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Cat Latimer Mystery #7
A Killer Christmas Wish
From NYT bestselling author, Lynn Cahoon, comes a new Cat Latimer mystery.
Santa's on his way, but the house Cat shares with her best friend and a monthly writing retreat isn't even decorated yet.
Christmas is coming early to Cat Latimer's Writers Retreat. Cat and the gang aren't feeling the Christmas spirit. First up on her to do list, the last retreat of the year. A group of non-fiction authors dying to get into the Covington library. When one writer is found dead before the first retreat session, Cat must find the killer before he puts her on his naughty list.
Santa's on his way, but the house Cat shares with her best friend and a monthly writing retreat isn't even decorated yet.
Christmas is coming early to Cat Latimer's Writers Retreat. Cat and the gang aren't feeling the Christmas spirit. First up on her to do list, the last retreat of the year. A group of non-fiction authors dying to get into the Covington library. When one writer is found dead before the first retreat session, Cat must find the killer before he puts her on his naughty list.
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2021
87 people are currently reading
434 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Cahoon
105 books2,371 followersNYT and USA Today bestselling author, Lynn Cahoon, writes the Tourist Trap, Cat Latimer, Farm-to-Fork, Kitchen Witch, Survivors' Book Club, the Haunted Life, and the Bainbridge Island cozy mystery series. No matter where the mystery is set, readers can expect a fun ride Sign up for her newsletter at www.lynncahoon.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 25, 2021
In the latest novel from Lynn Cahoon and her Cat Latimer Mysteries, it's nearly Christmas time. Cat, Seth, and Shauna have another writer's retreat, which includes writers who have a connection to Cat's late husband, Michael. His best friend, Dante, is back with news for Cat, and he seems to want to protect her from a book that's about to be written or published. But which one of her new retreat writers is hiding something? Perhaps a few, especially when one of them ends up dead before the first night.
Cahoon has a great imagination, and I particularly enjoyed revisiting Michael's death. We hardly got to know him, only through memories, and without that opportunity, it's been a mystery unto itself. I like Dante's character a lot, and Seth can sometimes irk me. He's a nice guy, and he does love Cat, but he's always too normal to be normal... if that makes any sense. Cat needs more spice to her life, and I think he's better off with Shauna. Ouch, I said it out loud! That said... Cat and Seth will be married soon, so I better get on board.
Cahoon has a great imagination, and I particularly enjoyed revisiting Michael's death. We hardly got to know him, only through memories, and without that opportunity, it's been a mystery unto itself. I like Dante's character a lot, and Seth can sometimes irk me. He's a nice guy, and he does love Cat, but he's always too normal to be normal... if that makes any sense. Cat needs more spice to her life, and I think he's better off with Shauna. Ouch, I said it out loud! That said... Cat and Seth will be married soon, so I better get on board.
July 8, 2022
It is December in Aspen Hills, Colorado, and time for another Warm Springs Writers' Retreat with Cat, Shauna, and Seth. It is real Christmas weather with snow, icy conditions, fires in the fireplace, hot cocoa, and warm cookies that Shauna has baked. This retreat is for authors who write nonfiction, unlike the fiction that Cat writes. Dante has warned Cat that someone may be writing a tell all book about Covington College's secret ties to the Mafia. The only man of the group, Dan, a travel writer, is found dead on his bed right after arrival. Could he be the one to reveal the local secret? And people keep bringing up Cat's deceased ex-husband, Michael's name. The Economics Department is even having a special event to celebrate his accomplishments. As layers are peeled away, other secrets are discovered that involve Michael, Dante, Dan, and a female friend from their college years at Covington. Seth is staying away from the retreat. Is he having second thoughts about his and Cat's engagement? This is a great addition to this series that I have enjoyed so much. As always, danger is present sooner or later. Great read for all cozy mystery lovers.
January 26, 2022
I don't care for love triangles and after getting engaged, I thought that storyline would have been played out in this series. That and the fact that the book is almost two thirds the length of the other books in the series left me disappointed for a series that has been one of my favorites. I hope that we get another book in the series and I'll read it if it's written just hope Ms Cahoon writes another book like those earlier in the series.
September 15, 2021
A Killer Christmas Wish is book 7 in Lynn Cahoon’s Cat Latimer series. Cat and her best friend are hosting the last writers retreat of the year, but on the very first night, one of the writers is found dead.
I was hooked from the beginning of this story, tempted to skip ahead, because I desperately wanted to know the outcome. If you haven’t read the series, this book might inspire you to go back and read the other books, because even though it can be read as a standalone, you will want to know more about the back story. Characters are well developed and interesting and there are very strong relationships. Plenty of action to keep readers engaged. I highly recommend this book, and the series, to all readers.
I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was hooked from the beginning of this story, tempted to skip ahead, because I desperately wanted to know the outcome. If you haven’t read the series, this book might inspire you to go back and read the other books, because even though it can be read as a standalone, you will want to know more about the back story. Characters are well developed and interesting and there are very strong relationships. Plenty of action to keep readers engaged. I highly recommend this book, and the series, to all readers.
I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2021
Love these writers retreats!
Glad to be back in the original stories of the house and Dante! Hopefully in the future Lynn features a book about him!!
Glad to be back in the original stories of the house and Dante! Hopefully in the future Lynn features a book about him!!
September 16, 2021
more stories, please!
i love all her books. i hope there are many more books. i love all the people. i wish they were also my friends and family!!!!
i love all her books. i hope there are many more books. i love all the people. i wish they were also my friends and family!!!!
December 21, 2021
This series has a special place in my heart because it is in Colorado. It was nice to catch up with Cat & friends, and bonus that I read it during the Christmas season. Another writers retreat & another dead body. Does the murder have something to do with her ex? Cat is determined to find out! You could read this as a stand alone, but it is much better to start from the beginning.
December 18, 2024
"A Killer Christmas Wish (Cat Latimer Mystery #7)" by Lynn Cahoon has a touch of Christmas. At most is the mention of 1 holiday party and the couple of paragraphs about the retreat guests helping decorate the inside of the house/tree.
There were some continuity issues in the last couple of chapters. These books having some continuity issues are part of why I stopped reading this series mid series and I forgot that until they started popping up in this book. Over all, a decent mystery and one of the better ones when it comes to not having as many continuity issues.
The mystery is around the death of one of the retreat guests within a few hours of his arrival. However, Cat seemed more interested in trying to figure out who was trying to write an expose on the college's mob connections than in the death that happened in her home. I really can't say much more without revealing spoilers.
There were some continuity issues in the last couple of chapters. These books having some continuity issues are part of why I stopped reading this series mid series and I forgot that until they started popping up in this book. Over all, a decent mystery and one of the better ones when it comes to not having as many continuity issues.
The mystery is around the death of one of the retreat guests within a few hours of his arrival. However, Cat seemed more interested in trying to figure out who was trying to write an expose on the college's mob connections than in the death that happened in her home. I really can't say much more without revealing spoilers.
September 14, 2021
Cat Latimer is conducting a Writer's Retreat for non-fiction writers. One of the writers is a scholarship student from Covington. The scholarships are for students who are unable to afford the writer's retreat on their own. Shortly after the writers get checked in Dan Lawrence, a Travel Writer, is found dead in his room. Cat carefully breaks the news to the other writers. Dante Cornelio also warns Cat that a writer has been talking about exposing Covington College's dark side.
Who killed Dan? Why was he killed? Does his death have anything to do with Dante's warning? Can Cat figure out what happened to Dan and why?
Lynn Cahoon has created another wonderful adventure for Cat Latimer and her friends. There is plenty of tension in this story, along with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing clear to the end.
Who killed Dan? Why was he killed? Does his death have anything to do with Dante's warning? Can Cat figure out what happened to Dan and why?
Lynn Cahoon has created another wonderful adventure for Cat Latimer and her friends. There is plenty of tension in this story, along with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing clear to the end.
April 5, 2022
I have several issues with this book. First of all, it was mentioned in several prior books that they wouldn’t ever have a retreat in December, and yet here we have one. Second, Shauna was just having her recipes Beta tested in the prior book but now the book is published already? Third, I thought that Shauna and Cat were going to have a long engagement and weren’t on any rush but now they seem to be rushing for a June wedding?
Most importantly, sense the very first book, I’ve felt that Cat’s chemistry with Dante is way more evident than that with her fiancé. I feel the author is trying way too hard to make this high school sweetheart storyline too work. He was truly very unsupportive and not understanding at all in this book. Many times, Shauna seems to understand him and his needs better than Cat.
On a minor note, I felt the emphasis on the Covington spot being for those economically disadvantaged to be disappointing and annoying. A person might come from an affluent family who doesn’t support your dreams at all and perhaps this spot is your only opportunity to try to reach for your dreams instead of being pushed to there’s. And not all parents give an allowance that would cover the cost of a writers retreat. The spot should go to the student who deserves it the most and would benefit from the weekend.
This book seemed really just thrown together. Like the author has a deadline and just threw some words on the paper. Truly disappointing.
Most importantly, sense the very first book, I’ve felt that Cat’s chemistry with Dante is way more evident than that with her fiancé. I feel the author is trying way too hard to make this high school sweetheart storyline too work. He was truly very unsupportive and not understanding at all in this book. Many times, Shauna seems to understand him and his needs better than Cat.
On a minor note, I felt the emphasis on the Covington spot being for those economically disadvantaged to be disappointing and annoying. A person might come from an affluent family who doesn’t support your dreams at all and perhaps this spot is your only opportunity to try to reach for your dreams instead of being pushed to there’s. And not all parents give an allowance that would cover the cost of a writers retreat. The spot should go to the student who deserves it the most and would benefit from the weekend.
This book seemed really just thrown together. Like the author has a deadline and just threw some words on the paper. Truly disappointing.
September 14, 2021
A Killer Christmas Wish is Book 7 in the Cat Latimer Mystery Series by Lynn Cahoon.
This is such a fun series, I was so happy to see it continue!
The writer’s retreat takes place during December in Colorado. For this retreat, there are non fiction authors, which was a unique spin. Cat and the gang are not there long before there is a murder the first night.
Cat, Seth and Shauna are trying to figure out who did it. I really enjoy the development of the characters, they are well written and complex.
This story can stand alone, but I think it would be more fun to read all the stories in this series, as they are all equally fantastic!
This is such a fun series, I was so happy to see it continue!
The writer’s retreat takes place during December in Colorado. For this retreat, there are non fiction authors, which was a unique spin. Cat and the gang are not there long before there is a murder the first night.
Cat, Seth and Shauna are trying to figure out who did it. I really enjoy the development of the characters, they are well written and complex.
This story can stand alone, but I think it would be more fun to read all the stories in this series, as they are all equally fantastic!
June 24, 2025
I enjoyed this entry in the Cat Latimer mystery series. The mystery puzzled me as there seemed to be numerous possibilities for whoever murdered yet another guest at one of Cat's writing retreats. Yes, someone else attending was murdered, and on the very first day! Seriously, even if I wanted a writing retreat I wouldn't go to one where a previous murder had occurred. And in this case, all of the participants stayed for the rest of the retreat, and had a good time.
The mystery pulls in long ago events that took place at the local college, centering around Cat's dead ex-husband and the mysterious mob member Dante. Once again, Cat and her fiance Seth are squabbling about the role of Dante in Cat's life, and Dante continues to pursue Cat. I really wish the author would either dump Dante, give him a serious love interest, or drop Seth.
The mystery pulls in long ago events that took place at the local college, centering around Cat's dead ex-husband and the mysterious mob member Dante. Once again, Cat and her fiance Seth are squabbling about the role of Dante in Cat's life, and Dante continues to pursue Cat. I really wish the author would either dump Dante, give him a serious love interest, or drop Seth.
January 25, 2023
This is one of my favorite series of Lynn Cahoon. I enjoy the premise that the lead character who lives in an old Victorian house in a college town, opens up her home once a month for a writer’s retreat. Together with help from her partner who organizes it and provides the food, and her fiancé who does handyman duties as well as renovations, the retreats are always a bit different based on the participants.
I enjoy getting to know the participants in each book. Usually one of them or someone close to the retreat is killed and our main characters always end up investigating despite the fact that the owner’s uncle is the law in the town.
These books are fool of twists and it’s not easy to figure out the killer and why the murder was committed.
There is also a bit of romance and some complicated romantic stories.
The college and people that work there often play an important part in the story. Both the current owner of the home and her deceased ex-husband used to work at the college, which has some unique secrets. Her ex-husband was a renowned economics expert. His influence is felt in each book so far in various ways.
I listened to the audiobook as I enjoy the way the narrator brings the story to life. She usually does a great job with the voices. One at the very end of the book was a little annoying.
I enjoy getting to know the participants in each book. Usually one of them or someone close to the retreat is killed and our main characters always end up investigating despite the fact that the owner’s uncle is the law in the town.
These books are fool of twists and it’s not easy to figure out the killer and why the murder was committed.
There is also a bit of romance and some complicated romantic stories.
The college and people that work there often play an important part in the story. Both the current owner of the home and her deceased ex-husband used to work at the college, which has some unique secrets. Her ex-husband was a renowned economics expert. His influence is felt in each book so far in various ways.
I listened to the audiobook as I enjoy the way the narrator brings the story to life. She usually does a great job with the voices. One at the very end of the book was a little annoying.
March 21, 2022
★★★★☆
October 9, 2021
Cat and her best friend, Shauna, are hosting the last writer's retreat of the year, a group of non-fiction authors. But when one of the writers is killed, Cat wants to get to the bottom of the mystery.
I've really enjoyed this series and, for the most part, this book was no exception. The premise of the book was excellent and it was a great read overall, but there were several errors (grammatical and otherwise) through the first half of the book that really detracted from the story for me. The characters were wonderful and the mystery will keep you guessing. I am looking forward to the next book. I do recommend both book and series which is best read in order.
I've really enjoyed this series and, for the most part, this book was no exception. The premise of the book was excellent and it was a great read overall, but there were several errors (grammatical and otherwise) through the first half of the book that really detracted from the story for me. The characters were wonderful and the mystery will keep you guessing. I am looking forward to the next book. I do recommend both book and series which is best read in order.
October 10, 2021
Cat Latimer Mystery. A Killer Christmas Wish.
A great story with many interesting characters. Cat and Shauna were having a writers retreat in her beautiful Victorian house. A mysterious death to one of the writers in their room starts a mystery that involves everyone in the house.
A great story with many interesting characters. Cat and Shauna were having a writers retreat in her beautiful Victorian house. A mysterious death to one of the writers in their room starts a mystery that involves everyone in the house.
October 1, 2021
This was a great chance to get caught up with Cat, Shawna, Seth and Uncle Pete. Even though Christmas is around the corner the mood is somber when a member of the latest retreat group is killed on the first day of the retreat and at the house!! Who and why, while Cat is trying to stay out of it, concentrate on her wedding plans with Seth and get a book with a suddenly moved up deadline going, you know she won't be able to stay out of it, especially when she learns of the victim's relationship with her ex Michael and Dante. Definitely a fast moving story that will keep your interest to the end!
October 28, 2021
Cat's back and I couldn't be happier! Lynn Cahoon constantly outdoes herself! I hope this series lasts forever, it's my favorite of hers. Cat's planning her wedding to Seth, and Shauna is right by her side. As always, trouble is brewing during another writer's retreat. I adore Cahoon and Cat Latimer!
September 30, 2021
A Good Read
Not as tension filled as most of this series but a good Holiday ( or anytime) fun read. Lynn Cahoon never disappoints. Would love a week in the Book Retreat House!
Not as tension filled as most of this series but a good Holiday ( or anytime) fun read. Lynn Cahoon never disappoints. Would love a week in the Book Retreat House!
September 18, 2021
Cat Latimer is back & better than ever!
A Killer Christmas Wish is the 7th book in this series by Lynn Cahoon and they keep getting better! Cat Latimer is an author who inherited a big house and has turned it into a Writer's Retreat one week a month. Her best friend Shauna lives there and does the cooking and Cat's fiance, Seth, helps out as well. It is December and the group that arrives are non-fiction writers plus one student from local Covington College. Cat was a student and worked there while she was married to Michael, who is deceased. Covington has a few secrets and someone is threatening to write a book and reveal them. Is it someone at the retreat? When one of the guests is murdered on the first night of the retreat, Cat and friends must figure out the culprit and keep everyone safe. The characters are likable and the cozy mystery is interesting. The book was hard to put down and was very enjoyable. I am so glad Lynn Cahoon was able to continue this series! It is one of my favorites.
A Killer Christmas Wish is the 7th book in this series by Lynn Cahoon and they keep getting better! Cat Latimer is an author who inherited a big house and has turned it into a Writer's Retreat one week a month. Her best friend Shauna lives there and does the cooking and Cat's fiance, Seth, helps out as well. It is December and the group that arrives are non-fiction writers plus one student from local Covington College. Cat was a student and worked there while she was married to Michael, who is deceased. Covington has a few secrets and someone is threatening to write a book and reveal them. Is it someone at the retreat? When one of the guests is murdered on the first night of the retreat, Cat and friends must figure out the culprit and keep everyone safe. The characters are likable and the cozy mystery is interesting. The book was hard to put down and was very enjoyable. I am so glad Lynn Cahoon was able to continue this series! It is one of my favorites.
September 25, 2021
This is the first book I’ve read in the Cat Latimer series, but I will definitely go back and read the first 6 books. A book about a writer’s meeting for a retreat intrigued me and then you factor in well-developed characters and a murder mystery and I’m hooked. There are lots of twists and turns as you learn more about the individuals at the retreat. As clues are revealed, you will continue to try to solve the mystery. But in Lynn Cahoon typical fashion, you are left guessing until the bitter end. Can’t wait for the next book in this series!
Thank you to Book Funnel and the author for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Thank you to Book Funnel and the author for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
September 23, 2021
Another fantastic Cat Latimer mystery! Cat, along with her partner Shauna, is hosting a writers’ retreat. Soon after the guests are checked in, one of them is found dead in his room. Was it one of the other guests or someone else? Even with her fiancé Seth and her Uncle Pete, the police chief, telling her to stay out of it, Cat can’t help but search for the killer. And her past life with her former husband keeps popping up to complicate matters. From the very beginning you’ll be hooked and you won’t be able to put it down!
September 22, 2021
This was a really good one. It was nice to see Cat enjoying herself while interacting with her retreat participants. I think the need for the tighter plotting of a novella works well for this series. Well done, Ms. Cahoon!
September 17, 2021
A Killer Christmas Wish is book # 7 in the Cat Latimer Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon.
Cat and her best friend, Shauna, are hosting a book retreat before Christmas and one of their guests turns up dead.
Cat, Seth, Shauna, and Uncle Pete are interesting, likable main characters. The mystery of who killed the guest was interesting and there were some surprising twists. I like having a main character who is an author. It is interesting to learn about being an author through the sessions she scheduled for the people in the retreat.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Cat and her best friend, Shauna, are hosting a book retreat before Christmas and one of their guests turns up dead.
Cat, Seth, Shauna, and Uncle Pete are interesting, likable main characters. The mystery of who killed the guest was interesting and there were some surprising twists. I like having a main character who is an author. It is interesting to learn about being an author through the sessions she scheduled for the people in the retreat.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 21, 2021
really enjoyed the book, love this series, hoping there will be more and really appreciate being able to read it through Kindle Unlimited...
September 19, 2021
Another delightful read
Lynn Cahoon spins a delightful yarn. I recommend her books. The characters are fun. The plot is a real page-turner.
Lynn Cahoon spins a delightful yarn. I recommend her books. The characters are fun. The plot is a real page-turner.
September 11, 2021
Cat Latimer's winter writer retreat is underway. It has everything: writers eager to learn more about their craft, writing sprints, visits to the library and bookstore, yummy food and snacks, and muder. Someone didn't want one of the writers to attend the retreat. Who could it be, and why? Is everyone is danger? Cat and crew will have to work hard to solve this murder before someone else dies.
Interesting and engaging characters and intriguing mysteries with twists, turns, and red herrings made this an unputdownable book. Cat, Shauna, Seth, and Uncle Pete continue to delight with their thoughts, feelings, and interactions. I can't wait for the next book. Wish I could attend one of Cat's writer retreats....without a murder, of course.
Many thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.
Interesting and engaging characters and intriguing mysteries with twists, turns, and red herrings made this an unputdownable book. Cat, Shauna, Seth, and Uncle Pete continue to delight with their thoughts, feelings, and interactions. I can't wait for the next book. Wish I could attend one of Cat's writer retreats....without a murder, of course.
Many thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.
September 15, 2021
I enjoyed this book, the storyline is entertaining and filled with action, mystery and adventure. The interaction and chemistry between the characters is wonderful. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
September 9, 2021
This is listed as Cat Latimer Mystery #7 but since it is more novella length it may end up as #6.5.
I loved dropping into a writer’s retreat set during December in Colorado. This retreat involved non-fiction writers, which seems like an interesting choice during the sentimental holiday time.
The murder occurs the first night of the retreat. I didn’t see the reason behind the murder coming and with the novella length the wrap up to that piece of the story felt a little rushed.
The interpersonal stories are the best part of this story. Cat with Shauna and Seth and Cat’s interactions with the writers. I like how the stories can stand alone but are also building upon each other.
I received a copy of the ebook from the author prior to publication. Thanks Lynn!
I loved dropping into a writer’s retreat set during December in Colorado. This retreat involved non-fiction writers, which seems like an interesting choice during the sentimental holiday time.
The murder occurs the first night of the retreat. I didn’t see the reason behind the murder coming and with the novella length the wrap up to that piece of the story felt a little rushed.
The interpersonal stories are the best part of this story. Cat with Shauna and Seth and Cat’s interactions with the writers. I like how the stories can stand alone but are also building upon each other.
I received a copy of the ebook from the author prior to publication. Thanks Lynn!
September 5, 2021
Christmas and a cozy mystery. What can be better? I am so happy that the author has kept this series going. I love reading about the personal lives of Cat, Seth and Shauna. The book retreat writers were an interesting group and I like that the genre of the group was different than in other books. This book keeps the reader interested by trying to figure out who did it. I did not figure it out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews