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Shop 'Round the World #1
A Santa Stabbing
She didn’t realize she’d traded “Naval Aviator” for “amateur sleuth”…
Retired Navy pilot Angel Warren’s new life awaits in Stonebridge, Pennsylvania, where she’s opening Shop ‘Round the World, her travel-inspired gift and novelty shop. A newly empty nester and longtime widow, she’s looking forward to leaving her flying career and its many life-or-death decisions behind and reconnecting with family and friends. Right now, Angel’s biggest challenge is getting the shop ready for its grand opening just weeks before Christmas.
Until she finds a dead body in the shop murdered with one of her specialty Santa figurines. Even worse, Angel’s fingerprints are on the “weapon” and she’s a prime suspect. It doesn’t help that the deceased is an old friend who’s collected a long list of enemies as a cut-throat real estate agent. And then there’s the Stonebridge Chief of Police—and Angel’s high school BFF—who brings her in for questioning.
If Angel wants to clear her name before the Christmas rush, she’s going to need to do some sleuthing on her own—and with the help of her stressed out parrot, Ralph.
Retired Navy pilot Angel Warren’s new life awaits in Stonebridge, Pennsylvania, where she’s opening Shop ‘Round the World, her travel-inspired gift and novelty shop. A newly empty nester and longtime widow, she’s looking forward to leaving her flying career and its many life-or-death decisions behind and reconnecting with family and friends. Right now, Angel’s biggest challenge is getting the shop ready for its grand opening just weeks before Christmas.
Until she finds a dead body in the shop murdered with one of her specialty Santa figurines. Even worse, Angel’s fingerprints are on the “weapon” and she’s a prime suspect. It doesn’t help that the deceased is an old friend who’s collected a long list of enemies as a cut-throat real estate agent. And then there’s the Stonebridge Chief of Police—and Angel’s high school BFF—who brings her in for questioning.
If Angel wants to clear her name before the Christmas rush, she’s going to need to do some sleuthing on her own—and with the help of her stressed out parrot, Ralph.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2022
277 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Geri Krotow
92 books196 followersAward winning, bestselling author of cozy mystery, romantic suspense, and women’s fiction. Buffalo, NY native and proud of it. Navy veteran.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 8, 2022
Book Review!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Santa Stabbing by Geri Krotow.
I received an ARC of this book, but obviously bought the physical copy of it as soon as possible because look at that cover!!! How could I not?
Likes: This was such a fun book!
✅Amateur sleuth in a small town
✅Cozy Christmas Vibes
✅So many fun coffeeshop moments
✅Swoony moments between the main character and a hottie barista.
A good mystery that had me guessing. The ending was a surprise but didn’t come out of nowhere, which is indicative of a good mystery. I will definitely read more in the series.
Dislikes: Not really a dislike, but there were so much coffee and tea drank in the book that it would have been fun to have some coffee recipes at the end of the book. 🤷🏼♀️
#books #bookstagram #cozymystery #localauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Santa Stabbing by Geri Krotow.
I received an ARC of this book, but obviously bought the physical copy of it as soon as possible because look at that cover!!! How could I not?
Likes: This was such a fun book!
✅Amateur sleuth in a small town
✅Cozy Christmas Vibes
✅So many fun coffeeshop moments
✅Swoony moments between the main character and a hottie barista.
A good mystery that had me guessing. The ending was a surprise but didn’t come out of nowhere, which is indicative of a good mystery. I will definitely read more in the series.
Dislikes: Not really a dislike, but there were so much coffee and tea drank in the book that it would have been fun to have some coffee recipes at the end of the book. 🤷🏼♀️
#books #bookstagram #cozymystery #localauthor
December 16, 2024
As an empty nester, Angel Warren is excited to bring her dream to life after retiring from the US Navy. She plans to open Shop 'Round the World in her hometown of Stonebridge, Pennsylvania, on Small Business Saturday, which falls right after Thanksgiving. However, one evening, after returning to the shop for additional preparations, she makes an unexpected discovery that could alter her plans.
I enjoyed Angel's character development, which stemmed from her previous military service. Her various assignments and travels inspired her new dream for this particular type of business. Angel's return allowed her to reconnect with her family and best friend from high school, and by reconnecting with her community ignited a spark of new romance.
After Chapter 11, distracting copy editing errors appeared, which was surprising and disappointing. However, the characters and what the investigation puzzle would finally reveal kept me engaged.
Book Club Questions are available at the end of the novel.
🎅 Reviewer’s Note: Readers should be aware that this mystery contains some descriptive elements that may not align with the cozy mystery genre.
On Amazon, marketing is in these categories:
📕 Cozy Crafts & Hobbies Mystery
📗 Amateur Sleuth Mysteries
I enjoyed Angel's character development, which stemmed from her previous military service. Her various assignments and travels inspired her new dream for this particular type of business. Angel's return allowed her to reconnect with her family and best friend from high school, and by reconnecting with her community ignited a spark of new romance.
After Chapter 11, distracting copy editing errors appeared, which was surprising and disappointing. However, the characters and what the investigation puzzle would finally reveal kept me engaged.
Book Club Questions are available at the end of the novel.
🎅 Reviewer’s Note: Readers should be aware that this mystery contains some descriptive elements that may not align with the cozy mystery genre.
On Amazon, marketing is in these categories:
📕 Cozy Crafts & Hobbies Mystery
📗 Amateur Sleuth Mysteries
October 31, 2022
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
An entertaining and compelling cozy mystery featuring a driven retired Navy pilot in her forties, “A Santa Stabbing”, by Geri Krotow (Tule Publishing), has the America small town feeling and displays and explores strong family and friendship relationships.
Both the crime and the characters are enticing in this story. The first was well thought out, a mixture of passion, jealousy, opportunity and impulsiveness. The fact we were given other hypotheses was interesting, adding also substance to the town’s history.
I appreciated the gory details surrounding the crime because they made sense, even with being horrific.
The thing I loved about this story was the characters, their relationships and interactions, especially in Angel’s family and friends circle, and also the dialogue.
Angel is a great character, and Ralph, the parrot, is so funny (and a bit annoying, too). Her parents, friends and acquaintances and the easy, loving relationships are a delight to read.
Her investment and drive in the shop is realistic, as is the need to investigate the homicide.
The emerging romance is great, too. I liked Nate’s character and the fact there’s a bit of mystery about him, even if he seems like a solid guy. The understated way he shows Angel he likes her is so alluring.
I also liked how the author described the setting – Stonebridge, Pennsylvania – and how we are able to visualize it.
An entertaining and compelling cozy mystery featuring a driven retired Navy pilot in her forties, “A Santa Stabbing”, by Geri Krotow (Tule Publishing), has the America small town feeling and displays and explores strong family and friendship relationships.
Both the crime and the characters are enticing in this story. The first was well thought out, a mixture of passion, jealousy, opportunity and impulsiveness. The fact we were given other hypotheses was interesting, adding also substance to the town’s history.
I appreciated the gory details surrounding the crime because they made sense, even with being horrific.
The thing I loved about this story was the characters, their relationships and interactions, especially in Angel’s family and friends circle, and also the dialogue.
Angel is a great character, and Ralph, the parrot, is so funny (and a bit annoying, too). Her parents, friends and acquaintances and the easy, loving relationships are a delight to read.
Her investment and drive in the shop is realistic, as is the need to investigate the homicide.
The emerging romance is great, too. I liked Nate’s character and the fact there’s a bit of mystery about him, even if he seems like a solid guy. The understated way he shows Angel he likes her is so alluring.
I also liked how the author described the setting – Stonebridge, Pennsylvania – and how we are able to visualize it.
December 28, 2025
Enjoyable holiday read.
I have enjoyed this delightful cozy mystery. I found the characters very interesting. Especially the main character, Angel, and her feathered friend Ralph. Would consider reading more of this series in the future. Also glad that the story was resolved by the end. The only negative I have is, I felt it could use a little editing. Nothing too distracting though. Was a good, quick end of the year read for me. You should give it a try.
I have enjoyed this delightful cozy mystery. I found the characters very interesting. Especially the main character, Angel, and her feathered friend Ralph. Would consider reading more of this series in the future. Also glad that the story was resolved by the end. The only negative I have is, I felt it could use a little editing. Nothing too distracting though. Was a good, quick end of the year read for me. You should give it a try.
November 5, 2022
I received this arc of A Santa Stabbing in exchange for my honest review. This is the first book in Geri Krotow’s wonderful new series, Shop ‘Round the World. This is the first book by Geri that I’ve read and I found it very entertaining and well written. As the book opens, the heroine, Angel Warren has returned to her hometown of Stonebridge, Pennsylvania after being a Navy pilot for over 20 years. We learn she is a widow, her husband having died several years ago from cancer. Her twin daughters have started college this fall at different campuses in the state so she’s an empty nester. She has a parrot named Ralph who has been such a fun addition to the story. Her parents, sister and brother and their families also live in town. She purchased a building that is her home and new shop. It is scheduled to open the Saturday after Thanksgiving, just 2 weeks away. Frannie, the realtor, and a former high school friend, stopped by to discuss town issues before Angel left to meet her sister for coffee and a gab session and then later mass. Frannie headed off to an appointment. At the coffee shop, Angel notices an attractive older guy working there. She learns it’s the owner, Nate. As it’s been so long since her husband passed away and she’s been interested in anyone else, she doesn’t acknowledge her feelings. This relationship added a nice touch to the plot too.
When Angel got back to her shop she noticed the door ajar and then found the dead body of her friend Frannie. It appeared she had been murdered with some of Angel’s stock from the shop. She called the police. The Chief is her former best friend, Trinity from high school days. With the murder being in her shop and the weapon having her fingerprints on it, Angel has become a suspect. She has to undergo questioning in her shop and at the police station. They check on her alibi, inspect the premises and eventually advise her she is no longer a suspect. She has to move out of her place for a couple of days while this is going on. Angel is worried about enough time to be ready for her opening as she still has renovations going on and then setting everything up.
In addition to her worries about being ready for her opening, Angel is worried about the rumors going around about her being the one who murdered Frannie. This would affect her business and people shopping at her store. She is also worried about who the murderer is. She decides to ask questions of the people she suspects it could be to help solve the case before her opening. Trinity isn’t thrilled about this but puts some stipulations on it. Angel manages to run into Nate a few times and figures out there is interest by both of them.
This is a really enjoyable book. The author provides lots of clues and possible motives while telling the story and developing the characters. I found the people to be kind, genuine and somewhat quirky which was fun to read. The family interactions as well as Angel seeing old friends again was nice to read. I tried to solve the mystery but sadly, I didn’t guess correctly. I like the combination of a mystery, return to home and a sweet romance. I recommend this book and give it 5 stars. I look forward the the next book.
When Angel got back to her shop she noticed the door ajar and then found the dead body of her friend Frannie. It appeared she had been murdered with some of Angel’s stock from the shop. She called the police. The Chief is her former best friend, Trinity from high school days. With the murder being in her shop and the weapon having her fingerprints on it, Angel has become a suspect. She has to undergo questioning in her shop and at the police station. They check on her alibi, inspect the premises and eventually advise her she is no longer a suspect. She has to move out of her place for a couple of days while this is going on. Angel is worried about enough time to be ready for her opening as she still has renovations going on and then setting everything up.
In addition to her worries about being ready for her opening, Angel is worried about the rumors going around about her being the one who murdered Frannie. This would affect her business and people shopping at her store. She is also worried about who the murderer is. She decides to ask questions of the people she suspects it could be to help solve the case before her opening. Trinity isn’t thrilled about this but puts some stipulations on it. Angel manages to run into Nate a few times and figures out there is interest by both of them.
This is a really enjoyable book. The author provides lots of clues and possible motives while telling the story and developing the characters. I found the people to be kind, genuine and somewhat quirky which was fun to read. The family interactions as well as Angel seeing old friends again was nice to read. I tried to solve the mystery but sadly, I didn’t guess correctly. I like the combination of a mystery, return to home and a sweet romance. I recommend this book and give it 5 stars. I look forward the the next book.
April 19, 2023
Terrific start to the new series. I am a huge fan of the author's romantic suspense books, and this book continues the trend. The main character was believable, the small-town setting was fun, and the townspeople were distinctive and quirky.
Angel returned to her hometown after a long career as a Navy pilot. Her twin daughters are off to college, and she is beginning her new life by opening a unique shop inspired by her travels. Her grand opening is two weeks away, and she's immersed in getting the shop ready. All of that comes to a screeching halt when she discovers the murdered body of an old friend in her shop. The murder weapon is one of her Russian Santas, and her fingerprints are on it, making her a prime suspect. After being questioned and quickly cleared by Detective Trinity Colson, her childhood BFF, Angel is determined to help identify the killer.
Angel has been away from Stonebridge for a long time, and as she catches up on the local gossip, she gets ideas about who might know something about what happened. Trinity isn't happy about Angel's plans but knows she can't stop her, so she lays some ground rules. I liked that Angel isn't trying to go around or interfere with the official investigation; just trying to help. The victim had many people with reasons to dislike her, so the suspect list was long. Angel's methods are believable, and we learn about different residents as she talks to them. I loved following Angel and her thought processes as she pursued the clues and exposed motives. The possibilities kept me guessing until the very end when an intense confrontation brought everything together.
A hint of romance running through the book adds a little complication to Angel's life. A longtime widow, she didn't expect the feelings stirred up when she met Nate, the owner of the local coffee shop. I enjoyed their encounters and seeing her embrace this new step. Nate impressed me with his care and support of Angel at the end. There also seems to be a bit of mystery to his past. Hopefully, their relationship will be further developed in the next book.
I loved the secondary characters in the book. Angel is close with her family, and I enjoyed getting to know her sister, Crystal, and her brother, Bryce. It was sweet to see her reconnect with her BFF Trinity. Their interactions over the murder and Angel's actions are significant. My favorite character is Angel's pet parrot, Ralph. He is a trip with his commentary and plays an important role in the resolution of the mystery.
Angel returned to her hometown after a long career as a Navy pilot. Her twin daughters are off to college, and she is beginning her new life by opening a unique shop inspired by her travels. Her grand opening is two weeks away, and she's immersed in getting the shop ready. All of that comes to a screeching halt when she discovers the murdered body of an old friend in her shop. The murder weapon is one of her Russian Santas, and her fingerprints are on it, making her a prime suspect. After being questioned and quickly cleared by Detective Trinity Colson, her childhood BFF, Angel is determined to help identify the killer.
Angel has been away from Stonebridge for a long time, and as she catches up on the local gossip, she gets ideas about who might know something about what happened. Trinity isn't happy about Angel's plans but knows she can't stop her, so she lays some ground rules. I liked that Angel isn't trying to go around or interfere with the official investigation; just trying to help. The victim had many people with reasons to dislike her, so the suspect list was long. Angel's methods are believable, and we learn about different residents as she talks to them. I loved following Angel and her thought processes as she pursued the clues and exposed motives. The possibilities kept me guessing until the very end when an intense confrontation brought everything together.
A hint of romance running through the book adds a little complication to Angel's life. A longtime widow, she didn't expect the feelings stirred up when she met Nate, the owner of the local coffee shop. I enjoyed their encounters and seeing her embrace this new step. Nate impressed me with his care and support of Angel at the end. There also seems to be a bit of mystery to his past. Hopefully, their relationship will be further developed in the next book.
I loved the secondary characters in the book. Angel is close with her family, and I enjoyed getting to know her sister, Crystal, and her brother, Bryce. It was sweet to see her reconnect with her BFF Trinity. Their interactions over the murder and Angel's actions are significant. My favorite character is Angel's pet parrot, Ralph. He is a trip with his commentary and plays an important role in the resolution of the mystery.
October 22, 2022
Right from the very start of the first book in the Shop 'Round the World series, I became truly immersed in the life of a former Navy pilot who is currently a private citizen trying to make her future be satisfying. Unfortunately, an unexpected incident could cause her professional plans to be put aside, and may even greatly impact her personally as well. Geri Krotow interweaves details that are both intriguing as well as emotional to create an original storyline for her debut cozy mystery.
After serving as an aviator in the Navy for many years, Angel Warren has moved back to her hometown of Stonebridge, Pennsylvania and is looking to have a much less regulated existence. With her two daughters now at college, the widow has decided to tackle being a business owner, and her goal is to start selling items for keeping or giving that often have a holiday theme associated with a variety of cultures. All is on schedule to begin selling merchandise right after Thanksgiving, but the shocking discovery of a deceased person in her shop could impact the life of Angel in quite a few problematic ways.
A SANTA STABBING is continuously inventive and keeps the number of unknowns steadily escalating. Geri Krotow is an author whose suspenseful romances have been enjoyed in the past, and I was thrilled upon hearing of her decision to write a cozy mystery. She certainly made every situation in the story come across as not only relevant to the plot but also very convincing. I never thought at any time that a happening could not actually take place as depicted, and the buildup of uncertainties kept me guessing about the outcome of many circumstances.
The location in Pennsylvania is described with plenty of colorful images, and I always got a sense of any location. When it comes to the main character of Angel, I felt a connection to her during each moment in the story because of the in-depth way in which she was portrayed. As for the townsfolk, I was introduced to lots of individuals, and each one has a distinctive personality. Those closest to Angel were especially appealing. Anything pertaining to the murder and its aftermath was expertly handled, from subtle clues given to some unforeseen twists. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Received an ARC
After serving as an aviator in the Navy for many years, Angel Warren has moved back to her hometown of Stonebridge, Pennsylvania and is looking to have a much less regulated existence. With her two daughters now at college, the widow has decided to tackle being a business owner, and her goal is to start selling items for keeping or giving that often have a holiday theme associated with a variety of cultures. All is on schedule to begin selling merchandise right after Thanksgiving, but the shocking discovery of a deceased person in her shop could impact the life of Angel in quite a few problematic ways.
A SANTA STABBING is continuously inventive and keeps the number of unknowns steadily escalating. Geri Krotow is an author whose suspenseful romances have been enjoyed in the past, and I was thrilled upon hearing of her decision to write a cozy mystery. She certainly made every situation in the story come across as not only relevant to the plot but also very convincing. I never thought at any time that a happening could not actually take place as depicted, and the buildup of uncertainties kept me guessing about the outcome of many circumstances.
The location in Pennsylvania is described with plenty of colorful images, and I always got a sense of any location. When it comes to the main character of Angel, I felt a connection to her during each moment in the story because of the in-depth way in which she was portrayed. As for the townsfolk, I was introduced to lots of individuals, and each one has a distinctive personality. Those closest to Angel were especially appealing. Anything pertaining to the murder and its aftermath was expertly handled, from subtle clues given to some unforeseen twists. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Received an ARC
December 6, 2024
Bestselling author Geri Krotow had me hooked from Ralph the watch parrot’s very first squawk on the first page of her A Santa Stabbing, the first installment of her Shop ‘Round the World mystery series.
After traveling the globe, retired Navy pilot, Angel Warren, is excited to start the next chapter of her life in Stonebridge, Pennsylvania, close to family and reconnect with old friends. The widow and recent empty nester with twin girls off at college in opposite ends of the state is just weeks away from opening her Shop ‘Round the World, travel-themed gift shop when she discovers the body of an old classmate in her storeroom, stabbed with a broken Santa figurine from her shop. Despite the fact another old friend is now her hometown’s chief of police, Angel is the prime suspect.
She’s been away from Stonebridge for a long time. So even when she’s eliminated from suspicion, the town’s gossip mill continues to spread rumors she killed the cut-throat real estate agent. With her reputation and the success of her shop on the line, Angel sets out to find the real killer before she becomes the next victim.
I love Krotow’s easy style and humor, getting to know her rich characters, with plenty of suspects and plot twists and a possible romance with Nate the handsome and artistic barista — that is if he’s not the murderer. I look forward to reading future installments.
I ho-ho-heartily recommend A Santa Stabbing to lovers of mysteries, cozy mysteries, and Christmas cozies. I look forward to reading future installments of the series.
After traveling the globe, retired Navy pilot, Angel Warren, is excited to start the next chapter of her life in Stonebridge, Pennsylvania, close to family and reconnect with old friends. The widow and recent empty nester with twin girls off at college in opposite ends of the state is just weeks away from opening her Shop ‘Round the World, travel-themed gift shop when she discovers the body of an old classmate in her storeroom, stabbed with a broken Santa figurine from her shop. Despite the fact another old friend is now her hometown’s chief of police, Angel is the prime suspect.
She’s been away from Stonebridge for a long time. So even when she’s eliminated from suspicion, the town’s gossip mill continues to spread rumors she killed the cut-throat real estate agent. With her reputation and the success of her shop on the line, Angel sets out to find the real killer before she becomes the next victim.
I love Krotow’s easy style and humor, getting to know her rich characters, with plenty of suspects and plot twists and a possible romance with Nate the handsome and artistic barista — that is if he’s not the murderer. I look forward to reading future installments.
I ho-ho-heartily recommend A Santa Stabbing to lovers of mysteries, cozy mysteries, and Christmas cozies. I look forward to reading future installments of the series.
December 3, 2025
Whodunit Mystery in Small Town Pennsylvania
This was a fun story to read, especially since it takes place in an area I’m very familiar with. I loved the descriptions of the town of Stonebridge and the town’s residents.
The main character, Angel, is a retired navy pilot who returns to her hometown to open a gift shop, but before she can do so, the real estate agent and old acquaintance is murdered — in Angel’s storeroom. And Angel is the main suspect. Her BFF is the detective and warns Angel not to do any sleuthing on her own, but how can Angel not look into who the real culprit is.
Favorites: Ralph, the parrot. He’s adorable. And smart. Angel’s sister and brother (and parents) are the best.
Things that were cringe worthy: there’s an awful lot of tea/coffee drinking going on - almost every page. It gets a tad monotonous after a bit. But, for me, the breaker was the lack of line editing. There were more than just a few places where words were missing or misused words (sweat for sweet - big difference) and other editorial issues. This book was published in 2022 so I expected it to be better than this. Which is a shame because it’s a good story with good characters.
Recommended with caveat.
This was a fun story to read, especially since it takes place in an area I’m very familiar with. I loved the descriptions of the town of Stonebridge and the town’s residents.
The main character, Angel, is a retired navy pilot who returns to her hometown to open a gift shop, but before she can do so, the real estate agent and old acquaintance is murdered — in Angel’s storeroom. And Angel is the main suspect. Her BFF is the detective and warns Angel not to do any sleuthing on her own, but how can Angel not look into who the real culprit is.
Favorites: Ralph, the parrot. He’s adorable. And smart. Angel’s sister and brother (and parents) are the best.
Things that were cringe worthy: there’s an awful lot of tea/coffee drinking going on - almost every page. It gets a tad monotonous after a bit. But, for me, the breaker was the lack of line editing. There were more than just a few places where words were missing or misused words (sweat for sweet - big difference) and other editorial issues. This book was published in 2022 so I expected it to be better than this. Which is a shame because it’s a good story with good characters.
Recommended with caveat.
November 2, 2022
A Santa Stabbing, book one in the Shop 'Round the World Series by Geri Krotow, a new to me author. Since this is the first book in the series much of the beginning is the introduction to Angel, her talking parrot (yes her parrot), the setting of her new home and shop, and of course, her family along with the town gossip.
This is an intriguing murder mystery where I didn’t solve the case until Angel did. Some of the clues were there I just didn’t pick up on them. A true cozy mystery with no bad language a murder without seemingly gory though definitely strange, danger without being too nail biting and only a touch of romance. The one scene with someone naked is far from sexy but shows how dangerous one murderer certainly is to keep from being caught..
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.
This is an intriguing murder mystery where I didn’t solve the case until Angel did. Some of the clues were there I just didn’t pick up on them. A true cozy mystery with no bad language a murder without seemingly gory though definitely strange, danger without being too nail biting and only a touch of romance. The one scene with someone naked is far from sexy but shows how dangerous one murderer certainly is to keep from being caught..
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.
November 3, 2022
A Santa Stabbing by Geri Krotow is the first book in the Shop 'Round the World series. Angel Warren is a retired Navy pilot and empty-nest widow. She is back in her hometown of Stonebridge, Pennsylvania and working on setting up a unique, travel-inspired gift and novelty shop. All is going well until Angel walks into the storage room in her not-yet-opened shop and finds a dead body. The victim is Real Estate Agent Frannie Schrock. Angel feels she needs to help the police find the person who committed the murder. I found this to be an intriguing whodunit. I loved the characters and got a kick out of Angel's parrot Ralph. I was hooked on this storyline from the very beginning. This is a super beginning to this series.
December 22, 2025
This is the first in the series. The main character is Angel. Angel is a Navy vet with 22 years of service, flying planes and helicopters. She lost her husband and has moved back home with her twin girls and is planning to open a shop with all kinds of things from around the world. The girls are in college and she is planning to open the shop the weekend after Thanksgiving. Two weeks before the opening she finds a body in her storeroom of one of the towns most known and loved people. She didn't do it but most people kind of do, after all it happened in her storeroom. One of her best friends in in charge and has warned her not to look into this but we all know how that works. Now she thinks she has it figured out but it might be too late. Can she save herself ?
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November 4, 2022This is the first book set in the world of Stonebridge, Pennsylvania where retired aviator Angel Warren who is also the mother of two grown girls has decided to set up a shop selling goods related to holidays from all around the world Everything is going well and she is do to open just after Thanksgiving when a body is discovered in her new shop. This leads to her been questioned by her ex schoolyard boyfriend and now local sheriff she soon realises if she wants to open her shop on time that she will have to help the local police with this case. This is a cozy mystery there is no graphic murders and very little romance in fact it is just a sweet read perfect for this time of the year
January 7, 2025
I picked this book up at a mystery themed book store in Mechanicsburg, PA on a trip a few months ago. The author’s name was familiar but I didn’t have anything in my Read books. Hmm.
As I was reading, I definitely noticed the familiar touches of romance writing style. It wasn’t until I finished (loved it!) that I read the author bio and that’s how I knew her name—from the romance section of bookstores :)
I love any book with an intelligent and strong but not perfect female protagonist and this one hit the spot. Love the way the author worked in details from her own background. I’ll be picking up the next two books in the series.
As I was reading, I definitely noticed the familiar touches of romance writing style. It wasn’t until I finished (loved it!) that I read the author bio and that’s how I knew her name—from the romance section of bookstores :)
I love any book with an intelligent and strong but not perfect female protagonist and this one hit the spot. Love the way the author worked in details from her own background. I’ll be picking up the next two books in the series.
December 18, 2025
Angel has moved back to her hometown after retiring from the navy. She is widowed with twin daughters who have just left for college. She is opening a new store, Shop 'Round the World and reconnecting with past friends. When she finds Frannue Schrock, past of the local realty company, murdered in her back room she wants to help solve the case and still open her store. Will she be able to do so?
I had a hard time trying to get into this book, glad I finished it. I did not see the murderer coming. But, for me, I will not be ready anymore in the series. Some of the characters were not needed, just seemed to be there to be "politically correct" and add nothing to the story.
I had a hard time trying to get into this book, glad I finished it. I did not see the murderer coming. But, for me, I will not be ready anymore in the series. Some of the characters were not needed, just seemed to be there to be "politically correct" and add nothing to the story.
November 2, 2022
A delightful small-town holiday caper! Geri Krotow shines in her cozy mystery debut with a solid cast of characters, a humorous pet parrot and an addictive whodunnit mystery. I'm looking forward to more to come in the series!
Angel is strong, accomplished and deserving of a relaxing transition to what coming home will be, but life has anything but that in store for her.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fun mystery revolving around a small town and all of it's whimsy characters.
Angel is strong, accomplished and deserving of a relaxing transition to what coming home will be, but life has anything but that in store for her.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fun mystery revolving around a small town and all of it's whimsy characters.
November 24, 2022
An interesting beginning to a series. Angel was a mix of brave and a bit timid. I loved her honesty, her drive to figure out who the murderer was, and her techniques in talking to the townspeople. Feeling like an outsider did not stop her, and she found that she had the support of everyone as she interacted with them. Ralph was a wonderful addition, and Angel's interest in Nate and Mach will prove to be a sweet and fun distraction. I recommend this cozy mystery and look forward to the next in the series.
This is my unsolicited review.
This is my unsolicited review.
January 1, 2023
A pretty charming start to this new cozy mystery series. I haven't read a cozy in a while and I could invest in this one; I enjoy the protagonist and of course her pet parrot Ralph was a big draw. There were a bunch of typos throughout.... my friends, a large pin is a brooch and a piece of something is a shard and not chard. In a few spots someone's name was WRONG, which in a murder mystery is especially egregious. Where are the copy editors? My goddess, hire me, please. 😫😂
Otherwise, enjoyable and fluffy and I'd spend more time in this fictional world.
Otherwise, enjoyable and fluffy and I'd spend more time in this fictional world.
December 12, 2025
A Santa Stabbing. Book 1
Angel is opening an around the world gift shop. Over the years of Navy travel she and her late husband collected some unique keepsakes and contacts that Angel now has put to good use in the new shop she has been getting ready to open. Now that she has retired and moved back to her home town this will be the perfect place to begin a new life. Within days of her opening her realtor is found in her shop brutally killed with some broken merchandise. She feels she has to help find the killer. Good story. I will be wanting to read more.
Angel is opening an around the world gift shop. Over the years of Navy travel she and her late husband collected some unique keepsakes and contacts that Angel now has put to good use in the new shop she has been getting ready to open. Now that she has retired and moved back to her home town this will be the perfect place to begin a new life. Within days of her opening her realtor is found in her shop brutally killed with some broken merchandise. She feels she has to help find the killer. Good story. I will be wanting to read more.
September 5, 2025
Good mystery
I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in series. Will definitely read book 2. Loved the main character - a woman who's been through a lot, is quite the badass mom, and is learning how to move on in her life. Great small town feeling, with a juicy murder thrown in. Very happy to have found this author!
I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in series. Will definitely read book 2. Loved the main character - a woman who's been through a lot, is quite the badass mom, and is learning how to move on in her life. Great small town feeling, with a juicy murder thrown in. Very happy to have found this author!
December 18, 2025
Not a bad story but I figured out "who did it" fairly early on in the book. Some good proofreading would also help -- missing words, a wrong character name, misplaced phrases, etc. In the beginning the parrot is an important character, but for a good chunk he isn't mentioned and only reappears nearer the end.
December 18, 2025
Confusing
This book was confusing. Not the plot, or the story, the main character, Angel. I know many people in the military, retired & active & none of them would act like Angel did in this book. She was skittish, jumped at every sound, was scatter brained, & why wasn't she carrying a weapon? I found it frustrating & was more than ready for the end. Which was a nice one.
This book was confusing. Not the plot, or the story, the main character, Angel. I know many people in the military, retired & active & none of them would act like Angel did in this book. She was skittish, jumped at every sound, was scatter brained, & why wasn't she carrying a weapon? I found it frustrating & was more than ready for the end. Which was a nice one.
December 25, 2025
Absolutely wonderful
What a great read, thought it was set at Christmas,so decided to read it over festive season, found out that it wasn't, but by then I was hooked on this compelling story in which the setting and characters are so well described you can easily visualize them. Just so beautifully written and with a good few twists and turns. Thanks to the author
What a great read, thought it was set at Christmas,so decided to read it over festive season, found out that it wasn't, but by then I was hooked on this compelling story in which the setting and characters are so well described you can easily visualize them. Just so beautifully written and with a good few twists and turns. Thanks to the author
November 2, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book ,I look forward to more stories in this series. Loved the characters, storyline, book cover,very original .My husband & his father ,brother are all pilots ,that's what intrigued me about this series ,something different.
February 22, 2024
A terrific cozy mystery with all the usual suspects but a lot of twists and fun characters populating the town. Krotow obviously knows her subject matter and her heroine, as the details shine and draw us in. Can't wait to dig into the next in the series!
December 14, 2024
not a bad story...
The story itself was not bad but there are too many typos, misspelled words or words just missing. Did you use an editor? I look for a new one if you did. I find it hard to read a story when you leave out a word and your sentence ends up making no sense
The story itself was not bad but there are too many typos, misspelled words or words just missing. Did you use an editor? I look for a new one if you did. I find it hard to read a story when you leave out a word and your sentence ends up making no sense
December 16, 2025
love Angel.
I love the characters and the mystery. I wasn’t totally sure of the murderer. It kept you guessing until the end. I am so impressed with the main character being a smart navy soldier. Can’t wait to see what she gets into next.
I love the characters and the mystery. I wasn’t totally sure of the murderer. It kept you guessing until the end. I am so impressed with the main character being a smart navy soldier. Can’t wait to see what she gets into next.
December 21, 2025
A fun ‘whodunit’
Someone is found, murdered, in a soon to be opened around the world type shop. Who did it?
You will enjoy the stories of the characters and, see if you can solve ‘whodunit’!
Someone is found, murdered, in a soon to be opened around the world type shop. Who did it?
You will enjoy the stories of the characters and, see if you can solve ‘whodunit’!
December 26, 2025
Angel thinks retiring in her quiet hometown in Pennsylvania will be a new chapter of peace but it takes a turn when she finds a body murdered with an item from her shop. Her years in the military make her determined to find answers. This was an entertaining start of a new mystery series.
August 25, 2024
It was not good. The grammar was really bad, spelling was wrong, and there were even a few times the author used the wrong name of a person. Interesting plot, but not well executed.
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