This is the first book in a new series by Deborah Fowler and was such a good read! It’s very character driven which meant the pacing wasn’t too fast, but this was needed to help build the story and get to know the characters backstories better.

Definitely one to sit and enjoy snuggled up by the fireplace!

After the death of her husband, Merrin has moved back St Ives, the town where she grew up. When an old friend, who owns a couple of holiday rentals, asks her to help clean them up before the arrival of holiday guests, she agrees. Housekeeping is not exactly her thing and she hopes she won’t find too much of a mess. She definitely did not anticipate finding the body of a young man tucked up neatly, almost lovingly, in one of the bedrooms.

A St Ives Christmas Mystery is the start to a new cozy mystery series by Deborah Fowler and it is quite an entertaining beginning. The pace here is somewhat slow, more character than action driven and that’s not a bad thing, as it allows the story to build gradually as we get to know the characters who are well-drawn with interesting back stories as well as the countryside which Fowler describes beautifully. There are several plot lines, both in St Ives and in Oxford where Merrin’s daughter attends school but they are eventually all tied together satisfactorily. Over all, a quiet but very enjoyable Christmas cozy.

Thanks to Netgalley and Allison & Busby for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

An enjoyable start to a new series! I like the main character, Merrin McKenzie, who finds herself living in the coastal Welsh town she was raised in after her life changes forever. Her background as an attorney in family services and knowledge of police procedure serve her well when she stumbles upon a body, when she realizes she may be a suspect she needs to get involved. She’s intelligent and very empathetic, she can get people to talk, and has her old friends to rely on for help. The interaction between she and her daughter, off to college at Oxford, is believably written and I found myself rooting for them, the setting in charming St. Ives is beautifully described, and the ending was satisfying, I won’t give away details except that I liked Inspector Peppiatt’s decisions.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Allison and Busby for an advance copy, I’ve added the author to my watch list for the next in the series.

A well written cosy with a likable heroine. Merrin McKenzie has been recently widowed. Seeking a change, she returns to her childhood village of St Ives in Cornwall. It doesn’t take long until she is helping the police with a two suspicious murders that also involve drug running, and relationship abuse. The story develops gradually as Merrin and the local police piece together the clues. St Ives is beautifully described and it is obvious the author is well acquainted with the area. This is the start of a new series and I look forward to reading the next installment. Thanks to NetGalley, and Allison and Busby for the advance electronic copy. I recommend this book.
A true cosy with no bad language, sex, or graphic details.