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A Year-Round Christmas Mystery #4
Silent Night, Deadly Night
Residents of Rudolph keep the spirit of Christmas alive year-round--but their joy is threatened when a group of grinches visits the town, in the charming fourth installment of the Year-Round Christmas series.
It's the week before Thanksgiving, and Merry Wilkinson, owner of Mrs. Claus's Treasures, is preparing for a weekend reunion of her mother's college friends. But when the group of women comes into Merry's shop, Merry is met with frosty attitudes and cold hearts.
The women argue amongst themselves constantly, and the bickering only intensifies after one of the friends is poisoned. With her father's role as Santa in danger due to his proximity to the crime, Merry will need to use all of her investigative gifts to wrap this mystery up and save Santa and her favorite holiday.
It's the week before Thanksgiving, and Merry Wilkinson, owner of Mrs. Claus's Treasures, is preparing for a weekend reunion of her mother's college friends. But when the group of women comes into Merry's shop, Merry is met with frosty attitudes and cold hearts.
The women argue amongst themselves constantly, and the bickering only intensifies after one of the friends is poisoned. With her father's role as Santa in danger due to his proximity to the crime, Merry will need to use all of her investigative gifts to wrap this mystery up and save Santa and her favorite holiday.
295 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 27, 2019
118 people are currently reading
1076 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Delany
62 books1,906 followers“It’s a crime not to read Delany,” so says the London Free Press.
Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most varied and prolific crime writers.
She is the author of four cozy mystery series: The Tea by the Sea series from Kensington Books, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane and the Year Round Christmas series from Penguin. Under the pen name of Eva Gates she writes the Lighthouse Library Series.
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com , www.facebook.com/evagatesauthor, and twitter: @vickidelany
Vicki is part of Mystery Lovers Kitchen (http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com) and Killer Characters (http://www.killercharacters.com)
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com
Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most varied and prolific crime writers.
She is the author of four cozy mystery series: The Tea by the Sea series from Kensington Books, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane and the Year Round Christmas series from Penguin. Under the pen name of Eva Gates she writes the Lighthouse Library Series.
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com , www.facebook.com/evagatesauthor, and twitter: @vickidelany
Vicki is part of Mystery Lovers Kitchen (http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com) and Killer Characters (http://www.killercharacters.com)
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
July 26, 2020
Even though it's a few months early, I obtained a copy of Silent Night, Deadly Night by Vicky Delany, published this month, and had to devour it already. This is 1 of 2 series by the author that I read, and I like to stay as current as possible. The books are easy-to-read, full of wonderful characters, and provide lots of entertainment.
This is the 4th book in the author's 'A Year-Round Christmas Mysteries' series, and the books take place in Rudolph, New York (upstate), a village that celebrates Christmas all year round. Merry is the protagonist, and her father was once the mayor, now the town Santa Claus. Her mother was an opera singer, and in this book, she invites 5 college friends to visit shortly before Thanksgiving. The only issue... they really haven't gotten together in over 35 years, and once they do, the bickering starts all over again. This time, it ends in murder... and due to circumstances, it's 100% clear that 1 of the 5 killed the other. Is Merry's mom guilty? Meanwhile, a new family moves to town and tries to take over the role of Santa Claus from Noel. Will he let it happen to embrace full retirement?
Delany creates vibrant characters and multi-layered plots. I enjoyed the mix of Thanksgiving and Christmas in this book. The subplots are fun. Jackie (Merry's shop worker) is just full of sass and vinegar, her best friend Vicky is a kind and helpful, her boyfriend Allan is a good guy, and the detective is friendly but direct. I wish we could spend more time in various shops and places around the town, but the settings are always immersive and appealing.
The mystery in this one was good, a little light for me. It had several layers, but with so many characters, each one had minimal time. I felt like we hadn't scratched the surface on the lives of each woman in the last 35 years, so I struggled to decide who would be the killer. The last 25% moves quickly, and that's when it gets really strong. We start peeling the onion to the point we can easily sniff out the bad apple. How's that for a mixed metaphor!?!?!
I'd recommend the series, but I'd tell you to hold off until December when it's Christmastime. You'll get a wonderful holiday spirit from these stories, and use it wisely... between Thanksgiving and Christmas will make this pop even more. Great job, Ms. Delany; another success!
This is the 4th book in the author's 'A Year-Round Christmas Mysteries' series, and the books take place in Rudolph, New York (upstate), a village that celebrates Christmas all year round. Merry is the protagonist, and her father was once the mayor, now the town Santa Claus. Her mother was an opera singer, and in this book, she invites 5 college friends to visit shortly before Thanksgiving. The only issue... they really haven't gotten together in over 35 years, and once they do, the bickering starts all over again. This time, it ends in murder... and due to circumstances, it's 100% clear that 1 of the 5 killed the other. Is Merry's mom guilty? Meanwhile, a new family moves to town and tries to take over the role of Santa Claus from Noel. Will he let it happen to embrace full retirement?
Delany creates vibrant characters and multi-layered plots. I enjoyed the mix of Thanksgiving and Christmas in this book. The subplots are fun. Jackie (Merry's shop worker) is just full of sass and vinegar, her best friend Vicky is a kind and helpful, her boyfriend Allan is a good guy, and the detective is friendly but direct. I wish we could spend more time in various shops and places around the town, but the settings are always immersive and appealing.
The mystery in this one was good, a little light for me. It had several layers, but with so many characters, each one had minimal time. I felt like we hadn't scratched the surface on the lives of each woman in the last 35 years, so I struggled to decide who would be the killer. The last 25% moves quickly, and that's when it gets really strong. We start peeling the onion to the point we can easily sniff out the bad apple. How's that for a mixed metaphor!?!?!
I'd recommend the series, but I'd tell you to hold off until December when it's Christmastime. You'll get a wonderful holiday spirit from these stories, and use it wisely... between Thanksgiving and Christmas will make this pop even more. Great job, Ms. Delany; another success!
August 23, 2019
Merry Wilkinson is looking forward to Thanksgiving, but her mother, Aline, is looking forward to the weekend before. Aline has invited her college friends to come to Rudolph, New York, for a reunion. However, when the women arrive, they quickly devolve into bickering and sniping. Desperate to find a way to keep the peace, Aline invites Merry to several of their events. At one of them, one of the women die under suspicious circumstances. Merry can’t help but begin to gather information, but when a newcomer tries to use the crime to get Merry’s father removed as the official town Santa, she steps up her game. Can she figure out what happened before the women leave town?
As a lover of all things Christmas, I was thrilled to be able to visit Merry and the town of Rudolph again. While set at Thanksgiving, the book perfectly captures that late fall feel and the Thanksgiving spirit while also working in Christmas. We get to know the suspects and the victim a bit before she dies. While the victim and murder method might not be too surprising, there are some secrets and twists buried in the book that kept me reading, and the sub-plot involving Merry’s dad also drew me in. I was a bit worried when we met all the suspects at once, but we get enough context early on to keep them straight until they develop as more characters. It was great to see the series regulars again as well. Whether you read this book now or save it for Thanksgiving or Christmas, you’re sure to enjoy it.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
As a lover of all things Christmas, I was thrilled to be able to visit Merry and the town of Rudolph again. While set at Thanksgiving, the book perfectly captures that late fall feel and the Thanksgiving spirit while also working in Christmas. We get to know the suspects and the victim a bit before she dies. While the victim and murder method might not be too surprising, there are some secrets and twists buried in the book that kept me reading, and the sub-plot involving Merry’s dad also drew me in. I was a bit worried when we met all the suspects at once, but we get enough context early on to keep them straight until they develop as more characters. It was great to see the series regulars again as well. Whether you read this book now or save it for Thanksgiving or Christmas, you’re sure to enjoy it.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
September 8, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We’re back in Rudolph, New York just before Thanksgiving and just in time for Aline’s college friends arrive for a little college reunion. When the group arrives at Mrs. Claus’s Treasures Merry is struck by how different her mother’s friends are. They all attended a performance college but is clear their lives have gone in different directions. They really don’t act like friends either as they throw barbs at each other left and right. Merry is happy her father is out of town because the house is going to be full of stress and bickering.
During a group dinner which included Merry one of the alumni dies from a cause to be determined, but Merry is pretty sure she knows what happened. She is just unclear of which college chum did the deed. And with the murder happening at the home of the town’s resident Santa, a Rudolph newcomer sets himself up to take over the job. Merry is not about to let that happen. She is going to check her suspect list twice and but the naughty murderer in their place.
I was thrilled to see this series return, it has been one of my favorites. Rudolph is full of Christmas spirit year-round and I have loved each visit.
Merry Wilkerson owns Mrs. Claus’s Treasures, her mother Aline is a retired opera diva and her Father Noel is the former mayor and performs all Santa Claus duties needed all year long. Jackie works for Merry, her best friend Vicki helps out when she can and also makes a great Watson to Merry’s Sherlock when there is murder afoot. Merry also has wonderful St, Bernard named Mattie. I love the way the Wilkerson family sticks together and sticks up for each other.
This time Ms. Daleny introduces not only Aline’s friends, Constance, Genevieve, Barbara, Karla, and Ruth, but a new couple in town Wayne and Norma Fitzroy who want to get very active around town.
Ms. Delany excels at character development. These characters are rich, those we love, those who rub the wrong way, and even those we come to absolutely hate by the end of the story.
She wraps those characters in a great mystery plot with fun subplot offshoots that keep a reader engaged until the final page. While the manner of death is evident immediately it is not easy to pin the crime on any suspect. Aline’s guests wear out their welcome quickly and to save her mother’s sanity Merry knows she needs to help solve the case as soon as possible. Clues are dropped liberally. I love Ruth, one of the “suspects” is an avid mystery reader and wanted to solve the case herself, just like me trying to beat the big reveal in the cozies I read.
Fun and Entertaining! This is a great addition to this series. You truly can’t go wrong with any title by Vicki Delany. This book stands well on its own but the entire series is fabulous. Treat yourself to the whole bunch!
We’re back in Rudolph, New York just before Thanksgiving and just in time for Aline’s college friends arrive for a little college reunion. When the group arrives at Mrs. Claus’s Treasures Merry is struck by how different her mother’s friends are. They all attended a performance college but is clear their lives have gone in different directions. They really don’t act like friends either as they throw barbs at each other left and right. Merry is happy her father is out of town because the house is going to be full of stress and bickering.
During a group dinner which included Merry one of the alumni dies from a cause to be determined, but Merry is pretty sure she knows what happened. She is just unclear of which college chum did the deed. And with the murder happening at the home of the town’s resident Santa, a Rudolph newcomer sets himself up to take over the job. Merry is not about to let that happen. She is going to check her suspect list twice and but the naughty murderer in their place.
I was thrilled to see this series return, it has been one of my favorites. Rudolph is full of Christmas spirit year-round and I have loved each visit.
Merry Wilkerson owns Mrs. Claus’s Treasures, her mother Aline is a retired opera diva and her Father Noel is the former mayor and performs all Santa Claus duties needed all year long. Jackie works for Merry, her best friend Vicki helps out when she can and also makes a great Watson to Merry’s Sherlock when there is murder afoot. Merry also has wonderful St, Bernard named Mattie. I love the way the Wilkerson family sticks together and sticks up for each other.
This time Ms. Daleny introduces not only Aline’s friends, Constance, Genevieve, Barbara, Karla, and Ruth, but a new couple in town Wayne and Norma Fitzroy who want to get very active around town.
Ms. Delany excels at character development. These characters are rich, those we love, those who rub the wrong way, and even those we come to absolutely hate by the end of the story.
She wraps those characters in a great mystery plot with fun subplot offshoots that keep a reader engaged until the final page. While the manner of death is evident immediately it is not easy to pin the crime on any suspect. Aline’s guests wear out their welcome quickly and to save her mother’s sanity Merry knows she needs to help solve the case as soon as possible. Clues are dropped liberally. I love Ruth, one of the “suspects” is an avid mystery reader and wanted to solve the case herself, just like me trying to beat the big reveal in the cozies I read.
Fun and Entertaining! This is a great addition to this series. You truly can’t go wrong with any title by Vicki Delany. This book stands well on its own but the entire series is fabulous. Treat yourself to the whole bunch!
December 19, 2024
This is the only volume of this series that isn't available at our library, but I was fortunate to find it at a big used book sale back in May. I do like to read these things in order! Merry Wilkinson is once again involved in a murder investigation in the town of Rudolph. Her mother Aline has invited her university friends to come to town for a reunion, but things quickly go off the rails when Karla collapses and dies from a peanut allergy. Merry suspects it was no accident. The police are involved and the women are stuck in town, much to their displeasure.
Merry's father Noel is the town Santa, but there's a new guy in town who wants to take over. Merry is outraged, but her dad isn't going to fuss about it. Can Merry leave it alone? (Spoiler alert: No.) Thank goodness she has her dog Mattie and her boyfriend Alan to help her stay on track.
I was glad that Delany has continued to write Detective Diane Simmons as tolerant of Merry's involvement. The detective is still not going to share information (quite rightly) but she isn't hostile like the police in other cozy mystery series. Merry also is less gung-ho than some other cozy heroines (like Gemma Doyle in Delany's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mysteries). She even takes better care of her dog than other Delany characters. In this book, Merry spends far less time with her bestie, another pleasant change. All of Delany's series are pretty samey, but I favour this one for these reasons.
I think this volume can go to the used bookstore when I next take in an offering, but I did enjoy reading it. The library can take it from here.
Merry's father Noel is the town Santa, but there's a new guy in town who wants to take over. Merry is outraged, but her dad isn't going to fuss about it. Can Merry leave it alone? (Spoiler alert: No.) Thank goodness she has her dog Mattie and her boyfriend Alan to help her stay on track.
I was glad that Delany has continued to write Detective Diane Simmons as tolerant of Merry's involvement. The detective is still not going to share information (quite rightly) but she isn't hostile like the police in other cozy mystery series. Merry also is less gung-ho than some other cozy heroines (like Gemma Doyle in Delany's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mysteries). She even takes better care of her dog than other Delany characters. In this book, Merry spends far less time with her bestie, another pleasant change. All of Delany's series are pretty samey, but I favour this one for these reasons.
I think this volume can go to the used bookstore when I next take in an offering, but I did enjoy reading it. The library can take it from here.
December 2, 2025
I have read an enjoyed the first three books, but this one didn't hold my attention, and I was disappointed in the relationship of Merry and her beau. There wasn't much interaction and no sparks. The plot focused almost exclusively on the murder and the drama playing out with Merry's dad, Noel, and the new hot shot in town who wants his job as Santa. The narration by Amy Deuchler was good, but not great. There were a lot of female parts, and it was tough to distinguish between them at times. The plot was good, but not great. I would have liked to delve more into the situation involving the upstart who wants Noel's job as Santa.
It's the week before Thanksgiving, a relative calm time before the busy Christmas Season in the year-round Christmas town of Rudolph, New York. Merry Wilkinson's mother is hosting a reunion of her college besties; except we soon see that these women were anything but besties. They soon make is plain that the only person they all like is Merry's mother. There is definitely no love lost between these women. Then one of them dies and Merry has to figure out which one is a murderer.
Adding to the turmoil is a relative newcomer to Rudolph who wants to become The Big Man in Town and has his sights on Merry's father's job as Santa. He also has some big ideas for the town, none of which Merry likes. But, with the murder in Santa's home, Merry has to work fast to save Noel's job.
3 1/2-Stars
It's the week before Thanksgiving, a relative calm time before the busy Christmas Season in the year-round Christmas town of Rudolph, New York. Merry Wilkinson's mother is hosting a reunion of her college besties; except we soon see that these women were anything but besties. They soon make is plain that the only person they all like is Merry's mother. There is definitely no love lost between these women. Then one of them dies and Merry has to figure out which one is a murderer.
Adding to the turmoil is a relative newcomer to Rudolph who wants to become The Big Man in Town and has his sights on Merry's father's job as Santa. He also has some big ideas for the town, none of which Merry likes. But, with the murder in Santa's home, Merry has to work fast to save Noel's job.
3 1/2-Stars
November 27, 2020
When one of her mother's college friends is poisoned, Merry Wilkinson investigates.
The main characters in this captivating story are well developed. The plot pulled me in and held me riveted from beginning to end. Overall, this was a fun read.
Recommended for those seeking a wholesome holiday read.
The main characters in this captivating story are well developed. The plot pulled me in and held me riveted from beginning to end. Overall, this was a fun read.
Recommended for those seeking a wholesome holiday read.
August 24, 2019
A charming new cozy mystSilent Night, Deadly Night is the fourth A Year-Round Christmas Mystery. Merry Wilkinson has her hands full when one of her mother’s old college friends dies while in town for a reunion and a newcomer to town is determined to take the Santa Clause position away from her father, Noel. It is a week before Thanksgiving, which is Merry’s favorite holiday, and the shop is hopping with customers. It is always a delight to visit the charming Christmas town of Rudolph, New York. While Silent Night, Deadly Night is the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I thought the book was well-written with good pacing. The book is fraught with tension from the minute Aline’s college friends walk into Mrs. Claus’s Treasures. The five women are constantly sniping at each other and getting in little digs. It is only the first day of their visit and Aline, Merry’s mother, regrets organizing the gathering. When one of the women dies, the remaining ladies are suspects and are not allowed to leave town (there goes Thanksgiving). Merry wants to figure out which woman committed the crime so they can all leave town (they are staying at the Wilkinson home). There are clues sprinkled throughout the book to help readers solve the case before the satisfying reveal. I found Ruth to be an interesting character with her love of mystery novels and her fascination with the case (all mystery lovers can relate). There is a subplot with a newcomer to town trying to take the Santa Claus position away from Merry’s father, Noel. I like how Noel handled himself and how the situation was resolved. I enjoyed learning more about the Wilkinson family and the romance factor was light (thank you). I thoroughly enjoy the descriptions of Rudolph and Mrs. Claus’s Treasures. Silent Night, Deadly Night was a satisfying cozy mystery and I look forward to reading the next A Year-Round Christmas Mystery. Silent Night, Deadly Night has catty college chums, deadly delicacies, a sly Santa stealer, dangerous secrets, old-fashioned ornaments and one elf investigator. ery full of Christmas cheer and a murder. I will share my review soon.
June 18, 2019
Merry lives in the town of Rudolf where Christmas is in season all year long. Merry’s mom invites her old college roommates to visit, but has forgotten that they really didn’t get along very well. The women are very different and spend most of their time insulting each other. When one of the women is killed, there is no shortage of suspects. To make matters worse, Merry’s father (who always plays Santa Claus), is ousted from the role by a conniving newcomer. Silent Night, Deadly Night is a fun, cozy read with delightful characters and a true Christmas spirit...no matter the time of year.
July 2, 2019
Another winning cozy by Delaney.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2019
Silent Night, Deadly Night is another strong entry in the entertaining Year-Round Christmas Mystery series. Delany excels at character development, and I was immediately drawn into the tale of these sniping college friends. Protagonist Merry's parents are prominently featured in this installment, and I love them; they are definitely a case of opposites attracted. I hope this series continues for many more books.
December 27, 2022
I wanted to read something festive but was not in the mood to start any of the holiday romances I had, so this seemed like the natural choice. It did exactly what I wanted from a cozy, but days later I have no real memories of what happened, which is not a bad thing. I like this series.
July 10, 2020
This is a delightful series that I look forward to reading each year. Although it's not Christmas, I felt the need to read a small-town holiday mystery. Rudolph, New York where it's Christmas all year long, is the perfect place to visit. I love seeing what Merry and her family and friends are up to in each book. I'm all caught up and ready for the next one.
November 26, 2021
I really enjoy this series. Merry is a great character and the town is a lot of fun too. The mystery was good and kept me guessing.
August 21, 2019
another excellent entry in this series. This one centers around Merry's mother having a reunion of college friends the week before Thanksgiving. Of course one turns up dead at dinner at the Wilkerson's and everyone is a suspect. There is also a subplot about an evil councilman trying to wrest the Santa Claus positon away from Merry's father, but i found that to be just so much window dressing. The real charm of the book is watching Merry get involved where she should not, and her slobber of a dog Matterhorn. Enjoyable cozy read, even for those not familiar with the series.
May 23, 2021
Really enjoyable book, secrets, women flaunting their riches and life styles and murder over those lonago secrets. Love the characters and the setting and this plot was super.Look forward to the next book in this series.
June 30, 2019
SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT, the fourth book in the Year-Round Christmas Mysteries by Vicki Delany, is a delightful addition to a fun holiday read. While the town of Rudolph, New York celebrates Christmas year-round, this newest book is set at Thanksgiving time. I enjoyed how the author melded the two holiday celebrations together in the shop of Mrs. Claus’s Treasures, owned by protagonist Merry Wilkinson. Ms. Delany has a strong descriptive voice and has developed terrific characters. I greatly enjoyed the descriptions and names of the town’s shops and locations, all capturing the holiday spirit the town wants to convey to the many tourists who visit. I also appreciated the close relationship Merry has with her parents: her father, Noel, who is the town’s resident Santa, and her mother, Aline, a retired opera diva. They are supportive and caring of each other, which brings a sweet, emotional element to the story. On the other hand, when Aline’s college friends come for a reunion visit, continuous strife seems to haunt the group which disrupts the Wilkinson’s household. I’ll have to admit, all of the women were nasty, maybe too nasty. It wasn’t a surprise when one of them is murdered while eating a potluck dinner with the group.
The investigator insists the women stay in town until they can be cleared…stuck at Aline’s house. This prompts Merry to get involved to find the killer and get the remaining horrid women out of her mother’s home and life. There’s also a subplot woven into the murder mystery of why Noel Wilkinson might be ousted from his role as the town’s Santa. I had to admire Noel’s calmness and the way he exhibited the true meaning of Christmas in the face of strife. As the story progresses, the author sprinkles clues for a sharp reader to catch, then provides a twist to pull it all together for a satisfying conclusion. In my opinion, it’s never too early to get in the holiday spirit and SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT is a delightful way to indulge.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The investigator insists the women stay in town until they can be cleared…stuck at Aline’s house. This prompts Merry to get involved to find the killer and get the remaining horrid women out of her mother’s home and life. There’s also a subplot woven into the murder mystery of why Noel Wilkinson might be ousted from his role as the town’s Santa. I had to admire Noel’s calmness and the way he exhibited the true meaning of Christmas in the face of strife. As the story progresses, the author sprinkles clues for a sharp reader to catch, then provides a twist to pull it all together for a satisfying conclusion. In my opinion, it’s never too early to get in the holiday spirit and SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT is a delightful way to indulge.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 25, 2019
https://openbooksociety.com/article/s...
Silent Night, Deadly Night
Year Round Christmas Mystery #4
By Vicki Delany
ISBN#9780440000303
http://vickidelany.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Residents of Rudolph keep the spirit of Christmas alive year-round–but their joy is threatened when a group of grinches visits the town, in the charming fourth installment of the Year-Round Christmas series.
It’s the week before Thanksgiving, and Merry Wilkinson, owner of Mrs. Claus’s Treasures, is preparing for a weekend reunion of her mother’s college friends. But when the group of women comes into Merry’s shop, Merry is met with frosty attitudes and cold hearts.
The women argue amongst themselves constantly, and the bickering only intensifies after one of the friends is poisoned. With her father’s role as Santa in danger due to his proximity to the crime, Merry will need to use all of her investigative gifts to wrap this mystery up and save Santa and her favorite holiday. (Goodreads)
Review:
The week before Thanksgiving in a year round Christmas town brings steady business, but it is also the “quiet before the storm” when the Holiday madness descends. Merry is excited for Thanksgiving, but first she must get through her retired opera singer mother’s college friends’ reunion weekend. Merry is surprised at how varied the friends are when they come into her shop but even more shocked when the spiteful, insinuating barbs begin to fly among the women. Things go from bad to worse when one of Aline’s guests dies, and everyone becomes a suspect. Rudolph is like most small towns and rumors about Merry’s parents’ involvement in the death spread like wildfire. A newcomer to town seizes the opportunity to unseat Merry’s father from his council position, and, more importantly, his role as the town’s Santa. Merry does all she can to save her family’s reputation and get to the truth.
I really enjoy this entertaining cozy series, and author Vicki Delany does a great job of making the Christmas themed town relevant no matter the season without it becoming too cutesy or a caricature of the holiday. Plus, the Christmas theme brings a constant undercurrent of happiness and celebration to the backdrop.
The characters are well developed and compelling, even those that are certainly unlikable. In Silent Night, Deadly Night, several new characters are introduced all at once, and I was initially worried that I would get them confused with one another, but each one is so individual, and Delany defines them well and quickly. Of the college friends, Rose, is the bright spot in this group of friends that are not really friends at all. Merry’s parents are prominently featured in this story, and I adore them. They are such opposites and so much fun. Merry is an insightful amateur sleuth, likable and relatable. And, of course, Merry’s dog Matterhorn is the best sidekick.
The victim’s cause of death is no surprise (in fact, this is the second book in a row I have read that utilizes it), but it fits well into the story and with the characters. The murder takes place in Merry’s parents’ house, instantly making me feel invested in the who and why of the mystery. The motives of the suspects are slowly revealed until Merry figures it all out, leading to a satisfying conclusion. The book moves along at a steady, quick pace.
Silent Night, Deadly Night is a worthy addition to the Year-Round Christmas series, and I look forward to many, many more adventures with Merry and crew. I highly recommend this book.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Silent Night, Deadly Night
Year Round Christmas Mystery #4
By Vicki Delany
ISBN#9780440000303
http://vickidelany.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Residents of Rudolph keep the spirit of Christmas alive year-round–but their joy is threatened when a group of grinches visits the town, in the charming fourth installment of the Year-Round Christmas series.
It’s the week before Thanksgiving, and Merry Wilkinson, owner of Mrs. Claus’s Treasures, is preparing for a weekend reunion of her mother’s college friends. But when the group of women comes into Merry’s shop, Merry is met with frosty attitudes and cold hearts.
The women argue amongst themselves constantly, and the bickering only intensifies after one of the friends is poisoned. With her father’s role as Santa in danger due to his proximity to the crime, Merry will need to use all of her investigative gifts to wrap this mystery up and save Santa and her favorite holiday. (Goodreads)
Review:
The week before Thanksgiving in a year round Christmas town brings steady business, but it is also the “quiet before the storm” when the Holiday madness descends. Merry is excited for Thanksgiving, but first she must get through her retired opera singer mother’s college friends’ reunion weekend. Merry is surprised at how varied the friends are when they come into her shop but even more shocked when the spiteful, insinuating barbs begin to fly among the women. Things go from bad to worse when one of Aline’s guests dies, and everyone becomes a suspect. Rudolph is like most small towns and rumors about Merry’s parents’ involvement in the death spread like wildfire. A newcomer to town seizes the opportunity to unseat Merry’s father from his council position, and, more importantly, his role as the town’s Santa. Merry does all she can to save her family’s reputation and get to the truth.
I really enjoy this entertaining cozy series, and author Vicki Delany does a great job of making the Christmas themed town relevant no matter the season without it becoming too cutesy or a caricature of the holiday. Plus, the Christmas theme brings a constant undercurrent of happiness and celebration to the backdrop.
The characters are well developed and compelling, even those that are certainly unlikable. In Silent Night, Deadly Night, several new characters are introduced all at once, and I was initially worried that I would get them confused with one another, but each one is so individual, and Delany defines them well and quickly. Of the college friends, Rose, is the bright spot in this group of friends that are not really friends at all. Merry’s parents are prominently featured in this story, and I adore them. They are such opposites and so much fun. Merry is an insightful amateur sleuth, likable and relatable. And, of course, Merry’s dog Matterhorn is the best sidekick.
The victim’s cause of death is no surprise (in fact, this is the second book in a row I have read that utilizes it), but it fits well into the story and with the characters. The murder takes place in Merry’s parents’ house, instantly making me feel invested in the who and why of the mystery. The motives of the suspects are slowly revealed until Merry figures it all out, leading to a satisfying conclusion. The book moves along at a steady, quick pace.
Silent Night, Deadly Night is a worthy addition to the Year-Round Christmas series, and I look forward to many, many more adventures with Merry and crew. I highly recommend this book.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
September 13, 2023
Since I discovered Vicki Delany’s books (including those written as Eva Gates), she has quickly become one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. I always enjoy her layered characters as well as the vivid settings and well-woven plots she creates.
Silent Night, Deadly Night is no exception. It’s the first book I’ve read in this series – and it easily stands alone – but I enjoyed it so much that I am eager to go back and catch up. For starters, a year-round Christmas town? Yes, please! On top of that, a year-round Christmas shop/gift boutique in said Christmas town? Even more yes, please! I enjoyed the peeks at Merry’s inventory (including her Thanksgiving themed items) as well as what the other shops in town are selling and creating.
It’s not all holly and jolly though. There’s some serious tension within the book from a couple of different sources, and Delany excels at making it nearly palpable on the page. First, there’s the 40th-anniversary-college-roommates reunion that Merry’s mom is hosting. It doesn’t take more than a sentence or two for some thick-as-stew tension to clog the air when all five eclectic ladies (plus Merry’s mom Alina) are in the same room. Sniping (subtle and otherwise), jealousy, and cattiness abound. I disliked all five of them, and if I could have, I would have kicked them out for Alina way earlier than she did lol. In addition, in the midst of this reunion-gone-wrong-turned-murder-investigation, there’s a subplot involving Merry’s dad that raised the tension another notch or so.
All of this serves well to keep you riveted to the story, while also providing well-timed wit and coziness to pause the drama when needed. Merry is extremely likable as a protagonist, and her circle of friends and community are as well. Matterhorn “Mattie” – her endearing St. Bernard – is another highlight of this series, and I’d happily dogsit him anytime, on the page or in real life.
Bottom Line: Silent Night, Deadly Night by Vicki Delany is delightful and engaging from start to finish. Well-written and steadily paced, this story offers the reader an infusion of the holiday spirit as well as a layered plot that keeps you on alert. It’s the perfect blend of cozy and mystery, of wit and woe. The setting is vividly defined and inviting, and the characters are easy to love. Cozy fans, if you haven’t discovered this series yet you are missing out!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Silent Night, Deadly Night is no exception. It’s the first book I’ve read in this series – and it easily stands alone – but I enjoyed it so much that I am eager to go back and catch up. For starters, a year-round Christmas town? Yes, please! On top of that, a year-round Christmas shop/gift boutique in said Christmas town? Even more yes, please! I enjoyed the peeks at Merry’s inventory (including her Thanksgiving themed items) as well as what the other shops in town are selling and creating.
It’s not all holly and jolly though. There’s some serious tension within the book from a couple of different sources, and Delany excels at making it nearly palpable on the page. First, there’s the 40th-anniversary-college-roommates reunion that Merry’s mom is hosting. It doesn’t take more than a sentence or two for some thick-as-stew tension to clog the air when all five eclectic ladies (plus Merry’s mom Alina) are in the same room. Sniping (subtle and otherwise), jealousy, and cattiness abound. I disliked all five of them, and if I could have, I would have kicked them out for Alina way earlier than she did lol. In addition, in the midst of this reunion-gone-wrong-turned-murder-investigation, there’s a subplot involving Merry’s dad that raised the tension another notch or so.
All of this serves well to keep you riveted to the story, while also providing well-timed wit and coziness to pause the drama when needed. Merry is extremely likable as a protagonist, and her circle of friends and community are as well. Matterhorn “Mattie” – her endearing St. Bernard – is another highlight of this series, and I’d happily dogsit him anytime, on the page or in real life.
Bottom Line: Silent Night, Deadly Night by Vicki Delany is delightful and engaging from start to finish. Well-written and steadily paced, this story offers the reader an infusion of the holiday spirit as well as a layered plot that keeps you on alert. It’s the perfect blend of cozy and mystery, of wit and woe. The setting is vividly defined and inviting, and the characters are easy to love. Cozy fans, if you haven’t discovered this series yet you are missing out!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
September 2, 2019
This is the fourth book in "A Year-Round Christmas Mystery" series, but the first I have read. This is a book that can definitely be read as a standalone and be thoroughly enjoyed. Although this story appears to be a Christmas story, it takes place at Thanksgiving. This series is set in Rudolph, New York, in the town that bills itself Christmas Town USA. The protagonist, Merry Wilkinson is the owner of Mrs. Claus' Treasures, but as a sideline, it appears she helps the local police solve murders. Her father, Noel, used to be the mayor of the town and is the local Santa Claus in the Christmas parade and at Christmas time. This story finds that position being challenged, by a new resident in town. He thinks it is time for Noel to retire, especially when someone is murdered in his house, thus giving the town a bad name.
I really enjoyed this story. The mystery of who murdered Merry's mother's college friend was well-plotted and interesting. It was a bit of a closed room murder, as all the suspects were staying at the house and eating a potluck dinner at the time of Karla's death. There were so many secrets involved in the visit of the five college friends, that just trying to figure out what was really going on in the lives of these women kept me guessing. The six women were college roommates for one year 40+ years earlier. No one remembered what that year was really like, until they were all under one roof for a weekend. The women were extremely annoying and unlikable. They were very well written and even though they were only there for one weekend, the author did a good job developing their various personalities. Throw in the other plotlines of the new town member trying to usurp Noel's position as Santa Claus, a thief in town, and the upcoming parade and this book keeps you on your toes. Merry's landlady, the town gossip, had me laughing out loud a few times and her boyfriend Alan had me smiling at his honest and open feelings. Throw in a couple of Saint Bernard's and there is something for everyone in this book. I definitely recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers and I know I will be going back to read the first three in this series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
I really enjoyed this story. The mystery of who murdered Merry's mother's college friend was well-plotted and interesting. It was a bit of a closed room murder, as all the suspects were staying at the house and eating a potluck dinner at the time of Karla's death. There were so many secrets involved in the visit of the five college friends, that just trying to figure out what was really going on in the lives of these women kept me guessing. The six women were college roommates for one year 40+ years earlier. No one remembered what that year was really like, until they were all under one roof for a weekend. The women were extremely annoying and unlikable. They were very well written and even though they were only there for one weekend, the author did a good job developing their various personalities. Throw in the other plotlines of the new town member trying to usurp Noel's position as Santa Claus, a thief in town, and the upcoming parade and this book keeps you on your toes. Merry's landlady, the town gossip, had me laughing out loud a few times and her boyfriend Alan had me smiling at his honest and open feelings. Throw in a couple of Saint Bernard's and there is something for everyone in this book. I definitely recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers and I know I will be going back to read the first three in this series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
January 19, 2020
This is book 4 in the Year-Round Christmas series and it can be read as a stand alone. Merry is preparing for Thanksgiving and helping her mother get ready for her a visit by 4 of her college friends. It's been many years since they have seen each other and now one is dead. The town of Rudolph is thinking of banning Merry's father from playing Santa Claus so she has to solve the murder fast. A good mystery and fun characters. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 16, 2019
Another great installment in the Year-Round Christmas Mystery series. This is an entertaining read with a mystery that will hold the reader's attention until the climactic reveal at the end. Ms. Delany provides her readers with a holiday story filled with murder, mystery, and intrigue along with a wonderful cast of characters.
December 14, 2019
It was nice to be back in Rudolph, NY to see what Merry and the rest of her friends and family were up to this time. Turns out Merry's mom was hosting a few friends from college and one of them ended up getting poisoned. Needless to say, Merry's amateur sleuthing once again saves the day.
These books are quick, easy reads with likeable characters and mysteries that are usually just challenging enough to not be immediately apparent as to who the culprit is.
Anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries will enjoy this series.
These books are quick, easy reads with likeable characters and mysteries that are usually just challenging enough to not be immediately apparent as to who the culprit is.
Anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries will enjoy this series.
January 20, 2021
Great Christmas mystery! So this one actually takes place around Thanksgiving, but it's in Christmas town so it counts as Christmas!! Merry's mom's college friends come to town in the beginning. They are certainly a mismatched bunch. One of them dies so now the rest are suspects. Add in a town newbie trying to get Merry's dad fired so he can take over as Santa and Merry has a plate full. I love how the main characters work together. Plus there is a main doggy so that makes the book even better! Good ending that I didn't fully guess. Onto the next one!!
November 5, 2020
This is yet another exciting book in the Year-Round Christmas Mystery series. It kept me very interested from cover to cover. I love the usual characters, and the new characters were quirky and fun!
November 23, 2024
Perfect timing for this! Thanksgiving time. I really enjoyed this but still do not understand how Jackie still has her job . lol enjoy this series a lot!
September 19, 2023
Merry is thrust into the midst of another mysterious death when her mother's college friends come for a visit and someone is out to make sure their college secrets remain secret! Merry needs to quickly figure out the mystery so she can save her mother from the quarrelsome women as well as save Thanksgiving and Christmas! A wonderfully written story with unique and well-crafted characters to entertain and delight the readers as they untwist the twisted tale of years old secrets! The author creates such realistic characters that makes coming back to visit in the next book a great joy! The narration is outstanding as well so this series is quickly becoming a must listen series. I have one more in the series available to listen to via my public library then I'll have to pull the next book out and actually read it! Still a fun time, but I do enjoy how the narrator really brings these characters to life!
May 7, 2019
I enjoy this series. Christmas all year round, Regular characters are nice and supportive of each other. The who did it and the why kept me guessing. The real mystery is why no one offed most of these women between college and now however!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2019
Series: A Year-Round Christmas Mystery - Book 4
Author: Vicki Delany
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Business/Holiday
Publisher: Berkley
Page Count:304
Publishing Date: August 27, 2019
The latest in the Year-Round Christmas Mystery cozy series from Vicki Delany “Silent Night, Deadly Night” will keep you riveted to the very end and put a smile on your face. Published by Berkley, this new addition to the Year-Round Christmas holiday book will delight readers and give them the urge to appalled.
Merry is a great character with tons of personality. She loves Christmas and holidays in general and she will go to just about any length to make sure everyone enjoys the festivities and are happy. But when her mother’s college friends show up just before Thanksgiving and start making everyone miserable, especially her mother, Merry jumps in to help. The regular characters are present in this cozy book including Merry’s family, Alan, and other friends. Each character adds a dynamic to the plot that moves the story forward and expands the reader's enjoyment.
The town of Rudolph would be a beautiful place to live. Having the feel of constant goodwill, happiness , and people who are giving and compassionate that we associate with holidays would make life an enjoyable adventure year-round. The town is quaint with holiday decorations in every store window, and for sale 24/7. It would be a fantastic place to work and visit!
The victim and suspects in “Silent Night, Deadly Night” come from a varied background, with multiple issues stemming from their early years in college and how life has treated them since. This cozy lets readers feel what it would be like to get together with school friends that they haven’t seen since graduation and realize that perhaps they were never friends. And the amount of anger and resentment that comes with knowing people are never who we think they are when we are younger.
This is a cozy book worth reading, twice! It is a gripping page-turner. As always Ms. Delany weaves a story with believable suspects, subtle red herrings, and a thought-provoking reveal that will leave readers astounded. The story is well written, with smooth transitions and a spellbinding plot. I am thrilled to recommend this cozy to readers.
Author: Vicki Delany
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Business/Holiday
Publisher: Berkley
Page Count:304
Publishing Date: August 27, 2019
The latest in the Year-Round Christmas Mystery cozy series from Vicki Delany “Silent Night, Deadly Night” will keep you riveted to the very end and put a smile on your face. Published by Berkley, this new addition to the Year-Round Christmas holiday book will delight readers and give them the urge to appalled.
Merry is a great character with tons of personality. She loves Christmas and holidays in general and she will go to just about any length to make sure everyone enjoys the festivities and are happy. But when her mother’s college friends show up just before Thanksgiving and start making everyone miserable, especially her mother, Merry jumps in to help. The regular characters are present in this cozy book including Merry’s family, Alan, and other friends. Each character adds a dynamic to the plot that moves the story forward and expands the reader's enjoyment.
The town of Rudolph would be a beautiful place to live. Having the feel of constant goodwill, happiness , and people who are giving and compassionate that we associate with holidays would make life an enjoyable adventure year-round. The town is quaint with holiday decorations in every store window, and for sale 24/7. It would be a fantastic place to work and visit!
The victim and suspects in “Silent Night, Deadly Night” come from a varied background, with multiple issues stemming from their early years in college and how life has treated them since. This cozy lets readers feel what it would be like to get together with school friends that they haven’t seen since graduation and realize that perhaps they were never friends. And the amount of anger and resentment that comes with knowing people are never who we think they are when we are younger.
This is a cozy book worth reading, twice! It is a gripping page-turner. As always Ms. Delany weaves a story with believable suspects, subtle red herrings, and a thought-provoking reveal that will leave readers astounded. The story is well written, with smooth transitions and a spellbinding plot. I am thrilled to recommend this cozy to readers.
September 6, 2019
Silent Night, Deadly Night is a cozy mystery set in the town of Rudolph, where Christmas is celebrated year-round. Merry Wilkinson owns a Christmas shop, and she grew up in the town. When her mother has a college reunion with five contentious old friends, one of the women ends up dead. Merry decides to solve the mystery.
I wanted to read this book because I enjoy cozy mysteries, love holiday theme reads, and have often thought it would be fun to own a small Christmas shop.
This is my first read in the Year Round Christmas Mystery series. Despite the fact that there is a large cast of characters in the book, I had no problem jumping right in and enjoying this book as a standalone read. The author did an especially good job at delineating the characters from the casual college reunion. They each had very distinct personalities.
I really liked Merry as a protagonist -- as a shop owner, daughter, and amateur detective! She is smart and plays the detective in a savvy way that does not put herself into unnecessary danger. She even has a lovable dog (a Saint Bernard), which is a plus in any cozy mystery for me!
I have already marked the other books in this series as "want to read" at Goodreads, and hope to catch up with the other books in the future. Silent Night, Deadly Night was an enjoyable holiday mystery, and will certainly please other cozy mystery fans.
I wanted to read this book because I enjoy cozy mysteries, love holiday theme reads, and have often thought it would be fun to own a small Christmas shop.
This is my first read in the Year Round Christmas Mystery series. Despite the fact that there is a large cast of characters in the book, I had no problem jumping right in and enjoying this book as a standalone read. The author did an especially good job at delineating the characters from the casual college reunion. They each had very distinct personalities.
I really liked Merry as a protagonist -- as a shop owner, daughter, and amateur detective! She is smart and plays the detective in a savvy way that does not put herself into unnecessary danger. She even has a lovable dog (a Saint Bernard), which is a plus in any cozy mystery for me!
I have already marked the other books in this series as "want to read" at Goodreads, and hope to catch up with the other books in the future. Silent Night, Deadly Night was an enjoyable holiday mystery, and will certainly please other cozy mystery fans.
August 28, 2019
Thanksgiving, a time to be thankful and Christmas is a time of Comfort and Joy, but not when a passel of Grinches arrive in Rudolph and upset the Thanksgiving and Christmas Spirit.
Noel Wilkinson has headed to Florida to get some fishing in before the busiest time of the year in Rudolph (when he plays Santa Claus), his daughter Merry is gearing up for shopping craziness at Mrs Claus's treasures (meanwhile they have Thanksgiving as well as Christmas items out) and Aline, Noel's wife, has a group of college friends coming to stay for their first ever meet up since they all left college! So far so great, only the women seem to be into the "sport" of backbiting and bitchiness and there is also the possibility that one of them is a shop lifter! Even that could be (just about) coped with until one of the women winds up having an anaphylactic attack at the house, and all the others knew about her peanut allergy so is one of the others a killer or has someone come from outside?
The other Grinch in the works? a newcomer who wants to take over the role of Santa - purely for his own political aims, and the problem is only a couple of people are seeing through his facade, Merry being one of them, so she needs to expose him at the same time as finding the killer or no-one will be thankful this Thanksgiving and Christmas will be a laughing stock.
Noel Wilkinson has headed to Florida to get some fishing in before the busiest time of the year in Rudolph (when he plays Santa Claus), his daughter Merry is gearing up for shopping craziness at Mrs Claus's treasures (meanwhile they have Thanksgiving as well as Christmas items out) and Aline, Noel's wife, has a group of college friends coming to stay for their first ever meet up since they all left college! So far so great, only the women seem to be into the "sport" of backbiting and bitchiness and there is also the possibility that one of them is a shop lifter! Even that could be (just about) coped with until one of the women winds up having an anaphylactic attack at the house, and all the others knew about her peanut allergy so is one of the others a killer or has someone come from outside?
The other Grinch in the works? a newcomer who wants to take over the role of Santa - purely for his own political aims, and the problem is only a couple of people are seeing through his facade, Merry being one of them, so she needs to expose him at the same time as finding the killer or no-one will be thankful this Thanksgiving and Christmas will be a laughing stock.
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