2 Christmas Capers to Listen to Instead of Carols

by Donna Huber

I love everything about Christmas - the cookies and music and movies and romantic holiday novels - but sometimes I need a break from all that sugary, feel-good frivolity. When I need a little palette cleansing I turn to holiday mysteries. A few years ago I read my first Christmas thriller about a serial killing Santa Claus and since I always read a few crime fiction novels set at Christmas. Whether you're not a fan of the Hallmark movie-worthy novels or you just want a change of pace, make sure these novels are on your Christmas list.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free audiobooks were provided for an honest review.

The Christmas Jigsaw Murders by Alexandra Benedict

October 2024; Dreamscape Media; 9781666675337
audio (8h 56m), ebook, print; mystry

On the 1st of December, renowned puzzle setter, loner and Christmas sceptic Carla Murphy finds a hand-delivered present on her doorstep. Unwrapping it, she finds a jigsaw box with a question mark on the lid, and, inside, six jigsaw pieces. When fitted together, the pieces show part of a crime scene – blood-spattered black and white tiles and part of an outlined body. On the back of the pieces is a message: ‘His death takes place on the solstice, unless you can put together the pieces,’ along with a clue to the location of more pieces.

This book balances well the Christmas spirit with the grim reality of a murder mystery. Carla doesn't like Christmas because bad things seem to happen at Christmas - most notably her mother dying during the birth of her sibling. But her adopted son (who also happens to be her great-nephew) loves Christmas. So there is talk of holiday activities such as whether Carla will come for Christmas dinner and decorating for the holidays. 

I liked that the curmudgeon is a female character, but that she isn't the typical Scrooge. She is quite kind - she adopted her great-nephew after his parents were killed and you can tell she truly loves him. While there is a set up for her to change her mind about Christmas, it isn't really a Scrooge-type story. For a reason I can't quite put my finger on, Carla reminded me of Susan Ryeland of Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders.

I do the occasional crossword puzzle and if you enjoy riddles and crosswords, then you enjoy the clues and "fun facts" about crossword puzzle creations. Some of the things Carla reveals I've encountered and recognized in the puzzles I've done but some I haven't (I think I would hate and probably never figure it out if the clue is an anagram). 

Sandra Duncan is a great narrator. She added another dimension to the characters and I had no trouble telling the characters apart when they had dialogue. I found that I had to limit distractions while listening to the audiobook and might have enjoyed the book slightly more if I had read it myself. But if you are just wrapping presents, then this would be a great book to accompany the activity. 

The mystery is interesting and the clues are clever riddles. I didn't guess the killer but it made perfect sense when revealed.

The Christmas Jigsaw Murders is a stand-alone murder mystery, but if you enjoy it as much as I did Benedict has written a couple of other Christmas murder mysteries.

Buy The Christmas Jigsaw Murders at Amazon

Merry Little Murder Plot by Jenn McKinlay

October 2024; Dreamscape Media; 9781666670035
audio (6h 45m); ebook, print; cozy mystery

During the most wonderful time of the year, famous author Helen Monroe arrives in Briar Creek to be the writer in residence, but her “bah humbug” attitude excludes her from the many holiday celebrations the town residents enjoy. Another newcomer, Jackie Lewis, reveals she’s visiting Briar Creek to be near Helen because she believes they are destined to meet. hen Jackie’s body is later discovered in the town park beneath the holiday-light display with a copy of Helen’s latest manuscript in her hand, the reclusive novelist becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her self-proclaimed mega-fan. 

Jenn McKinlay's Library Lover's series is one of my favorite bookish cozy mystery series. While I have read a few of the earlier books (it's my next series to play catch up on) I steadily began reading this series with book 10. Merry Little Murder Plot is book 15. It can easily be read on its own if you are new to the series.

Christmas in Briar Creek is always fun and eventful. The characters are wonderful and slightly quirky so it adds to the fun.

I don't remember Robbie ever playing such a prominent role in the novel but he was in a lot of scenes and he is wonderful. He's very dramatic - he's an actor after all. I found myself grinning just about every time he showed up.

Allyson Ryan is a terrific narrator. I've listened to a few books in this series as well as other books she's read and I always enjoy the books she does. 

If you are looking for a light Christmas mystery then definitely get this book. And if you are looking for a Christmas craft stay tuned until the end for instructions for a paper ornament.

Buy Merry Little Murder Plot at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour. 

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