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Charlie Kingsley Mysteries #1
The Murder Before Christmas
If you've got a problem, Charlie Kingsley probably has a tea that’ll help make it right.
EXCEPT when it comes to love. She does NOT do love potions.
Not even for Courtney, her pregnant new client who showed up three weeks before Christmas seeking a love potion because her husband was cheating on her.
So, Courtney asked about poison, instead.
She said she was joking. That's what happens between wives and husbands. They get angry and talk about killing each other. They don't really mean it.
It seems to make sense ... until Courtney’s husband turns up dead on Christmas Eve.
He was poisoned, of course.
And who is the number one suspect? Courtney. Of course.
But did she actually do it? Or is she being set up?
It's up to Charlie to sort through all the twists and turns in a case that gets more complicated the deeper she digs.
Meet Charlie. Better known as “Aunt Charlie” from the award-winning Secrets of Redemption series. She's back, making teas and solving cases in this funny, twisty, cozy mystery series set in the 1990s in Redemption, Wisconsin.
EXCEPT when it comes to love. She does NOT do love potions.
Not even for Courtney, her pregnant new client who showed up three weeks before Christmas seeking a love potion because her husband was cheating on her.
So, Courtney asked about poison, instead.
She said she was joking. That's what happens between wives and husbands. They get angry and talk about killing each other. They don't really mean it.
It seems to make sense ... until Courtney’s husband turns up dead on Christmas Eve.
He was poisoned, of course.
And who is the number one suspect? Courtney. Of course.
But did she actually do it? Or is she being set up?
It's up to Charlie to sort through all the twists and turns in a case that gets more complicated the deeper she digs.
Meet Charlie. Better known as “Aunt Charlie” from the award-winning Secrets of Redemption series. She's back, making teas and solving cases in this funny, twisty, cozy mystery series set in the 1990s in Redemption, Wisconsin.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2021
2114 people are currently reading
2254 people want to read
About the author
Michele Pariza Wacek
63 books1,434 followersA USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author, Michele taught herself to read at 3 years old because she wanted to write stories so badly. It took some time (and some detours) but now she does spend much of her time writing stories. Mystery stories, to be exact. They're clean and twisty, and range from psychological thrillers to cozies, with a dash of romance and supernatural thrown into the mix. If that wasn't enough, she posts lots of fun things on her blog, including short stories, puzzles, recipes and more, at MPWNovels.com.
Michele grew up in Wisconsin, (hence why all her books take place there), and currently lives there after spending nearly 30 years living in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona, with her husband and southern squirrel hunter Cassie.
When she's not writing, she's usually reading, hanging out with her dog, or watching the Food Network and imagining she's an awesome cook. (Spoiler alert, she's not. Luckily for the whole family, Mr. PW is in charge of the cooking.)
Michele grew up in Wisconsin, (hence why all her books take place there), and currently lives there after spending nearly 30 years living in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona, with her husband and southern squirrel hunter Cassie.
When she's not writing, she's usually reading, hanging out with her dog, or watching the Food Network and imagining she's an awesome cook. (Spoiler alert, she's not. Luckily for the whole family, Mr. PW is in charge of the cooking.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 376 reviews
November 15, 2021
So I guess this book is part of a series? I don't know. Nor do I care at this point. To me this book was marketed as a stand alone, even if the main character had been part of a series. I would then assume that the author would have given a paragraph at the beginning to introduce said character to newbies. Nope. Instead, as I started to read chapter one, I seriously thought I'd been dropped into the middle of the book. I also spent most of that chapter thinking the mc owned some kind of tea shop, only finding out at the end that it took place in her home. I was really confused. I continued onto the next chapter, got half way through it, and realized I was too irritated to continue. Life's too short as I always say.
October 7, 2025
This is a scenario where I came across a later installment of this series that I wanted to read. Being the weirdo that I am about starting a series from the beginning, here I am reading the first installment, which is actually a spinoff of another series called Secrets of Redemption, where Charlie was introduced in the third installment of that series. Lol At the moment, I’m not making any plans, of adding that series to my to-read list. I have enough stuff on my to-read list already. However, I am planning to read next the fifth installment for this series, The Murder of Sleepy Hollow. Whoo hoo! Look at me now reading a series out of order.
That's what happens between wives and husbands. They get angry and talk about killing each other. They don't really mean it.
Until they do! As the book summary indicates, Courtney is suspect #1 in the murder of her husband, Dennis. Courtney and her mother, Violet, have asked Charlie to help convince the police that Courtney didn’t kill Dennis. However, Charlie isn’t so quick to accept Courtney’s claims of innocence. Good grief! Courtney asked Charlie for a poison to kill her husband! Charlie, who is an herbalist, and who uses herbs and other substances to make teas and tinctures, and who has access to the poison that killed Dennis. Anyway, while not totally convinced that Courtney killed Dennis, Charlie does do a little checking around, much to the dismay of local police officer, Brandon.
At only 190pgs, there’s a lot of characters and not much character development to the story, but the pacing was steady and the end came fast. The storyline wasn’t really so much a holiday story as it was just a cozy mystery that mostly took place after Christmas, and the writing was on par for the genre. The story took place in 1990 and some of the references to that period of time made me chuckle, like the part where Charlie had a hard time finding Courtney’s house on the map – a paper map! Lol😂 Thank goodness for Google maps.
That's what happens between wives and husbands. They get angry and talk about killing each other. They don't really mean it.
Until they do! As the book summary indicates, Courtney is suspect #1 in the murder of her husband, Dennis. Courtney and her mother, Violet, have asked Charlie to help convince the police that Courtney didn’t kill Dennis. However, Charlie isn’t so quick to accept Courtney’s claims of innocence. Good grief! Courtney asked Charlie for a poison to kill her husband! Charlie, who is an herbalist, and who uses herbs and other substances to make teas and tinctures, and who has access to the poison that killed Dennis. Anyway, while not totally convinced that Courtney killed Dennis, Charlie does do a little checking around, much to the dismay of local police officer, Brandon.
At only 190pgs, there’s a lot of characters and not much character development to the story, but the pacing was steady and the end came fast. The storyline wasn’t really so much a holiday story as it was just a cozy mystery that mostly took place after Christmas, and the writing was on par for the genre. The story took place in 1990 and some of the references to that period of time made me chuckle, like the part where Charlie had a hard time finding Courtney’s house on the map – a paper map! Lol😂 Thank goodness for Google maps.
December 14, 2022
why did she legit go into this grieving widow's house and start acting like a detective ? gave me meddling kids vibes from scoobydoo . they literally only met once
This is like Nancy Drew mixed with the board game Clue, it was one of those old school whodunnits so the killer was pretty obvious (to me anyway)
I did not know this was set in the 1990s either... until 80% into it and I reread the description. Wish I would have known this prior, idk if I missed it or what? I also didn't know this was a series, oop
I also read this while I was high, hence this review
This is like Nancy Drew mixed with the board game Clue, it was one of those old school whodunnits so the killer was pretty obvious (to me anyway)
I did not know this was set in the 1990s either... until 80% into it and I reread the description. Wish I would have known this prior, idk if I missed it or what? I also didn't know this was a series, oop
I also read this while I was high, hence this review
March 17, 2025
I liked it. It isn't Agatha Christie but it had its funny moments and it was flowy.
December 3, 2022
Well, that was disappointing. I had this on my December TBR and was excited to kick off my festive cozy reads with this book, since based on the title and cover I assumed it would be a bit Christmas-y. Nope. Not at all. I also knew from reading the summary that Charlie was from a different series, BUT, this was book #1 in a NEW series and there was absolutely no explanation about who she was. At all. I don't even know who Pat is to Charlie. No character development on any of the main characters at all. I thought she owned a tea shop and then find out she sells tea out of her home? That was confusing. I've read lots of spin off series and usually you get some backstory so you know what's going on. I guess the author assumes that everyone reading this series reads all of her other books? Not a very good first impression for me so I highly doubt I will read anything else from this author unfortunately.
February 16, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 1 of 7.
This is my second e-book by this author.
Charlie becomes involved in the death of one of her client. Her investigation leads to lots of suspects and a number of crimes. After one arrest, she confronts the killer leading to the arrest.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of family and friends relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 👒😀💘😕
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 1 of 7.
This is my second e-book by this author.
Charlie becomes involved in the death of one of her client. Her investigation leads to lots of suspects and a number of crimes. After one arrest, she confronts the killer leading to the arrest.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of family and friends relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 👒😀💘😕
December 20, 2024
Umm… It’s a good read, if you don’t think too much into it.
Actually, no it’s not.
This was book 1 of a series, apparently, but WHO are these people? There was absolutely no explanation on who they are, where they are, what they do, who they’re involved with- nothing!
I also thought there would be Christmasy vibes, considering the title and the cover… but nope.
What the fuck was this?
Actually, no it’s not.
This was book 1 of a series, apparently, but WHO are these people? There was absolutely no explanation on who they are, where they are, what they do, who they’re involved with- nothing!
I also thought there would be Christmasy vibes, considering the title and the cover… but nope.
What the fuck was this?
December 30, 2021
Charlie Kinglsey lives in Redemption, Wisconsin and creates and sells teas to clients. She is also a baker, but her passion is creating new tea mixtures.
When a pregnant, young married woman comes to her seeking a potion to make her husband love her again, Charlie is a bit perplexed because as the woman whose name is Courtney is clearly pregnant, why on earth would she need her help and second Charlie does not do love potions! But then Courtney tells Charlie she knows her husband is cheating on her and was hoping she could help to get him to love her again.
When Charlie informs her, she cannot Courtney then asks if she knows of any teas which could poison someone. Seeing the surprise on Charlie’s face at the turn of the conversation, Courtney explains she is just joking. She says even though she loves her husband sometimes feels like killing him.
Then, Courtney’s husband Dennis is found dead in their house on Christmas Eve after having a glass of brandy which had been sent via mail by his cousin as a Christmas gift. As Courtney mourns the loss of her husband and father to her unborn child, something she knows all too well about as she was raised by only her mother, she becomes the primary suspect.
Now shunned by her neighbors and Dennis’ co-workers, she pleads with Charlie to help her find the truth as to what happened to her husband. Charlie, who sees that Courtney is deteriorating and is concerned for her and her child agrees to help. Unfortunately for Charlie there are an abundance of suspects who would have benefitted from Dennis’ death, including the woman he was allegedly having an affair with. And Courtney’s omission of facts does not help eliminate her as a suspect.
Charlie has to sift through the lies and hidden facts, as she tries to put the pieces together as to what was happening in Dennis’ life before the murder. And what she discovers is shocking!
With a terrific twisty ending, this cozy mystery is enjoyable, engrossing and satisfying. Perhaps author Michele Pariza Wacek could share her recipe for Candy Cane Concoctions to sip while reading! Yum!
Thank you #MicheleParizaWacek and Love-Based Publishing for sending the copy of #TheMurderBeforeChristmas to me. Her second Charlie Kingsley Mystery, Ice Cold Murder will be out in late January. I can’t wait!
When a pregnant, young married woman comes to her seeking a potion to make her husband love her again, Charlie is a bit perplexed because as the woman whose name is Courtney is clearly pregnant, why on earth would she need her help and second Charlie does not do love potions! But then Courtney tells Charlie she knows her husband is cheating on her and was hoping she could help to get him to love her again.
When Charlie informs her, she cannot Courtney then asks if she knows of any teas which could poison someone. Seeing the surprise on Charlie’s face at the turn of the conversation, Courtney explains she is just joking. She says even though she loves her husband sometimes feels like killing him.
Then, Courtney’s husband Dennis is found dead in their house on Christmas Eve after having a glass of brandy which had been sent via mail by his cousin as a Christmas gift. As Courtney mourns the loss of her husband and father to her unborn child, something she knows all too well about as she was raised by only her mother, she becomes the primary suspect.
Now shunned by her neighbors and Dennis’ co-workers, she pleads with Charlie to help her find the truth as to what happened to her husband. Charlie, who sees that Courtney is deteriorating and is concerned for her and her child agrees to help. Unfortunately for Charlie there are an abundance of suspects who would have benefitted from Dennis’ death, including the woman he was allegedly having an affair with. And Courtney’s omission of facts does not help eliminate her as a suspect.
Charlie has to sift through the lies and hidden facts, as she tries to put the pieces together as to what was happening in Dennis’ life before the murder. And what she discovers is shocking!
With a terrific twisty ending, this cozy mystery is enjoyable, engrossing and satisfying. Perhaps author Michele Pariza Wacek could share her recipe for Candy Cane Concoctions to sip while reading! Yum!
Thank you #MicheleParizaWacek and Love-Based Publishing for sending the copy of #TheMurderBeforeChristmas to me. Her second Charlie Kingsley Mystery, Ice Cold Murder will be out in late January. I can’t wait!
March 5, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I read the second book in this series as part of a Great Escapes Book Tour and enjoyed it but felt like I needed to get to know Charlie better. So I purchased this book to read before the third book in the series is released in April. Now I know Charlie a little bit better. She is a very smart woman with many talents. When she starts something she doesn’t give up.
Reading Ice Cold Murder I thought Charlie ran a tea shop in this series, I learned that is not the case, she runs a tea and tincture business out of her home. This is where a very pregnant Courtney comes and asks Charlie to create a love potion to make her husband fall back in love with her. After Charlie explains that she doesn’t make love potions Courtney turns the conversation sideways when she asks about poisons. But then quickly tells Charlie she was kidding. Charlie shakes it off until she learns that Courtney’s husband died on Christmas Eve and that he was poisoned. Courtney swears up and down she didn’t do it but can Charlie believe her? It would be quite a fluke if someone else did the deed but Charlie decides to investigate the crime herself. Either Courtney will end up behind bars or the real killer will. Charlie just needs to be careful or she could be the killer’s next victim.
Pat is the perfect sidekick for Charlie. She tries to reel her in if necessary but it is just as happy to jump in the car and tag along as Charlie visits her suspects. They work well bouncing ideas off each other too. I also liked the way Charlie bantered with Officer Wyle and the fact that he didn’t really tell her to butt out of his investigation and welcomed her input.
We also meet all the people in Courtney’s world. They developed satisfactorily over the course of the book. Some made really nice suspects.
The author has plotted out quite a mystery for Charlie. Courtney wants her help but doesn’t tell her the whole story. Courtney’s mother is happy Charlie is looking into the case but holds back important information. And that continues with almost everyone Charlie talks to, no one tells the full story and in many cases the truth or their observations are faulty. I felt for Charlie as she truly was running in circles and doing aerobics to get to the truth. It sure was fun to read though. I enjoyed all the twists and turns as everything was revealed and that the real culprit was a surprise.
Set in the 1990s it is great to harken back to the time when phones were hooked to the wall or on a desk and not in everyone’s pockets and to get somewhere you need actual directions.
The Murder Before Christmas is a fine holiday mystery that you can read at any time of the year. Charlie is a determined amateur sleuth and I am looking forward to seeing what kind of twisty mystery she gets wrapped up in next.
I read the second book in this series as part of a Great Escapes Book Tour and enjoyed it but felt like I needed to get to know Charlie better. So I purchased this book to read before the third book in the series is released in April. Now I know Charlie a little bit better. She is a very smart woman with many talents. When she starts something she doesn’t give up.
Reading Ice Cold Murder I thought Charlie ran a tea shop in this series, I learned that is not the case, she runs a tea and tincture business out of her home. This is where a very pregnant Courtney comes and asks Charlie to create a love potion to make her husband fall back in love with her. After Charlie explains that she doesn’t make love potions Courtney turns the conversation sideways when she asks about poisons. But then quickly tells Charlie she was kidding. Charlie shakes it off until she learns that Courtney’s husband died on Christmas Eve and that he was poisoned. Courtney swears up and down she didn’t do it but can Charlie believe her? It would be quite a fluke if someone else did the deed but Charlie decides to investigate the crime herself. Either Courtney will end up behind bars or the real killer will. Charlie just needs to be careful or she could be the killer’s next victim.
Pat is the perfect sidekick for Charlie. She tries to reel her in if necessary but it is just as happy to jump in the car and tag along as Charlie visits her suspects. They work well bouncing ideas off each other too. I also liked the way Charlie bantered with Officer Wyle and the fact that he didn’t really tell her to butt out of his investigation and welcomed her input.
We also meet all the people in Courtney’s world. They developed satisfactorily over the course of the book. Some made really nice suspects.
The author has plotted out quite a mystery for Charlie. Courtney wants her help but doesn’t tell her the whole story. Courtney’s mother is happy Charlie is looking into the case but holds back important information. And that continues with almost everyone Charlie talks to, no one tells the full story and in many cases the truth or their observations are faulty. I felt for Charlie as she truly was running in circles and doing aerobics to get to the truth. It sure was fun to read though. I enjoyed all the twists and turns as everything was revealed and that the real culprit was a surprise.
Set in the 1990s it is great to harken back to the time when phones were hooked to the wall or on a desk and not in everyone’s pockets and to get somewhere you need actual directions.
The Murder Before Christmas is a fine holiday mystery that you can read at any time of the year. Charlie is a determined amateur sleuth and I am looking forward to seeing what kind of twisty mystery she gets wrapped up in next.
December 5, 2025
I really enjoyed listening to this audio book. The ending of this mystery surprised me! Highly recommend this title. 😉
November 7, 2021
I don't normally read Christmas books before the month of December, but when I was granted the opportunity to read the ARC of "The Murder Before Christmas" the first book in the "Charlie Kingsley Mystery" series by Michele Pariza Wacek I decided to break my own rules and jump in. However, now that I've finished I don't feel like I've really broken my rule, since there's really not much Christmas in the book. Yes there is the mention of decorations and holiday baking, but since the actual murder takes place on Christmas Eve, the actual big day is soon forgotten in this fun and exciting cozy mystery.
I love a good cozy mystery series and to me the most important part of any series is the characters and how they're written. I love to start with book one and get to know the townsfolk and get all up in their business. Wacek is great at character dialogue in this and had me in suspense, in chuckles and in shock all in the pages of this first book. It was such a fun book to read and the characters were so easy to like, you can count me in as one who will be following the Charlie Kingsley series closely. I understand book two is on it's way!
So, Charlie owns a tea and tincture shop and when Courtney comes in to buy a love potion Charlie is quick to tell her that's not what she does and there is no such thing as a love potion. Courtney is pregnant and thinks her husband is cheating, so she's desperate to "make" him love her again. During the women's conversation Courtney says, under her breath, "If you don't have a love potion, what about something to kill him with?" Charlie doesn't think she hears her correctly and when Courtney passes it off as just a joke, Charlie goes on about her day and pretty much forgets about it.
That is until Courtney's husband is found dead a few nights later, Christmas Eve, in his home office. With no one else to call, Courtney calls Charlie for help. The investigation shows the weapon of choice was poison, the only other person home was Courtney and Courtney shops at Charlies tincture shop where herbal remedies are sold. Courtney swears she's innocent and asks Charlie to find out what happened and who did it. Charlie has some experience in amateur sleuthing, so she'll help her out and ask a "few" questions.
I had a lot of fun reading this book and the murder mystery was complex, thrilling and edge of my seat reading. I didn't find it juvenile in any way and thought it very well thought out and written. Often times the actual mystery part of a cozy mystery is almost an afterthought and easy to figure out long before the end. Not with this one, you'll have to wait till almost the last pages to figure out whodunnit. After reading the book I learned Wacek is also the author of another series that I've already downloaded the first book. This is an author I'm definitely going to follow. So thankful to have been given this opportunity to not only read this new series, but her other one as well! I say if you're like me and enjoy a well written cozy with great characters AND a great mystery, this is a great place to start! Happy Reading!
I love a good cozy mystery series and to me the most important part of any series is the characters and how they're written. I love to start with book one and get to know the townsfolk and get all up in their business. Wacek is great at character dialogue in this and had me in suspense, in chuckles and in shock all in the pages of this first book. It was such a fun book to read and the characters were so easy to like, you can count me in as one who will be following the Charlie Kingsley series closely. I understand book two is on it's way!
So, Charlie owns a tea and tincture shop and when Courtney comes in to buy a love potion Charlie is quick to tell her that's not what she does and there is no such thing as a love potion. Courtney is pregnant and thinks her husband is cheating, so she's desperate to "make" him love her again. During the women's conversation Courtney says, under her breath, "If you don't have a love potion, what about something to kill him with?" Charlie doesn't think she hears her correctly and when Courtney passes it off as just a joke, Charlie goes on about her day and pretty much forgets about it.
That is until Courtney's husband is found dead a few nights later, Christmas Eve, in his home office. With no one else to call, Courtney calls Charlie for help. The investigation shows the weapon of choice was poison, the only other person home was Courtney and Courtney shops at Charlies tincture shop where herbal remedies are sold. Courtney swears she's innocent and asks Charlie to find out what happened and who did it. Charlie has some experience in amateur sleuthing, so she'll help her out and ask a "few" questions.
I had a lot of fun reading this book and the murder mystery was complex, thrilling and edge of my seat reading. I didn't find it juvenile in any way and thought it very well thought out and written. Often times the actual mystery part of a cozy mystery is almost an afterthought and easy to figure out long before the end. Not with this one, you'll have to wait till almost the last pages to figure out whodunnit. After reading the book I learned Wacek is also the author of another series that I've already downloaded the first book. This is an author I'm definitely going to follow. So thankful to have been given this opportunity to not only read this new series, but her other one as well! I say if you're like me and enjoy a well written cozy with great characters AND a great mystery, this is a great place to start! Happy Reading!
June 1, 2023
When a young pregnant Courtney comes to Charlie as a new client looking for a love potion to get her cheating husband to re-fall in love with her Charlie kindly explains there is no such thing as love potions, and she merely makes teas and tinctures Courney jokingly asks for the opposite; a poison because, "Sometimes married people want to kill each other.". A couple weeks later, on Christmas Eve, Courtney's husband is poisoned to death, and she begs Charlie to help her when the fingers point to her as guilty. She unwittingly agrees and starts to unravel the mystery behind who poisoned Courtney's husband. It seems at every turn she unburies new secrets and lies.
I usually hate holiday themed stories, but this was more mystery and held my attention. I loved Charlie and I'm hoping if I keep going with the series, we find a romance blossom between her and the hot grumpy police officer.
I usually hate holiday themed stories, but this was more mystery and held my attention. I loved Charlie and I'm hoping if I keep going with the series, we find a romance blossom between her and the hot grumpy police officer.
December 14, 2025
3.5 Cute Christmas Cozy. I actually guessed who it was this time lol. Even though it’s book 1 of this series, apparently Charlie was introduced in another series. It makes sense why I seemed to feel like I was missing an intro to her character. But overall fun read.
November 15, 2021
Talk about frustrating !! In The Murder Before Christmas main character Charlie Kingsley is asked to help a woman when her husband is poisoned but no one will be completely honest with her !!
In The Murder Before Christmas by Michele Pariza Wacek, the first book in her Charlie Kingsley Mystery series a young pregnant woman, Courtney, comes to her asking for her help. Charlie is not a private investigator. In fact she is far from that....Charlie makes specialty teas and tinctures for clients out of her home. But Courtney had heard from a friend that Charlie could develop a love potion and she desperately needed that to save her marriage. After talking with Courtney and learning why she needed a love potion, she stresses to her to go home and have a heart to heart talk with her husband and see if that helps the marriage.
Unfortunately Charlie learns that Dennis, Courtney's husband, died on Christmas Eve and the cause of death was poison. Charlie cannot shake the feeling that she somehow could have helped the couple. But when she goes to offer her condolences, she is asked to look into Dennis' death. Against her better judgement she agrees to ask some questions.....unfortunately no one will tell her the complete truth and she always walks away knowing the person is keeping secrets from her. And as she gets deeper into the case, she finds more reasons for people to want Dennis dead and things pointing to Courtney as the killer !! But deep down Charlie knows that it wasn't Courtney but she doesn't know how to get to the bottom of things !!
Readers will totally love The Murder Before Christmas. You will love how Charlie seems to run in circles and not get anywhere and with the series being based in the 1990's, you will enjoy the simplicity of not having the internet and such to rely on to find answers. I highly encourage readers to grab a copy of The Murder Before Christmas and get lost in the story just like I did.....no thank you is required.
In The Murder Before Christmas by Michele Pariza Wacek, the first book in her Charlie Kingsley Mystery series a young pregnant woman, Courtney, comes to her asking for her help. Charlie is not a private investigator. In fact she is far from that....Charlie makes specialty teas and tinctures for clients out of her home. But Courtney had heard from a friend that Charlie could develop a love potion and she desperately needed that to save her marriage. After talking with Courtney and learning why she needed a love potion, she stresses to her to go home and have a heart to heart talk with her husband and see if that helps the marriage.
Unfortunately Charlie learns that Dennis, Courtney's husband, died on Christmas Eve and the cause of death was poison. Charlie cannot shake the feeling that she somehow could have helped the couple. But when she goes to offer her condolences, she is asked to look into Dennis' death. Against her better judgement she agrees to ask some questions.....unfortunately no one will tell her the complete truth and she always walks away knowing the person is keeping secrets from her. And as she gets deeper into the case, she finds more reasons for people to want Dennis dead and things pointing to Courtney as the killer !! But deep down Charlie knows that it wasn't Courtney but she doesn't know how to get to the bottom of things !!
Readers will totally love The Murder Before Christmas. You will love how Charlie seems to run in circles and not get anywhere and with the series being based in the 1990's, you will enjoy the simplicity of not having the internet and such to rely on to find answers. I highly encourage readers to grab a copy of The Murder Before Christmas and get lost in the story just like I did.....no thank you is required.
December 12, 2024
Found it to be boring and dragged out.
December 16, 2024
3.5⭐️ it was a bit too slow for my taste
October 22, 2021
Synopsis
Teacrafter Charlie Kingsley's new client, Courtney, seeks a love potion, something that Charlie just doesn't do. Courtney (in jest, she says) asks for a poison instead. Charlie's refusal (to both requests) should have been the end of the matter, but Courtney's husband still winds up dead. Charlie is drawn into investigating a Christmastime murder chocked full of intrigue and drama.
Characters
Charlie, though she is a character from another series, is new to me and making her acquaintance was a marvellous experience. She has an intriguing backstory that is gently alluded to and tickled my curiosity. From the moment I sat down to tea at her kitchen table, I wanted to get to know her. She is that friend - the one who has great advice and isn't afraid to dispense it. Her friend, Pat, is a wonderful sounding board and willing cohort. The rest of the cast were very credible and I particularly liked her foil, Officer Brandon Wyle. Wyle and Charlie have an adversarial yet playful relationship which is a delight to observe.
Final Thoughts
It's no exaggeration to say that I loved this story. It takes place at my favourite time of the year and involves a warm and richly written detective. The plot was involved but even with my terrible memory, all the characters made enough of an impression that I didn't need to wonder who anyone was when they made an appearance. It was lovely to read a story in which the adults act maturely rather than as tall adolescents. The Murder Before Christmas is the definition of a cosy and I highly recommend it for the lovers of this genre.
~~~~~~
Thank you to BookSirens and Michele Pariza Wacek for the opportunity to review this eARC. My opinions are left freely and are, as always, honest and true.
Teacrafter Charlie Kingsley's new client, Courtney, seeks a love potion, something that Charlie just doesn't do. Courtney (in jest, she says) asks for a poison instead. Charlie's refusal (to both requests) should have been the end of the matter, but Courtney's husband still winds up dead. Charlie is drawn into investigating a Christmastime murder chocked full of intrigue and drama.
Characters
Charlie, though she is a character from another series, is new to me and making her acquaintance was a marvellous experience. She has an intriguing backstory that is gently alluded to and tickled my curiosity. From the moment I sat down to tea at her kitchen table, I wanted to get to know her. She is that friend - the one who has great advice and isn't afraid to dispense it. Her friend, Pat, is a wonderful sounding board and willing cohort. The rest of the cast were very credible and I particularly liked her foil, Officer Brandon Wyle. Wyle and Charlie have an adversarial yet playful relationship which is a delight to observe.
Final Thoughts
It's no exaggeration to say that I loved this story. It takes place at my favourite time of the year and involves a warm and richly written detective. The plot was involved but even with my terrible memory, all the characters made enough of an impression that I didn't need to wonder who anyone was when they made an appearance. It was lovely to read a story in which the adults act maturely rather than as tall adolescents. The Murder Before Christmas is the definition of a cosy and I highly recommend it for the lovers of this genre.
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Thank you to BookSirens and Michele Pariza Wacek for the opportunity to review this eARC. My opinions are left freely and are, as always, honest and true.
November 18, 2021
4.5 Stars for The Murder Before Christmas ( Charlie Kingsley Mysteries @#1)
This is the first hook I have read by this author and honestly cozy mysteries are not normally a genre I’m drawn too but Christmas is my favourite time of year and I’m so glad I decided to get a cozy mystery a chance because I really enjoyed Charlie Kingsley and Courtney’s journey. I will certainly be looking at other works by the very talented Michele Pariza Wacek.
Charlie Kingsley makes special blend teas to help her friends, she is the woman everyone goes to for help but when pregnant Courtney asks for a love potion ( the one potion Charlie doesn’t make) and them asks for a tea to poison her cheating husband, Charlie believes someone is trying to play a joke on her. Courtney is sent away with nothing but a flea in her ear but when her husband turns up dead on Christmas Eve the plot thickens and the mystery needs to be solved.
This story has plenty to keep you on the edge of your seat, there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and to keep you turning the pages. It’s a wonderful start to a new series and it’s a book I highly recommend.,
This is the first hook I have read by this author and honestly cozy mysteries are not normally a genre I’m drawn too but Christmas is my favourite time of year and I’m so glad I decided to get a cozy mystery a chance because I really enjoyed Charlie Kingsley and Courtney’s journey. I will certainly be looking at other works by the very talented Michele Pariza Wacek.
Charlie Kingsley makes special blend teas to help her friends, she is the woman everyone goes to for help but when pregnant Courtney asks for a love potion ( the one potion Charlie doesn’t make) and them asks for a tea to poison her cheating husband, Charlie believes someone is trying to play a joke on her. Courtney is sent away with nothing but a flea in her ear but when her husband turns up dead on Christmas Eve the plot thickens and the mystery needs to be solved.
This story has plenty to keep you on the edge of your seat, there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and to keep you turning the pages. It’s a wonderful start to a new series and it’s a book I highly recommend.,
November 11, 2021
5 star review of The Murder Before Christmas (Charlie Kingsley Mysteries #1) by Michele Pariza Wacek
I enjoy cozy mysteries and found The Murder Before Christmas to be an entertaining and well written read. Michele Pariza Wacek is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not come across her books before; this may have been my first book but it will not be the last.
Charlie Kingsley is a woman who makes special tea blends. She is a nurturer who is always willing to help. When pregnant Courtney comes to Charlie for a love potion (the one thing Charlie won’t do) she then asks for a blend to kill her cheating husband. Of course she is joking, or is she? When Courtney’s husband dies from poisoning on Christmas Eve a mystery needs to be solved.
What follows is a number of twists and turns that will keep you on your toes. The characters are easy to relate to and engaging. I look forward to reading more in this series.
I enjoy cozy mysteries and found The Murder Before Christmas to be an entertaining and well written read. Michele Pariza Wacek is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not come across her books before; this may have been my first book but it will not be the last.
Charlie Kingsley is a woman who makes special tea blends. She is a nurturer who is always willing to help. When pregnant Courtney comes to Charlie for a love potion (the one thing Charlie won’t do) she then asks for a blend to kill her cheating husband. Of course she is joking, or is she? When Courtney’s husband dies from poisoning on Christmas Eve a mystery needs to be solved.
What follows is a number of twists and turns that will keep you on your toes. The characters are easy to relate to and engaging. I look forward to reading more in this series.
December 11, 2024
I loved this book, trying to figure out who did it and you think one person and then it wasn’t
Awesome read
Awesome read
December 2, 2025
Very predictable. I knew who the murderer was early on so it wasn’t exciting. Also too many plot holes like why do the characters keep opening up to someone who sells teas? Very weird and unrealistic. I would have liked it told from the perspective of an actual detective. Also there was nothing special about the writing
January 19, 2023
✨3.5
La verdad no le tenía mucha esperanza . Pero terminó siendo adictivo.
Lo que si, pudo darse la historia perfectamente aunque no fuera navidad.
La verdad no le tenía mucha esperanza . Pero terminó siendo adictivo.
Lo que si, pudo darse la historia perfectamente aunque no fuera navidad.
December 29, 2025
The Murder Before Christmas is a fun and festive cozy mystery centered around Charlie Kingsley, a small town tea seller who refuses to brew love potions but somehow ends up tangled in a murder anyway. When a joking conversation about poison turns very real and a cheating husband is found dead on Christmas Eve, Charlie has to dig through secrets, twists and suspects to figure out what really happened. I loved the audio and narrator, the small town vibes and the friendships that made everything feel warm and cozy despite the murder. Even though it is a cozy mystery, there is still plenty of action, drama and suspense to keep the story moving and make it hard to stop listening.
April 21, 2023
A Chore to Get Through
I picked this one up because I like cozy mysteries set during Christmas time. Well, there was definitely a mystery, but my first complaint is that there was very little suggesting anything Christmassy.
The story itself was also hard to get through. So, so, so much dialogue and interviewing possible suspects. There just wasn't any action to hold my interest.
I really wanted to like this book, but honestly I didn't, and I don't know that I'll try another book by this author.
I picked this one up because I like cozy mysteries set during Christmas time. Well, there was definitely a mystery, but my first complaint is that there was very little suggesting anything Christmassy.
The story itself was also hard to get through. So, so, so much dialogue and interviewing possible suspects. There just wasn't any action to hold my interest.
I really wanted to like this book, but honestly I didn't, and I don't know that I'll try another book by this author.
November 10, 2021
Charlie Kingsley is a master of making teas and potions, but will not make love potions. So when a very pregnant Courtney needs a love potion to get her husband to fall back in love with her, she asks Charlie for help... Something that Charlie refuses to do, even though she is drawn to the younger woman.
So when Courtney's husband winds up dead on Christmas Eve, Charlie feels somewhat responsible, especially when all signs point to Courtney.
I really enjoyed this book, it started off a bit slow, but once it took off it was a pleasant journey filled with plenty of baked goods and bad decisions. Charlie is a fun character, she is resourceful and as relentless as a dog with a bone trying to get the bottom of this mystery. She is constantly baking, so this is a series that you are going to want to have a few cookies and nice herbal tea for.
I really prefer to read books in sequence and this book is absolutely why. After reading the two chapters at the back of the book-- I am now DYING to read the rest of the series. (Seriously-- read the two chapters!) While Charlie's Story hints at the other stories around it, it reads like a stand-alone book (with friends with benefits perks into the stories around it.) I will definitely be interested to see where the stories lead.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So when Courtney's husband winds up dead on Christmas Eve, Charlie feels somewhat responsible, especially when all signs point to Courtney.
I really enjoyed this book, it started off a bit slow, but once it took off it was a pleasant journey filled with plenty of baked goods and bad decisions. Charlie is a fun character, she is resourceful and as relentless as a dog with a bone trying to get the bottom of this mystery. She is constantly baking, so this is a series that you are going to want to have a few cookies and nice herbal tea for.
I really prefer to read books in sequence and this book is absolutely why. After reading the two chapters at the back of the book-- I am now DYING to read the rest of the series. (Seriously-- read the two chapters!) While Charlie's Story hints at the other stories around it, it reads like a stand-alone book (with friends with benefits perks into the stories around it.) I will definitely be interested to see where the stories lead.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 17, 2024
Michele Pariza Wacek’s “The Murder Before Christmas” kicks off a cozy mystery series with a twist of humor and intrigue. Set in the 1990s in Redemption, Wisconsin, the story introduces Charlie Kingsley, a tea-maker with a knack for solving mysteries. When Courtney, a pregnant woman dealing with a cheating husband, jokes about poisoning him, it seems harmless—until her husband turns up dead on Christmas Eve, poisoned. Now, Charlie must dig into the twists and turns to uncover whether Courtney is a murderer or being set up.
The concept of a tea-making amateur sleuth is charming, and the small-town 1990s vibe adds a nostalgic touch. Charlie is a likable protagonist with a dry wit and a curious mind, making her an enjoyable guide through the story. The twists and turns of the murder investigation intrigued me enough to see how things unfolded. While the premise was unique, the execution didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The pacing was sometimes uneven, and some plot points felt rushed, leaving me wishing for more profound development. The supporting characters, while quirky, didn’t always feel fleshed out, and I found myself wanting more from the mystery itself—it was good but not great.
Still, the book had moments of charm and humor, and I’m hopeful the series will pick up in future installments. If you enjoy light, cozy mysteries with an unconventional lead, “The Murder Before Christmas” is worth a read—especially if you love a holiday-themed whodunit.
The concept of a tea-making amateur sleuth is charming, and the small-town 1990s vibe adds a nostalgic touch. Charlie is a likable protagonist with a dry wit and a curious mind, making her an enjoyable guide through the story. The twists and turns of the murder investigation intrigued me enough to see how things unfolded. While the premise was unique, the execution didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The pacing was sometimes uneven, and some plot points felt rushed, leaving me wishing for more profound development. The supporting characters, while quirky, didn’t always feel fleshed out, and I found myself wanting more from the mystery itself—it was good but not great.
Still, the book had moments of charm and humor, and I’m hopeful the series will pick up in future installments. If you enjoy light, cozy mysteries with an unconventional lead, “The Murder Before Christmas” is worth a read—especially if you love a holiday-themed whodunit.
November 11, 2021
5 star review of The Murder Before Christmas (Charlie Kingsley Mysteries #1) by Michele Pariza Wacek
I enjoy cozy mysteries and found The Murder Before Christmas to be an entertaining and well written read. Michele Pariza Wacek is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not come across her books before; this may have been my first book but it will not be the last.
Charlie Kingsley is a woman who makes special tea blends. She is a nurturer who is always willing to help. When pregnant Courtney comes to Charlie for a love potion (the one thing Charlie won’t do) she then asks for a blend to kill her cheating husband. Of course she is joking, or is she? When Courtney’s husband dies from poisoning on Christmas Eve a mystery needs to be solved.
What follows is a number of twists and turns that will keep you on your toes. The characters are easy to relate to and engaging. I look forward to reading more in this series.
I enjoy cozy mysteries and found The Murder Before Christmas to be an entertaining and well written read. Michele Pariza Wacek is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not come across her books before; this may have been my first book but it will not be the last.
Charlie Kingsley is a woman who makes special tea blends. She is a nurturer who is always willing to help. When pregnant Courtney comes to Charlie for a love potion (the one thing Charlie won’t do) she then asks for a blend to kill her cheating husband. Of course she is joking, or is she? When Courtney’s husband dies from poisoning on Christmas Eve a mystery needs to be solved.
What follows is a number of twists and turns that will keep you on your toes. The characters are easy to relate to and engaging. I look forward to reading more in this series.
November 8, 2021
I usually do not read Christmas themed books until after Thanksgiving but I thought this looked really interesting! It was a fun and quick read. It is the first of a new series called “The Charlie Kingsley Series” by Michele Pariza Wacek. Charlie is the lady people seek for her tea blends that will help with any problems you may have. Courtney is pregnant and she feels like her husband has fallen out of love with her so she gets in touch with Charlie for some tea that will help her husband fall back in love with her. Courtney is positive her husband is having an affair also. Unfortunately, her husband is poisoned with some brandy. Charlie is summoned to help Courtney out because she is the prime suspect. This was a fun who-dun-it book and it did get me guessing. I would definitely reads more books in this series.
I received an ARC from BookSirens for free
I received an ARC from BookSirens for free
November 20, 2021
Murder✔️Christmas ✔️ this is for me! The cover itself also screamed a must read! How I loved this cozy murder mystery! This town is set up as a perfect back drop, Christmas, snow and lots of tea! I loved meeting Charlie Kingsley and her friend Pat. Two friends who share the same love for solving mysteries. As this is the first book in the Charlie Kingsley mysteries I’m excited to read the next book to get more answers on Charlie’s past and how she started investigating! She’s is a very likable character, always prepared with desert and yummy hot tea! I will say after reading this your sweet tooth will have some cravings!
The mystery itself in this story is very puzzling and have you questioning every character in this story. Guessing who dun it is not easy in this one. I loved every part! I totally recommend for all mystery lovers!
The mystery itself in this story is very puzzling and have you questioning every character in this story. Guessing who dun it is not easy in this one. I loved every part! I totally recommend for all mystery lovers!
November 8, 2021
Charlie Kingsley blends custom teas and herbs in her business. One day a pregnant Courtney comes to her for a “love potion” for her husband to fall back in love with her (as she thinks he is having an affair). Of course, Charlie does not do potions, including love potions! Disappointed, Courtney leaves with some candy cane tea. The next day her husband’s murder is front page news, poisoned by the gift of a bottle of his favorite brandy, supposedly sent by his cousin. Courtney swears she’s innocent and begs Charlie to look into things. But the deeper Charlie,and her friend Pat delve, the more twisted the case seems to be! This is a fun read and I recommend it as a great Christmas cozy! I received a free copy from BookSirens, and write this review voluntarily.
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