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Juniper Junction Holiday Mystery #1
The Worst Noel
Christmas is supposed to be a time of peace, love, and joy, but for Lilly Carlsen, this Christmas is murder.
As a single mom, small business owner, and president of the local Chamber of Commerce, the last thing she needs is to find a dead body on the floor of her jewelry shop on the busiest shopping day of the year. And as if that isn't enough, Lilly has to deal with a deadbeat ex-husband, a mother with declining mental health, and two teenagers.
But when a second body turns up, Lilly finds herself squarely in the crosshairs of suspicion. Can she figure out who killed the victims before she becomes one herself? And will her family's Christmas be merry...or scary?
As a single mom, small business owner, and president of the local Chamber of Commerce, the last thing she needs is to find a dead body on the floor of her jewelry shop on the busiest shopping day of the year. And as if that isn't enough, Lilly has to deal with a deadbeat ex-husband, a mother with declining mental health, and two teenagers.
But when a second body turns up, Lilly finds herself squarely in the crosshairs of suspicion. Can she figure out who killed the victims before she becomes one herself? And will her family's Christmas be merry...or scary?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2017
156 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Amy M. Reade
20 books250 followersAmy M. Reade is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling mystery author who practiced law until she realized it was way more fun writing fiction.
She writes cozy and Gothic mysteries under the name Amy M. Reade and historical mysteries under the name A.M. Reade. She lives in New Jersey with her family and loves reading, cooking, traveling, playing with the dog, quilling, counted cross-stitch, chocolate, wine, and cheese, though not necessarily in that order.
If you're looking for her and she's not in her office, check the kitchen. If she's not there, she's definitely in the laundry room.
To find out when her next book is coming out and to grab some fun freebies, sign up for her mailing list at www.amymreade.com.
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Thanks for visiting!
She writes cozy and Gothic mysteries under the name Amy M. Reade and historical mysteries under the name A.M. Reade. She lives in New Jersey with her family and loves reading, cooking, traveling, playing with the dog, quilling, counted cross-stitch, chocolate, wine, and cheese, though not necessarily in that order.
If you're looking for her and she's not in her office, check the kitchen. If she's not there, she's definitely in the laundry room.
To find out when her next book is coming out and to grab some fun freebies, sign up for her mailing list at www.amymreade.com.
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/amy-m...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amreadeauthor
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/readeandwrite
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amreade
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymreade
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December 22, 2025Such a cute cover!
December 22, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Lily Carlsen has made a good life for herself and her teenagers, Laurel and Tighe after her ex decided years ago that family life wasn’t for him. Her brother Bill is a police officer in town and they both watch over their mother who lives down the street from Lily. The kids are a big help too as the tentacles of dementia start to take control of their grandmother. The family also has a lovable pup named Barney.
Lilly owns the local jewelry store and is president of the Chamber of Commerce. She works long hours but has raised some really good kids. She has been getting ready for the holiday rush and is excited about the Black Friday shoppers But when she arrives at her store she finds the back door unlocked and as she ventures inside notices the vault is open and a dead body on the showroom floor. The body belongs to a woman Lilly has a history with through the chamber. So even with a brother on the force, she finds herself a suspect in the woman’s murder.
A few days later another body is found, again someone Lilly was seen arguing with. Add to that, her ex shows up and wants to meet his kids. Kids he hasn’t seen since they were babies. Lilly has her hands full but when the killer gets too close for comfort she knows she has to step things up before she becomes the next dead body found.
I was familiar with Amy M. Reade but only knew about her gothic novels which really aren’t my cup of tea, but then I found this series and grabbed The Worst Noel to read this holiday season and I am so happy that I did. I was drawn to Lilly and her family immediately. They felt real, true to life dealing with issues many families deal with. Of course, then you throw in a dead body or two, and Lilly’s story gets very interesting. For the first book in the series, the characters are very well developed. I truly enjoyed getting to know them.
The mystery was a little different because Lilly really tried to stay out of the investigation and get on with her life. Her brother told her what he could and gave her a little heads up with the police had more questions for her. When the police finally realize that Lily’s life may actually be in danger they finally start to look elsewhere. The story had an excellent flow and the pages were literally flying. Several people were introduced along the way and at one point in time, they were all on my suspect list.
I was totally entertained by The Worst Noel. With strong characters and plenty of twists, it was a joy to read. The author does add perfect amounts of humor and romance too. Don’t let the title scare you away. It is a great holiday read. I look forward to spending more holidays with Lily and her family.
Lily Carlsen has made a good life for herself and her teenagers, Laurel and Tighe after her ex decided years ago that family life wasn’t for him. Her brother Bill is a police officer in town and they both watch over their mother who lives down the street from Lily. The kids are a big help too as the tentacles of dementia start to take control of their grandmother. The family also has a lovable pup named Barney.
Lilly owns the local jewelry store and is president of the Chamber of Commerce. She works long hours but has raised some really good kids. She has been getting ready for the holiday rush and is excited about the Black Friday shoppers But when she arrives at her store she finds the back door unlocked and as she ventures inside notices the vault is open and a dead body on the showroom floor. The body belongs to a woman Lilly has a history with through the chamber. So even with a brother on the force, she finds herself a suspect in the woman’s murder.
A few days later another body is found, again someone Lilly was seen arguing with. Add to that, her ex shows up and wants to meet his kids. Kids he hasn’t seen since they were babies. Lilly has her hands full but when the killer gets too close for comfort she knows she has to step things up before she becomes the next dead body found.
I was familiar with Amy M. Reade but only knew about her gothic novels which really aren’t my cup of tea, but then I found this series and grabbed The Worst Noel to read this holiday season and I am so happy that I did. I was drawn to Lilly and her family immediately. They felt real, true to life dealing with issues many families deal with. Of course, then you throw in a dead body or two, and Lilly’s story gets very interesting. For the first book in the series, the characters are very well developed. I truly enjoyed getting to know them.
The mystery was a little different because Lilly really tried to stay out of the investigation and get on with her life. Her brother told her what he could and gave her a little heads up with the police had more questions for her. When the police finally realize that Lily’s life may actually be in danger they finally start to look elsewhere. The story had an excellent flow and the pages were literally flying. Several people were introduced along the way and at one point in time, they were all on my suspect list.
I was totally entertained by The Worst Noel. With strong characters and plenty of twists, it was a joy to read. The author does add perfect amounts of humor and romance too. Don’t let the title scare you away. It is a great holiday read. I look forward to spending more holidays with Lily and her family.
November 15, 2020
This book has a lot going on. We meet Lilly who is a single mom to Laurel and Tighe along with Barney the dog. We also meet her best friend Noley, her brother Bill and her mom, Beverly. Lilly has her hands full with two teenagers, navigating her mother’s dementia, running the City Council, and then there is her jewelry store, where she found a body. It just so happens the dead woman had recently been seen arguing with Lilly. Could anything else go wrong? Well, yes. Another body and a pesky ex husband.
There was so much for me to relate to in this book. I was a single parent. I had a pesky ex who suddenly decided he was interested in teenagers who didn’t know him from Adam. Mostly though, my mom has Alzheimer’s. That disease is a special hell. The author did a good job with balancing the heartbreak of it while also showing the moments you treasure and those moments where all you can do is laugh. I really enjoyed having a main character dealing with something I have to deal with. It helps to know you aren’t alone.
The mystery in this story was different in the sense that Lilly did not really go out investigating. She relied on Bill and the police. I wasn’t sure what to think of that at first. Every cozy mystery I read had the main character investigating. Lilly, though, was trying to live her life and not be arrested for a murder she didn’t commit. Rest assured there were clues. In the end, I really enjoyed the way it all unfolded. I found myself thinking about who the murderer could be more in this book than I did with some other books. I went back and forth on more than one character, including a love interest. I won’t say anymore so you can see how well you do.
This is the second book by this author that I have read but the first cozy. I was pleasantly surprised to see that my enjoyment of her work has stayed high. I noticed there are three more books in this series. One set around Valentine’s Day, one around the Fourth of July and the last at Halloween. I want to read them all now but also want to wait for the corresponding holiday. We shall see how that works out. Fortunately, she also has several other books including ghost stories.
There was so much for me to relate to in this book. I was a single parent. I had a pesky ex who suddenly decided he was interested in teenagers who didn’t know him from Adam. Mostly though, my mom has Alzheimer’s. That disease is a special hell. The author did a good job with balancing the heartbreak of it while also showing the moments you treasure and those moments where all you can do is laugh. I really enjoyed having a main character dealing with something I have to deal with. It helps to know you aren’t alone.
The mystery in this story was different in the sense that Lilly did not really go out investigating. She relied on Bill and the police. I wasn’t sure what to think of that at first. Every cozy mystery I read had the main character investigating. Lilly, though, was trying to live her life and not be arrested for a murder she didn’t commit. Rest assured there were clues. In the end, I really enjoyed the way it all unfolded. I found myself thinking about who the murderer could be more in this book than I did with some other books. I went back and forth on more than one character, including a love interest. I won’t say anymore so you can see how well you do.
This is the second book by this author that I have read but the first cozy. I was pleasantly surprised to see that my enjoyment of her work has stayed high. I noticed there are three more books in this series. One set around Valentine’s Day, one around the Fourth of July and the last at Halloween. I want to read them all now but also want to wait for the corresponding holiday. We shall see how that works out. Fortunately, she also has several other books including ghost stories.
January 3, 2021
Love Love Loved this book, especially at Christmas in lockdown!
Someone has broken into the Jewellery shop at Juniper Junction on Black Friday. Can Lilly Carlsen juggle her teenage kids, an aging Mother, snow, a murderer and the dreamy gem dealer?
Check it out, wonderful characters, lots of blizzards and very Christmasy, this book has everything. Highly recommend 5 Stars.
Someone has broken into the Jewellery shop at Juniper Junction on Black Friday. Can Lilly Carlsen juggle her teenage kids, an aging Mother, snow, a murderer and the dreamy gem dealer?
Check it out, wonderful characters, lots of blizzards and very Christmasy, this book has everything. Highly recommend 5 Stars.
November 26, 2018
“The Worst Noel” earns 5/5 Black Friday Receipts…Engaging and Fun!
Lilly’s Very Bad, No Good, Terrible, “Worst” Day!
A very entertaining first-in-the-series penned by Amy M. Reade (Ok, what an apropos name, right?). A clever mystery with wonderful characters and a satisfying conclusion make me a fan and eager to join in as a regular for her Juniper Junction Holiday Mysteries. The mystery gives “karma” a good name…bad character meets bad end, but perp is handed justice, too. Readers are led through a variety of entertaining suspects all with motive, but the final “you're it” is one that challenged my inner Sherlock. And along with an enjoyable cozy mystery, she provides a engaging look into Lilly’s family dramas, interactions with her BFF, and efforts to have a Black Friday do-over. Amy is not a new author, penning standalone books and the Malice series, so the well-developed characters in a first-in-the-series book are a given. I admire Lilly, the teens are an enjoyable support duo, and she paints with realism her mother’s possible early-onset dementia and ex-husband’s antics. Stories and characters that all made for a great read!
The story has a whopping sixty-two chapters. Whoa! I thought I'd be reading for days. However, I was so pleasantly surprised, and really like the manner in which Amy organized her story. Each chapter is a scene or part of the day easily enjoyed…a real page-turner. In Amy’s story readers are put on the periphery with an enjoyable third-person narrative. However, I prefer a first-person narrative that allows me to feel I'm part of the story with the “I” perspective. She does include intriguing descriptions, engaging banter, and illustrations of tone and personality which kept me totally engaged. I highly recommend this book, and am a big fan!
My two favorite words…No, not “It’s Murder!,” but Recipes Included! Amy Reade has added three delicious easy-to-follow recipes as a bonus. Enjoy what BFF Noley brought for breakfast whose job as a recipe developer for a national cooking magazine has made being her “taste tester” a delicious position: Christmas Jam (Cranberries, and raspberries, and pears…oh, my!), Orange-Kissed Biscuits (Topped with Christmas Jam, of course!), and Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing (A tropical delight!).
Lilly’s Very Bad, No Good, Terrible, “Worst” Day!
A very entertaining first-in-the-series penned by Amy M. Reade (Ok, what an apropos name, right?). A clever mystery with wonderful characters and a satisfying conclusion make me a fan and eager to join in as a regular for her Juniper Junction Holiday Mysteries. The mystery gives “karma” a good name…bad character meets bad end, but perp is handed justice, too. Readers are led through a variety of entertaining suspects all with motive, but the final “you're it” is one that challenged my inner Sherlock. And along with an enjoyable cozy mystery, she provides a engaging look into Lilly’s family dramas, interactions with her BFF, and efforts to have a Black Friday do-over. Amy is not a new author, penning standalone books and the Malice series, so the well-developed characters in a first-in-the-series book are a given. I admire Lilly, the teens are an enjoyable support duo, and she paints with realism her mother’s possible early-onset dementia and ex-husband’s antics. Stories and characters that all made for a great read!
The story has a whopping sixty-two chapters. Whoa! I thought I'd be reading for days. However, I was so pleasantly surprised, and really like the manner in which Amy organized her story. Each chapter is a scene or part of the day easily enjoyed…a real page-turner. In Amy’s story readers are put on the periphery with an enjoyable third-person narrative. However, I prefer a first-person narrative that allows me to feel I'm part of the story with the “I” perspective. She does include intriguing descriptions, engaging banter, and illustrations of tone and personality which kept me totally engaged. I highly recommend this book, and am a big fan!
My two favorite words…No, not “It’s Murder!,” but Recipes Included! Amy Reade has added three delicious easy-to-follow recipes as a bonus. Enjoy what BFF Noley brought for breakfast whose job as a recipe developer for a national cooking magazine has made being her “taste tester” a delicious position: Christmas Jam (Cranberries, and raspberries, and pears…oh, my!), Orange-Kissed Biscuits (Topped with Christmas Jam, of course!), and Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing (A tropical delight!).
November 14, 2018
Spend a mysterious Christmas in snowy Colorado
You'll feel like you've spent an exciting holiday vacation in beautiful Juniper Junction, Colorado, with characters you immediately adore. I finished within hours of downloading the e-book, because I couldn't wait to get answers to the mysteries affecting Lilly Carlsen, her family and friends, and even her dog! I won't soon forget this Christmas adventure in the snowy Rockies, and I will miss the winsome characters-- all of them so well-defined that I just know they are even now going on with their lives beyond the last page of the story.
You'll feel like you've spent an exciting holiday vacation in beautiful Juniper Junction, Colorado, with characters you immediately adore. I finished within hours of downloading the e-book, because I couldn't wait to get answers to the mysteries affecting Lilly Carlsen, her family and friends, and even her dog! I won't soon forget this Christmas adventure in the snowy Rockies, and I will miss the winsome characters-- all of them so well-defined that I just know they are even now going on with their lives beyond the last page of the story.
February 14, 2021
A nice solid read for this first in the series.
Lilly finds a body in her shop and she becomes a suspect. She starts asking around knowing that this person is not liked by many.
The characters are strong and believable, they are real. Lilly is dealing with an aging mother, two teens one of which is rebelling a little and store owners who look to her since she is head of the Chamber of Commerce. I do like her kids they fight like brother and sister but also pull together for the family. The mystery is good with twists that keep you guessing. I will continue on wit this series, I look forward to the next.
Lilly finds a body in her shop and she becomes a suspect. She starts asking around knowing that this person is not liked by many.
The characters are strong and believable, they are real. Lilly is dealing with an aging mother, two teens one of which is rebelling a little and store owners who look to her since she is head of the Chamber of Commerce. I do like her kids they fight like brother and sister but also pull together for the family. The mystery is good with twists that keep you guessing. I will continue on wit this series, I look forward to the next.
May 19, 2021
The Worst Noel
Juniper Junction Holiday Mystery, Book #1
Amy M Reade
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Christmas is supposed to be a time of peace, love, and joy, but for Lilly Carlsen, this Christmas is murder.
As a single mom, small business owner, and president of the local Chamber of Commerce, the last thing she needs is to find a dead body on the floor of her jewelry shop on the busiest shopping day of the year. And as if that isn't enough, Lilly has to deal with a deadbeat ex-husband, a mother with declining mental health, and two teenagers.
But when a second body turns up, Lilly finds herself squarely in the crosshairs of suspicion. Can she figure out who killed the victims before she becomes one herself? And will her family's Christmas be merry...or scary? (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Lilly is a single mom who is also a business owner. Her children, Laurel and Tighe, are great kids that are very responsible. They help Lilly quite a bit by helping to take care of their grandmother, who is in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s. She also has help from her brother, Bill, who is a police officer and her friend Noley. They all work together well, dealing with real life issues like everyone else. Throw in a couple of dead bodies and Christmas time just became a lot less jolly.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning and never let me g0. The mystery was well plotted and I did not figure out the culprit until it was revealed at the end. The best thing about the mystery is that Lilly did not involve herself in the case. She went about her daily living and left it up to the police to do the investigating. I really liked the relationship with her mother and the concern and love was so genuine. I would not even have minded if there was no murder to try to solve, I would have been very happy just reading about everyone’s life and spending time with them.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series, I know I am in for a real treat.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
Juniper Junction Holiday Mystery, Book #1
Amy M Reade
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Christmas is supposed to be a time of peace, love, and joy, but for Lilly Carlsen, this Christmas is murder.
As a single mom, small business owner, and president of the local Chamber of Commerce, the last thing she needs is to find a dead body on the floor of her jewelry shop on the busiest shopping day of the year. And as if that isn't enough, Lilly has to deal with a deadbeat ex-husband, a mother with declining mental health, and two teenagers.
But when a second body turns up, Lilly finds herself squarely in the crosshairs of suspicion. Can she figure out who killed the victims before she becomes one herself? And will her family's Christmas be merry...or scary? (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Lilly is a single mom who is also a business owner. Her children, Laurel and Tighe, are great kids that are very responsible. They help Lilly quite a bit by helping to take care of their grandmother, who is in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s. She also has help from her brother, Bill, who is a police officer and her friend Noley. They all work together well, dealing with real life issues like everyone else. Throw in a couple of dead bodies and Christmas time just became a lot less jolly.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning and never let me g0. The mystery was well plotted and I did not figure out the culprit until it was revealed at the end. The best thing about the mystery is that Lilly did not involve herself in the case. She went about her daily living and left it up to the police to do the investigating. I really liked the relationship with her mother and the concern and love was so genuine. I would not even have minded if there was no murder to try to solve, I would have been very happy just reading about everyone’s life and spending time with them.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series, I know I am in for a real treat.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
November 14, 2018
I’ve been a fan of Amy Reade’s writing since her atmospheric gothic, Secrets of Hallstead House. In The Worst Noel, Amy gives us a letter-perfect cozy mystery. Wikipedia defines a cozy mystery as “…a subgenre of crime fiction in which sex and violence are downplayed or treated humorously, and the crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community.” True to the definition, sex, profanity, and violence are “behind the door” and only gently referenced.
Reluctant sleuth Lily Carlsen is a single mother of two young teens who has spent years building her reputation as a successful jewelry designer and shop owner in her small Colorado town. She’s counting on the holiday sales season, so the the last thing she needs is to stumble over a dead body in her shop on Black Friday—especially when the victim is another shop owner who had been arguing with her.
With mounting threats from her past, danger to her family, and her growing attraction to a new man with secrets of his own, Lily faces the worst Christmas of her life.
What did I love about this book? In addition to the setting, I loved that the families were so real—they squabbled, worried about each other, fought, and made up. But a threat to one was a threat to all. They offer support as well as love, even when they might not agree with the decisions taken. I loved that people from widely differing backgrounds were shown so sympathetically, and most of all, I loved that a mature single mom was the heroine.
So find a cozy spot to curl up with a hot beverage and The Worst Noel, and get your holiday season off to a good start.
Reluctant sleuth Lily Carlsen is a single mother of two young teens who has spent years building her reputation as a successful jewelry designer and shop owner in her small Colorado town. She’s counting on the holiday sales season, so the the last thing she needs is to stumble over a dead body in her shop on Black Friday—especially when the victim is another shop owner who had been arguing with her.
With mounting threats from her past, danger to her family, and her growing attraction to a new man with secrets of his own, Lily faces the worst Christmas of her life.
What did I love about this book? In addition to the setting, I loved that the families were so real—they squabbled, worried about each other, fought, and made up. But a threat to one was a threat to all. They offer support as well as love, even when they might not agree with the decisions taken. I loved that people from widely differing backgrounds were shown so sympathetically, and most of all, I loved that a mature single mom was the heroine.
So find a cozy spot to curl up with a hot beverage and The Worst Noel, and get your holiday season off to a good start.
December 24, 2022
A fun cozy mystery read with mom Lilly as the protagonist divorced mom with two teenagers, her mother with early dementia, and her jewelry store on main street in the cozy town of Juniper Junction. Just as Lilly has prepared her store for the big day, Black Friday, she discovers her store has been broken into and one of the town's other store owners was found dead in her store. The woman was not well liked among the chamber of commerce circles and besides this fact, Lilly's store is closed down by the police for the investigation, Lilly finds she is also a suspect in the mysterious murder case because her fingerprints were found on a pearl necklace, but heck, it's her store where she helps customers try on her jewelry. It's a good thing her brother Bill is a cop who also keeps her in the loop and safe from an elusive ex-husband who mysteriously shows up at the same time-frame as the murder. But wait, there is another murder. Herb the yoga instructure from down the road of businesses is also found dead. Lilly didn't particularly like Herb, so she may again be a person of interest.
All kinds of characters and shenanigans are happening. While Lilly is ridiculously, a suspect, someone is also after her. Her house is broken into, her dog goes missing, and then she is ultimately, kidnapped. What else could go wrong? Every few chapters the author will have us sidetracked choosing a new suspect.
With the colorful characters and all the mayhem around the snowy holiday season, this cozy little whodunit will keep you turning the pages as we read along to try and figure out what is going on in Juniper Junction. A perfect read for the holidays or anytime.
All kinds of characters and shenanigans are happening. While Lilly is ridiculously, a suspect, someone is also after her. Her house is broken into, her dog goes missing, and then she is ultimately, kidnapped. What else could go wrong? Every few chapters the author will have us sidetracked choosing a new suspect.
With the colorful characters and all the mayhem around the snowy holiday season, this cozy little whodunit will keep you turning the pages as we read along to try and figure out what is going on in Juniper Junction. A perfect read for the holidays or anytime.
December 23, 2018
“The Worst Noel” by Amy Reade was a delight to read and a great first cozy for a new series.
Imagine you’re a small business owner, Christmas is coming, and you walk into your store and find a dead body. Then imagine you’re a suspect in the woman’s death. Add to that your ex-husband showing up, a mother with age-related mental issues and raising two teenagers by yourself, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Lilly Carlson has found herself in a pretty sticky situation, and it becomes even stickier when a second body turns up.
This was a fun read and a good mystery, and I highly recommend it to all who love a great story!
Imagine you’re a small business owner, Christmas is coming, and you walk into your store and find a dead body. Then imagine you’re a suspect in the woman’s death. Add to that your ex-husband showing up, a mother with age-related mental issues and raising two teenagers by yourself, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Lilly Carlson has found herself in a pretty sticky situation, and it becomes even stickier when a second body turns up.
This was a fun read and a good mystery, and I highly recommend it to all who love a great story!
November 19, 2018
A delightful Christmas cozy.
An ex-husband showing up after 15 years, a Mom whose dementia is getting worse, a nosy neighbor. Oh, did I neglect to mention the body turning up in Lilly's jewelry store on Black Friday? And a second murder just a few days later?
What other nasty surprises are in store for Juniper Junction's jewelry designer as Christmas approaches? You'll have to read The Worst Noel to find out.
Pour a glass (or mug) of your favorite libation, curl up in your best reading chair, and make yourself comfy. You'll want to read this book in one sitting.
An ex-husband showing up after 15 years, a Mom whose dementia is getting worse, a nosy neighbor. Oh, did I neglect to mention the body turning up in Lilly's jewelry store on Black Friday? And a second murder just a few days later?
What other nasty surprises are in store for Juniper Junction's jewelry designer as Christmas approaches? You'll have to read The Worst Noel to find out.
Pour a glass (or mug) of your favorite libation, curl up in your best reading chair, and make yourself comfy. You'll want to read this book in one sitting.
November 21, 2018
Lilly Carlsen is a small business owner in snowy Juniper Junction, Colorado and single mom to two teens. If that isn’t enough, her mother’s health is failing and her ne’er-do-well ex arrives in town. And if THAT isn’t enough, she finds a dead body in her store on Black Friday and the local police are laser-focused on her. When another dead body turns up, Lilly finds the real killer---just in time to celebrate Christmas in style.
November 18, 2020
This cozy mystery is a hoot! Single mother and small business owner Lily Carlsen finds herself in a a mystery when someone is killed in the back room of her jewelry shop. Then another dead body is found. Add to the fact that her ex-husband Beau shows up and you've got a good recipe for a cozy mystery.
December 4, 2023
I chose this book for book club! It was decent… I honestly expected more of a twist and more exciting stuff in general I suppose. Now that I think about it there was exciting things, the way the author wrote it didn’t seem that exciting though. Also have a little trouble imagining what the characters look like, the imagery of other stuff was decent though.
December 11, 2020
This book is non stop crazy action and I loved every hectic moment of it! From the word go it's just one thing after another. I kept envisioning an imaginary avalanche that was coming down the Rockies towards this poor woman. Like Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck that gets caught up in a huge snowball down the hill. It just keeps going faster and faster and then bigger and bigger until BAM!
There wasn't a single boring moment, not one. And the whole time, I am trying to figure out who did it to the point where it was making me paranoid. And I completely and utterly loved it! I love a cozy mystery like this. It kept me guessing until the very end and even after the murderer was revealed, I was still scratching my head wondering why, when they seemed like the very least suspicious of the suspects. Then after all is revealed it's like a huge wallop to your face. Everything clicks into place and then you can mentally see it all come together. Wow, just wow. I really didn't see that coming.
The amount of issues that just kept coming against Lilly is brilliant. It keeps you from seeing everything as a whole issue. Talk about deflection at it's finest. And I am hooked.
There are so many different aspects to this story that it is almost hard to know where to start. This book has just supplanted itself at the top of my most favorite Christmas cozy list.
Lilly is a great character. She's a harried Mom and businesswoman who is just trying to do the best she can for herself and for her family. You add all of that in with two teenagers, her Mom with Dementia, her brother the police officer, and the added stress of being the local Chamber of Commerce President. Then turn it all around and add murder suspect on top of that. I don't know about you but I am stressed just by reading all of that lol.
I am always happy to see when authors write up characters that are as realistic as possible. Because let's face it, perfect is boring. Give me character flaws and weaknesses. I want to be able to relate to what I am reading. And I got that and more in this book. There is so much more that I want to say but I won't because it will ruin the book. And I hate spoilers. Go read this book. You will not be disappointed. I sure wasn't. This is my first book by Amy M Reade and I loved it. I could not stop reading it. The only reason it wasn't finished in one sitting is that I get up at the crack of dawn every day and I fell asleep. I will be recommending this book and any of her others to my friends and family.
I am still sitting here amazed by what I just read. LOVED IT.
There wasn't a single boring moment, not one. And the whole time, I am trying to figure out who did it to the point where it was making me paranoid. And I completely and utterly loved it! I love a cozy mystery like this. It kept me guessing until the very end and even after the murderer was revealed, I was still scratching my head wondering why, when they seemed like the very least suspicious of the suspects. Then after all is revealed it's like a huge wallop to your face. Everything clicks into place and then you can mentally see it all come together. Wow, just wow. I really didn't see that coming.
The amount of issues that just kept coming against Lilly is brilliant. It keeps you from seeing everything as a whole issue. Talk about deflection at it's finest. And I am hooked.
There are so many different aspects to this story that it is almost hard to know where to start. This book has just supplanted itself at the top of my most favorite Christmas cozy list.
Lilly is a great character. She's a harried Mom and businesswoman who is just trying to do the best she can for herself and for her family. You add all of that in with two teenagers, her Mom with Dementia, her brother the police officer, and the added stress of being the local Chamber of Commerce President. Then turn it all around and add murder suspect on top of that. I don't know about you but I am stressed just by reading all of that lol.
I am always happy to see when authors write up characters that are as realistic as possible. Because let's face it, perfect is boring. Give me character flaws and weaknesses. I want to be able to relate to what I am reading. And I got that and more in this book. There is so much more that I want to say but I won't because it will ruin the book. And I hate spoilers. Go read this book. You will not be disappointed. I sure wasn't. This is my first book by Amy M Reade and I loved it. I could not stop reading it. The only reason it wasn't finished in one sitting is that I get up at the crack of dawn every day and I fell asleep. I will be recommending this book and any of her others to my friends and family.
I am still sitting here amazed by what I just read. LOVED IT.
January 7, 2020
This was a thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery to start the year off with. Ms. Reade has created characters that are absolutely delightful and a few that are not so much just by the sheer annoyance factor. Lilly owns the Juniper Junction Jewelry Store and goes to work one morning to find a body in her store. Lilly's brother Bill is on the police force but he walks the thin line between helping his sister and keeping his professional objectivity. Lilly's children are Laurel and Tighe who are really cool kids for teenagers and they have a dog named Barney.
Lilly meets the man of her dreams when she catches him staring in the window of her shop. Hassan is a knight in shining armor and he and his entire family adore Lilly.
The best character in the book has to be Beverly - Lilly and Bill's mom. She has the best one-liners that I have ever heard. She's the type of character that you would love to meet in person and hang out with.
I honestly had trouble putting this book down and just kept reading until the last page appeared and then I was sad to let the book go. Onward to Juniper Junction Holiday Mystery #2!
I would love to give this book at least 10 stars instead of the 5 that is allowed.
Lilly meets the man of her dreams when she catches him staring in the window of her shop. Hassan is a knight in shining armor and he and his entire family adore Lilly.
The best character in the book has to be Beverly - Lilly and Bill's mom. She has the best one-liners that I have ever heard. She's the type of character that you would love to meet in person and hang out with.
I honestly had trouble putting this book down and just kept reading until the last page appeared and then I was sad to let the book go. Onward to Juniper Junction Holiday Mystery #2!
I would love to give this book at least 10 stars instead of the 5 that is allowed.
January 6, 2018
Black Friday turned out to be more harrowing than usual when Lilly entered her store, Juniper Junction Jewels, and found the body of the owner of the General Store. The dead woman had a reputation for being a trouble-maker, and she voiced her complaints to Lilly often. Lilly is distraught at being suspected of the murder, not to mentions the loss of business. She struggles to keep her name clear, while keeping up with two teenagers, a lovable dog, and a mother in the early stages of Alzheimer's. Her busy life keeps her from becoming suspicious about the two newest people in her life: a new employee and a tourist who has a special interest in Lilly - and her store.
Great cast of characters and a strong plot. Well written with good descriptive elements. Definitely touches the heart when reading of the emotional struggles of dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer's. Highly recommend.
Great cast of characters and a strong plot. Well written with good descriptive elements. Definitely touches the heart when reading of the emotional struggles of dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer's. Highly recommend.
October 1, 2018
Lots of family dynamics, two teenagers, a single mom, and a sandwich generation. And don't forget about the adorable dog Barney. There's a lot going on in Juniper Junction. A great read to get you into the holiday spirit.
May 6, 2021
Amy Reade tells a great story. I was immediately drawn in by the opening scenes in this book and my interest never waned. A single mother goes into her jewelry story, anticipating a busy Black Friday, but finds the dead body of another small business owner in her shop. She becomes a person of interest while meanwhile, she finds herself dealing with a mother with dementia, teenage children, an ex-husband who, after 15 years of being absent, decides he wants a relationship with his kids, and oh yes, perhaps a budding romance.
I think this book would appeal to almost any mature reader, but particularly to sandwich generation women.
This is my honest review.
I think this book would appeal to almost any mature reader, but particularly to sandwich generation women.
This is my honest review.
November 22, 2018
"The Worst Noel" by Amy M. Reade is a real page-turner! As I read, I had my suspicions about who committed the two murders in Juniper Junction and who was obviously trying to frame and frighten Lilly - but I was only partially right. This novel has it all - mystery, romance, family drama and a twist that will come as a surprise - at least it did to me - but will have you nodding your head and asking yourself why you didn't figure it out. A fantastic holiday read!
January 25, 2018
Enjoyed this book very much. Great characters, good plot that moved, and a few twist that was unexpected. Will try more from this author.
April 27, 2018
Good story line. Interesting characters. I liked the way the chapters ended and flowed right into the next one.
March 6, 2023
Lily Carlsen lives a busy life between running a jewelry shop, serving as President of the Chamber of Commerce, supporting a mother experiencing signs of dementia, and raising two teenagers as a single mom. As if she needed something else in her life, a local businesswoman's body is found in her shop. Her ex-husband, who ran out on the family years ago, has decided this is the time he's decided he wants a relationship with his kids.
The first death is ruled a murder, and Lily is forced to close her shop during Black Friday while the police investigate. Shortly after, another businessman is murdered. Since Lily has had problems with both of the victims in the past, she immediately becomes a suspect in the case. She fears losing everything, and the last thing she wants is for her ex-husband to come into the picture so late in her kids' lives. When she discovers that her ex has been visiting her mother, Lily becomes angrier. She enlists the help of her brother, a local policeman, to assist her with her many problems.
In the middle of all the chaos, Lily meets Hassan, an intriguing and handsome gem hunter. He is visiting Colorado briefly with his family, but he will return to Minnesota in a few weeks. When Lily and Hassan hit it off, she is torn about whether to advance their relationship or pull back.
Author Amy Reade has written a fast-paced mystery with many red herrings that kept this reader guessing the entire way through. If you like engaging whodunits, this may be the perfect cozy mystery.
The first death is ruled a murder, and Lily is forced to close her shop during Black Friday while the police investigate. Shortly after, another businessman is murdered. Since Lily has had problems with both of the victims in the past, she immediately becomes a suspect in the case. She fears losing everything, and the last thing she wants is for her ex-husband to come into the picture so late in her kids' lives. When she discovers that her ex has been visiting her mother, Lily becomes angrier. She enlists the help of her brother, a local policeman, to assist her with her many problems.
In the middle of all the chaos, Lily meets Hassan, an intriguing and handsome gem hunter. He is visiting Colorado briefly with his family, but he will return to Minnesota in a few weeks. When Lily and Hassan hit it off, she is torn about whether to advance their relationship or pull back.
Author Amy Reade has written a fast-paced mystery with many red herrings that kept this reader guessing the entire way through. If you like engaging whodunits, this may be the perfect cozy mystery.
January 23, 2026
The Worst Noel by Amy M. Reade kicks off the Juniper Junction Holiday Mystery series with a festive setup that quickly turns deadly and delightfully so for cozy mystery fans. What should be the most joyful time of the year becomes anything but when Lilly Carlsen discovers a body in her jewelry shop on the busiest shopping day before Christmas. From that moment on, the story balances holiday charm with high personal stakes and a steadily unfolding mystery.
Lilly is an engaging and relatable protagonist: a single mom juggling a small business, two teenagers, a flaky ex husband, and a mother whose mental health is declining. These real life pressures add emotional depth and grounding to the story, making Lilly feel like more than just an amateur sleuth dropped into a convenient plot. When a second murder occurs and suspicion starts pointing her way, the tension ramps up nicely, keeping the pages turning.
Reade does a great job weaving together family dynamics, small town relationships, and seasonal atmosphere with the central mystery. The Christmas setting adds warmth and contrast to the darker elements without overpowering the plot, and the pacing keeps the story moving at an enjoyable clip. The Worst Noel is a cozy mystery with heart festive, suspenseful, and satisfying perfect for readers who enjoy holiday whodunits with a strong, capable lead and a touch of real life complexity beneath the tinsel.
Lilly is an engaging and relatable protagonist: a single mom juggling a small business, two teenagers, a flaky ex husband, and a mother whose mental health is declining. These real life pressures add emotional depth and grounding to the story, making Lilly feel like more than just an amateur sleuth dropped into a convenient plot. When a second murder occurs and suspicion starts pointing her way, the tension ramps up nicely, keeping the pages turning.
Reade does a great job weaving together family dynamics, small town relationships, and seasonal atmosphere with the central mystery. The Christmas setting adds warmth and contrast to the darker elements without overpowering the plot, and the pacing keeps the story moving at an enjoyable clip. The Worst Noel is a cozy mystery with heart festive, suspenseful, and satisfying perfect for readers who enjoy holiday whodunits with a strong, capable lead and a touch of real life complexity beneath the tinsel.
December 22, 2022
Lilly Carlsen’s life in Juniper Junction, Colorado
• Entrepreneur of Juniper Junction Jewels
• President of the Chamber of Commerce
• Daughter of a mother with dementia
• Single parent of teenagers Tighe and Laurel
Black Friday always means chaos! Shopping chaos can equal profits. Profits unless your name is Lilly and the police close your store for a murder investigation. That’s only the beginning of the holiday season.
I previously enjoyed a historical mystery by the author and was delighted to find a holiday cozy series. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the balancing act of roles, and the realistic twists of life are captured and well-written, especially the spontaneous reactions and comments by teenagers. It was also a pleasure that the trope of the main character loving the officer is sister/brother rather than the new flame. The sparkle in Lily’s eyes may be more than the glitter of gemstones, but you’ll have to wait, as I’ll never tell.
My only disappointment was Chapters 33-34 for inconsistency when Tighe’s car won’t start at the local diner and is towed for repair. Within sentences of each other, the vehicle is a truck, and inconsistency continues until that portion of the storyline is complete.
Recipes for Christmas Jam, Orange-Kissed Biscuits, and Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing are included.
• Entrepreneur of Juniper Junction Jewels
• President of the Chamber of Commerce
• Daughter of a mother with dementia
• Single parent of teenagers Tighe and Laurel
Black Friday always means chaos! Shopping chaos can equal profits. Profits unless your name is Lilly and the police close your store for a murder investigation. That’s only the beginning of the holiday season.
I previously enjoyed a historical mystery by the author and was delighted to find a holiday cozy series. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the balancing act of roles, and the realistic twists of life are captured and well-written, especially the spontaneous reactions and comments by teenagers. It was also a pleasure that the trope of the main character loving the officer is sister/brother rather than the new flame. The sparkle in Lily’s eyes may be more than the glitter of gemstones, but you’ll have to wait, as I’ll never tell.
My only disappointment was Chapters 33-34 for inconsistency when Tighe’s car won’t start at the local diner and is towed for repair. Within sentences of each other, the vehicle is a truck, and inconsistency continues until that portion of the storyline is complete.
Recipes for Christmas Jam, Orange-Kissed Biscuits, and Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing are included.
December 23, 2020
For jewelry store owner Lilly Carlsen, Black Friday should be the kick-off for the holiday shopping season. When she opens her store in the early morning hours, she finds a pearl necklace missing--has she been robbed? She soon finds her answer when she trips over a body on the floor of her store front, the missing pearl necklace found. It's the cantankerous store owner who has a bone to pick with everyone--how did her body end up on Lilly's store floor?
The police are on the case, including Lilly's brother, Bill. When Lilly's fingerprints are found on the pearl necklace, she becomes a person of interest. Will she be able to sort through the clues before she is charged? To make matters worst, not all of her chamber of commerce members are in favor of expanded shopping hours--will she be able to recover from the lost holiday sales?
Another murder and threats lead Lilly further into the holiday mayhem. Will she be the next victim? Egos, jealousy and family drama abound this Yuletide season. Author Reade weaves a page turning whodunit as we learn more town secrets and deadly motives. The holidays are never dull in Juniper Junction--a fun holiday mystery, highly recommended!
The police are on the case, including Lilly's brother, Bill. When Lilly's fingerprints are found on the pearl necklace, she becomes a person of interest. Will she be able to sort through the clues before she is charged? To make matters worst, not all of her chamber of commerce members are in favor of expanded shopping hours--will she be able to recover from the lost holiday sales?
Another murder and threats lead Lilly further into the holiday mayhem. Will she be the next victim? Egos, jealousy and family drama abound this Yuletide season. Author Reade weaves a page turning whodunit as we learn more town secrets and deadly motives. The holidays are never dull in Juniper Junction--a fun holiday mystery, highly recommended!
January 12, 2026
I originally picked up The Worst Noel as a holiday read, but got a late start and ended up finishing it after the season. Even so, it turned out to be a quick and enjoyable read.
The characters were easy to like, which always makes a cozy mystery more fun. I appreciated that the murders were not overly complicated, but still gave you plenty of room to guess who was responsible. Without giving any spoilers, it was pretty clear that it could not realistically be the main character, since the evidence did not support that possibility.
I also enjoyed the love story between the main character and the kind man she meets, although their relationship develops very quickly in a short amount of time, which did not feel entirely plausible. That said, it was still charming and romantic for a holiday setting.
Overall, I thought the book was a bit ambitious but still a very feel-good read. I would recommend this author, and if you are looking for a quick holiday mystery to close out the year, The Worst Noel is a great choice.
The characters were easy to like, which always makes a cozy mystery more fun. I appreciated that the murders were not overly complicated, but still gave you plenty of room to guess who was responsible. Without giving any spoilers, it was pretty clear that it could not realistically be the main character, since the evidence did not support that possibility.
I also enjoyed the love story between the main character and the kind man she meets, although their relationship develops very quickly in a short amount of time, which did not feel entirely plausible. That said, it was still charming and romantic for a holiday setting.
Overall, I thought the book was a bit ambitious but still a very feel-good read. I would recommend this author, and if you are looking for a quick holiday mystery to close out the year, The Worst Noel is a great choice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2019
This is my first book by Ms. Reade and it won’t be my last.
I picked it up as a recommendation from another author. I’m so glad I did.
Love the characters. The suspense of who done it. I was taken from the first page.
Made me laugh. You will too.
Lilly Carlsen is a single mother to two teenage kids. She runs her own jewelry shop
in the town of Juniper Junction. It’s a beautiful town. But isn’t is finding a dead body in
your store. How is that possible? It throws a wrench into her day. She’s going to lose a lot of money.
Her brother who’s a cop will do what he can. It’s not looking good.
When her ex shows up she can’t handle it. He’s nothing but a low beat creep who walked out on her and there kids. She wants nothing to do with him.
On the up side she meets a handsome stranger. They have a lot in common.
See where that goes.
So much more to come. Buy the book and find out what else comes Lilly’s way.
Some good, and some not so good. You will see.
I picked it up as a recommendation from another author. I’m so glad I did.
Love the characters. The suspense of who done it. I was taken from the first page.
Made me laugh. You will too.
Lilly Carlsen is a single mother to two teenage kids. She runs her own jewelry shop
in the town of Juniper Junction. It’s a beautiful town. But isn’t is finding a dead body in
your store. How is that possible? It throws a wrench into her day. She’s going to lose a lot of money.
Her brother who’s a cop will do what he can. It’s not looking good.
When her ex shows up she can’t handle it. He’s nothing but a low beat creep who walked out on her and there kids. She wants nothing to do with him.
On the up side she meets a handsome stranger. They have a lot in common.
See where that goes.
So much more to come. Buy the book and find out what else comes Lilly’s way.
Some good, and some not so good. You will see.
December 5, 2023
"The Worst Noel" is the first installment of author Amy M. Reade's Juniper Junction Holiday Mysteries, though not the first one that I've personally read. I purposely saved this one to read over the holiday season! This is the book that introduces very likeable main character Lilly Carlsen and her family, friends, and fellow townsfolk of Juniper Junction. It's Black Friday and Lilly arrives to open her jewelry shop, only to find that someone has broken in and left a dead body on the floor. If this weren't trouble enough, she soon finds herself as a suspect. Will Lilly be able to juggle her family life, the approaching holiday, and gathering the clues to clear her name? Or will she possibly become a victim herself? You'll have to read the story to find out, but I guarantee a very entertaining holiday read from cover to cover. Highly recommended for fans of both cozy mysteries and holiday tales!
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