The Present Predicament

Jericho Falls Cozy Mysteries

by Brook Peterson

◆◆◆ It’s Christmastime and Jericho House’s halls are decked to such an extent it resembles a mansion in the North Pole, not the mountains of Nevada. There’s only one problem, Elliot the tuxedo cat keeps climbing the behemoth Christmas tree in the parlour and breaking priceless, antique ornaments.
When Grandma Lily and Chloe decide the solution is to divert him with lots of presents around the tree, it sets off a domino effect of predicaments, culminating in the complete loss of Grandma’s Christmas spirit. Will Chloe be able to revive Grandma’s holiday cheer despite being somewhat of a grinch herself? And what about handsome Police Chief Garner? Will he come to Chloe’s aid? Join Chloe, Grandma Lily, their furry friends, and the rest of the Jericho Falls cast for a small-town Christmas caper.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Christmas, Ebooks, Amazon, Mystery, Fiction

61 pages, ebook

Published December 21, 2020

About the author

Follow Brook on Amazon!
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brook-P...

Brook Peterson has been a mystery fan since the age of nine when she discovered the Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators series. She is the author of the Jericho Falls Cozy Mysteries, The Cameo’s Secret, and co-host of Clued in Mystery Podcast.

Brook enjoys writing stories that contain intriguing secrets, memorable settings, and a bit of romance. When she’s not reading or writing a mystery, Brook likes solving jigsaw puzzles, binging true crime podcasts and exploring the Idaho outdoors with her husband, their daughter, and the family’s spoiled pooches.

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got a free copy with no obligation to leave a review.

I don't know whether it's just in the free copy or whether it's in the bought version too, but I got annoyed with the constant "Want to know more about ...? Buy A History of Murder".
I knew that it is a continuation of that book (even when it doesn't say so in the title or the blurb), the constant nagging unnerved me.

Why still three stars? Because the writing is good and the story is nice.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute novella and it's perfect for Christmas. I haven't read the books in the series yet, but I was able to enjoy this cozy mystery on its own. I'll have to check out the Jericho Falls books now so I can find out about these delightful characters.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fun follow up to A History of Murder. It gives us just a little bit more about the main characters. I love the way that the characters learn more about themselves as well as each other.

[katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book for free because of the stuff your kindle day deals so I didn’t know much going in but I at least expected a mystery, not an angsty 28 year old Christmas shopping with her grandma.

I figured I’d read it since it’s festive and short but it was pretty lackluster. It was kinda cute but the writing seemed juvenile and the characters were nothing new or interesting.

“a banner which read BE JOLLY. Ugh. There it was again. That insistence on holiday cheer.” Girl why are you mad, you live in a mansion with your cutesy grandma and the “hunky” chief wants you.

Maybe if I had read some of the other novels in this series I’d have an attachment to them but I didn’t get that from this. Meh

[Priscilla King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chloe's predicament is that she doesn't have enough people to buy presents for. Chloe has solved some more complicated and dangerous mysteries with the help of a police detective; their slowly growing relationship is part of the appeal of the series. This, however, is a holiday story. Chloe and the police detective are relaxing. The mystery they solve is a simple one. The purpose of this story is to let readers relax and get cozy with Chloe, her grandmother, the detective, the town of Jericho Falls, the bakery, the cat, and the dog. For the audience who want more charm and coziness than action and adventure, this is an excellent choice.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Present Predicament is a holiday novella in the Jericho Falls Cozy Mysteries by Brook Peterson.

Grandma Lily is excited about Christmas and Chloe isn’t. A series of things happen to make Lily lose her Christmas spirit. Chloe works to get it back for her.

This is a funny, sweet holiday story. I really enjoy the relationship between Lily and Chloe. Jed and Elliot’s behavior is just what my dogs and cats have done. I’m looking forward to the next book!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Present Predicament: A Jericho Falls Holiday Novella (Jericho Falls Cozy Mysteries) , my third read from author Brook Peterson, grabbed me and kept me reading until I finished it in one sitting. A 74-page novella that fits between A History of Murder: Jericho Falls Cozy Mysteries, Book 1 and A Collection of Secrets: Jericho Falls Cozy Mysteries, Book 2 “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little Christmas story. I'm not a big fan of novellas because I like the longer books with lots of details, but this was a good Christmas story. I will definitely add it to my Christmas book list of those I read every year to get in the Christmas mood. I love that Chloe is trying to get her grandmother in the Christmas spirit and the funny, funny cat, Elliot! Of course, it's not too funny when he's destroying ornaments or the tree but that's what happens when you have a cat at Christmas time! Good addition to the Jericho Falls mysteries.

[Reading-for-life (Angela Sanford) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella may be a quick read but it packs a big punch! The lovable characters from Author Brook Peterson's, A History of Murder, are the star players alongside our furry favorites, Jed and Elliot. This was a cute holiday read that is bursting with good will and cheer and a little mystery, thrown in the mix!
Author Brook Peterson has successfully filled me with an early holiday spirit! I look forward to reading more from this " new to me" author!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming and delightful cozey Christmas mystery. The usual characters and a more new friends found their way to Jericho Falls and house making Christmas more cheery. You'll have to pick up a today to find out what mystery grandmother and granddaughter got up to this time in this short but sweet pocket size novel. 😀 Acquire " The present Predicament " for a family and friends holiday entertainment. Kat

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of how different we all see the holidays. The main characters are Chloe and her grandma. She has moved back home to live with her grandma in Jericho Falls. They head out to the mall and Chloe isn't really happy. She really doesn't like to go out shopping. Grandma loves to shop for Christmas. While shopping a couple of kids try to break into their car and are caught. This really depresses Grandma. Can Chloe figure out how her grandma's spirit back ?

[Lana Kamennof-sine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know, here it is a balmy 28 degrees celsius in May & I've just read a Xmas book. What can I say? It was a great read. Brook skillfully snuck in some 'Twas the Night Before Xmas' references and the pre Xmas activities of Chloe & her Grandmother were relatable. (Baking, shopping...) Of course we can't forget the cat & dog activities. I'm still seeing an image of Jed in his Xmas regalia ... our hellhounds would do the drop & feign immobility when dressed up too :-)

[Linda Rorex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe moves back home to Jericho House in Jericho Falls, Nevada to take care of her grandmother Lily who loses her Christmas spirit. Grandma Lily’s tuxedo cat Elliot climbs the Christmas tree and breaks priceless antique ornaments breaking Grandma’s Christmas spirit. Chloe must devise a plan to bring back the joy and spirit of Christmas to Grandma Lily. Chloe requests the help of Chief of Police Garner to help her with her task. I really enjoyed this wonderful short-story holiday novella.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was not a mystery per se, but rather, a short interlude between 'A History of Murder' (Book 1) and 'A Collection of Secrets' (Book 2) of the Jericho Falls Cozy Mysteries. While not vital for the series, this sweet, simple Christmas story provides a quick breath along with some details that help to explain some of the passages found in Book 2.

[Sharon M. Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe and Christmas!

Chloe had moved home for good and was trying to get into the Christmas spirit. When. Her grandmother looses her Christmas Spirit, Chloe Decides that it is really important that her grandmother gets that magical spirit back and in doing so her spirit comes back also. Good Christmas story in short form.

[Sharli Kaltenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick easy read. Wonderful characters and a michevious cat. I like how the author references other stories so that the reader can learn the background story of what she refers to. However, not reading any of the other stories yet took away from this one. Christmas is a time of happiness and joy but sometimes things happen that makes that seem impossible.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this novella free from Stuff your kindle day. I haven’t read the other books but I found it easy to follow. I wanted to get into the Christmas mood. It was perfect to read in less than one day. It was a cozy and christmas-y read. I’ll need to check out the books since im a big fan of cozy small town mysteries.

[Cheryl A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful little story!

This is a wonderful story of Christmas's ups and downs. In this case, a little mystery and a bit of mayhem are included along with joys and happiness. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

[Cricket1327_Zmob King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story! I do wish there hadn't been so many references to the first book, but I absolutely loved the book! These characters are wonderfully written and I love the animals being involved.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and enjoyable book.
Taking a break from my historical books I gave this charmer a chance. Oh it was a good mystery for the holiday season. I found I enjoyed the characters a great deal and I love how the story was written. It really is a charming tale to read.

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful Christmas story. It's well written and the characters are heart warming. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Diana M. Caruthers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and short Christmas story that was fun to read. It is a read in one sitting pick me up type of book. I was glad to pick it up on Stuff your Kindle day as it introduced me to a new author that I’m sure I will purchase their books in the future. I would love to read the rest of the series.

[Aggie Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely easy Christmas read. Great to refresh the characters before the next instalment is out which I can’t wait for.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, cosy, warming read - and not just for Christmas! Loved Chloe and her Grandma Lily and can't wait to read more.

[Kristen Barenthaler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, sweet, and to the point cozy mystery.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute novella but way too obvious what was really going on and the frequent references to the previous edition if you want to know what they mean was a bit too distracting.

[Amanda Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read and a short tale of finding one’s Christmas spirit when it seems everyone is trying to kill it

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this novella. You will find great characters and an enjoyable story that keeps your interest.

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, fun, non scary (big plus for me) mystery. Can be read in one or two sittings if reading time is available. ^_^

[aem · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweet