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Murder by Design #4
How the Ghost Stole Christmas
All Bailey Burke wants for Christmas is to stop seeing dead people. A reluctant spiritual medium, she craves a stress-free holiday with no ghosts popping in and out of her house.
But when Bailey does the décor for a huge fundraising party featuring a replica slide from A Christmas Story, no one expects to find Santa’s dead body. In the slide. From three years ago.
With the current Santa-for-hire and the dead Santa’s ghost harassing her, there isn’t enough eggnog in Cleveland to save Bailey’s night.
Solving St. Nick’s murder is the only way to get back to cozy nights by the fire with her cop boyfriend Marner in time for some Christmas mistletoe…
But when Bailey does the décor for a huge fundraising party featuring a replica slide from A Christmas Story, no one expects to find Santa’s dead body. In the slide. From three years ago.
With the current Santa-for-hire and the dead Santa’s ghost harassing her, there isn’t enough eggnog in Cleveland to save Bailey’s night.
Solving St. Nick’s murder is the only way to get back to cozy nights by the fire with her cop boyfriend Marner in time for some Christmas mistletoe…
79 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2018
212 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Erin McCarthy
216 books4,825 followersUSA Today and New York Times Bestselling author Erin McCarthy sold her first book in 2002 and has since written over a hundred novels and novellas in teen fiction, new adult, and adult romance. Erin has a special weakness for high-heeled boots, beaches and martinis. She lives in Ohio with her family, two grumpy cats and a socially awkward dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 22, 2019
Spirits of Christmas
Bailey can see ghosts and they show up at inopportune times. Her boyfriend Jake has learned to accept her special talent and the trouble it brings.
Bailey can see ghosts and they show up at inopportune times. Her boyfriend Jake has learned to accept her special talent and the trouble it brings.
December 28, 2024
Super cute novella I just grabbed as a Christmasy short story to listen to on a drive. The ghost of Santa comes and asks for help to solve his murder. Quirky fun.
December 13, 2025
How the Ghost Stole Christmas by Erin McCarthy
This is an urban fantasy novella set during the Christmas season and a perfect example of a popcorn read done right. It is not the first book in the series, but it is very easy to jump into even if you have not read any of the others. If you are simply in the mood for a festive fantasy with a mystery element, this works very well as a standalone.
This is not a book to approach expecting depth or complexity. It is light, fast, and entertaining, exactly the kind of story that fits the busy and often overwhelming Christmas period, when you just want something easy to unwind with after a long day. The pacing is quick, the tone playful, and the book never asks much of the reader.
The main character can see ghosts, which means she regularly gets pulled into solving their unfinished business, often connected to how they died. The ghosts themselves are a mixed bunch, some funny, some annoying, all with bits of hidden history that slowly come to light. In this case, the mystery revolves around a dead Santa whose skeleton has been discovered, and who has no idea who actually killed him. It is a silly premise, and the book knows it, leaning into the fun rather than trying to overcomplicate things.
There is also the main character’s boyfriend, who is almost absurdly perfect. He is a police officer, highly competent, smart, and of course very attractive. Normally this kind of character would irritate me, but in a short, cheerful novella like this it really does not matter. He fits the tone, helps move the story along, and never takes over the spotlight.
Overall, this is cosy urban fantasy with a Christmas twist, mixed with a light murder mystery and a sense of humour that knows exactly what it is doing. A quick, comforting read full of ghosts, tinsel, and an uncomplicated whodunnit, perfect when you want something fun and festive without any effort.
This is an urban fantasy novella set during the Christmas season and a perfect example of a popcorn read done right. It is not the first book in the series, but it is very easy to jump into even if you have not read any of the others. If you are simply in the mood for a festive fantasy with a mystery element, this works very well as a standalone.
This is not a book to approach expecting depth or complexity. It is light, fast, and entertaining, exactly the kind of story that fits the busy and often overwhelming Christmas period, when you just want something easy to unwind with after a long day. The pacing is quick, the tone playful, and the book never asks much of the reader.
The main character can see ghosts, which means she regularly gets pulled into solving their unfinished business, often connected to how they died. The ghosts themselves are a mixed bunch, some funny, some annoying, all with bits of hidden history that slowly come to light. In this case, the mystery revolves around a dead Santa whose skeleton has been discovered, and who has no idea who actually killed him. It is a silly premise, and the book knows it, leaning into the fun rather than trying to overcomplicate things.
There is also the main character’s boyfriend, who is almost absurdly perfect. He is a police officer, highly competent, smart, and of course very attractive. Normally this kind of character would irritate me, but in a short, cheerful novella like this it really does not matter. He fits the tone, helps move the story along, and never takes over the spotlight.
Overall, this is cosy urban fantasy with a Christmas twist, mixed with a light murder mystery and a sense of humour that knows exactly what it is doing. A quick, comforting read full of ghosts, tinsel, and an uncomplicated whodunnit, perfect when you want something fun and festive without any effort.
March 12, 2025
I love it! Bailey discovered something new about Jake that has him terrified and in denial. Bailey’s grandma revealed a secret of her own and Bailey also got duped… again, in this read. There was a lot of talk about Santas and then in the end is a surprise visitor. 🎅🏼 😁
Next is book 5, “It’s a Ghost’s Life.”
Next is book 5, “It’s a Ghost’s Life.”
November 26, 2018
This was my favorite in the series. I was laughing like crazy, and
December 9, 2019
A fun cozy with some surprises along the way. I like that Jake now knows Bailey's secret. A touch of Christmas adds to any book.
December 4, 2022
Very cute book. Ghost of Santa Claus asks Bailey to solve his murder. I totally recommend this.
December 25, 2023
Everything you need for a fun Christmas murder mystery novella.
September 8, 2024
I didn't realise it was a part of a short story series, so I had no idea why the Ryan ending wasn't wrapped up, but now it makes sense. It was ok, probably not something I would read again.
January 19, 2025
Another in the series-same-cozy rom com with ghosts
June 13, 2023
What a cute Christmas short story this was! But oh, there's so many things happening that are going to change everything Bailey and Marner thought about their lives.
December 10, 2023
This was a nice Christmas light hearted mystery. Nothing scary. A fun ghost/mystery book. Easy quick read.
December 23, 2024
2.75 stars. There is definitely an audience that would enjoy this book more than I did.
This book follows a 28 year old woman and her very “masculine” police officer boyfriend and you are constantly reminded that they are sexually attracted to each other. The book is more about the vibes than the mystery. The main character hardly investigates and there was only one suspect the entire book. The main character also somehow ends up in a lot of life-threatening situations that are swiftly brushed off like “oh isn’t that a silly quirk of mine that random people keep trying to kill me?? 💁♀️” At one point someone breaks into her house and she decides not to call the police or notify anyone she knows because she wants to prove she’s self-sufficient. Like girl, what???
The twist also didn’t make much sense as it didn’t follow the rules of the universe this book took place in. Instead of leaving me shocked it left me confused and feeling like I was misremembering the events of the book.
If you like fluffy cozy mysteries and don’t need the mystery to take center stage and if you like alpha-male love interests, I think you’d really enjoy this.
This is a part of a series of very short cozy mysteries and they’re on Ever&. It only took me around 2 hours to listen to so if you have any interest I’d say go for it!
This book follows a 28 year old woman and her very “masculine” police officer boyfriend and you are constantly reminded that they are sexually attracted to each other. The book is more about the vibes than the mystery. The main character hardly investigates and there was only one suspect the entire book. The main character also somehow ends up in a lot of life-threatening situations that are swiftly brushed off like “oh isn’t that a silly quirk of mine that random people keep trying to kill me?? 💁♀️” At one point someone breaks into her house and she decides not to call the police or notify anyone she knows because she wants to prove she’s self-sufficient. Like girl, what???
The twist also didn’t make much sense as it didn’t follow the rules of the universe this book took place in. Instead of leaving me shocked it left me confused and feeling like I was misremembering the events of the book.
If you like fluffy cozy mysteries and don’t need the mystery to take center stage and if you like alpha-male love interests, I think you’d really enjoy this.
This is a part of a series of very short cozy mysteries and they’re on Ever&. It only took me around 2 hours to listen to so if you have any interest I’d say go for it!
December 18, 2022
How the Ghost Stole Christmas (Murder by Design # 4) — Erin Mccarthy; Narrator: Elizabeth Klett (7 chapters) Dec. 9-12, 2022
I read the first book in this series way back in 2018, and thought I would be reading the next in series before now. But this book is actually the fourth book in the series (oops! I skipped ahead two books.) However, I love reading holiday themed books and when this one popped up on my one of my “you would like” lists, and I saw how short it was.. .AND it had an accompanying audiobook, I knew I had to read it.
It was super short; super fun; and had all the elements that I have come to enjoy in this fork of cozy mysteries that deal with paranormal behavior, whether it is being able to talk to cats; seeing/talking to dead people; or have otherworldly talents.
In this series, the protagonist sees and talks to the dead.
And in this story, the dead is a mall Santa that disappeared three years prior.
This story was tightly written and was a complete story in about 2-3 hours reading (half that for me as I turned the audio speed up to 1.8-2.0.)
Fun book. And just like the last book I read in this series (# 1) it’s worth the stars I gave it.
Four stars.
I read the first book in this series way back in 2018, and thought I would be reading the next in series before now. But this book is actually the fourth book in the series (oops! I skipped ahead two books.) However, I love reading holiday themed books and when this one popped up on my one of my “you would like” lists, and I saw how short it was.. .AND it had an accompanying audiobook, I knew I had to read it.
It was super short; super fun; and had all the elements that I have come to enjoy in this fork of cozy mysteries that deal with paranormal behavior, whether it is being able to talk to cats; seeing/talking to dead people; or have otherworldly talents.
In this series, the protagonist sees and talks to the dead.
And in this story, the dead is a mall Santa that disappeared three years prior.
This story was tightly written and was a complete story in about 2-3 hours reading (half that for me as I turned the audio speed up to 1.8-2.0.)
Fun book. And just like the last book I read in this series (# 1) it’s worth the stars I gave it.
Four stars.
December 11, 2025
How the Ghost Stole Christmas is a cozy, festive, and delightfully lighthearted paranormal holiday read. Erin McCarthy blends gentle humor, romance, and a sprinkle of supernatural charm to create a story that feels effortless to sink into. The pacing is brisk, making it an easy and enjoyable book to finish in a single sitting, and the holiday setting adds a warm, comforting glow to the entire narrative.
What makes this novella work so well is its balance: the ghostly elements are fun rather than frightening, the romance is sweet without overpowering the story, and the overall tone stays uplifting and spirited. It’s the kind of book that delivers exactly what you hope for—a playful seasonal escape that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
A cozy, fun, and fast read perfect for anyone wanting a little paranormal sparkle in their holiday lineup.
What makes this novella work so well is its balance: the ghostly elements are fun rather than frightening, the romance is sweet without overpowering the story, and the overall tone stays uplifting and spirited. It’s the kind of book that delivers exactly what you hope for—a playful seasonal escape that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
A cozy, fun, and fast read perfect for anyone wanting a little paranormal sparkle in their holiday lineup.
December 19, 2019
Bailey was decorating for the Christmas gala for children patients. She only had to worry about replacing the Santa (her boyfriend had that honor.) She did not expect a ghost to jump at her face. See, Bailey was a medium that could see ghosts. Of course, she only saw ghosts whenever there was a dead body nearby. Oh no…C’mon, it was Christmas! Death and Christmas do not mix. But you know what they say: Death doesn’t take a day off. In this case, it was the Santa that croaked. Evidently, he was murdered 3 years ago and his body was in the slide. Great.
Bailey has that sharp wit; however, she tends to yammer too much at times. I didn’t really feel like she concentrated on the case. In fact, she struck me as kind of flighty.
Okay read though.
Bailey has that sharp wit; however, she tends to yammer too much at times. I didn’t really feel like she concentrated on the case. In fact, she struck me as kind of flighty.
Okay read though.
December 1, 2018
Love, love, love this book!!!
I’ve been reading Erin’s books for years and this was a laugh out loud book!! I reread the book about Cesar before starting this book to remember how much I like Bailey & Jake. This book is short, but had enough content that I was fully satisfied!! I laughed out loud several times and now I can’t wait for the next book in the series!!
I’ve been reading Erin’s books for a number of years but usually it’s her contemporary romance not supernatural. Read the series to really understand this fun couple, but it’s not necessary
Great job Erin!!
I’ve been reading Erin’s books for years and this was a laugh out loud book!! I reread the book about Cesar before starting this book to remember how much I like Bailey & Jake. This book is short, but had enough content that I was fully satisfied!! I laughed out loud several times and now I can’t wait for the next book in the series!!
I’ve been reading Erin’s books for a number of years but usually it’s her contemporary romance not supernatural. Read the series to really understand this fun couple, but it’s not necessary
Great job Erin!!
May 9, 2019
I love this book! The series is super cute a little love some mystery and of course ghosts. Bailey is so funny she’s always getting herself into trouble and a ghost or two show up. Jake likes to be on the Straight and narrow but it seems that trouble falls Bailey and well since they are together he can’t seem to shake it.
A great story in the series. The stories never feel like a repeat of the last one. They always have a fresh new direction. I really love this series I can’t wait for the next one!
A great story in the series. The stories never feel like a repeat of the last one. They always have a fresh new direction. I really love this series I can’t wait for the next one!
December 1, 2018
Fourth book, or novella, in this series. It might be fun reading as a stand alone, but do yourself a favor and read the earlier books to get the background of Bailey and Jake. All the charm and humor is in this novella as the others books. I've missed this series, they are fun cozies with the murderer always caught, but it might not be who you thought. This story has a great twist and the ending is great. Looking forward to the next.
November 26, 2019
~Good introduction to the series
~I realize that I am not reading the stories in the correct order…I was looking for a Cozy Christmas Mystery and this one popped up.
~For a short story it was well thought out, it had one unique twist to it…which I loved. Both Bailey and Jake are a delightful couple and easy to accept as the main characters of the series.
~This really is a light, easy read…but, one that is enjoyable.
~I realize that I am not reading the stories in the correct order…I was looking for a Cozy Christmas Mystery and this one popped up.
~For a short story it was well thought out, it had one unique twist to it…which I loved. Both Bailey and Jake are a delightful couple and easy to accept as the main characters of the series.
~This really is a light, easy read…but, one that is enjoyable.
December 23, 2019
Short cozy Christmas mystery
I enjoy all the troubles Bailey gets herself into. There are almost always laugh out loud moments when reading her stories.
This mystery has Santa as the ghost. Santa had a wandering eye and cheated on his wife many times, he was a naughty Santa and now he is stuck in eternity wearing a Santa suit unless Bailey can find out who killed him.
Enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the next one in the series.
I enjoy all the troubles Bailey gets herself into. There are almost always laugh out loud moments when reading her stories.
This mystery has Santa as the ghost. Santa had a wandering eye and cheated on his wife many times, he was a naughty Santa and now he is stuck in eternity wearing a Santa suit unless Bailey can find out who killed him.
Enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the next one in the series.
November 3, 2022
How The Ghost Stole Christmas by Erin McCarthy
Bailey has a special gift she is a medium who sees ghosts. Her boyfriend is playing Santa Claus for the kids at the gala for kids fundraiser. Anyways Bailey sees a ghost and they later find a body from three years ago a man who played Santa Claus in the slide. Now Bailey and her cop boyfriend are trying to solve the case before Christmas.
This was a cute. fun, and quirky cozy mystery. It was fast to read.
Bailey has a special gift she is a medium who sees ghosts. Her boyfriend is playing Santa Claus for the kids at the gala for kids fundraiser. Anyways Bailey sees a ghost and they later find a body from three years ago a man who played Santa Claus in the slide. Now Bailey and her cop boyfriend are trying to solve the case before Christmas.
This was a cute. fun, and quirky cozy mystery. It was fast to read.
December 20, 2018
"That was the problem with ghosts. They had no respect for the living."
Non mi aspettavo una lettura così simpatica, frizzante, leggera e intrigante. Sono rimasta davvero sorpresa!
La consiglio a chiunque voglia staccare la spina e dedicarsi a qualcosa di poco impegnativo ma di buona qualità, che sappia regalare anche qualche risata 😊
Non mi aspettavo una lettura così simpatica, frizzante, leggera e intrigante. Sono rimasta davvero sorpresa!
La consiglio a chiunque voglia staccare la spina e dedicarsi a qualcosa di poco impegnativo ma di buona qualità, che sappia regalare anche qualche risata 😊
November 14, 2019
Overall not a bad book.
All in all a good read. Only part I have a complaint about is the vape ( If I knew where my vape was, I would suck half the pod down right now.) Younger girls read romances and this is a bad influence. I think she needs to stop smoking and encourage children not to do it..
All in all a good read. Only part I have a complaint about is the vape ( If I knew where my vape was, I would suck half the pod down right now.) Younger girls read romances and this is a bad influence. I think she needs to stop smoking and encourage children not to do it..
November 26, 2019
An unwanted Christmas Spirit
I highly recommend this Christmas cozey it's humorous, intreageing and shot full of little twists and turns.The caracters are delightful and some quite frightful .the storey definitely all round full of Christmas spirit. It would be a shame for you to miss this uletide cozey murder mystery. Let it snow let it snow. 😊 Kat
I highly recommend this Christmas cozey it's humorous, intreageing and shot full of little twists and turns.The caracters are delightful and some quite frightful .the storey definitely all round full of Christmas spirit. It would be a shame for you to miss this uletide cozey murder mystery. Let it snow let it snow. 😊 Kat
December 7, 2019
Ghost Santa
Bailey has a big charity event. All is going well until a ghost dressed bad Santa asks for her help.
This was a fun little cozy mystery with a Christmas theme. There wasn't a lot of detecting happening but there was still a twist or two that may surprise you. I liked the humorous elements in the story.
Bailey has a big charity event. All is going well until a ghost dressed bad Santa asks for her help.
This was a fun little cozy mystery with a Christmas theme. There wasn't a lot of detecting happening but there was still a twist or two that may surprise you. I liked the humorous elements in the story.
December 10, 2022
Christmas with a ghost what a twist. Found this book a nice break from the normal heavy books I read. Looking for a little laughter and cute romance with a ghost who appears this would be the one. It does have a little Hallmark feel but I found it quite endearing to the story.
A definite read for this Christmas season!!
A definite read for this Christmas season!!
December 30, 2022
Quick novella with Bailey and Jake.
It’s Christmas and Santa has been murdered, it’s up to Bailey and Jake to solve the mystery of the Kissing Santa. Plus Jen’s in town and trouble is brewing between Bailey’s parents. This was a fun, quick, light, read with interesting developments on the ghost seeing front.
It’s Christmas and Santa has been murdered, it’s up to Bailey and Jake to solve the mystery of the Kissing Santa. Plus Jen’s in town and trouble is brewing between Bailey’s parents. This was a fun, quick, light, read with interesting developments on the ghost seeing front.
November 23, 2023
This was actually kind of cute. I did however get just really annoyed with the repetitive comments about the main character's vape. It felt so odd to keep talking about it.
The main character is definitely an awful medium who lacks a little critical thinking but despite that I still enjoyed this little novella.
The main character is definitely an awful medium who lacks a little critical thinking but despite that I still enjoyed this little novella.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews