I’ve become quite fond of Val and her grandpa. Even though they struggled in the beginning, they have come together when it’s time to investigate a murder.
It’s Christmas in Bayport and everyone is working hard to get into the spirit. A Dickens Tea sounds like a great idea, but when a most unpleasant Santa Clause is given a deadly cookie, it’s time to find out who is responsible.
I love books with a holiday theme, and this title is very cute, and the cover was filled with vibrant, holiday colors. This book has become my favorite in the series.

I really enjoyed the latest book in the Five Ingredient Mystery series - it's a perfect Christmas themed mystery for the holidays. There's a Dickens holiday festival, a mysterious visit from the Ghost of Christmas Present, and a poisoned gingerbread man cookie that kills Santa Claus.

The man playing Santa Claus is murdered at a tea that Val is hosting for the festival volunteers. Val and Grandad (who has grown on me) investigate of course, but the stakes are raised when another man dies days later following a dinner catered by Val. This is a clever mystery with well thought out clues. Gingerdead Man is my new favorite book in this series.

Gingerdead Man by Maya Corrigan is a fun cozy mystery that would make a great Hallmark movie. In Gingerdead Man, Val and her friends are enjoying tea and some treats after helping with the town’s Christmas festival. While they are enjoying their food, the Ghost of Christmas Presents leaves a gift for everyone at their table. Jake opens up his gift which is a giant gingerdead man ( a Halloween gingerbread man). Shortly after he finishes his cookie, he drops over dead. A few days later, another resident from the town dies after eating chocolate candy that he received as a gift. Why are these individuals being poisoned? Val decides that she needs to figure who is behind these killings and stop him or her before there is another death.

I enjoyed this book in the series. Granddad is great, the other characters are good also. I liked the mystery. .The recipes in the back look interesting (5 ingredients in my kind of recipe).