Even though I over-schedule and drive myself crazy the last month of the year (much to my husband’s distress), Christmas is by far my favorite holiday! Sharing food, decorations, desserts, and especially cookies, with friends and family are what makes the season so memorable. I was beyond delighted to have the chance to read EGGNOG MURDER, three short Christmas cozy mysteries written by authors Barbara Ross, Lee Hollis, and Leslie Meier, and get into the holiday spirit early!

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Synopsis
(From Amazon)

With the fireplace crackling, the tree twinkling, and the carols humming, few things in life are as picture perfect as Christmas in Maine—until murder dampens the holiday spirit. It must be something in the eggnog . . .
 
EGGNOG MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
When a gift-wrapped bottle of eggnog—allegedly from the Real Beard Santa Club—proves to be a killer concoction for a Tinker’s Cove local, all Lucy Stone wants for Christmas is to find the murdering mixologist who’s stirring up trouble.
 
DEATH BY EGGNOG by LEE HOLLIS
Food and cocktails columnist Hayley Powell has never cared much for Bar Harbor’s grouchy town librarian, Agatha Farnsworth. But after the Scroogy senior has a fatal—and suspicious—allergic reaction to supposedly non-dairy eggnog, it’s up to Hayley to ladle out some justice.

NOGGED OFF by BARBARA ROSS
Julia Snowden’s tenant Imogen Geinkes seems to be jinxed. First, her poorly named “Killer Eggnog” gives all her co-workers food poisoning at the holiday party, then her boyfriend’s body shows up in Julia’s moving truck as she’s headed back to Busman’s Harbor. Now Julia has to get moving to catch the cold-hearted culprit.

My Review

I am most familiar with the Maine Clambake Mystery series written by Barbara Ross but have read a book or two, long ago, by both Lee Hollis and Leslie Meier. (I’ll admit I have several more of their books in my very large to read pile…one of these days soon…) All three authors have used their long-running series as the setting for each of the Christmas short mysteries. Even if you haven’t read any of their series before, the authors have expertly written their story to make you feel comfortable with the characters and you’ll want to know more about each of them after you’ve finished the last page!

One of the many things I enjoyed in this book was that the protagonists, Lucy Stone in EGGNOG MURDER by Leslie Meier and Hayley Powell in DEATH BY EGGNOG by Lee Hollis, are more “mature” women. Lucy is a grandmother already and Hayley is the single mom of grown children. Maybe because I’m at that, ahem, age, it’s refreshing to see such vibrant women portrayed who are willing to seek justice for others. Don’t get me wrong, Julia Snowden from NOGGED OFF by Barbara Ross, is a wonderful protagonist too! I’ve enjoyed following her story over Barbara’s four books (and soon to be five!) since the author has created a young woman who grows and develops with each book. It’s been exciting to see each new adventure Julia finds herself in 🙂

I also loved how each of the authors incorporated the theme of eggnog as the part of the murder, but in unique and creative ways. Who would have thought an iconic holiday drink could create such mayhem! Each of the well developed mystery plots, while short, still held my interest since none of them felt rushed and have plenty of suspects to keep you guessing. EGGNOG MURDER is the perfect book for pouring a cup of cheer, snuggling up in front of a roaring fire, and celebrating the spirit of Christmas!

Of course with both Christmas and eggnog as the theme of the 3 stories, numerous delightful holiday recipes are included such as drinks, appetizer and desserts! Thank you to the authors for allowing me to share the recipe for Missy’s Eggnog Cookies from DEATH BY EGGNOG by Lee Hollis. With the Christmas season often frantic at times, this recipe is the perfect choice since it is not time consuming and is so easy that a beginning cook will be able to make them! Even though this is an almost effortless recipe, the cookies are still a yummy treat and perfect for sharing with family and friends. My 11-year-old granddaughter, Emory, made them for me with minimal input on my part. I have a feeling Missy’s Eggnog Cookies will be what Santa finds under the tree for him this year at her house!

A huge thank you to Barbara Ross for providing a hardcover copy of EGGNOG MURDER to one winner. Limited to U.S. residents only. Contest ends Sunday, October 23, 2016 at 11:59 pm PST. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. Winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

EGGNOG MURDER contains a recipe for eggnog but in the meantime, if you want to make these cookies and need only a small amount, here is my own recipe.  I’ve made eggnog for numerous years when eggnog is out of season at the grocery stores. I’ve scaled the recipe down so there won’t be a huge amount left over after making this recipe.

Homemade Eggnog

Ingredients

1 egg
Pinch of salt
2-1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup whole milk
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Dash of fresh grated nutmeg

Instructions

In a heavy pot, whisk together sugar, salt, egg, vanilla and nutmeg.

In a microwave safe container, heat the whole milk in the microwave until very warm (I use the beverage button on my microwave.)

Once heated, whisk the milk very slowly into egg mixture.

Place over low heat and stir constantly until mixture reaches 160 degrees.  (If you don’t have a thermometer, mixture will be thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon with a thin film.  However, for safety, a thermometer is a must.)

Remove mixture from heat upon reaching 160 degrees and add heavy cream and the grated nutmeg.  Stir to combine.

Use a fine mesh strainer and strain eggnog before chilling.

Eggnog should be consumed within 3 days.

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I have been a fan of the mother-daughter writing team, Victoria Abbott, for quite some time. I was thrilled when I heard that not only were they coming out with a new book in their Book Collector Mystery series, but it was going to be set in San Francisco! I just love that city and spent some time there when I lived up in the wine country for a couple of years. Victoria Abbott expertly captures the flavor and feel of San Francisco while delivering their best story yet with
THE HAMMETT HEX.

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Synopsis

Jordan Bingham is finally taking a vacation away from her not-quite-so-lawful uncles and her crabby employer, Vera Van Alst. Vera is against Jordan leaving, even if it’s only for a week, but finally relents when Jordan agrees to track down a rare copy of Red Harvest by Dashiell Hammett. Accompanying Jordan to San Francisco for the romantic getaway is Officer Tyler “Smiley” Dekker. Smiley, it seems, is keeping a few secrets from Jordan, like reconnecting to his estranged grandmother who lives in San Francisco. Smiley is also a huge fan of Dashiell Hammett and wants to visit some of the places mentioned in his books.

However, from the very beginning of their stay in the City by the Bay, things go terribly wrong. Jordan is pushed from a cable car and then a car almost runs them over. When they meet with Smiley’s grandmother an unknown person puts her in harms way. Someone seems to be following them but they have no idea why. When Jordan’s Uncle Kev shows up it can only mean more bad news. Can Jordan find out what their assailant is after or will their vacation end up in tragedy? Can she learn to completely trust Smiley or will her family’s unsavory background pull them apart?

My Review

THE HAMMETT HEX pulled me in from the very start and I became so engrossed in the book that I forgot to take notes for my review! The story has lots of exciting twists and turns that had me turning pages late into the night. I love the characters surrounding Jordan in Harrison Falls but the new addition of Smiley’s grandmother and her helper in San Francisco adds a whole new dimension to the series. Smiley’s Gram has a spunkiness and zest for life that compliments Jordan’s adventurous spirit. I also enjoyed “The Kelly Rules” that started each chapter, shared by Jordan’s uncles. It gives some insight in to how Jordan was raised and her outlook on life, while providing a bit of humor.

Victoria Abbott also shares several recipes, all of them sound oh so yummy! I chose to make Chocolate Chip Meringue Kisses which are naturally gluten-free. These delicately delicious cookies had me nibbling the delectable treats often over several days…and they stayed just as fresh as the first day I made them. Thank you for allowing me to share your amazing recipe, Victoria!

A huge thank you to Victoria Abbott for providing a signed copy of THE HAMMETT HEX to one lucky winner! Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe for a chance to win. Contest ends Thursday, October 6, 2016 at 11:59 pm PST. Winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!) Open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.

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I so enjoy visiting Seattle’s Pike Place Market vicariously through the Spice Shop Mystery series by Leslie Budewitz! The smells and tastes of this landmark is a food lovers’ dream and I was delighted to have the chance to read KILLING THYME, Leslie’s newest release in this series. The author knows how to flavor her book with a mesmerizing plot and interesting characters, making me want seconds!

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Synopsis

Pepper Reese is owner of the Seattle Spice Shop and has her hands full with her mother visiting from Costa Rica. She’s also preparing for a party hosted by her childhood friend, Kristen, at the community house they both grew up in with their hippie-activist parents. While browsing through the daystallers with her mother, Lena, they come across beautiful pottery by the newcomer, Bonnie Clay. Pepper is stunned that her mother knows the potter under the name Peggy, and believed her to be dead for numerous years. Pepper gets the feeling that her mother and Peggy/Bonnie have issues but her mother won’t confide. Several witnesses see the two women in a very loud argument and when Peggy/Bonnie turns up dead, Lena becomes a suspect.

Pepper can’t help but ask questions, digging into Peggy/Bonnie’s past and piecing together why she disappeared when Pepper was just a young child. But will she find clues to exonerate her mother or will the past tear her family and friendships apart?

My Review

Starting out at the beginning of the book is a handy list of the characters involved in the story. I liked the convenience of having it there, especially since I had to put the book down for several days while I drove to Oregon to see my sister. (Let me tell you, it was very difficult putting the book down too!) Quickly rereading the list of characters immediately brought me right back to the story. I think it is also very helpful for those who haven’t started reading with the very first book in the series. While this is the third book in the series, it is easily read as a standalone.

Leslie has created some very strong characters and I enjoyed seeing how Pepper Reece has grown and developed from the first book. Her supporting cast of characters are personable and her mother, Lena Reese, adds a depth to the story and to Pepper’s personal life. I love when plots can combine old crimes with present day crimes and KILLING THYME effortlessly does that. It’s like getting two mysteries in one.  She also provides some fun facts such as it takes eight years from start to finish to create vanilla, which is part of the orchid family…I love learning as I read!

Of course a Spice Shop book series must have recipes and the author generously provides several delicious ones! I made her lovely Lemon Thyme Cookies. These delicately scented shortbread style cookies melt in your mouth providing a refreshing taste for a simple dessert. I love the author’s recommendation to serve with lemon sorbet, which is the perfect pairing. Thank you, Leslie, for allowing me to share your delectable recipe!

I am pleased to offer the winner a choice of either print or an e-book copy of KILLING THYME. Print limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. Contest ends Monday, October 3, 2016 at 11:59 pm PST. Winners will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

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I have been a fan of the Candy-coated Mystery series by Nancy Coco since her first book released a few years ago. I was delighted to find out that she was releasing a new one this summer so I made sure I secured a copy. ALL YOU NEED IS FUDGE is the fifth book in this series and it’s as delectable as the recipes Nancy includes with her book.

Synopsis

Allie McMurphy is in her first year of running her grandparents’ historic hotel and fudge shop on MacKinac Island. She’s not finding it easy to be accepted by the locals and it doesn’t help that her adorable bichonpoo puppy, Marshmallow (or Mal for short) keeps finding dead bodies. With the beginning of yacht club race week on the island, no one is happy when Allie and Mal come across another body. The murdered young woman, Carin Moore, is from a prominent, very wealthy MacKinac Island family but has the reputation for being mean. Most of the islanders know about Carin’s long-time rival with Paige Jessop and several people witness a very verbal argument between the two women the day before the murder.

Paige just so happens to be one of Allie’s good friends and the sister of Trent…the man Allie is dating and falling in love with. When Paige is arrested for the murder, Trent and his family completely shut Allie out. She’s not a local and to make matters worse, Trent tells her to leave the investigation alone and go back to making fudge. Only Allie can’t do that. She must show that she belongs on the island and can be a part of Trent’s family by helping prove Paige is innocent. Will she be able to work things out with Trent or will the hunky cop, Rex, finally get a chance with Allie? Can she get the locals to open up to her and help her find information to solve the murder and clear Paige’s name?

My Review

ALL YOU NEED IS FUDGE starts off with a bang from the very first page and the mystery had enough twists and turns with several suspects for an enjoyable who-dun-it read! The undercurrent of relational subplots added to the book’s appeal. I enjoyed how Allie’s best friend and event planner, Jenn, seems to be making friends and fitting in with the islanders and how she nudges Allie to do the same. It creates scenes that make Allie move out of her comfort zone and gives more insight into other people living on MacKinac. Her other friends, elderly Frances Wentworth who manages the McMurphy reception desk, and Douglas Devaney, the handyman, also force Allie to see that she hasn’t done her part to really get to know them. It gives Allie a chance to grow and not be so focused on herself and her business.

While the book has some scenes of making fudge (which I thoroughly enjoyed and made me want to make candy right then and there!) it doesn’t detract from the pace of the story. Nancy offers numerous delectable recipes, including those for fudge, and she graciously allowed me to share one of them with you. Since I had a house full of guests coming and going this summer, I chose to make her Fudgie Cheesecake Brownie recipe with the help of my niece, Nicole. (Thank you, Nicole!) A super chocolatey, decadent brownie base is topped with rich and creamy, fluffy cheesecake, which is then topped with dark chocolate candy…a chocolate lover’s dream dessert! Trust me, my dinner guests swooned!

A very special thank you to Nancy Coco for providing an autographed copy of ALL YOU NEED IS FUDGE for one winner. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. Contest is open to U.S. residents only and ends Monday, August 29, 2016 at 11:59 pm PST. Winners will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

Fudgie Cheesecake Brownie

Ingredients

Brownie

1/2 cup butter, melted
1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup flour

Cheesecake

1 8-ounce package cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Topping

2 cups dark chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Brownie

Preheat oven to 325 degrees (F).

Butter an 8-inch round pan.

In a medium bowl, stir together the butter, sugar, cocoa, and salt.

Stir the eggs and vanilla into the butter, sugar, cocoa mixture. Do not over beat the eggs.

Gently add the flour and stir until all lumps are gone.

Pour into the pan and bake for 20 minutes until center is set.

Remove and cool.

Cheesecake

In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar.

Pour the heavy whipping cream into a clean, cold bowl and whip until stiff peaks form.

Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture and spread over cooled brownie.

Refrigerate for at least an hour. Longer is better.

Topping

In a microwavable bowl, add the chocolate chips and the butter.

Microwave on 50 percent power for one minute. Stir until smooth.

Pour over the chilled cheesecake covered brownies and spread.

Refrigerate for 2 hours.

Slice and serve. Enjoy!

Tips

To easily remove the Fudgie Cheesecake Brownie from the pan for serving, line the cake tin with parchment paper, overlapping sides to make “handles” to help lift from the pan.

The chocolate topping is a wonderfully thick slab of dark chocolate. To cut, dip a chef’s knife in very hot water, dry, then slice. Repeat with each cut.

Half of my guests loved the thick topping while the other half thought it was a bit much for the delicate cheesecake. The next time I make this I will try using only 1/3 cup of the dark chocolate chips melted together with 2 teaspoons of butter and then drizzle lightly over the top, Jackson Pollack style.

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I love stories that are centered around bakeries and especially bakeries that specialize in cookies! The Cookie Monster from Sesame Street has always been my favorite character too. 🙂 When I had the opportunity to read and review TASTES LIKE MURDER, the first book in the Cookies & Chance Mystery series by Catherine Bruns, I jumped at the chance. I knew I would find a good read and some terrific cookie recipes!

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Synopsis

Sally Muccio has moved back to Colwestern, New York to get away from her cheating ex-husband, Colin, who still lives in Florida. She opens her dream bakery, Sally’s Samples, and hires her best friend, Josie, as the baker.  To set her bakery apart from other businesses, Sally offers a free fortune cookie with any purchase. Her offering attracts many clients including her high school nemisis who grew up to be the woman who stole Colin away from her: Amanda Gregorio. Beautiful and wealthy, Amanda is still nasty to Sally and those around her, including her own cousin. Sally would like to kick Amanda out of the bakery, but Amanda threatens to create bad publicity and close down Sally’s Samples if she doesn’t serve her.

Not long after closing her shop for the night, Sally finds Amanda dead on the front porch of the bakery, her partially eaten cookies still in the box. The rumor mill of the small town goes into overdrive and most people believe Sally killed Amanda, not that they blame her. But business at the bakery drops off and Sally can barely afford to stay open. She decides she must prove her innocence and find the real killer in order to keep her dream bakery operating. When her main suspect is murdered after eating her cookies she realizes the murderer has set her up to take the fall and she must solve the case or lose all that she holds dear.

My Review

TASTES LIKE MURDER is a clever start to a terrific series! I love how the fortune cookies had messages that seemed tailored for the recipient and gives a glimpse into the characters through the messages. Sally is not only caught up in trying to prove her innocence and keep her business afloat, but she is learning to come to terms with a failed marriage. She has a lot of self doubts and issues which makes her seem more relatable to me. She has been given room to grow, to learn to let go of the past and move forward. Sally’s parents, along with Josie, are such fun characters, providing plenty of laughs and entertainment, while her Italian grandmother, Rosa, provides wisdom and stability. The plot was well paced and provided plenty of red herrings. I thought I knew who the culprit was but then a twist was thrown in that kept me guessing along with Sally.

Of course a bakery must have baked goods and Catherine has kindly allowed me to share her recipe for Josie’s Genettis. These soft, cake-like traditional Italian cookies are fun to make and kids will enjoy helping roll thin logs of dough and shaping them into beehives. Topped with a super easy frosting and colorful nonpareils, these cookies are tasty and festive! My niece, Nicole, was visiting me for a couple weeks this summer and we made these cookies together. Thanks for all your help in the kitchen, Nicole!

A very special thank you to Catherine Bruns for providing the winner with a choice of either a print copy or e-book copy of TASTES LIKE MURDER. Print copy limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. Contest ends Monday, August 22, 2016 at 11:59 pm PST. Winners will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

Josie’s Genettis

Ingredients

Cookies

6 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoon anise extract*
4 cups flour

Frosting

1/2 cup Confectioners’ sugar
Water
Nonpareils

Instructions

Cookies

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Whisk together eggs, and then add vegetable oil, sugar, baking powder, and anise extract to the mixture.

Stir together and then add the flour by small amounts until mixture is no longer sticky.

Roll out into a rope and then break out into six-inch long sections that should be about the thickness of a pinky finger.

Wrap coils upward like a beehive and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet.

Bake for 12 minutes or until the bottom is golden.

Cool on a wire cooling rack.

Cookies can be frozen in an airtight container to be frosted at a later time.

Frosting

Mix 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar with a few drops of water. Keep adding a few drops at a time until it is the desired consistency.

If glaze is too runny, just add more sugar.

After spreading the glaze over the tops of the cookies, sprinkle nonpareils before the glaze sets.

Makes approximately three dozen cookies.

Tips

* Our family isn’t a fan of anise flavoring so I substituted lemon extract. Vanilla would be another good substitute option.

The dough should feel a bit tacky and not overly dry. If you add too much flour and your cookies are on the dry side, allow them to set overnight after applying the frosting and they will moisten up.

When making the beehive shape, roll one end of the 6-inch piece thinner than the other end. Use the thicker side as the base and wrap the thinner side up for the beehive.

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Coming October 11, 2016, the next book in the Cookies & Chance series, BURNED TO A CRISP by Catherine Bruns!

Just when things appear to be going well for baker and sometime sleuth, Sally Muccio, life turns up the heat again.

It’s summertime, and the living is easy for the Muccio clan. Sal’s wedding to her beloved fiancé is rapidly approaching, Mom’s won a beauty contest, and sister Gianna is now a licensed public defender. But when the bakery Sal’s worked so hard for goes up in smoke—along with her dreams!—she’s not sure how much more she can stand. Even worse, the man found dead in the bakery’s back room is none other than Gianna’s latest client, Bernardo Napoli.

The dough really hits the fan for Sal and Josie when they’re forced to temporarily relocate their bakery to the crazy Muccio home. Trouble is quickly stirred up as the best friend team must now contend with Sal’s father and his new mortuary business “undertakings,” a middle aged mother parading around customers in bikinis, and an Italian family hell bent on revenge. For Sal, several questions demand answers. Where has Gianna disappeared to? What role did she play in Bernardo’s death? What secret is Sal’s fiancé hiding from her? Sal is determined to find answers…before she gets burned once again!

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.