Christmas Cow Bells

A Buttermilk Creek Mystery #1

by Mollie Cox Bryan

The first novel in Mollie Cox Bryan’s brand new mystery series, set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, will keep you guessing until the cows come home . . . Christmas is a time for new beginnings, so after her big breakup, Brynn MacAlister takes the gouda with the bad. With her three Red Devon cows, she settles in bucolic Shenandoah Springs, eager for a new life as an organic micro-dairy farmer and cheese-maker. Then her dear cow Petunia’s bellows set the whole town on edge. But it isn’t until Brynn’s neighbor, Nancy, dies in a mysterious fire that her feelings about small town life begin to curdle . . . It seems some folks were not happy with Nancy’s plan to renovate the Old Glebe Church. But is a fear of change a motivation for murder? As a newcomer, Brynn can’t ignore the strange events happening just on the other side of her frosty pasture—and soon on her very own farm. Suddenly Christmas doesn’t feel so festive as everyone demands she muzzle sweet Petunia, and Brynn is wondering if someone wants to silence her—for good . . . Praise for Mollie Cox Bryan’s mysteries “A playful charmer!” —Woman’s World on No Charm Intended “Scrapbookers and hobby cozy fans will enjoy this delightful holiday escape.”—Library Journal on A Crafty Christmas “A font of ingenuity . . . superb entertainment.”—Mystery Scene magazine on Scrapbook of Secrets

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Christmas, Cozy, Holiday, Animals, Fiction

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 24, 2019

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Cow Bells is the first book in a new cozy series, A Buttermilk Creek Mystery, published in 2019 by Mollie Cox Bryan. I belong to a cozy mystery group where the book was mentioned, and since I was looking to start a new series and had heard of the author, I took a chance. I'm glad I did, so let's get into the review.

Brynn returned home to Virginia earlier this year to open a cheese shop after her beloved grandmother passed away. Unfortunately, after the move, she learned her fiance was cheating on her, so she dumped him and threw herself into a solitary life. Slowly, she made friends, including neighbor Nancy and the three cows she was raising to produce cheese. Then one of the cows gives birth to a stillborn calf and Nancy is killed in a fire, so everything is going downhill. Except - it looks like murder, and Brynn is determined to fix everything in her life before things get even worse.

The series has everything you'd want to see in a standard cozy. The Virginia farm setting is bucolic and comforting. The sleepy town suddenly filled with hate and murders is alarming. The friendships Brynn makes with the locals force to you to question which one is lying to her. The mystery itself is strong and filled with lots of possible suspects. Someone either wanted the land Nancy owned or she knew a secret about them. Which was it? I changed my guess a few times but ultimately settled on the right two people -- not that there were two murderers, but two were involved in the shenanigans occurring behind the scenes.

The writing quality is good. The characters all have depth and feel realistic. Some are mean, some are kind. I wanted to hit a few for the way they behaved, but Brynn also got a little too pushy. On the flip side, she was caring and loving to Nancy's college-aged grandsons, so she was a wonderful main character. As the mystery unraveled, I enjoyed discovering the truth and red herrings. I think the story ended too quickly without a clear understanding of all the whys, but I can't give away the reason as I don't want to spoil it. Some will be covered in the next book, and I will keep reading the series. Kudos to the author for a great start.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Cow Bells by Mollie Cox Bryan is the first book in the brand new cozy A Buttermilk Creek Mystery series. As with most cozy mystery series the murder mystery within will be fully solved within the book so they can be read as a standalone but for those that continue the character development carries over book to book.

Brynn MacAlister had just gone through a break up so she packed up and headed to Shenandoah Springs in the Blue Ridge Mountains to begin her whole new single life. Brynn was settling into her new home along with her three dairy cows that she treats just like her family as they help her in her new business as a organic micro-dairy farmer and cheese-maker.

Brynn had slowly been making friends in her new home including her neighbor, Nancy. Unfortunately though one night a horrendous fire breaks out at the neighbor’s which traps Nancy inside. Help arrives and rushes Nancy to the hospital but her injuries were too severe. After the fire Brynn feels certain that what happened to her friend was much more than an accident as she feels it had to be murder.

Christmas Cow Bells was a lovely opener to this new cozy mystery series where even the cows had their own personalities. Set in a small town it certainly had that cozy vibe as our main character did her digging uncovering suspect after suspect. Will certainly be interested in joining Brynn on her cheesemaking and murder solving adventures again.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Natalia R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our main protagonist, Brynn moves to a farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She's recovering from a bad break up and wants a fresh start as a cheesemaker. Brynn has her hands full taking care of the farm, her three cows, one of whom is grieving the loss of her stillborn calf and making her new business successful. Then her neighbor, Nancy dies in a suspicious fire, and soon after, someone starts harassing her. Brynn is convinced that there is a connection between the two, and she hopes to get to the bottom of it. I loved this book. It was a wonderful start to a new series. It is well-written with likable characters, a beautiful setting, and a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I was very satisfied with the ending and thought the author did a great job keeping the readers in suspense while still providing us with plenty of red herrings. This book has amazing potential and I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for the characters. I highly recommend this series and will be picking up any future books in it. Thanks, Netgalley and Kensington Books for providing me with a copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful cozy debut! Brynn MacAllister is a cheese maker who lives in Shenandoah Springs, VA in an old rectory next to a church. When there’s a suspicious fire at the church and her neighbor passes away as a result, Brynn and good friends, Willow and Schuyler, do their best to figure out whodunnit. The author supplies several suspects as red herrings, and the mystery is great. The cast of characters is intriguing and one I feel I’ll grow to love. Brynn’s cows, Petunia, Buttercup, and Marigold are sweet pets and milk-makers. There are several recipes at the end of the story if readers wish to try their hand at making something yummy. 😊

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brynn MacAlister moved to Shenandoah Springs, VA to start her dream business....a micro dairy farm. The old rectory building and its surrounding land is perfect for her and her 3 Red Devon cows, Petunia, Buttercup and Marigold. The locals are a bit standoffish. Most of then don't like change. Brynn is seen as a newcomer, along with her next door neighbor, Nancy. Nancy wants to remodel the Old Glebe Church into a farmers market. Local pushback turns to murder when the old church burns to the ground one night and Nancy dies from her injuries. When strange things start happening at Brynn's Buttermilk Creek Farm, she suspects someone is trying to scare her away. Is the fear of change enough to move a local to murder? And is she next? Brynn is determined to find out what happened to her neighbor and friend.

The front cover for this first book in the Buttermilk Creek Farm series is just too cute! The three cows are the stars of the show...with a santa hat and holiday garland even! :) Moo! I wish Brynn's LDG (livestock guardian dog) had been on the cover though! Maybe Freckles will make the next cover!

Great start to a new cozy mystery series by Mollie Cox Bryan! Having read her Cora Crafts series previously, I knew I liked her writing style already. But Christmas Cow Bells mystery caught me by surprise. Even the cows have personality! The characters are quirky rural villagers.....a whole spectrum of different types. Brynn is an interesting, intelligent and determined main character. She loves her farm, her cows and her new friends, and faces down local opposition with strength and wit. And, I love the background theme of cheesemaking and micro farming. The mystery progressed at a nice pace with plenty of suspects and twists. The cheesemaking theme did not overpower the mystery elements but added a nice rural farm feeling to the story. I will definitely be eagerly awaiting the next book in the Buttermilk Creek Farm series!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Moo!**

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Brynn MacAlister investigates the murder of her friend, someone starts harassing Brynn. But Brynn is strong and resolute.

Brynn is a memorable amateur sleuth. The page turning story and vivid setting are filled to the brim with Christmas spirit. The secondary characters are believable and vibrant.

This is a heart warming Christmas cozy.

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Cow Bells is the first book in the Buttermilk Creek mystery series by Mollie Cox Bryan. I found this to be a really cute read and perfect for winding down my holiday reads of the year. While it didn’t scream Christmas there were enough mentions of the holiday to make it feel somewhat festive. My favorite part though? Reading about Brynn’s cows! I’ve never read a cozy mystery that had cows in it, nor have I read one that revolves around cheesemaking. It was all very interesting to me!

If you’re a cozy mystery reader and haven’t read this series yet, then I recommend it! You can read this one any time of year because again, it has some Christmas themes in it, but they aren’t overpowering. I’m excited to read the next one!

𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙:
• Cozy Mysteries
• Culinary(ish) Cozies
• Cozies that take place on farms

𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Moondance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes a place reaches deep inside you, flows through you with light and warmth, and fills you with a sense of belonging, a sense of home.

Brynn MacAlister and her former fiancé, Dan planned to buy a microdairy to make cheese. Brynn makes it on her own after she catches him cheating. Brynn has settled into Shenandoah Springs, a small town in the Shenandoah valley of Virginia. Along with her three cows, Petunia, Buttercup and Marigold. Poor Petunia delivered a stillborn calf and is grieving her loss. Brynn lives in the rectory of the old Glebe Church. Her friend Nancy lives in the church. A tragic fire in the church takes Nancy as its victim. Brynn is determined to discover the killer. In the process she puts herself in harm's way.

This was an excellent start to the series. I love the interaction between Brynn and her cows. I really appreciate that she acknowledges Petunia's grief and uses alternative methods to help her. You can really tell that the author is an animal person.

The characters were well thought out and presented like people you would know. The story line is very good and kept me guessing until the end. I had multiple suspects in my mind including the actual culprit.

The recipes in the back of the book are excellent! I learned a lot about cheesemaking as well. It's always a good book when you learn about something that you don't have much knowledge of.

I read through this so quickly and now I'm ready for the next one. I highly recommend adding this to your reading list.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Brynn MacAlister follows her dream on her own leaving her cheating ex behind when she moves to Shenandoah Springs with her three Red Devon cows, Petunia, Buttercup, and Marigold to open an organic micro-dairy and make cheese. Petunia is suffering after a stillborn calf. While trying to soothe her cow a Brynn suffers another loss. Her friend and neighbor, Nancy dies in a fire when the old church she is living in and renovating for her business burns down. It looks like arson, and Nancy had run into some difficulty with a few people not wanting the Old Glebe Church transitioning to something other than a place of worship, but would they burn the church down with her in it because they didn’t like her business plan?

The whole thing puts an even bigger damper on Brynn’s Christmas spirit. After meeting Nancy’s family she feels a push to find the truth, but like Nancy, Brynn is a newcomer. Could her snooping lead to her demise as well?

_______

This series is off to a spectacular start! That cover is just delightful and fun. I had to know more about those holiday attired cows.

Mollie Cox Bryan has created some wonderful characters, two-legged as well as four-legged. I liked Brynn right away and was cheering on her success both in sleuthing and cheesemaking the entire book. She is smart while still realizing her independence and didn’t back down even when threatened. That’s not to say she wasn’t scared, because she was but she persevered. She was surrounded by the requisite cozy quirky characters, diverse in age and beliefs. As a newcomer, Brynn had to learn who to trust and who were truly suspects.

The mystery was very well-plotted with plenty of clues. Brynn did her best to keep the sheriff and fire marshall informed of everything she found or the threats she received even when one of them wasn’t always receptive. I was totally caught by surprise as the story played out and clues continued to fall into place.

I have always enjoyed this author’s writing style. She uses the perfect amount of description to put the reader on the scene without ever going overboard. It is easy to envision time, place, people and even the weather.

As a Wisconsinite, I love the farm and cheesemaking theme, the only thing that would have made it better was for the series to be set here 😀 I loved the connection of Brynn’s cows to her grandmother and how as a chemistry student a course in cheesemaking changed her life. I enjoyed learning about Brynn’s cheesemaking process and why she ended up with the Buttermilk Creek Farm.

Christmas Cow Bells hit all the right notes. Loveable characters and a puzzler of a mystery. It also leaves readers excited for the next book in the series. Brynn has made some new friends, she is about to get help on the farm and her four-legged family has grown by one. I am really looking forward to the continuation of Brynn’s story.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't put my finger on exactly why I didn't give this a higher rating, but some things just bothered me. Brynn's immediate suspicions about some people, for example. She questioned why the fire was being investigated, but isn't that standard procedure? Later she goes into the basement of the burned church, where Nancy, who died from the fire, lived. The police have apparently not been there at all. Wouldn't they check it out during their investigation?

There were also some editing problems. Freckles the dog, is a female, but after she goes missing, Brynn and her friend refer to her as "he" for a few paragraphs, and then go back to "she.". The drug heroin is misspelled "heroine" more than once. These may seem minor, but they bother me.

I also sensed a slight anti-religion bias.

I liked the cows. And the dog. Overall, it wasn't a bad book. I liked the mystery, but I think there were a couple of things that weren't explained. I am open to reading more books in the series.

[Brooke Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Cow Bells by Mollie Cox Bryan is the first book in the Buttermilk Creek mystery series. I had such a fun time reading this holiday story. The setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains was absolutely perfect. Brynn was easy to like. She seemed reluctant to be cast into the role of amateur sleuth but desperately wanted to find out what happened to her friend. I liked that she had an occupation that I'd never read about before - micro-dairy farming and cheese-making. I learned a lot while reading.

The mystery itself was well-written. I wasn't sure which direction the story was heading. I felt transported to the setting and I love when that happens. I liked the characters and even missed the murder victim...that doesn't always happen in cozies when the person dies early on in the book. I'm looking forward to my next visit with Brynn and her cows.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Cows Bells by Mollie Cox Bryan is the debut of A Buttermilk Creek Mystery series. I like the author’s conversational writing style (like chatting with a friend) which makes for a pleasing reading experience. Brynn MacAlister got her love of Red Devon cows from her grandmother and fell into cheesemaking after taking a course in college. Her degree in chemistry came in handy when she attended cheese school. I like that the author took the time to establish our main character. We get to learn what brought her to Shenandoah Springs, her background, and learn about her family. There are beautiful descriptions of Shenandoah Springs, Brynn’s farm and the surrounding area. We are introduced to a variety of locals who belong to the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. It was interesting to learn about a micro-dairy and what goes into making cheese. Brynn has a unique concept. Brynn’s three cows (Marigold, Buttercup, and Petunia) each have their own personality and I felt bad for poor Petunia. Freckles, the dog, was a delightful addition to the story. I look forward to seeing more of Wes Scors, Nancy’s grandson, in the next book. He is a friendly young man who is a talented cook and wishes to learn cheesemaking. The fire at Old Glebe Church and then Nancy’s death has Brynn scared and she wants answers. When she becomes frustrated with the slow progress on the case, Brynn decides to do a little digging on her own (not a gouda idea). Unfortunately, Brynn has angered the guilty party. A series of escalating incidents begin happening at Buttermilk Creek Farm. Brynn uncovers a handful of suspects in her search for the guilty party. Brynn is a newbie sleuth, so her skills need honing, but she does search for suspects, ask questions, and does some online sleuthing. I would like to see the mysteries become more complex as the series progresses. I like how we get to see cows as more than milk producers. They are sweet creatures who have feelings and like to be petted. Their playful antics were adorable, and I found Petunia’s reaction to Freckles to be delightful. Christmas Cow Bells is an appealing new cozy mystery with clanking cow bells, heavenly hard cheese, a crotchety curmudgeon, a freaky fire, and a charming cheesemaker.

[Kav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes, when you're faced with a vast array of newly released Christmas fiction you just have to go with the book that has the decked out cows on the cover. That it's a cozy mystery is a bonus. And I get extra points because this is a new-to-me author as well. So many cozies, so little time!

What a moo-vellous start to a fun series! (Was that too cheesy?) Okay, I'll stop with the corny puns but it's hard to resist with those big brown eyes alight with holiday merriment watching me as I write this review. I love a cozy with critters and this one has a lot of them -- including a grief-stricken cow named Petunia. :-)

Brynn is living my dream -- organic farming on a small scale in a sweet little town...well, maybe sweet isn't quite the right word. There are a number of townsfolk who aren't keen on change and newcomer Brynn doesn't always feel welcome.

But when tragedy strikes, she discovers some close allies and even more suspects. Brynn wants answers when her friend is murdered but the sheriff isn't forthcoming and the fire investigator is just as annoying (though I sense perhaps a love interest in future books? Hope so!) In true cozy mystery fashion Brynn sets out on her own investigation and soon becomes entangled in intrigue and danger.

Bryan does a great job of mixing humour and holiday spirit into the mayhem -- including a live nativity, a crotchety minister and an ever increasing menagerie. Love how central characters are established and the community fleshed out. And the Christmas cheer brings a festive flare to the first book in Mollie Cox Bryan's new Buttermilk Creek Mystery series.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful start to a brand new series for author Mollie Cox Bryan. I was completely engaged in the story from the very first pages and just wanted to keep reading to find out how the story would end. The author has set this series in a charming location. I have visited the Shenandoah Valley and her wonderfully descriptive writing style allowed me to picture it once again. The character of Brynn is easy to like. She is starting out on her own after calling off her engagement and has something to prove to herself as to whether she can make a go of the farm and cheese business. Ms. Bryan has surrounded Brynn with a great cast of secondary characters that are diverse in gender and age. Each one provides something different to the story and the life of the main character. The mystery was well done and layered throughout the entire story. She planted enough clues and red herrings that I was not sure who I thought was behind everything. I very much enjoy this author's books and stories and I was charmed by this first book in the new series. I will definitely be making a return trip to Buttermilk Creek Farms to see what the author has in store for Brynn and the rest of the characters.

I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.

[Robin Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Received through the Cozy Mystery Review Crew and voluntarily reviewed*

This was a slow read for me, though it shouldn't have been. I think I might have enjoyed it more if it hadn't been entirely told from Brynn's point of view. She's likable enough, but I never really connected with her, and didn't really get to know any of the other characters. I had trouble sometimes just keeping up with the other characters. Brynn's friends, Willow and Schuyler, seemed quite similar and I mixed them up several times, and I did the same with the police chief and the fire chief. Brynn's investigation into the fire that killed her neighbor was a bit perfunctory. She spent more time thinking and agonizing over it than actually doing anything. I was actually more interested in the cows and the cheese-making process, which I knew nothing about. And the dog of course! Although it was annoying that Freckles was alternately referred to as “he” and “she”. Overall, the story was a pleasant enough way to while away some time, if not especially memorable.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going to be such a fun new series! Even though Brynn hadn't lived in her house for too long, she'd already made some friends in Willow and Schuyler. I liked how those three worked together, sort of a Nancy-Bess-George type of friendship. I enjoyed her neighbor's family especially the college guys and thought it was a great idea to have them stay in her guest cottage, especially with some weird things that had been happening on Brynn's little farm. Someone wanted to drive her away, and someone had set a fire that ended up killing her neighbor. Brynn wasn't going to back down, and for the most part, she was fairly sensible about calling the police or keeping the fire marshal in the loop if she found things. I didn't like the sheriff very well, as he came off as condescending, but Mike the fire marshal was nice. I don't think I caught if he was near Brynn's age or not but it seemed as if he liked her or could like her. It seemed best and more real to keep any romance out of this first story though. Brynn had enough on her plate!

I loved how Brynn adopted a sweet dog that had been making rounds with the local vet. Brynn had this attitude of Christmas just being another day since she'd had a relationship end badly, but I could tell that she was really lonely and loved Christmas. I had to hand it to her for decorating and making her place as cozy and Christmasy as she could. Having her neighbor's grandsons around helped with that. A side mystery with another neighbor's teen tied in with the main one, so I won't say anything about that, but for the most part, I was satisfied with the wrap-up and very Hallmark-like Christmas ending. Brynn ended up having a good family Christmas after all in her new home.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via the Cozy Mystery Review Crew and the author, and my opinions are my own.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so maybe a cozy series about a small cheese making operation wasn't the best idea for a lactose intolerant person who really really misses cheese. But the story is well worth the untreatable cravings! Brynn is getting over heartache, as is one of her adorable cows Petunia. A small little town seemingly focused on small organic farms is the perfect place for her to mend her heart and build her business But, life isn't all butter and cream and she is quickly drawn into the not so nice parts of small town life. The author does a great job of balancing a first book's need to introduce characters so that the readers like them (and come back for more) while still providing an interesting and engaging story. (and some recipes) I like how Brynn created a small circle of close friends in her new home without a love interest right away. Not that I am against love, but it is good to see a woman stand on her own for awhile! While the temps were in the mid-90s while I read this book, I finished it really craving some egg nog! I can't wait for the next book!

Thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Cozy Mystery Review for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!

Oh how I loved this one! It had absolutely everything that I want to see in a first cozy book; great, memorable characters, unique setting/theme, an interesting crime and a great mystery! It was well written with just enough twists and turns to keep you wondering who the murderer actually was. I learned a little about the book's theme too (cheese making) and it's definitely something I've never thought about before. I can see why it's something that might make for teaching classes in the future.

I loved the secondary Christmas theme too; usually cozies have Christmas partway through a series when you've already gotten to know the characters, but this was a focus point. There was no romance either, which was kind of refreshing. The main character is suffering after a break up, but no hunky local appears this early in. I won't say they won't eventually, but it seems Brynn is focused on herself and her new business first.

Can't wait to read more in this fantastic series! Five stars!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brynn has just broken up with her boyfriend. They had plans to start a small cheesemaking farm and she decides to continue with the plan. Taking care of her 3 cows on a scenic farm keeps her busy, which she tells you too many times. Her neighbor Nancy is killed in an arson fire and someone is trying to get Brynn to move also. Some people didn't like Nancy's plan to redo the old church but Brynn thinks it has to be more than that. A nice story even though I read it after Christmas.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to get one more #readforkimberly book done this year. This was a wonderful start to kick off this cozy series. Great locations, wonderful characters, love the animals and definitely was an intriguing mystery

I loved the idea of a cheese farm nestled in this quaint country town. I’ve never been a big fan of cheese, but I appreciate how the author didn’t include long, drawn out descriptions explaining this craft. Instead, those tasks were blended into the normal actions and conversations so you still ended up picking up facts about the cheese making process in a very gentle way. I did laugh when one character mentioned the smell. I visited a cheese farm in Switzerland and let’s just say my nephew and I sat outside. That’s a smell you don’t forget, lol.

I did adore the cows. Poor Petunia pulled at my heartstrings. Yes, cows are rather emotional animals. Especially mamas who mourn the loss of there calves. I loved Freckles, the new addition to the farm that helped ease Petunia’s sorrow!!!

Brynn was a great lead. She seemed very realistic. I like her relationship with her sister and how determined she was to set out on this new venture alone. There’s a budding romance, but still super early which I like. It was introduced, but you can tell she has some past relationship baggage to unload first before she can move on. I liked the various local farmers and her sweet houseguests, but the girl squad truly won me over. I’m definitely a Schuyler fan!!

The mystery kept me on my sleuthing toes. There were plenty of red herrings with loads of believable suspects. It did wrap up rather abruptly, but I enjoyed the case up until then.

The book includes several recipes that were mentioned throughout the story.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Cow Bells
A Buttermilk Creek Mystery, Book #1
Mollie Cox Bryan
5 Stars

Synopsis:

The first novel in Mollie Cox Bryan’s brand new mystery series, set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, will keep you guessing until the cows come home . . .

Christmas is a time for new beginnings, so after her big breakup, Brynn MacAlister takes the gouda with the bad. With her three Red Devon cows, she settles in bucolic Shenandoah Springs, eager for a new life as an organic micro-dairy farmer and cheese-maker. Then her dear cow Petunia’s bellows set the whole town on edge. But it isn’t until Brynn’s neighbor, Nancy, dies in a mysterious fire that her feelings about small town life begin to curdle . . .

It seems some folks were not happy with Nancy’s plan to renovate the Old Glebe Church. But is a fear of change a motivation for murder? As a newcomer, Brynn can’t ignore the strange events happening just on the other side of her frosty pasture—and soon on her very own farm. Suddenly Christmas doesn’t feel so festive as everyone demands she muzzle sweet Petunia, and Brynn is wondering if someone wants to silence her—for good . . .

Praise for Mollie Cox Bryan’s mysteries

“A playful charmer!” —Woman’s World on No Charm Intended

“Scrapbookers and hobby cozy fans will enjoy this delightful holiday escape.”
—Library Journal on A Crafty Christmas

“A font of ingenuity . . . superb entertainment.”
—Mystery Scene magazine on Scrapbook of Secrets (Goodreads)


Review:

The characters are well developed and well rounded. Brynn is smart, determined and not afraid to take chances. She knows it will take hard work, but she is determined to make her micro-dairy farm successful. And when one of her friends is murdered, she is just as determined to figure out who the killer is. The secondary characters add a lot to the story and some were very helpful to Brynn. And the cows stole the show for me. They all had distinct personalities and I thought that was fascinating. I felt really bad for Petunia but things worked out for her.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and those descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. I really enjoyed the theme of this book and I learned about cheese making. I really enjoy it when I learn something as I am reading.

The mystery was well plotted and moved along at an even pace. Brynn had to figure out who the murderer was and also who was sabotaging her farm.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. And if you like cows, grab a copy and enjoy.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

[Book Concierge · Rating 3 out of 5]

First in a new cozy mystery series set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and featuring artisanal cheese maker Brynn MacAllister and her small herd of Red Devon cows: Buttermilk, Petunia and Marigold.

This was just delightful. I love the basic premise of a micro-dairy farmer who is trying to make her way in a new community, but facing difficulties from traditionalists who do not want any change. I think the murder of her neighbor gives her a legitimate reason to ask questions, and she does try to relay what she finds to the authorities. I would have liked a little more romance (I know, that’s a shocking statement coming from me), but I also appreciate a slow burn. There are plenty of suspects and motives, and an interesting cast of supporting characters, including a vet-acupuncturist. But the stars are really the animals! In addition to the cows, Brynn takes in a stray dog, Freckles.

I look forward to reading more of this series.

[Melina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in the new series, Buttermilk Creek Mystery. Brynn is new to Shenandoah Springs where she has a small diary farm of only three cows and makes her own cheeses. When Brynn's neighbor and friend Nancy dies in a fire, Brynn thinks that there is something suspicious about her death. Brynn has some help investigating from her friends, Willow, who she met through the local co-op, and Schuyler, the local vet/acupuncturist who is helping Brynn's cow, Petunia, get over her depression of losing her calf. I enjoyed this story and really liked the setting. I liked how though Brynn was new to the area, she was accepted and liked by the locals and she already had a good friendship with Willow and Schuyler. I thought the author did a good job with the story line by making the plot believable. There were not a lot of suspects in this story and I did not figure out the killer or the reason for the killing. I was totally surprised by the ending. Again, the author did a good job with this story and touched on a subject that is happening in a lot of places, even small places like Shenandoah Sprigs. I really look forward to more in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brynn has moved to Shenandoah Springs to get a fresh start making fresh cheeses, but someone isn't interested in having Brynn as a neighbor and are doing their best to run her out of town including murdering the only real friend that she has. A great new series is off to ringing great start to the series! The characters were well fleshed out and very relatable which drew you into the story even more quickly. Add to that an extremely well plotted story line that kept you guessing and offered up several potential villains to select from and you have yourself a very entertaining Christmas Cozy Mystery! This series is definitely on my must read list! Now, we just have to wait for the author to write the next book!

[Sally906 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brynn has recently moved to Blue Ridge Mountains to start a new life running an organic micro dairy/cheese making farm. Most of the families in the area have been there for generations and though most are friendly and welcoming to newcomers - there are some who don’t take too kindly to change.

The story opens with Brynn’s new neighbour dying when her home, and old church, is burned down. Brynn is not convinced that the fire wasn’t an accident and starts to snoop around as she believes the police aren’t taking the death seriously. Now Brynn feels unsafe as strange things start to happen around her farm - is someone trying to scare her off?

The story was well-written with very believable characters - loved the cows!

I’m looking forwards to the 2nd one coming out later this year.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable start to the series. I liked Brynn and was rooting for her. I enjoyed the other characters and look forward to seeing how the relationships develop. I also liked the cows and Freckles the dog too. The mystery was good and my second suspect wound up being guilty. I didn’t like that they seemed to be caught but not really, although everything was resolved. Recipes were included in the back and this book has me wondering how I make my own cream cheese and if it’s worth the effort. #readforkimberly

[Melanie Mckinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Cow Bells is the first book in the new cozy mystery series “Buttermilk Creek Mystery”. The book is based in Shenandoah Springs in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Brynn returned home to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia with her fiance to open a cheese shop. Unfortunately after Brynn moved she discovered that her fiance was cheating on her. After making him move out she then became friends with her neighbor Nancy and spent a tremendous amount of time with her three adorable and sweet Red Devon cows she was raising to produce cheese with her cheese shop. Brynn’s cows names were Petunia, Buttercup, and Marigold. Poor Petunia was in severe mourning over the loss of her stillborn calf. Nancy then died after being severely burned in a house fire. Brynn quickly becomes frustrated with lack of answers as to why Nancy died. Brynn decides that it is time to take matters into her own hands and starts her own investigation. Suddenly different incidents start happening at Buttermilk Creek Farm. Brynn quickly has a handful of suspects. The only problem is that the guilty party is not happy that she has become involved in the investigation. Are people trying to make Brynn want to move off the farm and leave town? Is the suspect now after Brynn? There were many twists and turns in the book that will keep you on your toes. Coming from a small town and living in the country I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved learning about all of the animals especially the sweet loving cows including little Petunia. I also loved learning about the cheese making process. The Blue Ridge Mountains sounded beautiful and now I want to visit there as well. This was an excellent first book in a new series. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Pick up a copy of this book today! You won’t regret reading this fast paced book.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the Cozy Mystery Review Crew and publisher Kensington Books for a copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

This was a captivating and quick read - quick because I couldn't put it down. The cozy opens with a suspicious fire which leaves one person dead. Nancy is the neighbor of our heroine, Brynn MacAllister, a micro-farmer and cheese-maker newly arrived in the small town of Shenandoah Springs in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Brynn is compelled to find out why her new friend Nancy was killed, who set the fire, and who is now threatening her.

The story begins a couple of weeks before Christmas, and Brynn plans to spend the holiday alone since she recently broke up with her cheating boyfriend and former cheese-making partner. We learn a lot about making cheese and taking care of cows (hers are named Petunia, Buttercup and Marigold). This is actually interesting, and I was glad to find out that there are recipes at the back of the book for the many delicious-sounding dishes (Spicy Hot Cocoa, Baked French Toast, Christmas Pie, and more).

The book is well-written with building tension, and the characters are realistically described. I suspected several, and author Mollie Cox Bryan slowly sprinkled both clues and red herrings throughout. The ending was satisfying and I'm looking forward to reading book #2 in the Buttermilk Creek Mystery series.

[Jessica Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and I’ll definitely be looking for more. I thoroughly enjoyed Christmas Cow Bells.

Right from the start I was drawn into Brynn’s story with her cows and Buttermilk Creek Farm. A newcomer to the area who is starting over, Brynn becomes worried after a devastating fire claims the life of her neighbor Nancy (a fellow newcomer). Thinking someone is set to scare her off, Brynn dives into the mystery of Nancy’s murder.

Along the way we meet Brynn’s cows, including poor Petunia who is in mourning. An unlikely and heartwarming friendship solves that dilemma, and adds one more resident to the farm. I love how Brynn treats her animals. They’re family to her and it shows.

We also meet fellow townsfolk, and I enjoyed watching the friendship between Brynn, Willow, and Schuyler develop. The three are all completely different, yet you can tell a strong bond is forming between them and they work well together.

I had my suspicion of the murderer fairly early, but with so many twists and turns along the way I doubted myself often since I was only going on gut instinct.

A Christmas surprise waits at the end, and I feel like there are still lots of stories to tell in this charming town.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher, all opinions stated are my own.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Buttermilk Creek series. Brynn McAllister is a cheesemaker on a farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She is busy with taking care of her farm and running her business. When she friend and neighbors' church burns down killing her in the process Brynn is understandable upset. Brynn and Nancy were the newcomers to town and had bonded and become fast friends. Shortly after mysterious events start to happen to Brynn. A fire is set on her lawn, her dog is taken and a business deal mysteriously fell through. Did someone set the fire to Nancy's place to kill her? I s the same person trying to scare Brynn into leaving? Brynn decides to start asking questions to hopefully get to the bottom of things.

This was a great first book in a series. It had likeable and relatable characters. The setting of the Buttermilk Creek is wonderful. I loved the aspect of cheese making. It's different than anything I've read in cozies and I found it interesting. I liked all the side characters and hope that Wes sticks around to help Brynn at the farm. I think they will make a good team. The mystery was well done. I didn't figure out who it was until the end. I will definitely read more.