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Cassandra Sato #3
Dead of Winter Break
It’s beginning to look a lot like murder . . .
And Cassandra is knee deep in . . .
Suspects.
Her boss is dead, and the police are calling it burglary gone wrong. But when the killer comes after her, it's going to take more than a pair of furry boots to keep the smart, witty Morton College administrator, Cassandra Sato, out of the deep. . .
Snow.
Her first Christmas in Nebraska could be her last unless her friends help unravel the mystery and housebreak her dog.
Buy now for a fast-paced, holiday themed whodunit.
And Cassandra is knee deep in . . .
Suspects.
Her boss is dead, and the police are calling it burglary gone wrong. But when the killer comes after her, it's going to take more than a pair of furry boots to keep the smart, witty Morton College administrator, Cassandra Sato, out of the deep. . .
Snow.
Her first Christmas in Nebraska could be her last unless her friends help unravel the mystery and housebreak her dog.
Buy now for a fast-paced, holiday themed whodunit.
- GenresCozy Mystery
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2020
10 people are currently reading
1337 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Brakenhoff
33 books262 followersKelly Brakenhoff is the author of 17 books and a seasoned ASL interpreter. She splits her writing energy between two series: cozy mysteries set on a college campus and children’s books featuring Duke the Deaf Dog.
In 2025, two of her children’s books were selected for the CBC Favorites Award Lists, honored by teachers and librarians nationwide for excellence in children's literature. Parents, kids, and educators love the Duke the Deaf Dog books and activity guides because they introduce ASL and the Deaf community through engaging stories.
And if you enjoy a smart female sleuth, want to learn more about Deaf culture, or have lived in a place where livestock outnumber people, the Cassandra Sato Mystery series will have you connecting the dots faster than a group project thrown together the night before it’s due.
A proud mom to four adults, head of the dog-snuggling department, and grandma to a growing brood of perfectly behaved grandkids, Kelly and her husband call Nebraska home.
In 2025, two of her children’s books were selected for the CBC Favorites Award Lists, honored by teachers and librarians nationwide for excellence in children's literature. Parents, kids, and educators love the Duke the Deaf Dog books and activity guides because they introduce ASL and the Deaf community through engaging stories.
And if you enjoy a smart female sleuth, want to learn more about Deaf culture, or have lived in a place where livestock outnumber people, the Cassandra Sato Mystery series will have you connecting the dots faster than a group project thrown together the night before it’s due.
A proud mom to four adults, head of the dog-snuggling department, and grandma to a growing brood of perfectly behaved grandkids, Kelly and her husband call Nebraska home.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 19, 2021
Dead of Winter Break is the third book in the Cassandra Sato mystery series written by Kelly Brakenhoff. The series focuses on a professor from Hawaii who is now the VP of Administration at a Nebraska college, and she's hoping to move forward in her career in the next few years. Some of her colleagues aren't very accepting yet part of her role was to bring diversity and inclusion to the institution. Brakenhoff's series is very timely and brings much-needed levity and depth to this societal issue... and I'm hoping it pays off with Cassandra's future promotion.
In this mystery, the president of the Morton, who himself was previously president and retired, is the latest murder victim... which comes on the heels of major drama with the last one. Poor Cassandra has to keep stepping up when the Board wants her to do more than her job but refuses to give her any hope for the future. What's even more eerie... no one knows why the former president returned, especially after he clearly told everyone he was enjoying retirement. Cassandra gets a brief chat with him before he's found dead, and that's when everything gets a little hectic. Break-ins, threatening messages... all while the campus is mostly closed down for the winter break. Less than 30 students are in the dorms, and Cassandra has to watch over them. What if one of them is responsible for the chaos?
Brakenhoff's writing style is fresh and easy; I enjoy listening to the different voices and perspectives on campus, at least through Cassandra's eyes, as she is the main focus of the books. She is a bit sassy in all the right places, in particular with how she handles some of the students. There's quite a funny scene with her telling them how to keep a house clean! As she looks into her former boss's death, she becomes a focus of a crime too... what did he say/share with her that is a clue? And how does it fit in with a class trip to China the previous term? Something is amiss, and all the clues pull together to provide a nice surprise solution.
Now... we're left wondering... who will be the new president, and will this role be problematic all the time! Definitely something to look forward to in my opinion. Kudos for another great book in this marvelous academic series.
In this mystery, the president of the Morton, who himself was previously president and retired, is the latest murder victim... which comes on the heels of major drama with the last one. Poor Cassandra has to keep stepping up when the Board wants her to do more than her job but refuses to give her any hope for the future. What's even more eerie... no one knows why the former president returned, especially after he clearly told everyone he was enjoying retirement. Cassandra gets a brief chat with him before he's found dead, and that's when everything gets a little hectic. Break-ins, threatening messages... all while the campus is mostly closed down for the winter break. Less than 30 students are in the dorms, and Cassandra has to watch over them. What if one of them is responsible for the chaos?
Brakenhoff's writing style is fresh and easy; I enjoy listening to the different voices and perspectives on campus, at least through Cassandra's eyes, as she is the main focus of the books. She is a bit sassy in all the right places, in particular with how she handles some of the students. There's quite a funny scene with her telling them how to keep a house clean! As she looks into her former boss's death, she becomes a focus of a crime too... what did he say/share with her that is a clue? And how does it fit in with a class trip to China the previous term? Something is amiss, and all the clues pull together to provide a nice surprise solution.
Now... we're left wondering... who will be the new president, and will this role be problematic all the time! Definitely something to look forward to in my opinion. Kudos for another great book in this marvelous academic series.
December 14, 2020
Rating: 4.5/5.0
This mystery has the reader engaged from the very first page!
Read full review in the 2020 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This mystery has the reader engaged from the very first page!
Read full review in the 2020 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 22, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
I jumped into this book without reading the other two and had no problem keeping up. Cassandra works at a college in a small community in Nebraska. The fall term has ended and thanks to her moving there from Hawaii this will be her first winter ever. Her former boss pops up when he is supposed to.be retired talking crazy things as well as acting weird. Before she can find out why he is found murdered. Cassandra can't stay put of it no matter how much she tries so she starts poking around. Add in a cute dog as well as a wide range of personalities between the students and the staff and the story really comes to life leading to a dangerous surprising ending. Makes for a fun afternoon adventure that I recommend to cozy fans. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
I jumped into this book without reading the other two and had no problem keeping up. Cassandra works at a college in a small community in Nebraska. The fall term has ended and thanks to her moving there from Hawaii this will be her first winter ever. Her former boss pops up when he is supposed to.be retired talking crazy things as well as acting weird. Before she can find out why he is found murdered. Cassandra can't stay put of it no matter how much she tries so she starts poking around. Add in a cute dog as well as a wide range of personalities between the students and the staff and the story really comes to life leading to a dangerous surprising ending. Makes for a fun afternoon adventure that I recommend to cozy fans. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
October 8, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed the previous two books in the Cassandra Sato Series. Book 3 kept me enthralled which is a must for me. The pace of the book was good and I had to keep reading.
I like the way the main character has developed through the series. She is believable and gutsy. I want to learn more about her.
If you are looking for a cosy mystery, with pace, great characters, intertwined within a good mystery this is the series for you.
I like the way the main character has developed through the series. She is believable and gutsy. I want to learn more about her.
If you are looking for a cosy mystery, with pace, great characters, intertwined within a good mystery this is the series for you.
December 16, 2023
Dollycas's Thoughts
Cassandra Sato is experiencing her first Nebraska winter after moving from Hawaii to take the job at Morton College. She is surprised to see her former boss, Dr. Gary Nielson, in the audience at the Fall Commencement Ceremony. She tries her best to catch up with him after the event but it appears he has already left. She learns he is coming out of retirement to resume his prior position. When he shows up at her house later she is confused by what he is trying to tell her. But when Deputy Tate of the Saunders County Sheriff's Department shows up on her doorstep Monday and informs her that Dr. Nielson is dead she knows she needs to figure out what the man was trying to tell her. Especially because now it seems his killer has set their sights on her.
With the college basically shutdown for the holidays, Cassandra is the only administrator on duty so while looking into Dr. Nielson's death she has to watch over the students staying on campus and if work duties aren't enough to keep her busy a huge snowstorm has hit the area and a branch has broken off a tree and landed on her house leaving a nice hole in her roof. She also trying to adjust to having a dog in her life that really doesn't like her.
A killer on the loose, students with no direction, break-ins, threatening messages, a dog who would rather be with anyone other than her, snow, ice, and a freezing cold home. If she survives it may be time to go back to Hawaii.
____
Cassandra Sato is a great protagonist. She has a lot on her shoulders in this story and she doesn't back away from any of the tasks thrown at her. I really enjoyed how she got a group of students to clean up their dorm's common areas and then spent time with them to play games and watch holiday movies. She understood how they felt being away from their families because she was in the same position.
The death of Dr. Nielson was complicated because it had something to do with a trip he took for the school with other faculty and students. There were a lot of moving parts to zero in on to get to the true people involved but Cassandra was like a dog with a bone following every clue. When she finally realized why the man was killed and why the killer was after her it was too late because now her life was in mortal danger. Such an exciting chase! Help was found in an unexpected place. Cassandra had quite an adventure.
Cassandra has grown a lot since the first book in this series. She wants to move up at the college but the powers that be haven't been very open to that possibility even when she always takes on and handles whatever they ask of her. I am hoping in the next book she gets credit for all she does.
Kelly Brakenhoff's writing style is very comfortable, it's descriptive without getting wordy. Her characters are well-defined and engaging. They have continued to develop nicely. I like that she draws on her experience as an ASL interpreter and has Cassandra learning sign language as part of her job ensuring services for deaf students at the college.
Dead of Winter Break is another strong cozy mystery from Ms. Brakenhoff. There appears to never be a dull moment at Morton College. I wonder who the next president of the college will be. I have added Death 101: Extra Credit to my wish list.
Cassandra Sato is experiencing her first Nebraska winter after moving from Hawaii to take the job at Morton College. She is surprised to see her former boss, Dr. Gary Nielson, in the audience at the Fall Commencement Ceremony. She tries her best to catch up with him after the event but it appears he has already left. She learns he is coming out of retirement to resume his prior position. When he shows up at her house later she is confused by what he is trying to tell her. But when Deputy Tate of the Saunders County Sheriff's Department shows up on her doorstep Monday and informs her that Dr. Nielson is dead she knows she needs to figure out what the man was trying to tell her. Especially because now it seems his killer has set their sights on her.
With the college basically shutdown for the holidays, Cassandra is the only administrator on duty so while looking into Dr. Nielson's death she has to watch over the students staying on campus and if work duties aren't enough to keep her busy a huge snowstorm has hit the area and a branch has broken off a tree and landed on her house leaving a nice hole in her roof. She also trying to adjust to having a dog in her life that really doesn't like her.
A killer on the loose, students with no direction, break-ins, threatening messages, a dog who would rather be with anyone other than her, snow, ice, and a freezing cold home. If she survives it may be time to go back to Hawaii.
____
Cassandra Sato is a great protagonist. She has a lot on her shoulders in this story and she doesn't back away from any of the tasks thrown at her. I really enjoyed how she got a group of students to clean up their dorm's common areas and then spent time with them to play games and watch holiday movies. She understood how they felt being away from their families because she was in the same position.
The death of Dr. Nielson was complicated because it had something to do with a trip he took for the school with other faculty and students. There were a lot of moving parts to zero in on to get to the true people involved but Cassandra was like a dog with a bone following every clue. When she finally realized why the man was killed and why the killer was after her it was too late because now her life was in mortal danger. Such an exciting chase! Help was found in an unexpected place. Cassandra had quite an adventure.
Cassandra has grown a lot since the first book in this series. She wants to move up at the college but the powers that be haven't been very open to that possibility even when she always takes on and handles whatever they ask of her. I am hoping in the next book she gets credit for all she does.
Kelly Brakenhoff's writing style is very comfortable, it's descriptive without getting wordy. Her characters are well-defined and engaging. They have continued to develop nicely. I like that she draws on her experience as an ASL interpreter and has Cassandra learning sign language as part of her job ensuring services for deaf students at the college.
Dead of Winter Break is another strong cozy mystery from Ms. Brakenhoff. There appears to never be a dull moment at Morton College. I wonder who the next president of the college will be. I have added Death 101: Extra Credit to my wish list.
November 24, 2020
Cassandra Soto, Vice President for Student Affairs at Morton College, is an ambitious go-getter with dreams of an eventual college presidency. With the fall semester behind her, she is looking forward to a quieter winter term with fewer students and staff on campus. Cassandra needs a well-deserved rest after all the drama of the previous semester—from the culture shock and weather difference with her native Hawai’i, to navigating multiple bosses, to handling unexpected student accidents and death. There is no rest for the weary, however, as trouble continues to plague the college administrator despite her dedication, organization, and attention to detail.
The latest installment of this cozy series revolves around the murder of Gary Neilson, the former Morton president who has returned to the campus after retiring several weeks ago. Why did Dr. Neilson agree to resume the role of president for the upcoming semester, and who would have reason to kill him? A series of campus break-ins and robberies, a missing graduate student, and questions about what occurred on a good will trip to China by Morton students and associates draws Cass into a dangerous investigation. Can she get to the truth without becoming a casualty herself?
Dead of Winter Break is an adventurous return to the town of Carson, Nebraska and its lively group of campus residents and townspeople. The spunky Cassandra continues to show her ability to manage tricky town and gown issues while growing closer to a few of her colleagues. She even adopts a furry sidekick—a dog named Murphy—further affirming her commitment to her new home. But before Cassandra or readers of this series get too complacent, the story ends with the appointment of an interim president who is sure to give Cass a new challenge in the coming Spring semester.
Note: I received an advance reader copy of Dead of Winter Break from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The latest installment of this cozy series revolves around the murder of Gary Neilson, the former Morton president who has returned to the campus after retiring several weeks ago. Why did Dr. Neilson agree to resume the role of president for the upcoming semester, and who would have reason to kill him? A series of campus break-ins and robberies, a missing graduate student, and questions about what occurred on a good will trip to China by Morton students and associates draws Cass into a dangerous investigation. Can she get to the truth without becoming a casualty herself?
Dead of Winter Break is an adventurous return to the town of Carson, Nebraska and its lively group of campus residents and townspeople. The spunky Cassandra continues to show her ability to manage tricky town and gown issues while growing closer to a few of her colleagues. She even adopts a furry sidekick—a dog named Murphy—further affirming her commitment to her new home. But before Cassandra or readers of this series get too complacent, the story ends with the appointment of an interim president who is sure to give Cass a new challenge in the coming Spring semester.
Note: I received an advance reader copy of Dead of Winter Break from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2020
I love campus cozies and always wonder why there aren’t more of them. After all, academia, with its singular personalities and petty grudges, is a perfect setting for murder. Fortunately, Dead of Winter Break comes at the perfect time, just as the winter holidays are upon us. Reading Dead of Winter Break reminded me why I love this series so much.
Cassandra Sato is a relatable protagonist, a transplant from sunny Hawaii to a considerably-less-balmy hamlet in Nebraska. As Dead of Winter Break opens, Cassandra finds that her retired boss has unexpectedly un-retired and returned from the tropics to Morton College, just in time for a Midwest winter. And that’s not the only surprise in store!
The characters are well-drawn, and the plot twists drew me in and kept me engaged. But where this series really shines is in the telling details. Sitting through a sweltering commencement ceremony in heavy academic regalia, tugging at the front of the hood so it doesn’t strangle you; smiling through gritted teeth at a backhanded compliment from your boss’s boss’s boss; confronting the reality of a Nebraska winter (not so much like the cover of a Land’s End catalog after all, it turns out). Author Kelly Brakenhoff is an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter, and Cassandra’s administrative role at Morton College includes ensuring services for Deaf students. In addition to a behind-the-scenes tour of a real (or at least extremely realistic) college, Dead of Winter Break gives the reader an enlightening glimpse into Deaf Culture.
I highly recommend Dead of Winter Break for mystery lovers, but if this is your first foray into Cassandra Sato’s world, start with Death by Dissertation, #1 in the series.
Cassandra Sato is a relatable protagonist, a transplant from sunny Hawaii to a considerably-less-balmy hamlet in Nebraska. As Dead of Winter Break opens, Cassandra finds that her retired boss has unexpectedly un-retired and returned from the tropics to Morton College, just in time for a Midwest winter. And that’s not the only surprise in store!
The characters are well-drawn, and the plot twists drew me in and kept me engaged. But where this series really shines is in the telling details. Sitting through a sweltering commencement ceremony in heavy academic regalia, tugging at the front of the hood so it doesn’t strangle you; smiling through gritted teeth at a backhanded compliment from your boss’s boss’s boss; confronting the reality of a Nebraska winter (not so much like the cover of a Land’s End catalog after all, it turns out). Author Kelly Brakenhoff is an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter, and Cassandra’s administrative role at Morton College includes ensuring services for Deaf students. In addition to a behind-the-scenes tour of a real (or at least extremely realistic) college, Dead of Winter Break gives the reader an enlightening glimpse into Deaf Culture.
I highly recommend Dead of Winter Break for mystery lovers, but if this is your first foray into Cassandra Sato’s world, start with Death by Dissertation, #1 in the series.
November 21, 2020
The Review
A perfect whodunnit story just in time for the holiday season. The author does an amazing job of setting the pace early on in this story, crafting equal time for humor and a look inside of college campus life while also adding a deep air of mystery and dread with the murder of the protagonist’s former boss. While I had not read the first two books in the series thus far, I found Cassandra Sato to be a strong protagonist who had shown through looks into previous adventures and in this novel alone some serious growth as a character.
In any good mystery, atmosphere and mystery are two of the most crucial components. The author does a wonderful job of including both in this novel, as the story expertly crafts the shocking mystery of who killed Cassandra’s formally retired boss and infuses the setting of this small Nebraskan town naturally into the story itself. Cassandra’s wit and humor pair well with the narrative as well, creating a protagonist who readers can easily identify with and root for all at once.
The Verdict
A fun, exciting, and engaging mystery read, this is the perfect book to cozy up with next to open fire and a nice cup of tea. Author Kelly Brakenhoff’s “Dead of Winter” is the perfect next chapter in the Cassandra Sato series, and does an excellent job of showcasing why the mystery genre is one that will never truly tire out, as the author manages to keep the pace and tone of the novel fresh and exciting all the way throughout the novel. Be sure to grab your copy of this amazing winter read today!
A perfect whodunnit story just in time for the holiday season. The author does an amazing job of setting the pace early on in this story, crafting equal time for humor and a look inside of college campus life while also adding a deep air of mystery and dread with the murder of the protagonist’s former boss. While I had not read the first two books in the series thus far, I found Cassandra Sato to be a strong protagonist who had shown through looks into previous adventures and in this novel alone some serious growth as a character.
In any good mystery, atmosphere and mystery are two of the most crucial components. The author does a wonderful job of including both in this novel, as the story expertly crafts the shocking mystery of who killed Cassandra’s formally retired boss and infuses the setting of this small Nebraskan town naturally into the story itself. Cassandra’s wit and humor pair well with the narrative as well, creating a protagonist who readers can easily identify with and root for all at once.
The Verdict
A fun, exciting, and engaging mystery read, this is the perfect book to cozy up with next to open fire and a nice cup of tea. Author Kelly Brakenhoff’s “Dead of Winter” is the perfect next chapter in the Cassandra Sato series, and does an excellent job of showcasing why the mystery genre is one that will never truly tire out, as the author manages to keep the pace and tone of the novel fresh and exciting all the way throughout the novel. Be sure to grab your copy of this amazing winter read today!
October 20, 2020
I thought this book was so good! It is the third in the trilogy and in my personal opinion, is her best work yet! This book keeps you on your toes. As you read, you will be dying (no pun intended) to know how it plays out, and may even try to solve it yourself before you find out! I could not stop reading it! Enjoy!!
November 27, 2020
Dead of Winter Break is the third book in the Cassandra Sato Mystery series and is a great addition to the series.
I loved this book. The character of Cassandra Sato is likable, strong, and relatable. The story is well written and has some humour, murder, mystery, surprises, and suspense. The life at the college campus is realistic and entertaining to read, especially the interactions between Cassandra and some of her students.
I read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book with no obligation.
I loved this book. The character of Cassandra Sato is likable, strong, and relatable. The story is well written and has some humour, murder, mystery, surprises, and suspense. The life at the college campus is realistic and entertaining to read, especially the interactions between Cassandra and some of her students.
I read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book with no obligation.
November 30, 2020
Its December in Carson, Nebraska. Cassandra is getting used to her first winter and Christmas in Nebraska. Then her boss at Morton College is murdered. She's now juggling a murder investigation, a snowstorm, and her job. I have enjoyed this series.
December 8, 2020
I really liked this book. It is my favorite so far. I love the new character Murphy. I can’t wait for the next one!!!
July 17, 2021
I'm enjoying this series more with each book - the bits of possible romance, the trials of trying to help the college as an administrator, the interactions with the students, Cass' homesickness for Hawaii, and of course a murder mystery as the major plot. Looking forward to more of these books!
January 17, 2025
Another captivating mystery in the Cassandra Sato series
The third installment of the Cassandra Sato mystery series continues to deliver an engaging blend of suspense and heart. Cassandra is growing more confident in her role as Administrator of Student Affairs at Morton College, but challenges keep coming her way. The academic setting, with its unique dynamics and occasional drama, remains the perfect backdrop for another well-crafted mystery.
This time, the story shines a spotlight on friendships and community, while still weaving in the themes of inclusion and accessibility that are central to the series. The plot is compelling, with enough twists to keep me guessing, and the characters feel authentic and relatable.
Rosemary Cline’s narration elevates the audiobook experience once again. Her skillful delivery and ability to embody each character make the story even more vivid. Cline’s voice keeps you hooked from beginning to end, adding warmth and personality to the mystery.
If you’ve been following Cassandra’s journey, you won’t want to miss this one. It’s another strong entry in a series that keeps getting better!
The third installment of the Cassandra Sato mystery series continues to deliver an engaging blend of suspense and heart. Cassandra is growing more confident in her role as Administrator of Student Affairs at Morton College, but challenges keep coming her way. The academic setting, with its unique dynamics and occasional drama, remains the perfect backdrop for another well-crafted mystery.
This time, the story shines a spotlight on friendships and community, while still weaving in the themes of inclusion and accessibility that are central to the series. The plot is compelling, with enough twists to keep me guessing, and the characters feel authentic and relatable.
Rosemary Cline’s narration elevates the audiobook experience once again. Her skillful delivery and ability to embody each character make the story even more vivid. Cline’s voice keeps you hooked from beginning to end, adding warmth and personality to the mystery.
If you’ve been following Cassandra’s journey, you won’t want to miss this one. It’s another strong entry in a series that keeps getting better!
February 16, 2021
I liked this. The main character, Cassandra Sato, is earnest and hardworking. She can be wry and she has funny and animated friends. She’s learning to love a difficult dog. My reading of the book was interrupted, so I lost a little bit of the thread, but it flowed nicely. I look forward to Kelly Brakenhoff’s next book.
June 27, 2024
This series just keeps getting better. Cassandra is growing emotionally thanks, in part, to her sweet companion Murphy. For someone who is "not a dog person" she has made a lot of progress. And of course, she has the brains and chutspah to solve convoluted mysteries that help law enforcement whether they appreciate it or not!!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews