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Hark! A Homicide: A Cozy Mystery Christmas Novella
When a dead elf threatens to spoil Pine Grove’s Christmas, being on Santa’s naughty list is the least of Mattie’s worries.
Mattie Modesky and her best friend are planning the 25th annual Christmas toy drive and charity dinner. Days away from the celebration, Mattie discovers a dead body—an elf—in the toy donation box. The elf is really a small-time hoodlum, and the killer is Santa Claus. Not the real Santa, obviously.
Mattie’s husband, Mo, the chief of police, sustains a shoulder injury in a scuffle with the fake Santa. Now he’s out of commission, and the toys have been confiscated as evidence. Mo suspects Mattie’s stepfather, Lazy Lou, and it’s up to her to prove Lou’s innocence, figure out why the town councilwoman is railroading Mo into retirement, and solve the caper so she can get the celebration back on track.
Mattie Modesky and her best friend are planning the 25th annual Christmas toy drive and charity dinner. Days away from the celebration, Mattie discovers a dead body—an elf—in the toy donation box. The elf is really a small-time hoodlum, and the killer is Santa Claus. Not the real Santa, obviously.
Mattie’s husband, Mo, the chief of police, sustains a shoulder injury in a scuffle with the fake Santa. Now he’s out of commission, and the toys have been confiscated as evidence. Mo suspects Mattie’s stepfather, Lazy Lou, and it’s up to her to prove Lou’s innocence, figure out why the town councilwoman is railroading Mo into retirement, and solve the caper so she can get the celebration back on track.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2020
28 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 26, 2021
Good short cozy mystery.
May 12, 2025
Entertaining mystery listening 👨❤️💋👨😎
This kindle ebook novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account
She husband the police chief is injured during a murder. A woman on the board is pressing to have him retire. The law continues to ask questions leading to the arrest of the killers.
I would recommend this novella and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationships mystery novels 😏😮 2025 🐕🌜
This kindle ebook novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account
She husband the police chief is injured during a murder. A woman on the board is pressing to have him retire. The law continues to ask questions leading to the arrest of the killers.
I would recommend this novella and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationships mystery novels 😏😮 2025 🐕🌜
January 28, 2024
Aw. Short and sweet.
This story is short and sweet.
I recommend this to anyone who doesn't love long stories all the time. I think short stories are cool and weren't too short either.
This story is short and sweet.
I recommend this to anyone who doesn't love long stories all the time. I think short stories are cool and weren't too short either.
December 23, 2024
This was a cute cozy mystery 🥰 I love Max lol 🐶 now off to read the 2nd book ☺️📖
~ E📖
~ E📖
December 23, 2024
3.5⭐️
A cozy pet mystery.
A wife’s love and need to protect her injured husband leads her to becoming an amateur sleuth.
A cozy pet mystery.
A wife’s love and need to protect her injured husband leads her to becoming an amateur sleuth.
December 20, 2020
Cute short and easy read.
January 1, 2021
This is a great start to a new series by Tricia Sanders. This entertaining novella introduces us to the main characters, Mattie and Mo Modesky. Mo, is the Chief of Police in their small town of Pine Grove, a small, loyal community. When Mo suddenly has to take on patrol duty at night, Mattie is concerned as it’s been a while since Mo had been on patrol. Putting it aside, it is a small town after all, Mattie, and her best friend, Lizabeth, concentrate on their plans for their 25th Annual Christmas Toy Drive and charity dinner. When Mo can’t be reached by phone or by dispatch Mattie knows he is in danger. Mattie and Lizbeth head off to locate Mo. Not only do they find an injured Mo, Mattie also finds a dead elf in the toy donation box! With a councilwoman after Mo’s job, a crooked cop on the case, and the toys taken into evidence, Mattie realizes it’s up to her to thwart the councilwoman’s plans of getting Mo to retire and save the Christmas toy drive.
This is a fun Christmas novella, a quick read, and a great introduction to a new series! The main characters, Mattie and Mo, are likeable, and as husband wife will make a great team in future adventures. This is the perfect holiday cozy to take you away from all the hustle and bustle of the season. With this quick peak into a new series, I can’t wait for the first full book! Another winning series for Ms. Sanders.
This is a fun Christmas novella, a quick read, and a great introduction to a new series! The main characters, Mattie and Mo, are likeable, and as husband wife will make a great team in future adventures. This is the perfect holiday cozy to take you away from all the hustle and bustle of the season. With this quick peak into a new series, I can’t wait for the first full book! Another winning series for Ms. Sanders.
December 19, 2020
When Mo, the popular sheriff of Pine Grove is injured during a murder investigation, his wife Mattie is determined to find out what's going on in their small town while he recovers and find out why a new councilwoman wants him to retire. Not going to happen on Mattie's watch!
This was the perfect introduction to a new cozy mystery series that's full of mystery, humor, lovable characters and a dog named Max that will steal your heart. I love mysteries where couples work together to solve mysteries. The Christmas storyline will melt your heart!
A perfect holiday cozy mystery! I can't wait for the second adventure!
This was the perfect introduction to a new cozy mystery series that's full of mystery, humor, lovable characters and a dog named Max that will steal your heart. I love mysteries where couples work together to solve mysteries. The Christmas storyline will melt your heart!
A perfect holiday cozy mystery! I can't wait for the second adventure!
June 5, 2022
What a fun prequel to a new to me series! I really loved Mattie and Mo's characters. He might've been a little grumpy (heck who wouldn't be with a busted up shoulder caused by a killer, right?), but he sure loved Mattie, and I could tell she was crazy about her Mo. I recommend having a tissue or two ready for the ending because it's both sad and sweet!
As soon as I free up a slot in my Kindle Unlimited, I'm going to borrow the first book. This book's available on Amazon, or in my case, I found it on one of those free multi-author promotions from BookFunnel. I voluntarily chose to read and review a copy of this book, and my opinions are my own.
As soon as I free up a slot in my Kindle Unlimited, I'm going to borrow the first book. This book's available on Amazon, or in my case, I found it on one of those free multi-author promotions from BookFunnel. I voluntarily chose to read and review a copy of this book, and my opinions are my own.
April 3, 2021
Hark! A Homicide by Tricia L. Sanders is a Novella that tells the adventures of Mattie and Mo. Christmas is in the air and Mattie and her best friend, Lizabeth are getting ready for the 25th annual Christmas toy drive and charity dinner. Days before the celebration Mattie finds a dead body in the toy donation box while trying to find her husband, Mo, the chief of police. Mattie finds Mo unconscious with a dislocated shoulder. If the stray dog hadn't intervened Mo not be alive. Mattie named the dog, Max. Who killed the person in the donation box? Could Lou, Mattie's stepfather be part of it?
I had just finished Flea Market Felony and had to get the back story of Mattie and Mo. This was a funny Novella to read with wonderful characters.
I had just finished Flea Market Felony and had to get the back story of Mattie and Mo. This was a funny Novella to read with wonderful characters.
February 12, 2022
Faith and Hope
A very heart warming mystery, brings surprises to everyone. From a murder, to a protective street angle. To injuries on the job, to two old
enemies who decide on what's most important in life. Let's not forget
the towns Christmas mirical, and a street angle who protects his only
true friend, by unselfishly protecting her with his life. This was one mystery
that keeps you guessing, and giving you true Christmas Spirit that will
touch your heart. Read it now, a wonderful story to curll up on the couch
on a rainy day with hot chocolate. You'll find your self reading this one
to the end, with a smile on your face.
Debra H.
A very heart warming mystery, brings surprises to everyone. From a murder, to a protective street angle. To injuries on the job, to two old
enemies who decide on what's most important in life. Let's not forget
the towns Christmas mirical, and a street angle who protects his only
true friend, by unselfishly protecting her with his life. This was one mystery
that keeps you guessing, and giving you true Christmas Spirit that will
touch your heart. Read it now, a wonderful story to curll up on the couch
on a rainy day with hot chocolate. You'll find your self reading this one
to the end, with a smile on your face.
Debra H.
October 29, 2023
Cute cozy mystery
This is the first time for me reading this Author. I really liked this cozy mystery set at Christmastime. I enjoyed the characters. It was different for me to read a story that was about an older married couple. The ones I read usually have a single young woman starting over in a new place. That's all good but this was a nice change. I really enjoyed the touching part at the end after the mystery was solved. I'll be reading the next one to see what other trouble Mattie and Mo can find.
This is the first time for me reading this Author. I really liked this cozy mystery set at Christmastime. I enjoyed the characters. It was different for me to read a story that was about an older married couple. The ones I read usually have a single young woman starting over in a new place. That's all good but this was a nice change. I really enjoyed the touching part at the end after the mystery was solved. I'll be reading the next one to see what other trouble Mattie and Mo can find.
March 24, 2024
This was a quick novella. The main characters are Mattie and her hubby Mo, the chief of police. It is just before Christmas and Mo is hurt in the line of duty. There is also a woman on the town board that wants to see him retire. While trying to keep things from Mo, Mattie is also in charge of the dinner and gift giving to the poor kids. Some of the toys are being held by a dirty cop and he says they be coming out any time soon. She has no idea how to work this all out, With her help can the police figure it out and all before Christmas ?
February 15, 2021
This is a great start to a new series. Mo is the Chief of Police in their small town.
Mattie and Lizbeth are finishing up plans for their 25th Annual Christmas Toy drive and charity dinner.
A fun novella, quick read full of humor and mystery.
Mattie and Lizbeth are finishing up plans for their 25th Annual Christmas Toy drive and charity dinner.
A fun novella, quick read full of humor and mystery.
March 15, 2022
A great Christmas mystery that will keep you guessing. It also is full of the
Christmas love and spirit,that brings the whole town together and a four
legend angle that gets a forever home. Read it now and the next books after.
Debra H.
Christmas love and spirit,that brings the whole town together and a four
legend angle that gets a forever home. Read it now and the next books after.
Debra H.
October 24, 2022
Cute Short Story
I liked this story. Solid cozy with spunky and spicy dialog. The characters were brought to life and I loved the addition of Max, the dog. Looking forward to future stories of Mattie, Mo, and Max!
I liked this story. Solid cozy with spunky and spicy dialog. The characters were brought to life and I loved the addition of Max, the dog. Looking forward to future stories of Mattie, Mo, and Max!
January 30, 2024
Better Than Expected
I loved the length of this story. It made for a quick, easy read for someone in need of a distraction. The story line was not what I anticipated based on the title. But I enjoyed laughs, smirks, and even a few tugs to the heart strings along the way.
I loved the length of this story. It made for a quick, easy read for someone in need of a distraction. The story line was not what I anticipated based on the title. But I enjoyed laughs, smirks, and even a few tugs to the heart strings along the way.
December 20, 2020
Hark homicide
Good little short story. I really enjoyed the characters and could really relate to the main ones. It really is a wonderful Christmas story
Good little short story. I really enjoyed the characters and could really relate to the main ones. It really is a wonderful Christmas story
April 27, 2021
Getting to know Mattie and Mo
I read book one of the Mattie and Mo mysteries first so it was fun to read this and learn more about the characters.
I read book one of the Mattie and Mo mysteries first so it was fun to read this and learn more about the characters.
March 6, 2022
This was a cute mystery prequel to a series that I will look for more books in. I enjoyed meeting the characters.
November 3, 2022
I’m not usually a fan of novellas, but this is the best novella I have read. It is concise, charming and the plot pace is perfect. I had to buy book 1 in the series and hope there are more ahead.
August 6, 2023
A true cozy mystery
This was an easy quick read. I liked the storyline and characters. Hopefully there are more books in this series, as I would like to read more.
This was an easy quick read. I liked the storyline and characters. Hopefully there are more books in this series, as I would like to read more.
December 30, 2023
Cozy mystery that made me wonder if it's the beginning of a series or number 11? Odd but quick read.
December 22, 2024
Short beautiful mystery
So sweet made me cry in a good way. Nice quick Christmas read. Loving family shines and standing up to bullies.
So sweet made me cry in a good way. Nice quick Christmas read. Loving family shines and standing up to bullies.
December 25, 2024
I didn't realize until the end it was a Novella which exains why it was so fast paced and.... Blunt? Wasn't a fan of this one. It just was awkward and not good.
January 6, 2025
Christmas mystery
A nice mystery . Good old holiday Christmas mystery and the mystery of who did it and how . Shocking and heart felt ending
A nice mystery . Good old holiday Christmas mystery and the mystery of who did it and how . Shocking and heart felt ending
January 17, 2025
This was a holiday themed novella from Kindle Unlimited. I picked it up to continue with my Goodreads reading goal that I was SO CLOSE to hitting. I was looking for something light and cozy.
Mo and Mattie are older. Mo is the police chief but should be retiring soon. Mattie doesn't want to push him, but there is a new woman in town that thinks he is incapable and should give up the role. Before Christmas a murder occurs and in the process Mo gets hurt. Mo is stubborn, but now bed-ridden for a bit while the others on the force try to solve the crime. To try to alleviate some of Mo's complaining Mattie tries to help and insert herself to find out more for him.
This was a good, short, cozy, mystery - I liked the small town. It brings everyone together and presents some interesting dynamics for the townspeople. The overall story was simple and a bit easy to deduce but overall it was a great read. I would like to read more from this author.
Mo and Mattie are older. Mo is the police chief but should be retiring soon. Mattie doesn't want to push him, but there is a new woman in town that thinks he is incapable and should give up the role. Before Christmas a murder occurs and in the process Mo gets hurt. Mo is stubborn, but now bed-ridden for a bit while the others on the force try to solve the crime. To try to alleviate some of Mo's complaining Mattie tries to help and insert herself to find out more for him.
This was a good, short, cozy, mystery - I liked the small town. It brings everyone together and presents some interesting dynamics for the townspeople. The overall story was simple and a bit easy to deduce but overall it was a great read. I would like to read more from this author.
November 29, 2024
Maddie Modesky lives in the small town of Pine Bluff with her husband Mo who is the chief of police. But Mo is getting on in years and a local city councilwoman is pressuring him to retire.
Maddie is in charge of the town's big Christmas charity dinner and toy drive. When she arrives to collect the toys from a drop box, she finds a dead body dressed in an elf suit stuffed in the donation box, with her injured husband nearby.
Mo was injured trying to stop the murder suspect, someone in a Santa suit. The murdered elf turns out to be a local thug with a lot of enemies. Now Maddie takes it on herself to solve the murder, save her husband's job and pull off the town's biggest Christmas event all at once.
Hark a Homicide is a light, cozy mystery with a holiday theme that is entertaining without demanding too much of your brain.
Maddie is in charge of the town's big Christmas charity dinner and toy drive. When she arrives to collect the toys from a drop box, she finds a dead body dressed in an elf suit stuffed in the donation box, with her injured husband nearby.
Mo was injured trying to stop the murder suspect, someone in a Santa suit. The murdered elf turns out to be a local thug with a lot of enemies. Now Maddie takes it on herself to solve the murder, save her husband's job and pull off the town's biggest Christmas event all at once.
Hark a Homicide is a light, cozy mystery with a holiday theme that is entertaining without demanding too much of your brain.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews