Better Watch Out

A Merry & Bright Handcrafted Mystery #2

by Christina Freeburn

Making a list. Merry's life is Christmas chaos. Her divorce is still in question. She's behind on crafting orders. Ebenezer is an escape artist. And with one day left, she hasn't completed the line-up for the annual Christmas parade, thanks to one grinch. Once Merry knows the Christmas secret, she realizes Santa isn't what's coming to town.

Checking it twice. Santa's naughty list, courtesy of Jenna Wilcox, will roll down Main Street with names of residents who deserve a lump of coal in their stocking. Saving the parade won't be easy, but Merry is up to task. Or so she thinks until she discovers Jenna's body stashed in Santa's sack.

Going to find out. As facts are unwrapped, Merry finds the line blurred between who's naughty and nice. As threats are aimed at her and those she loves, Merry dashes for the truth before the murderer puts her on the naughty list and crosses her off for good.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Christmas, Mystery

234 pages, Paperback

Published October 8, 2019

About the author

Christina Freeburn started jotting down stories on her thirty-minute bus commute to middle school and still hasn't stopped (though the bus commuting has).

The Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery series is a mix of crafty and crime, bringing together Christina's love of mysteries, scrapbooking, and West Virginia.

The New Beginnings series is an inspirational romantic suspense featuring heroines and heroes willing to risk their lives in order to find hope, promise and a future for those struggling in a world that seems set against them.

Christina served in the JAG Corps of the US Army and also worked as a paralegal, librarian, and church secretary. She lives in West Virginia with her husband, children, a dog, and a rarely seen cat except by those who are afraid or allergic to felines.

Reviews

[Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in the Merry and Bright hand crafting series, Merry is busy staging Season Greetings Christmas Parade. The Santa float is missing and when Merry located it she found
Jenna Wilcox's DEAD body in Santa sleigh. Jenna had made a Naughty list of the residents and planned to display the list with the reasons on her float. This means there are enough residents to want her gone. The matter if Merry is a widow or a divorce along with owner of the winning lottery ticket is in the court waiting for a judge to adjudicate it. From a rumor circulating around town Merry heard that her ex-husband embezzled a large sum of money from the town and plan to payback the sun with the lottery ticket. Merry vegans to investigate to find who was responsible for the low of town's funds.
I found the book with the Christmas scene overdone and began to feel Kerry's character came off negative as she hurry to inform the sheriff of minor details. I recommend this book especially for Christmas lovers.

Disclosure: Thanks to Henery Press for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed any own.

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What great fun Better Watch Out presents readers, but there painful both painful and wonderful heart touching moments, too. I especially loved the Christmas focus throughout the book and enjoyed reading about Merry’s holiday business, in addition to the intriguing plot and interesting characters. I appreciate books that are just a little different, and even though this one is a traditional cozy, there is a unique feel about it. Better Watch Out was a good name because several things happened that I really hadn't expected! Talk about twists! Christina Freeburn knows how to throw curve balls!!

I had not read the first book in the Merry and Bright series, but blurbs about Better Watch Out had been catching my attention for a while, so when I saw it on Edelweiss, I requested it. I was delighted to be approved. Anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery or who loves the Christmasy feel created by decorations, and music, and bustle will love this book. Now I need to go back and catch up and I will be waiting for the next one.
I recommend this one for fans of good cozy or amateur mysteries and books that celebrate Christmas.
#Edelweiss #BetterWatchOut

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This is the second book in the Merry and Bright Handcrafted mystery series by Christina Freeburn.

This entire town is Christmas-centric. Everything here is Christmas. So when a gal is found dead in Santa’s sack there is not much ho-ho-ho-ing to be found. The entire plot revolves around a naughty list of the people in this Christmas Town who have been less than jolly in their business dealings.

Merry was taken on quite a ride during this story and we are compelled to follow her as she keeps tumbling over suspects and motives. Even people who you believe to be uninvolved start to look more and more like the guilty party. I love it when the author throws in so many motives that you can’t quite figure out whodunit. The lady who ended up dead and had created this naughty list should have probably been on the top of it. It was funny how many not nice people lived in such a happy town.

I thought this was a well-written cozy mystery with such a unique twist. Most people love anything Christmas and I think if they give this mystery a try, they will love it too. I am excited to have a new series to invest my time in.

If you love cozy mysteries, this book is definitely your cup of Christmas tea!

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank Edelweiss, Henery Press and the author for allowing me to read this title.

[Ruth Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

This is a classic cozy mystery with a fun Christmas twist. There is nothing inappropriate and no gratuitous violence. This is the first book I've read by this author and even though I was unfamiliar with the characters, the author did a solid job of getting me caught up so that I was not completely lost. However, for a richer experience, I recommend reading the books in order.

I was quite happy with the mystery, the red herrings, and the fun characters in the story. I was unable to solve the mystery, and our amateur sleuth was pretty savvy. At times, the first-person narration of the story was not as effective as I would like it to have been, but that goes back to personal preference on my part. Again, familiarity with the characters may have improved my enjoyment of this device.

For me, the Christmas setting was the strongest element of the entire book. Imagine finding a body in the midst of a Christmas parade with all the trimmings. That should give you a taste of the story...one of the most delightful Christmas cozy mysteries I've read in recent times.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The holidays are usually Merry's favorite time of the year. But this Christmas season has been filled not with warmth and good cheer, but with murder and suspicion. Determined to salvage the holiday and squeeze out what happiness she can, Merry throws herself into organizing the annual Christmas parade. When she learns that one float in the parade is going to feature a giant Santa's Naughty List naming specific people and misdeeds, Merry tries all she can mitigate the potential disaster . . . only to stumble upon a bigger one: a body in Santa's gift bag.

In true cozy mystery fashion, Merry investigates this Christmas catastrophe. Lots of suspects and false leads--and the antics of my favorite fiction guinea pig--makes for a puzzling story for the holidays.

[Lghiggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a sweet, Christmasy read, then choose another book. In Christina Freeborn's Better Watch Out, Merry is the main character; her business is handcrafting. As she specializes in Christmas items, her focus as well as the town’s is the same. The town is even named Season’s Greetings. With several murders and embezzlement happening in their town, lots of people are feeling more Grinchy and Scroogey than normal. Even the parishioners of Harmony Baptist are displaying a very mean spirit.

Better Watch Out has a complicated plot. Merry tries to do the right things, but just makes situations more convoluted. She is also dealing with personal issues. Possibly her divorce from her second ex-husband was not finalized. She is still sorting through feelings for her first ex-husband, the father of her grown children. Lottery money is at stake, and trust and friendship fall victim to greed.

I should have liked her guinea pig, Ebenezer, but he just seems to be a squeaky irritation rather than the rescue from loneliness that Merry desires. My favorite part of the book is the ending with a resolution worthy of people with good intents.

I would like to extend my thanks to Edelweiss and to Henery Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better Watch Out is the second book in this series and picks up right after the first one ends. Merry is still trying to figure out what is going on with her divorce that may or may not have been finalized, dealing with the fallout of a winning lottery ticket that she may or may not own, and trying to figure out what her feelings on for her first ex-husband. Sounds like a bit of a soap opera, but it is a fun story. She is the organizer for the local Christmas parade and she has just found out that one of the participants is going to use a large "Naughty Sign" to out some of the locals and share there not so nice secrets. Not surprising, she ends up dead, stuffed in Santa's sack. This was a fun cozy and I enjoyed the rather complicated mystery. Merry keeps finding new suspects with different motives until I didn't think they would ever solve this one. When the final reveal happens, I was nodding my head, thinking that I would not have suspected that person, but it all makes sense. A well written mystery with some great characters. I was also happy that all the loose ends from the first book were also tied up.

[Deryka Tso · Rating 1 out of 5]

You know…

Cool plot twist. And nice descriptions of holiday outfits.

I’m weirded out by the Son’s Friend’s crush on Merry, the representation of the church, the way Merry (45y/o) stares down a 20 y/o kid’s butt, Merry’s terrible and unrealistic choices… and it doesn’t matter that she knows she’s stupid, because she doesn’t learn or do anything to change how stupid she is.

A good editor and a proofreader could have made this okay, but the typos, continuity errors, and laughable grammar removed me from any immersion and my conscience won’t let me rate this any higher.

[Abby Pechin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first. Less typos as well.

[Karen (BaronessBookTrove) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Better Watch Out by Christina Freeburn is a sweet mystery, that shows that there are multiple sides to every town.
Can Merry find her Christmas spirit?
Merry Winters
Merry is the queen of Christmas, our sleuth and main character. She loves the Christmas holiday so much. However, when Merry finds another body, she finds it hard to concentrate on her Christmas celebrations and tasks. Merry's brain can't let go of the crimes that have been committed. She also isn't sure if she can trust her friends anymore. 

I like that Merry is a professional crafter and her pet guinea pig is a surprising choice of pets, but adorable. I also like that Merry is being true to herself and not jumping into another relationship, even if it is with an ex.
Mystery
The mystery is well-plotted with lots of red herrings, twists, and clues that are carefully planted. I enjoyed the process in which Merry goes about finding the killer.
4 Stars
Better Watch Out by Christina Freeburn is entertaining and I enjoyed the characters, setting, and mystery. Therefore I am giving it four stars. This is another fabulous read for you cozy mystery lovers.


First Book in the Series

 

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Happy Reading!

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[David Navratil · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 2nd Merry and Bright Handcrafted Mystery book I've read! The 1st was absolutely great and I would have given this book a rating of 5 if not for 1 single page in the book. If I was to tell you it may be considered a spoiler so I will leave it out. However it changed my whole opinion of the main character and now not sure if I want to read the next one in the series! There was a great mystery in the book and you will probably like it for that but one page ruined this 6 day read for me! David N

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this new crafting series by Christina Freeburn. Merry Winters is the sleuth and is the co-owner of a Christmas theme crafting business.

Merry has a problem with tears. So much so, you could do a drinking game when they are mentioned but better to do it with non-alcoholic beverages as I wouldn’t want you to become too inebriated.

Merry also has a little bit of an issue with opposing any form of authority. She can’t seem to take a suggestion from her friendly police force. Instead, she runs headlong into situations that put her or her loved ones into trouble.

However, there is light at the end of this second tunnel. Merry starts questioning why she can’t do as she is asked when it is obviously the safer route. Of course, that might make for a less interesting whodunnit.

Speaking of which, the plot in this story is interesting. It involves a murder (of course), the Season’s Greetings Christmas parade, and a whole host of suspects.

There were definitely twists and turns in this story that I wasn’t suspecting. It made for a bit of a sit on the edge of your seat mystery story.

If only Merry could do something about those tears (streaming down her face, welling up in her eyes, threatening, etc.), it would be a much better story. Merry needs to be a little less emotional and acting on those emotions and the stories in this series would be really great.

I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Edelweiss.

[Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry Winters was finally beginning to learn that her hometown of Season’s Greetings was not as full of the holiday spirit as she thought - both before and after the death of Jenna Wilcox. In fact, Jenna was part of the problem and her death did not improve the picture.

Christina Freeburn introduces us to more of her town in this newest novel - much of the first novel in the series focused on a craft show where she found her ex-husband’s (or, so she thought) body found inside her new RV, soon to become Merry’s mobile craft shop. As this reader became familiar with Season’s Greetings, I decided that the Harmony Baptist Church would not become my new church home, though the book store might become a friendly place to plant myself on a warm afternoon.

But it was not just Merry Winter’s hometown that presented problems, but so did her family. Her step-daughter had boyfriend problems, her ex-husband’s mother was dying, her ex-husband’s new wife was not sure if her marriage was legal (hey, it was not clear if Merry’s divorce was final). Lots of problems and murders as well. They all contribute to a well-written cozy mystery that will satisfy a variety of readers. For the reader looking for a holiday read, whether Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, Better Watch Out might just fill the bill.
______________

This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christina Freeburn has written a wonderful tale of festivities, family, fun ..... and murder!

Merry has more than enough on her plate, she has stepped up and taken over the role of parade coordinator (something her late ex husband did), she still has to get the last of her Christmas items sent out (the ones bought through the Merry and Bright Etsy store), she needs to stop her Guinea Pig Ebenezer from being an escape and chew artist! Oh and along with that she still isn't sure if her late ex really was an ex (ie had the divorce gone through or was he a bigamist?) and who has the rights to the winning lottery ticket?  All this should be more than enough for any person - but then she finds out that one of the parade floats is going to be some one unpleasant, with a list of "naughty" people and the reason why they are on the list! Neither Merry nor the Mayor have any joy in getting the woman to change her mind, although that becomes moot when someone changes everything by killing the female Grinch!

Now the body count is rising, Merry finds her name on another naughty list and someone threatens both her and her stepdaughter Cassie, now Merry needs to get the Christmas Spirit back on track otherwise it will turn into a Nightmare of a Festive Season.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book picks off where the first one left off, so it is best to read them in order; 0therwise, you might be confused. The Christmas theme was great - the decorations, the parade, the crafting. The search for the murderer got confusing at times. I did not suspect the real murderer, so that was a plus. The book ends on a hopeful, happy ending. I hope there will be a third book in this series.

[Ileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better Watch Out kept me reading from the beginning through to the end. I couldn’t stop.

Anyone who loves Christmas and crafts and mysteries with lots of plot twists and turns will love it!

I never even figured out until the end who the murderer was and that’s not a spoiler because I didn’t even tell you any details about who was killed or how or why.

This book is the second in a fun crafting series about a kooky crafter named Merry who lives in a town called Season’s Greetings.

It’s not due out until October but when you can get a copy be sure to join the fun and mayhem.

I was given an electronic copy in advance by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the second instalment I read in this series and I think this one is better than the first one.
I liked the festive atmosphere, the description of the small town and the fleshed out cast of characters.
The mystery was solid and it kept guessing.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Henery Press and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.