Jenna had planned to spend a happy, cozy Christmas decorating the Cookbook Nook, but her family has other plans. First her snooty sister, worried that her husband has been doing things he shouldn’t shows up on Jenna’s doorstep. She’s soon followed by the news that a friend of her father may have been the target of a murder that claimed the life of another man. Slipping into her role of private detective, Jenna begins looking into all the people who might want Jake dead, but she’s not quite fast enough, because Jake is poisoned and close to death. This cozy series combines some of my favorite things, books, cooking and murder!

This year Jenna Hart is getting families and murder for Christmas.

It is Christmas in Crystal Cove, CA, and Jenna Hart is getting ready for the holidays. The decorations are out, family and friends are arriving, and The Cookbook Nook is ready for those last minute events. It is a great time of year for everyone, except for the visiting friend of one of the long time residents, who is found deceased, tangled in the Christmas lights.

This is the 7th book in the A Cookbook Nook Mystery series by Daryl Wood Gerber, and is a fantastic addition to the series. As always, the book has a very tight plot with good distribution of clues that will keep you guessing. Daryl's characters are fun and ever evolving, growing as the series continues. I love how she keeps you guessing between the new and old characters.

The pacing is nice. You get a great story that builds steadily, keeping you guessing for the whole sleighride. To keep you in the holiday spirit after you finish the mystery, there is a whole list of Christmas recipes for you to try. I can't wait to pick out a few to make this December.

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.