A View to a Chill

Maizie Albright Star Detective #4

by Larissa Reinhart

"Chaos, Criminals, Catastrophic Weather, and a Whole Lot of Crazy.”

May Your Days Be Cherry & Albright…

When Halo's most notorious artist, Cherry Tucker, thinks she sees a crime through her bedroom window, her feverish claims are ignored by her family. Trapped in bed, influenza is the least of her problems. Deputy Luke Harper can't be found. She can’t tell fevered dream from reality. And a very bad Santa knows Cherry’s spotted his Christmas killing. It's going to take a Christmas miracle for Cherry to recover.

Meanwhile, ex-celebrity and #WannabeDetective Maizie Albright’s determined to help an elderly woman find her missing granddaughter despite her private investigator boss (and not-so-secret crush) Wyatt Nash’s claims that the grandmother’s annual plea is nothing but a dangerously wild goose chase.

This holiday, Maizie’s search takes her away from her family and Nash to Halo, Georgia, where a storm threatens her nerves and her quest. When a deviant Santa learns Maizie’s looking for the granddaughter, he put Maizie on his naughty list. This Santa may get his holly jollies from murder.

**First appeared in THE 12 SLAYS OF CHRISTMAS**

Genres: Christmas, Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Southern, Chick Lit, Cozy, Humor

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2017

About the author

A Wall Street Journal bestselling and international award-winning author, Larissa loves to tell funny, sweet stories about sassy Southern women looking for love (and sometimes dead bodies) in all the wrong places, like in her award-winning Cherry Tucker Mystery, Maizie Albright Star Detective, and/or Finley Goodhart Crime Caper series. You might have seen Larissa and her family with their little dog, Biscuit, on HGTV's House Hunters International "Living for the Weekend in Nagoya" episode. They’re back in Georgia where Biscuit has a bigger yard but now has to live with thunderstorms.
Check out LarissaReinhart.com to learn more and get a free story while you're visiting.

Her books have been chosen as book club picks by Woman's World Magazine and Hot Mystery Reviews. They've also been finalists for Georgia Author of the Year, the Silver Falchion, the Daphne du Maurier Award, The Emily Award, and Dixie Kane Memorial. Her work also appeared in the 2017 Silver Falchion Reader’s Choice winner, Eight Mystery Writers You Should Be Reading Now.

Cherry Tucker Mysteries (in order):

A CHRISTMAS QUICK SKETCH (prequel)
PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY
STILL LIFE IN BRUNSWICK STEW
HIJACK IN ABSTRACT
DEATH IN PERSPECTIVE
THE VIGILANTE VIGNETTE
THE BODY IN THE LANDSCAPE
A COMPOSITION IN MURDER
A VIEW TO A CHILL
A MOTHERLODE OF TROUBLE

Maizie Albright Star Detective series in order:

15 MINUTES
16 MILLIMETERS
NC-17
A VIEW TO A CHILL
17.5 CARTRIDGES IN A PEAR TREE
18 CALIBER
18 1/2 DISGUISES
19 CRIMINALS (coming soon!)
20 CARATS

Finley Goodhart Crime Capers in order:

PIG’N A POKE (prequel short story for Larissa's subscribers)
THE CUPID CAPER

Reviews

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved A View to a Chill. It's Christmastime in Halo, Georgia, and Maizie Albright and Cherry Tucker, the main characters from Larissa Reinhart's two series, end up separately investigating Cherry's neighbor, Martha Mae. Neither knows each other or what the other is doing, and they are interested in the elderly neighbor for totally different reasons. Cherry is suffering from the flu, and in her flu-induced fugue state has a Rear Window experience while looking into Martha Mae's window. At the same time, Maizie is trying to locate the granddaughter of an elderly client, who just happens to be named Celia Fowler. Mrs. Fowler may or may not be the sweet little Granny Maizie thinks she is, but she is convinced that Krystal, her missing granddaughter, is visiting Martha Mae in Halo. The book shifts seamlessly from Maizie's to Cherry's points of view, and both often find themselves in hilarious and hair-raising situations.

This book is entertaining and intriguing, and I know you will enjoy it as much as I did!

[Kandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Christmas mystery, involving a past actress, a pregnant woman, another woman with the flu and some strange happenings at an elderly neighbors house. Very interesting.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

PI-in-training Maizie goes behind her crushes back - uh, her boss's back- and takes on a case he has turned down. What could be more special than finding a grandmother's missing granddaughter at Christmastime? The job takes her to Halo during a treacherous time of the year. Freezing temps, sleet, and snow don't deter her from action when a suspicious character keeps Maizie from finding answers. At the same time, Cherry, delirious from a bad case of the flu, looks out her bedrooms window and believes she sees Santa strangling her elderly neighbor (or was it a reindeer?) with Christmas lights. Realizing he's been spotted, 'Santa' turns his evil eye on Cherry. With the town's police force occupied with a bank robbery and hostage situation, Maizie and Cherry join forces to put 'Santa' and his helper on the naughty list.

Fun cozy mystery, fast-paced and full of adventure. A book selection from the 12 Slays of Christmas boxed set.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maize Albright teams up with Cherry Tucker when she takes on a case of a missing girl for a not so wealthy grandmother, after her boss said he would not help her again for the fifth year in a row. Nash is half owner of Nash Security Solutions. The other half is owned by his vindictive ex-wife, who would rather see the company go under than to let Nash succeed in his business.
Maize's search take's her to Halo, GA to see Mrs. Fowler's sister. Cherry is in bed with the flu, and witnesses a murder or at least an attempted murder across the street.

This is a fun story that combines the two worlds that Larissa writes about. The Cherry Tucker series is a little more serious leaning story than that of the Maize Albright one, that may just be due to there is more levity in the latter series, (which mean I look forward to their releases more).They both have well developed characters and very good plot lines. I have read multiple books from Ms. Reinhart and generally enjoy her stories.

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Cherry and Maizie in the same book!!! How awesome is that! I already love the characters but that is because Larissa Reinhart creates her characters so well that I have no choice. I have mentioned before that one of the things I love about Cherry and Maisy is that they both have kind hearts, kind to the point that they will make sacrifices to help others. That willingness is once again evident in what they go through to try to help and old woman and her estranged granddaughter.
The intricate plot was outstanding, including lots of amazing detail and action and mirroring a bit of Hitchcock’s Rear Window. Speaking of detail, I think I have the flu! Not really, I am one of the fortunate few down here, but I swear I felt every ounce of misery that Cherry experienced. I shivered more than once with Maizie, too as she sat out in the cold doing surveillance, refusing to give up even though she really, really wanted to spend Christmas with Nash and to discover what his last comment meant!
The twists of the tale are typical Larissa Reinhart and one more things that makes her work stand out.
Although it is a "between" book so it is number .5, Amazon shows it at over 250 pages, that is novel length to me and I enjoyed every minute of it.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic cross over holiday novel featuring two great sleuths from Author Larissa Reinhardt.
Dangerous fun. Maizie Albright is still new to the PI business, having spent more time playing one on TV. Cherry Tucker is from a law enforcement family, and nosy by nature, but an artist by occupation. Christmas has not been a the merriest time of year for her.
Halo, Georgia is usually a sleepy small town where people know their neighbors and are willing to help each other. Christmas is normally a peaceful time year, when Christmas Club bank accounts are full and employers reward good years with bonus checks and families make plans to gather.
In the spirit of the season, Maizie takes on a pro Bono investigation, looking for a missing person.
Cherry finds herself in bed with death defying flu, and witnesses a "Rear Window" type crime.
When the two cases collide, neither sleuth can curb her instincts to do whatever it takes, especially when the police are busy elsewhere.
Mixing familiar with plot twists, this cozy case is anything but predictable.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maisie Albright worked as a TV child detective.
After leaving the television world, she is in
training to be a real detective. She decides to
find a missing granddaughter for an elderly
woman at Christmas time. This quest takes
her to Halo, Georgia.
Cherry Tucker, Halo’s star artist and wanna be
detective starts out the story by having a
serious bout of flu. While looking out her
bedroom window, Cherry sees a Santa wrap
a string of Christmas lights around a reindeer
at her neighbors house. She tries to call the
police but is ignored.
Meanwhile in Halo, there is a bank robbery.
Deputy Luke Harper volunteers to be
exchanged for the hostages in the bank.
Now he is missing.
What an interesting cast of characters
engaging in a convoluted, creatively plotted
mystery with humor at Christmas.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book where Maizie and Cherry join forces to solve the mystery.

Maizie is on her own, investigating a case during Christmas time to help grandmother find her long missing grandaughter.
Cherry has a severe case of flu and is in bed having hallucinations of Santa choking her neighbour.

Fast paced, intense, well written, with many array of fabulous characters and full of Christmas spirit this is a great read all year around but especially during a holiday season.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun! A View To A Chill (1 of 2 books in Crimes Most Merry & Albright) is a wonderfully entertaining, humorous, action-filled story of the antics of P.I. in training Maizie Albright. Cherry Tucker, artist, also shows up with fever dreams and a shotgun. Enjoy!

[Helen Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A View to a Chill by Larissa Reinhart brings two of her main characters, Cherry Tucker and Maizie Albright together. Two of my favorite main characters. The flu, murder and the holidays with humorous mayhem. A View to a Chill was first released as part of 12 Slays of Christmas. My posted review of 12 Slays of Christmas attached — The 12 Slays of Christmas-12 Great holiday stories by 12 Great authors-is a way to spend some holiday time with old and new friends. Some stories/characters are from current series. There is action, suspense, thrills and chills. Unpredictable twists and turns. Romance, humor, LAUGHS. A few tears. Heart warming moments. Characters to remember. Entertaining holiday cheer and spirit. I received 5 of the stories—1). The Case of the Curious Biscuit by Nell Goddin, 2). Frankincense, Gold and Murder by Kim Hunt Harris, 3). The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Judith Lucci, 4). A View to a Chill by Larissa Reinhart, 5). Murder at the Holiday Bazaar, by Kathryn Dionne—as ARCs. I ENJOYED them SOOO much I purchased the entire set. For both holiday gift and myself. Because reading the other stories, A MUST!!! I am voluntarily posting this review.

[Dawn Holbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read, A View to a Chill by Larissa Reinhart. I loved this book because my two favorite sleuths actually meet! Yes, Cherry and Maizie meet under bazaar circumstances. There was a bank robbery and Luke (Cherry's beau) was taken as hostage. Cherry had the flu and noticed strange things at her neighbor’s house. In the meantime, Maizie, was hot on the trail of a missing granddaughter. Casey (very pregnant) and Pearl get involved in the drama as well. It was a hoot to read! Mrs. Reinhart blended Cherry and Maizie's lives beautifully. I hope they cross paths again!

I received this book for an honest review.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reinhart’s two sleuths,Maize Albright and Cherry Tucker sort of work together on a case of a missing girl for a worried grandmother.

Maize's search sends her to Halo,Georgia, Cherry’s hometown. Down with the flu,Cherry is in bed ,and either sees (or hallucinates) a murder or at least an attempted murder across the street.

However, her fever may have her seeing things, while Mazie, with no backup, channels her old TV character to find the strength, and cunning, to save them all. Not the most glorious way to spend Christmas Eve....

[I read this as an ARC I voluntarily requested]

[Andrea Latham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the main characters, Maizie Albright (Star Detective) and Cherry Tucker and how they went about solving the crime & catching the criminals. Very good cozy mystery.

[Answer Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A View to a Chill is a delightful convergence of Larissa Reinhart’s most engaging heroines, Cherry Tucker and Maizie Albright, blending humor, suspense, and holiday cheer into a tightly-woven mystery. Reinhart masterfully balances the chaotic energy of Cherry’s fever-induced visions with Maizie’s determined, methodical search, creating a dual narrative that feels both urgent and charmingly human.
What makes this installment stand out is Reinhart’s playful manipulation of perspective echoing a Rashomon-like structure that keeps readers guessing about what’s real and what is fevered imagination. Cherry’s struggle to distinguish visions from reality adds a layer of psychological intrigue, while Maizie’s investigation into a missing granddaughter proves both suspenseful and emotionally resonant. The interplay between these two strong, independent women highlights not only their complementary skills but also their distinct personalities, making every interaction sparkle with wit and heart.

The festive setting of Halo, Georgia, combined with eccentric local characters and a menacingly mischievous “Santa,” ensures that tension and comedy coexist seamlessly. Reinhart’s fast-paced plotting and sharp dialogue create an experience that’s as cozy as it is thrilling, and the holiday backdrop adds a comforting yet suspenseful rhythm to the story.

Ultimately, A View to a Chill is more than a holiday caper; it’s a celebration of clever storytelling, resilient characters, and the intricate dance between humor and danger. Fans of either series or newcomers seeking a witty, character-driven mystery will find themselves thoroughly entertained and eagerly anticipating the next adventure.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. When Halo's most notorious artist, Cherry Tucker, thinks she sees a crime through her bedroom window, her feverish claims are ignored by her family. Trapped in bed, influenza is the least of her problems. Deputy Luke Harper can't be found. She can’t tell fevered dream from reality. And a very bad Santa knows Cherry’s spotted his Christmas killing. It's going to take a Christmas miracle for Cherry to recover. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cross-over between Maizie Albright and Cherry Tucker. The chapters are telling the story from each one’s perspective. Maizie goes to Halo, Georgia to visit Martha Mae (Mrs. Fowler’s sister) to acquire about Krystal, the missing girl. Martha Mae lives next door to Cherry Tucker. Thus the story begins. Cherry having the flu, believes she saw Martha Mae get murdered. While Maizie and Cherry investigate on their own, they come together to solve the case. This was an enjoyable read. The things Maizie gets into and nothing would stop Cherry from finding out what happened to the neighbor and who the strange people in Martha Mae’s house. Highly recommend if you enjoy reading women’s sleuthing.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Christmas Crossover!

Maizie Albright, ex- TV child detective, & Cherry Tucker, starving artist, join together to solve this great Christmas crossover caper. The ladies take turns, chapter by chapter telling their side of this crazy tale. Both follow their instincts even when no one else believes them causing considerable chaos before finally coming to a very satisfying conclusion for both Maizie & Cherry. I always enjoy each of these series individually, but together, they were absolutely riveting! Hopefully Cherry & Maizie will get together for another madcap adventure crossover.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story beautifully interweaves the lead characters from two of Larissa Reinhart’s
popular series. Author Larissa Reinhart has Cherry and Maizie each tell her own perspective of the story in alternating chapters. Since I had not read any of her previous books, this helped me get to know each of these sleuths individually. Together, they provide the reader with the full picture and lead to the ultimate resolution of the crime.

The story is an easy tale to read and I look forward to picking up more from this author.

My copy of this book was a prize to a random winner in on-line contest. No review was promised or required.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You just knew it had to be interesting when Cherry and Maizie are both involved. And it is. Just trying to get around in the crazy weather is cause enough for a story in the south. Add a missing person, a concerned grandmother, and a Christmas loving neighbor who had a visit from Santa, well, you’ve got a real story going on now. If you aren’t familiar with Cherry and Maizie, you’re in for a treat. You’ll fall in love with these crazy characters as they work their way through some surprises and some wacky situations.

[Martha Countryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed Larissa Reinhart's “A View to a Chill”. Larissa has delftly woven her two cozy mystery series together with Cherry Tucker from Halo and Maizie Albright from Black Pine along with Christmas and felonies to create Hilarious, Holiday Happenings in Georgia! The freezing cold weather in the story goes right along with the weather lately. It's a perfect read for cozying up with a cup of hot chocolate!

[Ruth Barrineau-Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read an advanced reader's copy of this book. What would you get if you brought together two of the most unique, persistent detectives, Cherry Tucker and Maizie Albright? If you guess an irresistible mystery full of twists and turns, you're right. It's Christmas Eve, and Cherry is deathly ill with a bug, but not too ill not to become embroiled in a mystery. Maizie is out to do a good deed -- she hopes. The results are so entertaining and just the right thing to brighten your winter day. I loved both of their series, so I knew I'd love A View to a Chill -- case closed. Great read!

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this crossover novella of two Reinhart sleuths. Cherry Tucker and Maizie Albright. Cherry is sick in bed with the flu but that doesnt stop her from helping to solve the mystery and Maizie is trying to find a runaway granddaughter who ends up being a bank robber. The story pulls you in and keeps you busy following both sleuths. It meshes together so flawlessly and I kept quickly turning the pages. I voluntarily reviewed a copy I received from the author.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique Christmas mystery told from the viewpoints of two main characters from other series. Reinhart does an excellent job of painting these characters through their thoughts and actions. Maizie Albright is a child star turned detective who has several personal issues going on as well as the case she is trying to solve. Cherry Tucker does too--plus a raging case of the flu. There's a little bit of 'Rear Window' and a little bit of 'Charade' floating around in this fun Christmas cozy.

[Margo James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little bit confusing but an exciting adventure with unusual characters.

If seems fans of Ms Reinhart have rehashed this story to death. This is the first book of hers I have read, and I am so glad I didn't read any "reviews". Nice book, confusing but exciting. No one knew what the others were doing and the police were conspicuously absent. Loved Maizie conversing with her teenage actor alter ego. Will check out both series now.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maizie is training to be a private detective and is seeking her client's granddaughter -maybe at the home of the client's sister.

Meanwhile, Cherry is in bed with the flu. Was she hallucinating when she saw - through her window - her neighbour (the sister) being attacked?

It's a great mix of stories that keep you reading

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherry Tucker and Maizie Albright together, kind of, in one story. The only thing that would have made it better would have been having Gretchen Archer’s Davis Way show up as a participant in this crazy Christmas story.

[Pat Dupuy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story

Two stories parallel one another until suddenly they intersect. Cherry Tucker is sick with the flu and staring out her bedroom window ala Rear Window. Maizie is on a mission of mercy for a sweet little old grandmother. Both think something hinky is going on next door.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not having read either of the Maizie Albright or the Cherry Tucker series I found this one a bit difficult to get into. By the end, I enjoyed it, but I think I would have had an easier time had I read either of the original series.

[Christie Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I've read all of the Maisie Albright books, but this was my introduction to Cherry Tucker. Reading the story from two points of view was refreshing. I can't wait to read more about Cherry; Portrait of a Dead Guy is next on my TBR.

[Marianne McGinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chilling

Larissa Reinhart has me hooked on her books! Cherry Tucker, related to the sherriff's of a small town, is up to getting herself in another predicament! Find out who is involved this time!