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Christmas Village Cozy #1
Cadaver on Candy Cane Lane
When Ember Quinn visits Christmas Village to assist her elderly great-aunt Phoebe in the holiday chocolate-making tasks, the last thing she expects is for an elf to get murdered at their back door.
She soon discovers that toy-making elf, Alfie Svenson, was up to no good. Not only that, but he had a mysterious accomplice. Too bad Ember suspects that accomplice might be Phoebe.
With the reluctant help of Brimstone the snarky cat, Ember must dodge lying elves, creepy snowmen, unfriendly reindeer, an angry toy factory manager, and a sleigh-transportation boss who might be involved in organized crime in order to find the real killer.
This humorous Christmas cozy mystery novella features Ember Quinn and Brimstone from Leighann Dobbs’s Silver Hollow series in a twisty, old-fashioned whodunit in a warm and cozy Christmas village setting.
She soon discovers that toy-making elf, Alfie Svenson, was up to no good. Not only that, but he had a mysterious accomplice. Too bad Ember suspects that accomplice might be Phoebe.
With the reluctant help of Brimstone the snarky cat, Ember must dodge lying elves, creepy snowmen, unfriendly reindeer, an angry toy factory manager, and a sleigh-transportation boss who might be involved in organized crime in order to find the real killer.
This humorous Christmas cozy mystery novella features Ember Quinn and Brimstone from Leighann Dobbs’s Silver Hollow series in a twisty, old-fashioned whodunit in a warm and cozy Christmas village setting.
89 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2019
286 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
Leighann Dobbs
134 books1,862 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Leighann Dobbs, discovered her passion for writing after a twenty year career as a software engineer. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband Bruce, their trusty Chihuahua mix Mojo and beautiful rescue cat, Kitty.
Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.
Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.
Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.
Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 31, 2019
A cute Christmas read with an elf being murdered and Ember and her aunt Phoebe go investigating in the village.
Quite a few interesting characters, the book was seeped with a Christmas spirit with chocolates and gifts in a non Christmassy spirit of murder. I liked how the gals solved the murder even at the risk to their lives with a special help from Brimstone, their cat.
Overall, this was a fun cozy murder mystery
Quite a few interesting characters, the book was seeped with a Christmas spirit with chocolates and gifts in a non Christmassy spirit of murder. I liked how the gals solved the murder even at the risk to their lives with a special help from Brimstone, their cat.
Overall, this was a fun cozy murder mystery
December 31, 2020
This was a really fast paced and fun story with a very enjoyable mystery. It definitely made me want to pick up more books by this author.
February 6, 2021
This is an intertaining Christmas cozy mystery involving Ember Quinn and Brimstone the cat from the author's Silver Hollow Cozy Mysteries Box Set, #1-3. Quinn visits her great-aunt Phoebe, who lives in Christmas Village, to help her make enough candy for the Christmas holidays. The murder of an elf sends the pair on the hunt for the killer because the small-town's police are zeroing in on Phoebe.
There are several characters that could've been the guilty party--from the toy store owner who didn't want the elves to go on strike and even great-aunt Phoebe and Mabel, the owner of the of the Christmas stocking store, since they would have to go on strike with the elves but would reap none of the benefits the elves would receive.
It's been awhile since I was in Silver Hollows and it was fun to see Quinn and of the full-of-himself Brimstone again. This is a novella which makes it a quick afternoon/evening read.
There are several characters that could've been the guilty party--from the toy store owner who didn't want the elves to go on strike and even great-aunt Phoebe and Mabel, the owner of the of the Christmas stocking store, since they would have to go on strike with the elves but would reap none of the benefits the elves would receive.
It's been awhile since I was in Silver Hollows and it was fun to see Quinn and of the full-of-himself Brimstone again. This is a novella which makes it a quick afternoon/evening read.
December 18, 2020
This was a fun Christmas read. I was at a small disadvantage as I haven’t read any of the books that this is an offshoot from. I did enjoy the Christmas themed town and characters which were mostly elves with Christmas related names, including the police. The mystery had enough twists for me so I was somewhat surprised when the murder was revealed. He wasn’t the only nefarious character. I enjoyed the magical aspects of the story as well.
December 19, 2020
Short and sweet! A great book to read at Christmas time!
December 1, 2020
A short Christmas time mystery. I enjoyed this story very much.
December 26, 2021
Cute Christmas Cozy Mystery
A great cozy mystery featuring Brimstone, the moody familiar and Ember the young witch from the Silver Hollow series. I loved the character names. There were plenty of twists, lots of suspense, several laughs, and Even a few magic spells. A quick read for a lazy afternoon.
A great cozy mystery featuring Brimstone, the moody familiar and Ember the young witch from the Silver Hollow series. I loved the character names. There were plenty of twists, lots of suspense, several laughs, and Even a few magic spells. A quick read for a lazy afternoon.
December 17, 2019
Cadaver on Candy Cane Lane is a fun, quirky mystery novella. Christmas Village is Christmas village. It’s where elves make toys, a pear tree grows in the middle of winter, swans swim in the lake, and reindeer talk. A lot of the activities are for tourists, tourism is big business for Christmas village, but so is toy-making and shipping. Alfie, the murdered elf, was the Union Rep at the toy factory and a strike was on the horizon. There are a lot of feelings, and motives, on both sides of the issue.
Our amateur detective is Ember from Dobbs’ Silver Hollow series, which I haven’t read. The idea of the mash-up is cute and I didn’t feel like I missed anything from not having read the other. Ember is sweet and trying to prove that she is a good detective too. She’s in Christmas village helping her aunt Phoebe, the candy lady, get enough stock ready for the holidays, and one of her skills, aside from discovering clues and getting into trouble, is putting spells on the chocolate, kindness or relaxation spells for example. I enjoyed the characters and the town, but the snowmen are definitely creepy.
The mystery was well done. We had a few suspects and motives that would have made sense in the regular world too.
It is a very cute, very light Christmas mystery. I found it charming, but it might not be everyone’s cup of hot chocolate.
Our amateur detective is Ember from Dobbs’ Silver Hollow series, which I haven’t read. The idea of the mash-up is cute and I didn’t feel like I missed anything from not having read the other. Ember is sweet and trying to prove that she is a good detective too. She’s in Christmas village helping her aunt Phoebe, the candy lady, get enough stock ready for the holidays, and one of her skills, aside from discovering clues and getting into trouble, is putting spells on the chocolate, kindness or relaxation spells for example. I enjoyed the characters and the town, but the snowmen are definitely creepy.
The mystery was well done. We had a few suspects and motives that would have made sense in the regular world too.
It is a very cute, very light Christmas mystery. I found it charming, but it might not be everyone’s cup of hot chocolate.
December 8, 2019
Cadaver on Candy Cane Lane by Leighann Dobbs is a cute little novella, since it was only 89 pages I was able to finish it in a couple hours with taking a few breaks in between. It's a story about a women, Ember Quinn who visits her Aunt in the town of Christmas Village and soon after her arrival a toy making elf is discovered murdered at the back door of her Aunt's candy shop. Ember comes from a family of investigators, as is brought out in another book series by Dobbs, but Ember is only beginning to follow her cousins into the private investigation profession, so she's not sure if she'll be able to solve this crime on her own. Her and her aunt do what they can to round up suspects and a motive for the killing. Between the two of them they get into some tight spots while looking for the killer and are they being followed? The story is a fast paced read and a good little story. There is a second book in this series, but I think I'll pass on it. I like a Christmas story with a little more substance and characters I can believe in. I'm not sorry I read this though as it was very cute and I did find it a little humorous at times. I'd say pick this one up if you like a light mystery with your Christmas stories and want to be entertained. Happy Reading!
December 16, 2019
This cozy mystery novella is the perfect read for the holiday season! I mean, what says Christmas more than a murder mystery surrounding an elf and a year-round Christmas village? Ember Quinn is visiting her great aunt to help her in her chocolate shop for the busy holiday season when an elf is found murdered behind the store. Ember is used to solving mysteries with her cousins in Silver Hollow, but she wasn’t expecting a mystery to follow her on this holiday getaway.
Everything in this novella is punny from the shop names to the townspeople, but that’s part of the fun. It’s only 89 pages, so there isn’t much to say if I’m trying to avoid spoilers, but if you enjoy cozy mysteries and still want to get festive with your reading, then this is the book for you!
Everything in this novella is punny from the shop names to the townspeople, but that’s part of the fun. It’s only 89 pages, so there isn’t much to say if I’m trying to avoid spoilers, but if you enjoy cozy mysteries and still want to get festive with your reading, then this is the book for you!
October 5, 2019
A cute, fun, short story from Leighann Dobbs. Featuring Ember Quinn from her Silver hollow series, along with Brimstone. A black cat that is not a familiar to any of the Quinns, but does what he wants and seems to always be exactly where he wants and needs to be to help solve the mystery and get whichever Quinn sibling/cousin out of trouble. As one of them always are.
Ember Quinn travels to Christmas Village to help her aging great-aunt stock up on candies for the upcoming Christmas season.
When an elf is found dead outside of Phoebe Quinns candy store's back door, Ember has to help in order to help keep her aunts name clear.
Ember Quinn travels to Christmas Village to help her aging great-aunt stock up on candies for the upcoming Christmas season.
When an elf is found dead outside of Phoebe Quinns candy store's back door, Ember has to help in order to help keep her aunts name clear.
November 11, 2019
This book did nothing for me. It wasn't bad, I just felt neutral about it. Enough so that I cancelled my pre-order of the next book.
December 30, 2020
Cadaver On Candy Cane Lane is the first of two Novellas by Leighann Dobb's featuring a character from her Silver Hollows Series. When Ember Quinn, along with Brimstone visit Christmas Village to assist her great-aunt Phoebe with her chocolate business, she is quickly thrown into a mystery when an elf is found dead out the back door of the candy shop. With Phoebe as a suspect, they work together, along with Brimstone to follow the clues to catch a killer.
This was a cute, quick read for the holidays. The characters were interesting and the suspects plentiful. There were enough clues to keep me guessing and waffling back and forth between suspects. This was the perfect book to be able to read in one sitting, while grabbing some downtime during the busy holiday season.
This was a cute, quick read for the holidays. The characters were interesting and the suspects plentiful. There were enough clues to keep me guessing and waffling back and forth between suspects. This was the perfect book to be able to read in one sitting, while grabbing some downtime during the busy holiday season.
December 16, 2020
"Cadaver on Candy Cane Lane" the first instalment in the "Christmas Village" Mystery series by Leighann Dobbs. I enjoyed this cute Christmas novella and the idea behind a year round Christmas village that has elves, talking reindeer, and other fun things. This story featured Ember Quinn from Leighann's Silver Hollow series, along with Brimstone the cat.
The mystery is interesting and I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
The mystery is interesting and I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
September 9, 2022
Cozy indeed
Ember and her aunt Phoebe are embroiled in a murder caper. An elf was found slain outside Phoebe's candy shop. That's not a sweet treat at all. With the help of Ember's snarky cat Brimstone, they loosen tongues and Garner information from the persons of interest. Surprises are around every corner right til the end. I never would have suspected the perp. Then again....
Another great cozy mystery from Ms. Dobbs. I need to take a trip to Silver Hollow one day. Maybe when I finish Lexy Baker and the Blackmoore Sisters....
Ember and her aunt Phoebe are embroiled in a murder caper. An elf was found slain outside Phoebe's candy shop. That's not a sweet treat at all. With the help of Ember's snarky cat Brimstone, they loosen tongues and Garner information from the persons of interest. Surprises are around every corner right til the end. I never would have suspected the perp. Then again....
Another great cozy mystery from Ms. Dobbs. I need to take a trip to Silver Hollow one day. Maybe when I finish Lexy Baker and the Blackmoore Sisters....
October 19, 2020
Great Holiday Cozy
Ember Quinn from the Silver Hollow series is visiting her Aunt Phoebe along with Brimstone in the quaint Christmas Village town . When an elf is murdered , Ember and Phoebe investigate .
This was a great mystery with a wonderful holiday setting . It’s always nice to visit familiar characters in a new setting .
I love the Silver Hollow series and this book was well written with a great mystery !
Ember Quinn from the Silver Hollow series is visiting her Aunt Phoebe along with Brimstone in the quaint Christmas Village town . When an elf is murdered , Ember and Phoebe investigate .
This was a great mystery with a wonderful holiday setting . It’s always nice to visit familiar characters in a new setting .
I love the Silver Hollow series and this book was well written with a great mystery !
December 1, 2020
Charming
If you're looking for a novel to put you in the Christmas spirit, this is perfect. Sweet, cute, and filled with sleuthing. I loved the Christmas puns and Easter eggs sprinkled through out. I was also quite interested in the embezzlement that resulted in a dead elf. A charming read you'll need a mug of hot cocoa and some holidays chocolates to enjoy. I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
If you're looking for a novel to put you in the Christmas spirit, this is perfect. Sweet, cute, and filled with sleuthing. I loved the Christmas puns and Easter eggs sprinkled through out. I was also quite interested in the embezzlement that resulted in a dead elf. A charming read you'll need a mug of hot cocoa and some holidays chocolates to enjoy. I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
March 7, 2021
Just fine
Ember has left Silver Hollow (why?!) to visit her aunt Phoebe in this "Christmas Village" series premiere and promptly finds herself in a murder investigation. The locale has holiday charm and plenty of winter-themed characters, and Brimstone has come along to bring personality and snark. Ember, however, is a passive character in the other series; this may account for the less than compelling mystery. This is a good read for anyone seeking a simple holiday cozy.
Ember has left Silver Hollow (why?!) to visit her aunt Phoebe in this "Christmas Village" series premiere and promptly finds herself in a murder investigation. The locale has holiday charm and plenty of winter-themed characters, and Brimstone has come along to bring personality and snark. Ember, however, is a passive character in the other series; this may account for the less than compelling mystery. This is a good read for anyone seeking a simple holiday cozy.
December 28, 2020
Really good
This was my first book by the author and it won't be my last
Ms Dobbs has a way of keeping you interested in her books
The characters are wonderful and there is a crossover from another series that I will have to read
Grabbed the next book in the Christmas Village because I have to see what is next for great aunt Phoebe
This was my first book by the author and it won't be my last
Ms Dobbs has a way of keeping you interested in her books
The characters are wonderful and there is a crossover from another series that I will have to read
Grabbed the next book in the Christmas Village because I have to see what is next for great aunt Phoebe
January 12, 2023
Enjoyable
Augusta (Gus )Chance takes a break from her duties of sheriff of Mystic Notch to indulge in her hobby of playing jazz piano in Christmas Village, but things take a different route ,of suspicious death ,and the story gets going with a mystery of who did it and why. It's a good story,I enjoyed it a lot.
Augusta (Gus )Chance takes a break from her duties of sheriff of Mystic Notch to indulge in her hobby of playing jazz piano in Christmas Village, but things take a different route ,of suspicious death ,and the story gets going with a mystery of who did it and why. It's a good story,I enjoyed it a lot.
February 1, 2021
A quick read that made me laugh several times because of the antics of Ember and Aunt Phoebe. Brimstone was aloof and sarcastic - as all cats are! Cute as any cozy with a mention or two of some familiar characters.
August 3, 2021
Fun read
There were plenty of suspects and motives. Twisty plots, clues and yummy candy galore. I really enjoyed the efforts Ember and Phoebe put toward solving the murder and clearing their names.
There were plenty of suspects and motives. Twisty plots, clues and yummy candy galore. I really enjoyed the efforts Ember and Phoebe put toward solving the murder and clearing their names.
May 25, 2020
Light and fluffy novella.
November 10, 2020
Easy wonderful read
Easy wonderful read that is both delightful and full of seasonal mischief, funny characters and leaves you craving Christmas candy.
Easy wonderful read that is both delightful and full of seasonal mischief, funny characters and leaves you craving Christmas candy.
December 20, 2020
Entertaining and fun
January 10, 2021
Silly.
Of the hundreds of books that I've in the year, this one is the silliest most ridiculous. I recommend it to no one.
Of the hundreds of books that I've in the year, this one is the silliest most ridiculous. I recommend it to no one.
December 12, 2022
A quick and easy Christmas read.
December 26, 2023
Quite a strange book. Enjoyable enough.
July 27, 2025
Fun Christmas story with a good mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews