Val and her grandfather are taking part in a Dickens Christmas festival that involves all the townspeople. Grandad is in a bit of a snit since he always plays Santa but is replaced this year by Jake. After an evening of gift giving, shopping, and strolling through town, Santa and the other festival volunteers are ready for a snack and a comfy chair. Val is catering the little after party and is startled to see a ghost walk through the dining area and leave gift bags on the table. Inside are gingerdead men—gingerbread men with bones and a skull painted on with icing. Jake is more than happy to take a big bite of his.

It’s not long before he falls over and is taken to the hospital where he dies—he was poisoned. Jake is a newcomer to town so no one knows too much about him. Val investigates on her own mainly because once it’s known she catered the after party, cancellations keep coming in for holiday parties. She has to protect her reputation. Plus, Grandad can be considered something of a suspect himself since he made no secret of his resentment of a newcomer being chosen as Santa.

Juggling her foodie job at the local gym, keeping track of Grandad, and planning her own special Christmas with her boyfriend, has Val jumping. When Jake’s secrets start to emerge, the suspect list grows longer than Santa’s naughty list and with good reason. Will Val be able to determine who killed Santa in time to save Christmas?

This is book seven in the series, nicknamed the five ingredient mysteries. Recipes include: gingerbread of course, almond brittle cookies, no-bake chocolate cranberry nut mounds (candy), cranberry-apple crisp, chicken casserole, and spiced cider.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kensington for my copy of Gingerdead Man by Maya Corrigan. It published September 29, 2020.
This book is the quintessential holiday Christmas cozy mystery. It has everything, puns, Dickens references, recipes, a cast of quirky characters, and murder. What more could you ask for? This book is part of a series, but I was given enough context to not feel like I was missing out on the rest of the series.
Definitely worth putting on your Holiday reading list!

This is the first book that I have read by author Maya Corrigan and I can sum it up all in one word: charming! Even though this is the latest in a series, I found it easy to catch up with who everyone is and their roles in the mystery. So, I can easily recommend this book as a stand alone in this series. It was wholly delightful, I really found myself enjoying not just the story but the mystery of it as well. So many things were happening, it was easy to get immersed and try to figure it out but it wasn't until all the pieces came together that I figured out who the murderer was.

Intriguing to say the least. I very much dislike books where it is way too simple to figure out the 'whodunit' part. After that, you're just bored with the story. I love puzzles and reading cozy mysteries helps me with relieving stress because it gives my brain something else to focus on rather the umpteen other real world problems that plague my mind. And this book does just that.

It was charming, soothing, and reinvigorating for my mind. I loved it. I will definitely be going back and starting over at the beginning of this series. Val is a truly wonderful character. She's inquisitive without being overly know-it-all or snoopy. She really just wants her town and all of those she loves to be safe. Grandpa is hilarious. Sharp witted, compassionate, and a real life charmer. At the beginning of the book, I was a little worried that he was going to be the typical cantankerous ole coot that most write authors write them in as.

However, thanks be to glory, that wasn't the case. Charming, endearing, and someone to definitely look up to and spend hours listening to. Bram is a wonderful guy for Val. Those two definitely fit together. Another thing I am so happy about, (even though it really does work in a lot of books but has gotten rather monotonous) is that Bram is not a police officer or detective. He's just a normal guy with a normal job. Hallelujah! Do not get me wrong, I love the cop, amateur sleuthing angle, and it really does work in a lot of cases: Kimberly O'Malley's Addie Foster mysteries for example where Addie's boyfriend Jonah is a police detective. For them it works wonderfully because of the story and how Jonah has to protect her from yet unseen/unknown forces or for another example: Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swenson mysteries where she ends up dating Mike who is a homicide detective. Who better to keep Hannah safe?

However, my point is that the characters do not have to be some out of this world super star match to get me to enjoy the books and I believe that Maya Corrigan really captures that in her stories. It's refreshing. I really loved this book. You will love these books.

I was given this ARC by NetGalley to review for my own honest opinions. These opinions are my own.

Cafe owner and caterer Val Deniston is looking forward to her Maryland town’s annual Dickens fair, held every year in early December. Her grandfather Don is slightly less enthused: he’s been replaced as Santa by newcomer Jake Smith, and has been given the role of Scrooge instead. While he tries not to let his assigned “bah, humbug” persona sour his mood and the festivities overall, things come to a head at the volunteer tea held to thank reenactors for their participation at the end of the day. Jake’s alarming behavior is already draining any enjoyment Don and Val were having of the festival even before Jake abruptly falls over dead.

Val is certain that the limping figure of the Ghost of Christmas Present, who distributed gingerbread cookies with skeletal icing to the assembled volunteers before vanishing as mysteriously as it arrived, was responsible for Jake’s death. But no one knows who was under the mask, and while Jake certainly had enemies, Val and her part-time private investigator granddad are stumped as to who might have hated him enough to want him dead. But then more Bayport residents start turning up poisoned, with no seeming connection to one another. Could a serial killer possibly be on the loose in Val’s bucolic Eastern Shore town?

Gingerdead Man is the intricately plotted seventh book in the Five-Ingredient Mystery series. I very much enjoyed it even as it had me totally guessing (wrongly) right up till the very end, in an excellent feat of fair play plotting. I also really enjoyed getting to spend time with Val’s family and friends, particularly Granddad, and even her newish boyfriend Bram, whom I guess is starting to grow on me. Anyone that good a son can’t be all bad in my book. This was also a wonderfully seasonal cozy mystery to start getting us in the holiday mood!

One of the coolest things about this series is that all the recipes, in keeping with Granddad’s themed cooking column, require only five ingredients (with optional add-ons for those who want to get a little fancier.) This volume included recipes for six of the dishes mentioned in the book, and I decided to try this one:

QUOTE
Grasmere Gingerbread

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

1 cup + 2 tablespoons flour
½ cup + 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
¼ teaspoon baking powder
10 tablespoons butter
1-2 tablespoons crystallized ginger, chopped (optional)

Line an oblong pan (approximately 7 x 11 x 2 inches) with parchment paper.

Mix the dry ingredients together.

Melt the butter and add it to the dry ingredients.

Add the chopped crystallized ginger to taste, one tablespoon if you're not sure if you like it and two if you know you do.

Spread the mixture over the pan in a thin layer, pressing it down lightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.

Bake 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Cut the gingerbread into bars (approximately 1 x 2 inches) while it is still hot. Leave it in the pan until it cools. Remove the gingerbread by lifting the parchment paper.

Yield: 30-36 bars
END QUOTE

This gingerbread was so good that immediately after I tasted a sample, I messaged my lovely assistant Karin, whom I haven’t seen in person since pretty much March, to tell her to look out for this column because she’ll definitely want to make this too! It’s so deliciously buttery and decadent, almost like shortbread but with the added kick of ginger to literally spice things up. I used two tablespoons of the crystallized ginger, naturally, and thought it perfect for my tastes. It’s also so easy to prepare, and tastes like it was made by someone with greater professional skills than mine! This gingerbread is a wonderful alternative to the usual holiday cookie, especially if you cut it into bars for serving instead of my somewhat raggedy squares. I’m already planning on making another pan soon.

Next week, we head north a ways to spend time with not one but three amateur sleuths who know how to cook up a solution to dastardly crimes, while whipping up a tasty quick bread. Do join me!

Gingerdead Man is book seven in Maya Corrigan’s Five-Ingredient Mystery series, but while there is clearly some history between characters it didn’t take long to get to know the residents of Bayport. That said, I’m not sure whether this one is worth picking up for it’s Christmassy-ness. I feel like its more Christmas adjacent – apart from the gingerbread and a few references to Christmas coming up, there wasn’t a lot of festive feeling in here (I don’t think we even hear about decorations of lights).

Lack of Christmas aside, I thought this was a fine cosy mystery. I enjoyed meeting Val and her grandad, and thought their relationship was fun. The suspects and red herrings and were all enjoyable and made for an entertaining enough story. I just think that overall, given the lack of Christmas, there wasn’t really a lot that stood out about this one compared to any other cosy mystery.

Love this series. Had to buy it for my collection and requested to add it to library collection. I have every single one of the books in the series, the artwork is fun and the title is unique.

This excellent series never disappoint.
Great cast of characters, lovely setting and a solid mystery that kept me guessing.
I loved the fast paced plot full of twists and turns.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Who doesn't enjoy a good Gingerbread cookie inspired cozy? In the latest addition to the "A Five-Ingredient Mystery" series, Gingerdead Man, readers will enjoy a mystery that keeps them guessing and a plot that will inspire them during the festive season. This story is filled with holiday activities, family gatherings, and plenty of food is an easy-to-read entertaining story.

Val and her Granddad are hunting down a killer when a guest dies after eating a Gingerbread cookie at the end of the Dicken's festivities. Soon after, there appear to be other deaths and attempted murder. With everything going on, Val and Granddad have to keep their wits about them, protect a friend, and find a killer before someone else dies. All of the characters in this story are likable, the setting is interesting, but for me, there just wasn't enough of Val's cafe involved in this book. And if readers haven't read other books in the series, they may have difficulty getting to know the characters and understanding what part they play in the big scheme of things.

The murderer is caught but only at the last minute. The author did an outstanding job of keeping the reader in suspense and guessing throughout the story. Suspects weren't hard to find, but motives were not easily distinguishable. Using the festive season as a backdrop and a Gingerbread cookie as a weapon is fantastic. I love how the twists and turns were interwoven, and the evidence at the forefront but not shoved down the reader's throat. Gingerdead Man is a relaxing, enjoyable read that will keep its audience happy while turning the page.

I loved this cozy mystery because the sleuths are a Granddad/Granddaughter team! It is a great twist on the main characters for a mystery! The characters are easy to relate to, have great deductive skills, work well with the Police Department, and are great communicators. The dialogue between the characters is well written and concise which helps the story to move forward without the reader feeling confused or having the storyline stall. The ending was a shocker, but there were great leads up to the reveal. I couldn't put it down! I want to read more of this series because it was so charming and well written, plus it has recipes at the end of the book! I would highly recommend this book to cozy mystery fans!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

The author wrote such a compelling story. I really enjoyed the plot of the story. The characters seemed so real and make you feel like part of the story.

GINGERDEAD MAN is the seventh book in Maya Corrigan’s “Five-Ingredient” cozy mystery series. Although this mystery is set around Christmas, it’s spooky enough to be a Halloween story. Val Deniston and her Grandad are in the thick of things since she’s catered some of the victims’ last meals, and the danger is close to their friends. The unknown killer uses poison and masks to stay in the shadows. Val and Grandad use their wits to unmask him.


Everybody is dressing up for the Dickens of a Holiday festival in apparel that matches characters from Charles Dickens’ books. One of the only people in costume but not Dickens themed is Jake Smith. Jake and his wife Jewel are new to the neighborhood and he is playing Santa. Initially, and especially after further investigation, Jake is a very ironic choice to play Santa. When everybody as gathered for treats at the local bookshop, Jake is a little boozy. He ends up getting bumped off when a mysterious masked and shrouded figure slips him a poisoned cookie. Before he partakes of the cookie, Jake nicknames the figure “the Ghost of Christmas Presents”. This was so creepy yet intriguing. It was like something out of a Hayao Miyazaki animated film. Over the course of the book, there’s another murder and several more attempted murders. I agree with one of the characters who remarks how the circumstances of the deaths are like something out of an Agatha Christie mystery novel. I think Maya Corrigan is skillfully able to take elements from several of my favorite Golden Age mysteries and weave them together to put her own unique spin on GINGERDEAD MAN. Val and her crew must determine whether there was one main victim, with others as a distraction and collateral, or if there’s a homicidal maniac on the loose who doesn’t care who he harms. This makes for an interesting wrench in the investigation. The supporting cast of “good guys” made up of Val’s friends and family help provide a reprieve to lighten the mood when things have taken a sinister turn.

GINGERDEAD MAN is a superb mix of cozy Christmas mystery shenanigans and hair-raising thrills. I liked how Grandad, and Val’s boyfriend Bram were a source of support and acted as sleuthing assistants for Val. I also liked the potential romance for one of Val’s friends near the end. This story was a blast and I eagerly await the next “Five-Ingredient” mystery.

Gingerdead Man by Maya Corrigan is the 7th A Five-Ingredient Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. I thought Gingerdead Man was well-written with developed characters. Val Deniston keeps busy with managing the Cool Down Café, catering events, spending time with Granddad, and dating Bram Muir. Granddad is always up to something. When not whipping up five ingredient items for his Codger Cook column, he is working on his detective skills. Granddad is a hoot. I liked that he managed to surprise Val with some of the things he did regarding the case. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Dickens of a Holiday Festival with people dressed up in Victorian costumes. It reminded me of German Village where I grew up (instead of Dickens, they do German traditions). The mystery was well-plotted and went nicely with the theme of the book. I especially enjoyed the Christmas killer dressed up as the Ghost of Christmas Present. While I was able to pinpoint the identity of the killer early on, I still enjoyed following the mystery to the end. I could have done with less speculation and there was some repetition of case details. The whodunit had a good reveal and wrap up. I like that the case was wrapped up with a bow. Gingerdead Man was an entertaining and creative cozy mystery with a snockered Santa, a disenchanted Scrooge, killer cookies, contaminated chocolates, and one consumed Christmas killer.

Christmas comes to Bayport, Maryland with a Dickens Festival. Val Deniston and her grandfather are in period costume so newcomers Jake Smith and his wife, Jewel, dress the part of Santa and Mrs. Claus. But the festivities come to a tragic end when Jake eats a gingerbread cookie presented as a special dessert treat. After a second death related to Val's catering/teashop business, she and her grandfather realize they must find the killer, with not an ingredient to spare.

This was my first read in this series. I found it enjoyable, with a fun holiday theme, engaging characters, and a intriguing plot. Also appreciate the "five ingredient" recipes at the conclusion, especially during these times.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.

All throughout reading this book, I felt as if there was something missing. A connection with Val, emotion in the narrative. I think this story may have worked better for me if it had been first person narrative rather than third person. As it was, I wasn’t much engaged in the story and reading it felt a bit like a chore.

2.5 stars, rounded down to 2 because Granddad apparently already knew who the killer was, but went on a stake-out with Jewel anyway.

I had no idea that there was such a thing as a gingerdead man cookie. I also have never tried Grasmere gingerbread before now, I would say that it is more like a shortbread than a gingerbread, but very tasty especially with a cup of tea. I have read a Five-Ingrediant Mystery before, but you don't need to know the characters to be able to enjoy the story. Set with a Christmas backdrop and a bit of A Chrismtas Carol feel, the Ghost of Christmas 'presents' visits Santa at the volunteers' tea and let's just say that Santa should have left the cookie alone. In this case, Santa was very naughty and the ghosts from his past are catching up with him. At the same time, Val Deniston, personal chef and the Cool Down cafe manager is teamed up with her Granddad the guy behind the Codger Cook newspaper column and part time private eye will have a Dickens of a time solving this one. With more than one death in this holiday tale and Val is caught up in the middle of both. This story offers red herrings and and easy to make recipes for cookies and a casserole, each only takes five ingredients. A quick easy and highly enjoyable read.

This is only the 2nd book in the Five-Ingredient Mystery series I've read, but I've enjoyed both books and definitely want to read more. Val owns a catering business and brings the food for the volunteers to the Dickens of a Holiday Festival. After a weird visit by a mysterious person in costume who hands out gifts to the volunteers, one of them drops dead. Was it something in Val's food, or did the gift kill the corrupt Santa?

Pretty soon people around town begin receiving gifts similar to the ones from the event, and another person dies. The family doesn't want an autopsy and the police have no plans to test the gift. Val and her Grandfather plan to look into the case before anyone else gets hurt.

I wish more of the story revolved around the bookstore like the last one in the series, but I thought the story was compelling Val's flame Bram was still pretty prominent in the plot.

I loved this holiday theme mystery ! Gingerdead Man is the perfect introduction to holiday reading. The cover is beautiful and the author takes her readers on a journey through the holidays with decor, the spirit of Christmas and a great mystery. The holidays is brought to life in Bay Port Maryland and the theme is a Dickens holiday. This is the 7th in the "Five Ingredient" series. I have read the prior in the series and always love to return to this series.

Our protagnist Val and her grandfather are enjoying the fun of taking part in the Dickens of a Holiday festival. Val is hosting a private tea party serving the festival's costumed volunteers. Santa is even attending as himself. All the Dickens charcters are represented. When Santa falls over dead Val is on the case.

I love the relationship between Val and her Grandfather. He is a fun enjoyable charcter. Val is a savvy investigator and as she gathers clues with the help of her friends she manages to balance her many responsibilities and take care of her Grandfather. The sleuth was very well matched to the holiday theme and the charcters. I look forward to the next in series.

Gingerdead Man by Maya Corrigan is the 7th book in A Five-Ingredient Mystery Series, and a very enjoyable read. Val Deniston lives with her grandpa, and they both are taking part in the Dickens Holiday Festival. Val is hosting a tea party for the volunteers, when one of them drops dead. Val and her grandfather start sleuthing, determine to find the truth. There are twists and turns around every corner. Just when I thought I figured out who the murderer was, I was wrong. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I especially enjoyed Val and Grandpa relationship. If you love cozy mysteries, I strongly recommend this book and series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Five-Ingredient Mystery series never disappoints! Gingerdead Man is the 7th in the series, but can be read as a standalone.

It's Christmas-time in Bayport, Maryland and we find Val and her Grandpa attending the Dickens of a Holiday festival. Val is working at the tearoom in the local bookstore and her Grandpa has been cast as Ebenezer Scrooge for the festival. He is usually Santa Claus and makes is displeasure with the "demotion" well-known! The recent newcomer to Bayport is tapped to play Santa Claus, and his wife as Mrs. Claus. A tea being held for costumed volunteers brings together Grandpa, Mr. & Mrs. Claus, and a few other characters from the Dickens classic. Just as they begin to enjoy the food prepared by Val, a character dressed in black with skeleton hands and a gift bag covering his head brings a gift bag to everyone at the tea. Santa is the first to explore his gift bag, only to find a gingerbread man with a skeleton drawn on in icing. Santa promptly eats the "gingerdead man" and soon after falls on the floor, apparently ill or having a heart attack. It's later learned that Santa has died from poisoning, with the cookie being the vehicle for administration. The plot thickens as two other townspeople are poisoned, one who dies, leaving Val and Grandpa to figure out a connection between the three victims and who the poisoner might be.

Val and Grandpa are wonderful partners in sleuthing. Grandpa makes you laugh out loud at his ideas and just because he's old, don't count him out! Val is trying to keep her catering sideline going, her relationship with Bram growing and her Grandpa in check! The story wonderfully pulls together three very different characters into a convergent story, leaving you guessing till the end who the poisoner is. Well worth reading!

Gingerdead Man is a great addition to the "Christmas cozies" and I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to add to the holiday spirit.

Thanks much to Kensington and NetGalley for the review copy!

Who murders Santa at a Dickens Festival? In front of 6 other people also? Then the murderer goes on to kill others in the town. Why? Who holds the biggest grudge? A fun cozy to read for the season.