I grew up enjoying classic murder mysteries set at Christmas…worshippers bustling to Christmas services while the pastor and his wife are sleuthing around trying to catch a killer. That’s right up my alley…is my cup of tea.

Since then I’ve come to enjoy a supernatural twist here and there as one of the characters turns out to be an angel. Or, the slant is more chick lit with the sleuth running around in four inch stilettos in the snow while a serial killer is on the loose.  And don’t forget the Young Adult Christmas mysteries. They can send a few chills up your spine.

Below is a wonderful variety of Christmas mysteries, romantic suspense, and thrillers.

THE WITCH TREE by Karin Kaufman

Four days before Christmas in Elk Park, Colorado, genealogist Anna Denning discovers a client’s body. When she starts asking questions no one wants answered, she becomes the killer’s next target. Still grieving the death of her husband, Anna must draw on her wounded faith to enter a world of wicca and paganism–reminders of a past she buried long ago–and discover the secret of The Witch Tree.

Amazon/Kindle. http://is.gd/EtjCqj

Barnes and Noble/Nook. http://is.gd/HUkSuK

GOODBYE NOEL by Nike Chillemi

The first body is found under a trimmed Christmas tree, the second as they ring in the New Year (1947), the third goes head long out a window. Will a young pediatric nurse determined to make it on her own be able to care for an infant whose mother was murdered and escape the killer who has struck again? Can she trust the stalwart village detective with her life and her heart as he works to catch this killer before somebody else dies?

Amazon/Kindle. http://is.gd/F0J3FA

Barnes and Noble/Nook. http://is.gd/gLdCaB

TERROR AT WOLF LAKE by Max Elliot Anderson

Eddy  Thompson’s hero is John Dillinger, one of the most dangerous bank robbers in  American history. With school out for Christmas, Eddy’s father invites Chet, Rusty, and  their fathers to a cabin he owns on Wolf Lake, Michigan, for ice  fishing, tobogganing, and winter fun. One day, two real bank robbers toss their  stolen cash over Eddy’s fence hoping to come back for it later. Eddy wants to keep it, and that’s when their troubles begin. But the  terror follows them all the way back  home.

Amazon/Kindle. http://is.gd/nj1lAS

Barnes and Noble/Nook. http://is.gd/4sQZW5

SEASON OF DANGER by Hanna Alexander and Jill Elizabeth Nelson, a two novella anthology

Silent Night, Deadly Night by Hannah Alexander ~ After sabotage strikes the Vance Rescue Mission, volunteer Sean Torrance tries to guarantee the mission a safe Christmas. But can Sean protect Tess Vance when the sabotage becomes poisonous—with Tess as the target?  Mistletoe Mayhem by Jill Elizabeth Nelson ~ Holiday cheer turns chilling in Abbottsville, TN, as danger infects humans and animals. Local vet Kelly Granger knows health inspector Matt Bennett is chasing the wrong target, and will face any danger to show him the truth. Even if working with Matt means risking her life . . . and her heart.

Amazon/Kindle. http://is.gd/r0I0P7

Barnes and Noble/Nook. http://is.gd/kqgb2l

SAFE AND SOUND by Christina Freeburn

While Connor Stratford served in Iraq, his wife Hannah got lost during a blizzard and the mountain claimed her. When a woman’s body was discovered after an explosion, Connor learned her death wasn’t accidental. Now, a man responsible for Hannah’s death is hunting down another woman. To keep the woman safe and draw the murderer to him, Connor offers her shelter in his home. When the woman claims to be his wife Hannah, Connor’s past and present are pulled apart. Is the woman who she claims she is…or is she running a scam with the man who murdered his wife?

Amazon/Kindle. http://is.gd/0wKUm0

Barnes and Noble. http://is.gd/tRm0z8

From our writing nooks, crannies, and offices — we wish you all a very joyous and merry Christmas

and a healthy, happy, and prosperous

New Year