Mistletoe, Malice And Murder

Smiley and McBlythe #9

by Bruce Hammack

Nothing takes a detective’s mind off Christmas like a murder.

Embroiled in a generations-long feud, an oil baron is convinced someone in his family will die soon—and it will probably be him. When blind PI Steve Smiley is called in to find answers, it seems like the perfect opportunity to avoid another bleak Christmas.

After a body is discovered in the tycoon’s home, the man is convinced someone’s picking off his family one by one. With the clock ticking and the feuding families closing ranks against Smiley, the wily detective must get creative with his investigation.

As he digs deeper, generations of intrigue rise to the surface. Lies and coverups swirl around him like snowflakes. Can Smiley stop the killer before he strikes again, or will this be one case he can’t put a bow on?


The eighth book in the popular whodunit Smiley and McBlythe Mystery series, Mistletoe, Malice And Murder will take you on a wild sleigh ride of family secrets, suspects and clues! Like all the books in the series it contains no graphic violence, sexual scenes or foul language. Just a great mystery waiting to be solved!

Genres: Mystery, Christmas, Mystery Thriller, Ebooks, Cozy Mystery, Fiction

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2022

About the author

Drawing from his extensive background in criminal justice, Bruce Hammack writes contemporary, clean read detective and crime mysteries.

When he's not writing his next novel, he enjoys reading classic whodunits, watching film noir movies and traveling to see new places.

Having lived in eighteen cities around the world, he now lives in the Texas hill country with his wife of thirty-plus years.

He is the author of the Star of Justice series, the Smiley and McBlythe Mysteries and the Fen Maguire Mysteries. You can find out about his latest release at https://brucehammack.com/.
Follow him on social media at https://www.facebook.com/BruceHammack...
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/bruce...

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe, Malice And Murder by Bruce Hammack

Synopsis /

Nothing takes a detective’s mind off Christmas like a murder.

Embroiled in a generations-long feud, an oil baron is convinced someone in his family will die soon—and it will probably be him. When blind PI Steve Smiley is called in to find answers, it seems like the perfect opportunity to avoid another bleak Christmas.

After a body is discovered in the tycoon’s home, the man is convinced someone’s picking off his family one by one. With the clock ticking and the feuding families closing ranks against Smiley, the wily detective must get creative with his investigation.

As he digs deeper, generations of intrigue rise to the surface. Lies and coverups swirl around him like snowflakes. Can Smiley stop the killer before he strikes again, or will this be one case he can’t put a bow on?


My Thoughts /

“It still hurts to go through Christmas without Maggie. It’s been nice the last couple of years to have the distraction of a case to solve during the holidays. I may go somewhere warm and quiet this year.”

If you haven't heard of or read any of this series before, Smiley and McBlythe is written by Bruce Hammack, who, at age ten won first prize in a writing contest. It only got better from there. He is synonymous for his clean cosy mystery series contains no graphic violence, sexual scenes or foul language - just great mysteries waiting to be solved!

The eighth book in the Smiley and McBlythe Mystery series, Mistletoe, Malice And Murder will take you on a sea faring luxury cruise full of sordid family secrets, scads of suspicion, chunks of conjecture, and a slew of suspects.

And if this isn't enough to make your eyes salivate with mysterious glee, Hammack's characters are refreshingly unique. With lines like:

"There's hope for you yet," said Steve. "Naps are an essential part of living a full and rewarding life."

I totally agree with you Steve!

It’s Christmastime - but for former Houston homicide detective, Steve Smiley, Christmas is yet another stark reminder of the loss of his beloved wife Maggie and, just a few short years ago, his sight, which he lost in a random violent attack. Steve now works with attorney, Heather McBlythe, both as private investigators specialising in solving murder cases.

If, like me, you are wondering how can a blind man possibly solve a murder – author Bruce Hammack has this down pat. If you are wanting to pick up an easy yet thoroughly entertaining read I can highly recommend this series.

When Sid Green predicts someone in his family is going to die, he calls on the talents of PIs McBlythe and Smiley to investigate his shocking premonition before it comes true. When Heather and Steve first meet the Texas oil billionaire, they discover that Sid Green doesn't have long to live and he's concerned about a long-standing feud between his and the neighbouring Webber family. Sid's father was best friends with Peter Webber – they worked the Pennsylvania oil fields together back in the late 1800s. When Sid's parents died, Peter Webber wouldn't agree to a transfer of any of the business to Sid. So Sid, using what his father had taught him about the oil business, worked to build up his empire on his own. And where the Green fortune took off, the Webber family business declined. The Webbers blamed the Greens. And so the feud began and continued to this day.

Now, Chad and Anna, the youngest members of each rival family are in love and are set to marry; and there are family members on both sides who would do anything for that not to happen.

[Vannetta Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful story. Police procedurals/detective stories aren't my usual genre, but I enjoyed every minute of this one. What's not to love? Feuding families, holiday cruise, a murderer afoot ... plus there's the every beguiling Smiley and McBlythe. It all adds up to a fun and intriguing read.

Highly recommend.

[Linda Galella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve and Heather are working on their most difficult case ever. It starts off without a client! The family is uber wealthy, well, at least the failing, octogenarian patriarch is. Most of the remaining family has glommed on, wasted their lives spent freely and frivolously, all caution to the wind. Boy, are they in for a surprise!

Next door is their “McCoy” family. 40 years of feuding and now a murder that each family is blaming on the other. To make matters worse, the youngest on each side are getting married - to each other! They have planned a destination event from a cruise that ends on a beach in Cozumel, Mexico. Ole’!

Steve’s goddaughter, Bella, is a new character that’s added to help with this case. She is young, successful and independently wealthy in her own right. Once given a taste of sleuthing, she now wants to learn the trade from Steve and Heather. Bella gives her all going undercover at one of the families. Heather uses both her dad and fiancé to help and Steve uses his cop connections. This is a tough one.

I’ve read many books by author, Bruce Hammack. They are always well written, clean and entertaining. This one was the most complex of all. The solution was not discoverable until Steve broke down his findings after the wedding. Even then, I went back looking for the clues and came up empty; a bit frustrating.

Getting to spend some time with Heather’s father and fiancé was a great treat. Regular readers of the series will look forward to that upcoming wedding plus other potential changes mentioned for the characters.

Not an actual Christmas story but one that happens near the holidays, MISTLETOE, MALICE AND MURDER will keep you guessing for an Ho, Ho, Ho long time📚

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A murder at Christmas time with Smiley and his associate am speaking with wealthy patriarch before a murder happens. A quick easy read with super wealthy eccentricities abound. To find out who murdered the daughter in law, have to go way back to when she got married, feuding families and twists and surprises before the murderer revealed. *I was given a copy via BookSirens and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

While everyone else is gearing up for holiday celebrations, PIs Steve Smiley and Heather McBlythe are called to the home of an oil tycoon to help prevent a murder. The aged client's fears are unfortunately realised when his daughter-in-law is poisoned in her room. Faced with a Hatfields and McCoys situation, the detectives find themselves stymied when both families refuse investigative interviews.

A Smiley and McBlythe book is always fun and this one was no exception! The team utilise all their resources and even receive assistance from a previous client. With loads of intrigue, this story was full of surprises at each turn. A good, clean read.

Thank you to Bruce Hammack and BookSirens for the chance to read this eARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.

[Myra Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Bruce Hammack has pulled together an intriguing cast of suspects, each with a possible motive for murder. Master sleuth Steve Smiley and his partner, Heather McBlythe, never fail to deduce who’s guilty, and this time they had a little help from Steve’s goddaughter, Bella—a sleuth-in-training, perhaps? The culprit is eventually revealed in a classic scene where all suspects are present and each one’s motive is addressed and discarded until the murderer is named. The author kept me guessing on this one right up to the end.

While the protagonists analyze clues, Hammack also sneaks in a little romance. Heather and Jack, her significant other, seem on the verge of making their commitment permanent…but are they? I have my own suspicions about where this relationship is headed, and I’m very tempted to ask the author if I’m right!

[Ameya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Closed-room genre of mystery.
This is book 9 of the murder mystery series featuring blind PI Steve Smiley and ex-cop/ PI / attorney Heather McBlythe. It's the first I've read by the author.

'Mistletoe, Malice And Murder' is told in the third person POV, from mostly Steve Smiley's and Heather McBlythe's perspectives. The setting is the River Oaks Community in Houston, Texas, US—a rich suburb of multi-millionaires or billionaires. Towards the end of the novel, the two PIs take a cruise ship to Cozumel, Mexico, with the murder suspects.

When Lucy Green's body is found in her bedroom, her wealthy father-in-law, Sid Green, calls the PIs, Smiley and McBlythe. He is convinced that Lucy was murdered and that he will be next. Lucy and her husband, Howard, lived with the oil baron in his sprawling mansion. It is well known that the Greens have had an ongoing feud with their neighbours, the Webbers, also owners of oil fields. They are the obvious suspects, alongside of course the husband.

PI McBlythe and PI Smiley wish to interview each member of both families and their staff. However, they come up against a wall when Howard Green puts them off the investigation on one side, and septuagenarian matriarch, Ingrid Webber, on the other. The PIs turn to their friends in the police force to feed them clues in exchange for their sleuthing skills. Smiley and McBlythe also garner the spying activity of beautiful Bella, a young woman from a previous book of the series.

It turns out that father and son, Sid and Howard, share a mutual animosity towards each other. When Sid, bound to a wheelchair, finds out that Howard has sent the PIs off, he hires them. After all, Sid Green controls the bulk of the familial wealth and the purse strings. A second mystery is how the Greens amassed a billion-dollar fortune while the Webber's wealth took a nosedive at one stage, that continued to the time of the story setting.

There are several verbal spats amongst and between the oil families, so it's clear there's never been any love lost amongst most of the living members. Encouragingly, the youngest from each family are going to get married, thus prospectively ending the feud once and for all.

So summarises a closed-room mystery with a limited cast of characters all living in the same neighbourhood. PI Smiley, the older of the two PIs, though blind has some extrasensory perception. This veers but doesn't linger in the realm of parapsychology. In fact, I wonder why it was even brought up, so little was made of his extrasensory abilities. PI McBlythe, who has not only been a cop for ten years but is also a lawyer and trained PI, seems to have done a lot within a few years, as she is often described as being attractive and young. She is engaged to another lawyer, Jack.

While page-turning, the book could do with a more thorough edit. The author's voice could be described as tell not show, which I found got in the way of the plot and the action. Also, humour is a personal taste, and held up the story somewhat. What characters are eating and drinking or find funny detracted to a degree from the story-telling. However, that a second murder is signalled, propelled the plot. The PIs' need to expose the identity of the killer, hounds them to prevent another murder. This makes for page-turning plot.

Thanks to Jubilee Publishing LLC and BookSirens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This review also appears in https://thereadersvault.blogspot.com/... and BookSirens.com.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fun and entertaining read. I have read other books written by Bruce Hammack; this book continues the mystery series of Smiley and McBlythe. Here are some positive observations about the book:
1. The author has a talent for writing third person dialogue and has put together an interesting and complex story.
2. The author has incorporated informative locality description into the book.
3. The characters are unique and complex, with good and bad aspects to their personalities and backgrounds. Sometimes the characters make mistakes in their judgements and motives, which make them seem real and not stereotypes.
4. I appreciate that there are no supernatural events that take place. There are mysterious circumstances and road blocks to the crime solving. The investigators must navigate these challenges by using their own wits; investigators suffer consequences for their risks and errors, all while being confronted with two uncooperative families.
5. I also appreciate that there was no offensive language; so there is nothing to distract from the story. There are some hugs of close friends and colleagues, but no distracting sex scenes, so this I also appreciated. There are adults who engage in social drinking.
Story Locations: [River Oaks Community, Houston, Texas; Cruise Ship to Cozumel, Mexico; also mentioned was a Miami cruise to San Juan and St. Martin ]
6. The book is cerebral. By that I mean that there is not the typical action and gun play of a thriller or spy novel. I find it an interesting police procedural that is probably close to the real way police crime solvers work. There is quite a bit of reasoning and thinking. There are interviews, and research, and waiting for results.
Can the book be read as a standalone novel? Yes, but if you do get the feeling that you are missing some back stories, just keep reading and your questions will be answered; the author does a good job of explaining the background information. I do think that a person new to this series would want to go back and read the first books (which is what I did), because I am now interested in the characters and what they were doing before I met them. The story does have a twist at the end and an ending that did not leave me hanging. I was left with the knowledge that there will be continuing adventures for Smiley and McBlythe.
Improvements could be made to the book. The author has an authentic and unique style of writing. Some minor editing could assist in the book being easier to read in places. An epilogue would have been interesting. Overall, this cozy mystery is much better than most I’ve read and this is a book that the author can take pride in having written; his books keep getting better.
I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of the book. I have written this review voluntarily.

[Shellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Nothing takes a detective's mind off Christmas like a murder" sets the stage for a riveting holiday-themed mystery in "Mistletoe, Malice and Murder" by Bruce Hammack. In this engaging novel, blind private investigator Steve Smiley finds himself embroiled in a generations-long feud and a deadly race against time to stop a killer from striking again.

The plot is cleverly crafted, with the oil baron's prediction that someone in his family will die soon adding a sense of urgency and suspense. As Smiley delves into the investigation, he must navigate through a web of lies, cover-ups, and feuding families, all while dealing with the challenges of his blindness. The author does an excellent job of keeping readers guessing with unexpected twists and turns, creating a page-turning mystery that will keep them hooked until the very end.

One of the highlights of this book is the character of Steve Smiley. Despite his disability, Smiley is a resourceful and tenacious investigator who uses his keen senses and sharp mind to uncover the truth. His interactions with his assistant, McBlythe, add warmth and humor to the story, and their dynamic duo makes for an entertaining and engaging read. The author's portrayal of Smiley as a capable and independent protagonist challenges common stereotypes and adds depth to the story.

The Christmas setting adds an extra layer of charm to the story. The festive backdrop of the holiday season, with its traditions and decorations, provides a unique and cozy atmosphere for the mystery to unfold. The clean read aspect of the book makes it suitable for readers of all ages, making it a perfect choice for a holiday-themed mystery that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

In conclusion, "Mistletoe, Malice and Murder" is a well-written and captivating Christmas mystery that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. With its engaging characters, intriguing plot, and festive setting, this clean read is a must-read for mystery lovers looking for a holiday-themed whodunit. Bruce Hammack has crafted a compelling and enjoyable mystery that will leave readers eagerly anticipating more from Steve Smiley and McBlythe in future books.

[Meredith H · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

Not the worst book I have ever read, but not very good either. Told mostly through conversation and some action, this mystery wasn't all that riveting or even interesting. Best thing I can say about it was that it was free.

This is not the first book in this series, and my review may be colored by the fact that I do not already know the main characters.

In this story, Steve Smiley (*awful* name btw) and Heather McBlythe investigate the murder of a member of two feuding families around the holidays. Steve happens to be a blind former cop, presumably a plot point from a prior novel, and Heather used to be a cop but is now a lawyer. They are private investigators who work together to solve murders, and they get called into the familial drama just as the murder occurs.

Since nearly every family member is an entitled douchebag, they are almost all suspects. The only family who are seemingly above suspicion are the youngest members of each family, two of whom are Romeo-and-Julietting by getting hitched against nearly everyone's wishes. Everyone except the two senior family members - Sid Green and Karl Webber - believe this marriage is a disaster in the making.

Investigating doesn't lead very far initially, and there's a lot of forced plot lines to move things along. Bella becomes a maid/spy. Heather's dad wants to invest in a cruise line. Heather fiance Jack makes an appearance to rewrite Sid Green's will. Eventually, the PI's and some sidekicks end up on the wedding cruise and at the Cozumel wedding. Not really sure I understand why so many people get involed - Heather and Steve, sure, but it all just felt so forced.

Meanwhile the big reveal wasn't especially obvious or shocking, and the resolution wasn't even worth the lead-up. I didn't care for the ending (motive was totally lame), and it would have been improved greatly by Sid Greene dying on the cruise so that we'd get to see Jack be the executor and give every Green their paltry inheritance. Now THAT would have been a better ending.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have read several books in this series and enjoy. In this story a character, Bella, is brought in that (I'm assuming) was in a prior book that I had not read so it was nice that the author gave some backstory on the person and just not assume everyone knew who the person was. I like the progression of the characters throughout the series. The main character, Heather, gets her father involved in helping in the investigation and it works well.
Heather and her business partner, Steve, are investigating the death of a woman whose family is involved in a long running feud with another family. The police that are involved include Steve's former partner and they are trying to help him out. Both families have a lot of unsavory members and it takes a lot to dig into all their backgrounds along with the people who work for them. To make things interesting a young member from each family are engaged to each other and planning a wedding along with a cruise which both families are attending and many of them are not happy about.
Found it interesting how some feuds start and how sustained they can be. Heather's father is interested in investing in cruise lines so that is one connection they have that helps them out during the investigation. Steve is trying to help push Heather along in her engagement to Jack and hopes all the talk of wedding plans may help get her moving forward. Heather and her father are very wealthy and that aids in getting them some of the information they need.
I enjoyed the backstory on Bella and how she works herself into helping out in the investigation. She interacts well with both Steve and Heather. Lots of good chemistry between the investigators and enjoy their banter.
Steve's former partner, Leo, who was the primary police detective had been paired with a cop from South Africa and he was not thrilled with having her shadow him. It was mentioned he should help her solve the crime and make her look good for political reasons and I didn't like that much.
Look forward to the next book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Daryl P Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eighth book in series builds to Agatha Christie style climax.

This is the eighth time the private investigator duo of blind, ex-homicide detective Smiley and wealthy entrepreneur McBlythe have used their combined resources to solve a crime. It might work as a stand-alone, but I reccomend reading the previous books in the series first to fully appreciate their relationships and approach to problems.

The set-up is two feuding families of Texas oil tycoons who are neighbours and have differing trajectories in fortune. There is a Romeo and Juliet vibe in that two young people from the families want to marry for love, despite the opposition of powerful influencers within their families. Means, motive and opportunity figure in working through the suspect list. The climax (and solution) comes aboard a cruise ship where all parties are thrown together around the wedding event taking place on an island resort.

The epilogue ties up this tale and sets the scene for the next book in a satisfying way. Easy and enjoyable read, but I guessed the suspect quite early and some of the tropes and characterisations seemed a bit lazy to me. Bruce Hammack, having cemented the importance of the shared cat to both our PI's, seems to have neglected Max for the duration of the cruise and island stay. I will certainly read the next book in this series.

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

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Booksirens" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story begins with Smiley and Heather going to meet with an individual regarding a death that might happen soon. While they are in the meeting the individual's bodyguard/caretaker receives a call explaining that the daughter-in-law has died. Heather goes with the bodyguard to check out the scene. After she has finished, the victim's husband arrived and told Heather and Smiley to leave. Because they had no client, they left. While heading back they talked about looking ito the killing at the same time that a call from Bella was received. As a result they headed to the airport to pick her up.

As Heather and Smiley pursued their investigation they eventually were hired by Sid, the elder gentleman that they saw earlier. Following whatever clues they discovered, they eventually presented their findings as they were heading back from a wedding of members of two families that were feuding.

To discover who the killer was of the daughter-in-law, what the feud between the two families was about and how things worked out in the end, then you need to read this book. The ending is one that you wouldn't expect.

[John Presler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sid Green, a rich oil tycoon, invites Steve Smiley and Heather McBlythe to his home because he fears somebody will die and it might be him. The victim turned out to be Lucy Green, the wife of Sid's grandson, Howard Green. Finger-pointing starts immediately between two families, the Greens and the Webbers, who have been feuding for years. At one time, both families were very prosperous in the oil and gas industry, but times change and the Webbers are now practically broke, while the Greens have thrived. Both families refuse to cooperate with any investigation and Howard has hired his own investigator, Henry Drake, to look into the death of his wife.

Who killed Lucy? Why was she killed? Was she even the intended victim? With little cooperation and a multitude of lies, including baseless accusations, will Smiley and McBlythe have any hope of solving Lucy's murder?

Bruce Hammack has another wonderful mystery with this latest story. As always, the story has wonderful characters and realistic situations, with a touch of humor to lighten the mood. I am definitely looking forward to more stories in this fantastic series.

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe, Malice And Murder, #9 - Interesting but too easy to figure out the murderer. Good story lines with humor and good characters. Source: BookSirens. 4*

The Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series:
Exercise Is Murder, prequel - An interesting and immersing introduction to Steve Smiley and Heather McBlythe
and their beginnings. Recommend reading this first. 4*

Jingle Bells, Rifle Shells, 1 - Interesting and immersing easy read with a steady pace, good story lines, good characters and good values made this a hard to put down read. Recommend reading the prequel, Exercise is Murder first. 5*

Murder In The Dunes, #4 - Difficult to put down with its steady pace, easy to read writing style and good characters and story lines. 5*

A Beach to Die For, #8 - While still an interesting story, it was missing something. I had a hard time, here and there, keeping my interest in the story. Good characters and story lines, but an average read. Source: BookSirens. 3*

[DJ McCready · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

This is the third of the series I have read but when you like an author, there tends to be comparisons with the other books in the series. This book while super easy to read does not live up to the other two books I had read in etrms of suspense or interesting side characters. Kate and Jack and the Father were all part of the cast in prior books but just were not as vivid in this book. In addition, aside from Sid Greene I did not find the character development of the families involved in the mystery to be well-developed.

Just because it did not meet the exceptional standarsd I am used to from this author, this book is highly worthy of a read. My rating reflects a comparison with the other two books rther than a comparison with books by other authors.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable read - granted, I may have enjoyed it more if I had read previous titles in the series (which I now plan to do), but I liked it nonetheless.

When Heather McBlythe and Steve Smiley are contacted by one of the richest men in Houston in their role as private investigators, things get interesting. The man who called them, Sid, is in serious failing health, and is sure someone in his family will be dead by Christmas. In fact, during the initial interview, the body of Sid's daughter-in-law is found in her bedroom.

The investigation involves a feud with the next-door neighbors, cheated in a business deal years before, family members wanting to get their hands on the fortune, and Sid's grandson's wedding to the feuding family's granddaughter on a cruise ship on Christmas Day.

A good read with interesting characters.

[MGB · Rating 5 out of 5]

“this will go down as the most difficult case Heather and I have faced.” Steve further notes: “this was a masterpiece in obfuscation.”

There are a lot of suspects. With the family feud in place everyone shuts up. That presents a problem that Bella notes: "Then how do you gather evidence if you can't talk to suspects?" But that is why Steve and Heather are the best at what they do. They pull in help, but then very carefully fit the pieces together to reveal the criminal. The have to be certain of the facts. "Law and medicine," said Steve. "They call them practices, not certainties."

Steve teaches and explains the process that that they work through: “it doesn’t take much for our brains to take over and invent ways to make the scenarios possible."

This is another great story of how to work as a team, find the facts and present them so there in no doubt to all concerned.

[Pam Watmore]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Steve is a Private Investigator with his Partner Heather McBlythe. They are asked to investigate the murder of Lucy Green whose family has a long term feud with the neighbours, the Webbers. Sid Green is convinced there will be another murder soon. With the assistance of spy in the household and a friend in the Police, Steve solves the case in the last chapter. It is a nice cosy, clean mystery keeping the reader pleasantly entertained. It is like Romeo and Juliet where one member of each family fall in in love and replanting together married. Can the young couple bring the families together and stop the generations old feud?

[patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather and her partner Steve go to the mansion of Sid Green. Sid feels someone is about to be murdered. While they are there Sid's daughter-in-law is found dead. Her husband Howard throws them out. However Sid the patriarch calls them back. The Green's neighbors, the Webers, hate them and Ingrid the matriarch is the iron fist. Sid and Karl were business partners years ago and the Webers feel they were cheated by the Greens. Heather and Steve start investigating and with the help of Bella a friend and a police detective. Complicating matters the young adults of both houses are to be married on Christmas. The two PI's plus Bella are on the cruise to the wedding. Mistletoe, Malice, and Murder had me guessing till the end. Really enjoyed this Bruce Hammond tale.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Current Day
Houston, Texas area

Main Characters
Steve Smiley: Blind ex-cop, partner in an investigation firm
Heather McBlythe: Extremely wealthy lawyer, Steve's partner, also ex-cop
Bella Brumley: From book 1 and 2, ex-teen TV star on a big game hunting show
Sid Green: Wealthy, aging man, who senses death…daughter-in-law died
Jack Blackstock: Lawyer, Heather’s fiancé
Webber family: Have been in a feud with the Green family for decades

Another terrific, clean murder mystery by Bruce Hammack. This time it was a poisoning in the home of Steve's friend, Sid Green. Lots of suspects all focused on the two feuding households, the Greens and the Webbers. And of course, the reader never has a clue until the very end.

Always a surprise. Always enjoyable.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written mystery with an intriguing array of characters, vibrant, colorful, quirky, boorish and deadly. Heather and Steve the mane characters will draw you in with their charm strengths and intelligence, the rest of the characters will draw you in with their drama intrigue and bold personalities while the mystery entices you further with its intrigue, unfolding dynamics and deadly games. The plot so enlightening carries you throughout with its scrupulous detailed clues into two dysfunctional families. police force and a valued friend. Acquire " Mistletoe, Malice and Murder " today for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistletoe, Malice and Murder is Book 9 in the Smiley and McBlythe Mystery by Bruce Hammack. I really enjoy this series and book 9 is fantastic. Heather and Steve's new case is Sid Green who tasked them with stopping a murder before it happens…. of course, that went out the door with Lucy's murder. Bruce Hammack writes fast paced mysteries with outstanding characters. I felt that the clues and mystery unfolded just right as the climax was perfect. I feel that each book is fresh and interesting and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever there’s a new book out by this author, I always want to jump straight into it without even reading the write up, as I know I’m in for a good read. Steve Smiley and Heather McBlythe are back continuing their detecting partnership and bouncing really nicely off each other’s talents. While as always it’s a stand alone read, I’m glad I’ve read the previous books. A blind detective is unusual but his other senses certainly make up for his loss. This is a very easy read, with numerous suspects, red herrings and a satisfying conclusion. I did guess the murderer, but that didn’t spoil the enjoyment.

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

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embroiled in a generations-long feud, an oil baron is convinced someone in his family will die soon—and it will probably be him. When blind PI Steve Smiley is called in to find answers, it seems like the perfect opportunity to avoid another bleak Christmas.After a body is discovered in the tycoon’s home, the man is convinced someone’s picking off his family one by one. With the clock ticking and the feuding families closing ranks against Smiley, the wily detective must get creative with his investigation.
It was a very interesting book. I think it's just a matter of time for her killer to be caught.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Judy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate to end the year with a bad review, so if I don't finish another book this year I'll back-date this one. Yes, there's a corpse but no progress on the murder through the whole book. Filled with hyper-rich mostly nasty characters. Didn't help that this B&N Free Friday offering was from deep into a series so every recurring character had to be explained. Writing was tepid at best, way too much detail about everything they did: what they wore, what they ate, what lap the cat was sitting on. Way too much interest in business wheeling an dealing. All the investigations consisted of tracking down paperwork. This one's a loser.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow this book is just the best!! This author has a way of bringing the written word to life and you just flow through the hallways of what’s been written to experience some really twisted and well written story lines!! I just love these characters, especially Max. When everything is revealed you just want to say “I knew that all along, I figured that out” when actually you didn’t. But it’s just so obvious by the time you find out. I hope there are many more of these books in this series because I love reading them!!

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 8 in the Smiley and McBlythe series, and one of their most difficult cases ever! Heather and Steve are hired by an elderly oil baron to figure out who murdered a family member. The problem is way too many suspects, as the two families involved have been feuding for decades! As usual, Heather and Steve are great investigators, but it’s not easy to wade through all the theatrics and nonsense. A great new addition to this wonderful series! I received a free copy of this book from the author and write this review voluntarily.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A call to come to the stately manor, to discuss the possibility of a murder.
Within minutes Heather was summons to check on a member by marriage
Murder had happened was it from the wine, no signs otherwise.
A wedding soon between these two feuding families.
A plot that gives you the setting, the people, now Steve is asking
about perfume, and the wine. Will that be the key in this intriguing case.
Enjoyed reading from the beginning the pieces are there, but who did it
and why. Excellent series. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another nice addition to this clean series of mysteries. The author has a talent of weaving the details together to lead to a logical conclusion and its amazing how he plots out the story so well with well organized detail. I enjoyed the plot of the two families involved and how Heather and Steve worked through all the murder details and all the adventure and mysterious happenings. I am sure you will enjoy this new addition to the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own.