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In the Winter Woods
Declan Kensington isn’t really in the mood for Christmas. His latest mystery book sales are tanking, his finances are in a dismal state, and his spirits are anything but festive. Perhaps spending the holidays alone at his family lakeside cabin in the small village of Maplewood, Vermont, will provide him much-needed peace and quiet. Then he might finally get to work on a new book and (hopefully) jumpstart his stalling writing career. When he starts receiving anonymous letters threatening him to leave, Declan realizes his solitary writer’s retreat isn’t at all what he bargained for. And if the threats aren’t enough, a killer strikes, casting Declan in the role of the most likely suspect. Now it’s up to him and the handsome local Public Safety Commissioner Curtis Monroe to find out the truth before Declan spends Christmas (and the rest of his life) in jail. But as dead bodies pile up and dark secrets are revealed beneath Maplewood’s picture-perfect facade, Declan’s heart may yet be in more danger than his life…
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2020
15 people are currently reading
808 people want to read
About the author
Isabelle Adler
12 books112 followersIsabelle Adler writes M/M romance, sci-fi, adventure, and fantasy.
She has been a voracious reader from the age of five and always dreamed of one day putting her own stories into writing. She loves traveling, art, and science, and finds inspiration in all of these. Her favorite genres include sci-fi, fantasy, and historical adventure. She also firmly believes in the unlimited powers of imagination and caffeine.
She has been a voracious reader from the age of five and always dreamed of one day putting her own stories into writing. She loves traveling, art, and science, and finds inspiration in all of these. Her favorite genres include sci-fi, fantasy, and historical adventure. She also firmly believes in the unlimited powers of imagination and caffeine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
June 6, 2023
Hi, it’s me, the guy that complains about the love-interests in mystery books. Even though my complaints usually have very little bearing on the actual mystery plot, but if I don’t say anything I will combust into a ball of flame. So, I might as well continue the tradition with this book.
Detective (is he a detective?) Monroe is dismissive, inefficient, and useless, and it’s only made worse by the fact that he’s the love-interest. After Declan, the main character, receives a creepy message in his new cottage saying “get out while you can,” Monroe immediately says it’s probably just a prank and that he can’t do anything about it. I mean, the police department in this armpit of a town is literally two people and he can’t even look into it, not a peep!? It’s only when a rock is thrown through Declan’s window that he gets off his ass. And no, Declan, at no point do you “gotta hand it to him,” for investigating. By now it’s the least he could do.
Now look, if it seems like I’m holding a grudge against this guy simply because I’ve read a lot of cozy mysteries with this type of character, it’s only because I’m holding a grudge against this guy simply because I've read a lot of cozy mysteries and I’m tired of this type of character. I don’t know, my favorite type of mystery always has a dash of romance to it, but only when the main character is generally focused on the mystery and less on the romance. It’s really a delicate balance I’m afraid. Anyway, positive thoughts! POSITIVE THOUGHTS!! The writing and mystery itself were intriguing and exciting, but I just needed to get all that off my chest.
Detective (is he a detective?) Monroe is dismissive, inefficient, and useless, and it’s only made worse by the fact that he’s the love-interest. After Declan, the main character, receives a creepy message in his new cottage saying “get out while you can,” Monroe immediately says it’s probably just a prank and that he can’t do anything about it. I mean, the police department in this armpit of a town is literally two people and he can’t even look into it, not a peep!? It’s only when a rock is thrown through Declan’s window that he gets off his ass. And no, Declan, at no point do you “gotta hand it to him,” for investigating. By now it’s the least he could do.
Now look, if it seems like I’m holding a grudge against this guy simply because I’ve read a lot of cozy mysteries with this type of character, it’s only because I’m holding a grudge against this guy simply because I've read a lot of cozy mysteries and I’m tired of this type of character. I don’t know, my favorite type of mystery always has a dash of romance to it, but only when the main character is generally focused on the mystery and less on the romance. It’s really a delicate balance I’m afraid. Anyway, positive thoughts! POSITIVE THOUGHTS!! The writing and mystery itself were intriguing and exciting, but I just needed to get all that off my chest.
December 25, 2020
christmas + murder + m/m romance = a festive cozy mystery
I was recently made aware that 'cozy mystery' was a genre, and I feel betrayed by all of my friends who never told me this vital piece of information. I love whodunnit type stories, but I also love romance and family relationships being present, as well as a cozy ambiance in the story. This subgenre contains all of that, and I am looking forward to exploring it more.
This book is set at christmas time in a lakeside cabin in a small town. When someone is murdered, our main character, Declan, newcomer to the town, is cast as a main suspect. The local Public Safety Commissioner, Curtis, is put on the case and as they spend more time with each other, Declan and Curtis' chemistry grows.
In the Winter Woods is my third novel by Isabelle Adler, an author who I have loved reading in the past. This is quite different to the rest, the only main similarity being that an m/m romance is at the forefront. I was expecting more focus on the romantic relationship, and a bit more steaminess considering my experience with her works- so was a little let down in that regard. However, I can acknowledge that for some, that will be a positive!
The atmosphere was definitely well done. It felt distinctly like a small town, and the winter setting was also at the forefront. Considering I read this in the peak of summer here in the Southern Hemisphere, I am impressed the Adler got me to feel the snowy weather and setting as well as she did.
However, for a cozy mystery- I didn't really love the mystery that much. I didn't necessarily find it predictable, but I just wasn't engaged with it all that much. I found myself more invested with the characters than the plot. I also found some actions taken by the characters (*cough* Declan *cough*) to be plain stupid for no reason other than furthering the plot.
Overall, I was satisfied with the conclusion of the story and how all the elements came together. I adored the aesthetic, and felt that the book really shined in that respect. However I would have preferred to see more of the romance, and have a more well rounded mystery.
Thank you to NineStar Press for this ARC
Release Date: 14 December 2020
I was recently made aware that 'cozy mystery' was a genre, and I feel betrayed by all of my friends who never told me this vital piece of information. I love whodunnit type stories, but I also love romance and family relationships being present, as well as a cozy ambiance in the story. This subgenre contains all of that, and I am looking forward to exploring it more.
This book is set at christmas time in a lakeside cabin in a small town. When someone is murdered, our main character, Declan, newcomer to the town, is cast as a main suspect. The local Public Safety Commissioner, Curtis, is put on the case and as they spend more time with each other, Declan and Curtis' chemistry grows.
In the Winter Woods is my third novel by Isabelle Adler, an author who I have loved reading in the past. This is quite different to the rest, the only main similarity being that an m/m romance is at the forefront. I was expecting more focus on the romantic relationship, and a bit more steaminess considering my experience with her works- so was a little let down in that regard. However, I can acknowledge that for some, that will be a positive!
The atmosphere was definitely well done. It felt distinctly like a small town, and the winter setting was also at the forefront. Considering I read this in the peak of summer here in the Southern Hemisphere, I am impressed the Adler got me to feel the snowy weather and setting as well as she did.
However, for a cozy mystery- I didn't really love the mystery that much. I didn't necessarily find it predictable, but I just wasn't engaged with it all that much. I found myself more invested with the characters than the plot. I also found some actions taken by the characters (*cough* Declan *cough*) to be plain stupid for no reason other than furthering the plot.
Overall, I was satisfied with the conclusion of the story and how all the elements came together. I adored the aesthetic, and felt that the book really shined in that respect. However I would have preferred to see more of the romance, and have a more well rounded mystery.
Thank you to NineStar Press for this ARC
Release Date: 14 December 2020
January 28, 2022
I have to be honest. The cover was what made me notice this book at first. It's absolutely stunning!
This was a great read. I love cozy mysteries and this is text book cozy mystery. You have a lonely writer going to an empty cabin in the woods, all the small town charm with amazing secondary characters and a sexy cop, but not really cop. The mystery itself was also textbook but with enough twists and turns to make it interesting and refreshing. The romance of course left room for the mystery and I would've wanted a bit more of that part for it to be a full five star read. But overall this was really great.
Reread January 2022.
This was a great read. I love cozy mysteries and this is text book cozy mystery. You have a lonely writer going to an empty cabin in the woods, all the small town charm with amazing secondary characters and a sexy cop, but not really cop. The mystery itself was also textbook but with enough twists and turns to make it interesting and refreshing. The romance of course left room for the mystery and I would've wanted a bit more of that part for it to be a full five star read. But overall this was really great.
Reread January 2022.
February 11, 2021
Cozy mystery by Isabelle Adler. The arc is traditional: mystery writer moves to remote location and stumbles onto a murder. A town of quirky locals, including the bisexual law enforcement officer love interest. Around the midway point Adler throws in some nice twists which sets this one apart.
Isabelle Adler writes so nicely, and the book flows well - in fact I had a hard time putting it down. Hopefully, if this becomes a series Adler will continue to change up the plotlines, and keep it moving in a new and unique direction.
thank you to NetGalley and NineStar Press for an ARC of In The Winter Woods
Isabelle Adler writes so nicely, and the book flows well - in fact I had a hard time putting it down. Hopefully, if this becomes a series Adler will continue to change up the plotlines, and keep it moving in a new and unique direction.
thank you to NetGalley and NineStar Press for an ARC of In The Winter Woods
November 24, 2020
Note: I was given a complimentary ARC of this work in exchange for an honest review.
All right, I'll admit it, I was absolutely overjoyed when I was offered the opportunity for an ARC of this book. I am a big fan of Isabelle Adler's work, and when someone puts the words "cozy mystery" and "Christmas-themed M/M romance" together, I am there in a flash. So, as soon as the file could download to my Kindle, I nestled in beside the fire with a cup of tea (and once I finished that, a glass of wine) and slipped into the world that Adler had created.
Declan Kensington has a problem. Money is getting tight, his last book didn't do so well, and he needs a place to hole up and try to fix all of that in one fell swoop of a bestselling novel. He decides the cabin his parents owned, up on Lake Champlain, would be the perfect spot to do just that. It also helped that it's the only spot he can afford, as Manhattan is a smidge above the pay level of an author whose last book seems to have flopped.
One of the best things about Declan's adventure really winds up being the people in the small town of Maplewood, Vermont, is the depth of character they all seem to have. Most of the readers will be familiar with other holiday romance books and shows, with their menagerie of colorful but ultimately two-dimensional townspeople. Adler, however, has given the town depth and life, and each person met feels very much a character in their own right, not just another part of the background noise. In achieving this, Adler truly transports the reader. We are there with Declan as he gets his first doses of small town life and hospitality, and we feel the genuine interest (or lack thereof) that each character shows on our leading man.
Then, enter the handsome Public Safety Commissioner, Curtis Monroe. Small town grown, but with experience of the big city, Monroe is another part of Maplewood that really shines. In some ways, it feels like he represents the small town life he has come to love so much. He's slow to anger, welcoming to an extent, and doesn't always come off as inviting to those outside of the town. It's also interesting to note the absence of a "police force" in this town, a change that felt welcome in a time where police now take up a conflicted space in the public eye. It adds to the comfort, but in some instances the tension, of the story.
And, of course, we have to add a dead body. What's a comfy whodunit without a dead body to kick off the fun? As we all know from experience, once something exciting comes to a sleepy town, it certainly can't be let go, especially by an author looking for inspiration for his next novel. What follows are a few close calls, some electric moments of tension and romance between Declan and Curtis, and a whole lot of mystery that kept me engaged for the entire day. Once I started, I couldn't put it down until I had finished.
All in all, I really enjoyed this read. It has all the hallmarks of a warm, cozy mystery, with excitement and adventure, but at the same time the comfort of warm fires, hot beverages, and quiet romance. If you plan on cozying up with a good read this snowy season, I cannot recommend In the Winter Wood highly enough.
All right, I'll admit it, I was absolutely overjoyed when I was offered the opportunity for an ARC of this book. I am a big fan of Isabelle Adler's work, and when someone puts the words "cozy mystery" and "Christmas-themed M/M romance" together, I am there in a flash. So, as soon as the file could download to my Kindle, I nestled in beside the fire with a cup of tea (and once I finished that, a glass of wine) and slipped into the world that Adler had created.
Declan Kensington has a problem. Money is getting tight, his last book didn't do so well, and he needs a place to hole up and try to fix all of that in one fell swoop of a bestselling novel. He decides the cabin his parents owned, up on Lake Champlain, would be the perfect spot to do just that. It also helped that it's the only spot he can afford, as Manhattan is a smidge above the pay level of an author whose last book seems to have flopped.
One of the best things about Declan's adventure really winds up being the people in the small town of Maplewood, Vermont, is the depth of character they all seem to have. Most of the readers will be familiar with other holiday romance books and shows, with their menagerie of colorful but ultimately two-dimensional townspeople. Adler, however, has given the town depth and life, and each person met feels very much a character in their own right, not just another part of the background noise. In achieving this, Adler truly transports the reader. We are there with Declan as he gets his first doses of small town life and hospitality, and we feel the genuine interest (or lack thereof) that each character shows on our leading man.
Then, enter the handsome Public Safety Commissioner, Curtis Monroe. Small town grown, but with experience of the big city, Monroe is another part of Maplewood that really shines. In some ways, it feels like he represents the small town life he has come to love so much. He's slow to anger, welcoming to an extent, and doesn't always come off as inviting to those outside of the town. It's also interesting to note the absence of a "police force" in this town, a change that felt welcome in a time where police now take up a conflicted space in the public eye. It adds to the comfort, but in some instances the tension, of the story.
And, of course, we have to add a dead body. What's a comfy whodunit without a dead body to kick off the fun? As we all know from experience, once something exciting comes to a sleepy town, it certainly can't be let go, especially by an author looking for inspiration for his next novel. What follows are a few close calls, some electric moments of tension and romance between Declan and Curtis, and a whole lot of mystery that kept me engaged for the entire day. Once I started, I couldn't put it down until I had finished.
All in all, I really enjoyed this read. It has all the hallmarks of a warm, cozy mystery, with excitement and adventure, but at the same time the comfort of warm fires, hot beverages, and quiet romance. If you plan on cozying up with a good read this snowy season, I cannot recommend In the Winter Wood highly enough.
November 6, 2022
A festive cozy mystery with a hint of m/m-romance. I loved everything about it.
January 26, 2021
More plot holes than a crocheted blanket. Plus insta-relationship, and the glorification of carb-dense foods. Pleasant enough, but the first victim of my 2021 determination to have fewer 3-star books in my life. If it ain't edging towards four, it's a 2-star read. YMMV.
December 16, 2020
This was my first time trying a cosy mystery. I picked this book up on a whim because I wanted something Christmassy but also something out of my comfort zone, and I saw several very positive ARC reviews. I really enjoyed this book, and I think I may have to try some more books in the genre in 2021! I didn't feel as invested as I would have liked, though, especially in the romance.
dnf
December 15, 2020dnf @53%
I tried and tried but It just couldn't hold my attention. Boring and too obvious small town mystery. I didn't care about the MC and his subtle pining after the town's deputy. :/
I tried and tried but It just couldn't hold my attention. Boring and too obvious small town mystery. I didn't care about the MC and his subtle pining after the town's deputy. :/
December 15, 2020
2.5 stars
Cozy mysteries aren't my go-to genre, so if they're something you normally seek out keep that in mind:
I never got into this one, but it was solidly "fine" -- until the MC did something so ridiculously stupid at 37% that I would have DNF'd if I weren't reading this as an ARC! And he never got smarter. The man was just begging to be arrested or killed, and the only thing saving him from either was the fact that the love interest is so laid-back it crosses into unrealistic.
And I have no doubt that won't bother some readers, but it drove me insane!
The romance also managed to straddle both Glacial Slow-Burn and Insta-Commitment at the same time, and that's never a combo I can wrap my head around.
If none of those things bother you, and you're looking for a Christmas-themed cozy, go for it. If you require realism or intelligent MCs, I wouldn't recommend it.
**This book was provided for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley**
Cozy mysteries aren't my go-to genre, so if they're something you normally seek out keep that in mind:
I never got into this one, but it was solidly "fine" -- until the MC did something so ridiculously stupid at 37% that I would have DNF'd if I weren't reading this as an ARC! And he never got smarter. The man was just begging to be arrested or killed, and the only thing saving him from either was the fact that the love interest is so laid-back it crosses into unrealistic.
And I have no doubt that won't bother some readers, but it drove me insane!
The romance also managed to straddle both Glacial Slow-Burn and Insta-Commitment at the same time, and that's never a combo I can wrap my head around.
If none of those things bother you, and you're looking for a Christmas-themed cozy, go for it. If you require realism or intelligent MCs, I wouldn't recommend it.
**This book was provided for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley**
November 30, 2022
This was adorable! I think it was a solid mix of romance and mystery, however the romance was a little instalovey for what I typically read.
January 26, 2021
3.5 stars (hello yes this is the most delayed RTC ever, welcome, welcome...)
This story read like an episode of one of your favourite murder/monster-of-the-week tv series, where y'know, sometimes it's not always gold, but you've binging the whole series multiple times because its just so dang comforting and adorable.
Well now, add a m|m romance to that murder mystery and you've got In the Winter Woods. This. Was. Adorable. But not, thankfully, cheesy. It actually had some kinda creepy moments every time Declan received an ominous new death threat, as well as a great use of humour that wasn't on the nose, or a TOO predictable plot (I mean, I figured it out a chapter before you're supposed to so I can't be too harsh).
And speaking of our two leads... I have never so easily had such a clear picture in mind of not only the main characters, but of all the secondary characters and the town, as I have with this book. If you've ever watched Haven (which you should), this cute little secluded town felt a lot like that, but... well... in the woods.
Declan was snarky and cute - a little naive I guess considering he was supposed to have written a dozen action/crime stories, but I'll let it slide coz he wasn't ridiculously dumb about it.
(I feel like I get some bonus points considering Daniel Maslany plays a detective on Murdoch Mysteries, yes...????? :3 )
Ok, now Curtis. CURTIS. HAHAHAHAHA
I feel like he was just MEANT to be seen as Chris Evans, I mean practically all of his descriptions make him out to be a Steve Rogers kinda guy, and lemme tell you – I sure as hell aint complaining. HE EVEN WORE A SWEATER AT THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS. C'MON...!!!!
Anyway yeah idk go read it now, or read it at Christmas for extra cozy vibes coz it's definitely worth it.
Y'know what, I'm changing my review. 4 wholesome, Christmas gingerbread stars..!
This story read like an episode of one of your favourite murder/monster-of-the-week tv series, where y'know, sometimes it's not always gold, but you've binging the whole series multiple times because its just so dang comforting and adorable.
Well now, add a m|m romance to that murder mystery and you've got In the Winter Woods. This. Was. Adorable. But not, thankfully, cheesy. It actually had some kinda creepy moments every time Declan received an ominous new death threat, as well as a great use of humour that wasn't on the nose, or a TOO predictable plot (I mean, I figured it out a chapter before you're supposed to so I can't be too harsh).
And speaking of our two leads... I have never so easily had such a clear picture in mind of not only the main characters, but of all the secondary characters and the town, as I have with this book. If you've ever watched Haven (which you should), this cute little secluded town felt a lot like that, but... well... in the woods.
Declan was snarky and cute - a little naive I guess considering he was supposed to have written a dozen action/crime stories, but I'll let it slide coz he wasn't ridiculously dumb about it.
(I feel like I get some bonus points considering Daniel Maslany plays a detective on Murdoch Mysteries, yes...????? :3 )
Ok, now Curtis. CURTIS. HAHAHAHAHA
I feel like he was just MEANT to be seen as Chris Evans, I mean practically all of his descriptions make him out to be a Steve Rogers kinda guy, and lemme tell you – I sure as hell aint complaining. HE EVEN WORE A SWEATER AT THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS. C'MON...!!!!
Anyway yeah idk go read it now, or read it at Christmas for extra cozy vibes coz it's definitely worth it.
Y'know what, I'm changing my review. 4 wholesome, Christmas gingerbread stars..!
December 14, 2020
In The Winter Woods
By: Isabelle Adler
The first thing that caught my eye with this book is the cover. It is beautiful and so cozy, it immediately made me want to read this book. Adler is a new author for me and the story sounded like one I’d enjoy. I love mysteries and cozy mysteries are some of my favorites.
This story is set in a small, idealistic town in Vermont at Christmas. Declan is a writer with a bad case of writers block and a need for a new idea to help his career. He comes to Maplewood to stay at his family’s vacation cabin hoping to be struck with inspiration. What he encounters is more writers block and being wrapped up in a murder.
In the midst of all of this he meets the towns public safety commissioner, Curtis Monroe. When they first meet it starts off on the wrong foot and when Declan is a suspect in the murder it doesn’t endear him to Monroe. The more they get to know each other though a camaraderie of sorts forms as well as an attraction.
This has all the makings of a cozy mystery and it was well written. I enjoyed the story and the mystery as well as the relationship that developed. Being a cozy mystery the relationship takes a backseat to the murders but everything wraps up beautifully.
I will be looking into more of Isabelle Adler’s books. I thought this was such a great read and a wonderful introduction to her writing.
**I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley for review
By: Isabelle Adler
The first thing that caught my eye with this book is the cover. It is beautiful and so cozy, it immediately made me want to read this book. Adler is a new author for me and the story sounded like one I’d enjoy. I love mysteries and cozy mysteries are some of my favorites.
This story is set in a small, idealistic town in Vermont at Christmas. Declan is a writer with a bad case of writers block and a need for a new idea to help his career. He comes to Maplewood to stay at his family’s vacation cabin hoping to be struck with inspiration. What he encounters is more writers block and being wrapped up in a murder.
In the midst of all of this he meets the towns public safety commissioner, Curtis Monroe. When they first meet it starts off on the wrong foot and when Declan is a suspect in the murder it doesn’t endear him to Monroe. The more they get to know each other though a camaraderie of sorts forms as well as an attraction.
This has all the makings of a cozy mystery and it was well written. I enjoyed the story and the mystery as well as the relationship that developed. Being a cozy mystery the relationship takes a backseat to the murders but everything wraps up beautifully.
I will be looking into more of Isabelle Adler’s books. I thought this was such a great read and a wonderful introduction to her writing.
**I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley for review
Read
December 11, 2021Cover Artist: Natasha Snow
Category: Romance
Genre: Contemporary (Holiday, Mystery)
Word Count: 61800
Sex Content: N/A
Pairing: MM
Orientation: Bisexual, Gay
Identity: Cisgender
Warning: Warnings for description of violence, physical injury, murders of secondary characters (off-page), deceased parents, dealing with grief
Available for purchase:
NSP: https://ninestarpress.com/product/in-...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PYTLK9W/
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/in-t...
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-t...
If you enjoyed In the Winter Woods, here's a tiny little bonus epilogue about Declan and Curtis sharing a cozy Christmas morning together. 😊
https://isabelleadler.com/winterwoods...
Category: Romance
Genre: Contemporary (Holiday, Mystery)
Word Count: 61800
Sex Content: N/A
Pairing: MM
Orientation: Bisexual, Gay
Identity: Cisgender
Warning: Warnings for description of violence, physical injury, murders of secondary characters (off-page), deceased parents, dealing with grief
Available for purchase:
NSP: https://ninestarpress.com/product/in-...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PYTLK9W/
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/in-t...
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-t...
If you enjoyed In the Winter Woods, here's a tiny little bonus epilogue about Declan and Curtis sharing a cozy Christmas morning together. 😊
https://isabelleadler.com/winterwoods...
December 13, 2020
Awwwww daym! I needed a break from lesfic and what better to do than to read a small town cozy gay murder mystery. This was such a cute and wonderfully awkward read with just the right amount of feels.
Declan is so cute and awkward and we are in his head the whole time and it is wonderful. I fell in love with him just as much as he fell hard for the cool yet OMG sexy Commissioner Curtis Monroe.
Fellow travelers, this book has it all. The whole small-town web of interlocking interests and scandals, tons of suspicious activity and fun red herrings, plus a really cute and sweet gay romance happening through all the murder and corruption.
Declan is awkward and super cute. The way he thinks about things is hard-hitting at times and heart wrenching at others. The angst is pretty much non-existent and gives a smooth, engaging read. As for the sexiness of this read, it’s
small and doesn’t go far. Still, I liked how the relationship unfolded. This story kept me guessing until the climax and had a satisfying and sweet resolution.
The only thing I can suggest to improve this is have an American editor scour this for Britishisms. The worst offenders are in the first few chapters, but there was a lot of Declan saying “Right” instead of “Yeah” or “Okay”
and the fact that the shovel used for removing snow and actually bludgeoning people to death are actually really different from each other.
Still, I really enjoyed this read and it hit all the happy buttons for both the mystery and romance novel lover in me. I kind of wish for a smutty epilogue with Declan and his favorite law-enforcement Commissioner, but I can only hope.
My rating: 4.9 stars
I received this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Declan is so cute and awkward and we are in his head the whole time and it is wonderful. I fell in love with him just as much as he fell hard for the cool yet OMG sexy Commissioner Curtis Monroe.
Fellow travelers, this book has it all. The whole small-town web of interlocking interests and scandals, tons of suspicious activity and fun red herrings, plus a really cute and sweet gay romance happening through all the murder and corruption.
Declan is awkward and super cute. The way he thinks about things is hard-hitting at times and heart wrenching at others. The angst is pretty much non-existent and gives a smooth, engaging read. As for the sexiness of this read, it’s
small and doesn’t go far. Still, I liked how the relationship unfolded. This story kept me guessing until the climax and had a satisfying and sweet resolution.
The only thing I can suggest to improve this is have an American editor scour this for Britishisms. The worst offenders are in the first few chapters, but there was a lot of Declan saying “Right” instead of “Yeah” or “Okay”
and the fact that the shovel used for removing snow and actually bludgeoning people to death are actually really different from each other.
Still, I really enjoyed this read and it hit all the happy buttons for both the mystery and romance novel lover in me. I kind of wish for a smutty epilogue with Declan and his favorite law-enforcement Commissioner, but I can only hope.
My rating: 4.9 stars
I received this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 29, 2023
Cosy queer Christmas mystery
This was a delightful story that left me feeling all warm & fuzzy inside (despite the, you know, murder...)
Declan is highly relatable (even if - or especially because - he makes a few questionable choices) & I found myself rooting for him & Curtis from the start.
The pacing manages to balance out the murder mystery elements with the more domestic scenes, meaning the story keeps moving whilst also giving us a chance to get to know these characters & spend time with them.
Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a cosy mystery to read this Christmas!
This was a delightful story that left me feeling all warm & fuzzy inside (despite the, you know, murder...)
Declan is highly relatable (even if - or especially because - he makes a few questionable choices) & I found myself rooting for him & Curtis from the start.
The pacing manages to balance out the murder mystery elements with the more domestic scenes, meaning the story keeps moving whilst also giving us a chance to get to know these characters & spend time with them.
Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a cosy mystery to read this Christmas!
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December 24, 2020DNF @ 61%. I’m afraid I was unconvinced by both the mystery aspect and the romance aspect. The former relied on several characters being too stupid to live, while the latter was both slow and insta, which I didn’t think was possible. The writing was good though, so I might something else by this author if the premise grabbed me.
* I received an ARC from Netgalley.
* I received an ARC from Netgalley.
December 3, 2020
I don't read a lot of holiday-themed books, but I couldn't pass this one up. I'm a fan of Isabelle Adler's writing and was thrilled to see this book!
Declan is a mystery writer, but he's come up against writer's block and a real lack of vision for his stories. His last book wasn't a success, and he heads out to his parent's old cabin for some rest, relaxation and a quiet environment to write. The small town he arrives in is just as he remembers, and Maplewood's residents are quirky and interesting.
Things don't go quite as Declan expects! First of all, he receives some threatening messages at the cabin telling him that he needs to go away "Or else". This leads the way for Declan to get engage the services of Public Safety Commissioner Curtis Monroe. As soon as there's a dead body involved, things get complicated for Declan ... and a little disturbing. He puts his mystery-writer skills to work to try and solve the case in Maplewood. Of course, he shouldn't be involved in the solving of any crimes at all and Curtis attempts to keep distance between them.
This isn't an in-your-face romance - and I loved that about it! Declan is interested in Curtis when he meets him, but this is a slow-burn romance with a reason! Because Curtis is working on a case, he vows to keep things professional between him and Declan. I enjoyed his sense of right or wrong and the fact that he wanted to keep Declan from even the perception of conflict of interest.
Declan is a very interesting character. He's still grieving the loss of his parents and Isabelle does a great job of exploring that. Declan's grief isn't just about the loss of his parents... it's about the loss of "family". He will never be part of a whole family again.... and he's on the run. He's honest about his shortcomings... at least, he's honest with himself. I liked spending some time in. his head.
Isabelle has hit a pitch-perfect balance of the elements in this book. There is some romance and there's an intriguing mystery with a bit of danger. The small town is full of interesting supporting characters, and the descriptions of the lovely winter landscape made me long for a snowy retreat.
This is definitely one to add to your list for the holidays!
Declan is a mystery writer, but he's come up against writer's block and a real lack of vision for his stories. His last book wasn't a success, and he heads out to his parent's old cabin for some rest, relaxation and a quiet environment to write. The small town he arrives in is just as he remembers, and Maplewood's residents are quirky and interesting.
Things don't go quite as Declan expects! First of all, he receives some threatening messages at the cabin telling him that he needs to go away "Or else". This leads the way for Declan to get engage the services of Public Safety Commissioner Curtis Monroe. As soon as there's a dead body involved, things get complicated for Declan ... and a little disturbing. He puts his mystery-writer skills to work to try and solve the case in Maplewood. Of course, he shouldn't be involved in the solving of any crimes at all and Curtis attempts to keep distance between them.
This isn't an in-your-face romance - and I loved that about it! Declan is interested in Curtis when he meets him, but this is a slow-burn romance with a reason! Because Curtis is working on a case, he vows to keep things professional between him and Declan. I enjoyed his sense of right or wrong and the fact that he wanted to keep Declan from even the perception of conflict of interest.
Declan is a very interesting character. He's still grieving the loss of his parents and Isabelle does a great job of exploring that. Declan's grief isn't just about the loss of his parents... it's about the loss of "family". He will never be part of a whole family again.... and he's on the run. He's honest about his shortcomings... at least, he's honest with himself. I liked spending some time in. his head.
Isabelle has hit a pitch-perfect balance of the elements in this book. There is some romance and there's an intriguing mystery with a bit of danger. The small town is full of interesting supporting characters, and the descriptions of the lovely winter landscape made me long for a snowy retreat.
This is definitely one to add to your list for the holidays!
November 13, 2021
2.5 stars. I’ve seen this book described as a ‘cozy mystery’ and it’s pretty spot on. Small town Winter vibes, an easily solved mystery, a lukewarm romance. It was okay. A nice palate cleanser.
December 5, 2021
christmas is gonna be gay this year sorry i don’t make the rules
December 22, 2022
this was so cute.
cozy mysteries are unironically starting to become one of my favorite genres (surely a comfort one) and i would read them way more often if only there were more that are queer. the m/m relationship here doesn't really add anything to the plot, i'm just glad it was there — also declan is an adorable mc, i saw a lot of myself in him (my insecurities, my writing process, my fruitiness). he and his love interest curtis have great chemistry and the way they start to woo over each other felt a little cringy at times but also well constructed for such a short book.
it's not the thriller of the century but i'm happy i chose it over thousands of hallmark-type rom-coms. i can't with just sugar and spice and everything nice, i need a little chill to keep me interested in reading. even at christmas.
cozy mysteries are unironically starting to become one of my favorite genres (surely a comfort one) and i would read them way more often if only there were more that are queer. the m/m relationship here doesn't really add anything to the plot, i'm just glad it was there — also declan is an adorable mc, i saw a lot of myself in him (my insecurities, my writing process, my fruitiness). he and his love interest curtis have great chemistry and the way they start to woo over each other felt a little cringy at times but also well constructed for such a short book.
it's not the thriller of the century but i'm happy i chose it over thousands of hallmark-type rom-coms. i can't with just sugar and spice and everything nice, i need a little chill to keep me interested in reading. even at christmas.
December 9, 2023
The premise was fun, the execution needed work.
The murder mystery was unconvincing and unsatisfying, and the romance equally so, largely because the LI has less personality than a graffitied lamp post.
First, the murder mystery: the evidence and hints we get for whos the murderer is revealed to the audience at the same time that it becomes relevant - there's no Chekov's gun, no place for us to figure it out before the lead does. I ended up not super invested in trying to puzzle anything out or getting too into the mystery because it didn't matter, it would just be spoon-fed to me later. There's a few loops here and there like that were thrown in just to add twists that didn't end up mattering at all, and adding nothing to the story besides contrived drama that feels like wasted time because, again, it didn't matter . It didn't affect the lead, the romance, or the mystery with any long term consequence. Maybe if it had ended up that it might have been more interesting. We would have had a reason that the lead was invested in solving it himself in the first place, and more tension for the romance. The murderer's motivations and methods also made very little sense to me.
The romance wasn't really enough to distract from the mystery. Curtis is so goddamn bland. If I'm being honest, already puts me off, you're going to have to convince me to like him by sheer force of personality. Unfortunately, no. He doesn't do anything that literally any other cop/person wouldn't have done. He's just a decent guy and that's kind of all we ever know about him, and his entire character motivation. There was no actual tension between the two of them, I didn't particularly care if he and Declan ended up together.
Also, for Declan's book.
It just... It felt like a rough draft in a published trenchcoat. I could see it being a lot better with some elaboration and a lot more editing. I'm still giving it two stars because, again, the cozy mystery vibes were there, they just needed some polishing.
Read as a Buddy Read for Reading Rainbow, and LGBTQ+ books discord server - discord.gg/eqeuR9k9Tp
The murder mystery was unconvincing and unsatisfying, and the romance equally so, largely because the LI has less personality than a graffitied lamp post.
First, the murder mystery: the evidence and hints we get for whos the murderer is revealed to the audience at the same time that it becomes relevant - there's no Chekov's gun, no place for us to figure it out before the lead does. I ended up not super invested in trying to puzzle anything out or getting too into the mystery because it didn't matter, it would just be spoon-fed to me later. There's a few loops here and there like that were thrown in just to add twists that didn't end up mattering at all, and adding nothing to the story besides contrived drama that feels like wasted time because, again, it didn't matter . It didn't affect the lead, the romance, or the mystery with any long term consequence. Maybe if it had ended up that it might have been more interesting. We would have had a reason that the lead was invested in solving it himself in the first place, and more tension for the romance. The murderer's motivations and methods also made very little sense to me.
The romance wasn't really enough to distract from the mystery. Curtis is so goddamn bland. If I'm being honest, already puts me off, you're going to have to convince me to like him by sheer force of personality. Unfortunately, no. He doesn't do anything that literally any other cop/person wouldn't have done. He's just a decent guy and that's kind of all we ever know about him, and his entire character motivation. There was no actual tension between the two of them, I didn't particularly care if he and Declan ended up together.
Also, for Declan's book.
It just... It felt like a rough draft in a published trenchcoat. I could see it being a lot better with some elaboration and a lot more editing. I'm still giving it two stars because, again, the cozy mystery vibes were there, they just needed some polishing.
Read as a Buddy Read for Reading Rainbow, and LGBTQ+ books discord server - discord.gg/eqeuR9k9Tp
December 16, 2020
When searching for Christmas books, I stumbled upon this book and...well let’s be real, it was the cover that lured me in.
When I saw that it’s none of your usual cheesy, cute Christmas romance but in fact a queer Christmas murder mystery I was immediately hyped.
Dead body’s turning up instead of reading about people making romantic Christmas stuff: I am here for it.
It’s a rather short book with about 250 pages but it was absolutely enough to tell a gripping story about murder in a small village.
I really liked the protagonists, constantly procrastinating, so relatable. Afraid, but still so brave. And falling head over heels for the small town cop.
Up until about 70% in I had not a single clue who the killer was, but I suspected everybody in the meantime! I loved the ending, not too dramatic but still shocking.
The only thing that could have been better was a secret that was too obvious, because of a conversation right at the beginning of the book. So for me it sadly didn’t come as a surprise.
But all in all I really liked this, it was a quick and fun read and a cool twist for a Christmas story!
When I saw that it’s none of your usual cheesy, cute Christmas romance but in fact a queer Christmas murder mystery I was immediately hyped.
Dead body’s turning up instead of reading about people making romantic Christmas stuff: I am here for it.
It’s a rather short book with about 250 pages but it was absolutely enough to tell a gripping story about murder in a small village.
I really liked the protagonists, constantly procrastinating, so relatable. Afraid, but still so brave. And falling head over heels for the small town cop.
Up until about 70% in I had not a single clue who the killer was, but I suspected everybody in the meantime! I loved the ending, not too dramatic but still shocking.
The only thing that could have been better was a secret that was too obvious, because of a conversation right at the beginning of the book. So for me it sadly didn’t come as a surprise.
But all in all I really liked this, it was a quick and fun read and a cool twist for a Christmas story!
December 4, 2023
I really wanted to like this. A cozy mystery with a queer romance is definitely up my alley! This book, however, failed to deliver on a few fronts. The mystery itself made very little sense, with too many threads that weren’t tied together. I saw some reviews complaining about characters acting irrationally, but that part I can forgive — I don’t feel that any of the ‘irrational’ actions were outside the realm of possible reactions for a real person in those situations. But that doesn’t make the mystery suddenly interesting — the first interesting thing happened over three-quarters of the way into the book.
For a book with a wide potential supporting cast, the townspeople weren’t well fleshed out. Their motivations felt cartoonish and unreal, and it made it difficult to connect or understand things. There could’ve been more examining the financial issues that are clearly plaguing this town’s economy, rather than brushing over that half the characters are in some form of financial distress. And the way the author described characters over 30 (which… was every character…) felt really weird, as if someone in their 40s is ancient.
Now, I did read this book in three days — it isn’t very long, but that is quick for me, because the book was very readable! It asked very little of me as a reader, and so was very easy to just flip through quickly. If that’s what you’re looking for, this is a great book for it. It’s a simple, easy cozy mystery with a pretty standard romance element.
For a book with a wide potential supporting cast, the townspeople weren’t well fleshed out. Their motivations felt cartoonish and unreal, and it made it difficult to connect or understand things. There could’ve been more examining the financial issues that are clearly plaguing this town’s economy, rather than brushing over that half the characters are in some form of financial distress. And the way the author described characters over 30 (which… was every character…) felt really weird, as if someone in their 40s is ancient.
Now, I did read this book in three days — it isn’t very long, but that is quick for me, because the book was very readable! It asked very little of me as a reader, and so was very easy to just flip through quickly. If that’s what you’re looking for, this is a great book for it. It’s a simple, easy cozy mystery with a pretty standard romance element.
March 10, 2021
An entertaining and engrossing cozy mystery.
I liked the solid mystery that kept me guessing, the interesting and fleshed out characters, and the lovely setting.
It's highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I liked the solid mystery that kept me guessing, the interesting and fleshed out characters, and the lovely setting.
It's highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
November 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this. Great mystery that really kept me guessing. Cute little side romance as well.
December 14, 2025
This book is trying to be a murder mystery and a sweet Christmas romance at the same time. It feels like someone took the pages of two different books and shuffled them together.
January 20, 2021
If you’re looking for a wintertime cozy mystery, this hits all the notes. Adler does a fantastic job of painting an atmospheric picture and creates a well-rounded cast of small-town characters. If you enjoy trying to piece together “whodunnit” then you’ll like this one as it wasn’t so easy to guess.
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January 28, 2024Can’t bring myself to read anything other than mystery books that I can finish in an afternoon but as far as those go I have no complaints about this at all
March 17, 2021
It's been a while since I read a mystery book, and this was a great book to get back into the genre. Once the story picked up, I was unable to put the book down. It is a classic type of murder mystery that gives you enough clues to keep you guessing, but not enough to pick out the murderer right away.
I'm not a fan of stories written in first person, but this book executes it very well. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Declan, we see the reactions and suspicious actions of other characters which give us more insight into what's going on. Meanwhile, Declan remains clueless at times as he's more focused on his crush on the commissioner. It made for interesting moments where I would be frustrated (in a good way) with Declan for missing something so obvious, but it just made him so human and relatable.
If you enjoy classic mysteries with the addition of M/M rommance, I recommend reading this book.
I'm not a fan of stories written in first person, but this book executes it very well. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Declan, we see the reactions and suspicious actions of other characters which give us more insight into what's going on. Meanwhile, Declan remains clueless at times as he's more focused on his crush on the commissioner. It made for interesting moments where I would be frustrated (in a good way) with Declan for missing something so obvious, but it just made him so human and relatable.
If you enjoy classic mysteries with the addition of M/M rommance, I recommend reading this book.
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