Owl Be Home for Christmas

A Very Murder Christmas #2

by Rosie A. Point

With six days to go before Christmas, there’s only one thing on everyone’s minds… Murder!

Holly, local dog walker and amateur sleuth extraordinaire, likes to think she’s her hometown’s answer to the dog whisperer. But owls? That’s another sack of feathers all together. When she’s called out to a rich woman’s home, Holly is shocked when she’s asked to… walk an owl?

No amount of explaining will convince her new client that walking birds is something Holly can’t do. Or that owls are nocturnal creatures. Just when Holly’s ready to give up and go home, her client clasps at her throat, chokes, and keels over. Dead as a doornail.

Holly’s got no idea what happened to her, but with the local Christmas celebrations under threat, she won’t stop until she’s solved the crime.

Genres: Mystery, Christmas, Cozy Mystery, Novella, Fiction, Cozy, Audiobook

93 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2021

About the author

Rosie A. Point is a USA Today Bestselling cozy mystery author who loves writing about food, small towns, and cats. Her favorite books are ones you can snuggle up with under a cozy blanket on a winter's day. Born and raised in South Africa, her books are all set in small towns in the United States. She dreams of visiting the places she writes about in her books.

Rosie wants to hear from you. Whether it’s about a recipe or one of her books, you can contact her on her website. Join her reader club today!

https://www.rosiepointbooks.com/

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Calling this a mystery is more than a stretch. There's no logic to any of it, just our underemployed protagonist snooping and stumbling around until they trip over the solution.

The coziness feels injected into the story at regular intervals. Dipping a candy cane into your cocoa is festive, right? How about some Christmas music at the cafe? Our nominally brooding male detective counterpart is actually quite a nice guy. Our protagonist isn't particularly lovable, especially when she brings her dog into businesses and homes without asking first. No, you don't understand, this town culturally loves animals, so if Holly's dog (yes, our Christmas cozy protag is named Holly) shreds your pants, you're the bad person.

We could maybe take a second to ponder the idea of extralegally rescuing a wild animal from someone who's taken them in extralegally, but why bother. The title drove the scenario, rather than the other way around.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 😉🐕

This kindle ebook novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book two of three

She has an appointment with an owner of an animal too walk it. It turns out to be an owl and the owner dropped dead. Holly once again ends up in the middle of the investigation. She uncovers the killer leading to the arrest. 😮✨

I would recommend this series and author to readers of family and friends relationships adventures mystery novels 😯😏 2025 🙃🌜

[Kathy Brackin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series for the season 🎄❤️

[Fanny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Estas historias son muy simples y rapidas de leer, lo que las hace ideales para este mes del año.

La protagonista es agradable y divertida, ademas, no extraño el que no haya demasiado romance, aunque en este segundo tomo esa trama secundaria avanza un poco, sera porque Holly por si sola es bastante entretenida.

Lo recomiendo, es un libro facil y lindo.

2.75 Estrellas!

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another cute Kindle quick read holiday cozy mystery that continues the journey of misfortune for dog walker Holly as she gets embroiled in yet another unfortunate death of a potential client. I preferred the first story, Dachshund Through the Snow, because it didn’t portray Holly as someone who gets all weak-kneed around a handsome man. I also find it tiresome when family berates a woman for not having a man in her life, but at least Holly had one good comeback when she was essentially told she’s better off with a man… and then she goes and gets stupid when in a man’s presence… oh, well.

Despite those small annoyances and inconsistencies in the main character’s personality, it was an enjoyable seasonal story. Holly is at her best when paired with and supported by her mom and little dog, Dixie! I look forward to the next book in this series with Holly and Dixie because the mystery is just enough to keep the reader engaged but the story stays light, cheerful, and clever. I’m hoping for more of the independent and spunky Holly!

[Jacob · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another book for the 372 Pages podcast. These cozy mysteries are always so bad, but that’s the fun.

Had to laugh at the chapter when the narrator tried to claim she was happy with her dachshund and didn’t want/need a man to be happy, all the while treating her dog as a baby. The lady doth protest too much, methinks.

I found this book especially annoying because I was sick of hearing about the narrator bringing her dog with her everywhere she went. I, for one, am tired of seeing dogs in places where they have never traditionally belonged: restaurants, libraries, grocery stores, you name it. The narrator dragging her dog around like an accessory was far from endearing.

Lastly, the resolution was ridiculous. If a similar situation were to happen in a better written book, the murderer would ask for a lawyer. The case would go to trial and the murderer would get off because the evidence was illegally obtained and therefore inadmissible. Instead, we get an Encyclopedia Brown-esque resolution, in which the amateur sleuth makes an accusation and the perpetrator immediately confesses.

This was not nearly as insane as some of the other self-published books covered on the 372 Pages podcast (alas, no time-traveling truck drivers or super genius CPAs), but it’s still entertaining to hear it picked apart.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

twas ok

Ehhh nothing special, basically no investigation, her family is always putting her down, she’s trying to find a career and her way after a breakup, and dogwalking is it

[crίѕтίŋα•●Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ●• · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The more I got to know animals, the more I became convinced that they were just like people, only more pure and definitely more loyal. They wanted to be free, content, well-fed, and watered. I could relate to that.”
- Holly Jameson

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really loving this cute little trilogy. Holly the dogwalker was trying to figure out how she'd walk an owl when the owl's owner ended up dying. Now the big question was who killed her, and how to free that owl? If anyone could do it, Holly and her sweet little Dixie dachsie could.

I loved how nice Harry Stokes turned out being to Holly. She always thought he hated her but found out something very sweet after Holly helped him solve this case. I'll really hate to see this trilogy come to an end, but I think these two are at least headed toward a better friendship now.

[H-e-l-e-n-a · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holly ahora es testigo de una muerte... la policía y el supuesto Detective llegan a la conclusión de que fue un accidente, pero el instinto le dice a Holly que no. 😂
En fin, otro misterio que resolver. Nuevo animal que rescatar y ya se empieza a perfilar el romance entre Holly y Harry.

Libros que se leen en un momento.👌

[Emily Gawlak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful book!! Love this series!

I wish the books were longer. Everything about this book screams quintessential cozy mystery!

I highly recommend this book and its series.

Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed.

Happy reading! 📖

[Kaycee O'Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute and a pretty good story

[Margarida · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are such sweet cozy murder/mysteries, great to be read throughout this season. Loving to see how people from Full Fork start to look at Holly with a different perspective. And looks like she’s warming up to the detective.

[guapito.reynolds04 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man ame este libro, o sea igual era algo que esperaba porque es la continuación del 1, el cual también ame. En serio que se me hizo super fácil y rápido de leer, me gusta como esta autora aborda los misterios y crímenes en estos libros, lo hace de una manera cero aburrida. Así que, hablemos de este libro, empezando con los personajes, man amo a Holly se me hace alguien tan inteligente y siento que a pesar de sus defectos es alguien que quiere seguir mejorando y seguir adelante persiguiendo su sueño de tener una guardería de mascotas, eso se me hace muy resiliente de su parte, además de que se le da muy bien resolver problemas man, o sea le gano a la policía, debería considerar ser detective jsjsjs. Continuando, hablemos de Dixie, no man, esta perrita es un encanto, amo que ella sea la compañera de misterios de Holly, o sea esa perrita siempre le da casi todas las pistas a ella jajsj, es tan inteligente, la amo, además de que tiene un gran detector de saber quien si vale la pena conocer y quien no, ya que siempre le ha ladrado a las personas malas, así que muy bien Dixie.

Además, amo al detective Harry y que se esfuerce por construir una nueva relación con Holly y que ella esté más receptiva a conocer a Harry ya siendo un adulto responsable que maduro jsjs. Y MAN YO SABÍA QUE EL ESTABA TRAGADO DE HOLLYYY Y SÉ QUE AÚN LO ESTAAAAA AAAAA, que emoción. Espero que se vuelvan novios detectivescos.

Ay también quiero hablar de Ollentine, me alegre mucho que lo hubieran podido liberar man, animales así no merecen vivir en cautiverio y menos en espacios tan reducidos, o sea el estaba tan deprimido 😭😭😭, pero ya no más, porque ahora ES LIBREEEEE.

En cuanto a la trama, man se me hizo muy buena, en serio que te presentan un problema al inicio y ya luego empieza la búsqueda de quien fue el causante de dicho problema, así que siempre te mantiene enganchada de principio a fin, además de que suceda en un pueblo pequeño y en temporada navideña, le da el toque mágico. Es que esta saga me recuerda a la serie de Only murders in the building, o sea man igualito. Así que si quieren leer algo navideño con asesinatos, este libro es para tiii. Bais mi gente :D

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in this Christmas trilogy is so much fun and a great mystery to follow. Holly is a dog walker in town. When she is called to the wealthy Pringle family's home to walk their dog, she is shocked to find it is not a dog she has to walk, but a snowy owl in a stroller. It was futile for Holly to try to explain that it is not exactly right so she listened as Mrs. Pringle started explaining the owl's routine when she dropped dead right there! While the police write it off as anaphylactic shock since she was allergic to cherries and cherries was in the piece of cake she took a bite of so they felt it was an accident. But Holly was not convinced and decided with her dog, Dixie, to investigate Mrs. Pringle's death on her own, especially since the mayor said the Full Fork Christmas Event will be cancelled since Mrs. Pringle was the head of the organizing committee. She has to convince the police including her high school nemesis/crush who tormented her through high school, Harry. She has to save the Christmas celebration, but who are the suspects? Added to the mystery, she has to deal with her successful sisters, her oldest sister always on her case making helping to tank and self-esteem she might have had. This is a fun series and I can't wait to see what will happen next! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Killed Mrs. Prentice ? . . .

Holly has started her dog walking business for the town’s elite and was hired by the wealthy Mrs. Pringle to walk what Holly assumed was a dog. Instead of a dog, the pet turned out to be a great snowy owl named Ollentine. She allowed her potential client to instruct her about the owl’s routine, but suddenly Mrs. Prentice choked and dropped dead in front of her!

The police figured Mrs. Prentice had an allergic reaction to cherries in the cake she had munched on, so they called it an accident and they were not going to make an investigation. Holly did not agree and she and her dog, Dixie, would take a closer look. Will she find a lead to reveal the murderer? And what will she do if the murderer catches her snooping? Can she distract him until Detective Stokes arrives? Would the Christmas event be “uncancelled” and allowed to go on? And would she ever stop blushing when Harry Stokes gave her that huge hug at the coffee shop?

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a professional dog walker, Holly is always excited to meet new clients, but she wasn't really expecting to have to walk an owl. But it turns out she doesn't have to because Mrs Pringle, the owl's owner, drops dead at Holly's feet during their first introduction. The police rule it an accidental allergic reaction, but Holly is pretty sure something more sinister is at play.

Okay, Holly's investigation tactics are pretty bad. Sure, she gets results, but I cringed. However, the characters are fun, the setting festive, the dog adorable, and the mystery intriguing. I had fun reading this book.

[Ethan P · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is more of a window into the authors psyche than anything to do with a murder mystery, which there is none. The solution feels like something out of a Black Adder bit, I can hear Rowan Atkinson screaming "she might as well have seen a sign in the kitchen that says NO CHERRIES OR THE DUCHESS WILL DIE and a maraschino jar in the killers bàg".

This book is truly about how the author feels, rejected by society, inadequacy in her career compared to others success, and being a gossipy bitch all personified by the protagonist Holly. She cannot comprehend a world where people don't like dogs and they get upset when you bring your dog around after being explicitly told not to.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the second of this Very Murder Christmas trilogy, Holly is hired not to be a dog walker that she is, but an owl walker. As if that's not enough of a surprise, the owner is murdered before Holly is even out the door. When the police treated it as an accident, she decides to take matters into her own hands to prove it was murder, who had delivered the fatal dose and how to free the owl back to its natural habitat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CarolAnn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosie A. Point has quickly become a must read author for me. Every one of her books has been a complete joy to read. She has done it again with this book.
Join Holly and her little dog Dixie in this fun Christmas cozy mystery. This is part 2 in the Very Murder Christmas series. You can read this as a stand alone book but you won't want to so If you haven't already, grab this series for a Holly jolly good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute holiday cozy!

Holly has a new customer for her dog-walking business. When she arrives to meet the owner and her dog, the "dog" turns out to be a large owl. Holly barely has a chance to discuss her duties when the owner dies. She believes it's foul play but the police don't agree and refuse to investigate further. If there is going to be justice, Holly will have to solve the case.

Holly and Dixie make a great investigative team! The story was fun to read. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book! Holly is hired by a new client, but instead of walking a dog she will be walking an owl! While her client is telling her the owl’s routine, she drops over dead. While the police list it as a natural, Holly doesn’t agree. Now she has to prove it. Great story that keeps you guessing.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly’s newest dog-walking job is…an owl? How the heck can you walk an owl? To top it off, the owl’s owner drops dead (literally) right in front of her. Death by Christmas Cake, which was stuffed with cherries that she was allergic to. Odd. Who had put cherries in the Christmas cake?

The witty, candid narrative was enjoyable, and it’s a great mystery to solve. The only issue was that we didn’t know what happened to the owl.

A great holiday mystery!

[Lcr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly has started a dog walking business with a little help from her gorgeous little dog Dixie. When asked to walk an owl Holly assumed it was some sort of mistake but before she could sort out what was going on the person who hired her turned up dead.
This is an original and rather unusual cosy mystery with occasional humorous moments. It sits well within the genre and is an easy read.. I enjoyed it and if you are looking for a light, entertaining read I suggest you give it a read.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owl Be home for Christmas. A cute cozy mystery that makes you want more. It's great that there is more to come. This is the second book of a Christmas trilogy and it is delightful. Holly is asked to walk an owl as part of her dog walking business. Ever wonder how you would walk an owl? Read this interesting Christmas tale to find out.

[Gloria Markus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking an owl and a murder

Holly had been hired to walk what she thought was a dog, but turned out to be a great snowy owl. Her first day Mrs. Pringle, the owl’s owner dropped dead as she was discussing the owl’s routine. Follow Holly as she tries to convince the police that this was a murder. Very well written story.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes place in the same time frame as the last book. Holly is a dog walker and is asked to walk an owl. When he goes to the owners house she witnesses another murder and her and Dixie look for clues to solve the case.
This was a cute story and there’s a little love interest going on with Holly. Looking forward to the third book.

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nobody writes a cozy like Point does. I really enjoyed this addition to the newest holiday series. Always well-written, well-paced, likeable and complex characters, plus a great mystery. Every time I think it can’t get better, Point proves us wrong. Can’t wait for the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosie has done another great job with another fantastic cozy mystery. It's well written, enjoyable, and pulls you in. The characters are fun, engaging and work well together to solve the newest murder mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

starting her own dog walking business has been hard work , fun, some frustration, and many rewards

of course it feels a lot better when not described by a domineering big sister

natural causes? maybe not

how far would someone go to uphold their beliefs ?

intense, insightful and a bit funny

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.