A great book by a fantastic author. The writing is excellent and the mystery keeps you turning the pages. Characters are well developed. Highly recommend.

Family law attorney Keli Milanni and her stuffy colleague Crenshaw are asked to take on an unusual job. They are to identify a blackmailer by going undercover at a real estate company. After only one day on the assignment Keli finds the dead body of the man being blackmailed. With his death her colleague considers the assignment over. Keli is determined to identify the killer and the blackmailer.
It was an interesting story and the end surprised me. I'd read this author again.

Yuletide Homicide is the third in a series of cozy mysteries with a fun, witchy twist. I hadn't read the previous books in the series but it stood-alone pretty well, so I wouldn't let that put you off.

The story centers around Keli, who is exploring her Wiccan faith, mainly in solitude, but as the novel unfolds she becomes more open about her religion and practices. The Wiccan element is just one small part of Keli's life however - she's a busy lady!

Keli is an attorney who seems to spend her time as more of an amateur sleuth than an actual attorney. Along with her eccentric colleague Crenshaw, Keli is thrust straight into a murder mystery when her boss asks her to find out who is blackmailing him. Not only does she discover who the blackmailer is, but she also finds his body.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a little bit silly in parts, and felt like one of those books that you have to take with a pinch of salt, but it was paced-well, written nicely, and entertaining. I love a good murder mystery, and this reminded me of the likes of Midsomer Murders, which I love.

I enjoyed the dynamic between Keli and Crenshaw, and think it's great to have a regular, down to earth, Wiccan, protagonist. The only thing that annoyed me was that she wasn't more 'out' and proud as a Wiccan, like it's something to be ashamed of. It felt a little old-fashioned in its approach in that respect. Hopefully though, that's all part of the overall series arc.

Yuletide Homicide was a nice alternative to all the festive romances out at the time that I read it. I hope I get to read more in the series in the future.

I found this to be a good story. I liked the small town setting, college towns are the best! And the interesting twist of Keli being a practicing Wiccan and how their festival of Yuletide is celebrated.

Yuletide Homicide: A Wiccan Wheel Mystery
By Jennifer David Hesse
Kensington
October 2017

Review by Cynthia Chow

One would not expect a family law attorney to be a practicing Wiccan in Edindale, Illinois, so it shouldn’t be surprising that this is a secret Keli Milanni shares only with a trusted few. Being outted as a witch would probably not help her aspirations to make law partner, especially when she’s competing against her pompous and frequently annoying colleague, Crenshaw Davenport III. They’re going to have to get along when their boss Beverly Olen sends them to work undercover at the office of Harrison Properties, where they will attempt to discover a blackmailer. Beverly is adamant that the claims of financial impropriety against mayor candidate Edgar Harrison are false, but it’s also possible that she may be biased in his favor.

When tragedy ends the festivities at Harrison Hotel’s renowned holiday ball, Beverly insists that they also end their investigation. Curious Keli has her doubts that the death was anything but accident, especially after being given an ominous warning through a vision by a Wiccan friend. Keli may be a solo practitioner who prefers to abstain from joining a coven, but she trusts the insight of the Wiccans who have proven to be eerily accurate. Although the magic comes mostly from intent and belief, an herbal supplement to coax a witness’s statement has hilarious results when a guilt-ridden Keli consumes the serum as well. It will take multiple chants and spellcasting to unravel the tangled mix of corporate infighting, charming suspects, and financial shenanigans.

Legal investigation is boosted by a few Wiccan spells in this charming second of the Wiccan Wheel Mystery series. Keli is possibly the most practical and grounded Wiccans one would ever expect to meet, using her altar to grant confidence, wisdom, and security. That’s not to say that a few visions won’t give her guidance as well, but it is the trail of financial records and legal documents that truly solve the crime. Keli herself faces the realization that photographer Wesley Callahan will soon become her longest-ever boyfriend, a relationship helped in no small part by their sharing her Wiccan secret. A blast from her past annoys more than inhibits her current status, but it does help her ongoing quest to discover the fate of her mysterious Aunt Josephine O’Malley. The Yuletide has a far different meaning for these Wiccans, with shortest day of the year marking a renewal and turning point in life. Wiccans and non-Wiccans alike will thoroughly enjoy this holiday-infused mystery, as it emphasizes the meaning of friendships and faith. This is a wonderfully unique series with just the right blend of humor, magic, and mystery.

<http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=64067>

A holiday cozy mystery. The characters were fun getting to knonw. This is not the first in the series but can be read as a stand alone. I didn't expect a lot of things that happend in the book. There were tiny surprises. I would read more by this author.

Yuletide Homicide by Jennifer David Hesse is the third story in A Wiccan Wheel Mystery series. Keli Milanni is a lawyer at the law firm of Olsen, Sykes and Rafferty. Keli is called into Beverly’s office (her boss) along with Crenshaw Davenport III (an overbearing colleague). One of their clients, Edgar Harrison of Harrison Properties LLC is being blackmailed. Beverly would like them to work Edgar’s offices and attempt to locate the culprit. Edgar has just announced that he is running for mayor of Edindale in the next election. Keli is at the Harrison Properties Christmas party at the Harrison Hotel and is surprised when her old college boyfriend, Mick MacIntyre shows up (he is a piece of work). Later that night, Keli gets a call from Mick asking her to return to the hotel. Keli notices a small Christmas tree knocked over and Edgar dead nearby. Police rule the death an accident, but Keli knows he was murdered. She sets out to discover who was blackmailing Edgar and sent him plunging to his death.

Yuletide Homicide had a mystery with medium complexity, and I believe some readers will be surprised by the outcome. Keli, though, was annoying and lackluster in this installment in A Wiccan Wheel Mystery series. The Wiccan elements did nothing to enhance or add to the story. Another unnecessary element was the return of Keli ex-boyfriend. The only reason it seemed he was added was to get Keli to return to the hotel. His storyline was left unfinished. I am giving Yuletide Homicide 3 out of 5 stars. I was glad to see the action pick up towards the end of the story. The book lags in the middle while Keli does her investigating (questioning).

This is the 3rd book in a series but was easily read as a stand alone. As someone who has dabbled in spells and rituals, I was intrigued by this book. I found it to be a fun easy read with interesting characters. I will be adding the first 2 books to my future reading pile.

3 stars

This series has it all. I liked the previous book, but this one is brilliant!

Keli Milanni is a smart modern gal working hard to make partner at her law firm. Crenshaw Davenport III, an elitist-top hat wearing- lawyer in her firm who tends to be patronizing but occasionally shows a nicer side, is teamed with Keli to go undercover. Wes Callahan, a tattooed bartender and former client's grandson, is Keli's boyfriend and I approve of the move away from the CRI (Cop Romantic Interest). Mila is the owner of New Age gift shop Moonstone Treasures and a Wiccan mentor for Keli. Farrah is her best friend and trusty sidekick.

Edindale, Illinois seems to be more than a small town from the feel, perhaps a mid-sized city. The main settings that were particularly used well were the hotel for the party and sight of the murder, and the Stag Creek Lodge outside of town for the final killer reveal. I liked both of these.

I was immediately drawn into the story and it seemed to skate along easily. There were only a few places where it slowed but those didn't last long. The plot was enough to keep my interest.

The snowy killer confrontation had some tense moments, just like I like them. The killer wasn't completely out of the blue, nor was the killer obvious.

I liked the balance of personal life and the struggle Keli has when she can't be completely open about her beliefs and practice. The mystery was standard. If you're looking for a fun mystery to enjoy as a pleasant diversion, this is your ticket.

Rating: Excellent - I enjoyed it, it kept me entertained! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

Princess Fuzzypants here:
Despite being a successful lawyer and a Wiccan, Keli can get herself into lots and lots of trouble. It starts off with an undercover job with a stuffy associate where they are lent out to an entrepreneur to find out who is blackmailing him. Things take a decidedly downward turn when the man is found murdered in one of his hotels after a huge Christmas party.
At first blush it would appear their assignment is moot. That is until it becomes obvious that there is another blackmail victim and figuring out who is doing the blackmailing may nail the murderer. It puts her in the crosshairs of a very dangerous person and it almost costs her dearly. All the while, she is trying to keep secret the fact that she has this whole Wiccan side to her about which only a few know.
It is a slippery situation for her both figuratively and not. A light fluffy read, perfect for the Holidays.
I give it four purrs and two paws up.

This is a fun cozy mystery series with a paranormal. edge. This is the third in series and can be read as a stand alone. I do recommend the entire series as it is very enjoyable.
In this next in series our protagonist Kelli , a family law attorney, is coming out as a witch to her boyfriend. She has been practicing in secret and had not told her secret. As she prepares to celebrate a wiccan holiday her stuffy boss asks her to investigate with him for a old friend. The friend is being blackmailed. When the friend is murdered Kelli begins to investigate and finds out clues even her boss did not know.
This is a fast paced, fun cozy read with a paranormal edge. The characters are fun and relatable to the reader. I look forward to the next in series. Thank you for the ARC that did not influence my opinion .

Kelli Milanni, is a lawyer with Wiccan beliefs which she keeps secret. She is looking forward to celebrating Christmas and Yuletide and going home to visit her family. She is also in competition for a partnership at the law firm where she works. Her employer asks her and her competition for the partnership to investigate the blackmail of a client. But this turns into a search for a murderer instead of a blackmailer.
This is a new series to me and I totally enjoyed it. I plan on reading the other books in this series.
I want to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

Yuletide Homicide by Jennifer David Hesse is the third in her Wiccan Wheel Mystery series and the best yet. I love this series and am always eager to read the next book.

Kelli is celebrating Yule and assigned by her boss, Beverly, to investigate a blackmailing scheme of one of her close friends, Edgar Harrison. Beverly has also asked Crenshaw to assist Kelli in the investigation. Just as they begin to investigate, the friend is found dead after his holiday ball. Unfortunately, Kelli found the body and she "knows" this was no accident. The plot is smooth and fast with plenty of suspects to look at as Kelli begins to research Edgar's past. It was great to see more of Farrah, Wes and even Crenshaw again. The characters are developing and growing within each book. I enjoyed being able to learn more about the Wiccan religion as the story progressed. Ms. Hesse has written a cozy mystery with a touch of paranormal that I couldn't put down until the end.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. I love how wonderful Keli's friends are. The mystery was great, and it had some nice twists to it. My only complaint is that Keli made some very amateur mistakes, and since this is book three I feel she should have known better.

Attorney Keli Milanni is at it again. While preparing to celebrate the Wiccan Holiday Yuletide, a celebration of rebirth she finds another dead body. Only this time, she is the only one who thinks it's homicide.

Keli has come out as a Wiccan to her boyfriend, Wes. Stunningly enough, he doesn’t seem to have any issue with her beliefs and practices, and she is feeling relieved and happy. When her boss gives her and her patronizing colleague Crenshaw a last-minute job just before the Christmas break, she is reluctant but digs in and gets started.

Crenshaw and Keli go undercover at a real estate company owned by mayoral candidate Edgar Harrison. Edgar is an old friend of Keli’s boss. Apparently, Harrison is being blackmailed. It’s up to her to find the culprit. As luck would have it, the morning after the company holiday party, she finds Harrison dead under a hotel Christmas tree. The police rule the death an accident, but Keli doesn’t think it was an accident and sets out to prove it.

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Series: A Wiccan Wheel Mystery–Book 3
Author: Jennifer David Hesse
Genre: Paranormal/Witch Cozy
Publisher: Kensington

Yuletide Homicide is the third book in the “A Wiccan Wheel Mystery” series. The new book offers a great story with lots of colorful characters and locations. Jennifer David Hesse has crafted characters that are charming, witty, full of vitality, well-rounded and easily relatable.

Keli is an unusual person, not only is she a practicing attorney, she is also a practicing Wiccan. Her normal routine of solo practicing has its ups and downs, mainly when she needs help solving a crime. That is when she calls on her friends, and fellow Wiccan, Mila. Mila is a perfect example of the type of people Keli needs in her life.

The characters of Farrah and Wes are equally important in Keli’s life. Farrah is always willing to jump in and help Keli with an investigation. While Wes is protective and supportive even when he is worried that Keli is getting involved in dangerous situations.

Although this book is an excellent addition to the series, it would have been nice if Mila and the other coven members had played a bigger role in helping Keli with her investigation. Also, Keli’s aversion to being involved with a coven, although not uncommon is getting to be a bit much without any real explanation. Her interactions with the coven would enhance the story and series. The returning characters are interesting and evolving, but overall the story could benefit by bringing in new characters that would make the story even more enjoyable for the long term.

The unmasking of the killer and the motive are original. All the readers’ questions are answered, and most will not guess who the killer is until the end of the book. Readers may have some trouble picking up the clues as to the murderer’s identification but not so difficult as to make the ending unbelievable.

This is a well written and entertaining book. Yuletide Homicide will keep the reader on the edge of their seat with twists and turns while anxiously waiting to turn the page to find out what happens next. This book and series are highly recommended to anyone who enjoys their mystery with a touch of magic.

An ARC was provided by NetGalley

Keli and her gang are back for another festive Wiccan holiday mystery. This time someone has fallen to their death, and she suspects it isn't an accident. Can Keli find out what really happened or will the mystery go unsolved?

I enjoyed this one. It was well written and paced. There were some good twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. There were some things that that seemed dropped into the story that really didn't add anything and left me scratching my head. And I not sure why but I found Keli to be a bit annoying in this installment. She just came across WAY too busybody. But you know what? That is pretty much true for most cozy mysteries. I also didn't find this particularly "festive." But like I said I still enjoyed it overall, so it gets a thumbs up from yours truly.

This is book three in the Wiccan Wheel Mystery series. Keli is going undercover in a real estate office because the owner is being blackmailed. She is teamed up with Crenshaw , another lawyer at her firm and he's not aware that she is a practicing witch. This is a good series for people who like the magic/wiccan theme.