Obviously in the minority here, but really struggled to get into this book. The writing seemed a little off to my taste, and I had trouble getting into the characters. Ended up skimming a bit, and was just curious enough to find out the ending. Would recommend, but would probably not read again.

Review of SLAY BELLS by T. C. Wescott

This nifty little Christmastide cozy is A Christmas Village Mystery #1. Christmas Village is a very magical place, where special snow and beautiful flowers exist year round, villagers are kind and loving, visitors are in awe; and where Mr. and Mrs. Claus live. Maribel Claus is a delightfully winning personality, an amateur sleuth, extraordinarily observant, a great cook, and the devoted owner of two ferrets. When her friend Rose Willoughby's Bed and Breakfast—Plum Cottage Inn—hosts a carnival troupe, Maribel leaps to help out, especially needed after Rose sprains her ankle hanging the Mistletoe.

Unfortunately all is not sweetness and light at this Christmastide, and Rose soon discovers she is harbouring a murderous viper. The Sheriff is well-meaning and dedicated, but Christmas Village can be thankful Maribel Claus is on the trail.

This is a cozy mystery with a good plot and some very good mysteries. The characters are maybe a little too strange, and you will probably not feel too much of a Christmas spirit.

A lovely cozy that brings you to an enchanted town. I loved this book, the style of writing, the cast of characters, and the plot.
It's enjoyable, heartwarming and entertaining.
I hope that this is the beginning of a new series because I would like to read more books set in this town and with this cast of characters.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC