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Food Blogger Mysteries #7
A Corpse Among the Carolers
Hope Early is fully immersed in the spirit of the Christmas season, until the sounds of joyful carolers are silenced by the words “Ho-ho-homicide” . . .
Food blogger Hope Early always gets a hearty holiday laugh from knowing that the weeks leading up to Christmas are as frantic as they are festive. But in spite of everything she has to do, the one thing she always has time for is the annual Jingle Bell Stroll, a night when the community gathers to sing their hearts out and enjoy each other’s company. This year’s caroling feels especially heartwarming, until the final note lands with a thud when Hope finds the body of the man who’d volunteered to play Santa, a knife plunged into his back.
With virtually the whole town present at the caroling, the list of suspects seems endless. It doesn’t take long, though, for both Hope and the police to turn a sharp eye on the victim’s bitter and vindictive ex-wife, along with his new wife, who may have been after his money. Then Hope unearths a clue that suggests the dead man may have been hiding a sordid past and connections to unseemly characters. But as she closes in on the killer, they’re determined to wring her neck before she can ring in the new year . . .
Includes tasty and toasty holiday recipes!
About the
Debra Sennefelder lives and writes in Connecticut, where she shares her home with her family and slightly spoiled Shih Tzu. An avid reader across a range of genres, mystery fiction is her obsession. Her interest in people and relationships is channeled into her novels against a backdrop of crime and mystery. She’s the author of the Food Blogger Mysteries, the Resale Boutique Mysteries, and the Cookie Shop Mysteries. When she’s not writing, she’s either baking or reading. To learn more, visit her on the web at debrasennefelder.com.
Food blogger Hope Early always gets a hearty holiday laugh from knowing that the weeks leading up to Christmas are as frantic as they are festive. But in spite of everything she has to do, the one thing she always has time for is the annual Jingle Bell Stroll, a night when the community gathers to sing their hearts out and enjoy each other’s company. This year’s caroling feels especially heartwarming, until the final note lands with a thud when Hope finds the body of the man who’d volunteered to play Santa, a knife plunged into his back.
With virtually the whole town present at the caroling, the list of suspects seems endless. It doesn’t take long, though, for both Hope and the police to turn a sharp eye on the victim’s bitter and vindictive ex-wife, along with his new wife, who may have been after his money. Then Hope unearths a clue that suggests the dead man may have been hiding a sordid past and connections to unseemly characters. But as she closes in on the killer, they’re determined to wring her neck before she can ring in the new year . . .
Includes tasty and toasty holiday recipes!
About the
Debra Sennefelder lives and writes in Connecticut, where she shares her home with her family and slightly spoiled Shih Tzu. An avid reader across a range of genres, mystery fiction is her obsession. Her interest in people and relationships is channeled into her novels against a backdrop of crime and mystery. She’s the author of the Food Blogger Mysteries, the Resale Boutique Mysteries, and the Cookie Shop Mysteries. When she’s not writing, she’s either baking or reading. To learn more, visit her on the web at debrasennefelder.com.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2024
18 people are currently reading
861 people want to read
About the author
Debra Sennefelder
15 books605 followersDebra Sennefelder is an avid reader who reads across a range of genres, but mystery fiction is her obsession. Her interest in people and relationships is channeled into her novels against a backdrop of crime and mystery. When she’s not reading, she enjoys cooking and baking and as a former food blogger, she is constantly taking photographs of her food. Yeah, she’s that person.
Born and raised in New York City, she now lives and Connecticut with her family. She’s worked in pre-hospital care, retail and publishing. Her writing companion is her adorable and slightly spoiled Shih-Tzu, Connie.
She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America.
She can be reached at Debra@DebraSennefelder.com
Born and raised in New York City, she now lives and Connecticut with her family. She’s worked in pre-hospital care, retail and publishing. Her writing companion is her adorable and slightly spoiled Shih-Tzu, Connie.
She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America.
She can be reached at Debra@DebraSennefelder.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 3, 2024
I received a free copy of, A Corpse Among the Carolers, by Debra Sennefelder, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Going Christmas caroling is so much fun, whether you can carry a tune or not. In this book they have a Jingle Bell Stroll, where the town comes together to sing Christmas songs. Hope a food blogger is feeling very festive, until someone kills Santa. This is a good mystery, i especially loved the recipes in the back of the book.
November 11, 2024
Hope is looking forward to celebrating Christmas this holiday season. On a holiday outing, a man is murdered. He tries to look into the man's past to see if she can learn anything. This book kept me guessing.
October 4, 2024
Christmas is an even busier time than usual for food blogger Hope Early. She has a houseful of people coming for dinner on Christmas Eve plus all her other responsibilities to deal with. Of course, that doesn't mean she is going to miss any of the planned festivities in Jefferson or the activities she's arranged with boyfriend Ethan's two young daughters. So when she discovers a body during the Jingle Bell Stroll, she's sure she will absolutely, definitely, be able to fit in finding clues alongside the police as well as everything else, won't she?
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Beyond the Page, but the opinions expressed are my own. I always look forward to a new title in this series from Debra Sennefelder, and I really enjoyed the Christmassy theme. The recipes at the end all sound delicious, and the hot chocolate idea is something I'd really like to try. It gets 5 stars because I love Christmas cosies and was nowhere near guessing whodunit!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Beyond the Page, but the opinions expressed are my own. I always look forward to a new title in this series from Debra Sennefelder, and I really enjoyed the Christmassy theme. The recipes at the end all sound delicious, and the hot chocolate idea is something I'd really like to try. It gets 5 stars because I love Christmas cosies and was nowhere near guessing whodunit!
November 29, 2024
A Jingle Bell Stroll turns into jingle bell murder when a volunteer Santa is found stabbed to death during a Christmas caroling event. In this installment of the Food Blogger mysteries, author Debra Sennefelder escorts us through a crafty maze of mischief, shady characters, and cleverly disguised clues—all leading to a mind-boggling confrontation and a killer hiding in plain sight.
Hope Early is one of my favorite sleuths; I especially love the way she brainstorms with her sister and the ladies at the local inn to develop theories as to who, what, and why. The ending weaves all the loose threads together for a heartwarming conclusion that made me smile, big time. I am so ready for the next installment! This is one terrific holiday cozy. And be sure to check out Hope’s recipes at the end.
Hope Early is one of my favorite sleuths; I especially love the way she brainstorms with her sister and the ladies at the local inn to develop theories as to who, what, and why. The ending weaves all the loose threads together for a heartwarming conclusion that made me smile, big time. I am so ready for the next installment! This is one terrific holiday cozy. And be sure to check out Hope’s recipes at the end.
December 27, 2024
Murder during the Christmas caroling has the entire town on edge, but with so many options for whodidit will Hope sleuth it out in time or will her luck as an amateur sleuth run out this time!?! This series is truly a favorite of mine as the author has developed strong, intelligent characters who have a knack for finding bodies as well as killers! Hope, our main character, is a lifestyle and food blogger who has parlayed that into a thriving business, her friends are journalists, B&B owners, former authors, interior designers, business owners and more. Hope loves her small town and can't help wanting to protect it from bad people and things thus her sleuthing habit is a strong one! This author always weaves a wonderful mystery with a few little niggling breadcrumbs that you may or may not catch that can help you discover the culprit along with Hope. My only disappointment is at the end of the book, I'm left waiting for the next book so we can see how things develop in Hope's personal life as well as what mystery she will stumble into next!
November 16, 2024
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Food blogger Hope Early loves the holidays, especially the Jingle Bell Stroll. A grand event when the community comes together going from place to place spreading Christmas joy singing carols and Santa Ho-ho-hoing. Everyone was having fun until Hope found Santa dead with a knife in his back. Looking around she sees the vast number of the town’s residents who had come out for the event. Who would have been despicable enough to kill the man playing good old St. Nick with children present and parents who could have witnessed the crime? Naturally, the man’s spiteful ex-wife is high on the list of suspects, as is his current wife. But Hope then finds clues to the victim’s checkered past that sends her investigation in a different direction. Can she wrap up the murderer in time for Christmas? Or will the killer keep her from celebrating the happy holidays?
The characters in this series easily pull readers into the story. Hope is busy with her blog, her cookbook, her barn renovation, and helping her best friend Drew with his new puppy and his home renovation, but she still has time to plan and participate in the town’s holiday events. She loves spending time with her boyfriend Ethan and his daughters, Molly and Becca, but they are still trying to make things work with the girl’s mom, Heather. Hope has a close relationship with her sister Claire who makes a great sleuthing partner. She is also close to former mystery author Jane Merrifield and her sister-in-law, retired librarian Sally who run the Merrifield Inn. They also like to chime in with ideas on the latest murder. All these characters are well-crafted, feel true to life, and are like old friends. I also love the animal characters Ms. Sennefelder brings to life in each book. Drew’s little hurricane Trixie is adorable and her antics make me smile. Hope’s loveable pup Bigelow and her diva cat Princess each hold their own in the story too.
The town of Jefferson, Connecticut was all done up in its Christmas finery and sans the murder and the chaos that followed it would be a delightful place to celebrate the holidays. Ms. Sennefelder’s descriptions enabled me to envision everything so clearly. I can still see Santa Claus sitting on the bench surrounded by people. People who weren’t paying attention to him or thought he was just napping when he in fact was A Corpse Among the Carolers.
The murder mystery was very well written with a variety of suspects. Hope gets totally caught up in the case. She presses the suspects with question after question and makes some keen observations. I am happy that she has Claire and other friends to help her out but she does take some scary risks. I enjoy tagging along with her as she chases down every clue. With every twist and turn the list of suspects became shorter. I had my “A-ha moment” a bit before Hope, but the suspenseful showdown had me on the edge of my seat. The aftermath gave me a little chuckle.
A Corpse Among the Carolers is a merry addition to the Food Blogger Series. The appealing characters and the compelling mystery will draw cozy mystery lovers in. The heartwarming ending will have you longing for the next book in the series. There are 4 recipes and directions to set up a hot chocolate bar in your home at the back of the book. Fix yourself a cup of hot chocolate, grab some cookies or Reindeer Munch Mix, grab this book, and enjoy it all. Merry Christmas!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Food blogger Hope Early loves the holidays, especially the Jingle Bell Stroll. A grand event when the community comes together going from place to place spreading Christmas joy singing carols and Santa Ho-ho-hoing. Everyone was having fun until Hope found Santa dead with a knife in his back. Looking around she sees the vast number of the town’s residents who had come out for the event. Who would have been despicable enough to kill the man playing good old St. Nick with children present and parents who could have witnessed the crime? Naturally, the man’s spiteful ex-wife is high on the list of suspects, as is his current wife. But Hope then finds clues to the victim’s checkered past that sends her investigation in a different direction. Can she wrap up the murderer in time for Christmas? Or will the killer keep her from celebrating the happy holidays?
The characters in this series easily pull readers into the story. Hope is busy with her blog, her cookbook, her barn renovation, and helping her best friend Drew with his new puppy and his home renovation, but she still has time to plan and participate in the town’s holiday events. She loves spending time with her boyfriend Ethan and his daughters, Molly and Becca, but they are still trying to make things work with the girl’s mom, Heather. Hope has a close relationship with her sister Claire who makes a great sleuthing partner. She is also close to former mystery author Jane Merrifield and her sister-in-law, retired librarian Sally who run the Merrifield Inn. They also like to chime in with ideas on the latest murder. All these characters are well-crafted, feel true to life, and are like old friends. I also love the animal characters Ms. Sennefelder brings to life in each book. Drew’s little hurricane Trixie is adorable and her antics make me smile. Hope’s loveable pup Bigelow and her diva cat Princess each hold their own in the story too.
The town of Jefferson, Connecticut was all done up in its Christmas finery and sans the murder and the chaos that followed it would be a delightful place to celebrate the holidays. Ms. Sennefelder’s descriptions enabled me to envision everything so clearly. I can still see Santa Claus sitting on the bench surrounded by people. People who weren’t paying attention to him or thought he was just napping when he in fact was A Corpse Among the Carolers.
The murder mystery was very well written with a variety of suspects. Hope gets totally caught up in the case. She presses the suspects with question after question and makes some keen observations. I am happy that she has Claire and other friends to help her out but she does take some scary risks. I enjoy tagging along with her as she chases down every clue. With every twist and turn the list of suspects became shorter. I had my “A-ha moment” a bit before Hope, but the suspenseful showdown had me on the edge of my seat. The aftermath gave me a little chuckle.
A Corpse Among the Carolers is a merry addition to the Food Blogger Series. The appealing characters and the compelling mystery will draw cozy mystery lovers in. The heartwarming ending will have you longing for the next book in the series. There are 4 recipes and directions to set up a hot chocolate bar in your home at the back of the book. Fix yourself a cup of hot chocolate, grab some cookies or Reindeer Munch Mix, grab this book, and enjoy it all. Merry Christmas!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
September 25, 2024
#ACorpseAmongtheCarolers #NetGalley is a well written holiday cozy mystery that I enjoyed reading.
Hope Early is a good character, I find her easy to relate to.
Holly is looking forward to the holiday Jingle Bell Stroll but when she finds a dead body, it seems someone isn't feeling the spirit.
I enjoy this series and I'm looking forward to recommending this book to others.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Hope Early is a good character, I find her easy to relate to.
Holly is looking forward to the holiday Jingle Bell Stroll but when she finds a dead body, it seems someone isn't feeling the spirit.
I enjoy this series and I'm looking forward to recommending this book to others.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
November 12, 2024
Hope always has a way of getting herself into danger when she's investigating a case. It seems she and the detective at least came to an understanding and this time he wasn't quite so harsh.
I'd guessed the killer but definitely not the plot twist regarding said killer. The showdown was exciting and let's just say it's a good thing Drew's got such a sweet tooth. The ending was amazing with all Hope’s family and friends gathered for a super memorable Christmas Eve dinner.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Beyond the Page via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
I'd guessed the killer but definitely not the plot twist regarding said killer. The showdown was exciting and let's just say it's a good thing Drew's got such a sweet tooth. The ending was amazing with all Hope’s family and friends gathered for a super memorable Christmas Eve dinner.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Beyond the Page via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
November 12, 2024
"A Corpse Among the Carolers (A Food Blogger Mystery)" by Debra Sennefelder is probably best read after having read the other books in the series, and recently having read them. I found myself having trouble following along. I think it's because it's been awhile since I've read the other books in the series. There's some things going on for the overall story that just need the background to best appreciate them.
The mystery starts when the man playing Santa at a caroling event seems to have fallen asleep during the singing. Only, he's not asleep. Luckily he wasn't discovered until the kids were out of sight of him. Hope gets sucked into figuring out what happened to him. I honestly think this time she really shouldn't have and totally don't blame the mother of her boyfriend's kids for not really wanting her around them. She keeps putting herself in danger and not thinking about how her actions to track down a killer could put the girls at risk too. Also, if she's so key to their family now, what would it do to the kids if one of these days a killer actually did get her too? Yeah, she's starting to annoy me a bit with her recklessness.
The mystery starts when the man playing Santa at a caroling event seems to have fallen asleep during the singing. Only, he's not asleep. Luckily he wasn't discovered until the kids were out of sight of him. Hope gets sucked into figuring out what happened to him. I honestly think this time she really shouldn't have and totally don't blame the mother of her boyfriend's kids for not really wanting her around them. She keeps putting herself in danger and not thinking about how her actions to track down a killer could put the girls at risk too. Also, if she's so key to their family now, what would it do to the kids if one of these days a killer actually did get her too? Yeah, she's starting to annoy me a bit with her recklessness.
November 19, 2024
A Corpse Among the Carolers (Food Blogger, #7) by Debra Sennefelder opens with Hope Early preparing for the annual Jingle Bell Stroll. When the person playing Santa Claus is murdered, Hope knows she must find out how and why it happened. I received an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) from NetGalley for free in exchange for my honest review.
This book was just the one I needed to read to help me get in the mood for Christmas. I know that it sounds weird since it's a cozy mystery where people are murdered, but it was full of holiday activities including caroling, a holiday market, making wreaths, picking out a Christmas tree, and more. The caroling event especially made me think of my childhood when the neighborhood kids along with a few adults would go door to door around the neighborhood to sing Christmas carols. We would have luminaries lit on both sides of the street as well.
All of the characters, minus one or two of them, were very likable, and despite me not having read any of the other books in the series, it wasn't hard to keep them straight. Additionally, the friendliness of the characters drew me into the story, and I felt a sense of community if that makes sense. I guess it reminded me of all my neighbors where I grew up. Even though the main character, Hope, does a lot of things with her church, it doesn't come across as too religious, as in the story doesn't push any religion down your throat, which is a plus.
As for figuring out who the culprit of the murders was, I had a couple of characters in mind, but I ended up being so completely and utterly wrong. Debra Sennefelder did a fantastic job of misdirection and throwing suspicion on other other people. Overall, I loved the sense of community in this book and will likely read other cozy mysteries by this author. Four out of five stars.
This book was just the one I needed to read to help me get in the mood for Christmas. I know that it sounds weird since it's a cozy mystery where people are murdered, but it was full of holiday activities including caroling, a holiday market, making wreaths, picking out a Christmas tree, and more. The caroling event especially made me think of my childhood when the neighborhood kids along with a few adults would go door to door around the neighborhood to sing Christmas carols. We would have luminaries lit on both sides of the street as well.
All of the characters, minus one or two of them, were very likable, and despite me not having read any of the other books in the series, it wasn't hard to keep them straight. Additionally, the friendliness of the characters drew me into the story, and I felt a sense of community if that makes sense. I guess it reminded me of all my neighbors where I grew up. Even though the main character, Hope, does a lot of things with her church, it doesn't come across as too religious, as in the story doesn't push any religion down your throat, which is a plus.
As for figuring out who the culprit of the murders was, I had a couple of characters in mind, but I ended up being so completely and utterly wrong. Debra Sennefelder did a fantastic job of misdirection and throwing suspicion on other other people. Overall, I loved the sense of community in this book and will likely read other cozy mysteries by this author. Four out of five stars.
September 30, 2024
This is a fun cozy holiday mystery and though it is part of a series you can read it as a stand alone . I have read a couple of books in this series and greatly enjoy the writing style and characters they are interesting and the story as a whole is easily able to hold your attention and become invested. I look forward to reading more by this author .
Thanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for this ARC. This is my honest review .
Thanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for this ARC. This is my honest review .
October 4, 2024
Hope, Hope, Hope, geeze you get yourself in a lot of hairy situations lol. As always, a great read. Hope just cannot seem to keep her curiosity in check, even though she tries. And this one really had a lot of layers too it. Not only is she trying to kick off her brand-new cookbook, finish up the renovations on her new kitchen space, as well as bake, decorate, and blog her way through the holidays but she has murder on top of that too!! How's that for multi-tasking lol.
I was really worried after the last book that she was going to again make her best friend Drew, and his family upset again but thank God, cooler heads prevailed. And I really enjoyed that there were multiple mysteries in this one. Just when you think something starts to click into place, oh, well we have another mystery to solve on top of that one!
I absolutely love Christmas books, especially Christmas cozies. And this one is really fantastic. Although, all I can say is that Hope may need a vacation after this one lol. And oh my gosh, Ethan, I really thought he and Hope were finished. I was all ready to go on the 'we hate Ethan' train when that ending happened. It's about time, Ethan! You had us all worried lol.
And that part with Heather?? Oh man, I thought my heart had stopped. I couldn't believe the growth that had come from her. I'm so thrilled about this turn of events. It makes things so much easier for everyone. I just love these books. Hope is so dang easy to like. She's friendly, puts her heart out there, really does just want to help even if she is a first-class busybody lol, generous, and kind. I'm hoping there will be more of these books in the future. I highly recommend!
Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers, and to Debra Sennefelder for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are honest and are completely my own.
I was really worried after the last book that she was going to again make her best friend Drew, and his family upset again but thank God, cooler heads prevailed. And I really enjoyed that there were multiple mysteries in this one. Just when you think something starts to click into place, oh, well we have another mystery to solve on top of that one!
I absolutely love Christmas books, especially Christmas cozies. And this one is really fantastic. Although, all I can say is that Hope may need a vacation after this one lol. And oh my gosh, Ethan, I really thought he and Hope were finished. I was all ready to go on the 'we hate Ethan' train when that ending happened. It's about time, Ethan! You had us all worried lol.
And that part with Heather?? Oh man, I thought my heart had stopped. I couldn't believe the growth that had come from her. I'm so thrilled about this turn of events. It makes things so much easier for everyone. I just love these books. Hope is so dang easy to like. She's friendly, puts her heart out there, really does just want to help even if she is a first-class busybody lol, generous, and kind. I'm hoping there will be more of these books in the future. I highly recommend!
Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers, and to Debra Sennefelder for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are honest and are completely my own.
December 17, 2024
Book Review: A Corpse Among the Carolers by Debra Sennefelder
Rating: 🎄🎄🎄🎄
I recently dove into A Corpse Among the Carolers by Debra Sennefelder, and it was quite the holiday ride! Picture this: Hope Early, our charming food blogger protagonist, is all set to embrace the festive cheer of Christmas in her quaint town of Jefferson, Connecticut. She’s looking forward to the annual Jingle Bell Stroll, where everyone gathers to sing carols and soak in the holiday spirit. Just when you think everything is merry and bright, the festive atmosphere takes a dark turn when Hope stumbles upon the body of the Santa volunteer—yes, a knife in his back. Talk about a real "Ho-ho-homicide" moment!
The story unfolds with a colorful cast of characters and a long list of suspects that keeps you guessing. The victim’s ex-wife and new wife both have their reasons to be suspicious, but as Hope digs deeper, she uncovers some secrets that suggest there’s more to this murder than meets the eye. This author really knows how to keep you on your toes with her excellent misdirection and suspenseful twists.
One of the things I absolutely loved about this book was its adorable and festive cover—perfectly sets the tone for a cozy holiday read! The entire town is decked out in Christmas splendor, making it an ideal backdrop for the season, despite the chaos of a murder mystery. I could almost smell the cookies baking while reading! Speaking of which, the recipes included at the end are a delightful bonus, and they all sound delicious. I can’t wait to try them out during my own holiday celebrations!
Hope Early is such an easy character to relate to; her determination to solve the mystery while juggling her food blog makes her feel like a friend you’d want to root for. Plus, if you haven’t read the previous books in the series, don’t worry—this one stands alone beautifully.
Overall, A Corpse Among the Carolers is a fantastic addition to the Food Blogger Series. With its engaging characters and a compelling mystery that will captivate cozy mystery lovers, I found myself completely immersed in this holiday tale. The heartwarming ending left me wanting more—can't wait for the next installment! I’m giving it a solid four stars for its charm and festive cheer, along with a well-executed plot. If you're looking for a cozy mystery to get you in the holiday spirit, I highly recommend picking this one up!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 🎄🎄🎄🎄
I recently dove into A Corpse Among the Carolers by Debra Sennefelder, and it was quite the holiday ride! Picture this: Hope Early, our charming food blogger protagonist, is all set to embrace the festive cheer of Christmas in her quaint town of Jefferson, Connecticut. She’s looking forward to the annual Jingle Bell Stroll, where everyone gathers to sing carols and soak in the holiday spirit. Just when you think everything is merry and bright, the festive atmosphere takes a dark turn when Hope stumbles upon the body of the Santa volunteer—yes, a knife in his back. Talk about a real "Ho-ho-homicide" moment!
The story unfolds with a colorful cast of characters and a long list of suspects that keeps you guessing. The victim’s ex-wife and new wife both have their reasons to be suspicious, but as Hope digs deeper, she uncovers some secrets that suggest there’s more to this murder than meets the eye. This author really knows how to keep you on your toes with her excellent misdirection and suspenseful twists.
One of the things I absolutely loved about this book was its adorable and festive cover—perfectly sets the tone for a cozy holiday read! The entire town is decked out in Christmas splendor, making it an ideal backdrop for the season, despite the chaos of a murder mystery. I could almost smell the cookies baking while reading! Speaking of which, the recipes included at the end are a delightful bonus, and they all sound delicious. I can’t wait to try them out during my own holiday celebrations!
Hope Early is such an easy character to relate to; her determination to solve the mystery while juggling her food blog makes her feel like a friend you’d want to root for. Plus, if you haven’t read the previous books in the series, don’t worry—this one stands alone beautifully.
Overall, A Corpse Among the Carolers is a fantastic addition to the Food Blogger Series. With its engaging characters and a compelling mystery that will captivate cozy mystery lovers, I found myself completely immersed in this holiday tale. The heartwarming ending left me wanting more—can't wait for the next installment! I’m giving it a solid four stars for its charm and festive cheer, along with a well-executed plot. If you're looking for a cozy mystery to get you in the holiday spirit, I highly recommend picking this one up!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
December 11, 2024
Hope Early has a good life. She's finally happy with her boyfriend Ethan and his two daughters, and she's looking forward to a large family and friends Christmas celebration. This holiday season is starting out well...for a while. But then she overhears an argument between her 'Santa', Mitty, and Ralph, a friend, which ends up with Ralph pushing Mitty. All because Ralph believes Mitty, the owner of an antique shop, sold him a bogus lamp. While Mitty denies it, there's no denying that there's a problem to be solved. Along with shopping, Hope can't help but overhear Mitty's ex-wife and new wife having their own argument, and does what she can to stop it.
But there's more going on behind the scenes, especially when Hope is out caroling with her sister, Ethan, his daughters, and others -- and she discovers a dead body. Again. Now, while the lead detective, Sam, tells her to stay away, the main suspect's family asks her to help. How is she supposed to say no to friends? But will she be able to solve a murder, get her Christmas together, and do everything else on her agenda before it all comes to a crashing halt?...
I have to say that if I had to do everything Hope does, I'd be a wreck. Plus, I just don't have that kind of energy anymore (alas!). It's fun to read about it, but it tires me out just thinking about it! She's a whirlwind of energy, and quite a brilliant sleuth, to boot.
She's trying hard to make this a perfect Christmas, but things keep getting in the way. Things like murder and deception. Angry ex-wives (more than one). Not to mention that Hope is having little accidents -- and one big one that almost sidelines her permanently. But that's all I will say about that.
She does her best to pick up clues with the help of her best friend Drew, who's a reporter. Who has his own problems that have nothing to do with murder. In fact, there's a couple of very funny scenes that surround the man. It's all worth reading.
Without giving anything else away, I will say that this is a delightful Christmas mystery that you can try and find the clues yourself. They are there, but not easy to decipher. When the ending comes and the murderer is discovered, it comes as a surprise, which it should do. And leaves us wanting to read the next in the series. A very nice book for a holiday evening. Recommended.
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
But there's more going on behind the scenes, especially when Hope is out caroling with her sister, Ethan, his daughters, and others -- and she discovers a dead body. Again. Now, while the lead detective, Sam, tells her to stay away, the main suspect's family asks her to help. How is she supposed to say no to friends? But will she be able to solve a murder, get her Christmas together, and do everything else on her agenda before it all comes to a crashing halt?...
I have to say that if I had to do everything Hope does, I'd be a wreck. Plus, I just don't have that kind of energy anymore (alas!). It's fun to read about it, but it tires me out just thinking about it! She's a whirlwind of energy, and quite a brilliant sleuth, to boot.
She's trying hard to make this a perfect Christmas, but things keep getting in the way. Things like murder and deception. Angry ex-wives (more than one). Not to mention that Hope is having little accidents -- and one big one that almost sidelines her permanently. But that's all I will say about that.
She does her best to pick up clues with the help of her best friend Drew, who's a reporter. Who has his own problems that have nothing to do with murder. In fact, there's a couple of very funny scenes that surround the man. It's all worth reading.
Without giving anything else away, I will say that this is a delightful Christmas mystery that you can try and find the clues yourself. They are there, but not easy to decipher. When the ending comes and the murderer is discovered, it comes as a surprise, which it should do. And leaves us wanting to read the next in the series. A very nice book for a holiday evening. Recommended.
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
October 25, 2024
Culinary Cozy Mystery that follows a a Connecticut food blogger turns sleuth after discovering the man who'd volunteered to play Santa stabbed in the back after caroling.
5/5 stars: This is the seventh entry in Sennefelder's Food Blogger Mystery series which is a Culinary Cozy Mystery set at Christmas in Connecticut and features a food blogger who turns sleuth after discovering the man who'd volunteered to play Santa stabbed in the back after caroling. With virtually the whole town present, the list of suspects seems endless but it doesn’t take long to narrow in on the victim’s bitter and vindictive ex-wife, along with his new wife, who may have been after his money. After unearthing a clue that suggests the dead man may have been hiding a sordid past, she's soon closing in on the killer. With plenty of twists and turns, Sennefelder has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Sennefelder's writing and character work are brilliant; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. This has long been a favorite series and it's a joy to catch up with Hope, Ethan, her investigator boyfriend, and his daughters, her friends and family and all the folks of Jefferson. And of course, one mustn't forget Hope's pets: Bigelow, the rescue dog, her fluffy white cat, Princess, and everyone's favorite Rhode Island Red hen Poppy. Oh and I simply adore the ending! Prepare to get hungry; the food descriptions are mouth-watering and all the recipes included sound absolutely yummy. Additionally, I love all the cozy holiday vibes throughout the book; Sennefelder always know how to set the scene. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, The Uninvited Corpse. A great read, highly recommend!
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
5/5 stars: This is the seventh entry in Sennefelder's Food Blogger Mystery series which is a Culinary Cozy Mystery set at Christmas in Connecticut and features a food blogger who turns sleuth after discovering the man who'd volunteered to play Santa stabbed in the back after caroling. With virtually the whole town present, the list of suspects seems endless but it doesn’t take long to narrow in on the victim’s bitter and vindictive ex-wife, along with his new wife, who may have been after his money. After unearthing a clue that suggests the dead man may have been hiding a sordid past, she's soon closing in on the killer. With plenty of twists and turns, Sennefelder has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Sennefelder's writing and character work are brilliant; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. This has long been a favorite series and it's a joy to catch up with Hope, Ethan, her investigator boyfriend, and his daughters, her friends and family and all the folks of Jefferson. And of course, one mustn't forget Hope's pets: Bigelow, the rescue dog, her fluffy white cat, Princess, and everyone's favorite Rhode Island Red hen Poppy. Oh and I simply adore the ending! Prepare to get hungry; the food descriptions are mouth-watering and all the recipes included sound absolutely yummy. Additionally, I love all the cozy holiday vibes throughout the book; Sennefelder always know how to set the scene. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, The Uninvited Corpse. A great read, highly recommend!
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
October 23, 2024
A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS is the seventh book in the Food Blogger Mysteries by Debra Sennefelder. Filled with holiday cheer, the jingling of bells, the ho-ho-ho-ing of Santa, sweets, and… murder… the reader is in for a treat with this newest release! With the annual Jingle Bell Stroll right around the corner, food blogger Hope Early is looking forward to creating new memories with her beau and his two young daughters. I love the character development Hope has gone through over the course of the series and the changes in her life. She not only cares deeply for her family and friends, but gives back to the community by fostering small business ideas and opportunities for those in need. While this book can be read as a standalone, if you appreciate getting to know the core characters, you’ll want to start at the beginning. Ms. Sennefelder has done a remarkable job bringing each one to life on the pages, and their individual personalities and quirks make the reader unable to resist their charm. The Christmas spirit is on full display as well with a merry winter wonderland, and you’ll want to curl up in front of the fire with a glass of eggnog while reading to enjoy the mood.
But, unfortunately, someone disrupts the celebrations by stabbing Santa in the back. When Hope discovers the dead Santa, holiday festivities take a back seat to finding the culprit. Hope’s insatiable curiosity and her quest for justice drives her to ask questions and pry into the victim’s background. It doesn’t take long to find a plethora of suspects with the man’s ex-wife and new wife heading the naughty list. While Hope may be a bit pushy in her snooping, I did like how she asks for help from her close friends. I especially like that one of them is a retired mystery author, who offers gossip and advice on hunting down clues. As Hope narrows down the lists of suspects, tension and danger rises until the edge-of-your-seat reveal. Lest the reader forget it’s the Christmas season, the story’s heartwarming conclusion is wrapped up with a giant bow and left a huge smile on my face with the anticipation of what’s next in store for Hope!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
But, unfortunately, someone disrupts the celebrations by stabbing Santa in the back. When Hope discovers the dead Santa, holiday festivities take a back seat to finding the culprit. Hope’s insatiable curiosity and her quest for justice drives her to ask questions and pry into the victim’s background. It doesn’t take long to find a plethora of suspects with the man’s ex-wife and new wife heading the naughty list. While Hope may be a bit pushy in her snooping, I did like how she asks for help from her close friends. I especially like that one of them is a retired mystery author, who offers gossip and advice on hunting down clues. As Hope narrows down the lists of suspects, tension and danger rises until the edge-of-your-seat reveal. Lest the reader forget it’s the Christmas season, the story’s heartwarming conclusion is wrapped up with a giant bow and left a huge smile on my face with the anticipation of what’s next in store for Hope!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 20, 2024
The author set the mood taking Hope along a stroll through a festive Christmas shopping village. Unfortunately, she was also setting the stage for murder and that Christmas shopping trip served to introduce the main suspects and "victim". The author does a nice job of painting a picture of a somewhat idyllic town where everyone is anxious to carol and enjoy the together time. Santa, after having stuck his black book in his mouth, served to keep the parade moving until he couldn't. Someone killed Santa or Mitty.
From there we learn that Hope and her sister Claire fine themselves in the center of another mystery. Hope is described as a good woman anxious to build a family with her boyfriend Ethan and her girls. Despite that she is a bit reckless never shying back from jumping into an investigation. She is so entrenched as a amateur sleuth that the police warn her but don't warn her not to investigate. The victim's family wants and does not want her help. She is also described as having al lot on her plate with baking, a food blog, a cookbook, the holidays and family. Therein lies the part I found tough to deal with, she is too reckless. Her becoming a victim herself would hurt her future family. I look at Heather a touch differently than other readers. When she chastises Ethan for the girls being present and frightened by what happened, I disagreed. Her concern for the girls came from a good place but anyone could have stumbled onto the victim. Her cavalier attitude while investigating could have put her in a bad place with Heather. Speaking of Heather, the author showed a tremendous amount of growth with that character.
Overall, it wasn't a bad book. It was just a touch slow and it was a touch difficult to connect with Hope and her motivations and what she was willing to risk. I have not read any of the other books in the series and may to see if that changes my opinion.
Overall I would put this book at 3.4 - 3.5.
hanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
From there we learn that Hope and her sister Claire fine themselves in the center of another mystery. Hope is described as a good woman anxious to build a family with her boyfriend Ethan and her girls. Despite that she is a bit reckless never shying back from jumping into an investigation. She is so entrenched as a amateur sleuth that the police warn her but don't warn her not to investigate. The victim's family wants and does not want her help. She is also described as having al lot on her plate with baking, a food blog, a cookbook, the holidays and family. Therein lies the part I found tough to deal with, she is too reckless. Her becoming a victim herself would hurt her future family. I look at Heather a touch differently than other readers. When she chastises Ethan for the girls being present and frightened by what happened, I disagreed. Her concern for the girls came from a good place but anyone could have stumbled onto the victim. Her cavalier attitude while investigating could have put her in a bad place with Heather. Speaking of Heather, the author showed a tremendous amount of growth with that character.
Overall, it wasn't a bad book. It was just a touch slow and it was a touch difficult to connect with Hope and her motivations and what she was willing to risk. I have not read any of the other books in the series and may to see if that changes my opinion.
Overall I would put this book at 3.4 - 3.5.
hanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
November 24, 2024
This is rich in holiday cheer and events and for those who like cozies that includes, of course, a murder. Hope is at the town's night of caroling when she finds the Santa stabbed in the back. But even though she is loaded to the top of her sled with things to do for her food blog, testing recipes for her up-coming cook book and getting ready for the Christmas' Eve dinner she is hosting she is determined to find some time to do some investigating. Not everyone is happy with that--oh, the police and people she asks questions of, and of course the murderer. But with plenty of deep, dark secrets in the Santa's past, there are many suspects that just may be the one partridge in the pear tree...
A solid mystery with plenty of red herrings. I guessed who it was early on but I did not know why. I really enjoyed the holiday spirit of the book and could just imagine celebrating in this small town. And there are some recipes that sound delicious at the back of the book.
But what I might have enjoyed most about the book is that the police and the private detective that she dates, refused to give her any confidential information. So often that isn't true in these books. That always annoys me. And, sometimes people refuse to answer to her questions. I mean why would they, she doesn't have any official standing to be investigating. And people get offended when she is basically asking them for an alibi. People think she is accusing them of the crime. Which in a way she is. That part is very realistic and doesn't happen enough in cozies.
There are plenty of cozy moments and the book ends with a very sweet moment between Hope and her boyfriend. Looking for a cozy mystery with holiday cheer? Look no further this will deliver in snowflakes and candy canes.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
A solid mystery with plenty of red herrings. I guessed who it was early on but I did not know why. I really enjoyed the holiday spirit of the book and could just imagine celebrating in this small town. And there are some recipes that sound delicious at the back of the book.
But what I might have enjoyed most about the book is that the police and the private detective that she dates, refused to give her any confidential information. So often that isn't true in these books. That always annoys me. And, sometimes people refuse to answer to her questions. I mean why would they, she doesn't have any official standing to be investigating. And people get offended when she is basically asking them for an alibi. People think she is accusing them of the crime. Which in a way she is. That part is very realistic and doesn't happen enough in cozies.
There are plenty of cozy moments and the book ends with a very sweet moment between Hope and her boyfriend. Looking for a cozy mystery with holiday cheer? Look no further this will deliver in snowflakes and candy canes.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
January 13, 2025
A Corpse Among the Carolers is the nicely done seventh book in Debra Sennefelder’s Book Food Bloggers cozy mystery series. This book is set during the Christmas season and food blogger Hope Early is busy with her job, family, boyfriend Ethan and his two daughters (and unfortunately at times his ex-wife), Christmas shopping, and various Christmas activities including the annual Jingle Bell Stroll. She has plenty to keep her busy and the last thing she needs is another murder to investigate but when someone is killed during the Jingle Bell Stroll she can’t help but get involved. However, she needs to be careful before she becomes the next victim.
For the most part I really enjoyed this mystery. I love mysteries set at Christmas and enjoyed reading about the various festivities and food (so much food!). Hope is a good main character – she’s rebuilt her life and developed a successful career as a food blogger, is involved in the community, and found new love with Ethan and his daughters. I both like her and at times dislike her – I was distracted from the mystery at times as I wondered how she ever got any work done as she was running all over town investigating the murder and at time she veered awfully close to one of those Too Stupid to Live Characters. Fortunately, even while distracted I enjoyed the mystery. The mystery was well done with just the right amount of suspects, red herrings, and tension – even with some carefully planted clues I did not guess who the killer was. Finally, the ending of the book was perfect and left me smiling.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
For the most part I really enjoyed this mystery. I love mysteries set at Christmas and enjoyed reading about the various festivities and food (so much food!). Hope is a good main character – she’s rebuilt her life and developed a successful career as a food blogger, is involved in the community, and found new love with Ethan and his daughters. I both like her and at times dislike her – I was distracted from the mystery at times as I wondered how she ever got any work done as she was running all over town investigating the murder and at time she veered awfully close to one of those Too Stupid to Live Characters. Fortunately, even while distracted I enjoyed the mystery. The mystery was well done with just the right amount of suspects, red herrings, and tension – even with some carefully planted clues I did not guess who the killer was. Finally, the ending of the book was perfect and left me smiling.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
November 5, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Debra Sennefelder for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Corpse Among the Carolers coming out November 12, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Food blogger Hope Early always gets a hearty holiday laugh from knowing that the weeks leading up to Christmas are as frantic as they are festive. But in spite of everything she has to do, the one thing she always has time for is the annual Jingle Bell Stroll, a night when the community gathers to sing their hearts out and enjoy each other’s company. This year’s caroling feels especially heartwarming, until the final note lands with a thud when Hope finds the body of the man who’d volunteered to play Santa, a knife plunged into his back.
With virtually the whole town present at the caroling, the list of suspects seems endless. It doesn’t take long, though, for both Hope and the police to turn a sharp eye on the victim’s bitter and vindictive ex-wife, along with his new wife, who may have been after his money. Then Hope unearths a clue that suggests the dead man may have been hiding a sordid past and connections to unseemly characters. But as she closes in on the killer, they’re determined to wring her neck before she can ring in the new year . . .
I have a few books in this series, but this is the first book I’ve read. So I definitely need to read the other books in the series. I really love Christmastime murder mysteries. I think this series is really fun. I loved Hope’s character. Food cozies always make me hungry. I love all of the recipes. I would definitely read more books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!
Food blogger Hope Early always gets a hearty holiday laugh from knowing that the weeks leading up to Christmas are as frantic as they are festive. But in spite of everything she has to do, the one thing she always has time for is the annual Jingle Bell Stroll, a night when the community gathers to sing their hearts out and enjoy each other’s company. This year’s caroling feels especially heartwarming, until the final note lands with a thud when Hope finds the body of the man who’d volunteered to play Santa, a knife plunged into his back.
With virtually the whole town present at the caroling, the list of suspects seems endless. It doesn’t take long, though, for both Hope and the police to turn a sharp eye on the victim’s bitter and vindictive ex-wife, along with his new wife, who may have been after his money. Then Hope unearths a clue that suggests the dead man may have been hiding a sordid past and connections to unseemly characters. But as she closes in on the killer, they’re determined to wring her neck before she can ring in the new year . . .
I have a few books in this series, but this is the first book I’ve read. So I definitely need to read the other books in the series. I really love Christmastime murder mysteries. I think this series is really fun. I loved Hope’s character. Food cozies always make me hungry. I love all of the recipes. I would definitely read more books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!
October 21, 2024
I would like to thank Netgalley, Beyond the Page Publishing and Debra Sennefelder for the E ARC of this book.
This is book 7 of the Food Blogger Mystery series, I have not read any of the previous books and in many ways you don’t need to, to enjoy this book.
Hope Early is getting into the Christmas spirit but knows she has so much to achieve before Christmas day, can she do so? No matter how busy she is, she always makes time for the town’s annual Jingle Bell Stroll. Everyone in the town comes out and they make their way through the street singing carols. Everyone has a wonderful time and this year is no different until the last stop, where Hope finds the body of the town’s Santa with a knife in his back. Who could have wanted him dead and why?
As hope and the town’s police grapple with many suspects, it is Hope who finds a clue to Santa’s past that may unlock the whole mystery. With the help of her friends she sets about finding the true, but could doing so put her own life at risk?
This was a good read, great characters with an engaging plot. I liked that we got not just the mystery but seeing Hope in her day to day life, her family and friends. I liked her boyfriend and his children, they added to the story for me. I loved the foodie aspect of the book and love that we got recipes at the end. I will be going back to read the previous books in this series.
This is book 7 of the Food Blogger Mystery series, I have not read any of the previous books and in many ways you don’t need to, to enjoy this book.
Hope Early is getting into the Christmas spirit but knows she has so much to achieve before Christmas day, can she do so? No matter how busy she is, she always makes time for the town’s annual Jingle Bell Stroll. Everyone in the town comes out and they make their way through the street singing carols. Everyone has a wonderful time and this year is no different until the last stop, where Hope finds the body of the town’s Santa with a knife in his back. Who could have wanted him dead and why?
As hope and the town’s police grapple with many suspects, it is Hope who finds a clue to Santa’s past that may unlock the whole mystery. With the help of her friends she sets about finding the true, but could doing so put her own life at risk?
This was a good read, great characters with an engaging plot. I liked that we got not just the mystery but seeing Hope in her day to day life, her family and friends. I liked her boyfriend and his children, they added to the story for me. I loved the foodie aspect of the book and love that we got recipes at the end. I will be going back to read the previous books in this series.
January 3, 2025
I had enjoyed reading and reviewing the previous cozy mystery by Ms. Sennefelder, which takes place at Halloween, so when I saw this book available to read and review, I just had to read it.
I am always reading Holiday-themed cozy mysteries, and this one had me at the title "A Corpse Among the Carolers". I was not dissappointed, and when I finished reading it, I felt it was better than the previous mystery. I was familiar with the main characters, and the plot was most engaging, What I liked better than the previous mystery is that the the murder was given the importance and development it deserved.
I especially loved the expected tense scene when the protagonist Hope Early faces the murderer. It was a most satisfying ending, and all the loose ends and red herrings were cleared up.
Again, I must add that I feel sorry for Hope, because Ms. Sennefelder has her running ragged from the time she wakes up until she goes to sleep. She is in a constant state of activity, and she produces baked goods at will, because she hardly ever is described as baking.
I recommend this book to any cozy mystery reader, and look forward to reading more mysteries to come.
Thank you Net galley and publisher Beyond The Page for offering me an advance digital copy that I could read and post a personal review.
I am always reading Holiday-themed cozy mysteries, and this one had me at the title "A Corpse Among the Carolers". I was not dissappointed, and when I finished reading it, I felt it was better than the previous mystery. I was familiar with the main characters, and the plot was most engaging, What I liked better than the previous mystery is that the the murder was given the importance and development it deserved.
I especially loved the expected tense scene when the protagonist Hope Early faces the murderer. It was a most satisfying ending, and all the loose ends and red herrings were cleared up.
Again, I must add that I feel sorry for Hope, because Ms. Sennefelder has her running ragged from the time she wakes up until she goes to sleep. She is in a constant state of activity, and she produces baked goods at will, because she hardly ever is described as baking.
I recommend this book to any cozy mystery reader, and look forward to reading more mysteries to come.
Thank you Net galley and publisher Beyond The Page for offering me an advance digital copy that I could read and post a personal review.
January 10, 2025
I have never been shy about a pet peeve I have with some cozies. I hate heroines who are supposedly smart woman who do monumentally stupid things. The nominees for the Darwin Award annoy me and when there comes a time in the book when the protagonist is getting nearer and nearer to the line, I get frustrated. But when one has a potentially life threatening situation where she is injured and still, even when she herself knows she is being foolish, continues to investigate without even a soupçon of subtlety, it undermines any of the positive things in the story.
I am sad to say Hope crossed the line. Her reasons for getting involved in the first place were weak but still valid. Her excuse for continuing- to get back her “power”- would make any friends or family cringe and worry about her sanity. It is a shame because there is a really solid nugget of a story. Two murders involving people involved in the antique business. Was someone really angry that a supposed antique turned out to be a fake or is there something in the pasts of the individuals that made them murder targets.
I realize my pet peeve may not be someone else’s. So, in fairness, I am going to give the book four purrs but only one paw up. Caveat emptor.
I am sad to say Hope crossed the line. Her reasons for getting involved in the first place were weak but still valid. Her excuse for continuing- to get back her “power”- would make any friends or family cringe and worry about her sanity. It is a shame because there is a really solid nugget of a story. Two murders involving people involved in the antique business. Was someone really angry that a supposed antique turned out to be a fake or is there something in the pasts of the individuals that made them murder targets.
I realize my pet peeve may not be someone else’s. So, in fairness, I am going to give the book four purrs but only one paw up. Caveat emptor.
November 6, 2024
A Corpse Among the Carolers is book 7 in Debra Sennefelder’s Food Blogger cozy mystery series. Although it is book 7 in the series, it’s easily read as a standalone.
Hope Early is a food blogger who somehow keeps getting pulled into investigating murders. It’s Christmas in Jefferson Connecticut, and the town is going all out to celebrate. Unfortunately, their Christmas spirit is squashed when Santa turns up dead on the Jingle Bell Stroll.
Jefferson is full of interesting characters, and cute little shops. And like many small town stories, everyone seems to know everyone and their business. If it weren’t for the murders that keep happening, it sounds like a great place to live!
A Corpse Among the Carolers was full of twists and turns, new characters and possible motives, that kept the mystery interesting, and me guessing to the very end.
And As a bonus, at the end the author included some of the recipes mentioned in the book! Personally, I really want to try the eggnog scones. Yum!
If you love a good mystery, set in a town with a great community spirit, then give The Corpse Among the Carollers a try!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Hope Early is a food blogger who somehow keeps getting pulled into investigating murders. It’s Christmas in Jefferson Connecticut, and the town is going all out to celebrate. Unfortunately, their Christmas spirit is squashed when Santa turns up dead on the Jingle Bell Stroll.
Jefferson is full of interesting characters, and cute little shops. And like many small town stories, everyone seems to know everyone and their business. If it weren’t for the murders that keep happening, it sounds like a great place to live!
A Corpse Among the Carolers was full of twists and turns, new characters and possible motives, that kept the mystery interesting, and me guessing to the very end.
And As a bonus, at the end the author included some of the recipes mentioned in the book! Personally, I really want to try the eggnog scones. Yum!
If you love a good mystery, set in a town with a great community spirit, then give The Corpse Among the Carollers a try!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 8, 2024
A Corpse Among the Carolers is the 7th book in this wonderful cozy mystery series by Debra Sennefelder. The characters are likable and the mystery kept me guessing with some interesting twists and turns. Hope Early is a food blogger. She is dating Ethan Cahill who has two young daughters, Becca and Molly. Ethan was the Police Chief but he is now an investigator and works with their friend Matt. It is right before Christmas and there is the usual festivities. Hope is looking forward to going caroling with Ethan and the girls until the volunteer Santa ends up dead. Hope is not going to get involved until the killer involves her and another person ends up dead. Most of the regulars make an appearance which is fun. Hope's best friend.Drew has a new puppy which adds some humor. The ending is perfect for a Christmas story. This is a very enjoyable cozy mystery and the series is one of my favorites. I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley and Beyond the Page and I voluntarily leave this review.
#ACorpseAmongTheCarolers #FoodBloggerMysteries #NetGalley #BeyondThePage
#ACorpseAmongTheCarolers #FoodBloggerMysteries #NetGalley #BeyondThePage
November 14, 2024
This is food blogger mystery seven in this delightful series. Hope is a food blogger and a busy foodie who wears many hats. Her responsibilities have increased with her busy Christmas season but she takes time to attend a festival for the town. She finds Santa dead and becomes involved in the mystery with the local police once again. She has a talent for finding suspects and red herrings.
I enjoy this series for the setting of a small friendly town, a unique protaganist who wears many hats and is independent. It has been fun to follow her journey to success in this series. I love the supporting characters and the sleuth I did not figure out. A fun holiday theme mystery I highly recommend. Well done to the author. Included are a fun hot chocolate idea and receipes.
Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher for the opportunity to review. My review opinions are my own.
I enjoy this series for the setting of a small friendly town, a unique protaganist who wears many hats and is independent. It has been fun to follow her journey to success in this series. I love the supporting characters and the sleuth I did not figure out. A fun holiday theme mystery I highly recommend. Well done to the author. Included are a fun hot chocolate idea and receipes.
Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher for the opportunity to review. My review opinions are my own.
October 25, 2024
Hope’s food blog is going well and she is busy getting ready for Christmas, but she always finds time for the Jingle Bell Stroll. A lovely tradition the whole town participates in. A night for caroling and friendship.
Until she stumbles onto a body. Santa’s body. With a knife in his back.
First look says it may be the ex. She’s pretty bitter. My money was on the stepdaughter! But there were plenty of suspects to go around as the entire town was there.
Hope digs into the crime and finds Santa may not have been the jolly old soul they thought. Motives are everywhere and the past will come back to haunt some of them.
Always a pleasure! And there are yummy recipes!!
NetGalley/ Beyond The Page Publishing November 12, 2024
Until she stumbles onto a body. Santa’s body. With a knife in his back.
First look says it may be the ex. She’s pretty bitter. My money was on the stepdaughter! But there were plenty of suspects to go around as the entire town was there.
Hope digs into the crime and finds Santa may not have been the jolly old soul they thought. Motives are everywhere and the past will come back to haunt some of them.
Always a pleasure! And there are yummy recipes!!
NetGalley/ Beyond The Page Publishing November 12, 2024
November 14, 2024
It's the Holidays, and food blogger Hope Early is preparing her yummy recipes for her followers. Plus, there are lots of holiday events around town, like the Jingle Bell Stroll. The one thing not in her holiday plans is finding Santa slumped over a park bench...and not breathing. Hope is used to helping the police solve whodunits. However, this time, the deadly culprit doesn't want Hope to help and isn't afraid to keep her out of the investigation...by any means necessary.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery so much! Great characters, danger, plenty of red herrings, and yummy recipes at the end. Plus lots of Christmas spirit.
Many thanks to Beyond The Page Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery so much! Great characters, danger, plenty of red herrings, and yummy recipes at the end. Plus lots of Christmas spirit.
Many thanks to Beyond The Page Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.
November 17, 2024
At the Jingle Bell Stroll, Hope Early finds that the man playing Santa Claus has been stabbed. She works to solve the mystery but finds there are a number of viable suspects.
I wanted to read A Corpse Among the Carolers because I love cozy mysteries. I especially like holiday mysteries and foodie books.
I really liked the holiday setting and the details of Hope's food blogging. (I would have enjoyed even more of those!)
The mystery aspect of the storytelling was well done, with lots going on and leads that could go in several different directions ... which gave this mystery some twists and turns.
I enjoyed A Corpse Among the Carolers and look forward to reading the next book in the Food Blogger Mystery series as well! Recommended for other cozy fans.
I wanted to read A Corpse Among the Carolers because I love cozy mysteries. I especially like holiday mysteries and foodie books.
I really liked the holiday setting and the details of Hope's food blogging. (I would have enjoyed even more of those!)
The mystery aspect of the storytelling was well done, with lots going on and leads that could go in several different directions ... which gave this mystery some twists and turns.
I enjoyed A Corpse Among the Carolers and look forward to reading the next book in the Food Blogger Mystery series as well! Recommended for other cozy fans.
January 12, 2025
In A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS, award-winning author Debra Sennefelder has done it again. Through her ambitious and resourceful sleuth, Hope Early, who never gives up until the crimes are solved, Sennefelder gifts us this charming holiday cozy mystery. As the title implies, Hope discovers the body of one of the residents during the town’s annual Jingle Bell Stroll. And that’s just the first in a string of crimes that rocks this close-knit community. In between Hope creating culinary treats to die for, she persists in searching for clues that will yield results for the local law enforcement before she becomes the missing piece in this intriguing puzzle. Warm, inviting, and fast-paced, A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS is a delicious read that’s perfect for any time of the year.
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