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Bakery Detectives #14
Killing Santa
Christmas is a wonderful time of year…for murder
A fast paced cozy mystery from #1 Best Selling Author Stacey Alabaster
The holiday season means lots of baking for the bakery detectives. When Pippa takes on a part-time job at Santa’s village, things get crazy when Santa turns up dead. Can Rachael and Pippa shake off a series case of the bah-humbugs and catch a killer before Christmas is ruined?
Killing Santa is part of the Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery series. If you like fast paced mysteries full of quirky characters and unexpected twists, you’re going to love the Bakery Detectives.
Buy Killing Santa and start solving your next mystery today!
Always FREE on Kindle Unlimited
A fast paced cozy mystery from #1 Best Selling Author Stacey Alabaster
The holiday season means lots of baking for the bakery detectives. When Pippa takes on a part-time job at Santa’s village, things get crazy when Santa turns up dead. Can Rachael and Pippa shake off a series case of the bah-humbugs and catch a killer before Christmas is ruined?
Killing Santa is part of the Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery series. If you like fast paced mysteries full of quirky characters and unexpected twists, you’re going to love the Bakery Detectives.
Buy Killing Santa and start solving your next mystery today!
Always FREE on Kindle Unlimited
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
156 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2017
105 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Alabaster
76 books132 followersI have always loved a good mystery. From my early years watching Murder She Wrote to more recent shows like Monk, Psych, and my absolute favorite BBC show ever, Sherlock, I have studied what it takes to make an entertaining mystery. I am truly blessed to be able to write and share my own mysteries with you. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I loved writing them :)
If you want to keep up with all my new releases, be sure to sign up for my mailing list at FairfieldPublishing.com/cozy-newsletter
If you want to keep up with all my new releases, be sure to sign up for my mailing list at FairfieldPublishing.com/cozy-newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 12, 2017
In this new installment of Bakery Detectives, Pippa has quit the bakery...again, all because she says that Rachael has no Christmas spirit since Rach refuses to put up a live tree which she says would probably be in violation of health codes. Pippa quickly finds a job that becomes her happy place. She's working as an elf assistant at Christmas Village where kids come to get pictures taken with Santa. When one of the three resident Santas is killed, Pippa begs Rachael to help her investigate and find out why someone would have it in for the jolly old elf himself.
In the meantime, Rach meets a cute guy needing the open Santa gig who doesn't quite look like Santa but once the outfit is on and he's with the kids, he seems to be a natural at it. Things just aren't adding up as far as the murder mystery goes. There are quite a few suspects, even Pippa's husband. While it's bad that a murder brought them back to speaking terms, at least Rachael and Pippa are on the same page of catching a killer before he strikes again.
I loved this newest Christmas themed book! It was pretty awesome how Rachael did track down the murderer, that even Santa Claus himself helps with that, and also that Rachael feels like her heart has grown 2 sizes that day just like the Grinch. I've only read one other book in the series but if the whole series is like this one, I know I'll enjoy catching up.
It's sort of refreshing that it doesn't follow the typical cozy formula of protagonist meets a cute law officer but already has a guy she kind of also likes. I don't mind the typical formula but think it's fun when it's diverted from at times.
Even though the book is a quick read, there are enough twists and possibilities that it kept me guessing until the author chose to reveal the killer. I had suspected that person but kept going back and forth between a couple of other people. There was one little loose end that I won't mention but once you read it, you'll know what I'm talking about. It's not such a big deal that it has a whole lot to do with the story but me being me would have liked to have seen everything wrapped up. But who knows, maybe the author plans to address this item in the next book. Either way, I hope you will love the ending/take down as much as I did!
In the meantime, Rach meets a cute guy needing the open Santa gig who doesn't quite look like Santa but once the outfit is on and he's with the kids, he seems to be a natural at it. Things just aren't adding up as far as the murder mystery goes. There are quite a few suspects, even Pippa's husband. While it's bad that a murder brought them back to speaking terms, at least Rachael and Pippa are on the same page of catching a killer before he strikes again.
I loved this newest Christmas themed book! It was pretty awesome how Rachael did track down the murderer, that even Santa Claus himself helps with that, and also that Rachael feels like her heart has grown 2 sizes that day just like the Grinch. I've only read one other book in the series but if the whole series is like this one, I know I'll enjoy catching up.
It's sort of refreshing that it doesn't follow the typical cozy formula of protagonist meets a cute law officer but already has a guy she kind of also likes. I don't mind the typical formula but think it's fun when it's diverted from at times.
Even though the book is a quick read, there are enough twists and possibilities that it kept me guessing until the author chose to reveal the killer. I had suspected that person but kept going back and forth between a couple of other people. There was one little loose end that I won't mention but once you read it, you'll know what I'm talking about. It's not such a big deal that it has a whole lot to do with the story but me being me would have liked to have seen everything wrapped up. But who knows, maybe the author plans to address this item in the next book. Either way, I hope you will love the ending/take down as much as I did!
December 13, 2017
A laugh out loud murder mystery....Who Killed Santa Claus behind door number 2!
This installment of A bakery Detective cozy mystery had me laughing out loud more than even any of the previous books in this series! Who would murder Santa Claus? Rachael and Pippa are trying to find out! This book was so much fun with Pippa throwing out one of her moods and quitting the bakery just when Rachael could use her help! Why did she quit? Well it appears Pippa got very mad at Rachael because she wouldn't decorate and put a live tree in the bake shop. So she went to find another job and found one that put her in her "happy place" for the holiday. Seems she is a helper elf for the Santa Village, helping with photograhing little ones and moving things along. When Rachael finds out where she is, she signs up for a picture with Santa and runs into Pippa who still is very mad. But, interrupt the attitude with a murdered Santa behind door number 2! Pippa appeals to Rachael to help find out who the murderer is. Rachael agrees and thrown in is a crush on one of the Santas, an obnoxious parent with Santa demands and a murderer on the loose! Wow what a combination along with lots of laughs! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
This installment of A bakery Detective cozy mystery had me laughing out loud more than even any of the previous books in this series! Who would murder Santa Claus? Rachael and Pippa are trying to find out! This book was so much fun with Pippa throwing out one of her moods and quitting the bakery just when Rachael could use her help! Why did she quit? Well it appears Pippa got very mad at Rachael because she wouldn't decorate and put a live tree in the bake shop. So she went to find another job and found one that put her in her "happy place" for the holiday. Seems she is a helper elf for the Santa Village, helping with photograhing little ones and moving things along. When Rachael finds out where she is, she signs up for a picture with Santa and runs into Pippa who still is very mad. But, interrupt the attitude with a murdered Santa behind door number 2! Pippa appeals to Rachael to help find out who the murderer is. Rachael agrees and thrown in is a crush on one of the Santas, an obnoxious parent with Santa demands and a murderer on the loose! Wow what a combination along with lots of laughs! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
December 29, 2017
This cozy mystery was a strange one, and although I enjoyed reading it, my logical brain was a bit grumpy about aspects of the book (stupid brain!). Revolving around the murder of a Santa at the local grotto, the mystery itself is good, but there's never any explanation about where Pippa's husband Marcello has gone or why he went in such a hurry, Rachael just abandons her business to help at the grotto without a moment's notice, yet is moaning that she's short-handed because Pippa left - so how can she possibly not be there herself?! These are just two of the issues my stupid brain won't shut up about, but it was enough to lose a star, which is a shame as overall it's a good story (if you can put aside Rachael mooning over Jarod like a high school girl, even when she thinks he's a murderer!).
Anyway, if you like cozy mysteries and can suspend your logical brain for a while, give this book a try. If you're too logical... It's probably not for you!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
Anyway, if you like cozy mysteries and can suspend your logical brain for a while, give this book a try. If you're too logical... It's probably not for you!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
December 18, 2017
When Rachel refuses to put up a huge live Christmas tree in the bakery, Pippa decides that she cannot work with someone who does not have the Christmas spirit and find herself another job at the Christmas Village as an elf helper to Santa Claus. The Christmas Village is so popular with parents that they have actually hired 3 Santas to pose for pictures with the children and they were doing a roaring trade, until one of the Santas decides to get himself killed. All the other Santas and elves were too afraid to return to work, in case a maniac decides to go for them as the next target, which means that Pippa's job is now in jeopardy and she wants Rachel to find out who the murderer is. And when Rachel does get involved, she soon finds that being an elf or a Santa helper is not really as much fun as it is made out to be, with crying and screaming kids and tired impatient parents who just want to get their Santa pictures and go home instead of waiting in a long queue.
Another fun read from the Bakery Detectives.
Another fun read from the Bakery Detectives.
January 24, 2018
The bakery Detectives series books have generally been fun reads with very good story lines, unfortunately there have been a couple where the plot has rather too many holes to be in any way believable, Murder Train was one, and this is another, however whilst I didn't like Murder Train, I did enjoy Killing Santa, despite the illogicalities and general silliness!
So I'll skip over these rather large pot-holes and concentrate on what I did like, as usual the relationship between Rachael and Pippa is hilarious, the mystery part of the story is quite clever and there were lots of red herrings to distract the reader from the real murderer and also the other characters are generally very well written. The ending is very nicely done and the whole book is good fun, and quite festive.
So I'll skip over these rather large pot-holes and concentrate on what I did like, as usual the relationship between Rachael and Pippa is hilarious, the mystery part of the story is quite clever and there were lots of red herrings to distract the reader from the real murderer and also the other characters are generally very well written. The ending is very nicely done and the whole book is good fun, and quite festive.
February 19, 2024
I can't seem to understand why on earth she will take over Pippa's job that she threw a tantrum about and quit at the bakery over a tree. She constantly complains that she is understaffed but still took over Pippa's new job because apparently she's sick. I get it that Pippa is flaky and her husband goes off to one place or another but why does Rachel always need to be the one that picks up everything, Pippa just abandons jobs or gets fired more often than not.
Also why does Rachel in every book have a romantic interest that feels too fast or a new one. I would prefer if she had one interest with a growth in her character.
The plot holes are quite annoying for my brain but it was a good read.
Also why does Rachel in every book have a romantic interest that feels too fast or a new one. I would prefer if she had one interest with a growth in her character.
The plot holes are quite annoying for my brain but it was a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2017
I love this series. it's like coming home and listening to my sisters argue. Pippa has stormed out of the bakery for the one millionth time, leaving Rachael running the bakery alone. Pippa gets her dream job as Santa's elf helping the little children get their pictures taken on Santa's lap. Still mad at Rachael, but needing help after one of the Santa's is murdered, she ask Rachel for help in solving the crime. This is where Stacey shines. leading you down the wrong path just knowing you've figured it out. But you're wrong again. I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2018
I enjoy Stacey Alabaster’s writing. All her cozys are fun, quick reads. However, I’m wrestling with whether or not I will continue this series. It’s getting painful to read Rachael’s passive-aggressive behavior, and Pippa’s such a whiny brat. You can almost hear Pippa’s little foot stomp every other page when she doesn’t get her way. And I find it hard to believe that Rachael can’t find a better employee than Simona, who constantly treats Rachael, her boss, no less, with so much disrespect. Of course, maybe if Rachael spend time in her bakery in the weeks leading up to Christmas, instead of playing an elf at the mall to appease her whiny best friend, her employee might respect her more.
December 6, 2018
Grinch, Primadonna Santa's, and Murder
Fighting over Christmas trees and decorations, what a French?
Was it worth loosening a friendship. Then screaming kids and petty santas
fighting over who's going to be # one. Angry parents, could it get any worse?
Be care full what you ask for, then a scream and finding a dead Santa. Some
Snapped and killed him, now it's a whodunit murder. With a green Santa filling
In, can Jarad and the girls solve the murder in time to save Christmas? A great
Christmas whodunit mystery.
Debra H.
Fighting over Christmas trees and decorations, what a French?
Was it worth loosening a friendship. Then screaming kids and petty santas
fighting over who's going to be # one. Angry parents, could it get any worse?
Be care full what you ask for, then a scream and finding a dead Santa. Some
Snapped and killed him, now it's a whodunit murder. With a green Santa filling
In, can Jarad and the girls solve the murder in time to save Christmas? A great
Christmas whodunit mystery.
Debra H.
January 29, 2019
A very different Christmas story
I don't know if the books are getting shorter or I'm reading faster, but this one went quick. I enjoyed the mystery, but not Pippa's temper tantrum. I know that's Pippas personality at times, these two besties can be very trying. Although they always come to the aid of each other when there is a need, like a murder
investigation or a Christmas Village emergency. Rachel and Pippa work well together in solving the case, that's what makes the stories so much fun. I am very curious as to what happened to Jackson though.
I don't know if the books are getting shorter or I'm reading faster, but this one went quick. I enjoyed the mystery, but not Pippa's temper tantrum. I know that's Pippas personality at times, these two besties can be very trying. Although they always come to the aid of each other when there is a need, like a murder
investigation or a Christmas Village emergency. Rachel and Pippa work well together in solving the case, that's what makes the stories so much fun. I am very curious as to what happened to Jackson though.
December 13, 2017
Rachael and Pippa have a disagreement and Pippa quits the bakery, leaving Rachael down a person during the busiest time of the year. But once one of the Santa's at Pippa's new part time job is murdered, she comes to Rachael to help solve the mystery. These two best friends are always fun to catch up with, even when they are fighting. Another fun book in this series.
December 15, 2017
A very, very good 5-star read
This is a well written story that has the Santa at the mall getting killed. Poppa has quit working at the bakery, yet asks Rachel for help. The antics of Poppa and Rachel make for a good, interesting, and fun read. I enjoyed this read and look forward to the next one.
This is a well written story that has the Santa at the mall getting killed. Poppa has quit working at the bakery, yet asks Rachel for help. The antics of Poppa and Rachel make for a good, interesting, and fun read. I enjoyed this read and look forward to the next one.
December 18, 2017
Rachel and Pippa are on another adventure, this time to save Christmas. Pippa’s little girl, Lolly, will experience her first Christmas as a toddler. Pippa wants everything to be perfect. However, things do not go as planned. This is a fun story and the continuing saga of a really great cast of characters. I highly recommend this book to all mystery lovers.
December 13, 2017
Pippa and Rachel are at odds again at the bakery. So Pippa quits to go work at the Santa village. Then Santa gets killed! Can Rachel and Pippa put their differences aside to find out who kill Santa and why? Read this fast, light hearted story to find out.
December 14, 2017
Stacey Alabaster's lastest addition to her Bakery Detectives series - Killing Santa (Book 14) - brings Rachel and Pippa together again in this amusing, challenging and at times sentimental cozy mystery.
December 16, 2017
Christmas Chaos
This was an amusing look at Christmas and behind the scenes with Santa. Murder and mystery made an amusing story, and Rachael and Pippa were great characters. The chaos in the grotto were almost indescribable, but Stacey managed it well.
This was an amusing look at Christmas and behind the scenes with Santa. Murder and mystery made an amusing story, and Rachael and Pippa were great characters. The chaos in the grotto were almost indescribable, but Stacey managed it well.
December 30, 2017
Great book
Christmas, the time of rebirth. Poppa has gone back to pink hair and her wild child ways after quitting the bakery over a misunderstanding. Then Santa is killed. Read the book lol
Christmas, the time of rebirth. Poppa has gone back to pink hair and her wild child ways after quitting the bakery over a misunderstanding. Then Santa is killed. Read the book lol
January 12, 2018
Killing Santa
A light read. Again Rachel and Pippa team up to solve a murder. This time its Santa Claus! I like this series with the quirky Pippa. She really balances the two. Its a quick read so if you want a good, fast read, this series is for you
A light read. Again Rachel and Pippa team up to solve a murder. This time its Santa Claus! I like this series with the quirky Pippa. She really balances the two. Its a quick read so if you want a good, fast read, this series is for you
March 21, 2018
Great story...
I enjoyed this Christmas story of the crazy goings on in the lives of a bunch of people in a Christmas village at Christmas time. The author has done a wonderful job of telling her story of mystery and mayhem,
I enjoyed this Christmas story of the crazy goings on in the lives of a bunch of people in a Christmas village at Christmas time. The author has done a wonderful job of telling her story of mystery and mayhem,
December 13, 2017
Pippa takes time from baking to work part time in Santa Claus village. Unfortunately Santa turns up dead. Awesome as usual, impossible not to enjoy the book.
December 23, 2017
I do love the books.
I really was glad to see the new book came out. I thought it was .......... for some reason I didn't like her/him very well. Thank you Stacey.
I really was glad to see the new book came out. I thought it was .......... for some reason I didn't like her/him very well. Thank you Stacey.
January 26, 2018
Killer Christmas
Santa's killing Santa's. Elves going crazy. Pippa and rach must solve the murder of Santa number 2 and save christmas
Santa's killing Santa's. Elves going crazy. Pippa and rach must solve the murder of Santa number 2 and save christmas
January 30, 2018
I love short clean mysteries. They are a joy to read because you can read them in a short time without trying to remember who did what.
April 10, 2018
That was a fun Christmas Mystery! I always enjoy reading these!
September 11, 2018
Super Christmas Mystery
Very good Christmas mystery, with Santa, elves and murder. It held your interest and was hard to tell who dun it.
Very good Christmas mystery, with Santa, elves and murder. It held your interest and was hard to tell who dun it.
December 9, 2023
Good mystery
It is a good mystery but the background story is a little whiny. Too much jumping around and insecurities in the characters.
It is a good mystery but the background story is a little whiny. Too much jumping around and insecurities in the characters.
March 22, 2024
Christmas Village drama
Santa dies,but did another Santa kill him or someone else? This was a good storyline and kept my interest. Can the village be saved?
Santa dies,but did another Santa kill him or someone else? This was a good storyline and kept my interest. Can the village be saved?
January 25, 2018
I love the book! Stacey alabaster did great job on it! I can't wait for read another book from her! :) I would give her more than five stars! :)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews