What do you think?
Rate this book
The Family or Foe Saga #0.5
A Hamburger Christmas
Even grief offers gifts
Coping with the loss of a loved one, Detective Aaron Remalla faces a difficult Christmas. Despite his partner Detective Gordon Daniels’ attempts to cajole him into spending Christmas together, Remalla makes other plans. But when the holiday turns deadly and Remalla finds himself at the mercy of thieves, he and his adversaries will learn that sometimes the magic of Christmas means relying on those you love, whether they’re alive…or not.
Sometimes, no matter how hard life may seem, the greatest losses can offer the greatest blessings.
If you enjoy an engaging mystery thriller, a close partnership between two bantering detectives, a sprinkle of supernatural suspense and a heartwarming story that might prompt a tear or two, then discover Detectives Daniels and Remalla in this prequel novella and enjoy their Hamburger Christmas.
Other Books in the Detectives Daniels and Remalla Series
Haunted River
Of Breath and Blood
Of Body and Bone
Of Mind and Madness
Of Power and Pain
Of Love and Loss
The Family or Foe Saga with Detectives Daniels and Remalla
First Cut
Second Slice
Third Blow
Fourth Strike
The Family or Foe Saga Boxed Set
Coping with the loss of a loved one, Detective Aaron Remalla faces a difficult Christmas. Despite his partner Detective Gordon Daniels’ attempts to cajole him into spending Christmas together, Remalla makes other plans. But when the holiday turns deadly and Remalla finds himself at the mercy of thieves, he and his adversaries will learn that sometimes the magic of Christmas means relying on those you love, whether they’re alive…or not.
Sometimes, no matter how hard life may seem, the greatest losses can offer the greatest blessings.
If you enjoy an engaging mystery thriller, a close partnership between two bantering detectives, a sprinkle of supernatural suspense and a heartwarming story that might prompt a tear or two, then discover Detectives Daniels and Remalla in this prequel novella and enjoy their Hamburger Christmas.
Other Books in the Detectives Daniels and Remalla Series
Haunted River
Of Breath and Blood
Of Body and Bone
Of Mind and Madness
Of Power and Pain
Of Love and Loss
The Family or Foe Saga with Detectives Daniels and Remalla
First Cut
Second Slice
Third Blow
Fourth Strike
The Family or Foe Saga Boxed Set
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2022
147 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Bishop
36 books116 followersAward-winning author, J.T. Bishop, is a writer of mystery thrillers with a supernatural edge. Growing up, she read books by Stephen King, Mary Higgins Clark, and Dean Koontz, devoured every episode of The X-files, and watched plenty of TV shows with great partnerships that left her wanting more. She loves tangled relationships, unexpected twists and turns, heart-stopping love stories and the complications that come with all the above. Throw in a little supernatural fun and she’s hooked. Her evil plan is to hook you, too.
She’s the author of The Red-Line Trilogy and its sister series, The Fletcher Family Saga, which features touches of urban fantasy, light sci-fi, and paranormal romance. She’s also happily writing mystery thrillers featuring two charismatic detectives who may occasionally encounter a supernatural villain or two, and a crossover series which follows the exploits of a gifted, but troubled, paranormal P.I. and his spunky sister.
All the above keeps her busy, but in her spare time, she loves a good movie, tasty food, an unfortunate sugar addiction, and traveling.
Get caught up with J.T. and her writing adventures at www.jtbishopauthor.com. And while you’re there, get a short story prelude to her first book for free, plus a novella and a few other offerings. Enjoy!
She’s the author of The Red-Line Trilogy and its sister series, The Fletcher Family Saga, which features touches of urban fantasy, light sci-fi, and paranormal romance. She’s also happily writing mystery thrillers featuring two charismatic detectives who may occasionally encounter a supernatural villain or two, and a crossover series which follows the exploits of a gifted, but troubled, paranormal P.I. and his spunky sister.
All the above keeps her busy, but in her spare time, she loves a good movie, tasty food, an unfortunate sugar addiction, and traveling.
Get caught up with J.T. and her writing adventures at www.jtbishopauthor.com. And while you’re there, get a short story prelude to her first book for free, plus a novella and a few other offerings. Enjoy!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 10, 2023
This is a 3.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 4 🌟.
June 20, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
I picked this author because of the last name which is my wife's stepfather. It is interesting to look for authors with family last names.
Robbers are breaking into empty houses and taking valuables. Who are they? How do they know that the house will be empty?. Detectives Remalla and Daniels have been trying to get a lead on the gang. Remalla is staying at a cousin's house over Christmas when it is broken into. Daniels shows up Christmas morning and things get serious and lead to arrest. I would recommend this novella and author to 👍 readers of romantic relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀💘🏡
I picked this author because of the last name which is my wife's stepfather. It is interesting to look for authors with family last names.
Robbers are breaking into empty houses and taking valuables. Who are they? How do they know that the house will be empty?. Detectives Remalla and Daniels have been trying to get a lead on the gang. Remalla is staying at a cousin's house over Christmas when it is broken into. Daniels shows up Christmas morning and things get serious and lead to arrest. I would recommend this novella and author to 👍 readers of romantic relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀💘🏡
December 25, 2022
Paranormal light mystery for Christmas.
December 24, 2023
Pseudo paranormal mystery that takes place during the Christmas season, A HAMBURGER CHRISTMAS is a quick, somber read.
Two young brothers get tangled up with older thugs and are drawn into a robbery scheme. They’re dealing with loss of a friend and parental abuse. Conveniently, they run into a cop suffering a similar background; more literary luck.
The story is technically well written but for the novella length, there’s too much happenstance for my liking and the paranormal touch was laughable📚
Two young brothers get tangled up with older thugs and are drawn into a robbery scheme. They’re dealing with loss of a friend and parental abuse. Conveniently, they run into a cop suffering a similar background; more literary luck.
The story is technically well written but for the novella length, there’s too much happenstance for my liking and the paranormal touch was laughable📚
October 21, 2024
Short and sweet, I've already read the entire Friend or Foe series which included Daniels & Remalla, so this felt a lot like backtracking, but I enjoyed the Hamburger Christmas reference...it was heartwarming <3
January 6, 2023
A Hamburger Christmas, by J.T. Bishop, is the story of two detectives working to solve a string of robberies throughout high-class neighborhoods. Detectives Daniels and Remalla have their own plans for Christmas, one spent with his wife and the other mourning his late fiancé. Unfortunately, the robbers they have been searching for will cross paths with these two detectives on Christmas day.
The story begins with two teenage boys, Simon and Gary, robbing expensive homes. They are given their marks by a man named Egg, the neighborhood thief. The brothers began stealing after having extremely little provided by their mother. Gary looked up to Egg after his best friend Trey was murdered. Throughout the book, Simon is weary of Egg and worried that his brother is just being used to make him money.
Detectives Daniels and Remalla have been trying to solve a string of burglaries spanning 6 weeks. However, they have little to go on until Christmas morning. Remalla stays at his cousin Chico's house for the holiday. After losing his fiancé in a car accident, he wants to get through this first set of holidays alone. The next mark on the boys' list is a house that will be vacant for Christmas- Chico's home. Gary and Simon come face to face with Detectives Remalla and Daniels in Chico's house.
The writing style in this thrilling book is strong throughout. The characters are written so that there is a strong sense of self, each with their own characteristics, even in a short story like this one. The detectives have similar characteristics that are shown in the young boys. Remalla and Gary are connected through grief after they each lost a loved one. Daniels and Simon are both looking out for their brother/partner.
This novella had a good pace and little filler information. The characters are likable and relatable. A Hamburger Christmas, by J.T. Bishop, is full of action, has a strong central character, and has an excellent storyline. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys action, mystery, thrills, and memorable characters.
The story begins with two teenage boys, Simon and Gary, robbing expensive homes. They are given their marks by a man named Egg, the neighborhood thief. The brothers began stealing after having extremely little provided by their mother. Gary looked up to Egg after his best friend Trey was murdered. Throughout the book, Simon is weary of Egg and worried that his brother is just being used to make him money.
Detectives Daniels and Remalla have been trying to solve a string of burglaries spanning 6 weeks. However, they have little to go on until Christmas morning. Remalla stays at his cousin Chico's house for the holiday. After losing his fiancé in a car accident, he wants to get through this first set of holidays alone. The next mark on the boys' list is a house that will be vacant for Christmas- Chico's home. Gary and Simon come face to face with Detectives Remalla and Daniels in Chico's house.
The writing style in this thrilling book is strong throughout. The characters are written so that there is a strong sense of self, each with their own characteristics, even in a short story like this one. The detectives have similar characteristics that are shown in the young boys. Remalla and Gary are connected through grief after they each lost a loved one. Daniels and Simon are both looking out for their brother/partner.
This novella had a good pace and little filler information. The characters are likable and relatable. A Hamburger Christmas, by J.T. Bishop, is full of action, has a strong central character, and has an excellent storyline. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys action, mystery, thrills, and memorable characters.
December 1, 2022
I had never heard of J. T. Bishop when I downloaded A Hamburger Christmas as part of a promotional bundle. I have to confess that it was the title that caught my attention and piqued my interest. The book’s title caught my attention, but it was the story line that hooked me and kept me turning the pages.
As the prequel to the new Detectives Daniels and Remalla Mystery series, it does its job. At least it did with me because now I have an uncontrollable need to read every book in the series as soon as they become available. Bishop has created some wonderful characters that come alive on the pages and who will go on living in the reader’s hearts and minds long after the series.
Hamburger Christmas started off like every well-written mystery, but somewhere around the halfway point I traveled down an unexpected rabbit hole when Rem’s deceased girlfriend talks to him through the blinking light on a small Chrisms tree. I wasn’t expecting this supernatural element in what, up to that point, appeared to be a traditional mystery. At first I, like Rem’s partner, Daniels, didn’t know what to think. Was Rem hallucinating? Was he losing his grip on reality? Or was his dead girlfriend using the light on the tree to communicate with him?
But then, when Rem and Daniels were about to die at the hands of the thieves..... Go read the book to find out what happened. We know they lived because they are the protagonist in the entire series, but their way they escaped sure death will blow you away just as it blew me away.
As the prequel to the new Detectives Daniels and Remalla Mystery series, it does its job. At least it did with me because now I have an uncontrollable need to read every book in the series as soon as they become available. Bishop has created some wonderful characters that come alive on the pages and who will go on living in the reader’s hearts and minds long after the series.
Hamburger Christmas started off like every well-written mystery, but somewhere around the halfway point I traveled down an unexpected rabbit hole when Rem’s deceased girlfriend talks to him through the blinking light on a small Chrisms tree. I wasn’t expecting this supernatural element in what, up to that point, appeared to be a traditional mystery. At first I, like Rem’s partner, Daniels, didn’t know what to think. Was Rem hallucinating? Was he losing his grip on reality? Or was his dead girlfriend using the light on the tree to communicate with him?
But then, when Rem and Daniels were about to die at the hands of the thieves..... Go read the book to find out what happened. We know they lived because they are the protagonist in the entire series, but their way they escaped sure death will blow you away just as it blew me away.
November 5, 2022
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with two individuals robbing a home of valuable Christmas presents. Rem and Daniels are assigned the case and have not been able to find any leads. As it is almost Christmas the detectives have plans for the holiday. Both the Captain and Daniels have tried to convince Rem to come to each other's house. Rem's girlfriend was killed earlier in the year by a drunk driver and Rem wants to be alone. He told Daniels that he was going to Chico, his cousin. Because there wasn't a lot to do, Daniels told Rem to take thew day off and go shopping for Christmas. While Daniels was at the station, Chico stopped by with Rem's gift and talked with Daniels.
Rem finished his shopping and went to Chico's house to stay. Chico and his family were going to be away and Rem was watching the house. Rem later went to the shed which was a man cave to get away and remanence about his girlfriend. He then went into the house to go to sleep. He heard a noise later and went to investigate.
To discover what Rem found when he went to investigat, who were the individuals stealing Christmas presents and how a little tree took a role in the story then you will need to read this book. The story will provide an amazing ending.
This story begins with two individuals robbing a home of valuable Christmas presents. Rem and Daniels are assigned the case and have not been able to find any leads. As it is almost Christmas the detectives have plans for the holiday. Both the Captain and Daniels have tried to convince Rem to come to each other's house. Rem's girlfriend was killed earlier in the year by a drunk driver and Rem wants to be alone. He told Daniels that he was going to Chico, his cousin. Because there wasn't a lot to do, Daniels told Rem to take thew day off and go shopping for Christmas. While Daniels was at the station, Chico stopped by with Rem's gift and talked with Daniels.
Rem finished his shopping and went to Chico's house to stay. Chico and his family were going to be away and Rem was watching the house. Rem later went to the shed which was a man cave to get away and remanence about his girlfriend. He then went into the house to go to sleep. He heard a noise later and went to investigate.
To discover what Rem found when he went to investigat, who were the individuals stealing Christmas presents and how a little tree took a role in the story then you will need to read this book. The story will provide an amazing ending.
November 10, 2022
J.T.Bishop has done it again, she's a very talented mystery writer and paranormal writer two of my favorite characters are a couple of cops partnered Rem and Daniel it's a great series and this is one of their recent Christmases. The array of characters are vibrant and complex that will draw you in from the first chapter with the comradery and a case that appears to have them stumped .who's breaking into the neighborhood homes and taking away people's happy Christmases will they solve the case before it's time to open gifts Christmas morning. This mystery will entice you further into its dramas of the latest holiday season. While the plot carries you throughout with its array of exceptional characters, intrigue and holiday expectations. Acquire " A Hamburger Christmas " so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat
November 11, 2022
A Hamburger Christmas: A Heartwarming Crime and Mystery Novella for the Holidays (Detectives Daniels and Remalla) , my seventh read from author J.T. Bishop. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. This short read (128-pages) was well-written & flowed smoothly & quickly. I look forward to reading more from this author and in particular Lost Hope: A Paranormal P.I. Mystery Thriller (The Redstone Chronicles Book 4). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
November 10, 2022
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 13, 2023
This one surprised me. A Hamburger Christmas sounded kind of corny, but since it is the holiday season, I thought I would give it a shot. What I got was an interesting story of two teenaged boys on the wrong path, and a grieving police detective hiding away from the world, and ending up exactly where he was needed to be. It's a story of loss and friendship, and love and hope. I must said that I cared about most of the characters and worried about them getting hurt. I totally enjoyed it.
November 8, 2022
Rem is struggling with the loss of his girlfriend who was killed by a drunk driver. He wants to be alone over Christmas. A number of home robberies that remain unsolved, Rem and Daniels take Christmas off. Rem is staying at his cousin's house. Unexpected visitors disrupt his time alone. This is a great novel. I read it in one sitting.
February 23, 2024
A HAMBURGER CHRISTMAS
A HAMBURGER CHRISTMAS IS WRITTEN BY J.T. BISHOP. IT IS A HEARTWARMING NOVEL ABOUT THE MYSTERY OF CHRISTMAS. THROUGHOUT THE BOOK THERE ARE SEVERAL CHRISTMAS MORNINGS WHERE PEOPLE MEET UP, HUG AND KISS, AND GREET EACH OTHER BY SAYING, "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" NO ONE REALLY KNOWS THE MORNING OR DAY JESUS WAS BORN, AND IT SHOWS REPEATEDLY.
A HAMBURGER CHRISTMAS IS WRITTEN BY J.T. BISHOP. IT IS A HEARTWARMING NOVEL ABOUT THE MYSTERY OF CHRISTMAS. THROUGHOUT THE BOOK THERE ARE SEVERAL CHRISTMAS MORNINGS WHERE PEOPLE MEET UP, HUG AND KISS, AND GREET EACH OTHER BY SAYING, "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" NO ONE REALLY KNOWS THE MORNING OR DAY JESUS WAS BORN, AND IT SHOWS REPEATEDLY.
November 11, 2022
Another amazing story. Loss and second chance at romance. Detective Aaron is coping with loss and even though it’s Christmas, prefers to be alone. Unfortunately there’s a call to work. Will he even find happiness and wish to be with others. Don’t miss out.
December 8, 2022
Christmas for Detective Rem and Detective Daniels proves to be different than any other Christmas. Staying at his cousin’s house, Rem discovers that he is not the only one ‘house-sitting’. Things are muddled enough until another person joins the group and the truth comes out.
Great story.
Great story.
April 3, 2023
Loved this
I am in love with the Daniels and Remalla characters. These books are hard to put down. J. T. Bishop writes captivating stories that draw you in. She adds a little (or in some cases, a lot) of the supernatural to spice things up. I’m hooked.
I am in love with the Daniels and Remalla characters. These books are hard to put down. J. T. Bishop writes captivating stories that draw you in. She adds a little (or in some cases, a lot) of the supernatural to spice things up. I’m hooked.
February 29, 2024
Surprised for sure . . .
Definitely not what I expected, but I found I liked. These kids just needed guidance and thank gawd Simon followed his older brother around to keep him out of trouble. Cute short mystery.
3.5 stars
Definitely not what I expected, but I found I liked. These kids just needed guidance and thank gawd Simon followed his older brother around to keep him out of trouble. Cute short mystery.
3.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2024
So-so
I understand this is jut a novella, as well as short description of the two main characters, but all in all it definitely not on my list of greater hits. Love this series but if this was a first read into it I would never have continued to follow it.
I understand this is jut a novella, as well as short description of the two main characters, but all in all it definitely not on my list of greater hits. Love this series but if this was a first read into it I would never have continued to follow it.
November 5, 2022
This is another cracking thriller from a fabulous author, exactly what I have come to expect. The detectives certainly have their work cut out that’s for sure. Highly recommended.
December 15, 2022
Fun Christmas book
This is an enjoyable book to read at Christmas time. It is a light-hearted adventure full of the characters' memories of Christmases past.
This is an enjoyable book to read at Christmas time. It is a light-hearted adventure full of the characters' memories of Christmases past.
December 16, 2022
Sad and uplifting. A good ghost story for Christmas.
December 30, 2022
A nice read about two detectives and their work.
January 2, 2023
A touching story
A get Christmas story! I really enjoyed this. Different from others and that with a great storyline makes it worth keeping.
A get Christmas story! I really enjoyed this. Different from others and that with a great storyline makes it worth keeping.
January 4, 2023
Easy read police
procedural.
procedural.
October 7, 2023
This was a well written story that was interesting. How some people's lives growing up effect them later as adults. Interesting characters and a good story. Highly recommended.
November 4, 2023
Grief+Hope
Processing loss of a loved one is unique to the individual. Helping someone find hope is something we should all take time to do!
Processing loss of a loved one is unique to the individual. Helping someone find hope is something we should all take time to do!
December 10, 2023
really an easy read, read in an hour, cute, liked the characters, and the story, will probably like more of the books, will see
December 19, 2023
Nice mystery with a touch of the supernatural. Enjoyed it.
January 16, 2024
Nerve racking
This book scared me for the outcome for a while but then Jennie came through with Trey - I do believe in tree lights and pendulums!
This book scared me for the outcome for a while but then Jennie came through with Trey - I do believe in tree lights and pendulums!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews