Case of the Holiday Hijinks

Corgi Case Files #3

by Jeffrey M. Poole

There’s a Grinch in Pomme Valley! Someone is stealing presents right from under the noses of unsuspecting home owners and leaving no trace of how he broke in. And, to make matters even more baffling, he’s only stealing presents!

Corgis Sherlock & Watson are on the case! Accompanied by their reluctant human, Zack, the unlikely trio must find out who’s responsible for the thefts and stop him before anyone gets hurt.

The townsfolk are scared. City officials are nervous. Can Zack and the dogs put a stop to this crime spree before Christmas is ruined for everyone?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Dogs, Fiction, Cozy, Animals, Christmas

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2016

About the author

Jeffrey M. Poole is a professional writer living in picturesque southwestern Oregon with his wife Giliane, and their dog, Kinsey the corgi. He is the best-selling author of cozy mystery series Corgi Case Files and of fantasy series Bakkian Chronicles, Tales of Lentari, and the Dragons of Andela. He is presently plotting out his seventeenth mystery novel and writing his fifteenth fantasy novel.

Jeffrey’s interests include astronomy, archaeology, archery, scuba diving, collecting movies, and tinkering with any electronic gadget he can get his hands on.

Proud member of:
SFWA - Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association
MWA - Mystery Writers of America

In September, 2020, the Corgi Case Files mystery series was picked up by Columbine Publishing Group and published under its mystery imprint, Secret Staircase Books. Beginning in 2023, all three fantasy series will also be published under the Secret Staircase Books imprint.

Fans can follow Jeffrey online at www.AuthorJMPoole.com or on Facebook at: Facebook.com/BakkianChronicles.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 4.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 5 🌟.

This was a wonderful introduction for me to the author Jeffrey M. Poole and his series "Corgi Case Files". I really enjoyed this feel-good Christmas themed mystery. The dogs were too cute and the characters were people you'd love to have as friends. I'll definitely be keeping my eyes open for more books in this series.

[Sandee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute seasonal cozy mystery with Corgi's to make it especially cute. This is the 3rd book in the series and my first. I had no problem with understanding the characters and story. So, fine as a stand-alone read. I will be reading more from this series.

[Jodie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite series!

I loved the wit of the main characters, the twists and turns that leave you guessing, and of course Sherlock and Watson! Sherlock is a hoot, and I've been in tears from laughing so hard as I can picture my own corgi enduring the things Sherlock and Watson do!

[FangirlNation · Rating 5 out of 5]

Case of the Holiday Hijinks by Jeffrey M. Poole, Zack Anderson is approaching his first Christmas in Pomme Valley, and he is facing pressure from his parents to return to Phoenix for the holiday. But the widower doesn’t want to face the city where his wife was killed a year earlier, so he resists them. Besides, he has recently started a new relationship with a widow, Jillian, and he wants to spend Christmas with her. So Zack’s parents decide to spend Christmas with him instead and surprise him by showing up in Pomme Valley early to do a surprise inspection of his new life.

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

[Gay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Poole's books are so much fun. Whether mystery or fantasy. This book is no exception. Follow along with Zach and his corgis as he helps solve yet another mystery. To make matters worse his parents suddenly show up. Zach and Sherlock along with Watson must find the criminal who is stealing Christmas presents. They must follow all the clues no matter how elusive. His friend a detective with the Pomme Valley is counting on them as well as the town. You will laugh your way through this one. Grab your copy and enjoy. I did and read it in one day. I couldn't help myself.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.

I was lucky enough to get book #2 [Case of the Fleeted Footed Mummy] for free. I enjoyed that book so much that I bought book #1 [Case of the One-Eyed Tiger]. This is the third book in the series and while they are all standalone stories -- there are references to events which occur in the prior novels [including some spoilers]. If you are thinking about starting with this series [and you really should], I would start with the first book.

In this book, Zach is asked to bring Sherlock and Watson [his corgis] to a burglary by the police where the only thing stolen is all of the Christmas presents. Well, Sherlock is only interested in the Christmas tree -- which helps no one to identify the culprit. So has Sherlock lost his nose for detection? As the grinch-like burglaries continue and Sherlock only being interested in the Christmas tree, Zach also has to deal with his parents coming to town to visit for Christmas. There is a lot of humor, the antics of two corgis [and who doesn't love dogs], a holiday themed mystery, as well as family dynamics. What's not to love? I have become a fan of this cozy mystery series.

As I listened to this book -- the narrator, Bob Johnson, is a great fit for this series.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas book in the cozy mystery series about 2 Corgis, Sherlock and Watson, who have an uncanny knack of being able to solve crimes better than the 2 legged humans of the local police department! Along with Zack, their owner they seek out clues and alert Zack in their own, unique way.

Zack is still grieving for his wife, Sam, who was killed in a traffic accident in Phoenix, but he's recently found happiness with the local cookbook shop owner Killin, he's making a life for himself in Pomme Valley and has good friends in Vance and Tori (the local Detective and his wife) and Harry and Jules (local Vet and his wife, Harry and Zack knew each other from school).

Zack also owns Lentari Cellars, the local, popular winery and despite not liking wine himself, he has committed to keeping the winery open, rather than let the original owners' daughter take over and close it.

This series is well worth a read. Some editing errors but nothing to spoil the story. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Someone is stealing Christmas Gifts from beneath Christmas trees, the team have to find out who it is, and save Christmas for several families.

A fun filled read with good one liners!

[Lonnia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Case of the Holiday Hijinks by J M Poole Corgi case files
This is the 3rd book in the Corgi Case Files series and a new author for me. I fell in love with this group of characters and who doesn’t fall in love with Corgis? Short intro-Zach Anderson is a writer of romance novels. His wife was killed in a car accident. Zach was depressed and everywhere he looked he saw Samantha. This depression was interfering with his writing. She couldn’t stay in Phoenix any longer. Samantha’s great aunt died and left her home and winery in Pomme Valley, Oregon to the 2 of them. So that is where Zach moved to.
While in Pomme Valley, Zach acquires 2 Corgis, Sherlock and Watson. The detective of PV and Zach are good friends. Seems Sherlock is good at helping solve mysteries. So, when reports come in about stolen Christmas presents, detective Vance calls Zach to bring Sherlock. The story is light-hearted and plain fun to read. The section with Sherlock and Ruby the parrot is hilarious. I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. Join Sherlock, Watson, Zach and friends as they solve crimes in a small town.

[Julieann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book of the series and it's enjoyable. It's Christmas time. Zack is getting more and more depressed although Jillian is helping him deal with it.
Then a burglar - identifying himself as the Grinch Thief - starts breaking into houses with Noble Fir x-mas trees and stealing the presents. Only the presents.
The first victims are a family that is living hand-to-mouth. The burglary hits them hard and Zack decides he'll be a Secret Santa for the family. The second victims area well-to-do retired dentist and family. The third victims are also well-to-do and won't miss the presents. Unfortunately their nephew who is visiting for the holidays is killed by the thief.
While Zack and the two corgis are busy solving the mystery(s), he has to deal with some other, personal problems. He's introduced to a wine that he starts to like (egad!). His parents decide they will come to Pomme Valley for Christmas since he won't come back to Phoenix. Then they arrive a week early. Then they find themselves enjoying Christmas with Jillian. And finally, worst of all, they tell Jillian about the name Zack uses for his books.

[Elissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seasonal Sleuthing!

I enjoy this series more with each book. Yes, author Jeffrey Poole carefully crafts them to provide whatever background is needed for the current story but there is a great deal of fun in knowing the details! The mummy story had some truly classic references (pun fully intended!). Pack initiations aside, our hero seems to have taken the time to learn how to handle his fluffy puppies so they are actually useful despite a lack of formal police/investigation training, and the humans are generally intelligent in their gathering of facts and information. Meanwhile, narrator Bob Johnson makes full use of the comedic elements that had me laughing out loud as I listened (with my new headphones--thanks, Santa!). Okay, now anxiously awaiting the next tale!

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 in this fun cozy series. I have read book one but have not read book two (must do). I love this cute series dogs, mysteries and just good fun all make for a win win book. Sherlock and watson are just so cute makes you want to go out and buy a Corgi. Bob Johnson narrates this fun series. Bob does a good job making this book come alive. These books are a series but they can easily be read as stand alone books. I loved reading this book close to Christmas though. I was gifted this audiobook with the understanding that I would leave an honest review and I have.

[CassandraG · Rating 5 out of 5]

When someone starts stealing presents and leaving no trace, Corgi's Sherlock and Watson are on the case to figure out whose behind the Christmas thefts. I mean really! Nice way for the crooks to get on Santa's naughty list. Eventually, They even enlist their very own reluctant owner Zach, to help them out. It was funny and the corgis were adorable sleuths and you like the characters they came across and how the story unfolded. The audible version is really good and you enjoyed the performance as well as the story. So when you get a chance pick up a copy and enjoy

[MARY Arias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, always!

I want a couple of corgis! Their antics are hysterical.😀 The mysteries are of course why I keep coming back, lots of fun, although, maybe the dogs and people are becoming like family. I live in Eagle Point,Oregon and Jacksonville is only on the other side of Medford so maybe that connection feels like home lots of wineries here. That is what the author based his town on. Looking forward to more. Wish the books were on Kindle Unlimited tho!😇 Thanks for the entertainment! Mary


L

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A string of Christmas present burglaries has Sherlock, Watson and their owner hot on the trail of their own Grinch. This Christmas mystery will warm your heart, tickle your love of mysteries and put a little Christmas spirit in your heart. There are references to the earlier books in the series but if you haven't read them, never fear, it stands well on its own.\
A heartwarming Corgi mystery for Christmas or any time. I loved it.

[Rita Pochard · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad to find this series.

This series is terrific. The protagonist is a male which is unusual in a cozy mystery series. The characters are well developed and their relationships are true. In addition there are two lovely and wonderful corgis to help solve the mysteries. The Grinch is stealing presents from under Christmas trees. The Pomme Valley PD need help from Sherlock to solve the case. Looking forward to the next.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd in the series. The main characters are Zack and his two corgis, Sherlock and Watson. They get called to the scene of a burglary so Sherlock can nose around. Sherlock has helped in the past. They can't seem to find anything and then there is a 2nd and a 3rd burglary and a murder also at the 3rd scene. They really want to find this guy. Can they figure this out before the bad guy can get away again?

[Kimberly Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and charming mystery

This book is a must read for fans of corgis and mysteries. I love the wonderful small town feel of the book. The characters are well written and you quickly find yourself invested in them. This is a great story to read if you want to sit down after work and relax. The only negative I can find is that the editing could be better.

[Mamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun mystery with a playful seasonal twist on the villain's identity. As a corgi owner I could really appreciate Sherlock and Watson's personalities and envision their antics clearly. The author really makes you care about the protagonist and his friends and portrays the strong but exasperating family ties with honesty and grace. I have put the rest of this series on my wish list.

[DAWN FINKLE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow this series is a must read

This series sneaks up on you and you just have to keep reading Seriously you must read this series. Let me tell you something I just don't like books written by men usually. There are very few exceptions to this but this series is one of them!

[Jodi Pomerleau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series for what they are....cozy mysteries with a wee touch of fantasy. I love how the author puts in tongue in cheek references to make you giggle. Il earned all about bump keys in this one and am properly intrigued. I am enjoying the relationships between characters. I will be continuing to read this series because they are quick to read and enjoyable.

[CHud · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has an interesting plot. It deals with criminal activities, but incorporates humor in the story also. Someone has been breaking into homes and stealing present from under Christmas trees. When the crimes become more serious the perpetrator must be stopped. With the help of two Corgi dogs named Sherlock and Watson, the criminzl is on the run.

[Candy Daulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corgis get their man!

Holiday hijinks was a fun book to read. As a corgi owner I was amazed at the behavior of the two corgis. Sherlock and Winston. It's Christmas time and the Grinch is stealing Christmas presents. But how does he do it? Is it in magic?
This is book 3 of a wonderful series with the best corgis ever..

[Sandra McGarry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you are in the mood for a mild read with no axe murders involved. This series is it. Light reading and still a mystery. Animals always a plus and normal characters you can relate to. Some of them could actually be friends and relatives of mine. I am on number four and look forward to reading them all.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great mystery! I'm not a big mystery book fan, however this series is changing my mind about them. I like the twists and turns along with the laughing I'm hooked! I highly recommend this book and the whole series.

[Deedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible:I enjoyed this one more than the first one.Sherlock and Holmes have to help find the Grinch who has been stealing peoples gifts.Bob Johnson was a fine narrator.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.

[Helen Sanford · Rating 3 out of 5]

story of two corgis who help solve crimes--little confusing on time lines--they didn't seem to make sense in a few places but the book held my interest enough to finish it--might read more of his--not sure yet

[Wendy Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed all the characters in this book, especially Sherlock and Watson. I am definitely continuing with the rest of the series, which has been sitting in my library unread.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written cozy mystery. It was a little slow at first, but once into the story, it flowed well. The author kept the mystery suspenseful up until the end. I loved the character development, camaraderie, friendship, and healing that took place as the story unfolded.

[Barbara A Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holds your interest from start to finish. Love Sherlock & Watson. Love the dogs names fitting for a mystery novel. Can’t wait to start the next novel. Love reading stories with animals particularly dogs.

[Narelle Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a freebie in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed the light storyline of this book. It was a very easy read, a mystery to enjoy but without gore. It's the second corgi files book I have read, and definitely have enjoyed both.
Looking forward to the next one.