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The Aspen Notch Mysteries #0.5
No Gifts to Bring
A snowy pile-up and rescue scam. A theft accusation and two murders. Can Sue clear her name before she’s the next victim?
Distanced by her children and determined not to spend another Christmas alone, Susan Belcroft books a stay at a ski resort, hoping to rekindle her sagging spirit.
With travel to the lodge interrupted by a sudden snowstorm, she and three other stranded drivers accept a seemingly kindhearted rescue, only to find themselves charged with theft.
The stakes increase when police find the accusers’ dead bodies.
No Gifts to Bring is an endearing cozy mystery of love and hope, intertwined with an engaging whodunnit. A young child with disabilities, a flamboyant singer, a handsome traveler, and an irritating private detective open Sue’s heart to the magic of Christmas. If you enjoy a touch of romance and an amateur sleuth who has an uncanny ability to make connections, you’ll love Kathleen McKee’s prequel to the Aspen Notch Mystery Series.
Distanced by her children and determined not to spend another Christmas alone, Susan Belcroft books a stay at a ski resort, hoping to rekindle her sagging spirit.
With travel to the lodge interrupted by a sudden snowstorm, she and three other stranded drivers accept a seemingly kindhearted rescue, only to find themselves charged with theft.
The stakes increase when police find the accusers’ dead bodies.
No Gifts to Bring is an endearing cozy mystery of love and hope, intertwined with an engaging whodunnit. A young child with disabilities, a flamboyant singer, a handsome traveler, and an irritating private detective open Sue’s heart to the magic of Christmas. If you enjoy a touch of romance and an amateur sleuth who has an uncanny ability to make connections, you’ll love Kathleen McKee’s prequel to the Aspen Notch Mystery Series.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2018
99 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen McKee
28 books74 followersKathleen McKee is a retired educator and registered dietitian who enjoys crafting stories that are uplifting and moving. Regardless of genre, she likes to include a touch of romance and mystery, with narratives that bring the characters to life.
Kathleen’s heart-warming stories and their settings are often inspired by experiences of people she has met or places she has lived. She likes to include women who are strong, generous, compassionate, and capable.
Kathleen currently lives in southeast Pennsylvania with her springer spaniel, Maggie. You’ll find her there, working on her next book. Visit her website at: https://kathleen-mckee.com/ and sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/crzIUv
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kmckee101.Au...
Kathleen’s heart-warming stories and their settings are often inspired by experiences of people she has met or places she has lived. She likes to include women who are strong, generous, compassionate, and capable.
Kathleen currently lives in southeast Pennsylvania with her springer spaniel, Maggie. You’ll find her there, working on her next book. Visit her website at: https://kathleen-mckee.com/ and sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/crzIUv
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kmckee101.Au...
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 20, 2023
I viewed an advertisement for "Murder in Aspen Notch," and as I live in southeast Pennsylvania, it was delightful to see the setting would be in a small town in the Poconos. I was about to download the title when I read that "No Gifts to Bring" is the prequel to the author's Aspen Notch Mystery series. I couldn't wait to investigate, and from the 1st sentence, I was on the edge of my seat.
Susan Belcroft and other travelers have an interesting night waiting out the storm, but I thought surely once she arrived at Alpine Holiday Lodge, she'd enjoy a delightful time at an enchanting lodge setting with Christmas season festivities. The night of the storm provides more intrigue than the travelers could have imagined.
I didn't know what to expect reading the prequel, but I don't think I expected to be so absorbed in the story other than the lovely lodge setting. I especially enjoyed every reference related directly to this area of Pennsylvania that I know so well. The prequel can easily be read as a stand-alone holiday story, but for me captivated my interest even more to read The Aspen Notch Mystery series.
"My brain didn’t kick in until the car came to a grinding halt in the bank of snow by the 1-81 guardrail."Anyone who has driven on an interstate through Pennsylvania knows how treacherous north/south interstate driving can be in the winter. In fact, we give it the special name of white knuckle driving, referencing how tightly both hands are gripping the steering wheel.
Susan Belcroft and other travelers have an interesting night waiting out the storm, but I thought surely once she arrived at Alpine Holiday Lodge, she'd enjoy a delightful time at an enchanting lodge setting with Christmas season festivities. The night of the storm provides more intrigue than the travelers could have imagined.
I didn't know what to expect reading the prequel, but I don't think I expected to be so absorbed in the story other than the lovely lodge setting. I especially enjoyed every reference related directly to this area of Pennsylvania that I know so well. The prequel can easily be read as a stand-alone holiday story, but for me captivated my interest even more to read The Aspen Notch Mystery series.
December 3, 2022
I started my journey with Sue and Alan during Murder in Aspen Notch and completed it with this prequel. I have enjoyed all 9 books on the adventure to solving crimes. Reading these books took me back to when I was a kid reading Nancy Drew mysteries. I am happy to find a write whose characters are my age and I can relate to the day to day issues they have while attempting to solve each challenging puzzle. I hope that you enjoy this book and the others with Sue and Alan as I have.
January 1, 2021
No Gifts to Bring put me in the holiday spirit with the book starting off with a snow storm. The author’s ability to create the characters and her detail to the location made me feel like I was in the book. The mystery element kept me not wanting to put the book down. I just needed to know what happened! I loved that there was a bit of romance too! Very enjoyable read!
July 22, 2022
No Gifts to Bring is a prequel to the Aspen Notch Mystery series by Kathleen McKee.
This was a great story to read and escape from the summer heat. There was a great mix of characters and an interesting mystery. I look forward to reading more of this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This was a great story to read and escape from the summer heat. There was a great mix of characters and an interesting mystery. I look forward to reading more of this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 25, 2024
wonderful!
I could not put this book down until I read the whole book. I had already read the first two books then I found this the prequel and it was wonderful . So glad I read them like I did because I was already hooked. I recommend this to anyone who likes a mystery with a lot of heart.
I could not put this book down until I read the whole book. I had already read the first two books then I found this the prequel and it was wonderful . So glad I read them like I did because I was already hooked. I recommend this to anyone who likes a mystery with a lot of heart.
July 12, 2025
Wonderful story
I actually read this one, which explains how Alan and Sue met, after I had read all 9 of the Aspen Notch series. This is a great beginning to the series, and I suggest that you read it first before the others because there are references to this story in the other books.
I actually read this one, which explains how Alan and Sue met, after I had read all 9 of the Aspen Notch series. This is a great beginning to the series, and I suggest that you read it first before the others because there are references to this story in the other books.
November 12, 2025
A sweet, if predictable, holiday romance
This novel is like wrapping up in a warm blanket next to a Christmas tree full of heirlooms. You've seen them all before, but the arrangement is slightly different, and you still find great pleasure in the familiarity. I enjoyed the book very much and will look for more novels by Ms McKee.
This novel is like wrapping up in a warm blanket next to a Christmas tree full of heirlooms. You've seen them all before, but the arrangement is slightly different, and you still find great pleasure in the familiarity. I enjoyed the book very much and will look for more novels by Ms McKee.
November 26, 2025
Definitely a keeper of a story
I kinda waffled back and forth with this one. But all in all the story was engaging and the plot quite surprising. It was more detective thriller than romance Christmas story. That is why I waffled because it wasn't what I expected. And sometimes, that can be a good thing. Definitely recommend.
I kinda waffled back and forth with this one. But all in all the story was engaging and the plot quite surprising. It was more detective thriller than romance Christmas story. That is why I waffled because it wasn't what I expected. And sometimes, that can be a good thing. Definitely recommend.
December 12, 2018
I was excited to learn of local author Kathleen Mckee and buy her latest novel just in time for the holiday season. I really enjoyed this fast paced mystery, with it's very real characters and relationships. Looking forward to reading more of her work!
February 5, 2021
Just a good book. I have read other titles by this author and enjoyed them all. Good characters, story and writing.
April 4, 2021
Well wort reading
Good story, good writing, a pleasure to read. Ready to read the rest in the series and her other books
Good story, good writing, a pleasure to read. Ready to read the rest in the series and her other books
July 24, 2021
Very good story and great characters ! It's clean and suspenseful . I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I received this book for free and I am freely giving an honest review.
August 20, 2021
Loved it
I have Treadwell off Kathleen McKee books on Kindle. Sadly there are no more. I have enjoyed every one. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I have Treadwell off Kathleen McKee books on Kindle. Sadly there are no more. I have enjoyed every one. I'm looking forward to the next book.
November 23, 2022
A delightful story about finding christmas in many ways, along with forgiveness, redemption, mystery and romance. Worth your time to read.
June 19, 2025
Loved it
Kathleen brings a story to life with characters we can all relate to. I have read many of her books and have enjoyed every one.
Kathleen brings a story to life with characters we can all relate to. I have read many of her books and have enjoyed every one.
October 4, 2025
Another great book by Kathleen McKee!
I read this book after reading all 9 books in The Aspen Notch Series. It was great learning how Sue and Allan met!
I read this book after reading all 9 books in The Aspen Notch Series. It was great learning how Sue and Allan met!
November 10, 2025
I had to backtrack because I somehow missed this one. Now I’m caught up! On to the next one!! I’m totally hooked on this series!!
July 24, 2021
Refreshingly different mystery ❣️
Absolutely riveting ❣️I can hardly wait for the next book ❣️
If I could give an infinite number of stars, I would😏
Definitely one of my all-time favourites❣️❣️❣️
Only problem was that it wasn't correctly formatted for ebook reading
Absolutely riveting ❣️I can hardly wait for the next book ❣️
If I could give an infinite number of stars, I would😏
Definitely one of my all-time favourites❣️❣️❣️
Only problem was that it wasn't correctly formatted for ebook reading
July 31, 2020
Her story telling is so real
December 18, 2025
Note: After reading the first book in the series for review, I discovered this prequel story. According to the author, No Gifts to Bring was originally as standalone book, but readers fell in love with the main characters, thus the Aspen Notch Mysteries was born.
Since this is a cozy mystery with romantic elements set during the Christmas holiday, I selected it for this month’s optional theme of Celebration! Plus, I wanted to read the prequel before I get to the second book in the Aspen Notch Mystery series.
Told from the first person POV of Susan, the book opens with a terrible accident in a raging blizzard. Sue, along with a couple others in the pileup, are given refuge in a local home despite the owner’s cranky attitude. The next day, they are able to dig out their cars, and Sue makes it to the resort where she’s spending the holidays. However, once she’s settling in, she finds out that the owner of the home accused her guests of stealing.
No Gifts to Bring sets up a layered and interesting mystery. Sue and another guest at the resort, Alan (a retired NYC detective), start looking into the homeowner and her shady family. And then it gets more involved when the homeowner dies and her son continues to press charges. The mystery ends up being a good one that evolves over the course of the story.
In between the sleuthing, we follow Sue as she navigates her loneliness and examines her life choices. She is a widow who found out about her husband’s double life after his death. She’s isolated from her adult children. While her situation is realistic, I don’t care for her attitude. She’s extremely insecure, always thinking people are laughing at her (it’s mentioned a lot) and she is quick to judge others, making her a somewhat unlikable heroine. SPOILERS… But this is the kicker: Sue spends much of the book falling for a man she met during the storm. Having read the first book in the series, I know she ends up with Alan, the detective with whom she has a tenuous friendship for at least half of the story. Then, when it’s all said and done, they declare their mutual love and intent to spend the rest of their lives together. WHAT?? END SPOILERS
While I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery behind No Gifts to Bring, I learned I did not like main character, Sue, all that much. And while McKee may be able to spin a good whodunit, her romance skills are severely lacking in this prequel book. Luckily, I already know I enjoy the Aspen Notch Mystery series, or I may not have picked up the first book after reading this one.
My Rating: C-
Since this is a cozy mystery with romantic elements set during the Christmas holiday, I selected it for this month’s optional theme of Celebration! Plus, I wanted to read the prequel before I get to the second book in the Aspen Notch Mystery series.
Told from the first person POV of Susan, the book opens with a terrible accident in a raging blizzard. Sue, along with a couple others in the pileup, are given refuge in a local home despite the owner’s cranky attitude. The next day, they are able to dig out their cars, and Sue makes it to the resort where she’s spending the holidays. However, once she’s settling in, she finds out that the owner of the home accused her guests of stealing.
No Gifts to Bring sets up a layered and interesting mystery. Sue and another guest at the resort, Alan (a retired NYC detective), start looking into the homeowner and her shady family. And then it gets more involved when the homeowner dies and her son continues to press charges. The mystery ends up being a good one that evolves over the course of the story.
In between the sleuthing, we follow Sue as she navigates her loneliness and examines her life choices. She is a widow who found out about her husband’s double life after his death. She’s isolated from her adult children. While her situation is realistic, I don’t care for her attitude. She’s extremely insecure, always thinking people are laughing at her (it’s mentioned a lot) and she is quick to judge others, making her a somewhat unlikable heroine. SPOILERS… But this is the kicker: Sue spends much of the book falling for a man she met during the storm. Having read the first book in the series, I know she ends up with Alan, the detective with whom she has a tenuous friendship for at least half of the story. Then, when it’s all said and done, they declare their mutual love and intent to spend the rest of their lives together. WHAT?? END SPOILERS
While I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery behind No Gifts to Bring, I learned I did not like main character, Sue, all that much. And while McKee may be able to spin a good whodunit, her romance skills are severely lacking in this prequel book. Luckily, I already know I enjoy the Aspen Notch Mystery series, or I may not have picked up the first book after reading this one.
My Rating: C-
February 3, 2026
This was a cute little mystery with a touch of murder added and a hint of romance. However the ease with which our protagonists inserted themselves into the police investigation seemed unbelievable to me. Even with one of them being an ex-police detective surely you would never allow a suspect to return to the crime scene alone to do their own search of the property.
With that niggling away at the back of my mine most of the time I felt I had to just go with the flow and uneasily accept what I was reading. If you read assuming all normal rules of police investigation don't apply then it's not a bad read at all.
With that niggling away at the back of my mine most of the time I felt I had to just go with the flow and uneasily accept what I was reading. If you read assuming all normal rules of police investigation don't apply then it's not a bad read at all.
February 25, 2021
Not Proofread
Although the story and characters were interesting, the telling was painful. Words were omitted. Sentences made no sense. At one point, Sue mentions that she could see how many times Allen had been to The Lodge by his dining companions. Okay, who were they and why were they significant? The entire book reads like a first draft that nobody has attempted to improve. Best part was Cate's family. PLEASE GET BETTER PROOFREADERS!
Although the story and characters were interesting, the telling was painful. Words were omitted. Sentences made no sense. At one point, Sue mentions that she could see how many times Allen had been to The Lodge by his dining companions. Okay, who were they and why were they significant? The entire book reads like a first draft that nobody has attempted to improve. Best part was Cate's family. PLEASE GET BETTER PROOFREADERS!
September 14, 2023
I took a chance on a local author after finding this book at the local pharmacy while I was in town dog sitting. I really wanted to like this book, but it was just silly. The plot was not believable at all and none of the characters had any common sense despite being LE, detectives, and sleuths. There was also a lot of stating the obvious. I’m glad I gave it a try, but this will be a one and done.
September 18, 2019
This was one of the best books, I have read in 2019. It combines mystery, romance, second chances, and the spirit of the holiday season. With scams, dead bodies, sparkly gowns, & yummy menus.
If you are alone or remember being alone, enjoy memories of younger days, happy times, this is a good book any time of the year to read.
If you are alone or remember being alone, enjoy memories of younger days, happy times, this is a good book any time of the year to read.
February 15, 2026
The Beginning of the Story
Fun and relaxing reading. I’ve read all the other Aspen Notch books and I almost didn’t read this one because I thought I knew what happened, but it was enjoyable even if I had to suspend reality for a bit at the end.
Fun and relaxing reading. I’ve read all the other Aspen Notch books and I almost didn’t read this one because I thought I knew what happened, but it was enjoyable even if I had to suspend reality for a bit at the end.
November 17, 2023
Cute, predictable (i.e., easy to figure out who done it), some good characters.
July 31, 2025
Enjoyed the book but didn't care for the virtual voice narration.
November 10, 2025
Holiday mystery w some twists
The book drew me in bit by bit as the author built each character
There's entirely, but twists you're not quite expecting
The book drew me in bit by bit as the author built each character
There's entirely, but twists you're not quite expecting
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews