What do you think?
Rate this book
Heywood Herbalist #4
Mistletoe and Mayhem
Deck the Halls… with a dead body? When Mrs. Claus is found murdered days before the Annual Heywood Christmas Festival, Sheriff Mallory Richards cancels the beloved event.
As the flu takes out the whole sheriff’s department—except for Deputy Jordan Branson—he begs Sam to help him find the killer.
She and Annabelle set out to catch the murderer but land themselves in a tangled web of deception and danger.
Will they be able to find the killer and save the Christmas Festival, or will Sam and Annabelle get too close to the truth and end up silenced? Enjoy this Christmas Cozy Mystery!
As the flu takes out the whole sheriff’s department—except for Deputy Jordan Branson—he begs Sam to help him find the killer.
She and Annabelle set out to catch the murderer but land themselves in a tangled web of deception and danger.
Will they be able to find the killer and save the Christmas Festival, or will Sam and Annabelle get too close to the truth and end up silenced? Enjoy this Christmas Cozy Mystery!
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2022
88 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Carly Winter
54 books229 followersUSA Today bestselling author Carly Winter writes fun, small town cozy mysteries, always with a dash of humor and quirky characters. When not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, on a Pilates reformer or enjoying the fantastic Arizona weather (except summer - she doesn't like summer). She does like dogs, wine and chocolate and wishes Christmas happened twice a year.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 28, 2024
Cute books but I did audio and the narrator ruined it for me.
March 1, 2025
What a tangled web seniors weave when they practice to deceive.
February 25, 2024
December
It's just before Christmas in this story. The story involves a bakeoff, a Christmas market, a love triangle, and murder. I was hoping more of the story would involve the bakeoff. The love triangle was the biggest part of the story. It ties into the murder the way I thought it would.
It's just before Christmas in this story. The story involves a bakeoff, a Christmas market, a love triangle, and murder. I was hoping more of the story would involve the bakeoff. The love triangle was the biggest part of the story. It ties into the murder the way I thought it would.
December 16, 2022
This is book four of the Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mysteries series and the main character is Sage Advice owner and former Hollywood soap opera star Sam Jones aka Samantha Rathbone. She and her employee Annabelle go to the local community centre to set up their Christmas baskets on a table, ready for the Annual Heywood Christmas Festival. Once finished, they start looking at the other displays that have been set up and once they reach the Christmas tree, they are shocked to find Mrs Claus dead under it. Neither are sure of it was an accident, or murder, but Sam calls Deputy Jordan Branson and he turns up shortly after with Sheriff Mallory Richards, who doesn’t seem to like Sam and vice versa! Jordan asks them to check out the rest of the building to ensure it is clear of any dangers, and they find Santa asleep in the kitchen pantry! He is drunk, which is apparently a common occurrence for him and continues drinking, even after they wake him up and tell him the news. He says he went to hide in the pantry when Mrs Claus aka Joyce, and her sister Mary were arguing about the sharing of their father’s inheritance. The sheriff clearly isn’t well and both of them try to stay as far away as possible, so as not to catch the flu that has been going around. Jordan is sent to question them and then lets them go, keeping Santa, aka Paul, for further questioning. When Mary, the sister of the deceased, suddenly turns up, the two women wait and hear what she says before they go back to the shop.
According to Mary, there are numerous suspects for her sister’s death, including Santa, George her ex-husband, Sally a woman who wants George for herself and even Sam and Annabelle! When it is declared a murder and with the murder weapon still not being found, the Christmas festival is cancelled. Jordan is left on his own to investigate the murder and cope with everything else in the department after everyone else goes down with the flu. With Sam helping find previous killers in her short time in Heywood, including proving herself and Jordan innocent, he asks for her assistance by questioning some of the likely suspects. But being Heywood, Sam and even Annabelle end up in a bundle of danger, especially when the actual killer turns up back at the scene of the crime, just as they are getting the truth of what happened that night from another suspect. Finding the killer should have been the end of the story, but there is a twist to the story with Jordan and Sam, and their relationship, as they take up an unexpected role. There is also a shocking posting on social media that will affect her friendships in the small town and those who don’t know her full back story and the past she was escaping! Another murder is going to keep her busy in the next story as this one ends. I received an ARC copy of this book form BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
According to Mary, there are numerous suspects for her sister’s death, including Santa, George her ex-husband, Sally a woman who wants George for herself and even Sam and Annabelle! When it is declared a murder and with the murder weapon still not being found, the Christmas festival is cancelled. Jordan is left on his own to investigate the murder and cope with everything else in the department after everyone else goes down with the flu. With Sam helping find previous killers in her short time in Heywood, including proving herself and Jordan innocent, he asks for her assistance by questioning some of the likely suspects. But being Heywood, Sam and even Annabelle end up in a bundle of danger, especially when the actual killer turns up back at the scene of the crime, just as they are getting the truth of what happened that night from another suspect. Finding the killer should have been the end of the story, but there is a twist to the story with Jordan and Sam, and their relationship, as they take up an unexpected role. There is also a shocking posting on social media that will affect her friendships in the small town and those who don’t know her full back story and the past she was escaping! Another murder is going to keep her busy in the next story as this one ends. I received an ARC copy of this book form BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
October 20, 2024
Mistletoe and Murder
I absolutely adore this cozy mystery series about a former Hollywood soap opera star who has opened a business in a small town. As you might guess from the title, this particular installment takes place at Christmas. Things go awry quickly during the preparations for the big town holiday bash when Mrs. Claus is found murdered! As often happens in small-town cozy mysteries, the little town has a surprising number of suspects! In prior books of the series, the heroine has worked very hard to keep her Hollywood history hidden. She left the industry town after several personal setbacks that set tongues wagging and smashed her career to smithereens. She now wants to just live a normal life with a fresh start.
As all good cozy mysteries must have, this book has a wonderful cast of quirky secondary characters, including Annabelle, the herbalist at the shop the heroine owns. She is definitely stuck in the '80s, and most happily so. The heroine also has a potential love interest, a George Clooney lookalike cop, though the heroine has stated in every book that she doesn't date. However, they still managed to have coffee every morning before work and get together at other times. Because of all that happens with Mrs. Claus (and Santa as well), the heroine and her potential hero become Mr. and Mrs. Claus for the big celebration. In this book, things get a little more heated between them, and you think that maybe they will finally bust into true relationship status. However, there must always be a rocky road to romance, even in a book and series not primarily about romance!
I don't want to give too much away, but I have wondered how things would work out for the heroine if her secret got out. Let's just say that reactions are mixed. Some people understand why she kept the secret, while others are hurt that she didn't trust them or felt she needed to hide her past. While you could understand this book without having read or listened to the prior books in the series, you will better appreciate the story, and especially what happens between the characters, more if you read or listen to the prior books in the series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries as much as I do--especially ones with 50-somethings in lead roles, you will probably enjoy this book and this series as much as I have.
I received a free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I absolutely adore this cozy mystery series about a former Hollywood soap opera star who has opened a business in a small town. As you might guess from the title, this particular installment takes place at Christmas. Things go awry quickly during the preparations for the big town holiday bash when Mrs. Claus is found murdered! As often happens in small-town cozy mysteries, the little town has a surprising number of suspects! In prior books of the series, the heroine has worked very hard to keep her Hollywood history hidden. She left the industry town after several personal setbacks that set tongues wagging and smashed her career to smithereens. She now wants to just live a normal life with a fresh start.
As all good cozy mysteries must have, this book has a wonderful cast of quirky secondary characters, including Annabelle, the herbalist at the shop the heroine owns. She is definitely stuck in the '80s, and most happily so. The heroine also has a potential love interest, a George Clooney lookalike cop, though the heroine has stated in every book that she doesn't date. However, they still managed to have coffee every morning before work and get together at other times. Because of all that happens with Mrs. Claus (and Santa as well), the heroine and her potential hero become Mr. and Mrs. Claus for the big celebration. In this book, things get a little more heated between them, and you think that maybe they will finally bust into true relationship status. However, there must always be a rocky road to romance, even in a book and series not primarily about romance!
I don't want to give too much away, but I have wondered how things would work out for the heroine if her secret got out. Let's just say that reactions are mixed. Some people understand why she kept the secret, while others are hurt that she didn't trust them or felt she needed to hide her past. While you could understand this book without having read or listened to the prior books in the series, you will better appreciate the story, and especially what happens between the characters, more if you read or listen to the prior books in the series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries as much as I do--especially ones with 50-somethings in lead roles, you will probably enjoy this book and this series as much as I have.
I received a free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
December 5, 2022
I absolutely love this Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mystery Series by Carly Winter and the latest book "Mistletoe and Mayhem" was no exception. While at the community center displaying their shop wares at the Christmas Fair Sam and her assistant Annabelle discover Mrs. Claus dead under the Christmas Tree. With no one else around and no obvious weapon in sight, they begin searching for clues. As they search the pantry, they hear a noise and discover the man who plays Santa inside a cupboard passed out, with his flask in his hand.
Deputy Jordan Branson is almost a one-man police force currently with most of the others out with a bad flu, so when he asks Sam for help, she can't refuse. Of course, she's already got a few investigations under her belt, but it's Christmas and her busiest time of the year at the shop. The suspect list is long as Mrs. Clause was not a very well-liked member of the community, so Sam and Annabelle have their work cut out for them.
There's so much about this series that makes me want to read the next one almost before I finish the one, I'm currently reading. But the best part for me is the characters and the lives they live. For instance, Sam has a big secret and sharing that could drastically change her life forever, but in this book, she decides it's time to share. Will her friends and neighbors continue to accept her, or will she find herself searching for another place to live? Also, there's big relationship news disclosed in this one, but I'm not telling you with who, that you'll have to read for yourself! Now I have the task of waiting for the next book to drop, but knowing it's also going to be amazing; I'm vowing to be patient! Happy Reading!
Deputy Jordan Branson is almost a one-man police force currently with most of the others out with a bad flu, so when he asks Sam for help, she can't refuse. Of course, she's already got a few investigations under her belt, but it's Christmas and her busiest time of the year at the shop. The suspect list is long as Mrs. Clause was not a very well-liked member of the community, so Sam and Annabelle have their work cut out for them.
There's so much about this series that makes me want to read the next one almost before I finish the one, I'm currently reading. But the best part for me is the characters and the lives they live. For instance, Sam has a big secret and sharing that could drastically change her life forever, but in this book, she decides it's time to share. Will her friends and neighbors continue to accept her, or will she find herself searching for another place to live? Also, there's big relationship news disclosed in this one, but I'm not telling you with who, that you'll have to read for yourself! Now I have the task of waiting for the next book to drop, but knowing it's also going to be amazing; I'm vowing to be patient! Happy Reading!
December 18, 2022
I can just devour Carly Winter's books. They are fun and faced paced with interesting and likeable characters. Samantha Jones, formerly Samantha Rathbone, is a starlet hiding in plain sight. After running away from her former life as a daytime soap actress and the drama her husband left her with, she ends up in Heywood, AZ, running an herbal store. She has one employee, quirky Annabelle who has become her best friend and sidekick. They are prepping for a Christmas bazaar and have just arrived to set up their wares, when they find Mrs. Claus dead under the tree and Santa passed out and snoring in a closet.
The town has decided to cancel the bazaar due to the recent unfortunate events. The entire police force, which is pretty small to begin with, is out with the flu, leaving Jordan to carry all the happenings around town. He recruits Sam, and in turn recruits Annabelle to do some sleuthing for him. Sam and Annabelle start poking around and asking questions about the late Mrs. Claus.
Annabelle has begged Sam to get the Christmas bazaar up and running again, however since Mrs. Claus is no more, Sam and Jordan have to full in. Sam has been adamant that she does not date, but Jordan is starting to wear her down. This puts Sam in quite the predicament… does she reveal her true identity to him?
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The town has decided to cancel the bazaar due to the recent unfortunate events. The entire police force, which is pretty small to begin with, is out with the flu, leaving Jordan to carry all the happenings around town. He recruits Sam, and in turn recruits Annabelle to do some sleuthing for him. Sam and Annabelle start poking around and asking questions about the late Mrs. Claus.
Annabelle has begged Sam to get the Christmas bazaar up and running again, however since Mrs. Claus is no more, Sam and Jordan have to full in. Sam has been adamant that she does not date, but Jordan is starting to wear her down. This puts Sam in quite the predicament… does she reveal her true identity to him?
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 2, 2025
The fourth book in the Heywood Herbalist series. I have read all previous books and the story evolves in a natural feeling from one book to the next. Although I'm sure you could read it as a stand alone as well.
As the title already leads to believe, the book is set around Christmas time. Even though I read it in May, I always love a good Christmas story!
I loved that the flashbacks to Sam's previous life and the mentioning of her daytime soap is way less used in this book and it's nice to see that Sam is getting more involved and accepted in Heywood. Although her previous life (and money) is mentioned more than once, it now feels like it's a memory and not something that has to be mentioned at every turn.
The relationship (although she doesn't call it that) between Sam and Jordan is going at a relaxed pace and feels real.
I liked that Jordan asked Sam to help him solve the mystery as the police department was very understaffed. So this time she didn't have to go behind his back, which felt nicer.
Solving the mystery made me turn the pages without wanting to put the book down in between and the last part of the book really tore at my heartstrings!
The way this book was written was more the way I love my mysteries. I loved this one so much that I'm going to read the next one right after this. I think this is the best one yet!
As the title already leads to believe, the book is set around Christmas time. Even though I read it in May, I always love a good Christmas story!
I loved that the flashbacks to Sam's previous life and the mentioning of her daytime soap is way less used in this book and it's nice to see that Sam is getting more involved and accepted in Heywood. Although her previous life (and money) is mentioned more than once, it now feels like it's a memory and not something that has to be mentioned at every turn.
The relationship (although she doesn't call it that) between Sam and Jordan is going at a relaxed pace and feels real.
I liked that Jordan asked Sam to help him solve the mystery as the police department was very understaffed. So this time she didn't have to go behind his back, which felt nicer.
Solving the mystery made me turn the pages without wanting to put the book down in between and the last part of the book really tore at my heartstrings!
The way this book was written was more the way I love my mysteries. I loved this one so much that I'm going to read the next one right after this. I think this is the best one yet!
November 30, 2022
With Christmastime swiftly approaching, Sam Jones and her assistant Annabelle find themselves setting up a stall at the local festive market. Holiday joy turns to sorrow when they discover the body of poor Mrs Claus behind the Christmas tree. Since the sheriff's department has been sidelined with the 'flu, Deputy Jordan Branson requests that Sam begin an unofficial investigation of her own. Sam is soon to find many people who have a motive for the deed. Narrowing the suspect pool down to one will take all of Sam's sleuthing power.
I love the Christmas season and I also love the character of Sam whose lifestyle I could easily enjoy. With this bias in mind, but also considering that I rarely rate a book above 4 stars, it's easy to see I was thoroughly enamoured by Mistletoe and Mayhem. The characters, the season, and the sheer puzzle of the murder were so engaging that I inhaled this book and didn't stop reading until the very last page.
Carly Winter has done it again and crafted an exceptional cosy, gift-wrapped with holiday spirit. Well recommended.
Thank you to BookSirens and Carly Winter for the chance to read this complimentary eARC. As always, my opinions are my own - honest and true.
I love the Christmas season and I also love the character of Sam whose lifestyle I could easily enjoy. With this bias in mind, but also considering that I rarely rate a book above 4 stars, it's easy to see I was thoroughly enamoured by Mistletoe and Mayhem. The characters, the season, and the sheer puzzle of the murder were so engaging that I inhaled this book and didn't stop reading until the very last page.
Carly Winter has done it again and crafted an exceptional cosy, gift-wrapped with holiday spirit. Well recommended.
Thank you to BookSirens and Carly Winter for the chance to read this complimentary eARC. As always, my opinions are my own - honest and true.
January 4, 2023
In Mistletoe and Mayhem, Heywood is gearing up for the Christmas Festivities. Sam and Annabelle go to the Community Center to set up their display of Christmas baskets for the Festival and find the Center seemingly deserted. They decide to look around at the other displays and spot something behind the Christmas Tree. Upon taking a close look they discover Mrs. Claus lying there dead. Hoping no foul play is involved they contact the Sheriff Department. Will the Christmas Festival still be able to go ahead? That depends on the cause of death and whether another Mrs. Claus can be found.
I really like the characters in the Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mystery Series. Somehow Sam always ends up involved in some way with trying to solve the cases. Annabelle is a fun, quirky character with her 80's fixation. Jordan, the Deputy Sheriff, usually trying to keep Sam out of the investigations this time needs her help as the rest of the department are out with Flu. There are a lot of questions raised in this book but only one remains by the end. As always I very much look forward to the next in series.
I received an ARC of this book. My review contains my honest opinion and is voluntarily given.
I really like the characters in the Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mystery Series. Somehow Sam always ends up involved in some way with trying to solve the cases. Annabelle is a fun, quirky character with her 80's fixation. Jordan, the Deputy Sheriff, usually trying to keep Sam out of the investigations this time needs her help as the rest of the department are out with Flu. There are a lot of questions raised in this book but only one remains by the end. As always I very much look forward to the next in series.
I received an ARC of this book. My review contains my honest opinion and is voluntarily given.
February 16, 2023
The fourth book in Carly Winter's Heywood Herbalist Mysteries, Mistletoe and Mayhem, sees the town gearing up for the annual Christmas festival. While Sam and Annabelle are setting up their booth at the community center, they stumble across the body of the woman playing Mrs. Claus while her "Santa" is found intoxicated and sleeping in the kitchen pantry. Because the majority of the sheriff's department is out sick with the flu, Jordan turns to Sam for help in this investigation.
The author continues to develop this cast of characters and deepens the relationship between Sam and Jordan while continuing the underlying series long subplot related to the Sam's true identity and past. The intricate twists that are thrown at the reader within this installment make the story that much more compelling to read and sets up a truly surprising ending. Having the main characters take on the roles vacated by the murder, the author allows them to explore the possibilities of becoming an actual couple and potentially break through Sam's resistance. As with all of this author's works, the cliffhanger at the end is sure to entice readers to come back for the next book.
I received an ARC of this book from Booksirens and Carly Winter and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The author continues to develop this cast of characters and deepens the relationship between Sam and Jordan while continuing the underlying series long subplot related to the Sam's true identity and past. The intricate twists that are thrown at the reader within this installment make the story that much more compelling to read and sets up a truly surprising ending. Having the main characters take on the roles vacated by the murder, the author allows them to explore the possibilities of becoming an actual couple and potentially break through Sam's resistance. As with all of this author's works, the cliffhanger at the end is sure to entice readers to come back for the next book.
I received an ARC of this book from Booksirens and Carly Winter and am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 29, 2022
Samantha, a former daytime soap star, is living in the little town of Heywood, Arizona under a different name, Sam Jones, and is enjoying the anonymity of her new life (although she is comically struggling to adjust to winter weather very different from what she is used to in Hollywood). As she and her employee/friend, Annabelle, are preparing to sell their herbal healing products at the annual Christmas Festival (much needed as the flu is taking over their little town), they discover Mrs. Claus, dead by the Christmas tree, with Santa passed out in the kitchen after indulging a little too much booze! Sam gets involved in the investigation with her (sort of) boyfriend, Jordan, to solve this murder before the Christmas festivities are cancelled, and in the process discover many surprising things about what Sam thought to be a sweet old lady playing Mrs. Claus! I very much enjoyed this holiday themed book. This very entertaining cozy is hilarious and kept me laughing throughout, and the characters continue to build relationships as the series progresses. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 5, 2022
It’s Christmas time in Heywood. Sam and Annabelle are setting up their booth at the town’s Christmas festival when they stumble upon the unthinkable someone has murdered Mrs. Claus. Jordan is in dire straits as he’s the only one on the force who isn’t down with the flu so he asks Sam to help by asking questions, talking to people. As reluctant as she is to enter into an investigation especially with the sheriff’s blatant dislike of her she can’t turn down a friend especially at Christmas time. And so it begins. Lots of suspects and some seriously shady behavior leads to a confusing case for the intrepid detectives both professional and not. A stunning conclusion and an unexpected revelation make for a very exciting Christmas in Heywood.
A Christmas mystery that honors the season without being overly sappy. My kind of holiday story. Definitely a crazy mystery and some really wacky suspects. A bit of a sad for Sam holiday after the case concludes but you’ll have to read to find out why. Loved the story and very excited to read the next adventure!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Christmas mystery that honors the season without being overly sappy. My kind of holiday story. Definitely a crazy mystery and some really wacky suspects. A bit of a sad for Sam holiday after the case concludes but you’ll have to read to find out why. Loved the story and very excited to read the next adventure!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 15, 2022
someone pushed pause on the Holiday Festival in a big way.
Sam and Annabelle were expecting to simply put the finishing touches on their booth. Instead they found an unpleasant and awful surprise near the Christmas Tree
some festive and a bit free love relationships are uncovered among several of the over sixty crowd, and family disputes related to love, hate, and family legacies make any crime hard to unravel - especially in the face of a flu epidemic and a seriously short staffed Sheriff's Department
Tensions rise after Sam realizes her Hollywood connections are about to be revealed.
If she manages to survive small minded folks, will her relationships with her friends and Jordan hold up as well?
more tense times ahead as another death comes to light and Jordan is making himself rarely seen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sam and Annabelle were expecting to simply put the finishing touches on their booth. Instead they found an unpleasant and awful surprise near the Christmas Tree
some festive and a bit free love relationships are uncovered among several of the over sixty crowd, and family disputes related to love, hate, and family legacies make any crime hard to unravel - especially in the face of a flu epidemic and a seriously short staffed Sheriff's Department
Tensions rise after Sam realizes her Hollywood connections are about to be revealed.
If she manages to survive small minded folks, will her relationships with her friends and Jordan hold up as well?
more tense times ahead as another death comes to light and Jordan is making himself rarely seen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2022
You just can't get a better cozey mystery with murder than this ,it's so well written and with a small town Mrs Clause as a victim who could have done such a thing. This cozy small town is the quintessential of true Christmas spirit comes together. I could picture all the shops and streets as they are described with all the snow, decorations lights and music. The array of characters so vibrant and colorful.The mystery so baffling, all drawing you into a charming small town Christmas. While the plot carries you from the first chapter keeping you entranced turning page after page not able to put it down until you've reached the unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " Mistletoe and Mayhem " a ( Heywood Herbalist Cozey Mysteries Book : 4 ) for intriguing, exciting and enjoyable entertainment. 😀 Kat
December 14, 2022
The happiest time of year just got sad in Heywood, Arizona.
Mrs. Claus has been murdered right before the town festival. Add to that all of the towns police seem to have come down with a flu. That leaves it up to our favorite sleuths Sam and Annabelle to once again save the day and solve the mystery.
A small town with a whole lot of people with things to hide.
This story is full of love, laughter, tears, friends, enemies and a whole lot of secrets.
An amazing series by an awesome Author, if you have just found her then you really need to find more of her books. You won't regret it.
Happy Reading!
Mistletoe and Mayhem
Mrs. Claus has been murdered right before the town festival. Add to that all of the towns police seem to have come down with a flu. That leaves it up to our favorite sleuths Sam and Annabelle to once again save the day and solve the mystery.
A small town with a whole lot of people with things to hide.
This story is full of love, laughter, tears, friends, enemies and a whole lot of secrets.
An amazing series by an awesome Author, if you have just found her then you really need to find more of her books. You won't regret it.
Happy Reading!
Mistletoe and Mayhem
December 15, 2022
This is the first book in the series that I have read. I appreciated the fact that Carly gives the new reader (to the series) a brief synopsis of what has happened so far.
I truly enjoyed this book. It’s a fun, Christmas cozy mystery. I like the two main characters: Sam and Jordan and the will they or won’t they dynamic. The murder mystery involves Mrs Claus! Sam and Jordan are on the case and run into an assorted cast of characters. I am a fan of Annabelle who works in Sam’s shop. She goofy but sweet and reliable … and a good friend to Sam.
The town of Heywood and their unfailing enjoyment of Christmas is a joy and invites the reader to enjoy some time with them. It’s definitely a place I will revisit in future stories.
The story is a quick read … perhaps by a Christmas fire while drinking hot chocolate?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I truly enjoyed this book. It’s a fun, Christmas cozy mystery. I like the two main characters: Sam and Jordan and the will they or won’t they dynamic. The murder mystery involves Mrs Claus! Sam and Jordan are on the case and run into an assorted cast of characters. I am a fan of Annabelle who works in Sam’s shop. She goofy but sweet and reliable … and a good friend to Sam.
The town of Heywood and their unfailing enjoyment of Christmas is a joy and invites the reader to enjoy some time with them. It’s definitely a place I will revisit in future stories.
The story is a quick read … perhaps by a Christmas fire while drinking hot chocolate?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 23, 2022
One of the hallmarks of a good book for me is when I'm super busy so I can only read a chapter or two at a time but I still remember exactly what's going on and look forward to picking it back up. This book checks those boxes.
The forth in the series, the characters and setting are all very well developed. The focus is on who killed Mrs. Claus (and boy, are there lots of good suspects!) but there's a clean romantic subplot as well. There's a bit more intrigue with amateur sleuth Sam than in most cozies I've read, but it was well written.
Can be read as a standalone, but I think best enjoyed in order. My first by the author, though I intend to read more. Very bingeable page-turner that will keep you guessing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The forth in the series, the characters and setting are all very well developed. The focus is on who killed Mrs. Claus (and boy, are there lots of good suspects!) but there's a clean romantic subplot as well. There's a bit more intrigue with amateur sleuth Sam than in most cozies I've read, but it was well written.
Can be read as a standalone, but I think best enjoyed in order. My first by the author, though I intend to read more. Very bingeable page-turner that will keep you guessing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2022
This was my first time reading the author's work and really appreciated that there was a section at the start detailing the series so far and introducing the characters.
The book kept me guessing as to who the murderer was due to a few plot points that threw me off my original suspicion (which turned out to be correct).
I enjoyed the characters, especially Annnabelle with the love of all things 80s and a persistent spirit.
I'm torn on the ending, however. It sets us up for the next installment well but does not add too much to the current story.
Also, I found that the setting of Christmas was not overwhelming but had just the right amount of holiday spirit.
I will be looking forward to reading more of Carly Winter's work in the future.
Thank you to Carly Winter, Book Sirens and the publisher for the free ARC. I am leaving my opinion voluntarily and unbiasedly.
The book kept me guessing as to who the murderer was due to a few plot points that threw me off my original suspicion (which turned out to be correct).
I enjoyed the characters, especially Annnabelle with the love of all things 80s and a persistent spirit.
I'm torn on the ending, however. It sets us up for the next installment well but does not add too much to the current story.
Also, I found that the setting of Christmas was not overwhelming but had just the right amount of holiday spirit.
I will be looking forward to reading more of Carly Winter's work in the future.
Thank you to Carly Winter, Book Sirens and the publisher for the free ARC. I am leaving my opinion voluntarily and unbiasedly.
December 2, 2022
A great Christmas story with the characters from the series! Sam and Annabelle arrive at the Community Center to set up their table for the Annual Heywood Christmas Festival, only to discover a dead Mrs. Santa under the Christmas tree. They call Deputy Jordan, but the rest of the sheriff’s department is out sick with the flue, and he asks for Sam’s help to solve what turns out to be a murder. Sam is worth at if the festival is cancelled, she won’t be able to sell all the Sage Advice gift baskets she and Annabelle made for it. Double reasons to solve the murder! Plenty of red herrings and twists to keep your interest. I received a free copy of this book from the author and BookSirens, and I write this review voluntarily.
December 16, 2022
I read book 3 and 4 in this series and they are great hilarious reads. This is an entertaining read with great characters and a great plot that held me captive from the cover to the end of the book. Samantha is a former daytime soap opera star living in the small town of Heyward Arizona. Sam and her friend Annabelle arrive at the Annual Heywood Christmas Festival to set up and sell their herbal products when they found Mrs. Claus dead by the Christmas tree and Santa passed out in the kitchen. Deputy Jordan and Sam join forces to solve the mystery of the murder. This is a hilarious cozy mystery that I enjoyed.
Who killed Mrs. Claus, why is Santa passed out in the kitchen?
I received an ARC via Booksprout and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Who killed Mrs. Claus, why is Santa passed out in the kitchen?
I received an ARC via Booksprout and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
December 25, 2022
Another fun entry in the Heywood Herbalist series. Someone has killed the Heywood Community Center’s Mrs. Claus, and suspects abound. From her angry sister to her ex-husband (who may not be all he seems), to a geriatric crazy woman, it seems like everyone wanted to kill Mrs. Claus. The entire police force including the sheriff you love to hate is down with the flu. All of them except Jordan, who desperately needs Sam’s help to find the killer. Carly Winter’s characters are as engaging as ever, and the mystery is entertaining and has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. My only complaint? Annabelle. I realize she’s obsessed with the 80s, but does she have to act like a teenage valley girl?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 3, 2022
This is the first book in this series that I have read and it was an absolute delight. The characters, Sam, Jordan and Annabelle are well developed and I was immediately engaged in the story line from page 1. While cozy mysteries are not great literature, when an author finds the right formula, they are a great way to forget your responsibilities and worries for a short time. This is the perfect read with a cup of hot chocolate in front of the fire on a chilly afternoon or evening! I look forward to catching up to the past books I've missed in the series and the ones to come!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 6, 2022
When Mrs. Claus is found murdered days before the Annual Heywood Christmas Festival, Sheriff Mallory Richards cancels the beloved event.
As the flu takes out the whole sheriff’s department—except for Deputy Jordan Branson—he begs Sam to help him find the killer.
She and Annabelle set out to catch the murderer but land themselves in a tangled web of deception and danger.
Will they be able to find the killer and save the Christmas Festival, or will Sam and Annabelle get too close to the truth and end up silenced?
The killer is the first person that was suspected
This is a good book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As the flu takes out the whole sheriff’s department—except for Deputy Jordan Branson—he begs Sam to help him find the killer.
She and Annabelle set out to catch the murderer but land themselves in a tangled web of deception and danger.
Will they be able to find the killer and save the Christmas Festival, or will Sam and Annabelle get too close to the truth and end up silenced?
The killer is the first person that was suspected
This is a good book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 15, 2022
Mistletoe and Mayhem is Book 4 in the Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mystery by Carly Winter. I have read all of the books in this series and each book is so enjoyable and each book grows the characters and their interaction with each other. Sam is a wonderful character with a past she hasn't shared with many. Mrs Santa Clause is dead and Sam is busy following the clues. I found the ending to be life changing for Sam and her friends. I can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens next! Mistletoe and Mayhem is a fantastic, not to be missed, holiday mystery. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
December 17, 2022
This is book 4 in the Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mysteries. I have read the first book in the series and this one was just as good as the first. I need to go back and read the other two.
Sam and Anabelle were busy just finishing setting up their booth at the Annual Heywood Christmas Festival when they stumbled on to a very dead Mrs. Claus under the Christmas tree.
This book had me pulled into the mystery of who is guilty.
The author does a great job of keeping the mystery a mystery and the reader guessing who is guilty. For me this makes a perfect cozy mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sam and Anabelle were busy just finishing setting up their booth at the Annual Heywood Christmas Festival when they stumbled on to a very dead Mrs. Claus under the Christmas tree.
This book had me pulled into the mystery of who is guilty.
The author does a great job of keeping the mystery a mystery and the reader guessing who is guilty. For me this makes a perfect cozy mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 17, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy from Book Sirens. This is book 4 in a series. Each book can be read as a stand alone, however reading in order builds upon the background from previous stories. Sam runs a store Sage Advice in the small town of Heywood, AZ. She is hiding her past and is in a friendship/ relationship with Jordan, one of the town officers. Sam continues to discover dead bodies and becomes involved with solving them. This murder happens a few days before Christmas involving Mrs. Claus. Lots of possible suspects! Keep reading to see if you can figure out who did it! I look forward to reading the next book in the series. A fun cozy mystery for the holidays.
September 21, 2024
I listened to the audible version of this very good story and fun series. I really enjoy the narrator's voice. The story is fast paced with great main characters and several quirky ones throughout the plot. The Christmas setting is well described and the Mrs. Claus murder mystery has a few twists keeping the story interesting. I look forward to reading the next in the series wondering what lies ahead for Sam. Each book in the series is a standalone however I am enjoying following all the main characters' journeys in each book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2024
Sam Jones and Annabelle are setting up a display table at the community center when they find a body. Unfortunately, it is the body of the person playing Mrs. Clause. With most of the police force out with the flu, Jordan asks for Sam's assistance. Sam is happy to help but finds herself in more danger than she expects as she gets closer to the truth. I listened to the audiobook which has a charming narrator who makes the scenes come alive. This can be read/listened to as a standalone. The teachable moment in the book is never get on Annabelle's bad side. She may not murder anyone but her get even schemes are hilarious.
October 8, 2024
This is the third book in the Heywood Herbalist Cozy Mysteries Series, a Small Town Cozy Mystery. I like this series! We follow Samantha's sleuthing, along with Annabelle and Jordan, in this small town murder mystery. The plot is well crafted, and interesting. I liked the intrigue, and the twists and turns. The supporting characters are intriguing. Nicole Scott did a great job bringing these characters, and this story to life. Looking forward to listening to Thyme and Trouble, the next book in the series, to know what happens next. If you like cozy mysteries, this series is for you. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews