What do you think?
Rate this book
Sandy Bay #17
Queen Tarts and a Christmas Nightmare
Two murdered business associates. One family under the scrutiny of a conservative town. A bride-to-be in need of some comfort and joy. Meghan is ready to celebrate the holiday season in style with the man of her dreams by her side. All that changes when she receives a text message. It's from her mum who discloses that her father is very sick. She needs to get back to Texas... fast. She has mixed feelings about going home as she's not been for several years. Her trip to Texas is greeted - Two murders - Characters from her past she'd rather forget - Family members disappointed in her recent choices As the very fabric of her family's existence is torn apart by accusations surrounding the murders of close friends, Meghan longs for the peace and tranquility of her adopted hometown of Sandy Bay. She is an emotional wreck and is confronted with betrayals, accusations, disappointments, homesickness, sad revelations, jealous friends, and a murder investigation. Make that two murder investigations! Some people wish Christmas could be every day. Meghan just wants this Christmas nightmare to end. Will she help to find the killer and restore the essence of this most wonderful time of the year? Book 17 in the Bestselling Sandy Bay Cozy Mystery series! If you want to enjoy a light-hearted read, with an amateur female sleuth, mouth-watering culinary desserts and a gripping murder mystery with a touch of romance, then you'll love Meghan Truman and all the quirky characters in Sandy Bay. No cliffhanger, swearing or graphic scenes! Start reading Queen Tarts and a Christmas Nightmare and see how events unfold in this cozy mystery.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2019
194 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 28, 2021
Meghan gets an emergency text message
from her mother to come home quick that
Meghan’s father is sick.
When Meghan arrives home in Texas, she
discovers this was just a ploy to get her
and her sisters home for the holidays.
At the big Christmas gala that her parents
had at the family home, one of her father’s
business partner drop over dead.
What a shock!!
Add people from Meghan’s past, she would
like to avoid, a shady character hanging
around her father, her mother declaring
only she can make tarts in their home, that
her mother is the Queen of Tarts, a local
baker who claims her tarts are the best
and Meghan’s mother not happy with
her engagement…..
Meghan is ready to go back to Sandy Bay
as fast as possible.
Then another of her father’s business partners
is murdered. What is going on in Texas at
Christmas time?? Meghan decides to investigate.
She wants this Christmas nightmare to end!!!
This is book # 17 in the Sandy Bay Mystery series.
It can be read as a stand-alone.
A quick, enjoyable read.
from her mother to come home quick that
Meghan’s father is sick.
When Meghan arrives home in Texas, she
discovers this was just a ploy to get her
and her sisters home for the holidays.
At the big Christmas gala that her parents
had at the family home, one of her father’s
business partner drop over dead.
What a shock!!
Add people from Meghan’s past, she would
like to avoid, a shady character hanging
around her father, her mother declaring
only she can make tarts in their home, that
her mother is the Queen of Tarts, a local
baker who claims her tarts are the best
and Meghan’s mother not happy with
her engagement…..
Meghan is ready to go back to Sandy Bay
as fast as possible.
Then another of her father’s business partners
is murdered. What is going on in Texas at
Christmas time?? Meghan decides to investigate.
She wants this Christmas nightmare to end!!!
This is book # 17 in the Sandy Bay Mystery series.
It can be read as a stand-alone.
A quick, enjoyable read.
March 6, 2020
True by Sweet
I have enjoyed these books. I had read all but, the last one which I received just today.can not wait to read it
I have enjoyed these books. I had read all but, the last one which I received just today.can not wait to read it
December 27, 2019
Another Sandy Bay cozy mystery with Meghan and Jack. I really like this series, although Meghan gets sucked into having to leave her bakery and Jack to return to Texas and her snobby dysfunctional family who seemed to never approve of what she does because her mother says her father is ill. The family just wanted her to come home to Texas for Christmas although constantly disapproving of everything she does. When the family throws a huge social ball, there is a murder of one of Meghan's father's business partners. And then there were two! A second business partner is found also murdered and Meghan's father is accused. Now, instead of going back to Jack and her home and bakery in Sandy Bay, where she longs to be, she must stay, investigate and clear her father's name.
This episode has you riding a merry-go-round with lots of twists and turns and red-herrings. Just when you think you figured it out....you didn't. Amber is deft at keeping you guessing until the end. This is a fast and fun cozy murder mystery that you can't put down once you start. I received an ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
This episode has you riding a merry-go-round with lots of twists and turns and red-herrings. Just when you think you figured it out....you didn't. Amber is deft at keeping you guessing until the end. This is a fast and fun cozy murder mystery that you can't put down once you start. I received an ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
March 22, 2021
Meghan has just returned to her bakery after celebrating her engagement with Jack's parents. She gets an emergency call to return to the family home for her father's illness. So she leaves her fiancé and her bakery in good hands to rush back to Texas.
While there, two murders take place, a former boyfriend wants to marry her, and her family is unhappy that she's not willing to change to accommodate their wishes and expectations.
Meghan's family is very rich, and very self centered. They are so over the top, I had to laugh out loud at their antics. But Meghan is distressed over them. And anxious because something is very, very wrong. But she doesn't know what is going on in the background.
This is is a fun read, typical of a cozy mystery. It can be read by almost any reader.
I listened to the audio version and the narrator was very good. She had multiple voices and used them for each character. My only other comment is that I think her "Texas" accept may be more like an east coast southern accent, but not being an expert on accents, I can't be sure.
I received a copy of the audio book from the author. This is my honest review.
While there, two murders take place, a former boyfriend wants to marry her, and her family is unhappy that she's not willing to change to accommodate their wishes and expectations.
Meghan's family is very rich, and very self centered. They are so over the top, I had to laugh out loud at their antics. But Meghan is distressed over them. And anxious because something is very, very wrong. But she doesn't know what is going on in the background.
This is is a fun read, typical of a cozy mystery. It can be read by almost any reader.
I listened to the audio version and the narrator was very good. She had multiple voices and used them for each character. My only other comment is that I think her "Texas" accept may be more like an east coast southern accent, but not being an expert on accents, I can't be sure.
I received a copy of the audio book from the author. This is my honest review.
December 28, 2019
Loving this series...
Queen Tarts and a Christmas Nightmare is Book 17 in the Sandy Bay Cozy Mystery series. (This should be subtitled Queen Tarts and a Totally Dysfunctional Family)!!!
Meghan and Jack's plans for Christmas are thwarted when she is called home to Texas by her mother's lies. Of course, it wouldn't be Meghan if there was not a murder to solve. She gets not one, but two dead bodies and has to prove her father's innocence.
This story is well written and engaged my interest from start to finish with a humour, dysfunctional family, an ex-boyfriend who would rather not be an ex, murder, mystery, and a whodunnit that is sure to surprise.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
I read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book with no obligation.
Queen Tarts and a Christmas Nightmare is Book 17 in the Sandy Bay Cozy Mystery series. (This should be subtitled Queen Tarts and a Totally Dysfunctional Family)!!!
Meghan and Jack's plans for Christmas are thwarted when she is called home to Texas by her mother's lies. Of course, it wouldn't be Meghan if there was not a murder to solve. She gets not one, but two dead bodies and has to prove her father's innocence.
This story is well written and engaged my interest from start to finish with a humour, dysfunctional family, an ex-boyfriend who would rather not be an ex, murder, mystery, and a whodunnit that is sure to surprise.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
I read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book with no obligation.
August 10, 2020
Texas Christmas Murders
Flying back to Texas thinking her father I'll, brings Meghan face to face with murder of two of her fathers business partners. Her father is accused of poisoning the first partner, but is released on bail. Several days later his second partner is killed in a car wreck. Meghan is worried as her father is being threatened by a known criminal. Meghan finds out that her father had been unknowingly a partner to a Ponzi scheme but decides to go to the police about it. He and Megan are out together when the criminal shows up where they are. Her father demands to meet the fourth partner and receives a surprise when that partner shows up.
Must read to find out who and what happens.
Flying back to Texas thinking her father I'll, brings Meghan face to face with murder of two of her fathers business partners. Her father is accused of poisoning the first partner, but is released on bail. Several days later his second partner is killed in a car wreck. Meghan is worried as her father is being threatened by a known criminal. Meghan finds out that her father had been unknowingly a partner to a Ponzi scheme but decides to go to the police about it. He and Megan are out together when the criminal shows up where they are. Her father demands to meet the fourth partner and receives a surprise when that partner shows up.
Must read to find out who and what happens.
December 27, 2019
Another great adventure for Meghan Truman. This time she leaves Sandy Bay to join her family in Texas, originally under false pretenses. She hurries home thinking her father was ill, only to find out he was fit as a fiddle. You get a chance to meet Meghans’ sisters, all whose names begin with M. Meghan gets drawn into not one but two murders in trying to prove her father is innocent in the murder of his business partners. The murderer did not turn out to be who I thought it was. I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one.
I received an ARC of the book and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received an ARC of the book and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
January 14, 2020
Christmas for Meghan.
After meeting Meghan's family, I can totally understand why she hasn't been back home!! Can they get any more snobby and dysfunctional? Meghan has to deal with her family, old "friends", and two murders. Her family isn't happy with any of her life decisions and lets her know at every turn. Then her dad is tossed in jail for murder. Can Meghan get him out, find out who the real murderer is and spend Christmas with Jack? Plenty of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. I love Sandy Bay but this was a little change with a different list of main characters.
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
After meeting Meghan's family, I can totally understand why she hasn't been back home!! Can they get any more snobby and dysfunctional? Meghan has to deal with her family, old "friends", and two murders. Her family isn't happy with any of her life decisions and lets her know at every turn. Then her dad is tossed in jail for murder. Can Meghan get him out, find out who the real murderer is and spend Christmas with Jack? Plenty of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. I love Sandy Bay but this was a little change with a different list of main characters.
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
May 29, 2020
Queen Tarts & a Christmas Nightmare
This was mystery story that doesn’t seem like one until the main character, Meghan, gets a call from her mother saying her father is sick and she needs to come home to Texas. She, of course, drops everything and goes (even though she owns a thriving bakery and has just spent 3 weeks away). This part was not very nice, her mother was telling her that her father was ill just to get her to go “home” for Christmas. I wasn’t impressed with her family but as part of the story it worked. It’s not a sophisticated story but it was interesting, even with her snobby family.
This was mystery story that doesn’t seem like one until the main character, Meghan, gets a call from her mother saying her father is sick and she needs to come home to Texas. She, of course, drops everything and goes (even though she owns a thriving bakery and has just spent 3 weeks away). This part was not very nice, her mother was telling her that her father was ill just to get her to go “home” for Christmas. I wasn’t impressed with her family but as part of the story it worked. It’s not a sophisticated story but it was interesting, even with her snobby family.
October 5, 2023
Absolutely deplorable. I can’t believe a story written about manipulating your daughter to come home for Christmas by scaring her into thinking her father is so sick and he isn’t.
I could not believe the parents and her siblings thought this was an acceptable way to get her home & away from her fiancée because he’s not rich enough for their family.
I stopped reading. It isn’t worth my time to read or listen to how they have no respect for their grown daughter to lead her own life and make her own decisions.
Needless to say, I did not finish this book. There are so many others that can be enjoyed.
I could not believe the parents and her siblings thought this was an acceptable way to get her home & away from her fiancée because he’s not rich enough for their family.
I stopped reading. It isn’t worth my time to read or listen to how they have no respect for their grown daughter to lead her own life and make her own decisions.
Needless to say, I did not finish this book. There are so many others that can be enjoyed.
January 14, 2020
While I prefer to have the series stay in Sandy Bay, I did like the latest book in the series. I have to wonder where Meghan came from because she's so incredibly different from the majority of her family members. In fact, while I enjoyed the mystery surrounding Meghan, I despised almost her entire family. It reminded me of people I went to school with and didn't care for so it kind of brought back bad memories. I will in no means stop reading this series because I adore Meghan and Jack and I'll just say a prayer that we won't see too much more of her family.
April 1, 2021
After getting engaged to Jack, Meghan is called home because her father is ill. But it is a ruse by her parents to get her home to Texas for Christmas. At the party her parents are throwing, one of her father's partners drops dead. What follows is a wild tale of death, betrayal and bad business decisions. The baddy is kind of a surprise. In the beginning I loathed Meghan's parents. As the story progresses, I like them a little better. Who I loved the most was her little sisters. They were charming and sweet and adored their big sister. Loved that dynamic.
July 28, 2021
Intriguing, suspenseful cozy mystery!
Meghan Truman flew to Texas because she was told that her father was very ill. However, her family made that up to bring Meghan to Texas. Meghan is engaged to Jack. During the Ball at her parent's home, Kyle, a partner in her father's business, falls down dead. Meghan once again is in the middle of murder and mayhem. Amber Crewes writes so compellingly to go keep your attention to see what will happen next. I recommend this book. Happy reading! 😊
Meghan Truman flew to Texas because she was told that her father was very ill. However, her family made that up to bring Meghan to Texas. Meghan is engaged to Jack. During the Ball at her parent's home, Kyle, a partner in her father's business, falls down dead. Meghan once again is in the middle of murder and mayhem. Amber Crewes writes so compellingly to go keep your attention to see what will happen next. I recommend this book. Happy reading! 😊
December 25, 2019
I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. Another great Sandy Bay cozy mystery. Meghan goes to Texas on a cooked up story from her mother. Her family is something else! While there, she can't wait to get back home to the Jack and the bakery, but trouble keeps popping up and she feels she can't leave. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it.
December 27, 2019
What a family! Meaghan ends up in Texas with her socialite family for Christmas instead of in Sandy Bay with her fiancé, Jack. After the family tricks her to get her to Texas, two of her father’s business partners are murdered. Plus, an old boyfriend tries to reignite a relationship. In true Meaghan style she investigates the mysterious deaths while dealing with her difficult family. Love this series and the characters Amber Crewes has created
April 30, 2022
Sophomoric drivel
I really disliked this book. Meghan is only okay as a lead; her parents and half of her sisters are entitled, superficial jerks who could benefit from some medication for those sudden mood swings; the same goes for several of her hometown folks; the plot is inane; the family dynamic is beyond dysfunctional; and the sugary ending is completely unbelievable. What a waste.
I really disliked this book. Meghan is only okay as a lead; her parents and half of her sisters are entitled, superficial jerks who could benefit from some medication for those sudden mood swings; the same goes for several of her hometown folks; the plot is inane; the family dynamic is beyond dysfunctional; and the sugary ending is completely unbelievable. What a waste.
December 27, 2019
This is another great addition to the Sandy Bay cozy mystery series. Meghan owns a bakery. She is needed by her family in TX so she returns for the Christmas holidays. A business partner of her father's dies at the fancy ball at their house and Meghan needs to clear her family's name. This is a pleasant cozy.mystery!
February 16, 2023
Queen Tarts and a Christmas Nightmare by Amber's Crewes
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Meghan is forever trying to solve mysteries. I think it was so nice that the family was able to spend the Christmas holidays together. Jack coming to Texas was a pleasant surprise for both Meghan and me!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Meghan is forever trying to solve mysteries. I think it was so nice that the family was able to spend the Christmas holidays together. Jack coming to Texas was a pleasant surprise for both Meghan and me!!
December 30, 2019
Keeps getting better
Well done Amber Crewes. We finally meet the Trumans, Meghan's family. How could our dear sweet Meghan come from such a family? Once you start reading you are compelled to continue to make sure Meghan gets home to Jack and Sandy Bay.
Well done Amber Crewes. We finally meet the Trumans, Meghan's family. How could our dear sweet Meghan come from such a family? Once you start reading you are compelled to continue to make sure Meghan gets home to Jack and Sandy Bay.
February 20, 2020
Queen Tarts and a Christmas Nightmare
This is such a good series and I enjoyed it very much. It always keeps me guessing until the end. I would recommend this series to everyone. Thanks again!
This is such a good series and I enjoyed it very much. It always keeps me guessing until the end. I would recommend this series to everyone. Thanks again!
July 30, 2020
A great cozy mystery
By book 17 you really get to know Meghan and Jack. But this books takes you back to Texas and you meet the rest of the family. I must say they are a piece of work!
By book 17 you really get to know Meghan and Jack. But this books takes you back to Texas and you meet the rest of the family. I must say they are a piece of work!
Read
August 30, 2021Queen Tarts and a Christmas Nightmare
This story takes place at Meghan's family home in Texas. Meghan is tricked by her family into going home for Christmas, but when she gets there, there is all kinds of turmoil. A must read to find out how things turn out
This story takes place at Meghan's family home in Texas. Meghan is tricked by her family into going home for Christmas, but when she gets there, there is all kinds of turmoil. A must read to find out how things turn out
July 18, 2022
A Texas mother as a socialite is a disaster.
Meghan is happily running her bak uhh.ukery in Sandy Bay many miles from Texas. She is dreaming of her first Christmas as an engaged women when she gets a distressing call from her mother. Henry, Meghans father is very ill or is he?
Meghan is happily running her bak uhh.ukery in Sandy Bay many miles from Texas. She is dreaming of her first Christmas as an engaged women when she gets a distressing call from her mother. Henry, Meghans father is very ill or is he?
December 26, 2019
Good book, great characters. This book took a turn, more about Megan’s Family than her bakery. Talk about a dysfunctional family. Will read the next book.
December 26, 2019
Love it
Just got done reading it on Christmas night. Just wish I had another one to read. As always I didn't know who done it.
Just got done reading it on Christmas night. Just wish I had another one to read. As always I didn't know who done it.
December 27, 2019
Meghan
This book was okay. The books before this were much more interesting because of her and Jack. Plus, I don’t favor the rich and snobby. It’s a personal pet peeve.
This book was okay. The books before this were much more interesting because of her and Jack. Plus, I don’t favor the rich and snobby. It’s a personal pet peeve.
December 29, 2019
Family affairs
I loved reading about Megan’s families affairs. I was very surprised when i found out the culprit in this cozy mystery. Keep them coming.
I loved reading about Megan’s families affairs. I was very surprised when i found out the culprit in this cozy mystery. Keep them coming.
January 18, 2020
The author continues to give us characters we connect with, as well as some we never want to meet in person. This story has twists and turns that keep your reading until the end.
January 23, 2020
Another good one from Amber Crewes. I am really enjoying this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews