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High Heels #3.5
Christmas in High Heels
New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Kindle Bestselling series!
Fashion designer turned amateur sleuth Maddie Springer can't wait to spend the holidays with her boyfriend, LAPD Detective Jack Ramirez. It's their first Christmas together, and Maddie wants it to be perfect. Only between her zany family and wacky friends, Maddie's having a hard time finding alone time with her man. But come Christmas morning, this is one holiday she'll be sure to remember—naughty or nice!
*This is a 4500 word SHORT STORY**
Books in the High Heels Series:
#1 Spying in High Heels
#2 Killer in High Heels
#3 Undercover in High Heels
#3.5 Christmas in High Heels (short story)
#4 Alibi in High Heels
#5 Mayhem in High Heels
#5.5 Honeymoon in High Heels (novella)
#5.75 Sweetheart in High Heels (short story)
#6 Fearless in High Heels
#7 Danger in High Heels
#8 Homicide in High Heels
#9 Deadly in High Heels
What critics are saying about The High Heels Mysteries:
"A saucy combination of romance and suspense that is simply irresistible."
—Chicago Tribune
"Stylish... nonstop action...guaranteed to keep chick lit and mystery fans happy!"
—Publishers’ Weekly, *starred review*
"Smart, funny and snappy…the perfect beach read!"
—Fresh Fiction
"A roller coaster ride full of fun and excitement!"
—Romance Reviews Today
Fashion designer turned amateur sleuth Maddie Springer can't wait to spend the holidays with her boyfriend, LAPD Detective Jack Ramirez. It's their first Christmas together, and Maddie wants it to be perfect. Only between her zany family and wacky friends, Maddie's having a hard time finding alone time with her man. But come Christmas morning, this is one holiday she'll be sure to remember—naughty or nice!
*This is a 4500 word SHORT STORY**
Books in the High Heels Series:
#1 Spying in High Heels
#2 Killer in High Heels
#3 Undercover in High Heels
#3.5 Christmas in High Heels (short story)
#4 Alibi in High Heels
#5 Mayhem in High Heels
#5.5 Honeymoon in High Heels (novella)
#5.75 Sweetheart in High Heels (short story)
#6 Fearless in High Heels
#7 Danger in High Heels
#8 Homicide in High Heels
#9 Deadly in High Heels
What critics are saying about The High Heels Mysteries:
"A saucy combination of romance and suspense that is simply irresistible."
—Chicago Tribune
"Stylish... nonstop action...guaranteed to keep chick lit and mystery fans happy!"
—Publishers’ Weekly, *starred review*
"Smart, funny and snappy…the perfect beach read!"
—Fresh Fiction
"A roller coaster ride full of fun and excitement!"
—Romance Reviews Today
39 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2010
196 people are currently reading
1486 people want to read
About the author
Gemma Halliday
95 books1,892 followersGemma had a hard time figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up. She worked as a film and television actress, a teddy bear importer, a department store administrator, a preschool teacher, a temporary tattoo artist, and a 900 number psychic, before finally selling her first book, Spying in High Heels, in 2005 and deciding to be a writer.
Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.
Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.
Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.
Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
March 8, 2025
may this love NEVER find me.
November 7, 2011
I always love me some Maddie and Jack! I just have to chuckle at this short story. Maddie and Jack have always been my favorite characters and we get a short glimpse into their rather odd Christmas Eve. One unique and colorful character after another interrupts their romantic night alone and poor Maddie and Jack, they just want a night alone. Is that too much to ask for? Well of course it is if Gemma Halliday is writing you as a character in another laugh out loud story. I had to laugh at Mrs. Rosenblatt, she has to be my favorite secondary character of all. If you're looking for zany, mischievous, quirky and fun, look no further. This short story is all that and more,
I've always been a fan of Gemma Halliday's since the first book I read from her. Yes, this is a quick and fun read but if you read some of the other books that involve Maddie and Jack, it makes Christmas in High Heels that much more enjoyable. I highly recommend you buy this book and while you're at it buy one of the previous books with Maddie and Jack and you'll see I'm telling the truth. It makes this book just that much more fun. Great job Ms. Halliday. I know when I pick up one of your books it's going to be a laugh until I cry. It's always a fun time!
I've always been a fan of Gemma Halliday's since the first book I read from her. Yes, this is a quick and fun read but if you read some of the other books that involve Maddie and Jack, it makes Christmas in High Heels that much more enjoyable. I highly recommend you buy this book and while you're at it buy one of the previous books with Maddie and Jack and you'll see I'm telling the truth. It makes this book just that much more fun. Great job Ms. Halliday. I know when I pick up one of your books it's going to be a laugh until I cry. It's always a fun time!
December 11, 2012
So, my book club always picks something random for our December book that's holiday-related. Someone chose this short story (woot, we're all busy in December so short book=good choice).
Ummm... I'm not even sure if this qualifies as a short story. It was more like a scene from a book. There's no time or effort to connect with the characters or their lives. There's really nothing here.
I think this really only will work for you if you read the rest of the series or have any idea of who the characters already are. I mean, the plot is thin. Even the ending was like "yeah, so what".
Disappointed. I probably won't read any of the other books in this series, but sad this was the first one I read, it really belonged as more of a scene in a short story.
Meh. Don't bother.
Ummm... I'm not even sure if this qualifies as a short story. It was more like a scene from a book. There's no time or effort to connect with the characters or their lives. There's really nothing here.
I think this really only will work for you if you read the rest of the series or have any idea of who the characters already are. I mean, the plot is thin. Even the ending was like "yeah, so what".
Disappointed. I probably won't read any of the other books in this series, but sad this was the first one I read, it really belonged as more of a scene in a short story.
Meh. Don't bother.
November 15, 2017
Christmas in High Heels
High Heels, Book 3.5
I Picked Up This Book Because: Kindle freebie + I wanted something short to read at work
The Characters:
Maddie Springer:
Jack Ramirez:
The Story:
This was super cute. I’m intrigued by the characters. I haven’t read anything in this series before but I want to now.
Writing: Good
Forward Motion: Great
Overall Interest: I like it
Length of Reading Time: Short but sweet
Re-read-ability: Nope
The Random Thoughts:
The Score Card:
4 Stars
High Heels, Book 3.5
I Picked Up This Book Because: Kindle freebie + I wanted something short to read at work
The Characters:
Maddie Springer:
Jack Ramirez:
The Story:
This was super cute. I’m intrigued by the characters. I haven’t read anything in this series before but I want to now.
Writing: Good
Forward Motion: Great
Overall Interest: I like it
Length of Reading Time: Short but sweet
Re-read-ability: Nope
The Random Thoughts:
The Score Card:
4 Stars
December 7, 2021
Fun and flirty holiday novella
What a great Christmas romp! This story was cozy and sexy and a little mysterious. I am a sucker for Christmas novellas and this one hits the sweet spot.
What a great Christmas romp! This story was cozy and sexy and a little mysterious. I am a sucker for Christmas novellas and this one hits the sweet spot.
December 8, 2025
In which our brave heroes must face off pushy mothers, crazy neighbours and loopy friends to get their just rewards - a quite evening at home just with each other. Really universe, was that too much to ask? Really?
December 24, 2019
Cute holiday cozy
This was a cute holiday cozy. It was perfect to read in between cooking for the holiday. It was short and a quick read.
This was a cute holiday cozy. It was perfect to read in between cooking for the holiday. It was short and a quick read.
January 1, 2013
Original review posted at A Date with a Book
This was a cute novella. A little short, but since I got it as a free download, it was fine. It’s Christmas Eve and Maddie and Jack are just trying to have their time together. There are visits from Marco, Mrs. Rosenblatt, and Dana. It’s a fun read for the holidays, especially if you already know about all the characters who are visiting.
If you are able to get this as a free download and enjoy the little series, I would definitely recommend the quick read. However, I don't think it is necessary to the series continuation.
This was a cute novella. A little short, but since I got it as a free download, it was fine. It’s Christmas Eve and Maddie and Jack are just trying to have their time together. There are visits from Marco, Mrs. Rosenblatt, and Dana. It’s a fun read for the holidays, especially if you already know about all the characters who are visiting.
If you are able to get this as a free download and enjoy the little series, I would definitely recommend the quick read. However, I don't think it is necessary to the series continuation.
December 2, 2019
Cute short story (and I mean short). #readforkimberly
May 17, 2025
Not my cup of tea 🫖
November 22, 2014
This is a very short Christmas themed romance centered around Maddie and her first Christmas with her boyfriend. All they want is a little time alone, but it looks like that's a Christmas wish that will not come true.
This is a super fast read, zany, cute and fun but just too short and the rest of the book was promo for other books and filler. Still, this would be a great story to read while on your coffee break.
3 stars!
This is a super fast read, zany, cute and fun but just too short and the rest of the book was promo for other books and filler. Still, this would be a great story to read while on your coffee break.
3 stars!
January 18, 2012
I'm really not a fan of short stories, so I was irritated when this one really turned out to be about 37% the actual story and the rest a preview of another book. The advertisement should NOT be longer than the "book" you paid for (even if it's only 99 cents).
December 19, 2011
This is a one just because I feel cheated after buying it. Not that .99 is a big loss, but it literally was like 6 pages of text...about nothing.
January 22, 2013
Very short, a little weird and kind of pointless. At least it came with the box set and I didn't pay extra for it.
January 5, 2016
A cute short story for the holidays! I enjoyed reading about Maddie and RAmirez's first Christmas together. Looking forward to reading many more adventures with these two characters
November 17, 2016
Synopsis: "Fashion designer turned amateur sleuth Maddie Springer can't wait to spend the holidays with her boyfriend, LAPD Detective Jack Ramirez. It's their first Christmas together, and Maddie wants it to be perfect. But between her zany family and wacky friends, Maddie's having a hard time finding alone time with her man. But come Christmas morning, this is one holiday she'll be sure to remember - naughty or nice!"
My Review: I haven't been following this series but came across this book in my hunt for holiday themed stories. It didn't really matter that I didn't know the characters as this seemed to have just been a little side story. It is great if you only have a few minutes to sit down and read. I love how this short story moved along and the results of the story, it is a nice reminder that plans don't always have to go perfect and you don't need that perfect holiday moment to enjoy the season.
My Review: I haven't been following this series but came across this book in my hunt for holiday themed stories. It didn't really matter that I didn't know the characters as this seemed to have just been a little side story. It is great if you only have a few minutes to sit down and read. I love how this short story moved along and the results of the story, it is a nice reminder that plans don't always have to go perfect and you don't need that perfect holiday moment to enjoy the season.
April 26, 2021
Christmas in High Heels Earns 5/5 Mistletoe Kisses...Engaging Treat!
Holidays are fun backdrops for a nice cozy mystery, and Gemma Halliday adds “Christmas in High Heels” to the list of holiday treats. Maddie Springer is excited about spending the first real holiday with her boyfriend, LAPD homicide detective Jack Ramirez, but worried that once again some jurisdictional murder will interfere with her plans for a quite, possibly sans any clothing, Christmas Eve. However, there were more door bells than “silver bells” interrupting their intimate festivities. Will they ever get to have a quite night? Yes, but in a way quite unexpected! Short, but sweet, read that might remind many how good intentions are often...delayed. No actual murder to solve, although some intrusions make for a good motive. LOL!
Disclosure: I received a special gift from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Holidays are fun backdrops for a nice cozy mystery, and Gemma Halliday adds “Christmas in High Heels” to the list of holiday treats. Maddie Springer is excited about spending the first real holiday with her boyfriend, LAPD homicide detective Jack Ramirez, but worried that once again some jurisdictional murder will interfere with her plans for a quite, possibly sans any clothing, Christmas Eve. However, there were more door bells than “silver bells” interrupting their intimate festivities. Will they ever get to have a quite night? Yes, but in a way quite unexpected! Short, but sweet, read that might remind many how good intentions are often...delayed. No actual murder to solve, although some intrusions make for a good motive. LOL!
Disclosure: I received a special gift from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
December 14, 2019
Wonderful read!
I chose this rating because I love these books...somehow I missed this one when starting the series. I love the characters...although the regular novels are cozy mysteries, the situations our heroine get and her response to them leaves me laughing outloud. Since I read a lot at night, I tend to wake my husband with my laughter...lol..hes used to it after 46 years....I highly reccomend this series! GEMMA HALLIDAY has her character development just right....start with number one and binge read!
I chose this rating because I love these books...somehow I missed this one when starting the series. I love the characters...although the regular novels are cozy mysteries, the situations our heroine get and her response to them leaves me laughing outloud. Since I read a lot at night, I tend to wake my husband with my laughter...lol..hes used to it after 46 years....I highly reccomend this series! GEMMA HALLIDAY has her character development just right....start with number one and binge read!
September 30, 2019
4.4 stars for Christmas in High Heels a very, very short Xmas story
I know I shouldn't use Xmas, but the title can't handle anymore letters. Somehow I got the impression Gamma Halliday had a sad Christmas Eve like the one in this story. Perhaps it didn't end with Hawaii either and prompted this short story to remind you of priorities! Definitely reminds you to start think it of the seasons.
I know I shouldn't use Xmas, but the title can't handle anymore letters. Somehow I got the impression Gamma Halliday had a sad Christmas Eve like the one in this story. Perhaps it didn't end with Hawaii either and prompted this short story to remind you of priorities! Definitely reminds you to start think it of the seasons.
May 24, 2022
The mystery of this entry in the series is: will the interruptions stop so that Maddie and Jack can get some quality holiday loving? That's it, nothing more. If you have read the first three books then pick this up for a quick and enjoyable listen. If you are new to the series then skip this one for later until you are familiar with the characters.
The narrator Caroline Shaffer does another excellent performance.
The narrator Caroline Shaffer does another excellent performance.
December 1, 2025
Christmas in High Heels was a quick, cute, and lighthearted book that feels like a cozy rom-com wrapped in tinsel.
However, personally, I felt like I never got into the relationship, and the way they ignore the ones they love- I didn’t like that, so this book wasn’t for me.
In contrast, the story moved fast, had plenty of humor, and Halliday gave readers a flirty, festive vibe without ever taking itself too seriously.
However, personally, I felt like I never got into the relationship, and the way they ignore the ones they love- I didn’t like that, so this book wasn’t for me.
In contrast, the story moved fast, had plenty of humor, and Halliday gave readers a flirty, festive vibe without ever taking itself too seriously.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2024
First (& last) thing I've ever read by this author. Breathlessly cute heroine. Disengaged handsome boyfriend who passively tolerates repeated interruptions of their "first Christmas together" by repeatedly turning on the football game. Cliched friends dropping by: Gay carolers, Jewish grandmother type, guilt tripping mother, and mysterious benefactor. Lame.
December 19, 2025
I didn't realise this was so short.. Just as something was starting to happen and we had a couple more characters, suddenly the story is done.
This did not need to be its own book, it could have been a epilogue or prologue of another book in the series. The reader gains nothing at all from this on its own.
This did not need to be its own book, it could have been a epilogue or prologue of another book in the series. The reader gains nothing at all from this on its own.
July 10, 2017
A very short story. No murder or anything just Maddie and Ramirez trying to have their first Christmas together. Between family and friends it seems almost impossible they can have some quiet couple time.
Cute read.
Cute read.
December 24, 2018
Such a quick, adorable short story that played with lots of emotions that you go thru this time of year. From feeling guilty for not spending the entire holiday with your parents to the love and romance you feel with that special someone.
January 5, 2019
Quick read about Maddie and Ramirez’s first Christmas Eve together. All they wanted was alone time but continuously got interrupted. You’d need to have read the first books in the series to understand the quirky characters. It a fun Christmas story.
December 11, 2020
Mostly I’m disappointed because I thought this was a full length mystery and it’s a super short interlude. Originally was going to give it 2 stars, but considering it made me want to read the series I’ll bump it up.
December 20, 2022
This was absolutely an amazingly and quite funny novella. It was very short, sexy, and hilarious. I love it... I found myself laughing out loud while reading it...
I'm am genuinely looking forward to reading more of this author books, in the immediate future. Highly recommended
I'm am genuinely looking forward to reading more of this author books, in the immediate future. Highly recommended
December 24, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Christmas in High Heels is an entertaining novella with interesting will develop characters. The story line is about family with a great conclusion. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick read. Enjoy reading 2014
Christmas in High Heels is an entertaining novella with interesting will develop characters. The story line is about family with a great conclusion. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick read. Enjoy reading 2014
December 13, 2024
This is a really short story which sadly ended up on my do not read list. I don't remember her stories having sexy parts, but this one was too provocative for me and the story would have been better without it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews