A good mystery. Characters are weak written and interesting plot. I enjoy the family and community ties. I enjoy books about small close towns.

I enjoyed this mystery but I did the names of characters a bit mixed up as the females in the family are all names of the Graces. Living in small town northern New England, I found the small chumminess of the story a bit overdone but it was only a minor detraction. It was refreshing to have a strong female lead with support of male characters.

This is the first book that I have read from a series by Paula Munier. Thankfully it can stand on it's own but I will be checking out the others! The cover is so compelling and the bait is alluring - a dead Santa! This seasonal mystery pulls you into all the characters. Make sure to read.

The latest in the series starring Mercy Carr, her husband and game warden Troy, and their dogs Elvis and Susie Bear. This can be read as a standalone, as the primary mysteries involve new arrivals to their town in Vermont. The author does a good job tying together myriad plot threads involving organized crime, game trafficking, and long-lost family members, and seeing recurring characters is like stepping into a friendly world. Thanks to Minotaur and NetGalley for the eARC.

What an engaging mystery, I loved it. I admit to needing the promise of snow as it was unbearably hot here, but this book is more than it's setting. I loved the characters, the working dogs, the whole premise. I highly recommend it.

Christmas festivities were underway in the lovely New England town of Northshire. The visit to Santa by the town’s youngsters was abruptly interrupted when Santa suddenly jumped up from his chair, leaving the child on his lap behind, and ran into the surrounding woods. Elvis and Mercy ran after him and found him lying on his back, dead with a burning yule log on his chest.
These seemingly Solstice-themed killings soon targeted the town, and the town's most prominent citizens were the victims.
Mercy and Troy feared that someone close to them could be next, and along with the dogs, they team up with Thrasher and Harrington to capture the Yuletide killer before another member of their town is a victim.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reading copy of The Snow Lies Deep by Paula Munier.

Let’s be honest: the cover pulled me in, the blurb sealed the deal, and the promise of snow was just what I needed while baking in July’s 90-degree heat with humidity thick enough to chew.

This book is part of the Mercy Carr mystery series, which I hadn’t read before—but don’t worry. It absolutely works as a standalone. Munier does a great job grounding you in the world and introducing the characters without overwhelming you.

Speaking of which—I’m completely smitten with Mercy, her husband Troy, and their adorable baby Felicity. And let’s not forget the real scene-stealers: their dogs, Elvis and Susie Bear. If you’re someone who hoards Christmas ornaments year-round or lives for solstice magic, this book is your cup of hot cocoa.

The mystery unravels during the town’s Solstice Soirée, featuring a suspicious death, a burning Yule log, and a very enigmatic uncle. And as Mercy starts pulling at threads, more secrets—and danger—start to unravel.

I thoroughly enjoyed this wintery whodunit and now plan to backtrack through the previous six books in the series. Munier’s writing is crisp, cozy, and keeps the pages turning.

The Snow Lies Deep hits shelves on December 2nd, which also happens to be my 36th wedding anniversary—so you can bet I’ll be on the hunt for a signed copy.

First of all, I read this when the southern US was experiencing incredible heat - and this story takes place in New England right at Christmas time. I loved it!
The story starts with Santa receiving kids and asking what they wanted for Christmas. Without any explanation, he runs out into the woods where Mercy and Elvis (her Malinois) find him - dead. And that's just how the story started!
Mercy's husband, Troy, is chasing down poachers and he's hot on the tail for one. His dog, Susie Bear, aids him. (I love that both of them have dogs!)
Before it's all over, 4 people have turned up dead (not including a skull Elvis found) and there seems to be no thread tying them all together.
In the background, you will learn about the Celtics and how they celebrate the season.
I finished this book in a day and a half. I kept wondering when Mercy would puzzle it out (because I certainly couldn't) but in the end, she pulls all the strings together and the bad guys get caught.
Well worth your time to read - so enjoyable - but best in the heat of the summer! : )

Even when Mercy and Troy are trying to avoid doing anything other than spend time with family, they stumble upon murder and mystery. Mercy and Elvis end up finding Uncle Lazlo dead when he runs off while posing as Santa for the festivities. When her great uncle Hugo shows up with billionaire friend Feinberg, questions arise to exactly who Lazlo was and why someone would want to kill him. Meanwhile, Troy and Susie Bear are off catching a poacher who accidentally stumbles on a human skeleton. The usual family members are present and integral to the background of the story. There is another murder, a woman posing as Lazlo's daughter, and a reverend. This should not go together and the clues to how it all does come slowly as the story progresses. It is a definite puzzle and times goes quickly when you are reading trying to figure it all out. It's a binge worthy book as in the end, Mercy and Troy solve it all and a Merry Christmas is had by all.

I really enjoyed this book, and will go read the rest of the series! I found the story drew me in right away and the characters were interesting. The pacing was good and the story kept me guessing every time I thought I figured it out!