Once again, Merry is in the thick of things, even when she tries her best to stay away. This time, trouble entered her store, and now she was searching for clues to help her employee and herself from being framed for murder. The one time Merry decided to do the right thing, she realized no one was about to help her, so of course, she tried to catch the killer by going after him in her ridiculously high six-inch heels, which looked like a death wish on her part. It was an intriguing and captivating Christmas cozy mystery read.

I’m very happy this series is continuing, it’s perfect for the holidays. The whole town being dedicated to Christmas lends itself to charming descriptions that will get you in the festive mood.

The putting on of A Christmas Carol puts the drama society into a tizzy with everyone’s clashing egos. It leads to murder & Merry gets dragged into it when the body is discovered in her shop. This might be one of my favourites. You truly can’t go wrong with Delany’s writing. Her series are always engaging & her characters well crafted. I highly recommend the whole series to get you in the holiday spirit.

I was so, so thrilled to see a sixth book in this series by Vicki Delany, which I thought had ended on book five in 2020, but I guess enough fans got together to convince the author to go back to Rudolph, New York at least one more time. If I had known about that effort I would have joined because the Year-Round Christmas series is my absolute favorite cozy series. I sincerely hope Delany keeps writing for this series if she can.

Moving on, this newest installment takes place two weeks before Christmas and someone is murdered in Merry's Christmas shop! What's more, the murdered is a member of the town's dramatic society where there is a lot of infighting a drama regarding the upcoming Christmas Carol production. Of course, Merry's mother is the big start and it's not long before she's spooked by the killer, too!

I'll pat myself on the back for figuring out who the murderer was ahead of time, but I didn't know why until the end. I thought the way Merry tried to keep herself out of this investigation was amiable, but in the end she had no choice, especially since her own mother was involved.

Four stars! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy; as usual, all opinions are my own. If you haven't started this series yet and love a good holiday setting, this is definitely a cozy series you'll want to check out.

Dollycas's Thoughts

We are back in Rudolph, New York just in time for the Christmas holidays. Could there be a better place than America's Christmas Town to celebrate in December? Merry Wilkinson's Mrs. Claus's Treasures is fully stocked for our shopping pleasure and Victoria's Bake Shoppe always has something yummy to eat. The Rudolph Community Theater is almost ready for its performances of a musical version of A Christmas Carol. Merry's mother, Aline is in the play and also helping the vocalists get ready for their big debut. Jackie O'Reilly, Merry's shop assistant is in the chorus but is hoping for a bigger role. Merry's dad is involved too, helping build and maintain the sets. Sadly, the rehearsals are not going well with tensions on the rise when some cast changes are proposed.

Then a member of the cast is murdered in Merry's shop. The entire cast finds themselves on the list of suspects including Aline and Jackie. Christmas may not be merry and bright this year unless the killer is caught quickly and Merry is determined to do just that.

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First, I have to say that I am so happy that Crooked Lane saw the promise of this series and has brought it back for us to enjoy. The Wilkerson family is so much fun and their stories were definitely not complete. The author has also written the story so new readers will be able to jump in with this book too.

Merry owns Mrs. Claus's Treasures, a home decor and gift store. Her father Noel is the former mayor of Rudolph and performs all Santa Claus duties needed all year long. Mom, Aline is a retired opera diva who now gives vocal lessons. Merry's boyfriend Alan Anderson, creates wonderful things with wood whether it be toys or furniture. His trains are a hot item at Merry's Shop. He also plays elf/toymaker to Noel's Santa at events all over town. All of Ms. Delany's characters are well developed and feel so genuine. When I start reading it is truly like visiting old friends. I really enjoy Noel as he interacts with others. Merry has said she knows her dad isn't really Santa Claus but some things that happen really make her wonder. Me too!

We meet several new characters in the members of the community theater. Some have been with the group for years and others are brand new. One of the new members brings money to the group and has new ideas which aren't always needed. The interactions of the group were very interesting although at times pretty tense. The author did a wonderful job of making each of these characters unique. Like Paula Monahan and her son Eddie. Paula was cast to play Mrs. Cratchit and Eddie as an unusual Tiny Tim. Sadly, Paula was the killer's victim.

The mystery of Paula's murder has a lot of moving pieces with a plethora of suspects. With the murder taking place in Mrs. Claus's Treasures, Merry is involved no matter what Detective Diane Simmonds has to say about it. Merry is a smart amateur sleuth but sometimes her BFF leads her a little bit astray. They are sure fun to follow. I do like that when they do find something relevant or something that may be relevant to the case, Merry shares that with the good detective. That does not mean Merry doesn't find herself in a pickle when all the clues fall into place. Ms. Delany does fill the story with several twists and turns which set up an exciting showdown that ended in an absolutely perfect way.

Have Yourself A Deadly Little Christmas is a delightful story filled with engaging characters, a Christmas miracle moment or two, and a merry little mystery. Ms. Delany has infused her story with plenty of humor to balance out the drama. There was a remembrance that had me laughing out loud. Oh, the things Merry gets herself into. I am so excited this series has been allowed to continue. It will be so nice to visit America's Christmas Town again next year. A great tradition.

Not for me unfortunately! Difficult to rate because I didn't finish the entire book. I liked the premise of the book, but it just wasn't what I expected from it.

I really liked this Christmas cozy that can be enjoyed year round. I really liked Merry and her dog. I enjoyed all the laughs and being in a Christmas town. I loved how all of the play actors were very egocentric. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Rudolph, New York! Who wouldn't want to visit Christmas town all year long. Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas brings us to that time of the year. Merry Wilkinson owns Mrs. Claus's Treasures. Tensions are running high in this small town as the amateur drama society is preparing for the musical version of A Christmas Carol. Some believe they should be playing other parts. When Merry finds a member dead in her store, will she find the murderer before the season ends? Or will tensions run deep? I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Have Yourself A Deadly Little Christmas by Vicki Delany takes us back to Rudolph, New York. It is Merry Wilkinson’s busy season at Mrs. Claus’s Treasures. It does not help that her assistant manager, Jackie O’Reilly is busy with rehearsals with the Rudolph Community Theater Players of a musical version of A Christmas Carol. Merry is a friendly and relatable protagonist. I love her charming shop (I could do some serious damage in there). I do feel, though, that Merry needs to work on her managerial skills. Her employees are breaking the rules and Merry is not holding them accountable (I do not like seeing them walk all over her). I would not want to work with Jackie (I feel bad for the employee that must work with her). Jackie is self-absorbed. If it does not relate to her, Jackie is not interested (she is obtuse). Rudolph is brimming with holiday charm. It is a town that I would love to visit (do some shopping, take a sleigh ride, enjoy hot cocoa by the fire while reading a book). I would, though, avoid Rudolph Community Theater Players. They fight more than toddlers over a new toy. It was just a matter of time before one of them was murdered. There are several suspects in the crime (not one cast member liked the woman). The investigation was skimpy. The mystery can be solved long before the solution is revealed. The motive was weak (and it could have been applied to several people). The crime is neatly wrapped up at the end with a bow. The people involved in A Christmas Carol cared little that someone had been murdered (that bothered me). The Rudolph Community Theater Players take the saying “the show must go on” seriously. I did find the story to be a slow starter. The murder takes place about a quarter of a way into the book. The pacing was slowed down by detailed descriptions of people’s attire as well as locations. While I enjoyed the descriptions of Merry’s shop and the town, I did not feel that every place needed a detailed narrative. There are repetitive details as well (Jackie being the understudy to Mrs. Cratchit, Merry’s mother being an opera singer and a diva, the curmudgeon who owns a shop near Merry). Have Yourself A Deadly Little Christmas is the sixth A Year-Round Christmas Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. My favorite character was Merry’s St. Bernard. He provided some sweet and funny moments. There is a scene near the end of the story that I loved. It shows that a little kindness towards another person goes a long way. Have Yourself A Deadly Little Christmas is a festive tale with quarrelling players, a terrible Tiny Tim, singing snafus, an encounter with a killer, a crotchety storekeeper, a winter wonderland, and a Happy Holiday!

Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas is the sixth book in the Year-Round Christmas Mystery series by Vicki Delaney. However, it’s the first one I’ve read in this series! After the first five, it went away for a little while, but readers wanted it back. I can see why! Who wouldn’t want to spend at least part of the Christmas season in a town called Rudolph, NY? Add the fact that Rudolph is America’s Christmas town with Christmas-themed shops like the one Merry Wilkinson runs, Mrs. Claus’s Treasures, and it’s a holiday lovers dream.

Merry, the main character in this series, and her St. Bernard Matterhorn (Mattie) live in an old house that’s been turned into apartments with a landlady who has a network of “spies” all over town. Want to know what’s what? Talk to her! Merry’s dad is the former mayor and Santa lookalike, and her mom is a former opera star.

As a former opera star, Merry’s mom is helping with the town’s annual Christmas play. This year, they’re performing A Christmas Carol…a musical version. As the case normally is in theater, not all of the actors are happy. Shocker, right? I mean, I can attest to the fact that people with artistic personalities have a tendency to overreact and lose their tempers. Don’t judge me! I come from a long line of people who overreact! Just because we overreact, doesn’t mean we go around killing people! Thank goodness! But, someone kills the actress playing Mrs. Cratchit right in Merry’s store! Will Merry listen to the police and not investigate the crime? Of course not!

Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas is such a delightful cozy mystery book. I love the main characters, though in the beginning, Merry’s mom got on my nerves a little…probably because I’m a little diva-ish too. She totally grew on me though. Though this is the first book I’ve read in the series, I could easily figure out who’s who and what’s what in Rudolph. There are characters who you’d want as your best friend, some are quirky, others crabby. It’s a very well-rounded cast of characters.

Rudolph is such a cozy town! Delany describes the town so well that you can easily imagine walking down very snowy sidewalks and stopping in at the shops and eateries. The mystery is well-plotted, and multiple suspects make it hard to decide whodunit!

I highly recommend Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas because it’s got a variety of well-written characters, a cozy Christmas town, and a puzzling mystery!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This is the sixth book in the series and my first. I was able to read as a standalone and enjoyed following the clues and the mystery. I liked the book.

Tempers are flying at the practice of the Rudolph Community Theater. Catherine Renshaw is trying to make too many changes and most of the long time players are not thrilled. Paula Monahan is one of those not pleased.
Paula ends up dead inside Merry's store after words with Jackie, who then takes the lead in the suspect department. Especially after she was thrilled that she would be taking Paula's place in the production!!
Alot of people wanted Paula out but who wanted her out the most?. As Merry works to clear Jackie's name she uncovers things that she shouldn't have. Was Paula the real victim or a mistaken one? Can Merry get to the root of things while not overstepping the police investigation or becoming a victim herself?

Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas by Vicki Delany takes us back to Rudolph, Michigan, on the shores of Lake Ontario. The town is working hard to become the most famous Christmas town in the US and as such celebrats the holiday all year round. In this case it is December and things are at a fever pitch. The annual Christmas play, which would this year be a musical version of the Christmas Carol, was in its final weeks of rehearsal and there was a lot of tension among cast members. This was a small town and yet some folks believed that appearing in this play would be their springboard into stardom. The angel supporting this production was half of a retired couple who had made their fortune through a chain of furniture stores. Catherine was throwing around her weight and generating lots of ill will. It all came to a head when a cast member was brutally murdered. It was all worse because the murder took place in Merry’s gift shop. She had only gone to the backroom to care for her dog, Mattie, for five minutes, and yet it was enough time to strangle Mrs. Cratchit and make their escape.

This is a totally entertaining cast of characters. Merry (name) is a pretty normal thirty-something with a nice boyfriend. Her parents are retired opera diva, Aline, and a tubby man who not only played Santa but looked like him all year ‘round. She has a fabulous St Bernard named Mattie and, Vicki, her very bizarre best friend. Merry’s father adored Merry’s mother, even after all these years. For the first time, Aline got involved with the Christmas play, assuming the role of the Ghost of Christmas Future and as vocal coach. Could the play have generated the ill-will that motivated the murder? Or, was it her failing marriage? Or something else? An excellent cast of characters, most reoccurring, as well as the setting, make this a must-read. The addition of a pretty good mystery is a plus. Delany has small town dead on. Good read.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas by Crooked Lane Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #Netgalley #CrookedLaneBooks #VickiDelany #HaveYourselfADeadlyLittleChristmas

Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas is the sixth mystery A Year-Round Christmas Mystery series. When the little town of Rudolph, New York puts on the play A Christmas Carol for the holiday season the town of full of drama, both on and off the stage. When Merry Wilkinson, small shop owner and amateur detective, finds a body in her shop, Mrs. Claud’s Treasures, she is on the case.

I have loved this series from the beginning and this newest Christmas themed Ozzy didn’t disappoint. I love this town and the characters in it, especially Merry. In my opinion, this was a great read and a fun cozy mystery. Rudolph is the type of town o would love to live in, minus the murder, and I am always excited to take a trip back here and follow Merry as she uncovers the killer. If you haven’t read this series yet, I highly recommend it. This is a great series and I look forward to seeing what comes next!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this cozy mystery!

I was so excited to see this latest entry in the Year Round Christmas series and this did not disappoint. I loved catching up with Merry and her community in Rudolph, New York right as rehearsals for A Christmas Carol are in full swing. Merry's mother, Aline has bowed to peer pressure and has taken a position as music director and actor in the local production so Merry has a front row seat to the arguments and hostility caused by the new patron and artistic director, Catherine Renshaw. When a body of one of the actors is discovered total chaos breaks lose with finger pointing and lots of bickering.
I really enjoyed seeing Aline taking a more active role in this story. She has normally been a side character a little bit above the rest of the town as befitting her role as Metropolitan Opera Diva. Seeing her pulled into a more central role was lots of fun. As always I enjoyed seeing Merry get pulled into the investigation as she tried to find out just who would want the unfortunate actress dead and to also try and protect her long time assistant Jackie.
This is a fun mystery with a beautiful and festive setting and a delightful collection of characters. Delany keeps the story moving at a fast pace with just enough day to day life to make Rudolph feel like a real town - and a town that would be really fun to visit. My only problem is that the dog on the cover, while cute, in no way resembles the enormous St. Bernard Mattie who steals the scene whenever he is on the page.

Vicky Delany is a favorite cozy mystery author, so I was very happy to see this new mystery in the Year-Round Christmas series. And it was wonderful. Full of cozy holiday cheer in this small town in upstate New York, the setting was perfect, the characters are interesting, and the mystery was a mystery until the end. I'd love to live in this town with these friends, and I'd love to see more in this series. It works well as a standalone for those new to the series, as well as continuing storylines for longtime readers. Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advance digital copy!

This is an enjoyable holiday cozy, set in Rudolph, New York, ‘America’s Christmas Town’. While sixth in a series, it’s easily read as a stand-alone. Merry Wilkinson owns a gift and décor shop in town, while trying to support the town’s various activities. This time, her mother has volunteered to help the local community theater program put on a musical production of A Christmas Carol. Turns out, there’s more drama behind the scenes than in front of an audience! Artistic temperaments, jockeying for better roles, leadership challenges all contribute to lots of challenge. Things come to a head when a member of the group is found strangled, in Merry’s shop! Was the victim the actual target or was it someone else in the group? Why were they killed in Merry’s shop? Is Merry’s mom at risk? So many questions and a fun read to solve the mysteries.

Someone's killed Mrs. Cratchit! In Merry's store! There's been a fair amount of conflict around the casting and production of the town Christmas play A Christmas Carol but murder? Merry, whose mother sings opera and whose father looks like Santa, finds herself, along with her friends, investigating what happened. I'd not read the earlier books in this series but Delany does a good job of making a newbie familiar with the characters (including Merry's dog). It's also fairly standard cozy stuff but there are a few red herrings and well Christmas! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fun read.

Oh my, life in the amateur theater. Wow, I have always enjoyed live theater and hope that everyone doesn’t have the drama they have in Rudolph. The story is great. I love the relationship between Merry and her dad. He kind of reminds me of my dad. I would love to live in a town where it was Christmas year-round. Another favorite of mine is Mattie. I would take her in a heartbeat. Great story and awesome characters. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

I am not new to Vicki Delany's writing so I will start this review by saying: excellent storytelling and character development. Though a sixth in the series and not having followed the series from the start, I had no trouble following the storyline.

Based around the local production of A Christmas Carol musical, the story begins with a simmering tension between the cast and the crew. And then, a murder! One of the cast is murdered in Merry's store. Merry's mum and shop assistant make it to the suspects list.

Apart from the murder mystery and interesting set of characters, another thing that stood out the most in this story is boundaries. Merry has to repeatedly remind others of it.

Coming to the murder mystery and the motives, we have a long list of suspects - from Merry's mother and shop assistant to victim's spouse and the production crew. There's also a rumor about if they were the intended victim. As the story began, the bad guy in the spotlight wasn't the victim but someone else. So, when Merry first finds the body, I wondered if they were killed. Turns out, that wasn't the case.

I didn't like the ending as much as I thought I would. Yes, there were plenty of red herrings and a long list of suspects. The killer's identity and their motive - I cannot say I was surprised by the denouement.

Having said that, this book makes an excellent Christmas read. So, if you are looking to start your Christmas Cozy reads early, or looking to add a few books to your Christmas TBR, you might want to consider Have Yourself A Deadly Little Christmas by Vicki Delany.

3.5/5

Title: Have Yourself A Deadly Little Christmas
Author: Vicki Delaney
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Publish Date: 09/19/23
Rating: 5 stars


A fun and festive cozy mystery. The great characters and an intriguing storyline had me hooked from the very first page. Plus it's a Christmas cozy which are some of my favorites. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.