Thank you so much NetGalley for gifting me this copy of Christmas Murders to read and review. I will start by saying that while it was refreshing to read a Christmas novella that was not a romance the plot was a bit formulaic and the characters were not very unique. I also wasn't a huge fan of the writing I had a hard time focusing since there were quite a few cliches. The setting of the novel was in the spirit of Christmas and I did like the description of the trees and the holiday decor around the town. I wish I could have reviewed this on Goodreads but it was not available on that platform. All in all I would give this a solid two stars.

Who would love this:
readers who like a good mystery
readers looking for a Christmas book that is not a romance
readers looking for a short and sweet holiday read

Overall this was an engaging and fun mystery for the holidays. The writing was conversational and easy to read, but at times I found it to be too blunt, lacking descriptions and the pacing a bit rushed. The characters were likable, and I’ll definitely read more from this author!

I really enjoyed this little christmas mystery!
It kept me engaged throughout and it kept me guessing!
This is the first christmas book I've actually ever read so I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it!
Will definitely recommend to my reader friends.

*Christmas Murders* by S.F. Baumgartner is a tightly plotted police procedural that delivers a lot of story in a compact package. With plenty of suspense, unexpected twists, and a strong, kickass female lead, it keeps you hooked from start to finish. While the title and the story's setting during the holiday season hint at a festive theme, don't expect a traditional Christmas tale—it's more about the gripping mystery. Still, it's a quick, engaging read that's perfect for the busy holiday season!

Who doesn’t love mysteries at Christmas time. This book was great! I didn’t want to put it down. I highly recommend this book.

For a mystery that is akin to James Patterson books, I see why, but that's a tall order. I was trying to confirm the target audience for this, but if Patterson books are meant for adults, this one felt like it was better suited for teenagers. The mystery was too cookie cutter, everything seems to be figured out immediately, the suspect too sus hence it's really predictable, and the main character is deemed smart but actually it didn't take a lot to figure out what was going on. In short, it's too unbelievable for both the police and FBI to not solve the case. Everything felt rushed but it's just a novella so I guess it had to. I wouldn't say it was a holiday book, it just so happened that the murders happened during Christmastime, so don't read for holiday feels only. Overall it was just okay for me, might recommend to a younger audience.

Detective Kylie "KC" Cassidy's career wilts like a thirsty poinsettia in the Florida heat. When a councilman is found dead during Christmas week, KC must solve this high-profile case before the New Year's Eve fireworks or face unemployment.
As she delves deeper, more bodies surface like unwanted gifts. KC is running out of time, the clock ticking down as though in a twisted Advent calendar.

Just when she thinks it’s over, the tables turn. Will she survive the ordeal and save her career, or will this be her last Christmas?


Loved it. Cannot wait to read more from the author. Will recommend to others.

A short but sweet Christmas crime mystery! You meet detective Kylie Cassidy aka KC, who is a detective in a small town in Florida. It’s Christmas time and while Pine Grove is getting in the festive spirit, KC finds herself with a missing family member, a dead councilman and more bodies piling up. KC starts to realize there might be more going on in the dark in this sleepy little town and she must put a stop to it before the new year or she’s out of a job.
I enjoyed this novella, I like reading classic cop procedural crime books so this one had all the right vibes! Other then the title, there was not as much Christmas vibes in it though. I am intrigued to check out the author’s other books because the criminal, The Ghost, from her mirrored estates series is mentioned in this novella.
I do also hope we get more books about Detective Cassidy! Thanks NetGalley for the ARC

An easy going book. K.C. Cassidy is a detective in a small town sheriff’s department. Nothing exciting happens until an old school friend tells KC that he believes there is a mole in the sheriffs department. A local town councillor is murdered so KC and another detective team up to try to solve the murder. Unbeknownst to them the murder is also of interest to the F.B.I who are investigating drug smuggling within the town. More bodies are discovered and evidence disappears from the lock up. KC is recruited by the FBI to gather information to bring down the drug organisation and reveal the mole. Not much in the way of Christmas, but nevertheless an enjoyable story.

Christmas Murders: A Mystery by S.F. Baumgartner is a gripping holiday thriller that follows Detective Kylie "KC" Cassidy as she navigates a high-stakes murder investigation during Christmas week. KC, struggling with a career on the line, is tasked with solving the mysterious death of a councilman before the year's end—or risk losing her job. As she digs deeper into the case, more bodies begin to pile up, each one a grim gift that leads her closer to a dark conspiracy. With time running out, KC must unravel the truth before the final countdown to New Year's Eve. Will she solve the case in time to save her career, or will this be her last Christmas? Perfect for fans of the Michael Bennett series, this fast-paced mystery is filled with twists and tension.

Thanks to Netgalley and FB Publishing for an advance copy for my honest review.

Novel Nerd Blog : https://smithareading.blogspot.com/

Detective Kylie "KC" Cassidy's career needs a boost to stay in the quiet little Florida town. And the dead councilman that turned up at Christmas might just be the thing to do it!

It seems that nothing much ever happens in Pine Grove, but suddenly there are multiple murders! But it seems like the bad guys are always one step ahead. Why is that? Are they just that good or is there a mole in her small department?

All the hallmarks of a good story: murder, mystery, drugs, and even a little bit of relationship development.

Thanks to NetGalley, Booksgosocial, and S.F. Baumgartner for the eARC.

The novella Christmas Murders by S.F. Baumgartner is a well plotted police procedural that packs a whole lot of story in a fairly small space. It combines edge-your-seat suspense and plenty of twists and turns with a kickass female protagonist to make for a very compelling read. It should be noted that, outside of the title and the time period of the tale, there is very little to do with Christmas here. Still a fast short and entertaining read perfect for this very busy time of year.

Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read this book in e change for an honest review

I feel like as a Christmas Mystery, this book was a bit of a catfish. There's a few holiday references at the beginning, but mostly this is a first person novella about a short police investigation.
Not a huge novella fan and I wanted more Christmas spirit!

I like novellas for when I'm in the mood for a quick read, but unfortunately this one didn't work for me. I think it would have been much better if it was longer.

The plot was good but it all felt terribly rushed. I picked it up for the "Christmas" part, but it didn't feel Christmassy at all. And there was only one person who could be the mole.

Plus the MC is a terrible, insufferable person. Her very first reaction to hearing that someone had been murdered was, "Awesome! This will further my career!"

Ok, total transparency here, I got hooked with just one sentence in the book summary, “ If you like the Michael Bennett series, you’ll love this crime mystery!” . That’s it, that’s all it took. As a devoted Michael Bennett fan, I knew I had to have this one. It’s all good! Amidst this sappy holiday reading binge I’ve been on, I have come across some good holiday crime thrillers and suspense too. This one was a good break if you too need something different from all the Hallmark romances and family dramas.

However, it became clear that the FMC isn’t anything like Michael Bennett. Michael is a seasoned NYC detective with a long and decorated career and an impressive arrest and cleared record. KC has only been a detective a few years whose career so far hasn’t been all that impressive and her arrest and solve record a little thin. Furthermore, Michael is very well known and liked among the brass and city officials. KC, on the other hand, is the only detective for the Pine Grove police force (a very small town in FL) that has her working mostly shoplifting and burglaries cases. Furthermore, she is on the verge of losing her job because the mayor’s nephew just passed the detective’s exam and is going to be the new department’s detective come Jan 1st. Pine Grove’s budget can only afford one detective on the force. Additionally, Michael is a father of 10 (and working on #11) with kids ranging from grade school to college. KC is as single as a pringle with no kids. Hmmm…..has me questioning the purpose of adding that blurb in the book summary.

Anyway, book summaries aside, KC suddenly finds herself in the midst of a murder case, which is extremely unusual for Pine Grove. The Sheriff calls in reinforcements to help KC with the investigation, a Det Morales, that KC doesn’t really take a liking to. There is also a secondary storyline of KC running into an FBI agent, Nate Tanner, that she worked with on a previous auto accident case. Eventually, Tanner asks KC to work with him on his investigation that he believes is connected to her investigation.

The dead bodies start piling up and KC starts getting texts from a stranger warning her to back off her investigation or else. KC and Tanner know they are getting close to something but they just can’t pin it down, until they do. At a 113pgs, the end comes fast in an intense and scary scene for all, especially KC. If I were to compare this to any other series, I would say KC and Pine Grove are more like early Kate Burkholder and Painters Mill than Michael Bennett and NYC. I would strongly suggest that the publishers reconsider that Michael Bennett comment in the book summary.

I’m a character driven reader and, for me, character development is the most important element of a story. In short stories like this, the character development is basically slim to none, which is to be expected in a halfway decent prequel to an upcoming series, which is what this really is. JMHO The pacing was fast and the storylines interesting. The writing was just ok, but that’s mostly because of the lack of some real character development. I'm looking at an over all rating of 3.6 that I will be rounding up to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Books Go Social for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #BookGoSocial #ChristmasMurders

Christmas Murders: A Mystery by S.F. Baumgartner offers a chilling take on the holiday season, blending the warmth of Christmas traditions with the suspense of a classic whodunit. This gripping mystery takes readers into the heart of a small town, where a series of murders shatter the peaceful holiday atmosphere, and no one is quite as they seem.

The plot revolves around a detective who is called to solve a string of murders that take place during the Christmas season. The holiday setting provides an interesting contrast to the dark and twisted events that unfold, creating a unique atmosphere where festive cheer mixes with chilling suspense. As the investigation progresses, the detective must navigate a web of secrets, hidden motives, and personal rivalries, all while racing against time to prevent more deaths.

Baumgartner excels at building tension throughout the novel. The pacing is tight, and every chapter reveals new clues, red herrings, and twists that keep the reader guessing. The murder mystery itself is compelling, with plenty of suspects to choose from, each with their own possible reasons for committing the crime. The town’s cozy, snow-covered backdrop serves as an eerie contrast to the sinister events, adding to the story’s atmospheric tension.

One of the strengths of Christmas Murders: A Mystery is the character development. The detective is a complex, relatable figure with their own backstory, which makes them more than just a typical investigator. Baumgartner’s depiction of the town's residents and suspects adds depth to the mystery, as each character has their own potential secrets and motivations. These interactions help to build a layered narrative that keeps the mystery fresh and engaging.

The themes of the novel are also notable, as the story explores the darker side of holiday cheer. Baumgartner delves into human nature, examining the lengths people will go to in order to protect their secrets or achieve their desires. The contrast between the joyful holiday season and the macabre crimes at the center of the plot creates an unsettling but fascinating tension.

Conclusion: Christmas Murders: A Mystery is a clever and engaging holiday thriller that offers a twist on the traditional Christmas story. With its strong characters, gripping plot, and festive yet ominous setting, S.F. Baumgartner delivers a holiday mystery that will appeal to fans of crime fiction and anyone looking for a unique, suspenseful read during the holiday season. This novel proves that Christmas can be just as deadly as it is merry.

I received a complementary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the author and the publisher.
Christmas Murders is a novella about a detective tasked to solve a murder mystery right before Christmas. This is a fast paced police procedural that has this detective searching for clues about a possible big level crime including some big politicians. Not really much Christmas in this one but a good quick crime novella.

This book was a real page-turner, delivering a fast-paced and action-driven story that included drugs, a high-level mole, and another murder. I was always left in suspense, unsure of what would unfold next. I really connected with the characters, especially KC, and now I’m eager to explore more about this intriguing character. The novella was filled with unexpected twists that kept me guessing right until the last moment.

Thank You NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me to review this ARC

This book was a very fast read. Saying that, it did manage to fit a whole lot of plot into very few pages! Starting with a murder, it became a full on investigation complete with corruption and moles in the police. Definitely worth a read, especially if you have a short time to fill. It was like reading a whole thick book in a fraction of the time!

procedural, police-drama, Florida, psychological-thriller, law-enforcement, novella, murders, corruption, suspense, money-laundering, framed, secrets, lies, unputdownable, threats, police-detectives, double-cross, double-agent, relatives, drug-trafficking, theft, conspiracy*****

Tightly wound plot with lots of suspense, moderately developed characters and emphasis on a sometimes-clandestine investigation.
Hope this is KC Cassidy Mysteries 0.5!
I requested and reviewed a free temporary uncorrected proof copy from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley. Thank you!
#ChristmasMurdersAMystery by @SFBaumgartner #MirrorEstatePsychologicalThrillers #BooksGoSocial @newbooksplease #NetGalley