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Country Cottage Mysteries #3

Santa Claws Calamity

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My name is Bizzy Baker, and I can read minds—not every mind, not every time but most of the time and believe me when I say it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. It’s Christmas in Cider Cove and it’s time for the annual house decorating competition. But on the night set to determine the winner, the residents of Candy Cane Lane get more than they bargained for. They don’t just get an award—they get murder.


Bizzy Baker runs the Country Cottage Inn, has the ability to pry into the darkest recesses of both the human and animal mind, and has just stumbled upon a body. With the help of her kitten, Fish, a mutt named Sherlock Bones and an ornery yet dangerously good looking homicide detective, Bizzy is determined to find the killer.

The Country Cottage Inn is known for its hospitality. Leaving can be murder.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2021

854 people are currently reading
306 people want to read

About the author

Addison Moore

372 books5,704 followers
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Addison Moore is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of cozy mysteries and romance. Her new book MIDLIFE IN GLIMMERSPELL is NOW available! Read today!
Cosmopolitan Magazine calls Addison's books, "...easy, frothy fun!"
Humor with a side of homicide.


FREE with Kindle Unlimited! Amazon-->https://amzn.to/3AnyVhs Hibiscus Homicide Cruise is here! An impending divorce. An ornery homicide detective. The cruise of a lifetime. And ghosts. Midlife on the high seas is proving to be a real killer.
#Cozymystery #Kindleunlimited #mystery #PWF

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5 stars
500 (56%)
4 stars
246 (27%)
3 stars
115 (12%)
2 stars
22 (2%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader).
1,481 reviews48 followers
December 22, 2025
Each cozy mystery in this series opens with the same heartwarming opening paragraph—inviting newcomers into Bizzy Baker's world and warmly greeting longtime fans reading in order. As can be guessed by the title and inviting cover, it's the month of December, and I couldn't wait to learn the names of the adorable kittens sitting on a chair behind Fish. In case you're a first-time reader of the series, Fish is the cute kitten sitting on a present, and he lives with Bizzy.

This delightful series continues to charm me! Bizzy has the unique ability to read the minds of both humans and animals, and the insights she shares with readers make every encounter even more engaging. Bizzy is in a relationship with Jasper, a handsome detective who does his best to keep her safe during his homicide investigations—even though Bizzy often demonstrates her own impressive sleuthing skills.

Each story features a seasonal or holiday-themed sweet treat, and, fortunately, the recipe is at the end of every installment. This holiday season, gingerbread whoopie pies are on the menu at the Country Cottage Café, earning rave reviews after just one bite.

A delightful cast of secondary characters—including Bizzy's employees, family, friends, as well as Jasper's relatives and colleagues—adds both charm and amusement to the series.
Profile Image for Celia Buell (semi hiatus).
632 reviews32 followers
December 7, 2020
The Country Cottage Mysteries are nothing if not predictable. Normally, I would have given up on a series with this much predictability long before finishing the third book, but there's something to be said about predictability this year.

I do like how the sole focus is on Bizzy for this series, and especially on her abilities. I've read many cozy mysteries that alternate between the female citizen MC and the male detective's points of view, sometimes mixed with other characters. Bizzy's mind reading abilities give us just enough of other characters' perspectives without giving chapter POVs, and we get the animals' thoughts as an added bonus. In this installment, Bizzy grows bolder with her abilities, and many of the risks are ones she really can't afford to take. The hook at the end shows this more than anything.

This book also had more of a series feel linking it to the last one than Dog Days of Murder was able to link to Kittyzen's Arrest. I feel like it took two books to get to know the story's major players, especially since we don't meet Leo and Camila until the end of the first one, and they add a lot to the story that was missing from the first installment.

I've come to think of this series as my guilty pleasure because the first three books were free, but now I'm debating whether I really want to spend money on any of the books following. Still, I probably will end up at least buying Bow Wow Big House and maybe even the next omnibus after I spend what I need to for the holidays and budget after that. It's a fun story, and I really do want to know more about Bizzy's abilities.
Profile Image for Deanie Nelder.
1,131 reviews24 followers
October 18, 2020
I disliked the first Country Cottage Mysteries book, but the series is growing on me. Bizzy Baker becomes more likable with each book, and her chemistry with detective boyfriend Jasper is getting stronger, too. Pets Fish and Sherlock Bones are still adorable, and the new kitty characters (while not as entertaining as the puppy from the last book) are cute too. I like the increasing insight into Bizzy and Jasper's families, though the story line with his ex needs to be resolved soon, because it's starting to drag. All in all, it's a cute cozy mystery.
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,863 reviews21 followers
February 22, 2023
Good

WARNING! Cliffhanger! This is a level 4/5 on the trauma scale, though that might be because the main character does drama very well!

When two Santas get into a fight and one ends up dead, Bizzy Baker is more than willing to let her boyfriend, Detective Jasper Wilder figure it out. That is until her mother ends up in the prime suspect spot!
Using her ability to read minds, Bizzy gets busy searching for the culprit.
In the meantime, Jasper’s ex is causing problems, threatening to reveal her secret, while Bizzy’s father and Jasper’s mother plan their wedding.

Lots of drama in this one, and two cute kittens added to the mix for fun. There is some serious trouble brewing for the town… not just with the murder, but also with the shenanigans of both Jasper’s ex and Bizzy’s nemesis!

It’s a dramatic Christmas at Bizzy’s inn, with plenty of action, cuteness and a lot of food descriptions to make you hungry.
It’s an enjoyable read, and a rather addictive series, with a colourful cast of characters, and a humourous twist for maximum enjoyment.

Recommended for cosy mystery and cosy paranormal mystery fans.
160 reviews4 followers
February 9, 2021
The mysteries in the Cozy Cottage series are somewhat intriguing and the humor is a redeeming factor. But after reading the first three in the series, repetition of phrasing, such as "A tall, dark, and vexingly handsome homicide detective strides in ...", gets a little old. Also the characters are detectives, manager of an inn, school guidance counselor and other middle class individuals who seem to have the means to dress and lead lifestyles of the rich and famous. I don't think I will read further.
Profile Image for Atlanta Whitlock.
907 reviews12 followers
February 14, 2020
Just when I thought that both Addison Moore and Bellamy Bloom couldn’t bring this series up a notch, they both managed to exceed my expectations…. I honestly wasn’t expecting half of the things that happened in this book to happen, but boy…. they both like throwing so many twists and curveballs out there that I can just about keep up with everything. Plus…. there’s a lot of drama happening at the Inn…. I have a feeling that this may have been Addison’s doing for keeping Jasper’s ex in the picture and now that she’s causing a lot of issues for Bizzy, I think that Addison may keep her round for a little while longer. But I’m really hoping they don’t…. I seriously can’t stand her. It’s about time that Bizzy got her happy ending, she’s been working hard at her job and doing everything she can to keep the Inn running. I honestly can’t fault what both of these incredible authors have written, they are extremely talented and I just love every word that I get to read. I’m hoping though, that they do go a little easier on Bizzy in the next book because her and Jasper make such a cute couple and for Jasper’s ex to have ruined it, it would honestly break me. I couldn’t fault the story, the plot or the characters, yet again both of the authors have given an amazing book with drama and whole load of twists that you’ll never see coming. I’m super excited for the next one, and I would highly recommend that if you’ve not tried this series yet, to go ahead and do so. I love mysteries and Addison always manages to deliver but considering this is a co-written series both Addison and Bellamy just know what to do to get you hooked for good.

Everything is going well for Bizzy, but the only issue she’s got is that now she’s been given an ultimation from the one and only ex-girlfriend of Jaspers (Camila) and honestly I don’t blame Bizzy for not backing down…… Her choice is to either give up Jasper so that Camila can try and dig her claws back into him or she will just make matters worse for Bizzy by revealing her secret of reading people’s minds…. At the same time, Bizzy is scared, but she does her best to not let Camila get to her.
Other than the threats, Jasper and Bizzy are finally moving along at a pace they are comfortable with and now that it’s ofifcally December and only weeks to go until Christmas, the entire place of Cider Cove is just filled with all things christmasy…. What starts off as an incredible night with Jasper, Sherlock and Fish, turns into one night that will never be forgotten….
With another body found, will Bizzy be able to figure out who it is and save her mothers name??? Or is everything set to go tumbling down along with Camila trying to hurt Bizzy where it hurts most?
338 reviews4 followers
May 20, 2020
Why are some people so easy to dislike?

Book description: “It’s Christmas in Cider Cove, and it’s time for the annual house-decorating competition. But on the night set to determine the winner, the residents of Candy Cane Lane get more than they bargained for. They don’t just get an award. They get murder.”

This is the third book in the series which introduces even more colorful human characters. One of whom is Deputy Leo Granger, Jasper’s ex-best-friend and the man who came between Jasper and Camila. If that isn’t enough to spice up the story, Bizzy learns that Leo has a gift. He can also read the thoughts of people and animals. This is really getting weird, don’t you agree? And of course, to fill our hearts with warm fuzzies, the introduction of an adorable pair of kittens, Mistletoe and Holly.

I do not like reviews which include spoilers, so, you won’t find any here. What I will say is that this story was an entertaining, clean, fun, and easy read. If you enjoy reading a good whodunit mystery with a little romance and a lot of drama and angst mixed in for flavor, then I highly recommend this book to you.

Recipe included: Country Cottage Café Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,425 reviews12 followers
January 30, 2021
The 3rd book in this easy to read cozy mystery series set in Cider Cove.

The Country Cottages Inn is gearing up for one of its busiest times of the year, Christmas; this year there's more though as there is a wedding planned too.

Bizzy has her work cut out as there is also the murder of one of the neighbourhood Santas to solve too, along with Jasper's ex Camilas' threat to expose Bizzy's secret, that she can read minds.

It's never dull in Cider Cove.

Add to that the laugh out loud conversations she has telepathically with her pets Fish, her cat and Sherlock (technically Jaspers dog).

Best read in order to get the most out of the series.

Well worth a read if you like cozy mysteries with a little humour thrown in!
Profile Image for Valerie.
349 reviews21 followers
March 12, 2024
Bizzy Baker and her ability to read minds gives her an advantage most of the time. When her boyfriend's ex uses that ability to blackmail her, it truly becomes a disadvantage. I was so surprised by many parts of the story. It flowed, lead to unexpected situations and transported me to Cider Cove and Bizzy's Country Cottage Inn. It's Christmas and the town has a house decorating competition and a murder. The Inn has tons of decorated Christmas trees, gingerbread cookies baking away and three adorable kitties plus a puppy dog named Sherlock Bones. I love that Bizzy can talk to the animals. Funny moments there! A recipe is included at the end. Thoroughly enchanted with this one, and look forward to more!
6,233 reviews40 followers
November 17, 2022
Bizzy, Fish and Sherlock Bones all return for the third book. It's Christmas time and the residents have decorated their homes so well people walk around looking at them. There's two Santas, too, and they seem to be in a competition.

One ends up dead (of course) and a lot of people didn't really like him anyway. There's some new kittens, guys that fit the Men in Black concept, a matter of money being left to someone, Camilla the Nasty leaivng the inn and the real killer being uncovered.

Fairly standard fare for the series. Nothing really grabbed me, though.
Profile Image for Carole.
783 reviews
May 1, 2024
Watch for the quiet ones.

Another fantastic cozy mystery featuring Bizzy. I love her ability to hear other people's (and animals) thoughts. It can be helpful in finding out who the killers are, even if it does take her awhile to figure out who the killer is.

Bizzy and Jasper are so cute together. I just wish she would open up to him about her ability. I really think he would be understanding. Instead, he's going to be hurt that she didn't trust him with the truth.

Can't forget about Fish and Sherlock either. Their banter with each other and Bizzy is just too cute!
25 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2021
Third book in this series and the characters are growing. Hard for me to believe there are some people like Camelia in this world but I guess there are. She was determined to get Jasper back. Was surprising that yet another charter could read minds and talk without moving their lips. This is getting interesting. Of course there is another murder, and the relationship between our heroine and Jasper is growing. Lots of crazy people in this set of books, most of them very likeable.
Profile Image for Genevieve.
1,363 reviews14 followers
July 31, 2020
This series keeps getting better. I love the characters all of them except for the ones who are you suppose to despise, Miss Camilla poor loser. I loved the story line and though I had guessed the murderer before the end I really enjoyed the book. Though the ending was a bit of a cliffhanger and I really hope it all ends up okay.
2,300 reviews5 followers
December 22, 2020
A good mystery

Bizzy is getting the inn ready for Christmas . When a murder occurs, one if the suspects is her mother. Bizzy must solve the murder, and prevent her enemy Camila from exposing her mind reading abilities. I like how her animal friends have distinct personalities. There is a recipe after the story.
735 reviews5 followers
February 23, 2021
Bitsy amateur slueth

Don't know how Jasper ever got job done before Bizzy came into his life. Bizzy is a natural and with the help of her furry friends murders don't stand a chance. Now there's a new dilemma-Camilla, Jasper's xi girlfriend, wants him back and shell stop at nothing. Even if it means contacting a special unit of the FBI. Great job. Thank you.
Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
1,683 reviews5 followers
June 26, 2021
I almost wrote this off...

ANOTHER triangle with the participants moving right across the street from each other? ANOTHER transmundane, further classified as telesensual? Please, someone, ask Vanna to buy a vowel...and an original idea! I almost wrote this off, but the blackmail storyline is enthralling...and that ending!
404 reviews2 followers
August 18, 2021
Review of this book.

Ooh, you are so mean! The ending was very abrupt. You left the carrot dangling. Now I have to read the next book to see where this is going. l would read it anyway. You are an amazing writer. Trust me readers, you will be as hooked as I am on this series. Delightful reading. Mystery, humor and romance. The perfect combination!
1,374 reviews13 followers
January 3, 2022
This mystery pulls you in & won't let go!

A fantastic story line with great characters. A wonderful new
addition of 2 fur baby feline characters. Love Mistletoe and
Holly! Hope they are apart of the rest of the series!! I totally
enjoy this series and absolutely look forward to reading the
test of the series.
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,501 reviews47 followers
January 9, 2023
Excellent Cozy Mystery

This is the third book in the series.
Bizzy and Jasper make it a habit to be able to solve mysteries.
It is a serial killer hiding out in their little town.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
2,823 reviews14 followers
March 20, 2024
Every book I read in this series is just a little bit better than the last one. This book blew me away and left me hanging at the end. I cannot wait to read the next book. And I will be in just a few minutes. Great story and wonderful likeable characters, except for one or two I won't mention. Recommend reading.
Profile Image for Pam Bales.
2,541 reviews12 followers
July 18, 2024
Great series. Bizzy can read minds, animals and humans. Great gift - or perilous talent? Complicated characters with detailed backstories, romance, murder, wonderful furry critters, amazing, beautiful setting, and intriguing plots. Who could ask for more? Number three in the series. Twenty -four to go.
Profile Image for Karyn.
211 reviews
Read
October 29, 2024

House decoration competition and Santas fighting. Add in two adoorable kittens, and you have a great story!


Bizzy is still being a busy body, but in this case, it's to make sure her mother isn't blamed for the murder. The annoying Ex is threatening her with exposure if she doesn't dump the hot detective. And the FBI is looking for her???


Onto book 4!

498 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2025
12/25. Bizzy Baker and her crew become involved in trying to figure out who killed one of the two competitive Santas on a festive night in Cider Cove. Who could have done such a thing with families around? Suspects are abundant, but Bizzy has someone special on her side. Will she finally find the killer? And who are the two men in black? Better, in my opinion, than A Christmas to Dismember.
589 reviews
November 12, 2023
A wonderful addition to the series.

The characters are fantastic and quirky. The plot is twisty. The world building is great. This story ends on a cliffhanger, so have the next book cued up before reading. I can't wait to read the next book!
2,355 reviews
June 17, 2025
4.5 stars

Another entertaining read set for the holiday season. Between the mind reading of both humans and animals and a very engrossing and engaging mystery, this was very easily a win. I enjoyed myself the entire time while reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
624 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2020
The stories just make you want to get to the next book as fast as you can.
611 reviews6 followers
January 7, 2022
Really good

I just love this series. The characters are all quirky. The animals are adorable. And the story is very easy to follow, it just flows.
7 reviews
February 24, 2022
Funny

I loved the book. I am always looking for humor in books, as my life is so serious at times
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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