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Kat Makris #9

Christmas Crime

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You better not pout, you better not die … Kat Makris’ time in Greece is up. She’s been kidnapped, shot, and used as a corpse’s mattress … and that’s on the good days when her grandmother isn’t drugging the cookies. Why stay in Greece when there is no safer place for Kat and her menagerie of unusual pets than her childhood home in Portland, Oregon? Yes, Kat is quitting Greece and the Greek mob mostly fine-ish. So what if Hipster Burger’s fake mustache is giving her a rash? At least she’s working, right? And there’s a tiny issue with her other new job, but nothing the fire department and Homeland Security can’t fix. Kat’s biggest problem is that the Greek mob can’t quit Kat—and they’re coming for her just in time for Christmas.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 20, 2019

140 people are currently reading
74 people want to read

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Alex A. King

44 books205 followers

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5 stars
213 (58%)
4 stars
101 (27%)
3 stars
45 (12%)
2 stars
6 (1%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Judy.
3,380 reviews30 followers
March 25, 2019
Kat Makris (the s is silent, how did I miss that before?) is back home in Portland OR after killing a cousin in Greece. As always, Kat is a hoot, and when most of the rest of the family shows up in OR, things start to seem more familiar. Kat by herself in Portland is just sort of sad, even though nothing is dull around her what with workplaces blowing up and burning down, and even Santa's elf handing out threatening notes with activity books. With a little help from Grandma and crew Kat survives all that, and I have high hopes she will be back in Greece for the next adventure.
29 reviews
March 24, 2019
Great

Another great book in this series, this time all the action happens in Oregon. You can take a girl out of Greece but you can’t take Greece out of her. :) Looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Michael.
20 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2019
Christmas crime

Another hit in the series, I'm thrilled we were able to meet Todd. Here's to many more books in this series.
649 reviews
March 22, 2019
Another hit

Another amazing story about life and limb and bears and goats. Coming to America has never been so rough on a person Go Kat go!
Profile Image for Rosemary Dixon.
71 reviews
March 23, 2019
Bought this am and finished by pm

Never any want of quick wit and outrageous thinking, Kat gives us the best of both America and Greece humor.
Profile Image for Emmie.
1,277 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2019
The Kat Makris series is as entertaining as ever. Looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Dallass.
2,233 reviews
January 3, 2020
You can take the girl out of Greece

but you can’t take the girl out of the Family.

After the major upset of the previous book (aka Kat shooting someone), she’s ditched the Greek life and headed back to the comforts and relative safety of Portland. But things don’t go according to plan - I swear she’s as unlucky as Stephanie Plum for getting into scrapes - as her family connections have put her in the crosshairs of a new nut job.

However, fear not. It’s the Makris family to the rescue, because if Kat won’t come to the mountain, the Grandma is going to drag the mountain to Kat.

This was a lot of fun with some great family moments, plus some one on one time with the gorgeous Xander, with Melas FaceTiming for support, as Kat contemplates what her life will become post-Family.

Now that I have binged the series in 3 days (with apologies in advance to my bank account) I can’t wait for the next book to make its appearance.

4 stars ⭐️
Profile Image for Abi.
2,276 reviews
March 22, 2019
Good as usual! I was excited to see that this released, and it didn't disappoint. We met Todd, the ex-fiancé, and well, Half of Greece came to see Kat, which was great. The Xander vs. Nikos romance/love triangle/thing continues. It was fun. The plot was good ( This book was funny, and interesting. I can't wait for the next one! 4 stars.
Profile Image for Sarah.
677 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2019
3*

There’s a lot about this series that I’ve liked (which is why I’ve made it to book 9 and didn’t stop after the first novel). There’s a lot of action, mystery, crime, mob bosses, a funny heroine, and a lot of great secondary characters. There were humorous parts that made me laugh-out-loud and I’ve really enjoyed the way Alex King can tell a story. So, Christmas Crime (#9) was another quick and enjoyable read.

However, this book seemed a bit slower than most of Kings previous novels. Katerina was back home in Oregon while her family was in Greece (or so she thought). Without her family, Kat is feeling lonely and struggling to find much purpose in her life. Because she’s feeling so alone, I think as a reader, we also started to feel that way. In all of the previous books in this series Kat has almost constantly been surrounded by friends, family, and sometimes enemies. There were constant interactions with others and lots of dialogue. Without her family and friends, this book seemed to be much slower than previous novels in this series. It took awhile to get going again and even though things were happening to Katerina, the book didn’t seem to pick up for me until some surprise people show up at her door.

Additionally, although I’m kind of enjoying the love-triangle thing going on between Katerina, Xander, and Nikos, I’m also ready for a little more action in the love department. She was alone in the house with Xander (after a very interesting bathroom scene) and literally nothing else happens. No late-night conversations, touching, or kissing in sight. None. Give the gas petal a little nudge, would you? Please!!

Not being Greek, I don’t have a lot of background with Greek names and their pronunciations. I feel like book #9 is a little (and by a little, I most definitely mean WAAYYY) late in the game to be telling me that even though Makris has an “S” at the end, the “S” is not pronounced (i.e. it’s silent). It makes sense about why Baby Dimitri always refers to Katerina as “Katerina Makris-with-an-s” but I ask you, how am I supposed to know this if I’m not familiar with the male vs female name changes??? How? It kind of messes me up on how I say her name in my head, which is disconcerting since again, we’re in book NINE, not book 1 or 2, NINE.

As has been common with the rest of the Kat Makris series (and something I’ve complained about in each and every review), there’s still a lot of grammatical errors. I hate that there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of proof-reading going on and it definitely affects my scoring on the books, so I still wish that this became more of a priority for the author. HOWEVER, at the same time, I’m noticing that the author is releasing these books less than a year apart from each other (when I typically have to wait a year + for the novels in a series to come out), so I may become just a bit more forgiving. Maybe. I’m ready for book #10, so I hope I don’t have to wait too long!!
Profile Image for Kat Lebo.
855 reviews15 followers
December 3, 2019
𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒔 𝑪𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒆, A Kat Makris Greek Mafia Novel (#9)
by Alex A. King

I love this series. I love the plots, the writing style, the characters, and the fact that there is rarely anything resembling a cliffhanger ending. What don't I love? The author's refusal to hire competent proofreaders/editors. Sigh. BIG Sigh.

So, others in the series have been worse, but I can't continue to mark the novels above a three, when after 9 novels, the author hasn't insisted on taking the extra step needed to show respect for her readers. I saw several instances in this novel, but I only stopped to write down 7 of the errors I saw. Usually it was a word left out, although in at least one place it was too many words, in one it was the wrong tense, in another the wrong word, and in another the sentence simply did not make sense. SMH. I know some others are not as pick about spelling, grammar, and simple sense making as I am, but Alex -- please, please, please find a competent proofreader!

Other than that, it was a delightful Christmas story. Kat is back in the U.S., but not out of danger, as it seems there are those who are not fond of her, no matter where she is living. High jinks and hilarity ensue, along with a fair amount of legitimate danger, a twisted mystery, and certainly a lot of danger to those around her. I enjoyed having her horny next door neighbor be more involved in the story, and actually acting like a friend, as opposed to just being a flasher. I liked that there was more Xander than Melas in this one, although the appearances of Niko's mother were more than just a little fun. All in all it is an action packed romp with assorted pets, Greek relatives, friends, and foes, with a few U.S. friends and foes thrown in for spice. It was a good start to my annual month of Christmas themed reading.
450 reviews4 followers
July 10, 2019
After the events in the eighth book, Kat decides to go home to overcome the trauma of killing someone. She lives in her childhood home with her donkey, her cow, her goat, and (new addition) her bear. And also a case of paranoia, which makes her spend her time on her rood scoping out the neighborhood because someone is leaving her threatening messages. When she finally tries to get a job (in a hipster burger joint and a call center for Chinese cat food) she meets her ex Todd. Things go downhill from here. Someone tries to blow her up killing her hipster boss instead and sets the call center on fire. The jury is still out whether they weren't trying to do her a favor. Not long after the family shows up.

While the phone conversations with the family are fun, as are the conversations with Reggie, the book doesn't pick up until the family (officially) arrives about midway through. The editing in this book is also particularly poor as some sentences just didn't make any sense. There are the usual grammatical errors, typos, wrong words etc.

I could be mistaken, but I seem to remember that Dogas escaped prison in the last book and now suddenly he is dead. At least the author remembered the Sofia dream from the first novel and that topic is briefly brought up again. Since Kat's father decided to stay in Greece, I can't help but wonder why he hid in America all this time anyway. And why Kat hasn't talked to him about any of these things (such as the contents of the hidden safe). Continuation isn't strong with this series, but retcon is.

Without the supporting cast this book was one of the weaker ones, but still funny. Who would break into a house with a bear in it though?
Profile Image for 10914 Reviews.
123 reviews
September 25, 2023
Okay, so I don't typically review the books in the Kat Makris (the 's' is important, y'all!) series by Alex A. King. Mainly, this is because I love the books so much and I want to focus on actually enjoying the book. As reviewers, we can be overly critical of the books we read because we want to leave an honest yet sound review. So, here's my review for this series: I absolutely love every single book! The writing style is witty, catchy, and full of modern references that anyone living in today's world will quickly understand. The characters are also well developed and are just as important to the story as the main character. If you are looking for a light but excellent read, any one of these books will do (but you should should read them in order)!
Profile Image for Claire.
145 reviews
June 16, 2024
I love this series!!!
Kat decides to leave Greece and go home to Portland, live in her parents' house and find a job. Traveling with her are a goat, a cow and a bear ('pets' she has acquired along the way)

Every time she gets a new job, something bad happens: fire, explosions etc. She also is convinced she is being stalked when a strange van keeps showing up around the corner from her house... and she is convinced she is being stalked.

As it turns out, Kat may have quit the Greek Mob but they can't quit her...so they have all arrived for Christmas.

Per normal with this series, the entire cast of crazy characters end up saving the day.

These books are great light reading. I pull them out when I need a break from more serious books or just to hide from current events
Profile Image for John.
291 reviews
June 4, 2020
Okay, I admit it. I just love this series, with all its quirky characters and comical antics. [My only frustrations concern Kat never seeming to be able- or reluctant to - finally get into bed with one of either of her preferred lovers before she dries up like a raisin.]

This time Kat leaves Greece to return home to Portland, but her reputation (and Greece) follows her. All the funfilled actions happen in the week before Christmas.

Again, if you want a good laugh, I recommend this book and the whole series.
1 review1 follower
March 28, 2019
Christmas Crime

I.d like a Greek dictionary for the Greek words. I enjoyed the books, I’ve read all the Kat Makris books. This last one was a long time coming. Please let me know when the next one is available.
Her friend needs to quit eating so much. Kat could stand a romance with Xander
411 reviews5 followers
May 27, 2019
Holiday fun?

Kat is back on the US again trying to regain her former life after the incidents of the last book. Strange things are happening, fires, and things going boom, not to mention the ugly notes. The worst part is that her family is back in Greece, and can't protect her from some feds that want to pin everything or anything on her.
23 reviews
March 26, 2019
The fun goes on

Trouble continues to follow Kat. Home Sweet Portland just ain’t what it used to be. It’s fun to see what happens around every corner. Alex A. King makes this book a real hoot! Enjoy these next adventures in the life of Katerina Makris.
Profile Image for Susan Setash.
30 reviews
March 29, 2019
What can I say? Greek food and Greek gods! Crime, Christmas, and Kat! Alex A. King NEVER disappoints! Looking for a summer read, a winter snow escape, or just a fun, fast paced romp? Start at the beginning of the series and laugh your way through. My favorite author EVER!
2 reviews
April 24, 2019
Just a fun read!

I was hooked after the first book. This one does not disappoint. The characters, and storylines are just fun and entertaining. If you are looking for a fun read this series is it.
80 reviews
April 26, 2019
Love this series!

The wonderful characters are all in full force in this new series addition. I really enjoy the humor in these books. I got looks from other passenger on a flight because I kept laughing while reading. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Suzanne Nelson.
21 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2019
Hysterical Read

So, so funny! I can’t get enough of Kat and her family! Some mystery, sexual tension, unforgettable characters, and a story that’s unpredictable. A super fun, easy, and entertaining read!
31 reviews
June 5, 2019
OMG

BEST series EVER!!! I love kat and her whole family, seriously though if you have not ready this series you are missing something great. I am addicted to it. Can't wait for the next book. BEST comedy EVER !!!
Profile Image for Sam.
615 reviews3 followers
June 26, 2019
Things they go boom

Kat wants to escape crime and Greece be going home to portland but did she really think it wouldn't follow her. Lots of explosive action and a bear. Great as always
40 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2020
Great series

Having read all nine books in the Kat Makris Greek Mafia Novels, all I can say is, if you want to read a lot of funny and entertaining books. This is for you. Every book was different story with unexpected outcomes. Enjoyed every book. Good job!! Alex
61 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2020
From Disorganized Crime to Christmas Crime

Loved every book! The characters, the plots, the humor, and all the adventures keep you into these stories from the start!
Don't miss any and you'll fall in love with this family!
Profile Image for Myra Ball.
649 reviews
October 30, 2020
An Additive Series

From the first chapter I was yet again hooked to a book in this series. King is a master of smart sarcastic humor with a unique mystery. I can never predict what will happen. Wonderful series!
6 reviews
April 4, 2019
Amazing Series!

Please do yourself a favor and read and re-read this series. Funniest thing out there and you'll fall on love with so many characters!
Profile Image for Laressa Hartman.
31 reviews6 followers
April 12, 2019
I love this series!

I love this series. I always laugh until I cry. I Can’t wait for the next one to come out.
Profile Image for Dianna Sandora Sandora.
108 reviews12 followers
April 28, 2019
Great story, as always

I love the way Alex writes and this one was no exception. I am glad to know we haven’t seen the last of Kat and her family.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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