Mitzy Moon can’t wait to cut her own gorgeous Christmas tree. But her forest adventure loses its thrill when the pristine blanket of snow reveals a blood trail. And her heart thuds when the crimson droplets lead to a body, bringing her Yuletide festivities to a deadly end. When her only employee becomes the prime suspect, Mitzy is forced to take the case. But even though she enrolls her eavesdropping Ghost-ma and a spoiled feline to help unwrap the evidence, each uncovered clue only seems to dig a more messy, murderous hole. Can Mitzy unstick herself from the tacky case, or is her festive fun about to turn fatal? Carols and Yule Perils is the sixteenth book in the hilarious Mitzy Moon Mysteries paranormal cozy mystery series. If you like snarky heroines, supernatural intrigue, and a dash of romance, then you’ll love Trixie Silvertale’s twisty tinsel-clad tale.
USA Today Bestselling author Trixie Silvertale grew up reading an endless supply of Lilian Jackson Braun, Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew novels. She loves the amateur sleuths in cozy mysteries and and obsesses about all things paranormal. Those two passions unite in her Mitzy Moon Mysteries, and she's thrilled to write them and share them with you.
Mitzy Moon has been making a new life for herself in Pin Cherry Harbor, which is in “almost Canada”. Hiking through the snow is hard enough for Arizona native Mitzy Moon, but when she and her boyfriend set out to cut down their own Christmas tree, they find a dead body instead. Holiday decorating plans have to be put on hold while Mitzy and Erick work together to solve the murder. Mitzy and Erick make a great detecting team, using a combination of intelligence and Mitzy’s psychic abilities to solve crimes. They also make a great couple since they are obviously in love and their personalities complement each other perfectly.
The mystery aspect of the book is well-written and had me guessing as Mitzy and Erick narrow down suspects and follow up on clues. Erick isn’t aware that Mitzy is psychic, but does make frequent comments about her “uncanny hunches”. He is aware that she gets help from the spirit of her deceased grandmother who lives in the bookstore Mitzy owns and manages, as well as Pyewacket, her cat, who can always find a way to communicate the contributions he wants to make to the investigation.
Even if you don’t usually read paranormal mysteries, give this series a try. The stories are well-grounded in reality so the characters and situations are very relatable. The books are really funny, too. Mitzy has a wonderful sense of humor and in this book especially, her banter with Erick had me laughing throughout the book. However, there are some serious scenes as well, and I was tearing up a little at the heartwarming ending that is just perfect for a story taking place at Christmastime. If you’re already a fan of the series, you’ll love it, but it also stands on its own for readers new to Pin Cherry Harbor. (4.5 stars, rounded up to 5)
A copy of this book was provided to me by the author at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
I absolutely love this series on audiobook! The narrator does an outstanding job of bringing the quirky, mystery solving, book store owning main character to life and all of her supporting cast! It is by far one of my favorite forms of entertainment. I can't believe that I am already on book 16 and really hope that this author keeps this series going as it is just so much fun. Good humor, great plotting, a bit of pop culture, a bit of paranormal and a lot of sleuthing! Add in a handsome boyfriend who happens to be the local lawman and it's quite a combination! This one wraps the Christmas holiday in so if you love a good Christmas murder mystery then here you go! Now to wait for the next book to be available via audio!
Mitzy is super excited about getting her own real Christmas tree. However this excitement is short-lived when she and Erick stumble over a body. Since the body is on Twiggy’s property, Twiggy becomes a suspect. Mitzy has to clear Twiggy’s names especially if she wants peace in her home (Ghostma is adamant about her friend’s innocence.)
Once again Trixie Silvertale has written absolute humor and fast paced cozy mystery I couldn’t put down. The characters are entertaining and likable. The mystery is full of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing whodunnit. The secondary story of Mitzy’s relationships with Erick and her family is as interesting and well-written as the mystery.
I listened to the audiobook. The narrator is fantastic at bringing the story and characters to life. She has a pleasant voice and is great with the accents for each character.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
I do believe that book 16 is my favourite to date in this highly enjoyable cozy mystery series, I loved that the theme was centred around Christmas, as well as the highly personal secrets shared between ghost-ma and Mitzy. The solving of this mystery murder case was very convoluted, keeping us the readers quite intrigued about who had in fact committed the murder of Carol Olsen. However most of all I love the way Mitzy's and Erick's romance is progressing, they are taking it slow and biding their time but us readers who have followed this romance from Book 1 have surely noticed the difference and in this book this has been raised not just by one or two notches but much more, so hopefully we will see our favourite couple committing more to their relationship in the next book. Trixie promised to keep on writing if we keep on reading and I for one, will definitely keep on reading these real fun novels about Pin Cherry and it's lovely people, not forgetting our favourite Caracal who is a real winner with the readers and who never fails to come up with the best clues, being more than one step ahead of Mitzy and her clairvoyant ever growing powers. So bring it on Trixie Silvertale!
A delightful read especially as we approach the Christmas season. Mitzy, Ghost-ma and family have secrets revealed as they solve the murder mystery. A good mystery, family feel-goods and a touch of romance.
What a bombshell of a book. Trixie has outdone herself with the newest release of the Mitzy Moon series. When Mitzy and Erick are out looking for the perfect Christmas tree to cut down they stumble upon a dead body, one that will throw some of their closest friends onto the list of suspects. And as if that's not enough excitement for the festive season, a family bombshell explodes and leaves Mitzy feeling like the ground was swept from under her feet. Before digging into this new book, make sure you have a box of tissues and all the time in the world to read as this is one you won't be able to put down until finished.
Warning: you will need a box of tissues! Family secrets and romantic moments are interspersed together throughout this book.
I started reading this series, began ARC reading with Book 2, and I've fallen in love with these characters. Mitzy, Ghostma, Erick, and Pye are, of course, my favorites, but the supporting cast of quirky people are quickly gaining importance in Mitzy's life.
Its Christmas time in Pin Cherry Harbor and it starts with a bang when Mitzy and Erick find Wayne's ex dead from a gunshot on Twiggy's land. Of course, Twiggy and Wayne are high on the list of suspects. While trying to clear them, Mitzy learns Twiggy's real name (we all know how much fun Mitzy will have torturing her with that little bit of intel) and Erick gets down on one knee (is he going to propose?) Oops, maybe I should delete that. Nah, maybe it will entice you to start reading this series.
This is without a doubt my favorite book in the series because I have always had a soft spot for the man who gave Mitzy the first welcoming smile and meal upon her arrival in Pin Cherry Harbor!!
There is murder afoot again and Mitzy stumbles upon the body as she is going with her boyfriend/ sheriff to cut down her first Christmas tree no less! Suspicion points to her only employee at the bookstore because the dead woman is still technically the wife of her boyfriend. Things get sticky after she is exonerated and Mitzy and Erick find themselves trying to solve a murder that crosses the border between America and Canada!
Join the fun and see what happens next! There is plenty of excitement and some special moments later so you need to have some kleenex available!
This is a wonderful series and though this is book 16 you really need to get the whole series to throughly enjoy these characters and Pin Cherry Harbor! So read this book and get “hooked” on a series you’ll love and then go out and get the whole series to bask in the fun and excitement Mitzy finds in almost Canada when she is shocked by the appearance of a man and a message that literally changed her life for the better!!
I love this series and recommend it to one and all as a series you will also love without question! Who can resist this cast of characters from Ghost Grams to Pyewacket to Odell, Jacob, Silas, Twiggy and the rest of the residents of Pin Cherry Harbor! I’d love to live there myself and bask in all that love and excitement along with the delicious meals at Myrtles!
Trixie is without a doubt at the top the cozy mystery genre as the humor and excitement abound in each and every book! You’re finished before you know it but you just feel so good afterwards especially after finishing this one! What more can I say but read this book and then read the entire series! You’ll be so glad you did!!
What a fun read, with a good dose of sarcasm and sense of humor.
I loved the start, it immediately drew me in. And I loved how the case started almost right away. Mitzy’s sarcasm, sense of humor, and ability to make jokes about her klutziness all made this very entertaining and the fact that she cares deeply, made me care deeply too.
Mitzy-vibe: check. Sharp wit: check. Pye being super smart and mysterious check! Fun banter with ghost: check. Clever and witty conversations with Erick: check. Aww-moments: big check! Because yes, there is one thing that happens that really had me go all ‘awww’!
When Erick takes Mitzi to cut down her first real tree, you guesses it! She finds another body. It’s Christmas season in Pin Cherry Harbor! As they look for a killer, Mitzi learns a lot about lining in Near Canada & get to see the Canadian border! I really enjoyed this book. There were plenty of surprises for everyone! Plus who knew Twiggy’s real name or that she had a boyfriend or a cabin in the woods! Lots of secrets r uncovered in this book not just who the killer is! I highly recommend this book and this series!
What a twist for the family! Never saw that coming! A 'sweet' story with a bite. Laughs ... cries ... gasps ... sarcasm ... unexpected truths ... warm hugs. Once you start one of the books in this series, you never guess where and how they are going to turn out. LOVE IT! Soooooo hard to put down.
This review is for the audio book. I really enjoyed this book. This author continues to entertain her readers and listeners a like, with quirky and inventive plot ideas that will have you chuckling and arhing at the same time. Not to mention the plots that she keeps surprising us with and this one is a big one. if this is your first adventure to Pin Cherry Harbour? Then where have you been? because at book 16 the characters are well established and all the fan favourites are included. Got to say they are a great bunch of characters from Ghost-ma to the mystery solving cat and I would be hard pressed to choose a favourite. The mystery was well worked and I never did guess the killer. The one thing I did think let the book down slightly was as the main suspect was Twiggy I would have expected to learn more about her. Although she could never have been seriously considered a suspect, right? And ghost-ma certainly had a few secrets to tell but you will have to read it yourself to find out what. I can't wait for the next book. When Mitzy and boyfriend Erick head out behind Twiggy's house to find a Christmas tree, they never expected to find a dead body instead. The dead woman is the wife of the man Twiggy has been seeing, the woman who despite being separated won't divorce him. Mitzy will have to put her Christmas plans on hold to help clear both there names. Can she pull of a French Canadian accent well enough to get to the bottom of a very sticky situation? Or is more than maple syrup going to be spilled in hostel takeovers, mafia princess legacy and family fueds. I liked the narrator. I just loved her accents in this book and this is why she is this author's narrator of choice. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Every time I return to Pin Cherry I’m excited to find out what drama Mitzy has gotten herself into. This time around, she’s determined to help clear her grandma’s bestie from any suspicion in the murder of her beau’s ex.
The Christmas element: I gotta say, the whole ‘it’s winter and totally freezing up here in almost Canada’ is perfectly conveyed in the descriptions and activities of our characters. There might not be much page space devoted to decorations, but the spirit of the season is well-presented. Family. This Christmas is all about family for Mitzy. That’s more amazing than anything for a girl who grew up in the foster system. And at any festive family celebration we need good food, right? Mitzi’s stepmom certainly cooks up a hearty themed feast!
The mystery: It was a juicy one. There were a few suspects but we can’t quite figure out the opportunities and motives until we have some more details. Is this about the maple syrup business or is it about cranberries… hmmm…. that almost sounds like there should be joke in there somewhere. Ah well. Once a few connections are made, motives become much clearer. The big reveal isn’t particularly dramatic. But that’s okay. The big drama is saved for another part of the story!
Oh… there are some seriously hilarious one-liners and metaphors pulled out in this one… especially as concerns the ‘sugar shacks’. That’s a real thing! As is the maple syrup mafia!
The other characters: Mitzy’s family is about to get bigger. As a series reader, this book just hit all the right spots for the twisty turns it took with this particular storyline. I’ve seen a couple of reviews saying Carols and Yule Perils is their favourite so far. Just for the family connections, I’d completely agree.
Overall, an absolutely wonderful Christmas cozy. Carols and Yule Perils is truly a gift to series readers.
We are on book 16 and it is a doozy! If you are just getting started with the Mitzy Moon Mystery Series, I really encourage you to read them in order. You can, if you insist, read them as standalone but you will miss a lot. The mystery is solved every time. It the rest of the book where you would really enjoy these best in order. Book 16 we find out more about Twiggy, including her name! I thought her name was Twiggy! I thought she was maybe named after the model from the 1960’s. It’s a nickname. I’m not telling anymore because you really need to read the book. The mystery totally involves Twiggy. There is another secret that comes out that left me picking up my jaw from the floor. This one though had me doing a little happy dance. You can discover that one on your own, too. Erick and Mitzy are moving along at a nice pace. You want to be sure to check in on that relationship too! I honestly don’t know how Trixie Silvertale does it. Book number sixteen and the stories are still fresh, the mystery exciting and those surprises! It is really hard to come up with fresh interesting murders happening in a small town. I mean, really, how many folks can die suspiciously before you run out of townspeople who can either be victim or accused? Trixie Silvertale manages to do not only that, but to keep Pin Cherry Harbor a charming place you want to visit. Grab this one for a fun and cozy escape during the holiday time that’s coming.
By far, this is my new favourite in this series. There is so much going on this time around and I love the red herrings, wrong turns and bit of extra working out involved to crack the case. It wasn't who I thought it was going to be, and I like that.
We join the characters in the Yuletide season, which always adds that something special to the mix. As soon as the book begins, we have a body, straight in there. One of our favourite characters is a prime suspect, whether we want to believe it or not. I know these people now, every single Pin Cherry resident, how they work and who is a nice guy, or gal. I wasn't having any of that!
I like learning about the culture in a different country and the stuff about the maple was fascinating, and I'm guessing based on some truth. Brilliant mix of investigating and coming together; as usual, Silas, Pyewacket and Ghost-ma feature in their different ways, and somebody ought to give that cat a well-earned treat!
As our pair set off at their own pace in more ways than one, Sheriff Erick and Mitzy work well together wheedling out who is or is not guilty until finally nailing the murderer. We have a big surprise in this episode, which pleased me and I'm sure there's more to come. Don't miss this one, it has stepped up another notch. Must read.
I keep saying that the latest book so far is my favorite and it is always true, until the next one comes along and pulls me in to the next exciting and heartwarming adventure with Mitzy and the gang. We start out this book during the most wonderful time of the year. Well at least it is for me. Snow, family, festivities. These are all things that make me very happy. Mitzy and Erick's plans to find the perfect trees are derailed when they find a dead body in the snow. It should just be expected that poor Mitzy can't go a month without tripping over a corpse. Mitzy has to employ all of her skills and hunches to solve this case and clear her friend Twiggy of any involvement in this murder. Along the way Mitzy will also learn some shocking secrets that involve her family. Never a dull moment in a Mitzy Moon book! I love the new characters that the author introduces, as well as our main characters that have found a place in my heart. One of my favorite's is always that frisky Caracal, Pye. He's smart and sassy and as much a part of Mitzy's family as any of the humans. This was another great adventure! I will also admit that I learned a thing or two about maple syrup, so it was also educational. As I always say, I hope these books go on forever. I love this world and every book always leaves me so happy!
Dead bodies seem to show up when Mitzy Moon is around. When she and her boyfriend, Erick, go looking for a Christmas tree, that’s what they find. As usual, she and her sheriff boyfriend work on the case together. He gave up trying to keep her out of a case a long time ago.
While they’re working on the case, there’s a lot of drama going on with her grandma. I didn’t think Isadora had any more surprises up her sleeve but Mitzy uncovers something that her grandma was planning on taking to her grave. Or the other side, I guess. What a shock! I was in tears more than once.
I love how the relationship with Mitzy and Erick is progressing…slow but steady. They’re perfect for each other. He’s so patient with all of her quirks and the never ending drama!
I always like when Mitzy’s family is in the forefront. Her stepbrother is home for the Christmas break, and Christmas Eve dinner is spent with the whole family (plus one or two), and it’s both touching and funny. Trixie Silvertale always knows how to bring humor to any situation. Although this book stands on its own, I recommend reading all of the books in order to get the most out of the series.
This book is the perfect example of how Trixie keeps this series from getting stale. Just as we think we know the direction this series is going, Trixie tosses in a bombshell to shake it all up. This time it involves Mitzy’s family.
Mitzy Moon and her boyfriend Sheriff Harper are out looking for a Christmas tree, and Mitzy, the corpse magnet, comes across a corpse. When her bookstore employee Twiggy becomes the prime suspect, Mitzy has to get involved.
After reading all 16 books in the series (and more to come), I now realize that while each book has a murder mystery, the main plotline has to do with the interrelationships of the characters. This is what makes this a truly heartwarming series.
“Carols and Yule Perils” marks an emotional turning point for several of the characters. There are so many significant events in this book that I may just have to read it again a second time. Dare I say that this is my favorite book in the series…
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
While out looking to cut down a fresh Christmas Tree for the bookstore, Mitzy & Erick stumble across a woman's body, and thus a fresh murder for them to solve. And this one hits close to home for Mitzy, as the dead woman had been married to her employee/friend Twiggy's boyfriend. And thus placing Twiggy firmly on the list of potential murder suspects. But she couldn't actually have been involved in killing someone, could she?
This was the most recent book in the Mitzy Moon Paranormal Cozy Mystery series, and it doesn't disappoint. This book was well written and captured my interest from the beginning and held it through multiple plot twists all the way to the end..
If you've enjoyed any of the earlier books in this series, you'll want to read this one as well. We once again get to not only follow Mitzi as as she manages to solve another murder, but we also get to learn a few more surprising secrets about those closest to her. Even if like me, you haven't yet read the entire series, I'd still suggest giving this book a try. I certainly enjoyed reading it.
I love this series. You are captivated from the beginning to the surprise ending. The sarcasm, banter and laugh out loud moments are so much fun! Then we have some really great characters like our female protagonist, Mitzy and her boyfriend Sheriff, Erik who wanted to find Mitzy's first real Christmas tree and are hampered by finding a dead body in the snow! All good plans, as they say. When Mitzy's friend Twiggie becomes suspect number one, it takes all of Mitzy's abilities to prove her friend's innocence. Meanwhile, Mitzy is also hit with some in secrets involving her own family! I loved that the mystery covered Canada and America and I really like Pye! And then there is Gram's ghost who is so much fun. There are many regular characters in town of Pin Cherry Harbor, the author has you feeling like a part of the town. Loved the ending and can't wait for more wonderful books in this series! I received and ARC but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Mitzy Moon is eager to cut her own Christmas tree and is out with her boyfriend, Sheriff Erick Harper. But when a blood trail leads to a woman's body, all fun and games come to an end. And when Mitzy's only employee, Twiggy, winds up on the suspect list, Mitzy is on the case.
I received an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and this is my honest review. I've really enjoyed this series and this book is a prime example of why. The book's well-written with wonderful characters and it shows that family is a deep connection and isn't always about blood. I was drawn into this wonderfully engaging story from the beginning and kept hooked until the end. The mystery will keep you on your toes and guessing throughout. Trixie Silvertale has kept this series fresh and it seems each book is better than the last. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order for the most enjoyment and benefit.
In almost Canada maple syrup is big business, so much so there's a maple mafia, and when Carol Orson's body is found by Mitzy and Eric while out cutting a Christmas tree the suspicion is that she's got herself in far too deep.
Carol has spent years refusing to divorce her husband Wayne who's been in a relationship with Twiggy for years, neither Mitzy or Eric believe she's involved but while digging into the truth they find themselves with more than one motive for the couple to have wanted Carol out of the way.
A wily caracal, a mood ring and a pendulum are going to put them on the right track but a big revelation from Ghost-ma sends Mitzy off kilter and leaves her with a dilemma and a half. Will Ghost-ma forgive her for revealing the truth and welcoming another person into the family secrets or will this be the thing that sends her beyond the veil?
I listened to the audio book for book #16 of Carols and Yule Perils in the Mitzy Moon Mysteries series. So many twists and turns. It seems that dead bodies just seem to show up when Mitzy Moon is around. When she and her boyfriend, Erick, go looking for a Christmas tree, that’s what they find. Along with the mystery of who shot the person in the woods, there is a surprise reveal that comes from “ghostma” that her grandma was planning on taking to her grave or wherever she will eventually go! While it was a shock, it was the perfect Christmas surprise for several people.
The ending was such a twisted surprise that I never saw coming, there is humor in every book and Mitzy’s family keeps growing. I absolutely love these books and cannot wait for the next one. These characters become like family and you never want to see them go.
This is an outstanding paranormal cozy mystery series. A fun cast of characters and a spectacular storyline. Mitsy moon is a young woman that inherited a rare bookstore and a very small town on the northern border near Canada. She group an orphan from 11 years old on in Arizona after her mother passed away and she went into the foster care system Until she ran away and started her life. As this is a book deep in the series go back to book one and you will find out her entire story. Once again Mitzi Moon is on the case there’s a mystery solved danger involved and all the main usual characters running around with a few others as well. This particular book is around Christmas time and is a bit more emotional than some of them. It’s a great series and always a fun and entertaining read. Check it out.
Mitzy never ceases to amaze me. She & Erick have come a long way. They are comfortable with each other. Erick now knows about her gifts & sometimes asks for assistance. Everyone loves Christmas & its traditions. Grams has her opinion of her 70’s silver tree, “there shall be no Christmas without said tree!”, but Mitzy & Erick go out to cut down their own in the woods of “almost Canada”. As usual for Mitzy she stumbles across another crime scene. During her & Ericks investigation they uncover secrets, a cranberry bog & the maple syrup mafia. A huge twist in her life changes everything she thought she had. She has a wonderfully massive Christmas dinner with her whole family. There are many new things to to look forward to in the new year & a new family member to include in those memories.
Eric and Mitzy go on a Christmas tree hunt, only to find a dead body. The body is on her employee Twiggy's ground, and worse, it is the ex-wife of Twiggy's friend Wayne, though they have been husband and wife in name only for many years. But why is she dead? And on Twiggy's land? It's not looking good for either of them, Mitzy knows she will clear both Twiggy and Wayne's name, Truth be told, so does Eric, he knows about ghost-ma and he knows to trust Mitzy's "hunches" As ever well written with lots of clever information sprinkled through the book (Who knew there was a maple syrup mafia!!) When you start reading the Mitzy series, it is about a lost girl, moving to almost Canda (Pin Cherry Harbour) who ends up investigating crimes and murders. It has taken me 16 books to realise she is not collecting murderers she is collecting a family! This entry is no exception! From the first book when she meets Silas, her ghost-ma and Pye the cat to this book where, well I am not telling you, but I tell you this yet again Trixie Silvertale had me in tears! These books should come with eye leakage warnings
Time for some holiday cheer, but not everyone is celebrating. Certainly not the person found dead in the woods, nor our heroine who has to figure this one out right quickly.
This is book sixteen of the series, but it works just fine as a standalone. Jump in at any point.
This is a cozy mystery with a side order of magic thrown in. The story is well written and easy to read with a solid plot that has plenty of twists and turns to it. Our heroine is smart, capable and snarky, just my type. With an excellent mystery and plenty of little bits of humor, this was a highly entertaining story. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Highly recommended
I received an ARC from Hidden Gems for review purposes
Once again faced with a dead body . . . Mitzy and Sheriff Too-Hot are all over solving this one!
I love the progression of Mitzy's relationship with Erick. Taking things slow and easy, making sure they're getting it right, seems to really work for them. I am a bit frustrated with her inability to fully confide in him; feels a bit like she doesn't trust him to "get it". But I will patiently wait it out till she sees the light.
Silvertale's characters always engage, the plot consistently keeps me on the edge of my seat. Another one out of the ballpark, and one you don't want to miss!!!
[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of the book, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
Mitzy is learning about Christmas traditions in "almost Canada ", from yule to solstice, fresh cut trees to ragged tinsel treasures, it's a roller-coaster ride into the holidays.
Mitzy and Erik find the body of a woman known for her not so honest dealings in the maple syrup trade. Unhappily, it looks like Twiggy and her boyfriend might be the prime suspects. What secrets will Mitzy uncover about her friends and family during her investigation?
With her special brand of storytelling magic, Trixie Silvertale delivers a delightful mystery that makes the residents of Pin Cherry even more real. You don't want to miss this latest addition to Mitzy's story!