Christmas in Paradise

TJ Jensen Mystery Series, Book 4

By: Kathi Daley

Narrated by: Coleen Marlo

Length: 4 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Christmas in Serenity is a magical time of year TJ has always looked forward to with happy anticipation. This year her holiday spirit is marred by the impending arrival of two new men in her life. When one of them ends up dead, TJ must juggle community plays, Christmas tree cuttings, sleigh rides, and holiday shopping with a complex murder investigation. As the facts begin to unravel, she realizes she may have to risk everything to save someone she loves.

©2016 Kathi Daley (P)2017 Tantor

Sweet Cozy Mystery

TJ and her family are so relatable for me overall. This story was a wonderful way to get to know them a little better. If you are looking for a few hours of escape, this story is for you!

Enjoyable

Good read. Love the setting and the neat bow wrapping it all up at the end.

Another winner

Kathi Daley has written another enjoyable addition to the T J Jensen Mystery Series. I highly recommend this book/audiobook to cozy mystery fans.

Death of a con man

Kathi Daley’s Christmas in Paradise takes up where the previous book, Bikinis in Paradise, left off. As the previous book concludes, TJ receives a letter that threatens to change everything without stating the contents of the letter. Now we learn that a naval captain has written to TJ claiming paternity of Gracie, TJ’s 6-year-old sister over whom TJ has had custody for the past year. With TJ’s heart breaking over the possibility of losing Gracie, she invites Jake to spend mid- November through early January with them in Serenity. “Uncle Jake” gets off to a terrific start with everyone from the beginning but especially with the children.

Then on Thanksgiving, they have a huge celebration with many in Serenity, including Bonnie, the mother-in-law of Jenna, TJ’s best friend, and her new fiance, Bob. No one trusts Bob but tries to be civil to him for Bonnie’s sake. But when the dinner is over, they find the body of Bob, murdered, and Jenna’s husband is the chief suspect. So to avoid letting her son get arrested, Bonnie confesses to the murder.

The book takes a number of interesting turns, from several angles. We learn unique and surprising facts about Bob. We also see the way Jake joins the community wholeheartedly, leaving some fears in TJ that he may try to steal Gracie from her. And then we watch the slow redevelopment of a potential relationship with Hunter, her first love.

Colleen Marlo performs the audio edition of the book. This series is very enjoyable, and the narration just serves to enhance that.

Christmas in Paradise is a really enjoyable book with a creative conclusion. I enjoyed the ambiance of the book. I give it five stars.

Great Mystery

This book was a great mystery a bit slow to get going with the story but not long was holding my attention. A good story with murder, mystery, clues, and a determined young woman to get her friend cleared of all charges against her for murder. Great family interaction small town and close friends. A nice read or listen.

Not impressed

The story struggled to keep my attention. Not sure if it was the story, narrator, or both. Hard to keep characters straight.

Okay

This is my least favorite in this series so far. I did not care about the murder in this one at all. Still going to keep listening, though, because overall I like the series.