Crunchy Christmas Murder

Killer Cookie #4

by Patti Benning

It's Christmastime, and Lilah Fallon is busier than ever. Not only is she getting ready for the holidays, but she's also on the verge of achieving her dream and opening her very own cookie shop. Pushing herself to the limit to reach her goals, Lilah also has to precariously balance juggling her ambitions with the simple necessity of making ends meet. A wrench is thrown into the works when a local man gets murdered and one of her friends is the prime suspect. Compounding her stress level is a visiting mother and a dash of romance, and Lilah finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of Christmas mystery and intrigue. Will she save the day, and prove her friend's innocence before it's too late?

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Christmas

124 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 21, 2016

About the author

https://www.facebook.com/Patti-Bennin...

When Cozy Mystery author, Patti Benning, isn’t busy plotting the deaths of multiple fictitious characters, she loves to spend time hiking with her rescue dog, Max, who is her bestest writing buddy.

​Patti loves to cook and the food in her books has been tried and tested in her very own kitchen. She’s technologically shy, and stays away from social media a great deal, because it makes her feel more awkward and introverted than meeting someone face to face.

​Writing is the perfect job for her because in her books, she gets to explore all the topics she loves, food, animals, crafts and reading. She loves her readers dearly, and is thankful for the opportunity to share with them through her work.

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

Another will written mystery family and friends relationships adventure thriller short story by Patti Benning (Killer Cookie Cozy Mysteries book four). Lilah is working hard to 👍 get the cookie shop ready for opening day. A man 🚹 dies in his swimming 🏊 pool. She knows the wife. The wife comes into the shop followed by a neighbor. Who turns out too be the murderer. I would recommend this novella series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa read books 📚. 2023 👒😤😮🌙

A good five novella series. Happy reading for Valentine 💘

[Kay Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas 2022 Read #5

Lilah just bought her own business--a cookie shop. During all the excitement of setting the place up to open, an acquaintance is reported dead. She finds out from a friend that the man's death is being ruled suspicious. That same friend then asks her on a date and she agrees despite the fact he's a suspect.

This is, so far, Benning's best series. The writing is superb, the characters were lovely, the mystery was intriguing. I loved it and I cannot wait to read more.

[Doward Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas is here and Lilah Fallon has just become a small business owner of a cookie shop. Having found her place in life, making cookies, Lilah is determined to make a success of her new business venture. Baking and operating the cookie shop has her busy but then a close friend becomes a suspect in the murder of anther employee at his company and Lilah goes into overdrive to save her friend. These characters and story lines continue to evolve into a very enjoyable read. Lilah continues to become a stronger woman in each book as she finds happiness in a career that she can embrace. The twisted tale behind the murder will surprise you. When you add a cookie shop, lovable characters and well plotted murders you get the perfect adventure that will keep you in suspense to the end.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great addition to the Killer Cookie Mystery Series. This is my favorite book in the series so far. I hope to read more in this series in the future.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite in the series so far. Lilah has had so much character growth that she almost seems like a whole new person. It had a great mystery and a great reveal.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited, used to cozies, and tend to cut them slack, BUT...These are all as bad, and will do with review what the 'writer' did with the books, copy/paste cookie cutter. Each of these books are beyond stupid, as in stupid plots stupid situations stupid obvious solutions/killers, and no idea about what is being written about. She keeps writing about 'cooking' and judging by her 'expert' descriptions, she can't boil water. There are major plot flaws and issues and other problems in every single overpriced very short 'book' that still managed to do in every one without fixing glaring problems, one being redundancy of previous unneeded descriptions.

There are 4 stupidly insipid books in the Killer Cookie Series
Killer Caramel Cookies #1 - Killer Halloween Cookies #2 - Killer Maple Cookies #3 - Crunchy Christmas Murder #4

There are 8 insipidly stupid book, in the Papa Pacelli's Pizzeria Series
Pall Bearers and Pepperoni - Book 1 - Bacon Cheddar Murder: Book 2 - Very Veggie Murder: Book 3 - Italian Wedding Murder: Book 4 - Smoked Gouda Murder: Book 5 - Gourmet Holiday Murder: Book 6 - Four Cheese Murder: Book 7 - Hand Tossed Murder Book 8

There are 19 equally bad The Darling Deli Series
Pastrami Murder: Book One - Corned Beef Murder: Book Two - Cold Cut Murder: Book Three - Grilled Cheese Murder: Book 4 - Chicken Pesto Murder: Book 5 - Thai Coconut Murder: Book 6- Tomato Basil Murder: Book 7 - Salami Murder: Book 8 - Hearty Homestyle Murder: Book 9 - Honey BBQ Murder: Book 10 - Beef Brisket Murder: Book 11 - Garden Vegetable Murder: Book 12 - Spicy Lasagna Murder: Book 13 - Curried Lobster Murder: Book 14 - Creamy Casserole Murder: Book 15 - Grilled Rye Murder: Book 16 - A Quiche To Die For: Book 17 - A Side of Murder: Book 18 -
Wrapped in Murder: Book 19)

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Missing...something

While the character arc was nice, it was a little to on predictable. The murder aspect was downright ridiculous and relied far too much on the holiday portion of the story. I'm generally not thrilled about seasonal books for that reason.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

I finished this book in 2 days. I couldn't put it down.
Excellent book.
Will have to read more books from this author

[Cheryl harding Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crunchy Christmas Murder

I'm giving this book 5 stars..was wonderful..lots of excitement and just enough murder suspense ..can't wait for next one..the characters are wonderful

[Jane Westray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patti benning

Another brilliant story cannot wait for the next installment. Also have read all the darling mysteries love them too. Hurry with the next one.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed

This is the second book I have read in this series. A quick read, nothing too in depth, just an easy read. I am enjoying the developing romance too.

[Anita Burkett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Another good story with no curse words or inappropriate scenes. Romance, mystery, and friendships and healing in family relationships and plenty of baking.

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Lilah opens her cookie shop. Of course there is a murder for her to solve. Glad her parents come to the opening. On to th next in the series

[Carolee DeWitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book was alright but the editing could stand some editing. Maybe using different letters at the start of a name might not confuse editor.

[Nana Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I believe there is only 5 books in the series. I wish there were more!!!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilah's dream is coming true. It won't be long before her new cookie shop opens. Val introduces Lilah to her friend Lydia, whose sister also runs a cookie business. Having the opportunity to meet with someone in the same business makes her relax a bit.

A first date is also on the horizon. Of course, life changes course when Lilah has a connection to a murder victim.

Patti is one of my favorite authors. Each of her series is entertaining. This series is full of well-developed characters and the setting is homey and easy to visualize. The action is this book moves at a steady pace and keeps you interested from whining to end.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cookies!

This is book 4 in the series and each book just gets better! Lilah realizes her dream the cookie shop is finally open. But, there is a murder and it involves Reid. Did he do it? There is great character development in these books. They all interact so well with each other! Lilah's parents play a big part in this book which is awesome to see.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Casual Cookie is Up and Running

This is a series that gets better with each successive book. All the details to starting up a business are taken care of and the shop has passed inspection. While things are moving forward toward the grand opening a man is killed and Reid is a suspect. Lilah can only hope things are straightened out without her assistance this time. The Casual Cookie Grand Opening brings plenty of customers including the murder who I never would have expected.

[Sandy Bartles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fourth installment of the Killer Cookie Cozy Mysteries is the best! Lilah Fallon is working at getting her new cookie shop up and running before Christmas. While waiting to see how well her shop does, she will continue working at the Diner. I enjoy reading books like this (before the holidays, minus the murder) as they put me in the Spirit. I really loved that Lilah finally goes on her "first date". I can't wait to see where it goes! Come on Book Five!

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Lilah signs the papers and prepares to open her cookie shop Reid who Margie keeps trying to set her up with is accused of murder. Reid comes to the new store to help her get ready and ends up out on their first date when she decides she really does like him and that she must clear his name. She is on a race to get it murder solved before the store opens and her mom and dad come to town.

[Karen B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would really give this more of a 1.5 rating than a 2. The beginning was good. Then suddenly without any suggestions the murderer is revealed and there is a confrontation. It's like the author got tired of the story and just decided to bring it to a conclusion.

[Sharon Thrasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awwww so nice

This was a good story. I loved it. I was even surprised at the ending. I had the wrong person in mind. Great characters and a very good read.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cookie craziness

Absolutely loved this Christmas themed book. Lilah is definitely moving up in the world. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am now officially hooked on this series.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one so far

This is the best in this series so far. I love that Lilah and Reid are finally dating. Things are also coming together for Lilah career wise. Can't wait for book 5.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more!

Plain and simple review... Amazing. I was hooked on this book with the first few lines, as I always am! Smooth writing and a hook to drag you in Everytime! The series is amazing. All her books can be read as a stand alone but o don't recommend it. If you read from the beginning you will understand more and will be entertained for awhile! I am always excited to see what mystery awaits. I don't try to figure it out, because I feel it will ruin my fun!

Have fun and don't say I didn't warn you , once you start you can't stop!