A Christmas Candy Killing

A Killer Chocolate Mystery, Book 1

By: Christina Romeril

Narrated by: Bernadette Dunne

Identical twin sisters Alex and Hannah are the owners of Murder and Mayhem, a mystery bookshop that sells their famous poison-themed Killer Chocolates. But now, there’s a real killer in their midst. Shortly before Christmas, their septuagenarian neighbor, Jane, confides to Alex that a murderer from a true-crime show has taken up residence in the village. Unfortunately, she’s also shared her suspicions with town gossip Netta. The next morning, Alex shows up at Jane’s house to watch the show, but instead she discovers Jane's body, with a box of Killer Chocolates nearby.

The sheriff quickly zeroes in on two suspects: Alex, a beneficiary in Jane’s will, and Zack, a handyman who was seen leaving the crime scene. But Alex maintains her innocence and sets out to draft a list of other potential suspects—townsfolk who’d recently been seen arguing with Jane.

When Alex gets hold of Jane’s journal, she begins to understand the truth. But a bearer of ill tidings is arriving early this year—and Alex just might not make it to Christmas.

©2022 Christina Romeril (P)2022 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Excellent and engaging

Narration sounded computerized at times. Hard time holding timing. Overall story was an engaging and exciting read.

Great First in Series

Often first books in a series are a bit weighed down with background and character development, but not so with a Christmas Candy Killing. I warmed to the characters and setting right away, and the mystery had me guessing until near the end. The premise of Mystery & Mayhem, mystery bookstore/giftshop/gourmet chocolate shop (with chocolates named after a variety of poisons!) is genius, and adding very likeable and intelligent twins as proprietors - perfection. Now I cannot wait to visit with Alex and Hannah again.

Bernadette Dunn did an excellent narration with distinctive voices and avoiding making the men sound like dances (a common issue with male voices).

Good but too long

I enjoyed this book and granted I have never written one for print or audio, but it was at least an hour too long for me. Also even though I like this narrator, it was grossly overshooting the voice of a female character who’s in her early 70s! I know 90 somethings that don’t sound like little old ladies. I don’t understand narrators doing this. It was towards the end of the book when I learned that the character was in her early 70s. I actually stopped the book at that point. It simply deflated the entire experience for me. Wonderful job otherwise though.

Amazing story!!

This book is a home run!! Perfect twists and turns! Definitely a good holiday book to read. I love it.

Good Start to a new series

This is a good start to a new cozy mystery series. The characters are engaging and the premise is interesting. Although the killer isn't obvious, I figured it out in the middle of the book. I look forward to the next book in this series.