My second book by T. C. Wescott, and one in holiday spirit! I was so excited to read it a week before Christmas. Huge mug in my hand, hot beverage to drink, snow falling outside… it was PERFECT!
I got this book from BooksGoSocial and NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Discovery:
I’ve read ‘Running From Scissors’ by T. C. Wescott a while back and I loved it, so when I saw another mystery written by this author is available on NetGalley, I instantly clicked on getting it! A mystery? In Christmas Village? Read just before Christmas? Yes, please!
Brainstorm:
I wasn’t disappointed. This book was sweet, cozy, well-written, and had an interesting story. Christmas Village is a quirky place, with funny, interesting residents just enough crazy to be adorable. As Wescott’s previous mystery, it had all the attributes a classic crime story has, and beyond that it transferred a wonderful holiday atmosphere that I felt so needed in my life!
Just as before, I loved the author’s style, and the story was engaging. Even though I figured out the person of the murderer pretty soon, I didn’t guess the ‘how’ that soon – and I had that ‘whaaat, really, I should’ve known that‘ feeling at the end. It was fantastic! (Really, it was super logical. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it earlier.) And having Mrs. Claus as our main amateur sleuth investigating? How awesome is that?
My only tiny problem that I should mention was that for a very long time I didn’t really care about the actual suspects. (The ‘outsiders’ in the village.) The villagers were so great characters, but those lodgers were pretty forgettable. It took me a lot of pages to become able to tell one from the other (well, the men at least), and even then I didn’t really care which one was the murderer (only for the sake of the mystery) – I didn’t feel like it would made a difference. By the end, it improved a bit, or so I felt. Otherwise, it was all perfect, and I loved the villagers and their place and traditions very much!
I also want to add it, because it was such a wonderful feeling: this book has some reviews quoted in the beginning about the other book published by Wescott, and there’s a quote from mine! I was so thrilled! It’s amazing. My words are written in a book, guys! 😀
Let’s Give It A Grade!
- Story: 5/5
- Characters: 4/5
- Style: 5/5
- The Subjective Factor: 4/5
- GPA: 4.5
Uniqueness:
I love this unlikely mixture of old classic crime methods, modern technology and this cozy, wintery holiday spirit. 🙂
Recommend to:
Fans of classic and cozy mysteries, especially if you want one to get you in the Christmas mood!
Drink tip:
Plum & cinnamon tea ❤
Music room:
The Christmas songs of Pentatonix would be perfect to listen to!
Future:
After reading this second book by T. C. Wescott, I feel like he’s getting on my auto-read authors list.
What are you reading to get yourself in the holiday spirit? Do you like holiday themed books?
Let’s talk! 😉
Hugs 🙂
Loved your review… I have this book for my Christmas Reads… I hope I enjoy it too…
Having a cuppa ginger tea now… Cheers😘😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t wait to see what you think about it! ☺️ Happy reading!
We’re having ginger tea right now, too!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with you, Dora. The names were a bit confusing. But as the story proceeded and a couple of them either dropped dead or ran away, it was easy peasy to remember the names. 😉
Like how your review of running from scissors is quoted in this book, my review of this book is quoted as “Goodreads reviewer” 😀😀 BTW, running from arrows will be on NetGalley in January. 🙂🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, having the number of them reduced with time helped a lot! 😂 I loved the book anyway, though.
That’s lovely of them, being so specific about your review 😅 they really should’ve quote everybody by either full username/blog name, or simply ‘Goodreads reviewer/blogger’. It’s so not fair mixed. 😔
I know!! Can’t wait to read it!! 😍😻
LikeLike
I love your review of this book, Dora! The mix of crime/mystery in a Christmas setting really appels to me. And that drink sounds lovely right now!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This book was honestly lovely, I hope you’re gonna read and like it! 😉 ❤
LikeLike
I love pentatonix too!!! Congrats on your quote, that’s marvelous!!! I think this cozy sounds PERFECT for me 💕💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! 😘 Right? They’re music is simply beautiful. I also like to sing along with them! 🎶 Not that I’m anywhere their level of singing 😂 I hope you’re gonna read this book, it’s really great. 😊❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person