The Trouble with Christmas

Hale Mary Mysteries #5

by Katrina Kyle

Clearing her friend of murder is the only Christmas miracle she wants.

All Hale Seton wants for Christmas is to sign a new client and get through the family reunion with an intact liver. But when a body is discovered on the outskirts of her brother’s remote mountain estate near Purgatory, Colorado, it’s not just the family reunion that is thrown into jeopardy.

Turns out, the dead man was a semi-famous chef hired to cater the family fete and was last seen frolicking half-naked in the snow with Hale’s best friend, Norma. Now everyone, including the local sheriff, thinks she killed him.

Determined to prove Norma’s innocence before the family arrives and she has to explain how her bestie became the prime suspect in a murder investigation, Hale starts dashing through the snow to get her friend off Santa's Naughty List.

But the real killer has other plans.

With her friend's freedom on the line and her extra-big family on the way, Hale is going to need a Holiday Hail Mary to solve the mystery before all Purgatory breaks loose!

Genres: Christmas, Mystery, Fiction, Holiday, Ebooks, Amazon, Contemporary

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2022

Reviews

[Linda Galella · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story that happens near Christmas but definitely not a Christmas story…

This is my first read by Katrina Kyle and most likely, it will be the only one. Even tho’ there’s an off handed explanation that this author is a Navy veteran, (sincere thanks for your service, Ms. Kyle), her totally random and unnecessary use of vulgar language was startling and out of place with the characters. Additionally, the grammar is atrocious, especially compound subjects.

As for the mystery, it’s fair. Kyle tried too hard to steer readers away from the guilty party, IMO, and I knew who was guilty by the start of chapter five. That left 21 more chapters for everyone else to catch up; ugh📚

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I make it a habit to read one or two "Christmas" books every year, which is probably the only reason I picked this one up.

I'm giving it three stars because the mystery story is decent, and I like the wintry Colorado setting.

But that rating is probably generous. I have some of the same criticisms as other reviewers. The protagonist, Hale Mary Seton (what kind of name is that, anyway?), and her best friend Norma sometimes got on my nerves. The success and wealth of everyone in Hale’s family is not believable (they’re ALL superstar athletes?).

On top of that, the fairly frequent grammatical mistakes were annoying and took me out of the story. I've never understood why a published author can get away with such basic errors.

[HAL · Rating 3 out of 5]

An incomplete review

Katrina Kyle is probably a very good author as far as dialogue, setting and plot but I couldn't finish the four chapter. There was no graphic sex scenes to that point but such casual views of sexual activities and swears wasn't what I was looking for. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful, I was looking for a cosy or old time British classic.

[Jan Stier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different

The story was compelling and the twists believable. However I felt some of the language to say nothing of the grammar and morals, left a lot to be desired.

[Carole · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was too flawed to enjoy. The red herrings in the main character’s suspicions and summations were distracting at best and ultimately didn’t seem to connect with the resolution of the mystery of who was behind the deaths of two characters. The author has no grasp of grammar or commitment to consistent use of it, which was distracting. That so many characters had unusual names and virtually no back stories to help anchor them as people was distracting. Long paragraphs about weather were distracting. Sadly I don’t have an understanding of why the murderer killed, and I re-read several sections more than once to try to understand. I disliked this book so much that I added the author’s name to my never again list.

[Bill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. A lame Christmas mystery...

[David W. Cofer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Hale Mary (yes, what a terrible pun) series of books, but it is the first one I’ve read. While reading the previous books would enable the reader to be more familiar with the characters, it did not appear to be necessary to understand and enjoy the story. It was able to stand on its own.

Overall, I was rather disappointed in this book. The characters were not endearing to me and did not come across as being fully fleshed out. The dialogue was stale and all the characters sounded alike. A little more creativity with the dialogue would have been appreciated.

Hale and her business partner Norma arrive at the Seton estate for a Christmas family reunion. Unfortunately a couple of bodies come up dead and Hale and Norma attempt to solve the crime. This was quite unrealistic to me as it seems everyone was more than willing to share all they knew to Hale and Norma, two strangers in town, including the Sheriff’s Deputy. Since when did the police share inside information to a murder investigation to the general public? Of course, fans of this series probably can guess that Hale and Norma, despite some bumps in the road, do solve the crime, even before the police do. Really? Hmm.

This just wasn’t my cup of tea or type of book I enjoy reading, so I will adjust my rating up a little since my displeasure with the book was probably my fault. There were a few misspelled words (how does that happen???) which took me out of the story. However, it was a fast paced and quick read that took me less than 24 hours to finish.

If you are a fan of a humorous mystery, you would probably like this book.

[Homerun2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

This fifth entry in the Hale Mary series was the first I had read, but I was able to enjoy the story with the background given. Clearly Hale has sometimes struggled in the family and with their expectations, but mostly all seems to be amiable during this story.

Hale is a retired super athlete, and the only girl in a big family of overachieving male athletes as well. She and her best friend Norma have set up a branding/agent business for elite celebrities and are good at what they do and successful.

They are in Colorado for Christmas with Hale's huge family, and they have arrived a couple days before the rest of the group descends on her brother Ziggy's mountain mansion/compound. Norma is clearly a free spirit and fairly outrageous - she disappears their first night there to have an illicit tryst with Chef Antoine and doesn't make it home til morning.

Unfortunately Antoine's body is found later in the ski hut where he and Norma met, and she falls under suspicion. To complicate matters, Antoine's wife (Norma didn't know he was married) is a pending client of their agency. And the temporary help all have various romantic and revenge motives.

Hale desperately wants to clear Norma and solve the mystery before her family arrives. She is fairly level-headed but can be impulsive, and she is also loyal and tender-hearted. This narrative moves right along and keeps you guessing until the end.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laura C · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping for a modern day Agatha Christie murder mystery but instead I got…well…this.

The name Hale Mary was just so weird. Firstly because Hale is a male name and secondly because Hale Mary became a prayer with the wrong spelling. I was expecting her brother to be Our Father…wait…it needs a “cool” spelling so Ow Father maybe? But no, his name was Ziggy. Still weird. But names didn’t seem to be this authors strong point because the hot friend was called Norma?!? I didn’t think anyone under the age of 80 would named Norma. The author has a nice normal name so I don’t know why her characters can’t.

This is the fifth book in the series and it may explain why I felt confused about the characters in regards to their relationships, dynamics and job description. It’s probably my fault for not having read the first four, or even the first one where the characters would have been introduced. To be honest I didn’t like the two main characters, or any characters really.

Overall the story was quite bland and there was never a point I felt like I couldn’t put it down although many times I felt like putting it down for good.

Also apart from the fact it was set over the Christmas period, it didn’t actually feel Christmasy.

I won’t be reading any more from this series.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much went on in this story in detecting who killed whom or how someone died. Despite the activity that Hale went through for her bf, Norma, who was a suspect for a murder while staying at Ziggy's and Dilly's behemoth of a building with lots of acreage for a family Christmas get together. Hale was trying to get her friend off of the suspect list before family arrived on Christmas Eve and there was plenty of humor and levity in the background of all of the mystery digging up, too. Enjoyed this storyline with all the crazy, fun ups and downs figuring out the guilty party.

Also enjoyed seeing how Hale thought she was the black sheep in the family because she was the only woman, female, out of 8 children, with 5 older, wise wealthy and sports driven brothers. Enjoyed seeing the family love at the end of the story. Liked this whole story and had a hard time putting it down, so there was a lot of suspense, intrigue and levity throughout. Great read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's time for a Christmas family reunion which is being held at one of Hale's brother's vacation home in snowy Colorado and Hale and her Best friend and business partner, Norma got there early. The two friends are great opposite type personalities with Norma's devil may care attitude and Hale's more conservative one. Hale, being the only girl in a family of 8 children all successful boys leaves her at time with a feeling of inadequacy. But she has her own business with Norma and is successful in our own right. Well, getting ready for the big family Christmas, things go south. Apparently, the Chef who was catering the party is found dead and Norma is suspect number one since she was the last one to see him. With so many twists and turns and red-herrings, will Hale be able to prove Norma's innocence before the rest of the family shows up? Will she be a target for the murderer? I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Kathy Koester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first cozy mystery that I have read by this author. It wasn't as I expected with a bit more sex and salty language (but then I read that the author was previously in the Navy and that explains it).

This was an entertaining novel with interesting twists and turns. The main character is Hale Mary Seton (yes that is her name) who is going to her brother's chalet in the mountains to spend Christmas with her family. The list of her brother's accomplishments are huge and she runs her own company with her friend, Norma. Hale and Norma arrive before the rest of her family and promptly discover a murder. Hale and Norma race to solve the murder before the rest of the Seton's arrive (and try to clear Norma's name as she is the last person to see the murdered person)

This mystery has humor along with the plot that moves right along. A quick and entertaining read for the holidays!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gilbert Stack · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up because I was looking for a Christmas story. Christmas does matter in a small way to the tale as it is the reason the heroine’s family is gathering for a reunion and thus the excuse for Hale to be at the scene of the crime. Hale is the protagonist of a large number of books but this one stood alone very well. There are references to the other books, but they didn’t distract from the story. This is a murder mystery with a lot of suspects, but that wasn’t what I liked about it. What I liked was how excited Hale’s best friend was to be a suspect. Apparently, she had put on her bucket list “be wrongly accused of murder.” Her personality made the story.

The mystery was a pretty good one. The search for clues to clear the best friend seemed pretty reasonable. Ultimately, the motivation for the crime was sadly disturbing, but I enjoyed the story from beginning to end.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a few of this series of books and quite enjoyed them. They're usually a light fun read despite the murders and this is exactly the same.

This time Hale and Norma go to Hale's brother's place for a family Christmas and immediately someone Norma has a liaison with, is murdered. Norma is then the prime suspect.

Because of the style of writing, I find myself just flowing through the story and don't want to put it down. I like the characters of Hale and Norma, and this time, the setting is terrific. It's ingrained in my head and an ideal location for Christmas, and for tension and even a murder. This can be read as a standalone but I'm glad I have read the earlier books so I understand the characters better.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[K. Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to get my hands an early copy of this as a beta read, and aren't I so lucky. Katrina Kyle does not disappoint with this fifth installment in the Hale Mary Mysteries. It was fast, fun and had me asking a lot (read: a LOT) of questions to try and find the killer. Did I work it out or didn't I - this is the million dollar question. Loved the characters (even if I was a bit scared of momma Seton), loved the setting. This was a fantastic read and made me miss my house on the mountain in Alaska. No killers or bodies there, but plenty of snow and community.

Add this to your TBR. And while you're waiting for the author to hit publish, go back and read the other Hale Mary Mysteries! (you can thank me later ;)

[Trudie Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can never go wrong with a Hale Mary book and this one is the best so far. We learn a little more about Hale’s relationship with her family and, of course, there is a murder. This book will keep you guessing to the end and you won’t want to stop reading. As always, the book is full of interesting characters and the plot is well though out and well written. One of the best things about these books in the consistency with the personalities of Hale and Norma. They react to Norma being a suspect exactly how you would expect if you have read other books in this series. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hale Mary Seton is back, with best friend Norma, hoping to enjoy a quiet, snowy Christmas but when a body is found near her brothers estate, and Norma is the main suspect, it turns out to be not quite the relaxing time they’d hoped.

The fifth in the series, this is a nice easy read, suspects aplenty and very descriptive writing. While this is a stand alone read, I’m glad I’ve read some of the previous books. It certainly got me in the mood for Christmas.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ellen Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hale and Norma arrive at Hale’s brother’s Ziggy’s house for the holidays. They are the first to arrive and meet the crew taking care of their needs. The next morning they learn that the chef Antoine has been murdered and the police arrest Norma. Now Hale has to use her deductive powers to clear her best friend. Really liked this book, Hale and Norma have a good working relationship. Great cozy mystery with a holiday theme.

I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[DJ McCready · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a fun book but not particularly memorable. Hale and her best friend are off to a family Christmas at one of Hale's many brother's house.

Her friend is arrested and as it turns out was framed for murder. For awhile it appears that a second murder occurs but it turns out to be an accident that killed the real murderer.

The mountains seem real to those who know Colorado and Denver, The plot and characters are rather whacky which makes it fun but hardly realistic.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader copy from Book Sirens for my review. This was a fast read with many characters. I almost wanted to write down everyone’s name and connection. Two murders in two days lead to a lot of questions there were many possible suspects. Norma and Hale Mary do a ton of investigating in a very short time. The Seton family dynamics help define Hale. This is book 5 in the series. I haven’t read the previous four. I think it could be read as a standalone. I gave it four stars because I felt the ending wasn’t as strong as it could have been.

[JANET L. DECORI]

This is the 5th book I’ve read of Hale and it frustrates me about her mom. I realize not all moms and daughters get along well but the author makes it sound like the mom doesn’t care at all about Hale. I wish there was a crack in the ice between the two in that her mom really does love her and is proud of what Hale has accomplished. So what if she crashed during a competition, the mom should have stepped up and been there for her.

[Loretta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read in this series but I was able to follow the characters fine. Hale and her friend Norma head to Durango CO to spend Christmas with her ultra successful siblings and families. They arrive before the rest of the family and during the first night there is a murder. Norma is a suspect and the story goes from there. Quirky characters keep the story interesting as well as trying to figure out "who done it".

[Beth Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced cozy holiday mystery. It was a quick, easy read that kept me turning pages. I read it in one evening. The characters were quirky. Norma was a personality for sure, but harmless—and Hale was realistic and logical, determined to clear her friend and find the murderer.

You don’t have to read previous books in series to understand this story, but there aren’t explanations here for the existing relationships and group dynamics since it’s book five.

[Melyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a new to me cozy mystery series. I thought the mystery itself was pretty good and the setting at a very wealthy person’s holiday home was pretty good. But the main character and her best friend did not take the murder case and their involvement in it seriously at all. It really got on my nerves that the MC didn’t want to tell her lawyer brother, whose house this occurred near, about this at all. And didn’t ask for his help with the police.

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the start of this story but #1 - poor characterizatuins, followed by the repeatedly poor grammar used by the protagonist (and to a lesser extent others) were enough. At first I thought it was intentional as she was a snowboarder (although that was insulting to snowboarders everywhere) but it was too intermittent for that. So I did finish this poor story.... Finally too many convoluted motives.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Likable story with great characters. (Watch out - it doesn't mean they all survive to the end of the story!!!) Hale Mary not only is an interesting name, but an interesting character as well. Her best bud, Norma, is jailed for murder. Can Hale help her? If you like snow, the winter and log cabins, you'll love this!! I can't wait to get into a second one. Recommended.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Colorado Christmas

Can murder and mayhem put a damper on Christmas? Not if Hale Mary is involved. This delightful story is my first encounter with the Hale Mary mysteries, and first I read of Katrina Kyle. I loved the fast pace of the story, the strong bonds of friendship and family closeness that are also much a part of this series.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't guess the muderer

This barely ever happens! I didn't know what happened until I read it.
Cute story about a Christmas family reunion. Murder happens before the rest of the arrives. The only Seton daughter, self proclaimed black sheep of the family, decides she needs to solve the murder. A sleuthing Hale and her friend Norma goes. A really enjoyable story.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hale and Norma are heading to a Seton family Christmas at Ziggy’s vacation home. Unfortunately after they arrive a dead body is discovered and Norma was the last person to see him. Hale races to find the murderer before her family arrives. This was a great addition to the Hale Mary Mysteries. A fun, quick read that keeps you guessing till the end. Love Hale, Norma, and the rest of the Seton clan and clients!!


*ARC provided by BookSirens for an honest review.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Norma adds a breath of fresh air with her zany antics and devil may care attitude. Hale holds it all together in a delightful story of murder, family, and Cujo. He's adorable.
Highly Recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.