Book picks similar to
A Christmas Crime by Tara Lyons
christmas
christmas-reads
seasonal
adult-fiction
Snowed In at the Cottage
Catelyn Meadows - 2020
But the jolly strains of Jingle Bells drift through her door and soon she finds herself on a last-minute, snowy excursion with the inn’s surly sleigh driver.She doesn’t know much about driving sleighs, but oh what fun it is to ride with a man who does. Boone is attractive. Just being around him ties Grace into brighter knots than those on the presents surrounding the inn’s Christmas tree. But he’s also cold, uninterested, and because of his painful past he’s determined to keep his distance from the perky, blonde writer.During their ride, in the middle of a perfectly sunny day, music plays and snow begins falling and shows no signs of stopping. Boone and Grace have no choice but to wait out the storm at his nearby cottage.Romance is the last thing Grace and Boone have in mind. Santa and his magic radio have other ideas…If you like to snuggle inside with a book on a snowy day and sizzle inside with all the feels, this book is for you.
Christmas Letters
Debbie Macomber - 2006
She's good at making their everyday lives sound more interesting. More humorous. More dramatic.But for Dr. Wynn Jeffries, who also frequents the cafe, Christmas means lies and deception. In fact, the renowned child psychologist recommends that parents bury Santa under the sleigh. Katherine, however, feels that his parenting philosophy is one big mistake--at least, based on her five-year-old twin nieces, who are being raised according to his Free Child methods.She argues with Wynn about his theories, while he argues that her letters are nothing but lies. They disagree about practically everything--and yet, somehow, they don't really want to stop arguing.As the days--and nights--move closer to Christmas, Katherine and Wynn both discover that love means accepting your differences. And Christmas is about the things you share....
The Woman Who Destroyed Christmas
M.J. Hardy - 2019
He was everything she didn’t want for her little girl and so decided to give fate a helping hand. Luckily, they were invited to spend Christmas with his family which was just the opportunity she needed. Three days to ruin their relationship and save her daughter from a lifetime of regrets. However, Alice has secrets she hopes her daughter will never discover. In interfering with fate, she unlocks the past with devastating consequences. As the snow falls and the sleigh bells ring, this will be one Christmas they will all want to forget. There are more than presents under this Christmas tree and as they unwrap the past, the future will never be the same again. Alice Adams thought she was prepared this Christmas – she was wrong.
The Christmas Murder Game
Alexandra Benedict - 2021
Find the fortune. Solve the Mystery. This Christmas is to die for. Let the game begin...'Endgame has kept our secrets for half a century, now it's time for it, and its secrets, to have a new owner.'When Lily returns home to her aunt's manor house, she discovers that in order to inherit, she and her estranged cousins must stay together over the Christmas week and take part in a family tradition: the annual treasure hunt.But as they are drawn deeper into the game, the clues seem to point not to the deeds to the manor house, but to the key to a twenty-year-old mystery: what really happened to Lily's mother?As a snowstorm cuts them off from the village, it becomes apparent that the game has turned deadly and that Lily is fighting for more than just an inheritance: she is now fighting for her life. Does she have what it takes to survive?12 clues, 12 keys and 12 days of Christmas for the heirs of Endgame House to find their inheritance, but how many will die before Twelfth Night?
The Christmas Wedding
James Patterson - 2011
Since her husband died three years ago, Gaby's four children have drifted apart, each consumed by the turbulence of their own lives. They haven't celebrated Christmas together since their father's death, but when Gaby announces that she's getting married--and that the groom will remain a secret until the wedding day--she may finally be able to bring them home for the holidays.But the wedding isn't Gaby's only surprise--she has one more gift for her children, and it could change all their lives forever. With deeply affecting characters and the emotional twists of a James Patterson thriller, The Christmas Wedding is a fresh look at family and the magic of the season.
Long Shot
Dan Ames - 2015
When he is murdered during a sailboat race, no one sees it coming. Private investigator John Rockne investigates the killing and soon unravels a web of greed and betrayal. A hard-hitting, action-packed story in the bestselling and award-winning John Rockne Mystery Series.
Tangled Lives: A gripping new gangland crime novel (Risking It All Book 2)
Stephanie Harte - 2020
and he certainly doesn't forgive. Can Nathan and Gemma's marriage survive the mob boss's return? Nathan has tried to be a changed man for Gemma after they escaped gangster Alfie's clutches, but it doesn't take long for him to give into temptation... and now Alfie's back to get what's his. Alfie doesn't like losing. The gangster has been biding his time ever since Nathan and Gemma escaped his clutches, but he's determined to collect his debt now. It helps that he knows about Gemma's big secret... Gemma's been hiding something life-changing from her husband while they've been on the run. But now Alfie's back in town, her lies could cost her Nathan... and her son.
The Teacup Conspiracy
Jackie Zack - 2021
All she has left is her cat, Merlin, and questions. Why had her husband refused to explain his moodiness? Instead, he’d given her colorful teacups as gifts. Eerily, teacups she’d stored away or donated reappear. How could that happen? Strange occurrences at work in the psychiatry office cause doubt. Is she slowly losing it?Ex-cop Rand Grand opens his dream shop, Tea & Cakes. He’s delighted to meet Gia, a beautiful brunette who frequents his business. He discovers she’s lost her husband in the same incident that took his wife. Rand can’t accept the shooting as random. As the officer on the scene, he blames himself for the tragic loss of life.Gia loves Tea & Cakes but even more the handsome owner. Can he help her outwit the unknown evil waging a deadly game against her before it’s too late?
The Postmaster's Daughter
Louis Tracy - 1916
You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.
Shh
Jocelyn Dexter - 2020
Teaming up with the lead Detective, the pair attempt to understand the psychology driving the killer.Having a voice, and being able to read not only lips, but body language, Annie realises that the killer is targeting people she knows. And Annie has lots of friends. Friends now at risk.Desperate to save those around her Annie and the police find themselves in a race against time to save people in the deaf community.And as the murders escalate, the killer’s obsession grows.Will the police untangle the killer’s motivation before it’s too late for Annie?Shh is a chilling and twisty psychological thriller from debut author Jocelyn Dexter. It will appeal to fans of authors like Claire McGowan, Cara Hunter and Lisa Jewell.
Christmas Comes to Dickens
Nancy FraserPeggy Jaeger - 2020
We have the annual tree lighting in the town square, a snowman building competition, ice skating on Grosvenor’s Pond, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. You’re welcome to cut down your own Christmas tree at Gridley Meadows, or join in the caroling on the Common.Dickens offers an abundance of heartfelt wishes, a few much needed miracles, and—quite possibly—a touch of magic! Families reunite, new friends are made, and old flames take a second chance at happiness. All while celebrating this most joyful time of the year.Join us as our best selling and award winning authors fill your holiday stocking with ten brand new novellas ranging from sweet to sassy, including:Millie’s Awesome Holiday Miracle by Top 100 Author Nancy Fraser ~ She’s an overworked single mom struggling to make ends meet. He’s the handsome CEO who’s come to Dickens to save—or close—the toy factory. Can one precocious little girl bring a couple of much-needed miracles to the people she cares about most?Miracle At Holly Hill Inn by Top 100 Author Maddie James ~ Ariana is looking for the perfect Christmas village. Instead, she finds the town Scrooge. Will two days snowbound together at Holly Hill Inn bring them closer together, or send them each on their merry way?Holiday Hearts by Top 100 Author Caroline Clemmons ~ Laura Jordan’s beauty and sense of humor are more apparent than her sharp mind, soft heart, and strict code of right and wrong. Ward Callahan has avoided romantic complications to throw himself into building his ad agency. Once he meets Laura, he falls hard but must convince her that dating her boss is not inappropriate. Can he convince her he doesn’t want her heart only for the holidays, but forever?The Tinsel Tango by Best Selling Author Bonnie Edwards ~ Brenna needs some R&R over Christmas in Dickens. Tango lessons from mysterious Jett…Smith? may bring her everything her heart desires, but his secrets may kill the love they find.Wisdom of the Heart by USA Today Best Selling Author Liz Flaherty ~ They were best friends who fell in love, but that was high school. Life and families and other loves had happened since that dear and distant time. They're friends again, comfortable with each other and having so much fun at Christmas time in Dickens. They're not still in love, but...wait...could it be happening again?Operation Snowball by Best Selling Author Kathryn Hills ~ Returning to small town life is hard for Army veteran John Gridley. The last thing he expects to find is love with the beautiful widow, Heather Murphy. Can the perfect Christmas tree and a missing cat named Snowball bring them together despite meddling townsfolk?Angel Kisses and Holiday Wishes by Best Selling Author Peggy Jaeger ~ When Sage left town 18 years ago, she left Keith's heart in tatters. Now she's back, and he's wondering if they can put the past behind them and rekindle the love they lost.Holly’s Wish by Top 100 Author Kathleen Lawless ~ What if the girl who got away is actually standing right in front of you? Years earlier, Nico and Holly shared one magical Christmas Eve. She never stopped wishing he’d find where she left her number.When he does, is it too late?Holiday Heart Wishes by Award Winning Author Lucinda Race ~ On her way into Dickens to visit family, Vera picks up Tony, a stranded motorist. Rather than part ways when they arrive, they discover their loved ones are intent on getting married. Can they slow down the older couple's rush to the altar? Or, will holiday heart wishes come true for everyone?Santa’s Wish by Best Selling Author Jan Scarbrough ~ Will Christmas magic help them overcome Roz’s career ambitions and Cooper’s grief, and bring them together for a second chance at love?
Wedding bells at the Signal Box Cafe
Annette Hannah - 2020
After moving her eight-year-old son to the countryside she's surprised to find the perfect location and her best friend, Abbie, eager to help make that dream a reality! Too bad Abbie's older brother Dominic isn't keen on Lucy or their big idea!As a divorce lawyer Dominic doesn't believe in love at first sight or wedding vows, he's seen them broken more times than he can count. But when Lucy arrives back in town, his hardened heart begins to crack.Making her dream come true is a huge undertaking, but Lucy knows that The Signal Box Café is her chance to finally make something of her life. If only the irritating (and oh-so-gorgeous) Dom didn't make her imagine wearing a white dress and walking down the aisle...Can Lucy and Dominic find a way to each other this summer or will the wedding bells chime for another couple?
The Big Book of Christmas Mysteries
Otto Penzler - 2013
Edgar Award-winning editor Otto Penzler collects sixty of his all-time favorite holiday crime stories--many of which are difficult or nearly impossible to find anywhere else. From classic Victorian tales by Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Thomas Hardy, to contemporary stories by Sara Paretsky and Ed McBain, this collection touches on all aspects of the holiday season, and all types of mysteries. They are suspenseful, funny, frightening, and poignant. Included are puzzles by Mary Higgins Clark, Isaac Asimov, and Ngaio Marsh; uncanny tales in the tradition of A Christmas Carol by Peter Lovesey and Max Allan Collins; O. Henry-like stories by Stanley Ellin and Joseph Shearing, stories by pulp icons John D. MacDonald and Damon Runyon; comic gems from Donald E. Westlake and John Mortimer; and many, many more. Almost any kind of mystery you’re in the mood for--suspense, pure detection, humor, cozy, private eye, or police procedural—can be found in these pages. FEATURING:- Unscrupulous Santas- Crimes of Christmases Past and Present- Festive felonies- Deadly puddings- Misdemeanors under the mistletoe- Christmas cases for classic characters including Sherlock Holmes, Brother Cadfael, Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot, Ellery Queen, Rumpole of the Bailey, Inspector Morse, Inspector Ghote, A.J. Raffles, and Nero Wolfe.
He Sees You When You're Sleeping
Mary Higgins Clark - 2002
For forty-six years Sterling has been awaiting his summons into Heaven. Will he be deemed fit for entrance into heaven this year? At last the day comes and the Heavenly Council settles on a test for Sterling - he will be sent back to earth and given an opportunity to prove his worthiness by helping someone else. Sterling Brooks finds himself in Manhattan, at the skating rink in Rockefeller Center. Among the skaters is a heartbroken seven-year-old named Marissa. Her sadness comes from her separation from the father she adores, a talented singer, and her sparkling grandmother, owner of a popular restaurant. Both have been forced into the Witness Protection Program because two mobsters, the Badgett brothers, have put a price on their heads to prevent their testifying against them in an arson case. As Sterling soon realizes, it is Marissa he has been sent to help. Sterling, who is able to move back and forth in time and place, masterminds a plan to eliminate the threat from the Badgett brothers and reunite Marissa with her loved ones. Filled with suspense and humour, HE SEES YOU WHEN YOU'RE SLEEPING is a delightful and warmhearted tale of perseverance, redemption, and love.
The Sheriff’s Unexpected Christmas Miracle
Rita Wethers - 2020
But things might not be as simple as they thought.What happens when duty and love collide? Wyatt Norris fears the answer. Marked by a tragic past, he lives alone, honoring his duties as Sheriff, yet denying himself the chance to love again. When he is called on to the Alcot’s farm to investigate a mysterious disappearance, he finds a second chance at love waiting for him this Christman. A kind woman, Ruby, who deserves so much more than she has been offered will soften his heart. The guilt that hunts Wyatt, however, is not so easily beaten and he will have to go above and beyond to save Ruby from a perilous game of life and death.Ruby Alcot knows she has made the wrong choice to marry Mathew. He drinks and gambles, making her life a living hell. The only good thing out of this union is her son, her pride and joy. When Mathew disappears one day, the disturbing news brings the Sheriff knocking on Ruby’s door and suddenly, her desire for her family’s reunion is countered by her desire for a better life at the side of that man who is trying everything to help her.Yet, both Ruby and Wyatt bear internal scars that prevent them from succumbing to love’s call. What’s more, a dangerous gambler is after Ruby and her land, and her husband’s recklessness puts everyone at risk. Will Wyatt be able to save Ruby and her son before it’s too late?