The Christmas Eve Murders

Book Review: The Christmas Eve Murders by Noelle Albright 📚

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently finished reading "The Christmas Eve Murders" by Noelle Albright, and I have to say, it was quite the festive ride! The cover immediately caught my eye—it's just so delightful. 🎄📚 Imagine a cozy English pub, the Merry Monarch, nestled in the charming Yorkshire Dales, preparing for its annual Christmas scavenger hunt. Sounds quaint and fun, right? ❄️🍻 Well, things take a turn for the mysterious when a journalist named Maddie Marlowe shows up unexpectedly, stranded by car trouble and a looming snowstorm. 🚗🌨️

The cast of characters is wonderfully eclectic. There's Mickey, the pubs' landlord; his wife Sofia; their rebellious son James; and a motley crew of villagers, including a local policeman and his deputy with a penchant for the supernatural. 👻👮‍♂️ As if that wasn’t intriguing enough, chaos ensues when the power goes out, plunging everyone into darkness. 🌌🔦 What was supposed to be a lighthearted hunt turns deadly serious, as Maddie and her newfound companions realize they have a murderer in their midst. 🕵️‍♀️🔍

Albright's writing is top-notch—she weaves a well-paced and well-plotted mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. 📖🕰️ Each character feels like someone you might know, with their quirks and secrets adding layers to the plot. It's a classic whodunit with a festive twist, making it the perfect quick read for the holiday season. 🎅🧩 If you’re in the mood for a cozy yet thrilling escape, "The Christmas Eve Murders" is definitely worth picking up. Four stars from me! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

⚠️ This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary ⚠️

I really wasn't expecting to get into the festive spirit so soon, but life is full of surprises. The Christmas Eve Murders was also a surprise, and quite a pleasant one at that. Also, check out the author's name; Noelle. If that doesn't scream Christmas, I don't know what does.🎄

And so to the book. Well, The Christmas Eve Murders does exactly what it says in the blurb. It's set on Christmas Eve, and there are indeed murders. This is in essence a cosy, locked room mystery. Allow me to set the scene for you. A quaint village in the Yorkshire Dales. A a young woman, Edinburgh bound, finds herself stranded in the village after her car breaks down. There is no mobile phone reception, and it's snowing heavily. A kindly old gentleman takes her to the village inn, where she will have to stay until the snow stops. ❄

Most of the characters are likeable although, as the murder investigation progresses, they provide quite the pool of suspects. (I have to confess that Barkley was my favourite. 🐕)

If you like your mysteries cosy and festive with, a dash of humour, then treat yourself to this book. You'll be glad you did. 🎄

Thanks to Quercus Books and Netgalley for the digital ARC.