The Silence of the Elves

Holly Hopewell #1

by Meg Muldoon

The Devil Wears Prada meets the movie Elf in this cozy mystery from the author of the bestselling Christmas River Cozy Mystery series. FREE for Kindle Unlimited subscribers.

If there’s one thing that every elf in the North Pole knows, it’s this:
Never get on Mrs. Claus’s bad side.
Never. Ever.
Ever...

After getting reassigned from the North Pole by a jealous Mrs. Claus, misfit elf Holly Hopewell is sent to work in the worst place imaginable: The North Pole Emporium Department store in Mistletoe, Oregon.
The elves call it Mistletoe Row: a place so devoid of joy and Christmas spirit, that many a curly-toed folk has lost their poor mind working there.
But just when Holly thinks things can’t get any worse, the store’s manager, who also happens to be Mrs. Claus’s nephew, is found murdered in his office. And good-natured Holly Hopewell finds herself as the prime suspect in the local police’s investigation.
Will Holly be sent to a row of a different sort for a crime she didn’t commit? Or will the handsome yet mysterious homicide detective assigned to the investigation find the real murderer before the gumdrops hit the fan for Holly?

Genres: Christmas, Mystery, Holiday, Cozy, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Amazon

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 16, 2016

About the author

For a very limited time receive a FREE cozy mystery and recipe book when you sign up for Meg Muldoon's mailing list! Sign-up here: http://eepurl.com/zcGr1

Meg Muldoon is the author of over 20 feel-good mysteries, including the bestselling Christmas River Cozy Mysteries and The Dog Town USA Cozy Mysteries. A former small town news reporter, Meg has always had a special place in her heart for lost dogs, homeless cats, and feisty old locals. She enjoys Marionberry pie, red cowboy boots, and craft glue guns. Meg specializes in writing stories filled with humor and heart, and her books have been featured in the Amazon Kindle Top-100.

Meg lives in Central Oregon with two Great Pyrenees, a cattle dog named Huckleberry, and a rascal cat named Frank.

Reading Order:

THE CHRISTMAS RIVER COZY MYSTERY SERIES
Murder in Christmas River – Book 1
Mayhem in Christmas River – Book 2
Madness in Christmas River – Book 3
Malice in Christmas River – Book 4
Mischief in Christmas River – Book 5
Manic in Christmas River – Book 6
Magic in Christmas River – Book 7
Menace in Christmas River – Book 8
Missing in Christmas River – Book 9
Meltdown in Christmas River – Book 10
Midnight in Christmas River – Book 11
Mistake in Christmas River – Book 12
Matrimony in Christmas River - Book 13
Malarkey in Christmas River - Book 14 (Coming Spring 2025!)

THE CHRISTMAS RIVER COZY MYSTERY NOVELLA SERIES
Roasted in Christmas River – Novella 1
Cinnamon Peters & the Rabbit Bandit – Novella 2
Caught in Christmas River – Novella 3
Crushed in Christmas River – Novella 4
Hounded in Christmas River – Novella 5
Framed in Christmas River – Novella 6
Trapped in Christmas River - Novella 7
Merriment in Christmas River - Novella 8

THE HOLLY HOPEWELL COZY MYSTERY SERIES
The Silence of the Elves – Book 1
Elf Confidential - Book 2

THE DOG TOWN USA COZY MYSTERY SERIES
Mutts & Murder – Book 1
Bulldogs & Bullets – Book 2
Corgis & Conspiracy - Book 3
Pyrenees & Poison - Book 4 (Coming Soon)

THE COZY MATCHMAKER MYSTERY SERIES
Burned in Broken Hearts Junction – Book 1
Busted in Broken Hearts Junction – Book 2

THE WITCHES OF BROOMFIELD BAY MYSTERY SERIES (with Jools Sinclair)
Ginger of the West – Book 1

Reviews

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this unusual elf cozy mystery. I love Christmas. I knew this book was going to be different with Santa’s wandering eye and Mrs Claus in red knee high boots being a bit bwitchy. I wasn’t sure where it was going at first but I kept reading and am so happy I did.
I like main elf, Holly and her roommate, Elmira a lot. I enjoyed the changes Holly went through. It was so interesting. The storyline with Jeremy brought out the need for Kleenex. The mystery was fun. There were plenty of suspects. I like Harry Ebenezer, the detective, and am hopeful for some romance in the future. I laughed, I cried, I cheered. I am definitely getting book 2. I want more.

[Susan Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather a fun book. Holly Hopewell has made Mrs. Claus jealous by cooking such delicious treats from Santa. Mrs Claus is not the kindly person usually considered, but a mean vicious woman. Holly herself is addicted to murder mysteries that she keeps hidden under the floor in her apartment at the North Pole because elves are forbidden to read such horrific things - especially since her prize possession is The Red Dragon. Mrs Claus banishes Holly to the North Pole Emporium in Mistletoe, Oregon - the most miserable city in the world. Holly finds a roommate in Elmira, who has also been sent there. They become friends, which is about the only thing keeping Holly sane. Everyone seems to be mean and ill-tempered and it rains all the time. When the manager of the Emporium is stabbed to death, Holly is suspected because she's had a dispute with him the day before. Unfortunately, the manager is Mrs Claus' brother, which brings her down on them. Elmira and Holly decide the only way to deal with her is to stand up to her - at least Elmira decides and Holly goes along with it. Meanwhile, Holly has met the detective working on the case at the cafe (where the food and coffee are awful, but it's not the company store).
Meanwhile, Holly has decided to decorate the town square to look like Christmas to try to brighten things up.
Holly learns some surprising things about the town and about the North Pole including that her fiancee she left behind is not as loyal as she thought........

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Holly is an elf, working in the bakery at the North Pole...until Santa takes an interest in her. Everyone knows that the #1 rule is to NEVER, EVER, get on Mrs. Clause's bad side. Deported to MIstletoe, OR to work at the North Pole Emporium, Holly tries to make the best of her life, with hopes of returning to the North Pole in five years, to her job, and to her finance, Ernie. To say that her life isn't going well is an understatement.

There is a second book to this series, but I doubt that I will read it.

[Amy Rosenkoetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute story and quite an original take! The lead character, Holy Hopewell, is a charming little elf, and her roommate Elmira is a sweet spitfire. The whole unusual story was lighthearted and great fun. Hoping for more!

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silence Of The Elves
A Holly Hopewell Cozy Mystery
Meg Muldoon
5 Stars

Synopsis:

The Devil Wears Prada meets the movie Elf in this cozy mystery from the author of the bestselling Christmas River Cozy Mystery series. FREE for Kindle Unlimited subscribers.

If there’s one thing that every elf in the North Pole knows, it’s this:
Never get on Mrs. Claus’s bad side.
Never. Ever.
Ever...

After getting reassigned from the North Pole by a jealous Mrs. Claus, misfit elf Holly Hopewell is sent to work in the worst place imaginable: The North Pole Emporium Department store in Mistletoe, Oregon.

The elves call it Mistletoe Row: a place so devoid of joy and Christmas spirit, that many a curly-toed folk has lost their poor mind working there.

But just when Holly thinks things can’t get any worse, the store’s manager, who also happens to be Mrs. Claus’s nephew, is found murdered in his office. And good-natured Holly Hopewell finds herself as the prime suspect in the local police’s investigation.
Will Holly be sent to a row of a different sort for a crime she didn’t commit? Or will the handsome yet mysterious homicide detective assigned to the investigation find the real murderer before the gumdrops hit the fan for Holly?

The legend of the North Pole gets a spicy and humorous revamp in this lighthearted, humorous cozy mystery. Perfect for reading in between holiday shopping, gift-wrapping, and spending time with family, this cozy mystery is chock full of magic and mirth. Pick up a copy today and give yourself the gift of the perfect cozy holiday read!

Review:

Holly is a good elf that works hard and tries to keep herself out of trouble. She is happily engaged and enjoys being a chef at the North Pole (she’s a pretty good chef, if she does say so herself). But before she can say Kris Kringle, Holly finds herself on Mistletoe Row, where all of the bad elves are sent. And when she is accused of killing someone, things get even worse. She has to prove her innocence and find the real killer before she has to do hard time, filling stockings with coal.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book, I felt like I was right there, watching everything unfold all around me. She created a real life world from the fantasy world in her mind, and she created one that I would love to visit. I felt like Mistletoe, Oregon, was a real city in the United States, and I could just hop on a plane and visit it.

The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. I really enjoyed getting to know Molly and her friend, Elmira. I liked reading about the trouble that they got into with their spunky personalities. Detective Ebenezer was a good guy that was just trying to do his job. He did not like having to question Holly but he had to get to the bottom of the murder. Jeremy and his grandfather were characters that touched my heart. I thought all of the characters were distinctive and special.

I loved this book and I thought it was really unique. I loved the fact that it was written about characters that we all know but presented in a different light. I thought it was cleverly written and I cannot wait to read more of Holly’s adventures. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery.

[Deanie Nelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, in this book, Mrs. Claus is a jealous, paranoid bitch, who exiles women who get 'close' to her husband (even innocently) to the depressing town of Mistletoe, Oregon. Holly, sent there because of Santa's fondness for her baked goods, hopes to rehabilitate her image and get back to her fiance at the North Pole in no time -- until there's a murder in the department store where she works.

The murder is clever, but it's the way the characters subvert expectations that makes this book successful. Depressed elves, evil Mrs. Claus, and ignored elves demanding respect is all part of the wonder of the book.

[Krystyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Elf Identity

A fun, light read with some dark overtones. Great characters that portray all aspects of human nature from the hero type that wants to save the world to the Hitler type that wants to control everything.
Things haven't been good at the North Pole for years. Mrs Claus had everything under her thumb and woe betide anyone that stepped on her red, pointed toes. Holly had tried to keep out of her way but Santa had had her making him him forbidden fried foods. Plus she had a secret addiction - reading horror stories which were strictly forbidden. Now Mrs Claus had had her sent to Mistletoe Row. Neverr mind her plans for getting married next year or that she was a hard worker. Here were all the trouble making elves. Can she survive? Can she stage a rebellion against the terror and oppression the elves have had to live with for years and open Santa's eyes to it? Will she be able to take on the criminal element in Mistletoe Row and bring Christmas cheer and happiness back to this gloomy place?

[Lita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so much fun! Holly Hopewell is a wonderful character and I look forward to reading more cozy mysteries about her. She's a elf who happens to be an excellent cook and baker. She works at the north pole and loves her job. But when Santa pays too much attention to her, Mrs. Claus has her shipped off to Mistletoe, Oregon to work at the Corporation's store. This is where Mrs. Claus has shipped many elves off to for various reasons. Mrs. C is not a nice lady.

Mrs. Claus is a truly despicable character who has let power go to her head. The sheriff is a kind soul, possibly the only one in the whole town. The author created a place that is so miserable, it rains everyday. Santa has never stopped in Mistletoe because almost everyone is on the naughty list. The people are grumpy at best.

This lovely story had me snickering and trying to guess who the murderer was and failing miserably. There were parts that tugged on my heartstrings and parts that made me want to cheer. I enjoyed reading this book very much.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up

This has been on my to-read shelf for a few years now, and the cover is eye-catching, especially the disgruntled looking cat, so I added it to my seasonal reading choices this month.

I wasn't sure about Holly, the MC, at first, but she grew on me as the story progressed - as did my dislike for some of the other characters. For someone used to the holiday season at the North Pole, a place like Mistletoe must have been depressing, but Holly was determined to work her way back to the North Pole staff.

It took a while to get to the murder here, but the story picked up after that. The victim was not a nice person, but there still didn't seem to be many suspects to consider. I was surprised to learn the identity of the killer, but given that character, the motive made absolute sense.

It appears that there's only one more book in the series, but I'd like to read it to see what happens next with Holly and the rest - maybe next Christmas?

[Diane ~Firefly~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Turns out Mrs. Claus isn't so nice and Holly gets fired from her job as a baker and sent to work in a depressing store in Oregon.

What I enjoyed:
* Holly was an interesting character as her elf side always wanted to be upbeat and helpful but her situation was depressing
* I liked the cat and the lengths Holly was willing to go to protect him
* Harry was a good guy who seemed more disillusioned than he really was
* Elmira was a fun character and great roommate for Holly

What could have been better:
* the villain killing someone to bring the person you want to kill to town is a bit convoluted and what was the point of trying to frame Holly if she was planning to kill Mrs. Claus in front of witnesses?
* Ernie was a bit of a mystery I fully expected him to dump Holly, I'm not sure why he tried to keep things going with her long distance while romancing another elf.

[Helen Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this little treasure this afternoon. I read everything this author writes when I need to escape from the reality of life. Most of what I read is serious so I need light reading to keep me sane. In this book, the first of a series, we learn about Holly Hopewell, an elf who has been treated poorly by nasty folks at the North Pole and banished to another location in the Claus empire—in Mistletoe Row, Oregon. It is an easy read and the characters are easy to relate to. I enjoyed the plot which I will not give details on and liked the twist at the end.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than expected

I really wasn't expecting much more from this than a cute little mystery about elves. The beginning didn't really grab me and most of the characters are fairly straightforward except for being elves.

However, the relationships between Holly and her roommate, Elmira, and the detective, Harry Ebenezer, are well-written and their characters pretty well developed. The murder was, thankfully, committed off-screen so nothing super-graphic. Let me just say that the killer was a total surprise and leave it at that. Loved the ending.

[Steve Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant surprise

I used to think all mystery books were like Agatha Christie or Tony Hillerman. Serious and maybe a bit spooky. But this book and a few others are showing me otherwise. This was a quick read and there were parts that didn't really surprise me but then again I have read a lot over the years and plot twists don't tend to sneak up on me easily anymore. This was a fun read and I like the take on all things Christmas. So I guess the real plot twist was showing me that it is possible to have a mystery that is fun and even heartwarming.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laugh out loud!

I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.

If you like to giggle, smirk, nod your head saying 'uh huh', and laugh out loud, you will enjoy this book! Perfect for before or after Christmas, Silence of the Elves : A Holly Hopewell Cozy Mystery will put you in the spirit! Highly recommended

[claudia ruddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing

Clearly there is a lot behind the Santa Claus myth previously unknown ! A clever read with a numbing description of the most depressing town in the world with the most miserable labor force. The ending isn't overwhelming happy but a realistic reminder that there is always potential for hope and change.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Silence of the Elves

This is a delightful seasonal surprise. The author took a well-known myth pertaining to Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the elves to develop a murder mystery and romantic tale. Initially, I was ambivalent. But as the story progresses, I became attached to the characters and story. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic Christmas story

An great Meg story. It was so good that it took me away from my ho hum life and gave me a new relief on life. Thank you Meg I can’t wait to read more of your well written stories. It’s so amazing to me how you come up with wonderful books. I can’t to meet you in person. I would also like to meet Huckleberry.

[Janice Foley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was OK but I prefer to think that Santa is a fat jolly fellow that has a sweet wife that takes care of him and keeps him fat. I prefer to think of the elves as workers who make toys for good children. But the book was interesting and was really hard to get into at first.

[Madeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

I’m exhausted.

Simile after simile after simile. This story was LIKE an overly decorated Christmas tree with too much fluff and no branches.

The ending went on and on and on....no more Holly Hopewell for me.

You are dead to me, Holly Hopewell....did you hear that? Dead!!

[Anne Turnley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trouble everywhere

Holly Hopewell a name for for an elf, half elf anyway. Starting out at the North Pole she cannot go any higher. A sudden transfer to Mistletoe Row changes everything.

[Rita Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elves

A wonderful story about an elf called Holly, who has t misfortune of being sent to the worst town in the world. Follow along as she takes you on a true Christmas mystery. The story is well written and you won't put it down until the end.

[Jo-Lyne Ryker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mrs. Santa

A well written story that's cute and funny. Mrs. Claus isn't who you think she is.Holly Hopewell is an elf going nowhere. Murder leaves the elves with the question, "who killed the boss"?

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is more to the story

The North Pole just might have more going on than we think . Elves work hard all year but is it that it seems to be, or is there more to the story? Fun new take on Santa, Mrs Clause and how things happen at the North Pole and byound.

[L. Gaskin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story dragged and dragged

I liked the concept but the execution of it was poor. It took too long to build up to anything approaching excitement.

It was painful and lackluster to read.

[Meredith Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good not great

I liked it a lot but something was missing. Build up was long and resolved within 10 pages. Too quick

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

This was such a unique and fun read. I absolutely loved this cozy. This is the first book by meg muldoon that i've read, but it definitely won't be the last!

[Ilene G> · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't even finish it. I hated how Mrs Clause was made hateful and spiteful.

[Kris Loveid · Rating 1 out of 5]

very light fast read for Christmas lovers. it's all sugar and spice.

[stephanie huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and unusual, looking forward to more

[Evelyn Goughnour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

A misfit finds her place in an unlikely place. I’m a town that really needs some cheer and hope she looses everything and gains what she really needs.