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Pelican Cove #12
Cookies and Christmas
Anonymous Note Screams Murder
It's Christmas in Pelican Cove and the town is bursting with Yuletide spirit. Jenny King comes home from the tree lighting ceremony to a strange letter on her doorstep. The anonymous sender claims a gruesome murder has taken place and urges her to find the killer. Jenny plunges into the investigation, only to find that the letter might have been fake.
Refusing to give up, Jenny keeps digging for clues. Her friends think she's on a wild goose chase and the whole town thinks she's lost it. But Jenny follows her gut, sure that a crime has been committed.
Meanwhile, Jenny's friends, the Magnolias, are determined to light up Christmas for a few unfortunate families.
Join Jenny as she is challenged at every turn by an elusive criminal and forced to deal with the unexpected.
If you like fast paced cozy mysteries with twisty plots, spunky women sleuths and yummy food, you will like Cookies and Christmas.
It's Christmas in Pelican Cove and the town is bursting with Yuletide spirit. Jenny King comes home from the tree lighting ceremony to a strange letter on her doorstep. The anonymous sender claims a gruesome murder has taken place and urges her to find the killer. Jenny plunges into the investigation, only to find that the letter might have been fake.
Refusing to give up, Jenny keeps digging for clues. Her friends think she's on a wild goose chase and the whole town thinks she's lost it. But Jenny follows her gut, sure that a crime has been committed.
Meanwhile, Jenny's friends, the Magnolias, are determined to light up Christmas for a few unfortunate families.
Join Jenny as she is challenged at every turn by an elusive criminal and forced to deal with the unexpected.
If you like fast paced cozy mysteries with twisty plots, spunky women sleuths and yummy food, you will like Cookies and Christmas.
- GenresCozy MysteryCozy
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2020
585 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Leena Clover
72 books360 followersLeena Clover is a popular, bestselling author of cozy mysteries with heart.
You can expect fearless heroines, small town drama, quirky characters and friendships that last a lifetime in her books. Yummy food and a murder or two are guaranteed!
Visit her website at leenaclover.com to learn more.
You can expect fearless heroines, small town drama, quirky characters and friendships that last a lifetime in her books. Yummy food and a murder or two are guaranteed!
Visit her website at leenaclover.com to learn more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 18, 2021
Why do I keep reading these books?!
I had issues with this book. It's not a mystery really - it was all kind of obvious but the characters just weren't even themselves & that says something cause they are so poirly developed anyway. There are glaring plot holes & this that have carried over from other books that just annoy me but she seems to have forgotten about parts of her own story. Might have some slight spoilers here - Billy, Jenny's ex-husband, is separated from the woman he dumped Jenny for after she got pregnant. Well, the baby magically disappeared. There is no baby & no mention of the baby in the last 2 books. Why?! As for Emily, I just can't even explain how stupid that whole storyline is. Her mom, Kandi (who is now for some reason called Kat like she can't even remember her own character's name) showed up out of the blue at the end of the one about the cruise & just took the baby back after what like a year - she hadn't seen her daughter at all & she shows & Jason just lets her take her. Let's the daughter he has raises on his own & then with Jenny go with a woman who dumped her off at his doorstep & hasn't been around for her daughter. Then Kandi won't let Jenny see Emily & Jason just goes along with it. She uses the excuse that Kandi is rich & a lawyer. Well, isn't Jason also rich & also a lawyer?! He just let this woman come back after a year & take her & dictate when he can see her & who can see her?! That makes NO SENSE! He's must be an awful lawyer to let that happen. She should have had to file for custody. I get that having baby in the house didn't work well with Jenny's detective work. They didn't seem to spend much time with her. It would have been bad for Jenny to just take off & get into the inevitable danger (cause they are if anything predicable) when she has a baby in the house to take care - nanny or not. It didn't work well with Jenny so if that was her outline from the beginning to have Jenny with Jason why even introduce the kid to just erase her & forget about simple basic custody laws. It's ridiculous. Jason was a jerk the whole book over the ex supposedly not letting him see his daughter at Christmas yet he does nothing to legally cover himself so he can see her legally & not at the whim of Kandi. I get erasing Billy's new baby cause it was never a plot point other than to say that was why he suddenly kicked her out. He wanted their house to live with his new family so he bought Jenny out but there's no new family & he's apparently sold the house cause now he's up Jenny's butt living near her. It show a lack of creativity & skill to simple erase or do away with characters just cause you can't figure out how to work them into the story. Also, where was Jimmy?! Star's boyfriend wasn't mentioned at all. It's like he doesn't exist at all. She also mentions Captain Charlie saying to someone that she helped find out who killed his boy. What boy? Do I just not remember one of the victims being his son? *I read one if the mini stories & found that out but didn't k ow about the mini stories - it was ridiculous. Idk why I kept reading them.
I had issues with this book. It's not a mystery really - it was all kind of obvious but the characters just weren't even themselves & that says something cause they are so poirly developed anyway. There are glaring plot holes & this that have carried over from other books that just annoy me but she seems to have forgotten about parts of her own story. Might have some slight spoilers here - Billy, Jenny's ex-husband, is separated from the woman he dumped Jenny for after she got pregnant. Well, the baby magically disappeared. There is no baby & no mention of the baby in the last 2 books. Why?! As for Emily, I just can't even explain how stupid that whole storyline is. Her mom, Kandi (who is now for some reason called Kat like she can't even remember her own character's name) showed up out of the blue at the end of the one about the cruise & just took the baby back after what like a year - she hadn't seen her daughter at all & she shows & Jason just lets her take her. Let's the daughter he has raises on his own & then with Jenny go with a woman who dumped her off at his doorstep & hasn't been around for her daughter. Then Kandi won't let Jenny see Emily & Jason just goes along with it. She uses the excuse that Kandi is rich & a lawyer. Well, isn't Jason also rich & also a lawyer?! He just let this woman come back after a year & take her & dictate when he can see her & who can see her?! That makes NO SENSE! He's must be an awful lawyer to let that happen. She should have had to file for custody. I get that having baby in the house didn't work well with Jenny's detective work. They didn't seem to spend much time with her. It would have been bad for Jenny to just take off & get into the inevitable danger (cause they are if anything predicable) when she has a baby in the house to take care - nanny or not. It didn't work well with Jenny so if that was her outline from the beginning to have Jenny with Jason why even introduce the kid to just erase her & forget about simple basic custody laws. It's ridiculous. Jason was a jerk the whole book over the ex supposedly not letting him see his daughter at Christmas yet he does nothing to legally cover himself so he can see her legally & not at the whim of Kandi. I get erasing Billy's new baby cause it was never a plot point other than to say that was why he suddenly kicked her out. He wanted their house to live with his new family so he bought Jenny out but there's no new family & he's apparently sold the house cause now he's up Jenny's butt living near her. It show a lack of creativity & skill to simple erase or do away with characters just cause you can't figure out how to work them into the story. Also, where was Jimmy?! Star's boyfriend wasn't mentioned at all. It's like he doesn't exist at all. She also mentions Captain Charlie saying to someone that she helped find out who killed his boy. What boy? Do I just not remember one of the victims being his son? *I read one if the mini stories & found that out but didn't k ow about the mini stories - it was ridiculous. Idk why I kept reading them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2023
This one had me staying up late at night wondering what would happen next. What is up with Jason? Why is he behaving so badly, snapping at Jenny over nothing, and dodging everything Christmas even though it has always been his favorite holiday? Who are the new children in town and what are they really doing in Pelican Cove?
Although I don’t remember this series from book 10 (Croissants and Cruises) backwards - because I hadn’t read them in 3 years - I especially don’t remember the prominent family with 3 sisters named after flowers, but when one of those sister’s husband’s is said to have been murdered, yet he’s still actually alive, Jenny has questions. I suspected something having to do with Alex and I was actually right, so that was cool.
I’m still waiting for Jenny to get paid for helping in one of her investigations, but nothing yet.
And Adam… he’s clearly hurting over not being with Jenny anymore even though he’s the one that left her. Jenny is married now and seems to be happy, but there are still some unresolved issues between her and Adam. And I keep half expecting Heather to either get together with Adam or Billy. Oh I know she wouldn’t do that, but who knows?
As usual, someone is killed, Jenny finds out, Jenny noses into everyone’s business and Jenny guess who the killer is - and is wrong - and then something clicks in her head and the actual murderer comes to light and Jenny rushes to save the day!
Next is book 13, Popsicles and Poisons
Although I don’t remember this series from book 10 (Croissants and Cruises) backwards - because I hadn’t read them in 3 years - I especially don’t remember the prominent family with 3 sisters named after flowers, but when one of those sister’s husband’s is said to have been murdered, yet he’s still actually alive, Jenny has questions. I suspected something having to do with Alex and I was actually right, so that was cool.
I’m still waiting for Jenny to get paid for helping in one of her investigations, but nothing yet.
And Adam… he’s clearly hurting over not being with Jenny anymore even though he’s the one that left her. Jenny is married now and seems to be happy, but there are still some unresolved issues between her and Adam. And I keep half expecting Heather to either get together with Adam or Billy. Oh I know she wouldn’t do that, but who knows?
As usual, someone is killed, Jenny finds out, Jenny noses into everyone’s business and Jenny guess who the killer is - and is wrong - and then something clicks in her head and the actual murderer comes to light and Jenny rushes to save the day!
Next is book 13, Popsicles and Poisons
November 15, 2020
Jenny comes home to find a letter on her doorstep. It says a murder has taken place and she should find the murderer. Nobody believes her, they think it's a prank, but Jenny's gut feeling tells her it is real. She investigates. What will she find?
Jason is in a sullen mood and wants nothing to do with Christmas. He won't tell Jenny what is wrong.
Billy, Jenny's ex, has shown up. Adam is back and filling in for the police chief. Would this have something to do with Jason's mood? He glares at both of them whenever he sees them. A new family has arrived with children. They need help. The Magnolias have decided to help them. How will they do this? Two people are found dead. What has happened? Is there a murderer in Pelican Cove?
I enjoyed this story. Characters are fleshed out, the plot is well thought out and the story is well written.
It will get you into the Christmas spirit.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
Jason is in a sullen mood and wants nothing to do with Christmas. He won't tell Jenny what is wrong.
Billy, Jenny's ex, has shown up. Adam is back and filling in for the police chief. Would this have something to do with Jason's mood? He glares at both of them whenever he sees them. A new family has arrived with children. They need help. The Magnolias have decided to help them. How will they do this? Two people are found dead. What has happened? Is there a murderer in Pelican Cove?
I enjoyed this story. Characters are fleshed out, the plot is well thought out and the story is well written.
It will get you into the Christmas spirit.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
March 7, 2024
Jenny King receives letter announcing a murder at Holly House, Alex Blackwood - The Blackwoods - old money from Virginia - tobacco - Josiah the youngest of 5 children, had 2 daughters, Rose and Violet; wife died in childbirth with 3rd daughter Daisy, her husband - Mr. Niles Farrington.( being black mailed by Alex, killed him after 3rd payment) Rose eloped with housekeeper's son. Josiah died in Mill fire. Rose came back for funeral and her husband was killed in a bar brawl. Violet never married. She is the lady of the house - Jared Rose, Rose's dead husband's son; (estate manager)- KILLED Roose; Mrs. Griffen - cook;
Rose recently married Alex , who is 38 years younger than Rose. Note says that he left on a boat, Niles boat?
Jason not into the Christmas spirit.
Billy Anderson, Jenny's ex is around a lot.
Burton - head gardener comes to talk to Jenny - noticed that recently Alex stopped talking to him.
Barry Neuman -
Rose Blackwood died, stabbed in bed. Body found in marshes, the real Alex; impostor Alex, Ian Fletcher arrested
Swanson family homeless after fire
Rose recently married Alex , who is 38 years younger than Rose. Note says that he left on a boat, Niles boat?
Jason not into the Christmas spirit.
Billy Anderson, Jenny's ex is around a lot.
Burton - head gardener comes to talk to Jenny - noticed that recently Alex stopped talking to him.
Barry Neuman -
Rose Blackwood died, stabbed in bed. Body found in marshes, the real Alex; impostor Alex, Ian Fletcher arrested
Swanson family homeless after fire
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2022
cookies and Christmas
I read this book and intend to read more but there needs to be something unpredictable. Jenny needs to wake up and realize that if she doesn't put Jason before her ex and the sleuthing that's been declared too dangerous, she may lose him. Her ex, Billy is low class and rude to just go into Jenny and Jason's home, grab their dinner and eat it, plus to be so prominent in the story. Jenny should have stopped him and made him leave. Her cafe is more important than her husband. She needs to turn down a few sleuthing jobs, especially if Jason and Adam tell her it's too unsafe and ask her not to take it. Please have Jason develop more spine and Jenny become more sensible. The Magnolias are a good part of the stories and so are the Cafe and the Seaview house.
I read this book and intend to read more but there needs to be something unpredictable. Jenny needs to wake up and realize that if she doesn't put Jason before her ex and the sleuthing that's been declared too dangerous, she may lose him. Her ex, Billy is low class and rude to just go into Jenny and Jason's home, grab their dinner and eat it, plus to be so prominent in the story. Jenny should have stopped him and made him leave. Her cafe is more important than her husband. She needs to turn down a few sleuthing jobs, especially if Jason and Adam tell her it's too unsafe and ask her not to take it. Please have Jason develop more spine and Jenny become more sensible. The Magnolias are a good part of the stories and so are the Cafe and the Seaview house.
November 12, 2020
As wonderful as Christmas is, Jenny finds it isn't perfect. Jason doesn't want to do anything traditional, and is almost sullen. Meanwhile another murder finds an unusual way of gaining Jenny's attention. Acting Police Chief Adam is asking for Jenny's help and praises her for her insights. Is this Jason's problem? Or is it Billy's presence in Pelican Cove? Or is he worried about Jenny putting herself in danger?
Meanwhile loads of yummy meals served up at the cafe, and a new family with young children need a little help and Christmas spirit. Somehow Jenny makes everybody happy in this terrific Christmas mystery filled with a whole lot of warmth and good feelings. I loved it, and confess it has gotten me in the Christmas mood!
Meanwhile loads of yummy meals served up at the cafe, and a new family with young children need a little help and Christmas spirit. Somehow Jenny makes everybody happy in this terrific Christmas mystery filled with a whole lot of warmth and good feelings. I loved it, and confess it has gotten me in the Christmas mood!
December 18, 2022
I really wanted to enjoy this book but really struggled to get into it at all. I found the book was predictable and there were lots of holes in the plot. The police don't seem to do anything even interview anyone, Jenny does it all.
I struggled to like Jenny she annoyed me with how she was with the other character like her ex- husband. I also found it difficult to like any of the other characters as they did not seem to have any development or depth. This might have come in the previous books but I expected some depth in the book.
I haven't read the previous books in the series and don't feel the need to read the other books in the series. Personally I found this disappointing and a bit boring in its predictability. X
I struggled to like Jenny she annoyed me with how she was with the other character like her ex- husband. I also found it difficult to like any of the other characters as they did not seem to have any development or depth. This might have come in the previous books but I expected some depth in the book.
I haven't read the previous books in the series and don't feel the need to read the other books in the series. Personally I found this disappointing and a bit boring in its predictability. X
November 3, 2021
Predictable. Jenny gets to all the suspects before the police do, and nothing about this story was a surprise. Do the police not interview anyone before they make an arrest? Seems to be endemic in this series.
The nonsense with Jenny's ex-husband, and her putting up with it, is annoying. She seems to have plenty of backbone, except when it applies to him.
And I've always wondered why people are willing to work in her restaurant for free? Between Star and Heather, she's getting tons of free labor. Or are they getting paid and it's just never mentioned?
Seriously debating whether or not to read the next book in the series.
The nonsense with Jenny's ex-husband, and her putting up with it, is annoying. She seems to have plenty of backbone, except when it applies to him.
And I've always wondered why people are willing to work in her restaurant for free? Between Star and Heather, she's getting tons of free labor. Or are they getting paid and it's just never mentioned?
Seriously debating whether or not to read the next book in the series.
November 21, 2021
Another winner!!
Why am I not surprised at the fact that this, the 12th installment of the Pelican Cove series, was just thrilling? Ms. Leena Clover is a very gifted writer who keeps the reader guessing almost from the first page to the end! She also has a way of explaining how everything happened that answer all the questions readers have about the book they've just finished! As I have mentioned in some of my reviews, I really like Ms. Clover's style of writing and always look forward to another book written by her.
Why am I not surprised at the fact that this, the 12th installment of the Pelican Cove series, was just thrilling? Ms. Leena Clover is a very gifted writer who keeps the reader guessing almost from the first page to the end! She also has a way of explaining how everything happened that answer all the questions readers have about the book they've just finished! As I have mentioned in some of my reviews, I really like Ms. Clover's style of writing and always look forward to another book written by her.
November 14, 2020
One Alex, or two?
Jenny is receiving letters that talk about a murder in Holly House. Everyone else thinks it's a hoax but Jenny says her gut says it's true. Billy and Adam, her exes, have both moved to town and are causing issues for Jason, who has lost all of his Christmas spirit.
Jenny is receiving letters that talk about a murder in Holly House. Everyone else thinks it's a hoax but Jenny says her gut says it's true. Billy and Adam, her exes, have both moved to town and are causing issues for Jason, who has lost all of his Christmas spirit.
January 20, 2021
Book 12 in the Pelican Cove based cozy mystery series, and the last one I can read for now as no more have been published, I'm going to have to wait until the next one is released!
As good as the rest of the series, these are easy to read in a couple of hours, so ideal to pass an afternoon away with a cuppa or 2. Whilst they are classed as cozy mysteries and often involve a body or 2, they're clean and not gory.
Well written and well worth a read. Best read in order for continuity. I can't wait for the next book to be released...
As good as the rest of the series, these are easy to read in a couple of hours, so ideal to pass an afternoon away with a cuppa or 2. Whilst they are classed as cozy mysteries and often involve a body or 2, they're clean and not gory.
Well written and well worth a read. Best read in order for continuity. I can't wait for the next book to be released...
August 28, 2021
Really enjoyed this one. The story wasn't too far fetched. Just would like to know what happened to Star's beau and the relationship between Molly and Chris seems to be on the backburner. There was one typo prefect instead of perfect when Jenny made food for Nick and the character Barry's surname changed in the last part of the book.
April 3, 2024
I’m not one for reviewing books but I’ve read most of this series and this isn’t one of my favorites. It seemed it was ‘pick on Jenny’ week. Jason was a boar and quite frankly I’d have kicked him into touch! The Magnolias I felt were grouchy and mean instead of their usual supportive selves. Not the usual up beat book I usually enjoy, murder or not.
January 5, 2025
Cookies and Christmas: (Pelican Cove Mysteries Book 12)
Certainly a lot of characters in this book! Glad I don't have any money and don't have two exec living in town sharing custody with Jenny and her having a diner to run and sea view home to run with Jason. Too complicated for me!
Certainly a lot of characters in this book! Glad I don't have any money and don't have two exec living in town sharing custody with Jenny and her having a diner to run and sea view home to run with Jason. Too complicated for me!
March 5, 2021
Cookies and Christmas
Jenny finds a mysterious letter on her front porch telling her of a murder at Holly House. No one has reported a murder, no one is missing. Has someone decided to cause Jenny harm as Jenny's husband, Jason, suspended t-shirts.
Jenny finds a mysterious letter on her front porch telling her of a murder at Holly House. No one has reported a murder, no one is missing. Has someone decided to cause Jenny harm as Jenny's husband, Jason, suspended t-shirts.
December 19, 2021
An anonymous letter and Jason certainly is acting strange, and then there is Tina!!! Is it aimed at Jenny or is something else afloat???? Who killed Rose and Alex and why??? I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
April 9, 2022
I had a hard time getting into this story- halfway through it finally picked up. Curious as to why the name of Emily’s name was changed from Kandy to Kat and where Jimmy is as no one is mentioning him and he isn’t around anymore. Interesting read to say the least
August 31, 2022
While this book was an interesting read, I figured out about the twins before it was mentioned and the reason why Jason was in such a foul mood.
Yes, I am still enjoying the book; however, the characters are getting stale and predictable.
Yes, I am still enjoying the book; however, the characters are getting stale and predictable.
November 1, 2020
Great story
This is a great story by Leena Clover. What a Christmas with all of the exes and old friends and new.
This is a great story by Leena Clover. What a Christmas with all of the exes and old friends and new.
November 4, 2020
enjoyed the book, really interested to see what happens in the next...
November 26, 2020
Very good book, love how Leena is building Adam back into the books and developing the obnoxious Billie’s character. I can not wait for the next one!
December 5, 2020
Love these cozy mysteries! Leena Clover delights again in her ongoing series. Make sure you read her first one so you can understand the family ties!
December 20, 2020
Mystery was really good, but it has some flow issues and could have been edited a bit more.
Read
February 13, 2021Loved it
Great series, anxiously waiting for the next book. Pelican Bay sounds perfect. Wish it was a real place to visit.
Great series, anxiously waiting for the next book. Pelican Bay sounds perfect. Wish it was a real place to visit.
February 21, 2021
Great book
Great book
I couldn't out the books down. Enjoyed reading the series. I enjoyed trying to figure out who was the murder.
Great book
I couldn't out the books down. Enjoyed reading the series. I enjoyed trying to figure out who was the murder.
March 4, 2021
So done!
Now I remember why I stopped reading this series. The characters are childish and irritating, and the mystery is nonsensical.
Now I remember why I stopped reading this series. The characters are childish and irritating, and the mystery is nonsensical.
April 16, 2021
Fun easy read
I have read the entire pelican cove series and thoroughly enjoyed each one. Good characters, plots and a few twists.
I have read the entire pelican cove series and thoroughly enjoyed each one. Good characters, plots and a few twists.
September 4, 2021
The 12th book in the Pelican Cove cozy mystery series. An enjoyable cozy mystery. Delightful and charming.
October 2, 2021
Christmas
The love Jenny and her extended family show to their community is Christmas all year long. It warms your heart.
The love Jenny and her extended family show to their community is Christmas all year long. It warms your heart.
Read
June 25, 2022Enjoyed all her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews