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Paradise #13

Christmas in Paradise

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My name is Madison Westin. Unless it’s Christmas, in which case my official title is “Holiday Cheermistress.” Nothing stops me from getting my ho-ho-ho on, not even my friends’ Grinch-worthy attitude toward sparkling tinsel, twinkling lights, and tinkling bells.

Hey, if Creole, Fab, and Didier wind up with coal in their stockings, it won’t be my fault.

When some bah-humbug bandit makes the rounds of Tarpon Cove, Fab and I are on the case. It’s the least we can do for our loyal friends. Seasonal crime-victim disorder seems to be on the rise.

Some guy in a Santa suit—well, the top half of one anyway—is robbing local banks. The cops are fingering the wrong guy. And you can bet your light-up Rudolph boxers that if we can’t track the real thief down, one of my merry band of miscreants could be spending the holidays behind bars.

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2017

564 people are currently reading
240 people want to read

About the author

Deborah Brown

50 books1,440 followers
Deborah Brown is the author of the Paradise series, Crazy, Deception and Trouble Florida Keys mysteries, which makes the reader laugh, cry and cheer...

My personal ad would read:

There's nothing a new pair of shoes can't cure.

Redhead. Long legs. There's nothing like a strawberry-lemonade in summer. Favorite activity: Filling my pockets with seashells. An avid rule follower when eating Animal Cookies: Broken ones get eaten first, match up the rest, duplicates next, line them up favorite to not, least favorite go first. South Florida is my home, with my ungrateful rescue cats, and where Mother Nature takes out her bad attitude in the form of hurricanes.


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5 stars
982 (62%)
4 stars
411 (26%)
3 stars
140 (8%)
2 stars
24 (1%)
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13 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
November 19, 2017
Tis the season for Santas and rum. Included are stories about a woman attracting Mall Santa, reindeer enhanced golfcart races andd perhaps a copy-cat Santa bank robber?
Madison, Fab and friends are right in the middle of everything as usual.
A fast paced holiday read about how one set of society likes to celebrate. You might find some romance between the jobs, too.
Madison and Fab are the best of best friends, with vibes of Cagney and Lacey, Rizzoli and Isles, and Frankie and Grace.
Profile Image for Teresa Kander.
Author 1 book186 followers
November 22, 2017
When the characters of my favorite series are celebrating Christmas, you know it's not going to be a normal holiday celebration. From a mall Santa who attracts older women just as much as children, to golf cart races, to a bank robbing Santa, things are really hopping in Tarpon Cove in December.

This is a short easy holiday read with less murder and mayhem than others in the series. It can be read as a stand-alone story if you haven't been a regular reader yet, and makes for a perfect introduction to the series.

I absolutely LOVED the ending of the book--and that's all I'm going to say about it, other than now I'm even more excited for Book 14!

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews63 followers
November 21, 2017
This one is much more laid back then the others in this series--but that is what the holidays are for! Sure plenty of problems to be solved and a couple of criminals to catch, and tenants to prove innocent. Madison and Fab manage to stay out of any real trouble (well mostly) and Creole and Didier manage to convince them that THEY will take on Brick's case! Quite an accomplishment!!

Meanwhile Madison is in high spirits and is decorating everything--too much so according to Fab---

There is a surprise ending that will make you smile!!

I will keep reading this series until it stops--which I sincerely hope is never!!
Christmas in Paradise
Profile Image for Leila.
581 reviews9 followers
November 21, 2017
I love Madison and Fab. I have read every Paradise book in the series because of them!

This wasn’t the normal Fab and Madison adventure but it was still the perfect holiday read to get you in the spirit!

The book held mystery but it wasn’t the usual mystery and trouble we typically find the girls in . It was nice to enjoy a short, cozy read with the girls and enjoy their fun.

Even if you haven’t read any of the series, you can still grab this quick holiday read to get a taste of the action. There is enough background to enjoy it and not get lost – and get a small feel for what usually comes with these two!

I highly recommend any of the Paradise series books. You won’t be disappointed!
Profile Image for Meg.
611 reviews
December 12, 2017
An easy and fun addition to one of my favorite series. Christmas in Florida while wearing swim clothes and flip flops, awesome! I grew up with that and miss it when it's 30 outside. Ready for the next in the series!
Profile Image for Ruth Hill.
1,115 reviews648 followers
December 5, 2017
First of all, I realize this is the thirteenth book in the series, and although I know these are stand-alone books, I think reading in order is a good idea, especially with this series. I felt as though I had no real history or connection with the characters in the beginning, and it took a while to get into the story, but that is NOT the author's fault.

What I love about this book is that it is clean, cozy mystery that takes place during Christmas in Florida. Talk about the idea setting! It was an easy-to-read book, and I had no problem sitting down in an evening and reading it. There were moments when I found it a bit slow, but I think some of that relates to what I said earlier. If you are looking for a fun book to curl up with on a long, winter's night, this may be it. Maybe it's cold outside where you live, but the author takes you on an escape to the warmth and beauty of the Florida Keys.

In some ways, this book does feel a bit like a book that was written just for fun, and I'm not sure how much it developed the plot of the whole series, but to be honest, who cares? It's not often you can find a Christmas mystery that's clean and fun. I rate it a four, but I have to say it whets my appetite concerning the other books in the series.
Profile Image for Nicki Conroy.
631 reviews11 followers
November 20, 2017
As usual, the setting of the Florida Keys makes Christmas in Paradise an interesting read. I can remember the Christmas I was 12 and we spent it at my aunt's in North Carolina. It rained. I was so upset. Now that I am more than 12, that whole snow on Christmas is magical but the appeal of Christmas in a tropical setting does appeal.

Madison and her best friend, Fab, are on the case as someone in the top half of a Santa suit is robbing local banks. Add to this the fact that Madison is an over the top Christmas person while Fab, Fab's boyfriend and Madison's own boyfriend tend towards the bah humbug spectrum. Madison is not happy that someone is besmirching Santa's good name.

There are so many other aspects of Christmas thrown into this book. The subplot around the department store Santa is hysterical. The family traditions are very believeable.

Get yourself in the holiday spirit and pick up a copy of Christmas in Paradise. I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Jessica.
553 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2017
Funny and festive 

This is a short book from one of my favorite author Ms. Deborah Brown. Christmas in Paradise is funny and festive. All the chaos you can imagine during the holiday will keep you entertain while reading this book.

The sisters not from blood but by heart Madison and Fab with their hunk boyfriends entertained us again with another story. This book is full of family love, laugh out loud moments and a little scary. These two wild women who have no fears became the hero of this story. I am so glad that one of the couple made me excited about their future.

Ms. Deborah Brown never failed to show us some love not only from the warm weather in Florida which I always envy but her writing is phenomenal as always. This book might be short story but the action never stops.

I am looking forward to read another book from this series. This book is a fun holiday book to read not only in the beach but if you needed a moment to enjoy by yourself or even with girlfriends.

Profile Image for Ashley.
50 reviews5 followers
November 29, 2017
Do you like Stephanie Plum? Hannah Swenson? Sarah Booth Delaney? Izzy Spellman?

Well then you will love Madison Weston and her gang of misfit friends. Normally there is a big mystery needing solved, lots of danger, and a lot of laughs. This installment of the amazing In Paradise series is more of a cozy mystery. Something you curl up with beside the Christmas tree in your favorite chair with your hot cocoa, tea, or coffee and just relax and read and move away into your own little world with your new friends Maddy, Fab, Creole, and all of your favorites if you have read any of the previous books.

The great news though? Even if you didn’t read any of the previous books, you can most definitely jump in with this one as a stand-alone book as well!
Profile Image for Tracey.
441 reviews4 followers
December 5, 2017
*This ARC was received in exchange for an honest review*

This is the story of Madison Westin who loves Christmas, but when a guy dressed in a santa suit starts robbing banks all eyes are looking at one of her tenants Prof Crum who dresses as the mall santa, so Madison, Fab and boyfriends Creole and Didier all decide that they need to clear his name.
With the Christmas Capers multiple parties and also trying to discover who took the Funeral Homes decorations it is just one happy Christmas.
This was a great story by Deborah Brown and can’t wait for the next instalment in the Floriday Keys Mystery Series.
99 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2017
Madison and Fab are some of my favorite characters ever. They are full of attitude and spunk and never give up. Not even during the holidays. With the help of their hot men they need to figure out who is robbing banks.

A man with a Santa outfit is robbing a lot of local banks and the police are after the wrong guy. Madison and Fab are on the job. They know how to weed out the wrong suspects.

This story was fun and full of twists. The girls and their men are always up to something crazy.
Profile Image for Lily.
3,385 reviews118 followers
November 25, 2017
I absolutely love this book! Its cute, funny, and chock full of mystery. If this is your first book in the Florida Keys mysteries, then you'll quickly find yourself addicted. You will fall in love with this misfit band of characters, and before you know it, you'll be on the case and trying to solve the mystery yourself!

-received for free
Profile Image for Fee (Ebook Addicts).
1,471 reviews45 followers
November 21, 2017
Christmas has arrived at the Florida Keys for Madison, Fab and the gang. And as usual nothing is every smooth for them, though the mystery in this edition was more subdued and concentrated on the feel good holiday spirit that Madison was just bursting with. It was a nice change of pace and allowed the girls to unwind a little. Though trouble is never far away and they do get caught up in with a questionable bank robber dressed as Santa!

Sit back, relax and join the festive cheer in the Sunny Florida Keys with the gang, its great cozy read to put you in the festive spirit that's for sure, and the wee surprise at the end will make you glow with happiness.

Brilliant as a stand alone despite being book 13 in the series, with enough of a back story to catch you up with everyone, but it also a great addition to the series in a whole.
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
November 16, 2017
Always a fan

I’m always a fan of this series and enjoy each book that comes out. This one was such a delight that included a little mystery and a whole lot of Christmas. Crum as Santa is hilarious along with theme nights at Jake’s.
836 reviews10 followers
November 16, 2017
A Very Merry Christmas to All!

The Best Christmas story yet! Lots of little vignettes woven together to create the magic of the season - lovers, friends, family, & a few whackadoodles are all present. Even Svetlana puts in an appearance. And the ending was perfect!
Profile Image for Julie Baswell.
724 reviews29 followers
November 20, 2017
Christmas time has come to the Cove and Madison has the holiday spirit going on. Being her favorite time of the year, she makes sure that every one of her properties are all decked out. But Christmas time also brings out those on the naughty list. The Tropical Slumber Funeral Home gets their decorations stolen, a scam gets purses stolen, and banks are being robbed, with good ole Professor Crum getting hauled in as the bank robber. Then there’s the matter of juggling multiple parties at the same time. Madison is taking it in stride though, and doing her best to keep the Christmas cheer going.

I love Christmas too, and was happy to have a holiday story from the Cove. It was fun catching up with all the favorites again, and they definitely didn’t disappoint. By the way, the ending, surely gets my seal of approval.
Profile Image for Shelly.
Author 2 books37 followers
November 23, 2017
Madison and Fab are full of so much fun and adventure! I have fallen in love with this series because of how they always find themselves in the midst of mischief and a mystery. The mystery still exists in this book with a bank robbery who is dressed as Santa and stolen decorations and purses. But the real focus is on the holiday being cheerful, exciting, and full of parties. After all, it wouldn't be the fun holiday that it's supposed to be if Madison and Fab weren't followed up with a bit of naughtiness, right? If you want to get in the middle of trouble without any of the consequences, definitely pick up this book for the season. The end has me all smiles and uber-excited for the next book! The adventures and this pair of friends are addictive! 

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,571 reviews19 followers
November 30, 2017
I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I have read several of the Paradise books and I've enjoyed them all. Madison and Fab and their boyfriends Creole and Didier make a great foursome. Madison and Fab seem to get themselves into trouble and they're often able to get out of it. If they can't do it, Creole and Didier will show up to save the day.

Christmas in Paradise isn't quite the same as the other books in this series. It's mostly about the Christmas season celebration by the Westin family with a little humor and crime thrown in for good measure. And there's a surprise ending!

The Paradise books stand on their own but I wouldn't recommend reading this one first since it's more about spending Christmas with your favorite characters rather than a mystery and there's not the usual character and relationship development.
Profile Image for Shecki B.
105 reviews4 followers
November 23, 2017
Christmas in Paradise opens with mall Santa capers. Unfortunately, when a guy in a Santa suit starts robbing banks, mall Santa is a suspect. And since mall Santa is one of Madison's tenants, she and Fab are obligated to do what they can to clear his name.

Along the way, Christmas decor disappears from the local funeral home, and other hilarious hijinks occur. The Paradise books can be read individually, so don't be afraid to jump in here if you've never read one before and you're needing something light and festive. Once you do, you'll want to go back to the beginning and read the previous dozen!
216 reviews8 followers
November 28, 2017
I love the Paradise series, and it's so wonderful to have a Christmas story. Even though the seasons don't change much in the Keys it's fun to see Madison's shell obsession convert to holiday decorations, while Fab's grumpiness about the decorations remains the same no matter what the season.

I am missing the overall mystery, but the character development is fun, and it's great to see Crum get a bigger part in their lives. There's lots of small mysteries to be had, and lots of holiday fun.

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Sharon Martin.
374 reviews48 followers
September 20, 2018
What can go wrong in Paradise over Christmas? Well. if you have met Fab and Madison before you will not be surprised and if it’s your first time with them you will be drawn into their crazy world. When a Santa Suited robber takes a liking to robbing banks our duo are drawn into another adventure. As usual they plans and actions don’t run smoothly and bring more troubles to their doorstep. With their loved ones trying to keep them out of trouble and safe they have to devise cunning actions not to let themselves get caught. An absolute gem from Deborah Brown again.
Profile Image for Karen Wright.
605 reviews4 followers
February 17, 2020
Holiday magic

Omg!!! This book was just too short! I kind of expected this at some point but from past books I thought it would be someone else first. I loved reading about all of the holiday decorations and parties. As always I loved the story and characters. I kind of missed hearing about updates from the previous book especially about the waterfront restorations but that's ok, there were plenty of holiday things going on. I cannot wait to start the next book though.
Profile Image for Cynthia F Nyquist.
8 reviews
November 15, 2018
A good easy read to relax with.

I loved all the kooky characters. The red head and her beautiful friend spin many adventures which they all survive. As for the men in their lives, the writer gives clues to their "handsome" factor, but it is left to us to delve into our imagination to complete the picture.
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews12 followers
August 7, 2023
Novella Length Christmas Episode
This book is the 13th in a series that takes place in South Florida. The books are all complete mysteries, but the personal stories are ongoing so the books should be read in order. This episode is novella length and is all about Christmas. From parties and mall Santas to more parties and Santa thieves. This is a very fun book and well worth reading.
Profile Image for Cathy P.
1,788 reviews9 followers
November 18, 2017
Christmas in paradise

Love this series, this short is no exception. I love how quick paced this book was and the surprises. This is definitely a quick , fun read with plenty of hijinks.
Profile Image for Kathy.
2 reviews
July 7, 2018
Another great one

I love these stories. I feel like I'm in the Keys with Madison and Fab. I've read each of these in just a few days because I can't put them down. Getting the next one now.
Profile Image for Sherry Sias.
658 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2022
Love Fab and Madison!!

A cute Christmas story of Fab and Madison and their quirky group of friends and associates. I have loved this series from the first one I read. I have not read them all, so they can be read out of order.
A must read!
483 reviews16 followers
October 14, 2023
such fun! only there is a leak in the pages… I start reading..

And poof I am done, have to write a review, get the next book.. start reading… poof… Start with book 1 you will not be sorry! Binge reading!
47 reviews
February 12, 2025
A Beautiful Christmas Story.

Loved this light hearted story. While it didn’t have as much action as the usual ones. It did have some and we got to read about how much Madisen loved Christmas. Plus the ending is awesome.
Profile Image for Maryruth Drescher.
111 reviews5 followers
November 15, 2017
Another great book

I really enjoyed this book. The ending was really a surprise of the best kind. Anything resulting in Christmas is a plus for me. The characters shines once again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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