I’m delighted to share a review of the festive and charming new book by Tonya Kappes: Holly Homicide (Holiday Cozy Mystery #11). I couldn’t agree more with the description of the book: “a festive cozy mystery packed with holiday charm, small-town intrigue, and a dash of romance that will leave readers warm and sleuthing well into the night.” Are you looking for a little escape during the busy holiday season? Grab a cup of your favorite warm beverage and settle in for a mysterious Christmas treat! 

176 pages, Kindle Edition ~ Published November 24, 2024

Welcome to Holiday Junction! If you’re new to this fun series, don’t worry, these books work as standalones or read together. It’s Christmas time and local journalist and amateur sleuth Violet Rhinehammer is loving life in her cozy town. She’s in for some wonderful and some not so wonderful surprises involving the newly renovated lodge in town, opening just in time for Christmas celebrations. 

Unfortunately, a local artist who had a booth at the holiday fair at the lodge is found dead. Violet’s investigative instincts take over, and what a journey she’s on to find the true killer. Clocking in at 176 pages, I inhaled this festive mystery, following along as Violet collected all the clues. The suspect list is long, and she uncovers so many buried-secrets. I gasped at the reveal! 

As with all of Tonya’s books, the characters are just as much fun as the mystery. The sweet romance between Violet and Darren warms the heart, and I do love Violet’s mom. The folks Violet interacts with around town add to the charm of the story. 

The descriptive details bring this story to life. As I opened the book and started reading, I felt like I was truly in Holiday Junction, walking in the snow and viewing all the Christmas decorations with Violet. I hadn’t been feeling very festive, but taking in this merry treat and then putting up our Christmas tree had me humming Christmas carols. 

So, go now, dear readers, and load up your Kindle or order your print copy and set aside some time to visit Holiday Junction with Violet this Christmas season. You won’t regret it! 

Five Stars!