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Beaver Island #7.5
Peace on Earth: An Irma Saves Christmas Novella
Crime never goes on holiday...
Irma Abercrombie is an energetic retiree with a shadowy past, a mean right hook, and a profound love of Christmas. Surrounded by seasonal joy—and way too many stuffed Yuletide beavers—at the island house her family has owned for generations, she's all set for the perfect holiday.
But when a young friend asks for help with figuring out a financial snafu, her perfect day is in jeopardy. Can Irma—a woman with a yen for strong tea, cardio, and a well-oiled gun—find a thief before the festive season kicks off, or will Christmas be ruined?
Peace on Earth is a 30,000 word holiday novella, and is a spinoff of the Beaver Island Mystery series.
The Beaver Island Mystery
Vitamin Sea
Dead Calm
High and Dry
Water Town - New Release!
Safe Harbour - now available for pre-order
Irma Abercrombie is an energetic retiree with a shadowy past, a mean right hook, and a profound love of Christmas. Surrounded by seasonal joy—and way too many stuffed Yuletide beavers—at the island house her family has owned for generations, she's all set for the perfect holiday.
But when a young friend asks for help with figuring out a financial snafu, her perfect day is in jeopardy. Can Irma—a woman with a yen for strong tea, cardio, and a well-oiled gun—find a thief before the festive season kicks off, or will Christmas be ruined?
Peace on Earth is a 30,000 word holiday novella, and is a spinoff of the Beaver Island Mystery series.
The Beaver Island Mystery
Vitamin Sea
Dead Calm
High and Dry
Water Town - New Release!
Safe Harbour - now available for pre-order
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2019
307 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Maia Ross
20 books78 followersMaia Ross is the author of the Beaver Island mystery series, featuring retired spy Irma Abercrombie and couch-locked nerd Violet Blackheart, along with the spin-off series, Irma Saves Christmas, and the Beaver Island prequel novelette, Irmageddon.
Maia spent almost twenty years in the tech sector and is an avid sailor. She makes her home in Toronto with her better half, John.
To be notified about new releases and giveaways, and receive a free copy of Irmageddon, please sign up for Maia's monthly newsletter at https://www.maiarossbooks.com.
Maia spent almost twenty years in the tech sector and is an avid sailor. She makes her home in Toronto with her better half, John.
To be notified about new releases and giveaways, and receive a free copy of Irmageddon, please sign up for Maia's monthly newsletter at https://www.maiarossbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 20, 2023
Good read. Anticlimactic ending but did enjoy the read
November 28, 2024
I think I’ve found a new favourite.
August 22, 2024
Maybe last year or the year before, I found this murderless mystery listed as the lone book in a series on Amazon. It wasn't until I was ready to read it that I found out this novella is several books down the line in a series, which I found under a different series name on Goodreads.
I decided to just jump on into this book anyway. It does read like a story in the middle of a river that's already flowing, especially with the mentions of so many characters you apparently should be familiar with already. But I didn't find the plot hard to follow.
I really like Irma's determination to help people in need of her defense and mystery-solving savvy. And on one level, I dig her strong embrace of Christmastime.
On a different level, I don't vibe with her sentiments that in life, "smiling families" and such are a façade while evil is the real thing that swirls behind the scenes, and that the wonder of Christmas is a kind of "temporary insanity," a world of happiness in a snow globe to choose to believe in for a season. I mean, yes, evil is real, and there are a lot of people faking happiness and whatnot. But there are also people who aren't living a mere façade. True joy does indeed exist—and not just in a snow globe.
Anyhow!
Given that Irma is a fighter of unjust crime, it's fitting that she's a formidable woman with "fight" in her. Now, that fight is more than a latent measure or chiefly bent toward psychological warfare. Irma has an abundance of thoughts and leanings toward physical violence, much of which I figure is meant to be taken with humor. But even with her thinking in terms of justice, the frequent mentions and her fantasies about beating, stabbing, strangling, and torturing people eventually got old to me.
Apart from that aspect of the humor, I enjoyed the comedic flavor in the tale. And as the mystery unfolded, the more I looked forward to the measure of triumph, to the righting of a wrong I knew would be coming.
Plus, the way I see it, what Irma achieves in the end, and why she does it, isn't merely a kind of façadism. Especially considering the further, real good that can stem from it in the future.
Note:
• aside from one instance of physical punishment on a villain that isn't meant to cause lasting injury, most of the violence is in Irma's head
• some colorful language like nonliteral uses of "bloody" and "hell" but no R-rated profanity
• no explicit sexual content; one sarcastic but nongraphic one-liner about sex
I decided to just jump on into this book anyway. It does read like a story in the middle of a river that's already flowing, especially with the mentions of so many characters you apparently should be familiar with already. But I didn't find the plot hard to follow.
I really like Irma's determination to help people in need of her defense and mystery-solving savvy. And on one level, I dig her strong embrace of Christmastime.
On a different level, I don't vibe with her sentiments that in life, "smiling families" and such are a façade while evil is the real thing that swirls behind the scenes, and that the wonder of Christmas is a kind of "temporary insanity," a world of happiness in a snow globe to choose to believe in for a season. I mean, yes, evil is real, and there are a lot of people faking happiness and whatnot. But there are also people who aren't living a mere façade. True joy does indeed exist—and not just in a snow globe.
Anyhow!
Given that Irma is a fighter of unjust crime, it's fitting that she's a formidable woman with "fight" in her. Now, that fight is more than a latent measure or chiefly bent toward psychological warfare. Irma has an abundance of thoughts and leanings toward physical violence, much of which I figure is meant to be taken with humor. But even with her thinking in terms of justice, the frequent mentions and her fantasies about beating, stabbing, strangling, and torturing people eventually got old to me.
Apart from that aspect of the humor, I enjoyed the comedic flavor in the tale. And as the mystery unfolded, the more I looked forward to the measure of triumph, to the righting of a wrong I knew would be coming.
Plus, the way I see it, what Irma achieves in the end, and why she does it, isn't merely a kind of façadism. Especially considering the further, real good that can stem from it in the future.
Note:
• aside from one instance of physical punishment on a villain that isn't meant to cause lasting injury, most of the violence is in Irma's head
• some colorful language like nonliteral uses of "bloody" and "hell" but no R-rated profanity
• no explicit sexual content; one sarcastic but nongraphic one-liner about sex
December 19, 2024
This book was SO well done, SO well written! Irma is absolutely Hysterical! im impressed with how perfect the pace was, the introduction to the town's characters... everything was just Spot On and i will definitely be reading the next book.. LOVED IT!
OK, so i just noticed this book was #7.5 in the series, it Felt like (and i thought it was) book 1. HA! Love it even More! :D
OK, so i just noticed this book was #7.5 in the series, it Felt like (and i thought it was) book 1. HA! Love it even More! :D
December 28, 2024
4.5⭐️Such a funny Christmas read. Irma is hilarious, the characters we meet are all great, the plot was fun... just an overall enjoyable read. The 'town' it takes place in is said to be 2 hours out of Toronto. It really made me think of the small town my brother lives in, and made me enjoy it that much more. I will definitely read this series.
"All I want this time of year is a little peace on earth, and don't think I won't bust a cap in your ass to get it."
"All I want this time of year is a little peace on earth, and don't think I won't bust a cap in your ass to get it."
December 30, 2024
I Love Irma!
I can’t wait to read more from this author. I loved the main character & her style of writing. That fact that takes place at Christmas is an added bonus!
I can’t wait to read more from this author. I loved the main character & her style of writing. That fact that takes place at Christmas is an added bonus!
December 27, 2024
a master manipulator
So fun to be inside this feisty woman’s mind. Her ability to justify her actions and her commitment to caring for others left me laughing at her successes.
So fun to be inside this feisty woman’s mind. Her ability to justify her actions and her commitment to caring for others left me laughing at her successes.
December 27, 2021
Peace on Earth, by Maia Ross is set in the same verse as the author's "Beaver Island" cozy mystery series. The main character is Irma Abercrombie, former spy.
Irma has retired as a field agent, but she still packs a mean punch, is a crack shot, and can kill with her thumb. These days, she's enjoying life in the island home that's been in her family for generations. Irma loves strong tea, Christmas, and her collection of plush beavers. As she gets ready for the annual Solstice party her family has always hosted, Irma is convinced that island life is perfect. That is, until a young friend reveals that someone has stolen her identity and taken out loans in her name, meaning that Bailey cannot get the loan she needs to continue her next semester at college. Irma is determined to set things right before the holidays. She uses the particular skill set she developed as a spy in an effort to learn who has been playing Scrooge this year. And, Irma Abercrombie isn't above kicking some ass and taking names.
What a delightful story! Irma is one badass lady. She reminds me of Malory Archer. Irma taps her contacts on the island, calls in some favors, and drops some subtle threats to solve the mystery of who stole Bailey's identity and money. It was refreshing to read a mystery that didn't involve murder. I enjoyed Irma as a character, and other characters were portrayed well.
A humorous, rollicking good read! Five stars!
Irma has retired as a field agent, but she still packs a mean punch, is a crack shot, and can kill with her thumb. These days, she's enjoying life in the island home that's been in her family for generations. Irma loves strong tea, Christmas, and her collection of plush beavers. As she gets ready for the annual Solstice party her family has always hosted, Irma is convinced that island life is perfect. That is, until a young friend reveals that someone has stolen her identity and taken out loans in her name, meaning that Bailey cannot get the loan she needs to continue her next semester at college. Irma is determined to set things right before the holidays. She uses the particular skill set she developed as a spy in an effort to learn who has been playing Scrooge this year. And, Irma Abercrombie isn't above kicking some ass and taking names.
What a delightful story! Irma is one badass lady. She reminds me of Malory Archer. Irma taps her contacts on the island, calls in some favors, and drops some subtle threats to solve the mystery of who stole Bailey's identity and money. It was refreshing to read a mystery that didn't involve murder. I enjoyed Irma as a character, and other characters were portrayed well.
A humorous, rollicking good read! Five stars!
December 4, 2019
A senior hit woman who likes to keep her hand in
Awesome. Can't wait to read more. A wonderful cast of characters that lend colour and depth to the read. Especially our diminutive senior. A hit woman who still likes to keep her skills sharp. Although it is Christmas and she had promised her mother that there would be no killings over the festive period. Maybe she'll make an exception in this case for the Cinderella daughter of a wealthy resident. A daughter that is living in a cell like room in his opulent mansion and who desperately wants to be a doctor. Except someone has stolen her identity and ruined her credit rating, her father and stepmother have borrowed heavily against the trust fund her mother set up and which she cannot access until she's 30. Now the poor girl will have to drop out of school. Our senior is not pleased and sets out to bring a satisfactory conclusion to the case. At least satisfactory in her mind. Can she do so?
Awesome. Can't wait to read more. A wonderful cast of characters that lend colour and depth to the read. Especially our diminutive senior. A hit woman who still likes to keep her skills sharp. Although it is Christmas and she had promised her mother that there would be no killings over the festive period. Maybe she'll make an exception in this case for the Cinderella daughter of a wealthy resident. A daughter that is living in a cell like room in his opulent mansion and who desperately wants to be a doctor. Except someone has stolen her identity and ruined her credit rating, her father and stepmother have borrowed heavily against the trust fund her mother set up and which she cannot access until she's 30. Now the poor girl will have to drop out of school. Our senior is not pleased and sets out to bring a satisfactory conclusion to the case. At least satisfactory in her mind. Can she do so?
November 11, 2025
A holiday “who done it”.
“it had been my experience that once one had entered the realm of ridiculousness, the only thing to do was carry on with as much dignity as one could muster.”
“Mother had always told me that the gift of life was to be your own person, and not to dwell on others’ opinions of you.”
“Because here was the thing: the world we saw out of our windows every day—the nice restaurants, the smiling families, the traffic rules—wasn’t real. What was real was all the evil swirling underneath that façade. Every December, I chose to believe in the happiness and joy that could exist in the world and in the wonder of Christmas.”
“I focused on a snow globe of my own making, with loved ones who were safe and warm and indulging in parties and sugar-stuffed treats.”
“Sometimes we all needed to make a little noise, to be seen.”
“it had been my experience that once one had entered the realm of ridiculousness, the only thing to do was carry on with as much dignity as one could muster.”
“Mother had always told me that the gift of life was to be your own person, and not to dwell on others’ opinions of you.”
“Because here was the thing: the world we saw out of our windows every day—the nice restaurants, the smiling families, the traffic rules—wasn’t real. What was real was all the evil swirling underneath that façade. Every December, I chose to believe in the happiness and joy that could exist in the world and in the wonder of Christmas.”
“I focused on a snow globe of my own making, with loved ones who were safe and warm and indulging in parties and sugar-stuffed treats.”
“Sometimes we all needed to make a little noise, to be seen.”
May 15, 2025
A fun mystery story!
This is a great mystery story set in an island setting off of Toronto in Canada. The main character reminds me of a cross between Kathy Bates in the new Matlock series And a series of books from the 1980s for young people called SuperGranny.
I will definitely have to read the other holiday story joy to the world by this author And also I see there's 8 other books in this series. It is just a really quick fun read. I was trying to guess who the culprit was and guessed wrong, but that's what makes a good mystery.
I highly recommend this book as it only took a little over 3 hours to read.
This is a great mystery story set in an island setting off of Toronto in Canada. The main character reminds me of a cross between Kathy Bates in the new Matlock series And a series of books from the 1980s for young people called SuperGranny.
I will definitely have to read the other holiday story joy to the world by this author And also I see there's 8 other books in this series. It is just a really quick fun read. I was trying to guess who the culprit was and guessed wrong, but that's what makes a good mystery.
I highly recommend this book as it only took a little over 3 hours to read.
December 22, 2020
Imagine a 71 year old Emma Peel.....
Irma Abercrombie, a retired Canadian operative, lives in her childhood summer home on Beaver Island on Lake Ontario. What’s a trained killer do when they retire, you might ask - helps out her friends and solves their mysteries - hardly ever over powering anyone!
It’s Christmas and the daughter of Irma’s deceased friend is having trouble with money for college, a mean stepmother, and stolen identity. This novella is well written, sometimes funny, and a light read. Ross is a new author for me and I will read her work again.
Irma Abercrombie, a retired Canadian operative, lives in her childhood summer home on Beaver Island on Lake Ontario. What’s a trained killer do when they retire, you might ask - helps out her friends and solves their mysteries - hardly ever over powering anyone!
It’s Christmas and the daughter of Irma’s deceased friend is having trouble with money for college, a mean stepmother, and stolen identity. This novella is well written, sometimes funny, and a light read. Ross is a new author for me and I will read her work again.
May 4, 2025
This is my first Irma Abercrombie book - but it won't be my last. I adore Irma and I must read more books about her.
Beaver Island sounds like a nice place to live.
I liked that Irma's house is over decorated with beavers at Christmas time.
This was a sweet story about a young girl whose credit got compromised. Irma solves the mystery - in time to make Christmas joyful for the young girl. I also liked the way that Irma got her revenge on the girl's horrible step-mother.
Beaver Island sounds like a nice place to live.
I liked that Irma's house is over decorated with beavers at Christmas time.
This was a sweet story about a young girl whose credit got compromised. Irma solves the mystery - in time to make Christmas joyful for the young girl. I also liked the way that Irma got her revenge on the girl's horrible step-mother.
December 24, 2025
I assume I made a mistake by jumping into this series 7 books deep. While the plot still made sense and I was able to follow everything, the sheer number of characters and seemingly random name drops would likely make more sense if you’ve read the other books.
The ending feels rushed and anticlimactic and it doesn’t read like a “Christmas” book because it has next to nothing to do with the plot. I found the characters unengaging and a little flat, but overall it’s a quick, easy read.
The ending feels rushed and anticlimactic and it doesn’t read like a “Christmas” book because it has next to nothing to do with the plot. I found the characters unengaging and a little flat, but overall it’s a quick, easy read.
November 10, 2022
This was a fun, quick read. I enjoyed Irma and her various friends in her little town. I loved the way she was constantly looking out for strangers and keeping the exit in sight. The mystery was short and sweet. I was waiting for Irma to break her promise and actually kill someone before Christmas. Irma must be a valuable friend to have around if you feel threatened. Lol.
December 28, 2023
Irma has a lot of Christmas cheer.
This was my first encounter with an Irma mystery, which was throughly enjoyable. For a lady of 71, she has more energy and clever ways of getting the information she needs to solve a mystery. I enjoy Christmas stories in whatever genre they are in, and this was no exception. I think I will be reading more Irma mysteries in the near future.
This was my first encounter with an Irma mystery, which was throughly enjoyable. For a lady of 71, she has more energy and clever ways of getting the information she needs to solve a mystery. I enjoy Christmas stories in whatever genre they are in, and this was no exception. I think I will be reading more Irma mysteries in the near future.
January 1, 2024
I started this book for a holiday read, but discovered it was good in itself
Irma is a mixture of tough and caring, with a sharp mind and unerring instincts. The other characters on the island combined to present this fun mystery and the odd social scene of the island. There’s even a cruel stepmother.
Irma is a mixture of tough and caring, with a sharp mind and unerring instincts. The other characters on the island combined to present this fun mystery and the odd social scene of the island. There’s even a cruel stepmother.
May 12, 2024
I love Irma!
A lovely Christmas-themed short story featuring retired spy Irma. She unravels a non-murder mystery and helps two friends in a story rich in atmosphere. The plot moves at a great pace, and I enjoyed seeing characters from the books. Now I need the next book to come out - soon!!
A lovely Christmas-themed short story featuring retired spy Irma. She unravels a non-murder mystery and helps two friends in a story rich in atmosphere. The plot moves at a great pace, and I enjoyed seeing characters from the books. Now I need the next book to come out - soon!!
February 4, 2025
This book made no sense to me...maybe there were some others written before it, I don't know. Irma is apparently some sort of retired spy, now in her seventies who goes around solving problems for people who live on the island with her. It is Christmas, so she wants everything taken care of before her party. Will not be reading the next book.
February 25, 2021
A lovely Christmas tale (novella) with humor and fun and a great mystery. I adore Irma, the retired British “government worker” who lives on beautiful Beaver Island in Lake Ontario. I want to retire there as well now.
December 25, 2021
A charming, feel good story.
Just what I needed to make me smile. A lovely novella with a great cast of characters with the irrepressible Irma leading the charge. Who says 70 is elderly???
Just what I needed to make me smile. A lovely novella with a great cast of characters with the irrepressible Irma leading the charge. Who says 70 is elderly???
December 8, 2025
You have to make your own Christmas miracle
A wonderful Christmas book . I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I got to know all the charming town people. I got a kick out of all the beaver Christmas decorations.
A wonderful Christmas book . I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I got to know all the charming town people. I got a kick out of all the beaver Christmas decorations.
January 27, 2021
Great read
I really enjoyed this Christmassy mystery with the people of this series I'm getting to know! I hope there will be many more interesting and crazy happenings with them!
I really enjoyed this Christmassy mystery with the people of this series I'm getting to know! I hope there will be many more interesting and crazy happenings with them!
November 16, 2021
Gotta luv Irma
December 26, 2021
Cute quick cozy about Christmas. Retired operative sets about making things right on the island where she lives to make sure there is a Merry Christmas.
December 27, 2021
A fun read
First time reader of Maia Ross. Love the characters and Irma solving mysteries. Will start reading the series. Thank you.
First time reader of Maia Ross. Love the characters and Irma solving mysteries. Will start reading the series. Thank you.
December 30, 2021
I was looking for a cozy mystery novella. I would read more Irma stories.
January 8, 2022
Irma
This was a little confusing. I did not fully understand the plot until near the end of the book. I liked Irma and how she cared for others it was just a little confusing.
This was a little confusing. I did not fully understand the plot until near the end of the book. I liked Irma and how she cared for others it was just a little confusing.
December 26, 2022
3.5 stars = I liked it.
A retired government agent (maybe assassin), solves a crime at Christmas time. She's a nice mix of refined and deadly.
A retired government agent (maybe assassin), solves a crime at Christmas time. She's a nice mix of refined and deadly.
December 26, 2023
Wonderful. A great character, many well rounded players and a great story. Funny and just a little threatening. I wish I were Irma, except for the beavers. A well spent afternoon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews