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A Five-Ingredient Mystery #7
Gingerdead Man
When Santa is sleighed by a poison gingerbread cookie at a holiday party, Val Deniston's reputation is on the line . . .
This holiday season Bayport, Maryland, is a dead ringer for Victorian London. Val and her grandfather are taking part in the Dickens of a Holiday festival. Val is hosting a private tea party serving the festival's costumed volunteers, who range from Dickens divas like Madame Defarge and Miss Havisham to Ebenezer Scrooge and old St. Nick himself.
But one costumed reveler may have gotten the holidays mixed up. The winner of the creepiest outfit, robed in black with a gift bag covering the head--okay, Ghost of Christmas Present, Val gets it--hands out gingerbread men with white icing skeleton bones. This year's sour Santa has none of the big fellow's mirth but plenty of his appetite, and it's no secret Santa loves cookies. But when the man in red turns blue, Val and Granddad have a cookie-cutter killer to catch before the New Year . . .
This holiday season Bayport, Maryland, is a dead ringer for Victorian London. Val and her grandfather are taking part in the Dickens of a Holiday festival. Val is hosting a private tea party serving the festival's costumed volunteers, who range from Dickens divas like Madame Defarge and Miss Havisham to Ebenezer Scrooge and old St. Nick himself.
But one costumed reveler may have gotten the holidays mixed up. The winner of the creepiest outfit, robed in black with a gift bag covering the head--okay, Ghost of Christmas Present, Val gets it--hands out gingerbread men with white icing skeleton bones. This year's sour Santa has none of the big fellow's mirth but plenty of his appetite, and it's no secret Santa loves cookies. But when the man in red turns blue, Val and Granddad have a cookie-cutter killer to catch before the New Year . . .
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 29, 2020
57 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
Maya Corrigan
11 books376 followersMaya Corrigan blends her love of food and detective stories in her Five-Ingredient Mystery series set in a fictional historic town on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The series begins with By Cook or by Crook. The latest books include The Tell-Tale Tarte, S'more Murders, Crypt Suzette, and Gingerdead Man, 7th in the series.
Before taking up a life of crime (on the page), she taught university courses in writing, detective fiction, American literature, and drama. She won the 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Unpublished Mainstream Mystery / Suspense. Her short stories, written under the name of Mary Ann Corrigan, have been published in anthologies.
When not reading and writing, she enjoys theater, travel, trivia, cooking, and crosswords. Her website features trivia about food and mysteries.
Before taking up a life of crime (on the page), she taught university courses in writing, detective fiction, American literature, and drama. She won the 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Unpublished Mainstream Mystery / Suspense. Her short stories, written under the name of Mary Ann Corrigan, have been published in anthologies.
When not reading and writing, she enjoys theater, travel, trivia, cooking, and crosswords. Her website features trivia about food and mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
December 15, 2021
I may have started with the last book of this series, but it didn't handicap my understanding of any of the details. Val and her grandfather not only share a house, they share a natural nosiness that must drive their police chief friend bonkers. No matter what the poor man says to them, they just keep poking the bear.
This is a cozy mystery, so there is a great deal of focus on the food. Val is a caterer, so that's understandable here. There's also a lot of discussion on small community events and politics. I was somewhat surprised at how low key the romantic element was. Thankfully for once it wasn't the lawman who was the romantic partner. But you'd barely know that Val likes her guy from how little she thinks about him and how quickly she decides that he's moving away.
I had hoped for a little more Christmas content too. The murder occurs in the aftermath of a Christmas festival and there are casual mentions of gifts, but once again, extremely low key. I would expect Val, as a caterer, to be hopping busy during the holiday season, adding some pressure to her amateur sleuthing. I was a bit disappointed, as I read this kind of novel to get into the Christmas spirit.
So, I liked the book well enough—I enjoyed the first half more than the second. I found the solution to the mystery to be a little far fetched. Yes, I suppose it could happen, but it just isn't too likely.
This is a cozy mystery, so there is a great deal of focus on the food. Val is a caterer, so that's understandable here. There's also a lot of discussion on small community events and politics. I was somewhat surprised at how low key the romantic element was. Thankfully for once it wasn't the lawman who was the romantic partner. But you'd barely know that Val likes her guy from how little she thinks about him and how quickly she decides that he's moving away.
I had hoped for a little more Christmas content too. The murder occurs in the aftermath of a Christmas festival and there are casual mentions of gifts, but once again, extremely low key. I would expect Val, as a caterer, to be hopping busy during the holiday season, adding some pressure to her amateur sleuthing. I was a bit disappointed, as I read this kind of novel to get into the Christmas spirit.
So, I liked the book well enough—I enjoyed the first half more than the second. I found the solution to the mystery to be a little far fetched. Yes, I suppose it could happen, but it just isn't too likely.
September 14, 2020
Enjoyed this one. Suitibly festive. A mystery that kept me guessing. Likable character's, and bonus recipes. 👍👍
November 30, 2021
Bayport, Maryland, is kicking off the holiday season with a Victorian themed Christmas event. While Val’s granddad is upset about being demoted from Santa to Scrooge this year, Val is looking forward to helping out at the teas throughout the afternoon. The final tea of the day is for the event’s volunteers. As it is getting started, someone in a weird costume comes and starts passing out gingerbread cookies. When this year’s Santa eats his, he drops over. Can Val figure out what is going on?
I really do appreciate the relationship between Val and her granddad in these books. While Granddad is a senior citizen, he isn’t a stereotype. He acts appropriately for his age and yet still contributes to Val’s investigation. The other characters are strong enough to keep us engaged in the story and keep the suspects straight. The story seemed to wander a bit at the beginning, but I was ultimately impressed with how everything came together. Naturally, we get more five-ingredient recipes at the end of the book, including several seasonal delights. If you are looking for a cozy to curl up with this Christmas, this is one you’ll enjoy.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I really do appreciate the relationship between Val and her granddad in these books. While Granddad is a senior citizen, he isn’t a stereotype. He acts appropriately for his age and yet still contributes to Val’s investigation. The other characters are strong enough to keep us engaged in the story and keep the suspects straight. The story seemed to wander a bit at the beginning, but I was ultimately impressed with how everything came together. Naturally, we get more five-ingredient recipes at the end of the book, including several seasonal delights. If you are looking for a cozy to curl up with this Christmas, this is one you’ll enjoy.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
October 12, 2020
Gingerdead Man by Maya Corrigan is the 7th A Five-Ingredient Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. I thought Gingerdead Man was well-written with developed characters. Val Deniston keeps busy with managing the Cool Down Café, catering events, spending time with Granddad, and dating Bram Muir. Granddad is always up to something. When not whipping up five ingredient items for his Codger Cook column, he is working on his detective skills. Granddad is a hoot. I liked that he managed to surprise Val with some of the things he did regarding the case. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Dickens of a Holiday Festival with people dressed up in Victorian costumes. It reminded me of German Village where I grew up (instead of Dickens, they do German traditions). The mystery was well-plotted and went nicely with the theme of the book. I especially enjoyed the Christmas killer dressed up as the Ghost of Christmas Present. While I was able to pinpoint the identity of the killer early on, I still enjoyed following the mystery to the end. I could have done with less speculation and there was some repetition of case details. The whodunit had a good reveal and wrap up. I like that the case was wrapped up with a bow. Gingerdead Man was an entertaining and creative cozy mystery with a snockered Santa, a disenchanted Scrooge, killer cookies, contaminated chocolates, and one consumed Christmas killer.
October 12, 2020
Christmas comes to Bayport, Maryland with a Dickens Festival. Val Deniston and her grandfather are in period costume so newcomers Jake Smith and his wife, Jewel, dress the part of Santa and Mrs. Claus. But the festivities come to a tragic end when Jake eats a gingerbread cookie presented as a special dessert treat. After a second death related to Val's catering/teashop business, she and her grandfather realize they must find the killer, with not an ingredient to spare.
This was my first read in this series. I found it enjoyable, with a fun holiday theme, engaging characters, and a intriguing plot. Also appreciate the "five ingredient" recipes at the conclusion, especially during these times.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
This was my first read in this series. I found it enjoyable, with a fun holiday theme, engaging characters, and a intriguing plot. Also appreciate the "five ingredient" recipes at the conclusion, especially during these times.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
November 28, 2020
This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it! Found the closeness between Val and her grandfather so heartwarming. Bethany was a likeable character as well. I like how down-to-earth she is and her gentle, unassuming manner. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series!
June 5, 2020
I’ve become quite fond of Val and her grandpa. Even though they struggled in the beginning, they have come together when it’s time to investigate a murder.
It’s Christmas in Bayport and everyone is working hard to get into the spirit. A Dickens Tea sounds like a great idea, but when a most unpleasant Santa Clause is given a deadly cookie, it’s time to find out who is responsible.
I love books with a holiday theme, and this title is very cute, and the cover was filled with vibrant, holiday colors. This book has become my favorite in the series.
It’s Christmas in Bayport and everyone is working hard to get into the spirit. A Dickens Tea sounds like a great idea, but when a most unpleasant Santa Clause is given a deadly cookie, it’s time to find out who is responsible.
I love books with a holiday theme, and this title is very cute, and the cover was filled with vibrant, holiday colors. This book has become my favorite in the series.
October 2, 2020
Val has two mysteries to solve in this book. It was nice to see her grand-dad as her co-sleuth, who is equally involved in getting the mysteries solved. Santa is dead and so is another man, by poison, while Val was catering. And Val is worried that people might not want to avail her service. There was a lot happening with regards to the mystery. I guessed the murderer correctly but not the motive. Overall, this was an enjoyable Christmas cozy, with enough merriment. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read this book.
March 23, 2022
Cozy murder mystery set around Christmas.
You don't need to read the other books in the series to be able to read this.
Enjoyable Christmas mystery about a murder in a small town. The first and last part of the book felt good and were of a good pace, but the middle part made me struggle. It felt so long and it took me quite some time to get through it.
I loved that it involved a grandpa. Val and her grandpa are a great team of amateur detectives solving crime.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the book in exchange of a review. This did not affect my rating.
You don't need to read the other books in the series to be able to read this.
Enjoyable Christmas mystery about a murder in a small town. The first and last part of the book felt good and were of a good pace, but the middle part made me struggle. It felt so long and it took me quite some time to get through it.
I loved that it involved a grandpa. Val and her grandpa are a great team of amateur detectives solving crime.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the book in exchange of a review. This did not affect my rating.
December 18, 2020
The ghost of Christmas Presents delivers gift bags at a tea for volunteers at the local Dickens Festival. One contains a gingerdead cookie and the recipient laughs and then eats it. And promptly falls over dead. Then an octogenarian on the outs with his family dies after eating a homemade chocolate. Then another young woman receives a gift of homemade chocolates and only has time to eat one before meeting her friends. She is poisoned but doesn’t die as she ate only one and is young and healthy. So begins the hunt for a serial killer in Bayport Maryland. A good read, interesting characters and an interesting small town on the Eastern Shore
December 15, 2023
A Smidge of Holiday Cozy Mystery
"Gingerdead Man (A Five-Ingredient Mystery Book #7)" by Maya Corrigan is a smidge of Christmas with a bit of a classic Hitchcock twist to the mystery. It's still very classic cozy mystery.
I had a feeling about who the murderer was but read wasn't sure about it up until just before the reveal. Up until then no one really seemed right. In the end, the plot twist made it all work and make sense.
"Gingerdead Man (A Five-Ingredient Mystery Book #7)" by Maya Corrigan is a smidge of Christmas with a bit of a classic Hitchcock twist to the mystery. It's still very classic cozy mystery.
I had a feeling about who the murderer was but read wasn't sure about it up until just before the reveal. Up until then no one really seemed right. In the end, the plot twist made it all work and make sense.
December 21, 2025
The writing won’t set the world on fire, but it was a decent Christmas cozy mystery.
December 13, 2023
Gingerdead Man is the 7th book in the Five-Ingredient Mystery series starring Val Denniston and her grandfather know as the Codger Cook. In this book they are home in Bayport, Maryland where the Dickens of a Holiday festival is in full swing. Val is holding a volunteer tea to thank the many costumed volunteers, in the cafe of the local bookstore. A person, dressed as the creepy Ghost of Christmas Past, arrives and leaves a bag for each person, before leaving out the back door. Each bag contains a gingerbread men with white icing skeleton bones. One of the volunteers, a drunken Santa Claus, immediately gobbles down his cookie and ends up dying on the floor. Once it has been determined that he was poisoned, Val, her grandfather and some others are on the case trying to find out who the murderer is and to make sure no one else is killed.
One of the things I love about this series is the relationship between Val and her grandfather. She moved to Bayport to help him, but once there, she decided to make it permanent. They work well together, love one another, tease, and even set each other up when investigating. There are several other great relationships in these books both family and friendships. The mystery was well-plotted with just enough suspects, red herrings and twists to keep me guessing. I enjoyed the Christmas theme and activities. I loved the Christmas killer dressed up as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. I enjoyed the humor that was well placed, most coming from Val's granddad. The Gingerdead Man was excellent and different from other cozies I have read. A wonderful addition to the series.
One of the things I love about this series is the relationship between Val and her grandfather. She moved to Bayport to help him, but once there, she decided to make it permanent. They work well together, love one another, tease, and even set each other up when investigating. There are several other great relationships in these books both family and friendships. The mystery was well-plotted with just enough suspects, red herrings and twists to keep me guessing. I enjoyed the Christmas theme and activities. I loved the Christmas killer dressed up as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. I enjoyed the humor that was well placed, most coming from Val's granddad. The Gingerdead Man was excellent and different from other cozies I have read. A wonderful addition to the series.
December 18, 2020
Val Deniston runs the Cool Down Café at the local health club, but tonight she's dressed in Victorian clothing and helping with a tea set out by her assistant Irene. It's for the volunteers who have been helping at the Dickens of a Holiday festival, and there are six people attending. One of them is a recent resident who's taken over her grandfather Don's job as the Santa, which he does every year, and it isn't making Don happy. Don's been relegated to play Ebenezer Scrooge, and he's right in character whenever he sees the man playing Santa - Jake Smith.
At the dinner, Jake's wife and Mrs. Claus, Jewel, are the center of attention. It seems Santa has had too much to drink and she's trying to get him to quiet down. But the action changes when someone enters the back of the bookshop where they're having their private tea in the CAT room -- dressed all in black with a gift bag on their head and distributes gift bags to each person and then leaves without saying a word. While everyone else is stunned, Jake is delighted to find the bag contains a gingerdead man -- a gingerbread cookie dressed like a skeleton, and he eats his, lauding the wonderful taste. But seconds later he falls over and later dies.
But things don't end there: Val is catering a private birthday party for a resident, and there's trouble in the home while she's there. When she leaves, she thinks that will be the end of it -- but it's not. Not only does she find something else to worry about, her best friend is soon brought into the mix, and everyone thinks a serial killer is on the loose. Now Val and her grandfather will have to do some fancy footwork and dig deep to find out who killed Santa and why. If they don't figure it out, no one will be having a Merry Christmas...
This is the latest book in the series, and I am liking it better with each one. This time out it's nearing Christmas, and Val is busy catering small parties and running the café, while also volunteering at the Dickens festival. It's a busy time of the year, and she and her grandfather both have their hands full. But when the Santa dies after eating the cookie, neither she nor Don think it was natural causes. After it's confirmed, they want to know who wanted to kill him, and start investigating on their own.
But when Val has problems at her latest catering gig, it soon leads to even more problems, and she needs to figure out a way to counter it. (I am loath to mention more, because this is a new book, and I don't want to give away any spoilers -- so I won't).
What I do like about this series is the reference to classic movies, which, as I have stated many times over, is my other passion besides books. There probably isn't a classic I haven't seen or can't quote a line from. It gives me even more pleasure when I read the books (and everyone should watch the movies referenced).
I am beginning to like Don more and more; he's learning things all the time and not withering away into a grouchy old man, and I love that. Val is entering a new chapter of her life, too, and both of these things keep the series fresh and moving along. They both keep their lives moving forward, and I enjoy reading about their latest ventures.
This tale is very good, with the mystery taking forefront, and adding a bit of tension along the way; it keeps the reader interested throughout the story and wondering what will happen next. The red herrings are thrown out, with clues leading back and forth, and eventually the killer is found, but it was almost a surprise to me, and that was entirely delightful. In the end, it was probably one of the most fun books I've read in awhile, and I really wish I could read the next one right away. Highly recommended.
I was given an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
At the dinner, Jake's wife and Mrs. Claus, Jewel, are the center of attention. It seems Santa has had too much to drink and she's trying to get him to quiet down. But the action changes when someone enters the back of the bookshop where they're having their private tea in the CAT room -- dressed all in black with a gift bag on their head and distributes gift bags to each person and then leaves without saying a word. While everyone else is stunned, Jake is delighted to find the bag contains a gingerdead man -- a gingerbread cookie dressed like a skeleton, and he eats his, lauding the wonderful taste. But seconds later he falls over and later dies.
But things don't end there: Val is catering a private birthday party for a resident, and there's trouble in the home while she's there. When she leaves, she thinks that will be the end of it -- but it's not. Not only does she find something else to worry about, her best friend is soon brought into the mix, and everyone thinks a serial killer is on the loose. Now Val and her grandfather will have to do some fancy footwork and dig deep to find out who killed Santa and why. If they don't figure it out, no one will be having a Merry Christmas...
This is the latest book in the series, and I am liking it better with each one. This time out it's nearing Christmas, and Val is busy catering small parties and running the café, while also volunteering at the Dickens festival. It's a busy time of the year, and she and her grandfather both have their hands full. But when the Santa dies after eating the cookie, neither she nor Don think it was natural causes. After it's confirmed, they want to know who wanted to kill him, and start investigating on their own.
But when Val has problems at her latest catering gig, it soon leads to even more problems, and she needs to figure out a way to counter it. (I am loath to mention more, because this is a new book, and I don't want to give away any spoilers -- so I won't).
What I do like about this series is the reference to classic movies, which, as I have stated many times over, is my other passion besides books. There probably isn't a classic I haven't seen or can't quote a line from. It gives me even more pleasure when I read the books (and everyone should watch the movies referenced).
I am beginning to like Don more and more; he's learning things all the time and not withering away into a grouchy old man, and I love that. Val is entering a new chapter of her life, too, and both of these things keep the series fresh and moving along. They both keep their lives moving forward, and I enjoy reading about their latest ventures.
This tale is very good, with the mystery taking forefront, and adding a bit of tension along the way; it keeps the reader interested throughout the story and wondering what will happen next. The red herrings are thrown out, with clues leading back and forth, and eventually the killer is found, but it was almost a surprise to me, and that was entirely delightful. In the end, it was probably one of the most fun books I've read in awhile, and I really wish I could read the next one right away. Highly recommended.
I was given an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
August 5, 2020
Gingerdead Man is my first Five-Ingredient Mystery, and now I'm eager to go back for more. Maya Corrigan has put together all the right ingredients for a cozy mystery: characters you'll love to spend time with, a cozy town, an intriguing mystery, yummy-sounding food, and Christmas!
Val Deniston and her grandfather make a clever team, putting all the clues together, piece by piece to solve an intricate puzzle. Though there are plenty of red herrings to occasionally pull them astray, their combined intelligence and common sense always gets them back on track.
A full deck of fun and interesting characters and situations keeps the action flowing with never a dull moment. I was lucky to receive an advance copy from the publisher, and I recommend Gingerdead Man to anyone looking for a well-done, highly satisfying mystery.
Val Deniston and her grandfather make a clever team, putting all the clues together, piece by piece to solve an intricate puzzle. Though there are plenty of red herrings to occasionally pull them astray, their combined intelligence and common sense always gets them back on track.
A full deck of fun and interesting characters and situations keeps the action flowing with never a dull moment. I was lucky to receive an advance copy from the publisher, and I recommend Gingerdead Man to anyone looking for a well-done, highly satisfying mystery.
July 28, 2020
I enjoyed this book in the series. Granddad is great, the other characters are good also. I liked the mystery. .The recipes in the back look interesting (5 ingredients in my kind of recipe).
May 21, 2020
what better way to begin than having a Dickens Festival? As the festival wraps up, Val and Irene serve tea for the volunteers and receive a visit from someone dressed up as the Ghost of Christmas Present, who hands out gingerbread men decorated as skeletons. Santa eats his and ends up ends up dying. Now Val and Grandad need to find a killer before Christmas is cancelled.
Another fun entry in this series. You can’t go wrong spending time in Bayport or visiting with Val and Grandad.
Another fun entry in this series. You can’t go wrong spending time in Bayport or visiting with Val and Grandad.
September 29, 2020
Gingerdead Man is the 7th book in the 'A Five-Ingredient Mystery' series. I picked up this series with Crypt Suzette (book 6), which I thoroughly enjoyed.
In this fabulous cozy mystery, Val Deniston is looking forward to Christmas in Bayport, Maryland. Val and her granddad, Don, are taking part in the Dickens holiday festival, serving teas and homebaked gingerbread at a private party to the costumed revellers. But when this year's stroppy Santa keels over, dead, Val and Don must find the killer before (s)he strikes again...
This Christmas themed cozy was right up my street, with its well-drawn characters, exciting plot and a wonderful setting. I was especially fond of Val and her Grandad Don and how well they got along together. It was refreshing to have a male assistant amateur-sleuth in Grandad Don as most cozies tend to focus on female sleuths.
Protagonist Val also runs the Cool Down Café at the local athletic club, as well as being kept busy with other catering jobs. When a local man, in addition to her dear friend Bethany, are poisoned with chocolates Val knows she's got to get to the bottom of the deadly goings-on, quick. Maya Corrigan's writing style continued to impress me and the story was amusing and easy to follow. Narrator Val is a great character and I loved her determination and her common-sense approach.
The author delightfully conveyed the tastes the Festive season has to offer, and I was desperate to try a gingerbread cookie myself! The mystery aspect was great with plenty of opportunities for armchair detectives to play along. Abundant clues were scattered around and I found myself caught out by the clever misdirection a few times. As the reveals unfolded everything started to gel together into a splendid read.
This tremendously good novel was a hit for me and I am looking forward to reading book eight, as well as reading some of Maya Corrigan's back catalogue. If you adore a fantastic cozy mystery with oodles of scrumptious sounding recipes and foodie references, don't miss out on Gingerdead Man. Maya Corrigan includes several five-ingredient recipes at the back of the book and they all sound absolutely yummy.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
In this fabulous cozy mystery, Val Deniston is looking forward to Christmas in Bayport, Maryland. Val and her granddad, Don, are taking part in the Dickens holiday festival, serving teas and homebaked gingerbread at a private party to the costumed revellers. But when this year's stroppy Santa keels over, dead, Val and Don must find the killer before (s)he strikes again...
This Christmas themed cozy was right up my street, with its well-drawn characters, exciting plot and a wonderful setting. I was especially fond of Val and her Grandad Don and how well they got along together. It was refreshing to have a male assistant amateur-sleuth in Grandad Don as most cozies tend to focus on female sleuths.
Protagonist Val also runs the Cool Down Café at the local athletic club, as well as being kept busy with other catering jobs. When a local man, in addition to her dear friend Bethany, are poisoned with chocolates Val knows she's got to get to the bottom of the deadly goings-on, quick. Maya Corrigan's writing style continued to impress me and the story was amusing and easy to follow. Narrator Val is a great character and I loved her determination and her common-sense approach.
The author delightfully conveyed the tastes the Festive season has to offer, and I was desperate to try a gingerbread cookie myself! The mystery aspect was great with plenty of opportunities for armchair detectives to play along. Abundant clues were scattered around and I found myself caught out by the clever misdirection a few times. As the reveals unfolded everything started to gel together into a splendid read.
This tremendously good novel was a hit for me and I am looking forward to reading book eight, as well as reading some of Maya Corrigan's back catalogue. If you adore a fantastic cozy mystery with oodles of scrumptious sounding recipes and foodie references, don't miss out on Gingerdead Man. Maya Corrigan includes several five-ingredient recipes at the back of the book and they all sound absolutely yummy.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
September 30, 2020
Bayport is holding their annual Dickens of a Holiday Festival. The theme of the festival is based upon the Dickens novel, A Christmas Carol. With everybody dressed up in period costumes, you almost feel as if you are in Victorian London. Rather than playing Santa, as he usually does, Val's granddad was given the role of Scrooge. This year, Santa was portrayed by a newcomer to Bayport, Jake Smith. Jake's wife, Jewel, was playing the part of Mrs. Claus. Val had agreed to host a private tea party that evening for several of the volunteer workers. The tea party has a brief visit by an unexpected guest that Jake jokingly referred to as the Ghost of Christmas Presents. The ghost left a gift bag near each place setting at the table. Jake was the fist to dig into his bag, where he found a Gingerbread cookie with an icing skeleton on it. After eating the cookie, Jake rose from his chair, swayed and fell over. Unfortunately, Jake died at the hospital and it was determined that he was poisoned.
The following night, Val was hired to cater a birthday dinner for Oliver Naiman. Except for some family issues, the birthday dinner goes well. The next morning, Val learns that Oliver is dead of apparent heart failure. When Val notices a package of home-made chocolate candy, she has her doubts about the actual cause of Oliver's death.
Who killed Jake? Why was he killed? How did Oliver really die? Was he murdered? Is there a connection between the two deaths? Can Val unscramble the clues and get to the bottom of the mystery?
Maya Corrigan has another winner with this installment of the series. The story has several complexities that add to the mystery. The characters, as well as the situations, are very realistic. This episode is sure to keep the reader engaged from beginning to end.
The following night, Val was hired to cater a birthday dinner for Oliver Naiman. Except for some family issues, the birthday dinner goes well. The next morning, Val learns that Oliver is dead of apparent heart failure. When Val notices a package of home-made chocolate candy, she has her doubts about the actual cause of Oliver's death.
Who killed Jake? Why was he killed? How did Oliver really die? Was he murdered? Is there a connection between the two deaths? Can Val unscramble the clues and get to the bottom of the mystery?
Maya Corrigan has another winner with this installment of the series. The story has several complexities that add to the mystery. The characters, as well as the situations, are very realistic. This episode is sure to keep the reader engaged from beginning to end.
November 1, 2020
Who doesn't enjoy a good Gingerbread cookie inspired cozy? In the latest addition to the "A Five-Ingredient Mystery" series, Gingerdead Man, readers will enjoy a mystery that keeps them guessing and a plot that will inspire them during the festive season. This story is filled with holiday activities, family gatherings, and plenty of food is an easy-to-read entertaining story.
Val and her Granddad are hunting down a killer when a guest dies after eating a Gingerbread cookie at the end of the Dicken's festivities. Soon after, there appear to be other deaths and attempted murder. With everything going on, Val and Granddad have to keep their wits about them, protect a friend, and find a killer before someone else dies. All of the characters in this story are likable, the setting is interesting, but for me, there just wasn't enough of Val's cafe involved in this book. And if readers haven't read other books in the series, they may have difficulty getting to know the characters and understanding what part they play in the big scheme of things.
The murderer is caught but only at the last minute. The author did an outstanding job of keeping the reader in suspense and guessing throughout the story. Suspects weren't hard to find, but motives were not easily distinguishable. Using the festive season as a backdrop and a Gingerbread cookie as a weapon is fantastic. I love how the twists and turns were interwoven, and the evidence at the forefront but not shoved down the reader's throat. Gingerdead Man is a relaxing, enjoyable read that will keep its audience happy while turning the page.
Val and her Granddad are hunting down a killer when a guest dies after eating a Gingerbread cookie at the end of the Dicken's festivities. Soon after, there appear to be other deaths and attempted murder. With everything going on, Val and Granddad have to keep their wits about them, protect a friend, and find a killer before someone else dies. All of the characters in this story are likable, the setting is interesting, but for me, there just wasn't enough of Val's cafe involved in this book. And if readers haven't read other books in the series, they may have difficulty getting to know the characters and understanding what part they play in the big scheme of things.
The murderer is caught but only at the last minute. The author did an outstanding job of keeping the reader in suspense and guessing throughout the story. Suspects weren't hard to find, but motives were not easily distinguishable. Using the festive season as a backdrop and a Gingerbread cookie as a weapon is fantastic. I love how the twists and turns were interwoven, and the evidence at the forefront but not shoved down the reader's throat. Gingerdead Man is a relaxing, enjoyable read that will keep its audience happy while turning the page.
September 25, 2020
4.5 stars
This is the seventh book in the Five-Ingredient mystery series by Maya Corrigan.
During a holiday festival, Santa meets his demise eating a gingerbread man cookie.
I thought this was a pretty good story. Santa wasn’t quite a Santa. He would have probably been voted least likely candidate due to this real life activities but there is some inkling of his nefarious ways at the beginning.
Val who lives with her grandfather hosts a tea party after the Victorian London-esque affair. This is where Santa bites into a cookie left by the ghost of christmas present who was dressed as a present with a gift bag on their head.
I have read a couple of other mysteries in this line: Crypt Suzette and The Tell-Tale Tart. They have all been equally good and kept my attention all the way through. The mystery was well-plotted and solid. I wasn’t a fan of all the secondary characters but it is the main ones that will keep me coming back. Definitely a series I want to continue to follow.
If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the seventh book in the Five-Ingredient mystery series by Maya Corrigan.
During a holiday festival, Santa meets his demise eating a gingerbread man cookie.
I thought this was a pretty good story. Santa wasn’t quite a Santa. He would have probably been voted least likely candidate due to this real life activities but there is some inkling of his nefarious ways at the beginning.
Val who lives with her grandfather hosts a tea party after the Victorian London-esque affair. This is where Santa bites into a cookie left by the ghost of christmas present who was dressed as a present with a gift bag on their head.
I have read a couple of other mysteries in this line: Crypt Suzette and The Tell-Tale Tart. They have all been equally good and kept my attention all the way through. The mystery was well-plotted and solid. I wasn’t a fan of all the secondary characters but it is the main ones that will keep me coming back. Definitely a series I want to continue to follow.
If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
December 23, 2021
Synapsis: A small town caterer lands in the center of a murder mystery when a rather unsavory Santa bites the big one after gobbling a poisoned gingerbread cookie at a Victorian tea party that she was catering. Working in cahoots with her sleuthing grandfather, she must ferret out the mysterious “Ghost of Christmas Past” killer before her catering business is sunk!
What worked: The best part of this book is the Christmassy cover with the skeletal gingerbread men and an equally horrifying Elf on a Shelf. Those things are creepy, right? The cover was enough for me to throw down the whopping $7.99 for a paperback of my very own! Aside from my impulse buy habits, I enjoyed the protagonist’s sweet relationship with her crime-solving grandfather. I also enjoy a good recipe that involves less than five ingredients—that’s the only way I’ll ever bother to cook!
What didn’t work: This is a very paint-by-the-numbers murder mystery, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing for cozy lovers who enjoy knowing what to expect. However, I’m sad to say that it’s rather forgettable story.
Overall: This is a solid cozy that is sure to please fans of the genre…and lazy people like me who cannot handle cooking with more than five ingredients.
What worked: The best part of this book is the Christmassy cover with the skeletal gingerbread men and an equally horrifying Elf on a Shelf. Those things are creepy, right? The cover was enough for me to throw down the whopping $7.99 for a paperback of my very own! Aside from my impulse buy habits, I enjoyed the protagonist’s sweet relationship with her crime-solving grandfather. I also enjoy a good recipe that involves less than five ingredients—that’s the only way I’ll ever bother to cook!
What didn’t work: This is a very paint-by-the-numbers murder mystery, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing for cozy lovers who enjoy knowing what to expect. However, I’m sad to say that it’s rather forgettable story.
Overall: This is a solid cozy that is sure to please fans of the genre…and lazy people like me who cannot handle cooking with more than five ingredients.
October 6, 2020
I loved this holiday theme mystery ! Gingerdead Man is the perfect introduction to holiday reading. The cover is beautiful and the author takes her readers on a journey through the holidays with decor, the spirit of Christmas and a great mystery. The holidays is brought to life in Bay Port Maryland and the theme is a Dickens holiday. This is the 7th in the "Five Ingredient" series. I have read the prior in the series and always love to return to this series.
Our protagnist Val and her grandfather are enjoying the fun of taking part in the Dickens of a Holiday festival. Val is hosting a private tea party serving the festival's costumed volunteers. Santa is even attending as himself. All the Dickens charcters are represented. When Santa falls over dead Val is on the case.
I love the relationship between Val and her Grandfather. He is a fun enjoyable charcter. Val is a savvy investigator and as she gathers clues with the help of her friends she manages to balance her many responsibilities and take care of her Grandfather. The sleuth was very well matched to the holiday theme and the charcters. I look forward to the next in series.
Our protagnist Val and her grandfather are enjoying the fun of taking part in the Dickens of a Holiday festival. Val is hosting a private tea party serving the festival's costumed volunteers. Santa is even attending as himself. All the Dickens charcters are represented. When Santa falls over dead Val is on the case.
I love the relationship between Val and her Grandfather. He is a fun enjoyable charcter. Val is a savvy investigator and as she gathers clues with the help of her friends she manages to balance her many responsibilities and take care of her Grandfather. The sleuth was very well matched to the holiday theme and the charcters. I look forward to the next in series.
August 26, 2020
GINGERDEAD MAN is the seventh book in the Five-Ingredient Mysteries by Maya Corrigan and is every bit as tasty as the previous books in the series. From the adorable holiday-themed cover to entice a reader, to the Dickens-themed holiday festival, to all the trimmings Christmas has to offer, Ms. Corrigan captured my attention. With vivid scenes described on the pages, I felt like I was there, experiencing the action right alongside the protagonist, Val Deniston. Val is a delightful character and I adore her relationship with her grandfather. Besides being family, they’re also roommates and work together to solve crimes. Granddad is one of my favorite characters in the series. Despite his age, he’s feisty and a go-getter. Not content to sit back and enjoy his golden years, Granddad snagged himself a newspaper column as The Codger Cook, despite not knowing how to cook. He’s also obtained his private investigator’s license and usually volunteers to play Santa for the annual holiday festival. Except that this year he’s been booted out from the Santa position and demoted to playing the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Despite his bah humbug attitude, Granddad still manages to imbue the role with some humor as he spouts off quotes from A Christmas Carol to fit a variety of situations.
When the new Santa is murdered right in front of Ebenezer Scrooge and Mrs. Clause, who’s more of a vixen than a grandmotherly type, Val and Granddad know they’ll have to sort out the clues. Ms. Corrigan sets the stage for a straightforward murder mystery but then throws in twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. Granddad loves to spout off his theories, usually based on Hitchcock films, which added some humor and added to the enjoyment of watching the story unfold. There are clues to keep the sharp-eyed reader on track but, to be honest, this is one of those books I just wanted to sit back and enjoy the story. And enjoy it I did! I finished the book with a smile on my face and I’m looking forward to the next installment in this charming series!
Granddad’s Codger Cook newspaper column touts his five-ingredient recipes. While he didn’t know much about cooking when he started, Granddad has increased his knowledge and skill instead of relying on Val. As usual, Ms. Corrigan includes several five-ingredient recipes at the back of the book and they all sound fantastic.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When the new Santa is murdered right in front of Ebenezer Scrooge and Mrs. Clause, who’s more of a vixen than a grandmotherly type, Val and Granddad know they’ll have to sort out the clues. Ms. Corrigan sets the stage for a straightforward murder mystery but then throws in twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. Granddad loves to spout off his theories, usually based on Hitchcock films, which added some humor and added to the enjoyment of watching the story unfold. There are clues to keep the sharp-eyed reader on track but, to be honest, this is one of those books I just wanted to sit back and enjoy the story. And enjoy it I did! I finished the book with a smile on my face and I’m looking forward to the next installment in this charming series!
Granddad’s Codger Cook newspaper column touts his five-ingredient recipes. While he didn’t know much about cooking when he started, Granddad has increased his knowledge and skill instead of relying on Val. As usual, Ms. Corrigan includes several five-ingredient recipes at the back of the book and they all sound fantastic.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 1, 2020
Gingerdead Man by Maya Corrigan is the 7th book in A Five-Ingredient Mystery Series, and a very enjoyable read. Val Deniston lives with her grandpa, and they both are taking part in the Dickens Holiday Festival. Val is hosting a tea party for the volunteers, when one of them drops dead. Val and her grandfather start sleuthing, determine to find the truth. There are twists and turns around every corner. Just when I thought I figured out who the murderer was, I was wrong. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I especially enjoyed Val and Grandpa relationship. If you love cozy mysteries, I strongly recommend this book and series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 18, 2024
Val and her grandfather are back sleuthing again, this time trying to track down a killer who killed Santa Claus with a cookie. This is one of those books you can read fast for a quick and fun mystery fix, which will keep you guessing all the way through. Things certainly get convoluted - and Val is a persistent detective as she works to figure the mystery out.
I liked the characters and the setup for the story. This is a fun series that I'll definitely spend a little time exploring further. The five-ingredient recipes also look fun. There are a couple there I want to try. Recommended for a quick holiday read if you like cozies.
I liked the characters and the setup for the story. This is a fun series that I'll definitely spend a little time exploring further. The five-ingredient recipes also look fun. There are a couple there I want to try. Recommended for a quick holiday read if you like cozies.
October 9, 2020
Val is hosting a private tea party with the servers wearing Victorian costumes.Someone dressed as a ghost delivers gift bags to each table with cookies in them. A disliked man eats one and dies. Later a friend of Val’s finds a gift sack of candy on her doorstep so even though she doesn’t know who left it, of course she eats a piece and gets very ill. Turns out they were poisoned also. The poison was something I hadn’t thought of before. Val and her grandfather work on solving the crime.
November 18, 2020
*I received an e-copy from the publisher via NetGalley for review*
I thought this was ok, but in my opinion not Christmassy enough to be worth picking up if you are looking for a festive read - this was more Christmas-adjacent.
I thought this was ok, but in my opinion not Christmassy enough to be worth picking up if you are looking for a festive read - this was more Christmas-adjacent.
September 20, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up. Enjoyed the unique mystery and crime solving duo.
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