Xmas Marks the Spot

Merry Summerfield #3

by Kris Pearson

OMG! Who hid a quarter of a cow in the trunk of my brother’s beloved Mercedes? And what’s with that spooky big X marking the spot on the beach where a man lies dead? Can my quarter-cow and the corpse possibly be connected?
I'm Merry Summerfield, freelance editor and pet-sitter. Detective Bruce Carver doesn’t think the body is any of my business, but someone’s up to no good amid the twinkling Christmas decorations in drowsy Drizzle Bay.
I’m sure I can help, but maybe I’m too curious for my own good. Who’s going to rescue me now a smelly rustler has roped me up far too close to that big white X? Not my brother Graham and his two goofy spaniels. Not old Margaret and little Pierre the poodle. Not my ex-husband, the unfaithful Duncan Skene. I need a super-resourceful man with … umm…muscles.

Genres: Christmas, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Animals

200 pages, ebook

First published August 20, 2019

About the author

Kris writes sizzling contemporary romance, pure and simple. Well, maybe not that pure! They're sexy stories about couples who fall in love, and into bed along the way, just like real people do.

The Scarlet Bay series about the billionaire Wynn family consists of Summer Sparks, Summer Secrets, and Summer Spice.

Her South & Sexy books are set in her capital city of Wellington so she can make use of the beautiful harbor in the plots.

Her Heartlands series follows the girls who live deep in the New Zealand countryside.

Her all-time bestseller is 'Taken By The Sheikh', and there's 'Desired By The Sheikh' too.

She's now writing the Merry Summerfield cozy mysteries - lots of cats and dogs and amateur sleuthing. The first title is Murder in the Aisle, followed by Xmas Marks the Spot, Murder! they Meowed, and Body! they Barked.

For good measure, she's cloned herself! You'll now find some of her books in new, much sweeter editions under the author name of Kerri Peach.

Kris/Kerri is an advertising copywriter and a decor specialist, and the author of 'The Boat Builder's Bed', of which more than two million were downloaded free. Giving away this taste of her work kick-started sales of all her other novels.

Five of her novels are available in Spanish. There's a Spanish version of her website http://www.krispearson.com - click the flags at the top right of it to change languages.

Reviews

[Cathy Geha]

XMAS MARKS THE SPOT by Kris Pearson
Merry Summerfield Cozy Mysteries #2

After reading the last word of this book I wanted to pick up book three and keep reading BUT book three does not exist yet! Woe is me! Once I started reading I could not stop. I love the characters in the book and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. This is a cozy mystery series that has something extra and that extra definitely appeals to me.

What I liked:
* This story made me think as it dealt with the real issue of PTSD with more than a few in the book suffering from it.
* Heather & Erik’s story...it made me smile
* Merry’s interest in finding answers...whether the answer to what was going on with Heather & Erik or who the rustlers were or who some in her community truly are and of course...how people in the story died and why.
* The story feels real and also it is not silly. It appeals to me as it has more depth than most cozy mysteries do
* The men in the book...oh my...I don’t know if Merry will get one of her own but there are some definite contenders!
* It left me happy at the end but also wanting more.

What I didn’t like:
*….nothing was missing and there wasn’t anything that I didn’t like….besides what I was meant to not like...thinks like the aftereffects of war, people’s inhumanity to their fellowman and things like that.

Did I like this book? Definitely!
Would I like to read more by this author? Without a doubt!!!

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Cissy Coleman]

XMAS MARKS THE SPOT is a standalone read with a good ending. This series stars Merry, she is 44, divorced and lives in the family home with her brother. The two of them inherited the large estate when their parents passed. He is a lawyer while she edits books. While her brother is out of country on business Merry discovers a 1/4 of beef in his trunk with a warning note. She has no idea what is going on so she calls the local cop and has him come out to investigate. The beef still had the hide on it so she knows it is one of her Uncle Jim's black Angus cows. The cop informs her to keep this event to herself. There have been some problems with cattle being stolen and they think they are on to who is doing it but they don't want him alarmed before they have all the proof they need.

Merry was using her brother's car because the Vicar, Paul, is being given a ride to the airport to pick up his sister. The sister turns out to be a beautiful woman and the men in town quickly pick up on a new lady in town. The two gents that own the local bar are a mystery. Merry is sure they are special forces for one of the military units. They look the part and no one seems to know anything about them. They are both very sexy guys. Merry even finds herself attracted to one of them. These guys seem to have money. It is discovered that they own a helicopter and the pilot offers to fly the ladies around the area on a sightseeing trip. They quickly agree. While cruising up the coast they find a body on the beach.

Now there are cattle thieves, a body on the beach, beef in the car with a threatening note, Merry is at once on the case. This story takes place in New Zealand. It is a clean romance, Merry is very attracted to the sexy vicar. He seems to be interested but he has made no moves. This is a fun romp with Merry hot on the trail of the bad guys. She always finds herself in the middle of a bad spot and this time is no exception. It is very entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Each book in the series has Merry getting into a little trouble. She is fun because of all the things she is thinking. It is a fun read and I definitely recommend it.

I was not paid for this review. I am not a writer nor do I know one. I am not kin to this author. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 8/16/2019

[K B]

5 stars
I received a free copy of the novel XMAS MARKS THE SPOT: Merry Summerfield Cozy Mystery Book 2 by Kris Pearson and this review was given freely.
A flirty newsy story set in Drizzle Bay, New Zealand at Christmas that is filled with rambling and informative asides, a couple romances, the visit of the Vicar Graham's sister Heather, some interesting facts about bar owners John and Erik, and of course murder. Merry and the Vicar are joined by their siblings and the Cafe and Bar owners John and Erik in trying to solving the latest murder and mysteries before the Police can. Colorful characters, lots of action, and an ever changing plot make this an interesting and suspenseful story.

Contains some graphic violence and a cliffhanger. A stand alone novel but best if read in sequence as it contains multiple references from the prior book.

[Susan]

I was very lucky to get an ARC copy of X Marks the Spot to read for an honest review.

Merry is back in X Marks the Spot the second in the Merry Summerfield Cody mysteries, I cannot believe what Merry gets herself into without even trying. It is a charming lighthearted and very easy to read book which I found hard to put down, gets you guessing right to the end and oh my what an ending, it leaves you wanting and needing more, please bring on book number three I can't wait, will Merry get together with John or Paul or will there be a twist, all you can be sure is she will walk straight into trouble without any effort absolutely brilliant.

[Jennie Fortna]

ARC for honest review with no compensation 4.5 stars

Xmas Marks the Spot is book 2 in the Merry Summerfield Cozy Mysteries by Kris Pearson and a sleuthing we will go...

Merry discovers a side of beef in her brother’s car with a note of warning, she goes to the police, seems someone is rustling and killed cows that may belong to her uncle. Merry starts looking for answers, finds herself in a tight spot, enlists help from the Vicar and the town’s bar owners only to find a dead body too...suspense, changing plots, mystery, and more.

While a standalone, reading in sequence helps with some references to the prior book...

[Sylvie Granville]

A light-hearted look at small village life in rural New Zealand - light-hearted that is, until someone gets heavy with a gun. Merry and her friends, (and some more than friends), are wrapped up in solving the mystery, and wrapped up in each other as well at times. Kris Pearson gives us a realistic glimpse of New Zealand life and customs and a nostalgic look at seaside life. Join Merry in her latest cozy escapade. You won't regret it.

[Julie]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. This book sees the return of the characters from Book 1 (Murder in the Aisle) plus a few new ones. Heather is Paul's sister and is visiting from England for a summer Christmas. She shares an instant attraction with Erik. He takes her and Merry for a helicopter ride and they discover a body displayed on a tree stump. This book is full of twists and turns before the truth is known.

[Paul R]

Kris Pearson shares another delightful New Zealand based story in Xmas Marks the Spot. Who expects to find a quarter hunk of beef in her brother's car trunk (boot for some)? So, we get into the intrigue. Lots of mysterious fun and a bit of romance tossed in. It was a delightful read and kept my interest throughout. I suspect that you will also find Xmas Marks the Spot a delightful read. Thank you for the ARC, Kris. I am glad I took the opportunity to read and review.

[Jennifer]

Merry Summerfield is a friendly local woman who loves animals, enjoys her job and living in her childhood community. For some strange reason, half a cow ends up in her boring, staid brothers car.
Being curious, she talks to everyone and is perhaps interested in John and possibly the Minister. Easy to read, great community and folds out beautifully.

[K B]

5 stars
I received a free copy of the novel XMAS MARKS THE SPOT: Merry Summerfield Cozy Mystery Book 2 by Kris Pearson and this review was given freely. A flirty newsy story set in Drizzle Bay, New Zealand at Christmas that is filled with rambling and informative asides, a couple romances, the visit of the Vicar Graham's sister Heather, some interesting facts about bar owners John and Erik, and of course murder. Merry and the Vicar are joined by their siblings and the Cafe and Bar owners John and Erik in trying to solving the latest murder and mysteries before the Police can. Colorful characters, lots of action, and an ever changing plot make this an interesting and suspenseful story. Contains some graphic violence and a cliffhanger. A standalone novel but best if read in sequence as it contains multiple references from the prior book.
3

[Lesley]

A real treat

Absolutely enthralling and enjoyable Cozy Mystery story. The characters in this series are so engaging and the murders and the subsequent unraveling a joy. A real treat.

[Gretchen]

I enjoyed this holiday book. It was different since it takes place in New Zealand so it’s summer. There were several mysteries in this book which made for a good read. I’d like to read more in this series.

[Susan Spraker]

good story.

I wouldn’t call it laugh out loud but it is an interesting premise. There is a variety of good characters and interesting story line. It was an easy read. I would read more from this author.

[Sally]

a Christmas never to forget

From start to finish it kept me guessing “who done it” “will they fall in love” how do these stories come together and blend to end”. WOW

[Jennifer Molyneaux]

Rather ditzy amateur detective

[Gina]

Not my genre

[Stella Shahan]

Great

I loved this story full of action love new beginnings kidnappings killings and mystery of who did it. I loved it

[Princesspint]

This was a cute little read. Even though it is in a series can be read as a standalone. First time with this author. I enjoyed their writing, world building and plot, characters worked well together.

[Marie]

Welcome to Merry's crazy Christmas!

Book one was good, but this is better! As with book one you cannot do anything but like Merry, she is funny, witty, nosey, curious, quirky and lonely...but is all that about to change? When danger strikes a little too close to home who will come to her rescue...will it be the mysterious John, local bar owner or Paul the quiet Vicar, who may be a little shy but who shows great inner strength in fighting his PTSD. The interactions Merry has with Paul, John and the serious Detective Carver will have you chuckling as you can imagine the madness and mayhem she leaves in her wake, often leaving them speechless, confused or frustrated at her interfering...it is pure gold!
Whilst the romance may be slow to build for Merry and her two potential sweethearts leaving you guessing at the direction it will take, there is nothing slow about the romance between Heather and Erik and this is the bonus to a book you will want to escape into again and again. It is available on Kindle Unlimited so there is no reason why you can't! For those who missed book one it is also available on Kindle Unlimited but is also a free download at present too...Merry early Christmas! I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Krystyna]

PTSD, rustling and drugs

A good read. Although I must admit that i didn't like it as much as the first book. Yes the plot was good and you got all the answers but it just felt a bit disjointed and out of sync. Probably just me but I prefer a more involved plot where it is one story that goes through the book and you have to pick out who from the suspects you have gotten to know. The characters though are brilliant - clear, vivid and in technicolour. Full of emotion and feeling.
She has offered to pick up the Vicar's sister from the airport in her brother's merc. Now she had to make sure that the police and smell had gone (from the beef she found inside the trunk) before she could do so. Throw in a femme fatale in the shape of an English rose, cow rustlers, a dead body, a drug field, possible black ops personel, a vicar with PTSD, kidnappings and a detective who doesn't seem to e able to find his way out of a paper bag. Can they find the rustlers? Who killed the man on the beach? What effect will our English rose have on the community?

[Margaret]

Excellent cute cozy mystery with dogs, lots of town folks and some romance. Merry is a freelance editor and pet sitter. She comes across a rustled side of beef and decides to do some detective work of her own. Merry is funny and seems to always be in the wrong spot at the wrong time. This story takes place in a small town during Christmastime. Merry also has her eye on a guy with muscles. Enjoyable cast of characters and storyline. I received a complementary copy of this book and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Pearson.

[Renaye hopkins]

Quirky feeelance editor and sonetimes petsitter, Merry Summerfield, is at it again; she's up to her neck in dead meat and lands smack in the middle of another murder mystery. And this time Merry brings Vicar Paul and his recently widowed sister along for the ride.
Wild helicopter rides, shootouts, a kidnapping, and a TV commercial are all in store for Merry in this hilariously whodunnit in Drizzle Bay!

[Ski Croghan]

Who killed the man on the tree????

Great book!! Very good mystery with all the characters we met in the first book. MERRY is getting wooed by two men. The vicar Paul and the (possibly) ex Black Ops guy John. She doesn't know if either is interested in her but keeps getting suggestive behavior from both. Of course she's knee deep in another murder; so what's new. Lots of nice details about New Zealand, which I fell in luv with on a recent visit there. Highly recommended.