Crime and Candy Canes

The Svensson Brothers #9

by Alina Jacobs

When the townspeople of Harrogate almost riot over the Christmas décor thievery committed by the chair of the Elf on the Shelf Committee, I know I’m not going to survive the holiday season unless drastic action is taken.

Biddy Jefferson turning up dead in my Christmas market stall is not exactly the type of drastic measure I had in mind. With no alibi and a town obsessed with pinning the murder on me, I have to clear my name. This is on top of planning the upcoming holiday ball, dealing with quirky stall owners in the Christmas market, and corralling confused tourists.

It doesn’t help that Remington Svensson, Harrogate’s newest Christmas cop (like I said, small town; don’t ask) thinks I did it. Pathetically, this does nothing to squelch the years-long unrequited crush on him I’ve been harboring.

With my best friends, a half sister who is obsessed with my nonexistent dating life, and lots of spiked hot chocolate, I’m going to find the real killer… and maybe unwrap a certain sexy Christmas package!

This is a stand-alone, funny holiday romance mystery. Holiday puns, sexy law enforcement, all the steam underneath your tree—oh yeah, and a murder!

Genres: Christmas, Mystery, Romance, Holiday, Amazon

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2022

About the author

If you like steamy romantic comedies with a creative streak, then I'm your girl!

Architect by day, writer by night, I love matcha green tea, chocolate, and books! So many books…

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Reviews

[Plus Size Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of the Svenssons have been waiting for Remy's story and Alina did not disappoint.

Background: Remy is the oldest Svensson Brother. After leaving his dad's polygamist compound, he enlisted in the Marine Corp, and served several combat tours, so that he could financially support his brothers who all went on to become Harvard alumni and billionaires.

After returning from the service, Remy has always been a constant presence in the Haggorte home helping raise the little brothers and care for the property and animals. He's always been a big bear of a man with a big bushy beard, and he loves hugs. - I'm providing this background because some people may try to read this as a standalone and they won't understand the significance of how amazing Remy is and how big of a deal this is for the entire series. But trust me him being protective, trimmed up, and in uniform, was fan girl level screaming in my head.

Up until now the only things we knew about Susie is that she's also a former Marine vet, former police office, and now Deputy Mayor. She and Remy have had flirtations as it's been suggested before they may have dated but other than that she's always been a side character.

So, this story is different from the other brothers. Remy and Susie are pulled into a murder mystery, and they are both trying to solve the case. Remy is tired of dancing around the attraction and his desire to be with Susie, however he doesn't want to act until he clears her from being a murder suspect.

I absolutely loved this. These two together were freaking adorable. Of course the town and his siblings shipped them the only way they knew how...

I was pulled into solving the case and am proud to say the killer was on my short list. As someone who has been reading this series as well as all interconnecting series, I truly appreciated the Easter Eggs. Also, we get more Crawford!!!

Very satisfying read.

[Laci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so let me just say… seeing Remy finally get his book felt like a reward for sticking with this family through all the chaos. This man has been the rock of the Haggorte household since he got back from the service—raising little brothers, fixing everything on the property, taking care of the animals… just being this giant, bearded sweetheart who hugs like it’s a love language.

Then there’s Susie, who’s always been this badass former Marine, former cop, current Deputy Mayor. We’ve only ever gotten little hints about her, including that flirty maybe-they-dated-maybe-they-didn’t thing with Remy.

This book finally puts them front and center, and I loved every minute. Instead of the usual Svensson brother shenanigans, we get these two thrown into a full-on murder mystery together. And Remy? The man is done tiptoeing around his feelings. He wants her. He’s just determined to clear her name first - because of course he is. That’s such a Remy move, and I adore him for it.

Remy and Susie together? Adorable. Sweet, steady, a little awkward, and just… ugh. Perfect. And of course the town (and his siblings) shove them together in the most chaotic ways possible, because Harrogate will always Harrogate.

The mystery itself sucked me right in, and I’m proud to say I actually had the killer on my shortlist for once. And the Easter eggs?? I was kicking my feet. Plus—more Crawford. Always a good day when he shows up.

Overall, I loved it. It felt cozy, cute, funny, and totally earned for Remy. My heart is happy.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun for the season

This was a fun read, this whole series has been! Definitely makes you laugh and fish at the characters throughout and how oblivious they can be. Only thing I wish was a little better is that they all the together but not in a clear way.... previous characters we know and enjoyed watching them find their person seen to now be single? Stuff like that, but if you read them more as stand alone, they are just fun, cute reads!

[Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy Susie and Remy's story as much as the other two. I still liked it and laughed at certain parts. Unlike the other two, I think this one was missing the absolute disaster and craziness that was the murders, subsequent investigations, and overall shenanigans that happened. Susie and Remy really work together as a couple. I love the ending.

[Jacque Herndon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this one like I loved Sleighbells and Slaughter, but it was way too similar. I usually fly through shorter books but this one I had a hard time finishing, but I never DNF a book. I still give it 3 stars because I’m a sucker for a murder in a small Christmas Hallmark town.

[Bri’anna]

The pacing of this was horrible. It felt incredibly rushed. I was surprised to see it's not that much shorter than the other Svensson brother books because it felt like it had to have been shorter.

While I enjoy Alina Jacobs as a romance writer, though she is a bit too formalistic at times, I do not think mystery writing is for her. This book would have been so much better if time was spent developing Susie and Remy's relationship instead of showing Susie bumbling through trying to find the murder. Also, you would think a former cop would know not to blabber about her investigation to every Tom, Dick and Harry.

I'm a little confused on how much time has passed between this book and After Her Flower Petals. You would think at least two and half years since Meg and Hunter are now married and have a child that can run around but it seemed like the younger Svensson brothers hadn't aged. Also are they going to bother looking for their missing sister? This very much felt like the ending to the Svensson saga.

Btw these books really shouldn't be advertised as stand alone, their stories are too interconnected.

[Emily Utsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas murder mystery, unrequited crush, small town, hot cop, and mind blowing spice!

I was so happy to see Remy get his HEA. He has gone through so much and sacrificed almost everything for his family. This just filled my soul listening to him find his other half.

I listened to the audiobook of this, and loved it! I think that hearing the voices gives you so much more as a reader. You really can feel the emotions. You connect much quicker to the characters as well. These narrators were top notch.

This is not the first book in the series, but it can be read as a complete stand-alone. However I think you will get more out of it if you have read the other books as you have met some of the characters before.. But don’t let that deter you. This can be a stand-alone. But it will make you want to read all the other books!

[A Hopeless Romantic's Booklandia · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw Ms. Jacobs confirm that she was going to write a book for Remy, I was over the moon because I absolutely loved him whenever we saw him in his brothers’ books and I wanted him to get his own story! I obviously couldn’t wait for Crime and Candy Canes to go live, but I did have to put off resting it for a little while longer than I planned. However, I think it worked out for the best because when I was thinking of what book I should start out 2023, I pretty much immediately thought of this one and I’m so happy I went with it!

Crime and Candy Canes was a little wacky and really fun, especially due to the mystery of who murdered Biddy. It kept me guessing and on my toes and I just loved the ride this book took me on. I loved seeing Remy get his happy ending, he’s so sweet and kind and deserves everything and Susie does just as much too. She is just as awesome with her passion and determination to solve the case and as someone who loves the simple things, I related to her and Remy both a lot. I really enjoyed Crime and Candy Canes, it was so lovely and totally worth the wait!

~ Sonja, 5 Stars

[Lisa Baker-Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a holiday standalone set in the small town of Harrogate. There’s a whole small town romance series set here, but I haven’t read any of them. I enjoyed this one without reading any of the others first. This a cute Christmas mystery, cozy romance. Everything seems to be progressing at a normal pace- and then BOOM- detailed spice! I wasn’t disappointed, but I certainly wasn’t expecting it.

Suzy is the Deputy Mayor of this small town. It’s the holiday season, and she finds a body at the Christmas market- making her the chief suspect for all the town gossips. She is going to investigate to clear her name.

Remy is a volunteer Christmas cop who is also investigating the suspicious death of arguably the most disliked woman in town. He also happens to be the object of many of Suzy’s fantasies.

The small town atmosphere is described in such a way that I found myself smiling or chucking several times. The relationship between Suzy & Remy seems to go from non-existent to lust to true love in record time.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the humor and silliness of a cozy mystery, plus all the spice and intrigue of romantic suspense. And, it’s all wrapped up in the zany shenanigans of the Svenssons and the quirky citizenry of Harrogate. First, let me do a happy dance that we finally get Remy’s story. Pairing him with Suzie is just slightly brilliant because they’re perfect together. I loved watching these two battle it out to be the first to figure out who the villain was. I can’t say I was terribly surprised by the big reveal, as that was the one suspect that stood out to me. However, I had so much fun with our ‘Keystone Cops’ that in a lot of ways I didn’t care if they caught the perpetrator or not, I just wanted to see Remy and Suzie get their Happy Ever After.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've not read any other books by Alina Jacobs, but this was an enjoyable stand-alone read. Susie a former police officer, ex-marine, and now Deputy Mayor of Harrogate is assigned the Christmas Ball and to handle all the complaints at the Christmas Village in this small town. Unfortunately the biggest and most annoying "Karen" is Biddy Jefferson, who turns up murdered and Susie has been framed for it. Remington Svensson comes in to help Susie solve the crime. He's had a crush on Susie for years and this may be his opportunity. The book is well paced, fun, has some sizzle, and steam, some interesting characters in the town, and some drama. 3 1/2 Stars fun, holiday read currently available on Kindle Unlimited.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Logan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is said to be a standalone book, but I think it probably would have been helpful to have some knowledge of the Svenssons before. The author tries to identify people in that family for those unfamiliar, but I felt like there were so many people to keep track of, and I felt like I was missing something without having read the other books.

I don’t know if the setting of Harrogate had been described in more detail in other books, but I found myself having the hardest time visualizing anything about this place. Again, there were so many characters (beyond just those related to the Svenssons who were presumably the subject of other books), and I really had a hard time keeping them all straight, especially the “suspects.”

I read another book by Alina Jacobs that I gave 5 stars to. This one was awful by comparison.

[Story · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

The little town of Harrogate is my favourite setting for the author’s books, especially the Christmas ones. It literally ticks all the boxes with nosy townspeople, cute animals and small children running amok and now Christmas cops in special uniforms - genius! I love that this book mixes up the holiday rom com with a cosy mystery plot. The victim is portrayed like a pantomime villain, so there are no sad or angsty moments during the investigation. The humour varies from tongue in cheek to full on slapstick and I found myself chuckling at several points. As always, I was gutted to get to the end and am now longing for the author’s next book which, fingers crossed, might also be set in Harrogate!

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crime and Candy Canes is the perfect holiday treat! (Early Christmas present to myself)!!!

Alina Jacobs has me full on in the holiday cheer with this book! It’s full of steamy moments, fun moments, and moments so darn spicy. Crime and Candy Canes is the perfect holiday treat! (Early Christmas present to myself).The pages of Crime and Candy Canes will make you laugh, make you swoon, and hit you with the just the right amount of action. This one was an absolute joy to read, once my eyes found the words, there was no stopping me... I HAD to devour this book right away! An absolute must read this holiday season -- and a reread every one after. Loved it. You have to have this book on you Christmas TBR list today. Definitely pick it up. Happy reading everyone

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy murder mystery + steamy small town holiday rom com? Alina Jacobs' Crime and Candy Canes checks all of those boxes and is a page-turning must-read. Harrogate's residents are all out for the annual Christmas market, and when the town's busy body shows up dead in the stall being manned by the deputy mayor, Susie, all is ripe for some detective work AND romance. Remy and Susie are fabulous characters with searing chemistry and entertaining banter. Throw in a town full of interesting and amusing residents and a fun mystery to solve, and Crime and Candy Canes is one novel you need to add to your TBR list this Christmas.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone knows that the holidays can get a little intense, but once it turns to murder, things have gone a bit too far. Our heroine is going to have to solve this one fast or else all her holiday plans will be shot. No pun intended.

This is a cozy murder mystery with a holiday theme. The story is well written and easy to read with your small town setting that is typical of this genre. The characters are well done and definitely fun. Add in a plot that contains a nice mix of mystery and humor, as well as that holiday flavor, and you have the perfect recipe for an enjoyable read. Overall, I quite enjoyed this one and look forward to more from this author.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs for review purposes.

[Vicky Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this came up as the 3rd book in the Christmas in Harrogate series buts its also book 9 in another of the authors series and you can tell cos it fits weird

I also don't know where in the timeline it is supposed to be. I think before the other 2 books as they say they have never had a murder in there town and obvs the first 2 books are about murders in that town so it was a bit confusing

Honestly nothing really happens. They try to find clues and work he is always rescuing her it seems. They kiss more than anything

Any way this is the first one I have guessed the killer so not as good as the others but its ok for what it was

Finished again at 80% and then a bunch of chapters from another book! stop doing that

[M Hurford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Funny Holiday RomCom🎄
Remy and Suzie are the perfect couple that doesn’t know it yet well, maybe suspect but hasn’t acted on it. Good thing a murder has occurred in Susie’s Harrogate’s Christmas Stall. That forces Remy and Suzie to join forces to solve the murder and remedy that itch they both have. As usual, great characters abound in this town with the horde of Svensson brothers making their whirlwind appearances.
I’m definitely recommending this book for your reading (holiday and otherwise) pleasure and satisfaction. PEACE.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon Holroyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

So we are back in the town of Harrogate, with the completely bonkers OTT residents. This time we focus on the hot volunteer cop are my, and ex marine Susie. There’s been a “murda ” (uk readers will get the reference lol) and poor Susie is prime suspect.
I’m not going to offer spoilers cause this book is definitely worth your time.

I only recently found this authors work, she makes me LOL with the one liners and asides from her wonderful characters. A wonderfully entertaining OTT read, so good I guarantee you will purchase the back catalogue of books.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Taylor Meadows · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went into this not knowing it was part of a series which I think really hurt it. There’s so many characters that the author just assumed you knew. So many random comments about connections that make no sense to the rest of the story especially if you haven’t read the rest of the series. There were many moments of “where the heck did that come from”. Again, I didn’t know this was a series so aren’t and Susie’s relationship felt super rushed and awkward. The murder mystery was not done well. Especially with people’s backgrounds of military and police force- there’s just no way they would have handled it the way the story says. I almost quit the book multiple times.

[Renee Sturgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy Romantic Mystery

I have officially finished the Christmas in Harrogate series by Alina Jacobs. This is the first set of books I have read by her and definitely won't be the last.
These books were definitely the cozy Romantic type, pretty simple and straightforward to read.

I enjoyed reading about the town of Harrogate. Shew it can get pretty crazy during the Christmas holidays, but I honestly would love to go to a town like that and enjoy looking at all the shops and crafts that people make, definitely would love to try the sweets. Such a fun series. I can't wait to read more!

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third in the Christmas in Harrogate series, but according to Goodreads it is also part of a series regarding the Svensson Brothers, and it is also listed as being able to read it as a standalone.

In Harrogate, Christmas is a big thing, and this one is just like the previous in the series. As in prior books, the Christmas market is a major focal point, and the FMC is caught up in a mystery of sorts. In this particular book, one of the booth owners at the Christmas market is causing havoc on the small town by stealing Christmas decorations from others. When her body is found, full out investigative mode is turned on. Follow up with a little romance, and it is a cute cozy mystery perfect for Christmas.

[Melenareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crime and Candy Canes is a classic Svensson story with plenty of humor and romance. This time there's also a bit of a holiday mystery thrown into the mix.

Remy and Susie were so great together as they tried to figure out who is behind the murder of one of the town's residents and to prove Susie's innocence. It was interesting having the mystery to solve as their relationship developed, but all the story parts came together for a really fun read.

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute easy holiday read. I know it says this is a primary work, but I really do think it would be better to at least be familiar with the series before reading this one. I was not familiar with it, so it was a little harder to understand the character dynamics.

Everything progressed really quickly in terms of the romantic relationship, but if I’m understanding from other reviews these two MCs have been dancing around feelings for quite a while.

Overall, it was very cute and I liked the mix of cozy mystery/romance genres.

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Christmas at Harrogate, and Susie is busy helping organise the Christmas Market - and Biddy is found dead in her store. She becomes a suspect - and Remy Svensson is the Christmas cop. Will the murderer be found? Will they be able to prove Susie's innocence? Will she finally find the man of her dreams? A lovely romance, with great characters and a fun story line!.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. The Svensson brothers finding love. I’m so happy Remmy finally got his turn. Susie is perfect for him! I love the added mystery of who killed Biddy! The killer was a shock to me. I loved how fun and quirky Susie is. I highly recommend this book and this series! I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and entertaining story that did a great job combining a cozy mystery with a steamy romance ;P I loved the characters - Remy wasn't full of himself and Suzie really was a no-nonsense kind of gal. Together, they set out to find out who murdered Biddy and managed to finally fess up their feelings for each other. It was a lighthearted reading ride of a mystery and I enjoyed the escape ;D

[Tatyana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read a Svensson's brothers book yet so this is my first and I liked it. I definitely need to read the other ones. This was a nice cozy romance with a mystery. Susie was determined to solve this mystery no matter what even when it was putting a stop or slowing down a relationship forming between her and Remy. And I enjoyed reading about Remy so now I have to go back and read about the other brothers as well.

[Laura Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

very quick romance and mystery

Quirky small town characters. Remy is part of a huge family of siblings from his fathers polygamist cult which had disbanded. This book may have been part of a series since Remy wasn’t featured that prevently. Susie also seemed to have more back story like Meg and Hunter. Susie former military, former cop and current assistant mayor. Has been in love with Remy for awhile. Their romance seemed secondary to the murder mystery. It’s quick and fun.

[Tamara Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am here to learn all about the Svenson brothers (their dad was a cult leader who had all the sister wives) but seriously, Alina, please write original stories. Again, Alina missed a great opportunity to really show off any writing talent she may possess by building a strong back story even if this was a short(er) story. Just so much potential that was not delivered on. This is yet another example of story recycling.

#Disappointing