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Read if you like:
🎄 Christmas murder
🎄 books about books ❤️❤️❤️
🎄 small town Christmas festival

I loved the scenery and descriptions in here! It definitely felt like a Christmas book ❤️💚 I really enjoyed the descriptions of all the food that was happening in the book! It made me hungry 😈😈 And of course I love a Christmas festival! I love the descriptions of everything so I can envision that I am actually in the book with the characters.
This was definitely a slower cozy mystery, and I feel like it didn’t hold my attention like many other cozy mysteries do 👎🏻
The characters were just meh for me, I did not love or hate them. I feel like the book was so long and drawn out and then the end was just thrown in there.
I read this one without reading any of the other books in the series, but I think that was totally fine I didn’t feel like I missed any big details or anything like that.

Holiday Homicide by Ellie Alexander is a delightful \ addition to the Secret Bookcase Mystery series. In this fourth installment, Alexander expertly weaves together cozy charm with a touch of suspense. The plot, set against the festive backdrop of the holiday season, keeps readers engaged with its intriguing mystery, relatable characters, and unexpected twists. The protagonist, along with the supportive cast, adds warmth and depth to the story, making it a perfect read for fans of cozy mysteries. (I received an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.) With its clever writing and holiday flair, Holiday Homicide is sure to leave readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the series.

A Holiday Homicide is the 4th installment of the Secret Bookcase Mystery Series. Annie is once again busy with a promotion for the Secret Bookcase book store. This time, there is a gingerbread house contest led by a famous baking influencer, Lily Hawthorne. Redwood Grove residents enthusiastically baked gingerbread houses to enter in the contest. Annie is dealing with some things in her personal life. She and Fletcher, another employee at the bookshop, are trying to figure out if they can buy the bookshop from the retiring owner, Hal. Annie also has an offer to join the Redwood Grove police department. Her romance with a local pub owner is heating up. And she still is trying to solve the mystery around her best friend’s murder ten years ago. With all this going on, Annie discovers a body in the bookshop. As she tries to help solve this mystery, all the other aspects of her life are keeping her busy. The characters are well developed. The story is fast paced. Each book is a read alone, but I feel like you get to know more about them in each book. Although this is set at Christmas time, it really isn’t what I would call a Christmas book. In all honesty, I love Ellie Alexander books. She has several series going that I enjoy immensely. I’m thrilled to have gotten an ARC from NetGalley and Storm Publishing. My only problem is waiting for the next book in whichever series Ms. Alexander is working on currently. Love the book!

This is the first book I have read by this author and I found it a really lovely cozy mystery. I loved that it was dealing with a current murder and a cold case murder too.

I loved the Christmas setting in the Secret Bookcase Series, and the characters were all so lovely, especially Annie’s.

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing

(3.75 stars)
This fourth book in the Secret Bookcase mystery series is another winner for Ellie Alexander. This one is filled with Christmas atmosphere, and centers around a gingerbread house contest being hosted by the Secret Bookcase bookstore. Once again, we get a lot of local color, with the setting in a northern California town called Redwood Grove. The main character is Annie Murray, who runs the special events for the mystery-centric bookstore. Gingerbread houses have nothing to do with mysteries, but that’s okay, as it’s a great way to drum up interest and business for the store. The gingerbread house contest has attracted a baking influencer named Lily who will be live-streaming from the event. One of the most interesting things about this book was being able to see both the public side of a social media influencer and the behind-the-scenes aspect.

As indicated by the title, there’s a death at the event and there are several suspects. I guessed correctly on the murderer’s identity but not the method. Along with that mystery, there’s progress in the murder case of Annie’s best friend, Scarlet, which has been a topic running through all four of the books in this series. I hope we’ll get more in the next book in the series (I’m assuming there will be at least one more!) There is also progress in Annie’s plans for her future - will she continue to work at the bookstore or follow her first love (she studied criminal justice in college) and join her mentor in an official capacity in the police department? There’s also progress in Annie’s relationship with Liam, the local pub owner.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

The fourth book in the Secret Bookcase Mystery series by Ellie Alexander is a definite hit with me! A Holiday Homicide embraces all that I cherish in a cozy mystery, infused with a holiday seasoned theme – what more could one ask for? Engaging characters, interesting whodunit which captured my interest throughout and wonderful character development.

Redwood Grove is abuzz with the latest event being hosted by the Secret Bookcase – a gingerbread house competition. Talk about getting someone in the holiday mood – the following passage certainly got to me:

“The bookstore was my favorite place on the planet on an average ordinary day, but during the holidays, it was pure magic. Festive jazz music drifted along the corridors of the restored English country estate that now housed the largest mystery bookshop on the West Coast. I made my way to the Foyer, where dazzling golden twinkle lights greeted me, along with two small Christmas trees flanking the front doors.”

Okay – back to the story. The Secret Bookcase is holding a competition, with many Gingerbread House baker’s in attendance. Stiff competition unfortunately yields a tragic event – the death of Lily – a social media influencer and baker! And of course with this happening, Annie is driven to piece together the series of events that have lead to this death. We find out the baking community is certainly not all sweetness, but a ruthless bunch of baker’s! Who would have thought? There are many red herrings to keep readers guessing. And if I am being truthfully honest – that is the way I like my cozy mysteries – guessing until the end.

Annie and her new beau Liam are also progressing nicely in the advancement of their relationship. I am quite enjoying this slow burn; happy they are not rushing their relationship.

I enjoyed the interaction between Pri (Annie’s bestie) and Annie as they are walking to the pub, moving towards Annie’s opportunity of taking a step to bringing Scarlett’s killer to justice – talk about nervous (both Annie and this reader). This also reminded me of discussions re: Santa I had with my parents previously as a child:

“I can’t remember a time I was this nervous, and also strangely excited,” I admitted. “It’s kind of like Christmas Eve. I was also super excited for presents and slightly terrified of actually seeing Santa Claus.”

“Totally normal. It’s a strange dude coming down the chimney. Think about the lyrics to ‘Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town’. ‘He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake.’ Stalker much?” She laughed and squeezed my hand tighter as the pathway spilled out onto the village square.”

Concurrently, she is also moving along her fact finding mission with respect to the events that lead to Scarlett’s death all those years ago. The death which occurred while Annie and Scarlett were investigating a cold case as part of the requirements for a criminology course they were taking.

The continuing steps Annie is taking towards solving the murder of Scarlett throughout this series is a theme which, if you have not read the series from the beginning, warrants the reader to start the series at the beginning as this will add depth to the stories as each are read. The reader will understand Annie’s motivation and get a real sense of her history. Though note that A Holiday Homicide can be read as a stand alone.

I am so thrilled with this series and this latest installment. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, excellent story telling, Christmas themed stories and baked goods (and who doesn’t), then pick up a copy of A Holiday Homicide and get settled for a cozy read 🙂

Ellie Alexander has done it again! A Holiday Homicide, book four in the Secret Bookcase Mystery, is the perfect Christmas cozy mystery - celebrity baker, gingerbread house competition, quaintly decorated small town, and a cast of characters we’ve all come to know and love during the last four books. I’m counting the days until the next book.

I love the Secret Bookcase Mystery series! A Holiday Homicide by Ellie Alexander was a short and sweet cozy mystery! I have loved the growth of Annie as a main character over the last four books. In A Holiday Homicide Annie and her crew decide to host a holiday bake off at her bookstore hosted by a famous baking influencer. Unfortunately before the fun filled weekend takes off someone ends up dead! It's up to Ellie and her friends to solve the case. These are great books for a quick mystery or palette cleanser. I'd recommend!

5/5 stars

I devoured this book and this cozy mystery series keeps getting better and better! Returning to charming Redwood Grove in all his small town vibes is very nostalgic and I want to go visit The Secret Bookcase bookstore.

This one was easy to follow, kept me invested and I loved the advancements in Annie's personal life too.

The whodunnit in these books are so good and I keep thinking I'm going to guess the killer but I don't.

I loved all the baking aspects and it was fun to learn about the future of The bookstore.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 5 to come out!

I'm so glad I live in a world with Ellie Alexander holiday reads - truly a gift to readers! I only started reading cozy mysteries this year but Ellie Alexander is absolutely one of my all time favorite authors. The gingerbread making, Christmas vibes, and of course a mystery are perfect! This one should be read anytime that you need to feel warm and happy.

Loving this series! Such a great holiday mystery to read curled up on the couch. Ellie Alexander is fantastic!! Give me more!!

This series, and Annie in particular, has grown on me. She has become more tolerable now that she has acknowledged her feelings for Liam and isn’t coming up with reasons to hate him. The mystery was well-paced and interesting but where this excelled was in the ongoing investigation into Scarlet’s murder; great strides were made in the cold case and really propelled it further. Looking forward to learning more about that in the next one.

Nothing quite says holiday cheer like homicide. At least for cozy holiday mystery lovers. And Ellie Alexander delivers in the latest Secret Bookcase Mystery where Annie has to solve the murder of a celebrity influencer who dies in the bookstore during a gingerbread competition. Yes, you will find the holiday spirit here with all sorts of activities, decorations and appropriate food but also the dark side of online influencers.

A good solid mystery and some further information about the murder of her friend in college. I look forward to the next in the series.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

A Holiday Homicide is a delightfully charming, holiday cozy mystery. Annie and her fellow bookstore owners are hosting a gingerbread-baking competition, and a celebrity influencer has agreed to attend. Unfortunately, when the star is discovered murdered among the bookshelves, Annie is thrust into yet another murder investigation. With a new relationship blooming, Annie must balance her love life, her business goals, and her desire to solve this case - all during the hectic holiday season.

A Holiday Homicide is a perfect cozy. I love the bookstore with all of its quirks and secret rooms. The characters in this series are great, and I can't wait to see how Annie and Fletchers' new business partnership develops! This series is interesting because there is both a murder mystery that occurs in each installment and then an overarching murder that Annie has been trying to solve for the past decade. This larger mystery continues to develop from book to book. I am definitely looking forward to Annie's next adventure and can't wait to find out more about Scarlet's murder.

Another awesome cozy by author Ellie Alexander! This cozy has everything a reader wants. Awesome characters, solid mystery plot that flows smoothly and filled with lots of red herrings. Its always a treat to read one of this author's books! Thanks #Netgalley and #Storm for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

I loved being back with Annie and the gang for a holiday book, and one that included a baking competition no less! Great mystery, characters and lots of holiday festivities.

Annie Murray lives in Redwood and works in a bookshop the secret bookcase .
She’s an ex criminology student and an amateur sleuth .
This is a perfect Christmas cosy mystery Annie is a great character and she has plenty of depth .
There are some lovely warm characters mixed with the seemingly “ normal” characters who are not all they seem .
A bookshop, murder and an amateur detective what’s not to love ?
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing .

Gingerbread contest in restored estate, now bookshop, provides a sensory experience to this murder mystery. Sights and smells of the holiday permeate the plot and provide nice backdrop to the plot. Characters were so interesting from deeply caring and kind to deeply flawed and scary. Would definitely read future books in this series.Thanks to #NetGalley and #AHolidayHomicide for advanced digital copy.

Ellie Alexander does it again!!

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC and chance to give my honest feedback

The fourth book in the Secret Bookcase series and it is such a fun series to read! I LOVE the main character Annie and her relationship with her friends in Redwood Grove.
Cozy, classic mysteries with fun banter and great character building. It is not 100% necessary to read them in order but I highly recommend it as the character relationships and story builds with each book.
I loved that this book dove deeper into Annie's past with her friend Scarlet. It left on a bit of a cliff hanger and I absolutely cannot wait to dive into the next book!!

The more books I read in this series, the more I fall in love with it. I hope there are more books coming because I would absolutely love them.

What I liked:
1. Annie’s character and her growth are so realistic and relatable
2. The development of the relationship between Annie and Liam is also realistic and not rushed.
3. The setting is so cozy and welcoming. I could escape to Redwood Grove right now
4. That it is a locked room mystery that isn’t gory or detailed. I love watching the mystery be solved without all the details

My only criticism is about pacing. I think there are parts that could be more drawn out but I also think there are parts that could’ve been faster. Again, I love this series and am happy to have read this installment. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy.