Yuletide Slaying

Shandra Higheagle Mystery #7

by Paty Jager

Book 7 of the Shandra Higheagle mystery series Family, Revenge, Murder When Shandra Higheagle’s dog brings her a dead body in a sleigh full of presents, her world is turned upside down. The man is a John Doe and within twenty-four hours another body is found. Detective Ryan Greer receives a call that has them both looking over their shoulders. A vengeful brother of a gang member who died in a gang war is out for Ryan’s blood. Shandra’s dreams and Ryan’s fellow officers may not be enough to keep them alive to share Christmas.

Genres: Mystery

242 pages, Paperback

Published October 31, 2016

About the author

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 55+ novels, novellas, and short stories of murder mystery, western romance, and action adventure.
All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

Reviews

[FangirlNation · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Yuletide Slaying by Paty Jager, Shandra Higheagle has let herself get talked by her boyfriend’s family into having her giant mixed- breed dog pull a sleigh with presents in the Christmas parade. But when Sheba gets startled and takes off running, by the time Shandra locates her beloved pet, she finds the body of a murdered man in the sleigh. Taking both Sheba and her passenger to the emergency room, Shandra is upset to learn that the detective assigned to the case thinks of her as a suspect. What’s more, her boyfriend, Detective Ryan Greer has been forbidden from going near the case, since Shandra is involved.

Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Paty Jager's story. Yuletide Slaying is the seventh book of the Shandra Higheagle Mystery series. This was a great holiday mystery, with romance. Great pace, great character, great storyline. The narration was well done. I received this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

[Jana Denardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The one thing I like about mystery series is usually you can pick them up just about anywhere in the series and not worry about feeling like you're missing something. This is the 7th in the series but the first for me. I enjoyed it. Shandra Higheagle is a Native American artist (pottery) and her boyfriend a cop (and for me if you're going to do cozies, this is the way it works for me, the amateur detective having an in with the police as opposed to the ones where the detective is fighting hostile cops). In this case it's Ryan's past as an undercover cop that has come back to haunt him, putting Shandra and his family at risk.

Other than too many people hassling them to get married, this was an enjoyable cozy.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book in this series so far. Again Shandra Higheagle gets involved in a murder. Her boyfriend, Ryan Greer, has a past that catches up with him. Everyone near and dear to him, himself included may be the next target.

This is a tightly plotted mystery with several twists and turn. I was on the edge of my seat turning the pages as quickly as I could read. I adore how Shandra's grandmother comes to her in her dreams to give her clues. I also enjoyed learning about the native American culture presented through the story.

I was given this book by the author and I am voluntarily reviewing this book.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished this book in two days, had to put it down to go house hunting. This is a great series and I would recommend it to everyone who loves murder mysteries with a bit of humour thrown in. Love the characters and the story line. A murder mystery, robbery with a twist. Paty Jager knows how to catch your attention and keep it. Her descriptive words will keep you entertained until the end. I want you to know that I am enjoying this series and hope you will too.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I had read by Paty Jager and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters were well-rounded and grew in the story and the mystery was well-thought out. I will definitely look for more books by this author.

I received a copy of the book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Resa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice pace. Good characters with depth. An enjoyable read. Don't usually read Christmas books but this one maychange that.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Christmastime and Shandra Higheagle and her dog Sheba are helping deliver presents when Sheba gets scared and runs off with the sleigh and presents still attached. When Shandra finds her beloved dog she finds that Sheba has an additional present in her sleigh, one no one wants but needs to be delivered to the hospital, a body. When Shandra’s boyfriend Detective Ryan Greer finds another body the next day the two deaths appear to be connected to Greer’s past as an undercover cop. Has Ryan’s past come back to haunt him and his loved ones? Will the murderer be caught before Shandra or someone else Ryan loves can is hurt or worse?

This book is the best in the series so far! I’ve probably said that before but it is true. Any time we get to learn more about a beloved character’s backstory the book just seems to come alive. You feel like you are learning more about your friends. There are great twists and turns in this mystery, the pace is just right, I didn’t want to put the book down until I knew that Shandra, Ryan, and his family were safe and the killer was caught.

Author Patty Jager is a wonderful storyteller, she has written an engaging and suspenseful mystery. I was fortunate enough to get to listen to the audio version of this book Narrated by Ann M Thompson. Mrs. Thompson’s ability to bring the story off the pages just make the reading experience that much better. Mrs, Thompson's voice, accents, diction, and timing are captivating.

I definitely recommend this book to Paty Jager fans, fans of Shandra Higheagle series, and to all mystery buffs. If you get a chance to listen to the book as well I would recommend that too. I was given the opportunity to listen to the audiobook in hopes I would give a review. All thoughts and opinions are

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love the Shandra Higheagle series. I like the location and the characters. I don't know why but this series reminds me of the old television series "Nakia" I loved it and watched it, and now I am hooked on this series. The main character makes pottery from clay on her property it makes the series stand out from the other mysteries that I read normally that always seem to have shop owners, it is just a bit different and I really like that. I like the slight paranormal thread that runs through the mysteries with her Grandmother appearing in dreams. Lil adds an interesting twist to this series as well. Shandra and Ryan find their relationship being threatened by Ryan's past catching up to him. Two murders in town, Sheba is injured and Shandra and Ryan's family and friends are brought into the danger. I thought I knew who the killer was but the author throws twists and turns in and makes you second guess yourself. The story line is well plotted and I couldn't put it down. I think this is my favorite one in the series so far, I wanted to get to the end but was sad when I was finished. Looking forward to the next one! I voluntarily reviewed an arc I received from the author.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yuletide Slaying, by Paty Jager, is an engaging cozy mystery. It is the seventh book in the Shandra Higheagle Mystery series and while reading the others will give some background to some of the characters, Yuletide Slaying can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. It's nearing Christmas and Shandra, potter extraordinaire, once again finds herself embroiled in murder with the bodies piling up. Ryan's past has come to haunt him and those he loves. Can he keep Shandra safe from those who intend revenge? There's lots of action and a good murder mystery--one that keeps the reader guessing as to who the culprit is. There are plenty of twists to the plot that keep the reader's interest high. Humor is threaded throughout the book as family and friends keep at Shandra and Ryan to set a date. I look forward to reading more of this author's works. The narrator, Ann M. Thompson, does a good job giving voice to the characters as she reads the story which made for an enjoyable listening experience. I listened to a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

While waiting for the Christmas parade to start, Shandra and Sheba, her larger than life dog, stood at the end of the line with the sleigh and gifts for the children. All at once a car had a loud backfire and Sheba runs off with the sleigh and gifts. Shandra finally finds her, but there is a problem. There is a body in the sleigh, and Sheba has a cut on her. Detective Stu Whorter from the state police arrives to investigate the dead body. On a robbery case, Ryan finds a body stabbed and frozen. The stabbing is like the body in the sleigh. Are they related? Who would do such a terrible thing in this small close knit town? Ryan gets news that the gang from Chicago knows he is alive and is out to get revenge on him. Can Ryan stay ahead of them and keep his family and Shandra safe and unharmed? What about the murders? Are they connected to the gang or someone else? Read the book to find the answers. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Read Copy of this book.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are in the mood for a great murder mystery with a hint of romance, you have found the book you want! This holiday thriller will grab you from the first scene. What do you do when your dog finds dead body in the sleigh it is going to pull in the Christmas parade? Shandra Higheagle finds herself in the middle of dangerous plot and not even her policeman boyfriend Ryan Greer can keep her safe. Why you ask? Ryan's past has come to haunt him and now the two are looking for a murderer while trying to keep themselves alive. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat, put you in the mood for the holidays and keep that air of romance alive. It's full of excitement and is a great cozy to enjoy as the the seasons change. Oh, and you will fall in love with the dog!

Narrated by Ann M Thompson, the story is fast moving and full of characters. She is able to switch voices with ease and bring the story alive. A great listen!

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 7th book in the series, I've read them all in order as that's just the way I prefer to read these series of books.

Ryan's history comes back to seriously endanger him, Shandra and his family. Someone is out to get him and make him pay, and they don't care who they hurt in order to get to him.

It's coming up to Christmas and at the parade in Huckleberry, in which Sheba is pulling the sleigh with presents, something happens which spooks Sheba, she takes off running and when she returns, she returns with a body in the sleigh she's still pulling.

Ryan is dealing with a house invasion in such outdoor survival goods have been taken. Whilst on the hunt for the burglar he comes across a body with the exact same cause of death as the one Sheba found. Could these be linked?

Once again a really great book and a good read.

[CassandraG · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice cozy mystery with a likeable heroine and her police officer other half to-be, as well as a
loveable dog that has a penchant for finding trouble when she least expected it.
If you get a chance to listen to the audio version you'll enjoy it a lot.
The voice-over actress is really good and quite believable and you wanted the story
to keep on going. It had a lot of humor and some quirky characters that were fun in troubled times
and a few characters or two,just might need a story of their own.
So when you get a chance check it out, and the rest of the series with, either an ebook/book or
audio and you'll definitely enjoy.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mayhem and murder for the holidays, fills this plot. Shandra dog is in the parade the sled he is pulling is filled with presents for the young children. A car back fired and her dog takes off. Finding him, that he had been stabbed as well as a dead body now in the sled. A case that Ryan had worked on when undercover, has lead them to finding where Ryan now lives. With strange men in town, missing snowmobiles, the story is action packed. As well as how close Ryan and Shandra have become. Enjoy this heartwarming story of murder and all the friends rally around to protect them,

[Beth Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It was the first one in the series I had read and wasn't lost. There was good character growth for the main characters. I could see myself in the setting. I most definitely be reading the other books.

I highly recommend this book whether you have read the previous books or not.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book. It was an okay listen. The story was interesting but the narration was a bit lacking. It was way too perky and kind of rushed. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the print version instead.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

[Jan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book and throughly enjoyed it. I loved how the author wrote vivid imagery and had an original story with endearing characters. The twists in the story were great. This book is part mystery and part romance. The narration fit the book. This book is both part of a series and a standalone. I will definitely read/listen to more books by this author and narrator.

[Gail Tavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say for me, this was the best book in the series, so far. I just love this series, I love the relationship that has developed between Ryan and Sandra, and also the way Lil has been developed and changed in her relationship with Ryan. I recommend this book and series to anyone who likes a real good old fashioned mystery.

[Tracey Tranter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in return for leaving an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

This is the first Paty Jager book I have read and therefore the first in the Shandra Higheagle Mysteries I have read.

The book is a light romance, crime fighting/ mystery that I enjoyed.

[Joyce Burk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Shandra Higheagle Mystery

The plot to this mystery was a bit too predictable. Shandra always makes herself vulnerable to kidnappers in the end. However,I do appreciate all the wonderful characters in Paty Jagers novels.

[Renee Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful Yule tide

This was a fun addition to my holiday. It was a good read. I am looking forward to reading the of series.

[Robyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried to love it but just couldn't. It felt like it was written in a rush a some of the references made date it and make it seem a little silly.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas murder

Shandra and Ryan are getting reAdy to have a traditional Christmas with his family when a man's body is found in the sled of presents that Shandra's dog is pulling for the Christmas parade . It turns out that Ryan had some gang problems prior to their meeting. It turns into a cops and robbers story that keeps you interested up til the very end of the story.

[Cornerofmadness · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this in an author giveaway which in no way influenced my review. This is my first book in the series (though it's the 7th in the series) but I didn't feel lost in any way. I will say if you're coming to this because of the Christmasy title in hopes of a lot of holiday goodness, you might be disappointed. It opens and closes with holiday themed material but the bulk of the story the setting is more winter than holiday (which was fine by me but some people get irritated if they think it's one thing and it's something else).

It opens with Shandra (a Native American artist) helping out with a charity that Ryan's (her cop boyfriend) mother is involved in. Her Newfoundlander/Border collie mix, Sheba (and boy don't I want to see this dog in person) is pulling a sleigh of kid's toys for the charity. Only Sheba and the sleigh get away from her and when she finally finds them, Sheba has been superficially stabbed and there's a dead marshal in her sleigh.

All too soon there's another death and they realize this relates back to Ryan's time as an undercover cop in Chicago. The gang he had infiltrated is after him and those he loves. Naturally this means Shandra and his family are in the cross hairs and Shandra can't help getting involved trying to find the assassin after him.

Though I figured out the who (I read far too many mysteries I think), I still very much enjoyed this. I liked Shandra as a character (and her deceased grandmother who appears to her in dreams with information/visions because I like that sort of thing). In cozies, the way to make them work for me is this exact set up, the amateur detective is on good terms with/involved with an actual cop (as opposed to the type where the cop is either against the detective or too dumb to figure out anything). So I enjoyed the dynamics between Shandra and Ryan, though I thought the aren't you married yet stuff coming from literally everyone was a touch heavy handed.

A few things didn't work for me like Ryan not knowing what Shandra meant by the guy acted like a rapper doing the thug life stuff and had to have it explained by another cop. But that was minor. I want to go back and find more in this series.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shandra Higheagle was in town helping her boyfriend Ryan Greer's mother Colleen. Sheba, Shandra's, 120 pound mutt is going to pull the presents to be given to the foster children attending the fundraiser parade. A car backfired scaring Sheba who took off running into town. Shandra ran after her and finally found her with a dead man in the sleigh and Sheba with a knife wound. They were near the clinic so Shandra rang the bell where the emergency nurse Chandler Treat opened the door. Chandler told Shandra that the man was dead and they called the police. The dead man was a Deputy Marshall. Ryan who is policeman, was shocked. Ryan was working on a case of stolen items and then cases started to be overlapping. You need to read the book to see what happens.

There is murder going on, pay back trying to be applied to some under cover work in the past, lying, and lots of police around. Shandra wanted to help Ryan all she could to catch who was murdering people. She had her dreams from her grandmother trying to understand what she was telling Shandra. Of course, Shandra got involved in some of the incidents that happened around town. If you like mysteries, you will love this book. I didn't want to put it down! I encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read a Advance Reader's Copy of the book.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I’m sorry I didn’t know about author Paty Jager before this. I’ve been missing out on some good books. I love mystery books and when you add Christmas to it what’s not to love? Even though this is a Shandra Higheagle Mystery you don’t need to read others before this to keep up with everything. The author does a great job of describing each character and the mystery keep you very interested.

The main character, Shandra Higheagle, manages to have her dog find a sleigh of presents ready for children but unfortunately, there also is a dead body in it. So, Detective Ryan Greer, has to find out who, what and why. Then another body is found and possible threat on Shandra and Detective Greer. Turns out Detective Greer worked in Chicago and a gang hasn’t forgotten about him and is set for revenge. Using Shandra as bait they will try to kill Ryan. I’ll say no more in order not to ruin this great mystery.

This was first by the author but not my last. I look forward to reading more of her works.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading “Yuletide Slaying” so much I finished in two days. This is the first book that I have read by Paty Jager and I have been missing out. Although this is book seven of the Shandra Higheagle series, I felt that how Ms. Jager wrote about Shandra and Ryan, I was not lost, which is great for first-time readers. Shandra’s pup, Sheba finds a dead Santa and all heck has broken lose. Ryan, Shandra’s boyfriend and local police officer, has a past that has come back to haunt him. Unfortunately, the person out to get Ryan will do whatever it takes to get to him. Shandra has a tendency to play detective when she should not which gets her in a pickle. The book has murder, suspense, a little sweet romance, and some Native American paranormal influence which makes the book come together nicely. I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review but this in no way reflects my review. Great read!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

11/12/16
This is the first I've read of the Shandra Higheagle series and I've definitely been missing out. It's a fast-paced mystery with lots of twists and turns and an interesting cast of characters to keep you engaged. I can't wait to see what Shandra and Ryan get into next. While I'm waiting I can work my way through the books before this one.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.
10/3/23
Coming back to this book with a few more years of experience under my belt, and having finally read the books before it, now I understand all the inside "jokes" that had kind of escaped me previously. It's still an amazingly well-written book, and there's even more depth than I'd realized by not knowing about the events that came before.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fast-paced, well-written mystery. It can be read as a standalone, though it is Book 7 of the Shandra Higheagle mystery series Family, Revenge, Murder. Shandra Higheagle discovers a dead body, and within 24 hours another body is found outside of town. Her significant other Detective Ryan Greer thinks it may be related to events in his past, and now Ryan's family, Ryan and Shandra may be at risk. The action doesn't stop while they work to solve the mystery and find the bad guys. I look forward to reading more books in this series.