to the cringey-est pieces of modern life and dating and it really turned me off.
May 2, 2026
This book is like if Lovelight Farms had murder, which is to say I loved it. I haven’t read anything from either of the authors but the writing was truly seemless. I read it in less than a day and I never got tired of the Christmas joy.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2026
“Tis the season.. for murder”
This was an ARC read on NetGalley and it was such a fun read. Romcom, purposely cheesy, hallmark movie vibes.
Mark and Holly are two detectives who are sent to the small town of Christmas to help solve a murder.
Fun banter
Cheesy romcom moments
Small town
Cozy Christmas vibes
This is definitely one to add to the TBR!
This was an ARC read on NetGalley and it was such a fun read. Romcom, purposely cheesy, hallmark movie vibes.
Mark and Holly are two detectives who are sent to the small town of Christmas to help solve a murder.
Fun banter
Cheesy romcom moments
Small town
Cozy Christmas vibes
This is definitely one to add to the TBR!
May 4, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
I went into this thinking it would be like the Finlay Donovan series and it’s not at all. The writing is funny and is like a hallmark movie meets romantic crime novel. It gets cheesy, but it does it in a way that makes fun of its self which makes you laugh. It would be a fun read around the holidays.
I went into this thinking it would be like the Finlay Donovan series and it’s not at all. The writing is funny and is like a hallmark movie meets romantic crime novel. It gets cheesy, but it does it in a way that makes fun of its self which makes you laugh. It would be a fun read around the holidays.
May 12, 2026
I knew I would like this if Elle Cosimano was part of it! You have to have the right sense of humor to appreciate it, as I don’t think there is anything like it yet! Part satire, part humor, part romance, part crime-breaking the fourth wall. It was great! I really hope there is more to this and we get a book 2! Holly and Mark are perfection.
Want to Read
April 18, 2026My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
April 19, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This is truly whimsical and silly. Very easy to read, funny at times, definitely poking fun at itself several times throughout. Not a huge fan of the main characters’ personalities.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This Christmas‑themed book is incredibly cheesy, and the plot definitely has its share of holes. Even so, it’s funny and genuinely entertaining. If you enjoy light, over‑the‑top holiday mysteries with a rom‑com vibe, this is the book for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder at HallmarkMovies and Mysteries but with a touch of Santa Claus is Coming to Town. The narrator made me think of the snowman narrator in the old kids movies. The style of the book sort of threw me off but once you adapted it was a cute book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book at first did not make any sense to me, it also really wasn’t my cup of tea. Too many sexual innuendos with the two main characters. I wanted more murder mystery and less of that. Loved the writing style though, and how the chapters flew by.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book started off slow and a little off with the narrator thing. But once the main characters started investigating, then it was nothing but mystery and laughter. If you love Hallmark Mystery shows, then this book is definitely for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mark and Holly are both vying for the same position with the SBI—but only one of them can get it. Sent to the idyllic town of Christmas to solve a murder, the two rivals must work together while competing for their dream job. This was a cute, cozy romance filled with twists, suspects, and plenty of mystery to keep you guessing. Will their rivalry help them crack the case…or stand in the way of catching the killer?
*ARC provided my NetGalley for an honest review.
*ARC provided my NetGalley for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews