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Hart of Texas Murder Mysteries #4
Murder Below the Mistletoe
It was going to be a Christmas wedding to die for…
What could go wrong when baker Rosie Hart heads to a snowy Colorado mountain lodge for a week of elaborate pre-wedding festivities at her friend’s wedding? The better question would be: what could go right?
Rosie’s fears for the nervous bride are confirmed when one of the wedding guests turns up dead. All evidence points to the groom being the intended victim, but with the guests dressed in Christmas-themed attire, and a dead Santa on their hands, Rosie’s not so sure. What if the killer did hit the right target all along?
Stuck in a blizzard with the wedding party being picked off one by one, Rosie’s investigative instincts kick in—only this time she’s acting without the support of her friends back in Airlie Falls. Until her four irrepressible card-shark mentors from Riverbend Retirement Village unexpectedly turn up to rescue her.
The more the merrier…right?
What could go wrong when baker Rosie Hart heads to a snowy Colorado mountain lodge for a week of elaborate pre-wedding festivities at her friend’s wedding? The better question would be: what could go right?
Rosie’s fears for the nervous bride are confirmed when one of the wedding guests turns up dead. All evidence points to the groom being the intended victim, but with the guests dressed in Christmas-themed attire, and a dead Santa on their hands, Rosie’s not so sure. What if the killer did hit the right target all along?
Stuck in a blizzard with the wedding party being picked off one by one, Rosie’s investigative instincts kick in—only this time she’s acting without the support of her friends back in Airlie Falls. Until her four irrepressible card-shark mentors from Riverbend Retirement Village unexpectedly turn up to rescue her.
The more the merrier…right?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2022
24 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 15, 2024
Rosie Hart has been asked to be a bridesmaid at her friend's wedding but first there is a pre wedding party at a lodge in Colorado. It is a very unusual event full of people who do not seem to know each other well and some of them are really unpleasant characters.
Of course they get snowed in, people start dying and Rosie has to bring out all of her super sleuth skills to try and discover the guilty party. There were as many red herrings as there were characters, so I did not attempt to guess the murderer myself but let Rosie and her helpers do all the work.
An enjoyable read with lots of mystery and a lovely Christmassy feel to it. Four stars
Of course they get snowed in, people start dying and Rosie has to bring out all of her super sleuth skills to try and discover the guilty party. There were as many red herrings as there were characters, so I did not attempt to guess the murderer myself but let Rosie and her helpers do all the work.
An enjoyable read with lots of mystery and a lovely Christmassy feel to it. Four stars
October 25, 2022
I am loving this series, Rosie Hart is a fabulous sleuth, she lives in Arlie Falls Texas and besides unravelling murder mysteries she bakes the most delicious of cakes, cookies and deserts. Rosie has been invited to be bridesmaid for an old college friend but this means going on a trip to Colorado, firstly for a pre-wedding party, which turns into a very dangerous party.
It is close to Christmas time and Rosie is very busy but she makes the trip to Colorado after talking to the Bride who seems very nervous, arriving at the beautiful lodge for the pre wedding party is an eye opener for Rosie, she knows no one but the bride and she doesn’t know her really well, but the venue is beautifully decorated for Christmas.
Rosie starts to meet some of the guests and let’s say they leave a lot to be desired and Rosie is feeling very uncomfortable, the night of the fancy dress party with costumes organised for everyone turns ugly when one of the guests is found dead and it appears that the intended victim was supposed to be the groom things heat up for Rosie. When a blizzard arrives and there is no way anyone can come and go Rosie knows she has to start her investigation, but she is really missing her team of helpers from home.
Excitement abounds when the fab four from the retirement home in Arlie Falls arrive, these ladies are the best and although shocked Rosie is pleased the extra help will be much appreciated, especially when another body is found, there are many clues to be found and many secrets are unfolding about this family and the people there and Rosie is determined to uncover the truth and hope that she stays out of danger.
I loved this book so much so many twists and turns I had no idea who did it until the very end, Kaz Delaney knows how to write a fabulous mystery, I love the characters so much, the setting was awesome, it is witty and a must read, a real page turner and one that I would highly recommend, thank you Kaz Delaney I am really looking forward to the next one.
It is close to Christmas time and Rosie is very busy but she makes the trip to Colorado after talking to the Bride who seems very nervous, arriving at the beautiful lodge for the pre wedding party is an eye opener for Rosie, she knows no one but the bride and she doesn’t know her really well, but the venue is beautifully decorated for Christmas.
Rosie starts to meet some of the guests and let’s say they leave a lot to be desired and Rosie is feeling very uncomfortable, the night of the fancy dress party with costumes organised for everyone turns ugly when one of the guests is found dead and it appears that the intended victim was supposed to be the groom things heat up for Rosie. When a blizzard arrives and there is no way anyone can come and go Rosie knows she has to start her investigation, but she is really missing her team of helpers from home.
Excitement abounds when the fab four from the retirement home in Arlie Falls arrive, these ladies are the best and although shocked Rosie is pleased the extra help will be much appreciated, especially when another body is found, there are many clues to be found and many secrets are unfolding about this family and the people there and Rosie is determined to uncover the truth and hope that she stays out of danger.
I loved this book so much so many twists and turns I had no idea who did it until the very end, Kaz Delaney knows how to write a fabulous mystery, I love the characters so much, the setting was awesome, it is witty and a must read, a real page turner and one that I would highly recommend, thank you Kaz Delaney I am really looking forward to the next one.
October 25, 2022
I received this arc of Murder Below the Mistletoe in exchange for my honest review. This is book number 4 in Kaz Delaney’s series, Hart of Texas Murder Mysteries. As the book opens, Rosie Hart has arrived at a hotel resort in Colorado where she will be one of the bridesmaids in her college friend’s wedding. Everything seems a bit off to Rosie. She hasn’t kept in touch very well with her college friend Cindy. The other bridesmaids don’t seem to like Rosie even though they don’t know her. The groom’s attendants cancelled at the last minute and the bride put her friend, family and coworkers in place for the others. Rosie has a bad feeling about the wedding. She is also upset because she and her boyfriend Jonah had a fight before she left. The weather has worsened in Colorado and travel is stopped. The phone service and cell services were knocked out.
As the group gathers, Cindy’s mother is overbearing and rude to Rosie in particular. She is very concerned about making a good impression and projecting a high society image. At the themed gathering for the wedding party and guests, everyone is dressed in costume. One of the guests dressed in the Santa costume supposedly for the groom, turns up dead. Everyone is on edge and because of the weather, the police are unable to be contacted. The hotel manager and Rosie start trying to make a plan for what to do. An attempt is made on the bride’s life and another victim is found dead.
Rosie’s elderly friends from home suddenly show up in Colorado. They were worried when they heard what was going on. In a break in the weather, they were somehow able to get a flight in and drive up the mountain to the resort. The local police officer, a newbie, was sent up there to check out the suspicious women who had arrived to help Rosie. In addition, Jonah’s mom and Rosie’s roommate Midge arrive, worried about the elderly women who had disappeared from town and come to help Rosie. Once again the weather worsens and they are all trapped there. Rosie now has her helpers plus the police officer to work with to try and solve the confusing murders.
This was a really enjoyable book. I love the series. Kaz has once again given us a mystery to help solve. She does a good job providing clues and suspects but I am not clever enough to solve the case along with Rosie. I was worried initially when the book was taking place elsewhere, as the normal people weren’t in the story. However, the way it was written allowed the inclusion of the usual characters plus a lot of new ones for this book. This was a great holiday story and a solid 5 star read. I highly recommend this book.
As the group gathers, Cindy’s mother is overbearing and rude to Rosie in particular. She is very concerned about making a good impression and projecting a high society image. At the themed gathering for the wedding party and guests, everyone is dressed in costume. One of the guests dressed in the Santa costume supposedly for the groom, turns up dead. Everyone is on edge and because of the weather, the police are unable to be contacted. The hotel manager and Rosie start trying to make a plan for what to do. An attempt is made on the bride’s life and another victim is found dead.
Rosie’s elderly friends from home suddenly show up in Colorado. They were worried when they heard what was going on. In a break in the weather, they were somehow able to get a flight in and drive up the mountain to the resort. The local police officer, a newbie, was sent up there to check out the suspicious women who had arrived to help Rosie. In addition, Jonah’s mom and Rosie’s roommate Midge arrive, worried about the elderly women who had disappeared from town and come to help Rosie. Once again the weather worsens and they are all trapped there. Rosie now has her helpers plus the police officer to work with to try and solve the confusing murders.
This was a really enjoyable book. I love the series. Kaz has once again given us a mystery to help solve. She does a good job providing clues and suspects but I am not clever enough to solve the case along with Rosie. I was worried initially when the book was taking place elsewhere, as the normal people weren’t in the story. However, the way it was written allowed the inclusion of the usual characters plus a lot of new ones for this book. This was a great holiday story and a solid 5 star read. I highly recommend this book.
November 26, 2023
Murder, She Wrote has spawned an unlikely love child. Murder Mystery writer Jessica Fletcher found herself frequently called upon to use her extensive experience in writing about murder to solve the real life cases that pop up all around her, as her mere presence in a location gives off pheromones inspiring others to kill.
And whilst at some point in the 264 murders she was directly involved in investigating, Jessica had to wonder if perhaps she was the problem, there is at least the notion that her writing career gives her greater insight into the criminal mind than the average policeman who might never see a single murder in the course of his career.
But where is the link between baking and solving murder cases?
I get the link between baking and Christmas. It is the time when you get to have cookies without guilt. New recipes, different ideas, whatever indulgent dish you have been meaning to get into - Christmas is the perfect time. Like Augustine wanting to sin right up to the point of achieving grace, cram in as much as you can before the new year dictates more well intentioned behaviour once again.
I get the link between murder and Christmas. It's an enormously stressful time. The sort of murders Jessica Fletcher didn't bother with, where domestic violence escalates to killing, are probably more common. I can even understand a similar Augustine style thinking - I'll have a purge, get rid of this person on whom I am hanging all my problems, and in the new year, I can start afresh as a good person.
What I don't get is the link between baking and murder solving. Why is there a whole genre of fiction where a baker alternates between describing the delicious dishes they are putting together with the salacious details of the murder they have also been called upon to solve?
In this book it's particularly unlikely, as Baker, She Wrote is actually a guest, so the author has to dispense with the regularly scheduled cooking staff, as well as creating an incompetent police force. And then a gaggle of Jessicas are shipped in from outer state to man the Whiteboard, where all the real crime solving action goes down.
If you like that sort of thing, fine, but if you want to create an actual mystery, some of the clues have to be red herrings. You can't have Baker finding nothing but gold every time she looks up from her mixing bowl.
Also, she has an eating disorder. Which seems manifestly astonishing in a baker of her skill.
And whilst at some point in the 264 murders she was directly involved in investigating, Jessica had to wonder if perhaps she was the problem, there is at least the notion that her writing career gives her greater insight into the criminal mind than the average policeman who might never see a single murder in the course of his career.
But where is the link between baking and solving murder cases?
I get the link between baking and Christmas. It is the time when you get to have cookies without guilt. New recipes, different ideas, whatever indulgent dish you have been meaning to get into - Christmas is the perfect time. Like Augustine wanting to sin right up to the point of achieving grace, cram in as much as you can before the new year dictates more well intentioned behaviour once again.
I get the link between murder and Christmas. It's an enormously stressful time. The sort of murders Jessica Fletcher didn't bother with, where domestic violence escalates to killing, are probably more common. I can even understand a similar Augustine style thinking - I'll have a purge, get rid of this person on whom I am hanging all my problems, and in the new year, I can start afresh as a good person.
What I don't get is the link between baking and murder solving. Why is there a whole genre of fiction where a baker alternates between describing the delicious dishes they are putting together with the salacious details of the murder they have also been called upon to solve?
In this book it's particularly unlikely, as Baker, She Wrote is actually a guest, so the author has to dispense with the regularly scheduled cooking staff, as well as creating an incompetent police force. And then a gaggle of Jessicas are shipped in from outer state to man the Whiteboard, where all the real crime solving action goes down.
If you like that sort of thing, fine, but if you want to create an actual mystery, some of the clues have to be red herrings. You can't have Baker finding nothing but gold every time she looks up from her mixing bowl.
Also, she has an eating disorder. Which seems manifestly astonishing in a baker of her skill.
October 20, 2022
Murder Below the Mistletoe (Hart of Texas Murder Mysteries Book 4 by Kaz Delaney is the best book ever in this series. As usual with this series was drawn into the story, having a difficult time putting it down until the murder mystery was solved. Boy was I surprised.
Not so much a Christmas story unless you count one that pretty much destroys some characters’ Christmas Season. It also is a sad wedding story too. Impossible as it may seem I was even more caught up in the story when the “four detectives” showed up on the lodge’s doorstep with police in pursuit. What a hoot they are!
The conclusion is a wonderful scene bringing Christmas back into focus. In fact it’s the kind that Rosie had always dreamt of having filled with family and friends. Jonah does his part too making the entire epilogue memorable.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Not so much a Christmas story unless you count one that pretty much destroys some characters’ Christmas Season. It also is a sad wedding story too. Impossible as it may seem I was even more caught up in the story when the “four detectives” showed up on the lodge’s doorstep with police in pursuit. What a hoot they are!
The conclusion is a wonderful scene bringing Christmas back into focus. In fact it’s the kind that Rosie had always dreamt of having filled with family and friends. Jonah does his part too making the entire epilogue memorable.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 19, 2025
This is book 4 in the Hart of Texas Murder Mysteries. I have only read 1 oof the previous books and enjoyed this one and the re-occurring characters, What could go wrong when baker Rosie Hart heads to a snowy Colorado mountain lodge for a week of elaborate pre-wedding festivities at her friend’s wedding? The better question would be: what could go right?
Rosie’s fears for the nervous bride are confirmed when one of the wedding guests turns up dead. All evidence points to the groom being the intended victim, but with the guests dressed in Christmas-themed attire, and a dead Santa on their hands, Rosie’s not so sure. What if the killer did hit the right target all along?
Stuck in a blizzard with the wedding party being picked off one by one, Rosie’s investigative instincts kick in—only this time she’s acting without the support of her friends back in Airlie Falls. Until her four irrepressible card-shark mentors from Riverbend Retirement Village unexpectedly turn up to rescue her.
Rosie’s fears for the nervous bride are confirmed when one of the wedding guests turns up dead. All evidence points to the groom being the intended victim, but with the guests dressed in Christmas-themed attire, and a dead Santa on their hands, Rosie’s not so sure. What if the killer did hit the right target all along?
Stuck in a blizzard with the wedding party being picked off one by one, Rosie’s investigative instincts kick in—only this time she’s acting without the support of her friends back in Airlie Falls. Until her four irrepressible card-shark mentors from Riverbend Retirement Village unexpectedly turn up to rescue her.
October 22, 2022
Murder Below the Mistletoe takes amateur sleuth Rosie Hart away from her home town of Airlie Falls, Texas and puts her into the luxurious lPine Lake Lodge in Colorado for a bizarre pre-wedding party that sees all present snowed in for days. With few people at the lodge even friendly to each other it’s clear from the start that this society wedding is not going to be a happy affair. Secrets unfurl, people are killed and Rosie is once again left to try and find the killer, who is either a guest or a staff member, before more bodies pile up. There are some truly nasty characters in this story and so many of them could be the killer. There are red herrings aplenty and lots to keep you guessing. This has been another excellent addition to the Hart of Texas mystery series.
April 20, 2025
Christmas, A wedding and Murder!
Book 4 in this series takes place away from Alrie Falls Texas, Rosie's adopted home town when she travels to Colorado for the wedding of an old college friend. The setting is beautiful, the elaborate decorations and gourmet food all scream wealth and privilege, but there is something definitely off about it all. An under current of things not as they should be and tensions between the bridesmaids and other attendants spending a week together before the wedding. Rosie is also missing Jonathan and is uneasy about their abrupt parting just as she was leaving for her trip.
Another enjoyable and entertaining read with twists, turns and angst in abundance. On to book 5!
Book 4 in this series takes place away from Alrie Falls Texas, Rosie's adopted home town when she travels to Colorado for the wedding of an old college friend. The setting is beautiful, the elaborate decorations and gourmet food all scream wealth and privilege, but there is something definitely off about it all. An under current of things not as they should be and tensions between the bridesmaids and other attendants spending a week together before the wedding. Rosie is also missing Jonathan and is uneasy about their abrupt parting just as she was leaving for her trip.
Another enjoyable and entertaining read with twists, turns and angst in abundance. On to book 5!
December 6, 2022
Fast read. I didn’t read it as part of the series but because of the Christmas theme. It does have good Christmas inclusion but I would have enjoyed it more I think as part of the series, things and people would have made more sense.
You do have to suspend belief a lot in this story. For example, a group of old women manage to reach the lodge in a stolen vehicle but the sheriff’s office can’t. Entertaining. A closed circle mystery at a snowed in lodge is a perfect cozy to spend a snowy day with.
You do have to suspend belief a lot in this story. For example, a group of old women manage to reach the lodge in a stolen vehicle but the sheriff’s office can’t. Entertaining. A closed circle mystery at a snowed in lodge is a perfect cozy to spend a snowy day with.
Read
December 7, 2022Out of town for the wedding of a not-so-close, college friend. When 2 members of the wedding party are found murdered, is it a case of mistaken identity, revenge?
Somehow, despite being states apart and with terrible weather conditions, Rosie's motley crew of detecting octogenarians, best friend and almost MIL show up to assist in solving the crime.
Somehow, despite being states apart and with terrible weather conditions, Rosie's motley crew of detecting octogenarians, best friend and almost MIL show up to assist in solving the crime.
October 29, 2022
murderously clever
This story was so very clever, I truly thought I’d worked it out…only to be so very wrong! Love the backdrop of Christmas to this tale, and the essence of romance that was woven throughout and delivered exactly what was needed in the end.
This story was so very clever, I truly thought I’d worked it out…only to be so very wrong! Love the backdrop of Christmas to this tale, and the essence of romance that was woven throughout and delivered exactly what was needed in the end.
January 10, 2023
Such a great series. Rosie Hart, baker, amateur sleuth and friend all around, now bridesmaid?? To someone she barely remembers from college. Unfortunately, murder occurs, and Rosie is tasked with finding out who the culprit is as a storm rages outside. The ending was so perfect and sweet
April 1, 2025
This was a prize e book It was an easy read. However her being a bridesmaid and not sure about knowing the other characters that well. I can't see how her four senior friends got there in the storm when the sheriff couldn't get up there and others couldn't make it out.
May 17, 2023
Rosie is growing on me. I love the girls and hope I am as spirited when I am their age. This felt a little slow in the middle but made up for it with the ending.
May 15, 2025
Too many suspects!
I truly love these Hart of Texas mysteries but the list of suspects is mind boggling :)
In spite of that, well done Kaz Delaney!
I truly love these Hart of Texas mysteries but the list of suspects is mind boggling :)
In spite of that, well done Kaz Delaney!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews