Member Review

Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas by Lynn Cahoon is A Kitchen Witch Mystery Novella (#2.5). It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series, but I believe it is best if you read the other two books first. Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a cute short story. Mia is busy preparing for a Christmas party to promote Mia’s Morsels. Unfortunately, a ghost starts wreaking havoc causing delays. The ghost is Dorothy Purcell who believes she was murdered. If Mia is going to have a successful party and a jolly holiday, she will need to do a little sleuthing with help from her friends. Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a fun story. It is well-written with friendly characters and the story moves along at a quick pace. When Mia is not digging for clues, she is decorating the lobby for the holiday party or busy cooking. Grans, Trent, and Christine are back, and they help Mia with her investigation. Mr. Darcy/Dorian is present too. The mystery was cute and suited the length of the book. I was left with an unanswered question at the end of the book (and I really wanted the answer). I would have liked more magic. There was very little magic in the story (except for seeing ghosts). I would like more of the magical elements. I enjoyed reading Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas and I am looking forward to reading Three Tainted Teas when it comes out in the spring. Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a spirited cozy mystery with sweet sugar cookies, a grumpy ghost, an enigmatic Grans, a beau with a talent for bedecking the halls, a cooperative college student, and a harried kitchen witch.