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Small Town Minnesota #2
Christmas Shop Murder
When a new landlord turns Scrooge on Christmas, she’s found dead. Can Tessa solve the case, bring back Christmas cheer, and not end up down a chimney?
Christmas is coming and Tessa Schmidt is in the holiday spirit. She’s volunteering her time to help Sue, a family friend, set up a store selling only Christmas-themed merchandise. As they’re getting ready for the grand opening, the new landlord stops by and demands that the store shut down forever after Christmas is over. When Black Friday rolls around, the grand opening is delayed indefinitely when the new landlord is found in the middle of the Christmas Shop with a metal ornament sticking out of her chest.
As Tessa struggles to get the Christmas Shop open, suspicion falls first on Sue and then onto Tessa’s own brother while the police flail around to solve the murder. While Tessa tries to keep the store running, her mother gets in an accident and Tessa is left to prepare the family B&B for Christmas by herself. As the countdown to Christmas gets shorter, Tessa’s to-do list keeps getting longer.
Tessa’s Christmas spirit starts to wane and she’s afraid that she’s becoming a Scrooge. Can Tessa solve the murder and keep the holiday season merry and bright?
Buy Christmas Shop Murder to catch the grinchy murderer today.
Christmas is coming and Tessa Schmidt is in the holiday spirit. She’s volunteering her time to help Sue, a family friend, set up a store selling only Christmas-themed merchandise. As they’re getting ready for the grand opening, the new landlord stops by and demands that the store shut down forever after Christmas is over. When Black Friday rolls around, the grand opening is delayed indefinitely when the new landlord is found in the middle of the Christmas Shop with a metal ornament sticking out of her chest.
As Tessa struggles to get the Christmas Shop open, suspicion falls first on Sue and then onto Tessa’s own brother while the police flail around to solve the murder. While Tessa tries to keep the store running, her mother gets in an accident and Tessa is left to prepare the family B&B for Christmas by herself. As the countdown to Christmas gets shorter, Tessa’s to-do list keeps getting longer.
Tessa’s Christmas spirit starts to wane and she’s afraid that she’s becoming a Scrooge. Can Tessa solve the murder and keep the holiday season merry and bright?
Buy Christmas Shop Murder to catch the grinchy murderer today.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2018
222 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 19, 2018
Tessa is excited when Sue opens a all-year round Christmas shop in their small town and is caught up in the excitement of its opening, until a woman who threatened to shut it down to make a dog grooming shop is murdered. When her brother is suspected, she decides she needs to find the truth.
It was a fun setting with likable characters. A little light on the mystery aspect - few suspects or motives. A light, enjoyable read.
It was a fun setting with likable characters. A little light on the mystery aspect - few suspects or motives. A light, enjoyable read.
January 9, 2022
Very enjoyable. I had figured out who did it but of course had no idea why.
December 31, 2021
This series is very simplistic. There are parts that are rather unbelievable. With the way that Tessa finds clues, it makes the police department seem rather terrible at their job. The characters do need a little more depth, but after book two, they're starting to grow on me. I will continue to read the series.
January 1, 2022
3.5 stars.
September 2, 2023
In some aspects I really like this book. I love the whole B&B factor. Not only does her family owned the B&B. They also own the motel. This time it is Christmas and Tessa not only is helping her family since she lives with them, but also helping a family friend Sue with her store Sue is a widow and decided to open a Christmas store for the holidays. She used to own a different type of store and then decided to change it into a Christmas store. At least that’s what I’m gathering the store she used to own or maybe still owns is more of a thrift store but I think after her husband‘s passing, she kind of revamped it unfortunately before the grand opening the owner of the building passes away, and her daughter takes over and her daughter Claire is a bit of a witch. So who ends up the victim or the murdered Claire. I like having this book we do get to know more about Tessa‘s siblings and the youngest Tank.
The pros are it is the cute cozy there is that usual love triangle so I will have to say I am team officer max. Nothing against Clark Tessa for the most part isn’t a bad detective, but this is the second book I read and I figured out the murderer really fast. I think it was between the mannerisms and just things they did that I feel like why is Tessa not questioning or she sense to give everybody the benefit of the doubt and then ends up almost getting her self killed. It’s like in someways she’s great at finding clues the police miss, but in other ways, she makes really rookie mistakes, and then I think there was a scene where she finds a note from the victim and I think we spent half a page describing how she felt about finding this note and through all of that she never got to read it until later in the day because someone came home. And I kind of felt that description was a little over the top, so I’m not sure why the author was so descriptive and she did that a couple of times through the book which I found a little annoying.
Overall, I do hope Tessa ends up making a decision. I don’t mind love triangles in the beginning I just really hope as we get further along in the series she kind of figures out what she wants. I understand she just lost her husband and she still grieving to a degree, but at the same time you are pursuing two different guys because you’re kind of casually dating but how long are we gonna casually date? I guess the future books will tell me.
The pros are it is the cute cozy there is that usual love triangle so I will have to say I am team officer max. Nothing against Clark Tessa for the most part isn’t a bad detective, but this is the second book I read and I figured out the murderer really fast. I think it was between the mannerisms and just things they did that I feel like why is Tessa not questioning or she sense to give everybody the benefit of the doubt and then ends up almost getting her self killed. It’s like in someways she’s great at finding clues the police miss, but in other ways, she makes really rookie mistakes, and then I think there was a scene where she finds a note from the victim and I think we spent half a page describing how she felt about finding this note and through all of that she never got to read it until later in the day because someone came home. And I kind of felt that description was a little over the top, so I’m not sure why the author was so descriptive and she did that a couple of times through the book which I found a little annoying.
Overall, I do hope Tessa ends up making a decision. I don’t mind love triangles in the beginning I just really hope as we get further along in the series she kind of figures out what she wants. I understand she just lost her husband and she still grieving to a degree, but at the same time you are pursuing two different guys because you’re kind of casually dating but how long are we gonna casually date? I guess the future books will tell me.
December 2, 2020
I'm really loving these new book covers! They're so fun and cute, and I know they've made me want to read the series even more than before. I love the closeness of Tessa and her family. Her brothers and sisters are all very tightly-knit and seem to get along. It's cute how she's still a little protective of "baby" brother Tank, lol, but hey I guess anyone might be like that if their brother was a murder suspect. I feel like we did get to know her mom a little bit better in this book due to it centering on her a little more. Even though I like her dad's character, I still don't feel like we know him if that makes sense? Mandy's a good friend but not really the sleuthing buddy type of bestie, although someone does need to make those amazing-sounding donuts.
I knew early on who the killer was going to be, but maybe it was intended that way to make the fun the reading of how the person was found out and their why. The showdown was pretty exciting and there was a sweet ending for a couple of Tessa's friends. I get that Tessa doesn't want to commit to any one guy right now, but I really hope it doesn't go on too awfully long with her dating both Clark and Max. I guess I'm Team Max due to the whole high school sweetheart thing being so cute, and they do have losing a spouse in common. I have a huge respect for both cops and teachers who both make great book boyfriends, so yes it's a little hard to decide which guy is my fave. Maybe whichever one she's with at the time! ;)
I knew early on who the killer was going to be, but maybe it was intended that way to make the fun the reading of how the person was found out and their why. The showdown was pretty exciting and there was a sweet ending for a couple of Tessa's friends. I get that Tessa doesn't want to commit to any one guy right now, but I really hope it doesn't go on too awfully long with her dating both Clark and Max. I guess I'm Team Max due to the whole high school sweetheart thing being so cute, and they do have losing a spouse in common. I have a huge respect for both cops and teachers who both make great book boyfriends, so yes it's a little hard to decide which guy is my fave. Maybe whichever one she's with at the time! ;)
December 23, 2020
Tessa Schmidt loves holidays. She really loves Christmas and is super excited to be volunteering to help out with the family friend’s Christmas Shop this holiday season. Unfortunately, the grand opening has to be delayed when a dead body is found inside the shop. This puts a big damper on Tessa’s holiday spirit until her Mom asks for her help in solving the murder.
Of course, Tessa now feels all kinds of pressure to solve the murder fast so the store can open and the family friend does not fall on hard times due to lack of income. Add to this the fact that Tessa, recently widowed has returned to her hometown to live with her parents and help run the family B&B, her Mom has fallen and is recovering from a broken bone, the city Christmas Yard Decorating contest is about to happen and the B&B needs to enter the contest, her brother gets arrested for the murder and she is dating the policeman who is investigating. This all makes for a fun if chaotic holiday murder mystery. Linnea West has written a fun, light-hearted read that is perfect for the holiday season. Build a fire, get some eggnog or hot chocolate, and enjoy this quick read.
Of course, Tessa now feels all kinds of pressure to solve the murder fast so the store can open and the family friend does not fall on hard times due to lack of income. Add to this the fact that Tessa, recently widowed has returned to her hometown to live with her parents and help run the family B&B, her Mom has fallen and is recovering from a broken bone, the city Christmas Yard Decorating contest is about to happen and the B&B needs to enter the contest, her brother gets arrested for the murder and she is dating the policeman who is investigating. This all makes for a fun if chaotic holiday murder mystery. Linnea West has written a fun, light-hearted read that is perfect for the holiday season. Build a fire, get some eggnog or hot chocolate, and enjoy this quick read.
December 21, 2022
3.5 stars
I liked the Christmas vibes that this one gave off especially with the all year Christmas store that was in the town that Tessa was helping out at during the season. I enjoyed the small town feel and the characters. The mystery was okay, but a little on the bland side. There were no real big twists or turns until the killer was revealed and even that wasn’t an exciting reveal either. Also I felt like the mystery should have started a bit earlier than it did and get into more of that part of the story. I just felt like that wasn’t the meat of the story like I wanted it to be when I read a cozy mystery. It was still decent, and I liked it, but I just wanted a bit more than I got.
I liked the Christmas vibes that this one gave off especially with the all year Christmas store that was in the town that Tessa was helping out at during the season. I enjoyed the small town feel and the characters. The mystery was okay, but a little on the bland side. There were no real big twists or turns until the killer was revealed and even that wasn’t an exciting reveal either. Also I felt like the mystery should have started a bit earlier than it did and get into more of that part of the story. I just felt like that wasn’t the meat of the story like I wanted it to be when I read a cozy mystery. It was still decent, and I liked it, but I just wanted a bit more than I got.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2018
This book is what cozy mysteries are all about - a pleasant setting (a small town in Minnesota), likable characters, and a fun plot. Unfortunately the trend now seems to be typographical and grammatical errors, as well as some slips in the editing, and those minor flaws were present here too. All in all it was quite enjoyable, a pleasant surprise, and one of the better Christmas cozies I have read.
December 3, 2018
Holiday Cozy
A fun Christmas story that takes place in a small town where everyone knows everyone. As the town gets ready for Christmas the local B&B is preparing to. So much to do for a favorite time of year! Only something happens at the Christmas Shop that adds a little mystery also.
A fun Christmas story that takes place in a small town where everyone knows everyone. As the town gets ready for Christmas the local B&B is preparing to. So much to do for a favorite time of year! Only something happens at the Christmas Shop that adds a little mystery also.
January 20, 2019
Never a dull moment in this super book 💖
This is a very interesting adventure storyline with characters that you get to know like their are your friends and how you worry that something is wrong and you do everything that you can to make it right. Characters that really show the best in friends.
This is a book that grabs you and you can't put it down.
This is a very interesting adventure storyline with characters that you get to know like their are your friends and how you worry that something is wrong and you do everything that you can to make it right. Characters that really show the best in friends.
This is a book that grabs you and you can't put it down.
September 7, 2019
t'his is an old copy of this book that has been on my Tbr pile for a long time. So, most likely it is an older version of this book..
I liked this book. Great for the holiday. But, I'm only giving it 3 stars
because the editor didn't do their job and fix typos and errors. Otherwise
I would have given it 4 stars.
I liked this book. Great for the holiday. But, I'm only giving it 3 stars
because the editor didn't do their job and fix typos and errors. Otherwise
I would have given it 4 stars.
December 24, 2020
Christmas and sweets
What more is there to love? I figured out the murderer long before it happened. But that's okay cuz I love all the hustle and bustle of the holidays! It's the most magic time of year, right? Anyhow, would really like to visit the beautiful backdrop of this story, Minnesota. The author did a fine job of portraying it's beauty.
What more is there to love? I figured out the murderer long before it happened. But that's okay cuz I love all the hustle and bustle of the holidays! It's the most magic time of year, right? Anyhow, would really like to visit the beautiful backdrop of this story, Minnesota. The author did a fine job of portraying it's beauty.
July 23, 2022
Christmas time mystery
I enjoyed the story but I thought it dragged on a little bit. At first you didn't know who murder Claire. It could of been numerous people. But I figured halfway through that Jill did it. So knowing that kind of lost my interest. But it still was a good story.
I enjoyed the story but I thought it dragged on a little bit. At first you didn't know who murder Claire. It could of been numerous people. But I figured halfway through that Jill did it. So knowing that kind of lost my interest. But it still was a good story.
December 14, 2018
Great Book!
This is the first book I've read by this author. I chose it because of the Christmas theme. Well written,great characters,and a good mystery plot. Highly recommend for lovers of small town cozy mysteries!
This is the first book I've read by this author. I chose it because of the Christmas theme. Well written,great characters,and a good mystery plot. Highly recommend for lovers of small town cozy mysteries!
Read
January 3, 2020Not entering a star rating because I only had (for free) the first 4 chapters.
It was fairly straightforward, a little too filled with characters who play/ed minor parts, and an obvious set-up for murder.
It was fairly straightforward, a little too filled with characters who play/ed minor parts, and an obvious set-up for murder.
May 11, 2021
And the author is an English/Education major?!
This is a rather below average cozy: the characters are one-dimensional and unremarkable, the mystery is banal, the investigation is inept, and the proofing is subpar.
This is a rather below average cozy: the characters are one-dimensional and unremarkable, the mystery is banal, the investigation is inept, and the proofing is subpar.
December 18, 2021
I enjoyed the story although I figured out who the murderer was early on. Thought it a little weird that Tessa was dating two men at the same time and she had no qualms about being with one while the other was nearby-seems like that would feel weird in a small town.
December 13, 2018
Not my favorite writing style. Too much character background (who cares?) and was written like a text message. Will not look for others by this author.
November 29, 2019
Christmas shop murder
A good read for a snowy night around the holidays. Good characters although the main characters love life is confusing
A good read for a snowy night around the holidays. Good characters although the main characters love life is confusing
March 4, 2020
Fun cozy mystery!
I really enjoy this cozy mystery series! The cast of characters is quirky, yet charming and relatable. The main mystery is wrapped up by the end of the book, but there are some sub-plots that carry over, so it’s best to read them in order. Highly recommend the series!
I really enjoy this cozy mystery series! The cast of characters is quirky, yet charming and relatable. The main mystery is wrapped up by the end of the book, but there are some sub-plots that carry over, so it’s best to read them in order. Highly recommend the series!
October 26, 2020
Quick cozy mystery
There is something about these short cozy mysteries that I really enjoy. I most of the time don't know who done it but I like anyway.
There is something about these short cozy mysteries that I really enjoy. I most of the time don't know who done it but I like anyway.
February 24, 2021
Zero stars
Amateurish writing and sloppy editing. Every reader's worst nightmare. The real mystery is how a book this dreadful ever got published.
Amateurish writing and sloppy editing. Every reader's worst nightmare. The real mystery is how a book this dreadful ever got published.
September 20, 2021
Love
I must have books out of order. Both men are getting kisses and hug.
Interesting murderer. Why is this girl doing everything alone.
I must have books out of order. Both men are getting kisses and hug.
Interesting murderer. Why is this girl doing everything alone.
December 31, 2021
This is a fun series! I enjoy the main character and all her family and friends! I did not figure out this mystery until the end! Definitely on the light side but fun! I would recommend
February 21, 2022
Who killed Claire and why??? Tessa keeps looking though!!! I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
December 18, 2022
Love the characters
But not the easily solved mystery. Knew halfway through who did it, just needed to see why. Since I rarely know before the reveal, this was a disappointment.
But not the easily solved mystery. Knew halfway through who did it, just needed to see why. Since I rarely know before the reveal, this was a disappointment.
December 25, 2023
Who killed Claire and why or why not??? Tessa will figure things out though, won't she??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
February 24, 2024
A very easy read.
December 30, 2024
Good book
You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel. I really enjoyed reading this novel very much. ShelleyMa
You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel. I really enjoyed reading this novel very much. ShelleyMa
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews