This book, my gawd, this book is bloody brilliant!!!
I have never laughed as much while reading a book!
I've been through it all with this one from snorting sniggers while on the bus (apologies to the couple on the seat in front of me, who obviously thought I was laughing at them discussing their medical issues) to chuckling in the dark of night in bed (the dogs gave me a look which clearly said; me mam's bonkers, and walked off in disgust) to full blow belly laughs - this book is an absolute bloody corker (I am definitely going to buy a physical copy just to have it on the keeper shelf!)
Any woman can relate to every aspect of this (maybe minus the dead Father Christmas in the pantry, but each to their own!) Anna is every woman, she wants a normal Christmas, but everything that can go wrong does (always the case right?) The hangover from hell, kiddos don't give a chuff and best not be disturbed, husband still snoring, how dare he! The house looks like it's been through the apocalypse; where did all the mess come from....oh, yes she remembers! Inlaws on route for Christmas dinner...don't mention dinner, they'll be lucky to get a packet of crisps and oh yes nearly forgot; a dead Father Christmas in the pantry! Perfect!!
There is a single thing I didn't like about this, I flew through it within days (for me, that is astounding as I am the slowest reader). murder mysteries aren't always my go-to genre, but I was completely drawn into the blurb, I loved the sound of it and was so pleased I read it and will definitely read more from the author!!
The writing is so honest and incredibly funny, there is wit and good-natured humour on every page, Anna is a brilliant character, a real woman who has the world on her shoulders, a to-do list that never ends and a chaotic family and fabulous always there for her friends (good job too, there is a murder to solve!). I was completely hooked from the first page, I had no idea who the murderer was the writing is so crisp and clever that you're pondering and trying to figure it all out right up to the big reveal. I loved it, and will happily read it again and again!

I have read so many books that I laugh aloud or sniggered to myself. Never have I read a book that has appealed to my sense of humour like this book did. Happy Bloody Christmas has had me in fits of laughter, I mean tears streaming down my face, jaw achingly laughter. What I must have looked like sat in my car on the school run, tears running and wildly laughing to myself. The woman in the car next to me must have thought I was having some midlife crisis or breakdown!
As a woman in her mid-40s, this book was so relatable that it was like reading parts of my own life - minus the murder mystery bits, of course! I loved the plot, the pace of it, how I felt like I was a part of the team trying to solve the mystery. All the characters were fab, especially the best friend duo of Anna and Jennie. I haven't got a single thing I didn't like apart from it had to end. Bloody brilliant!!
I recommend this to anyone who wants to read a great festive murder mystery. I think it would appeal to anyone who's in their fabulous 40s. I found it hilariously good fun.

All Anna wants is the perfect Christmas day. After waking up christmas eve hungover and finding a dead body in her larder, things aren't looking good. With her in-laws' arrival for Christmas dinner the next day, what is she to do?

Thank you to Avon Books UK for my advanced copy.
My opinions are my own

The writing was light, frank and very funny. It had me smiling and laughing out loud throughout which is very rare. I found it all very relatable, with the character going off on amusing tangents every so often and text messages being added in to bring it up to date. I was gripped from the beginning right through to the end. I wasn't completely sure who the murderer was until it was revealed at the end.

The chapters were quite long so you got a good chunk of the story before moving on. I did get very engrossed in what was happening and I didn't want the story to end.

There was a good pace to the story. Even though there were a few different suspects to go through and lots of different things to consider, I never got bored. There was quite a lot of chatter and thought processes from the main character, which were very amusing and entertaining to read. I never felt bogged down and managed to keep up with everything that was going on. There was a good flow to the story so everything ran smoothly together and made for an enjoyable read.

The characters were excellent. I loved the main character. She was amusing, relatable and a joy to read. I also enjoyed reading about the rest of the family and the way that her husband was always there to support her. There were also some interesting dislikeable characters which added an extra layer to the story.

Lastly the settings. They were only vaguely described as it was more a character focused story. Any setting that was integral to the story was given a bit more attention.

Overall a very funny Christmas murder mystery that I highly recommend.

Full of cosy festive vibes and humour. Jo’s writing is engaging and quirky in the very best way. A must read for Christmas 2024.

An absolute riotous Christmas cracker. Very funny, hugely enjoayble and (aside from the dead body in the larder) very relateable.

Highly recommend.

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday read that combines humour, chaos, and a pinch of mystery, look no further than "Happy Bloody Christmas" by Jo Middleton. I completely devoured this book, and let me tell you, it was one of the most enjoyable and hilarious experiences I’ve had this festive season!
From the get-go, I was a fan of Anna Johnson’s whirlwind life. Anna’s struggles only escalate when a mysterious death disrupts her already hectic holiday plans. Finding a dead Santa in her larder is the last thing she needs, especially with her disapproving in-laws on the way. The sheer absurdity of the situation had me laughing out loud—Anna’s witty internal monologue and her frantic attempts to juggle sleuthing with holiday preparations had me invested and rooting for her from page one.
The absurdity escalates as Anna begins her investigation into the death of her less-than-beloved boss, Colin. With the police's lacklustre response to the investigation, Anna, her husband Oli, their tech-savvy son Ben, and her charmingly quirky friend Jennie dive into the mystery themselves. I loved how their investigation intertwined seamlessly with holiday chores.
Middleton crafts a wonderfully relatable and humorous narrative. I found myself frequently cracking up at Anna’s thoughts on the absurdities of motherhood and holiday stress, especially in her interactions with the never-ending stream of family obligations. Plus, the characters are delightful and full of personality. Jennie’s “murder board” idea mixed with Pokémon characters had me grinning, and I couldn’t help but admire Anna’s determination to keep her home running smoothly, even as everything spiralled into chaos.
Middleton's sharp wit and snarky observations bring a fresh twist to the cosy mystery genre, making this story more than just a simple whodunit. I felt like I was experiencing the ups and downs of holiday madness right alongside Anna. And just when I thought I had it all figured out, there were twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end.
The cherry on top comes with the clever epilogue that hints at more sleuthing to come, which left me eagerly wanting a sequel. Anna’s adventures, while chaotic, resonate with anyone who’s ever survived the holiday season with a sense of humour intact.
In short, "Happy Bloody Christmas" is an absolute joy to read, a perfect blend of humour, heart, and a little holiday sleuthing. Grab a glass of your favourite drink, cosy up, and prepare for a delightful escape into Anna's world—it’s the kind of festive distraction we all need!

Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Such a fun, festive read. You wouldn’t really think of a whodunnit being a good seasonal subject, but this author has nailed it.
Great plot, well written characters, just enough quirks throughout to be funny rather than eccentric.
Highly recommend!

I absolutely loved it such a fun Christmas read I read it in one sitting,
I laughed, I cried, the character were amazing!
The characters were so well written it was a great read

It's Christmas Eve and Anna Johnson has a whole list of tasks and chores to get through before her in laws descend on her for Christmas Day. She is battling a hangover from her annual Christmas house party the night before, and trying to work out how she can involve her husband and two kids in the preparations to help. There are several tasks the children can help with, but one of them is definitely NOT the removal of the dead body dressed as Father Christmas in the larder. Anna wants Christmas to be perfect, and also to find out who on earth could have killed Santa, with one of Annas best kitchen knives, when, and why.
An entertaining read, this was a fun whodunnit with some laugh out loud moments. I loved it and would thoroughly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC.

Anna has thrown a pre-Christmas party which probably wasn't her best idea ever, because she wakes up with a stonking hangover and has only a day to prepare for husband Oli's parents to arrive to a sumptuous meal she hasn't begun to prepare yet. The presents haven't been wrapped, the tablescape isn't done yet and there, between the spelt flour and the Pop Tarts, is a dead Santa in her larder. Sorry, rewind, there is what?

It is so inconvenient when you have a Christmas to-do list as long as your arm and now have to add "solve Santa's murder", "buy a replacement Sabatier knife" and "remove bloodstains in grouting with toothpaste" onto your list!

Enraged by the police's general disinterest and bumbling incompetence when securing the crime scene, Anna and Oli begin to sleuthe themselves, supported by teenage son Ben and delighted BFF Jennie who, wine glass in hand, immediately starts creating a "murder board" like in Death in Paradise, but with Pokémon characters instead of photos of the suspects.

The dead man is Anna's boss Colin, and due to him being an awful human being, it seems there are as many motives to kill him as there were guests. Luckily, Ben is a tech whizz and accesses the Ring doorbell app and the cat tracker like a pro. But that is only the beginning.

Here we have a murder mystery in a strong domestic setting with Christmas preparations - people incorporate the sleuthing into housework like discussing theories while putting on a load of washing or unloading the dishwasher. It's very relatable - of course we want to find the murderer but there is still the downstairs loo to clean and the potatoes to be prepped!

The snarky and hilarious story is told brilliantly - characters are frequently more concerned about the Sabatier knife than the knifed or what the disapproving mother -in-law will say to all this.

This is incredibly entertaining, with a fun cast of characters and a funny cover. I read it in one go and frequently laughed myself silly, especially about the keen observations of an overworked wife and mother at Christmas who needs to find ways that all this isn't noticed by the precocious 7 year old daughter, which makes this more than just a light-hearted whodunnit.

The epilogue sends strong "there'll be a sleuthing sequel" vibes and I'm all here for it. But first, another bottle of crémant, please, as the mother-in-law has just uttered a rare compliment about the gravy!

I really identify with the main character - not the murder bit but the debilitating hangover and Christmas panics. Read this in the hottest day of the year but it still made me shiver with the thought it Christmas and that work we have to do. But the story of a dead Santa made me roll over laughing. Brilliant book!

So Hugely Enjoyable!…
What a blast this is. Meet Anna, her family and friends. It’s Christmastime and Anna has thrown a party. Waking with a hangover on Christmas Eve, together with the party aftermath strewn throughout the house, may not be the best start to the day - but, it’s about to get much, much worse. With a very dead Santa in her precious larder, how on earth is Anna going to cope? As she draws upon her inner Poirot, Anna may well just find some answers. Hugely entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable lighthearted whodunnit with a keenly observed and credible cast of characters. Escapism at its finest.

A drunken house party on December 23rd isn't the best idea, especially when your in-laws are coming for Christmas. You've got a nuclear hangover, the house looks like a war zone, and then there's the small matter of a dead body in the larder. Dressed as Santa. And with one of your best knives sticking out of his chest...

This really is what Anna doesn't need, especially when the officers sent out are more concerned with getting back to the station for the Christmas knees-up than preserving the crime scene.

So it's down to Anna, aided and abetted by husband Oli, son Ben (but emphatically not seven year old daughter Lily) and best friend Jennie to get this solved before her in-laws arrive.

Brilliant

A very funny mystery with an appealing amateur detective. Set at Christmas time. A woman finds a party guest dressed as Father Christmas stabbed to death in her larder. Overcoming numerous obstacles (including her mother-in-law) she solves the murder in time for a festive family Christmas. This could easily become a series

I shouldn't like this book. It's not credible, it's annoying, and most of the characters are scatterbrained .... but I LOVED it.

It's funny, lighthearted, well, as lighthearted as you can get with a body in your pantry. With in the in-laws due the next day, not only has she a murder to solve, but she needs to ready herself for Christmas.

It was a really fun read that would be perfect to read over the Christmas season

Well written, funny and keeps you involved while trying to solve a murder. Loved every minute of this. I highly recommend for a fun read. Will definitely look for some more books by this author.

Loved this. It was the perfect mix of mystery, fun with added Christmas spirit. I really recommend all of Jo's work

A fun Christmas read, very cheesy in places, took a while to get into it but the light hearted murder mystery was very enjoyable in the end. Loved the homely Christmas touches and message about family, made me nostalgic for the a season
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read and review

Happy Bloody Christmas by Jo Middleton is a darkly funny and chaotic festive mystery that had me hooked from the start. Anna Johnson just wants a peaceful Christmas, but when she finds a dead body in her larder, things spiral hilariously out of control.

The mix of murder, family drama, and holiday stress makes for a brilliantly entertaining read. Anna’s inner monologue is sharp and relatable, and the sheer absurdity of her predicament had me laughing out loud. The tension builds nicely as she scrambles to solve the mystery before her in-laws arrive, keeping me turning the pages.

While the plot is fun and fast-paced, some moments felt a little over-the-top, and I occasionally wanted a bit more depth to the mystery itself. But overall, this is a perfect festive read for anyone who enjoys humour with their crime fiction. A wonderfully witty and unpredictable Christmas caper!

Happy Bloody Christmas was a throwback to classic murder mysteries such as those by agatha christie but for a more modern audience. The plot was a little unrealistic but that didn't matter one bit. The characters were wonderful and so relatable. Families, Christmas, murder and humour all feature in the book. There so were many laugh out loud moments and a few good twists and turns. Would recommend this book. Thanks to Jo Middleton, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Jo Middleton's Happy Bloody Christmas offers a delightfully chaotic take on the classic holiday season, mixing the traditional stress of Christmas preparations with a darkly comedic murder mystery. Anna Johnson is a relatable protagonist whose hungover discovery of a dead body in her larder sends her already overwhelming Christmas Eve spiralling into madness. The book’s witty humour shines as Anna tries to juggle solving the murder, managing her dozy yet endearing husband, and preparing for her judgemental in-laws’ arrival—all while keeping her kids blissfully unaware of the grisly turn of events.

What makes this festive whodunit stand out is its seamless blend of cosy mystery elements and laugh-out-loud humour. Middleton’s writing is fast-paced, full of sharp dialogue, and peppered with relatable family dynamics. While the mystery itself isn’t overly intricate, the twists and turns are satisfying, and the slightly absurd tone makes it impossible to put down. Themes of embracing imperfection and prioritising joy add a layer of depth to the humour, making Happy Bloody Christmas both entertaining and unexpectedly heartwarming.

This book wasn't what I expected from a Christmas story but I absolutely loved it. Chaotic and fun with a bit of a mystery into the bargain. I can't wait for the next instalment.

This was so much fun to read – I adored it. A hilariously entertaining festive whodunnit, I read this in a matter of days. Get this on your festive reading pile!!

4⭐️

A laugh out loud festive whodunnit! 🎄

This was a thoroughly entertaining Christmas read, that was more moreish than Christmas sweet treats!

Anna’s Christmas Eve To Do List:
1. Wrap the kids’ presents
2. Peel the potatoes
3. Get rid of the dead body?!
Hungover and exhausted after her family’s annual party, all Anna wants for Christmas is to finish her to-do list and finally sit down with the world’s biggest glass of wine. But when she stumbles across a dead body in her larder, her plans are well and truly buggered. A mysterious death in her home really is the last thing she needs, but with her judgemental in-laws arriving in less than twenty-four hours, turning her house into a crime scene is not an option. If she’s going to save Christmas, it’s up to Anna to find out what the hell’s gone on. Oh – and figure out what to do with the body before one of the kids finds it. And you thought burning the turkey was the worst that could happen…

I haven’t read any book like this in a while and I loved it. Packed with hilariously honest truths, it was easy to inhale and was a very cosy read.

I loved Anna’s character, her quick wit, and all the constant glimpses we received into what she was thinking. She had one hell of jam packed Christmas Eve and it was so her luck. I loved how she took on the investigator hat and what she deduced with the evidence available.

I quite liked the secondary characters too and how this book shines a light on the chaos of Christmastime and pleasing all those picky guests - we all know a Pamela! I really enjoyed how family orientated this read was too with Anna’s children frequently appearing.

I had no idea how the bow would be unravelled in this cleverly wrapped Christmas mystery and I enjoyed the reveal at the end.

A huge thank you to @avonbooksuk, @jomiddletonauthor and @netgalley for this ARC of Happy Bloody Christmas which I urge everyone to check out. 😍

After all, we all deserve a laugh at Christmas! ❤️💚

⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️

this book is a very different christmas story not romantic but being a detective is the case to find santa in your larder with a knife through his stomach the morning after in your house following a christmas party and a dirty great big hangover its now up to you to read and solve the case of who stabbed santa in my larder

I really enjoyed this festive murder mystery and it was a nice change from all the festive romcoms available this time of year.

I loved MC Anna and thought her comedy timing was brilliant. I belly laughed a couple of times at her antics in finding the culprit.

I think this will appeal to a multitude of readers who are looking to escape reality for a bit.

I look forward to book 2!

This was such a brilliant read. I read it on Xmas eve which is when it takes place. A fast paced read which has loveable characters that are integral to how the story develops. I loved the humour and laughed out loud on more than one occasion.

I loved Happy Bloody Christmas - fast paced and very funny. The only criticism was at one point it felt that there were a lot of ‘suspects’ to remember the connection of everyone, however I got over this quickly. I guessed the ending/killer midway through, but this didn’t dampen my enjoyment of the book. Would definitely recommend to anyone who likes a festive mystery!

My thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for a copy of “ Happy Bloody Christmas “ for an honest review.

I always save some festive books to read for the run up to Christmas , this was the final one on my list and I definitely saved the best for last !
This was a really humorous book despite the fact that “ Santa “ has been killed in Anna’s kitchen larder.
The characters were all really well written and believable , except for the strange police procedures, or lack of them This was a laugh out loud read., but as well as that there was a really suspenseful “whodunnit “ at the heart of the book
A real gem of a book , and I’ve just seen Jo Middleton is releasing a follow on book for next year so that’s on my Christmas list for 2025 !

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from Netgalley. This was an entertaining, light - hearted comedy. It owned its silliness meaning the persistent need to suspend disbelief didn't matter. I enjoyed the characters and the plot, and the sneaky Thursday Murder Club reference. The story was wrapped up a bit quickly, and I'm not quite sure how Anna reached the right conclusion, but ultimately, it was a fun festive read.

I love a good Christmas/holiday mystery. Add in a good dash of humor and it’s a recipe for success. I had a really good time with this book and found myself constantly laughing. Absolutely recommend for anyone who loves a fun mystery!

I am a little bit 'bah humbug' when it somes to Christmas books as I can't be doing with all the schmaltzy, fluffy ones! But this one was right up my street!

After hosting a brilliant Christmas party, Anna was expecting a horrendous clean up the morning after, but a dead Santa in her larder is a step further than her hungover head can deal with! When the police finally show up, they seem more concerned about getting back to the station in time for their Christmas party, so Anna and her husband Oli decide to try and solve it themselves, before the imminent arrival of the in-laws!

Brilliant, dark comedy that made me laugh out loud several times. Perfect if you like your Christmas reads on the non-lovey-dovey side!

The run up to Christmas is stressful enough but when Anna wakes up on Christmas Eve after a festive party at home with friends and work colleagues the last thing she expects is to find her boss dead in her larder and he's dressed as Santa!

With the police more interested in rushing back to their own Christmas party than looking for suspects Anna decides to look for clues herself. It must have been one of their friends, but who would want to kill Colin and use one of her favourite knives (from an expensive set) to stab him as well!

As well as turning detective she also needs to find the time to clean and decorate the house for the impending arrival of the judgy inlaws, whilst shielding her 7 year old from discovering Santas demise...

A very funny book that keeps you guessing to the end! It will appeal to the stressed 40 something mum at Christmas!

Thank you Netgalley, Avon Books UK and Jo Middleton for the eArc of Happy Bloody Christmas.
Olivia Mace (Narrator)

This is my first book that I have read by Jo Middleton and I loved it! Her writing style with the cosy, comical whodunit edge had me engaged throughout the book. I loved the MC, Anna, her family and her closest friend characters which felt realistic and well rounded. The humour that is weaved throughout the narrative really tickled me. It's well placed and light so I had some great laugh out loud moments. There is some great foreshadowing and even though some might think it was predictable, I still really enjoyed the finale. I'll be looking out for more books by this author.

I also had the pleasure of listening to part of the audiobook when I didn't have time to sit and read. Olivia Mace has a wonderful voice for this type of genre and also portrayed the humorous side of the book really well.


4.5 for Storygraph, 5 for other review sites.

Oh what an hilarious book!
I was already hooked from seeing the cover and knew this was going to be a good one!

Anna wakes up on Christmas Eve with a big hangover and a house to clean after the party her family threw the night before for her friends and co-workers. She has only a few hours to clean and prepare for the in-laws for Christmas Day and she’s already dreading it. When she goes downstairs and opens the pantry, to her shock, her boss Colin has been stabbed and is dressed as Father Christmas dead on the floor. She rings her best friend Jennie and they start collecting some evidence and start the detective skills that everyone wishes they could do just once!

Absolutely loved the writing style, it was so easy to read and I managed to finish it so quickly!

Definitely recommend for a hilarious Christmas read.

A very enjoyable murder mystery, investigating the stabbing of Father Christmas. When the police seem to be incompetent, Anna with her family and friends set about solving the mystery and identifying the killer. Light-hearted and fun story.

When Anna wakes up on Christmas Eve with a hangover, the last thing she expects is to find a body in her larder.
But the next twenty-four hours will be her busiest yet, not only is she getting ready for her in-laws to stay over and preparing the Christmas dinner, but she's also solving a murder.

This novel was outrageously funny, and I found myself laughing out loud at certain scenes. I loved the devotion Oli has for Anna, and this is definitely 'Couple Goals' relationship vibe. I also adored the best friend, Jennie, who was a little quirky but who constantly had Anna's back.

This novel truly showed us not to mess with this female main character as she really can do it all.

This book was a bit of a god send for me. I could feel myself slipping into a bit of a book slump and this brought me back from the brink! I love a bit of a murder mystery, and with the added Christmas theme, the chaos of incoming in-laws and the addition of a hangover, it just made the whole thing even better! I found myself giggling at some points, it was very UK centred which I love as the references were completely on point and I just found it really comforting. Thank you to the team at @avonbooks for sending me a copy - I’m well and truly in the Christmas spirit now… just without the murder part 😉

I thought this was a fun read, full of real people in unreal circumstances as well as caricatures such as the police officers . You had to suspend belief but I really enjoyed it.

If you are looking for a light, funny but dark read for December then pick this one up!

After my last read, I needed something really light and murdery, and well ‘tis the season, so I finally picked this one up. I knew it was going to be funny, but I did not expect it to be that funny - it’s absolutely brilliant. It felt like it was a really short book as I finished it quick, but on looking at the page count it would appear that I just flew through it. As the person who has the inlaws for dinner as well, I was having absolute palpitations over how much time they were wasting “faffing around” and going out, and they partied on pre-Christmas eve? What?! I could not cope…

Overall, loved it so much - an antidote to the Christmas stress!

My thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

Most of my go to Christmas reads are cosy romances, so this festive mystery was a refreshing change of pace!

It’s Christmas Eve, and Anna is nursing a hangover after last night’s party. With a house to clean before the in-laws arrive the last thing she needs is a dead Santa in her larder!

Anna enlists the help of her husband Oli, their teenage son, and her best friend Jennie to try and solve the mystery while still trying to pull off a perfect Christmas.

This book is witty and entertaining. Its engaging plot and lively characters make it an enjoyable read for anyone looking for a Christmas story that steps beyond the traditional.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for the ARC

‘Happy Bloody Christmas’ has the perfect mixture of murder mystery and comedy. The Christmas shenanigans are reminiscent of many families and added to the fun of the book!

Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for the arc to review.

Enjoyed reading this and was chuckling throughout 😁 definitely puts you off office parties although it did seem that Anna has found her new calling in life. I couldn't help feel sorry for her as she was trying to hold it all together for Christmas while trying to play detective in a bid to uncover a murderer - who could have been one of her nearest and dearest. Trying to do that when waiting for a monster in-law to descend on you and criticise your every effort adds to further stress that she could do without. She handles it all perfectly, with great humour and better than the police- all with time to spare for Christmas ⛄🎁

It's a fun read that really does have you laughing out loud at times. Lots of fun references too and you can't help identify with Anna at times.

Christmas Eve, and Anna wakes with a hangover and a huge to-do list before her in laws arrive for Christmas. Unfortunately she also finds the body of her boss in her larder, stabbed. She, husband Oli and best friend Jennie decide they need to find the murderer, particularly as they have got the most inept police in the world on their case - seriously, they walk over incriminating footprints, never interview the party goers including Oli, and disappear for Christmas nibbles with no further interest in the case.

The result is very funny in parts, although Anna is easily distracted and the reader becomes frustrated as time ticks on while she faffs about instead of preparing her home for the dreaded mother in law's arrival. However, the list of suspects is long and the alibis numerous, so its quite clever how it all falls into place.

Anna is a realistic mum in the modern world and apart from the unlikelihood of finding a body and not ringing the police instantly, as well as withholding evidence, it makes for a fun Christmas read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If playing Cluedo was more of an immersive family activity, than a board game, this lot would be the experts! Alongside, all of the stress, drama, chaos and pressure of organising the perfect family Christmas, there's the small matter of solving the mystery of the dead Father Christmas in the pantry.

Fabulous, funny, festive and guaranteed to make you appreciate your own holiday season.

Oh this was such a funny festive read. The characters were brilliant and the chaos in the house was so hilarious. I loved this one. It was warm and welcoming. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for my ARC copy.
Imagine if Motherland and Agatha Christie had a baby and then sprinkled on top a massive dose of relatability. This book had me giggling throughout and I really enjoyed the black humour. Anna as a protagonist is highly relatable, we've all dealt with challenging in laws!
I could imagine this as a "Carry On" style TV show. I loved it! Nice that it has a sprinkle of festive vibes too. Perfect for this time of year.

A laugh-out loud Christmas cracker!
Everyone should be able to relate to this book; maybe not the murder in the larder but definitely the Christmas Eve preparations and stresses and family dramas.
I loved this book which had me laughing out loud from the bubble writing to the marzipan fruits. Fabulous and funny!

Happy Bloody Christmas by Jo Middleton is a wickedly fun and darkly humorous take on the holiday season, blending festive cheer with a macabre twist. Middleton crafts a story filled with quirky characters, unexpected chaos, and a holiday celebration that quickly spirals into a wild and bloody affair. With its sharp wit and fast-paced plot, the novel balances humor and horror in a way that keeps readers both entertained and on the edge of their seats. Perfect for those who enjoy unconventional holiday stories, Happy Bloody Christmas offers a unique mix of festive joy and grisly surprises, making it a thrilling read for fans of dark comedy and holiday mayhem.

I knew I was going to enjoy this from the opening sentence: "There is a brief moment with a hangover, just after you wake up, when you think perhaps that everything is going to be okay. And then you move." I hadn't actually realised this was a murder mystery so that nice was a nice surprise. But it was the totally relatable and humorous element of a family Christmas that was the draw for me - and it didn't disappoint. I loved the family dynamics and banter throughout, with my favourite being Oli reporting that the neighbour "had a bat and was being very threatening" only for the kids to confirm that actually "Dad ran away from a man Crocs waving a baguette." So, in short I loved this and as it looks like there's going to be a sequel I can't wait to catch up with the family again soon.

This is one of the funniest and yet murderous books I've read in a long time and if I could award it six stars out of five, I would. I thought I'd take a punt reading what might be a funny Christmas murder story in September, and this is as good as it gets. The mixture between clever funny lines while dissecting everyone who attended a party to see who might be the murderer, was an excellent combination. Everyone was guilty at least during one stage of this novel and everybody was cleared as well until the guilty party was finally located and arrested. The wit and nature of this book may not appeal to everyone but it certainly did to me and I'm looking forward to reading more in this series, if there are any and certainly, as soon as I've finished writing this review, I’m off to see what books this person has written. Although many may decide that this story should be placed in the cosy category, that should not put you off if you also need an amusing novel with many laugh out loud moments. The way that the main character treats her friends. husband, children and parents in law is enough to keep you going to the very last page. The incompetence of the police is unbelievable, but that's what makes you read on each page as quickly as possible.

Whilst this story has a credible murder mystery vibe, it is a very humorous book. It is family-centred and festive since Anna discovers a body on Christmas Eve. Much of the humour comes from Anna's introspection, but her interactions with her best friend, Jennie and her family are also often hilarious. It is the seriousness of finding a dead body contrasting with relatable family festivities that are so entertaining to read. I like the family's festive ethos, the murder mystery, and the irreverent humour.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Am amusing Christmas mystery, it’s not groundbreaking but it’s familiar and the plot is a fun and comfortable read!
Good for Christmas time, especially if you like a little murder with your mistletoe.

Highly Amusing and Quirky*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

‘Happy Bloody Christmas’ by Jo Middleton is a festive mystery that seamlessly blends the relatable chaos and pressure of preparing to host your in-laws for Christmas Dinner with the horror of discovering Santa dead and bloody in your larder! The lead character Anna is frazzled wife and mother-of-two who thought her biggest Yuletide challenges would be avoiding marzipan fruits or anything else her mother-in-law might scrunch her nose up at, controlling her two kids and creating an acceptable tablescape. Her husband, true crime podcast fan Oli, and best friend, Jennie - who seems to be enjoying the bizarre situation a little too much - band together with her to discover the culprit.

I loved the red herrings and suspicions which really tested family ties! I also liked the pace of the book and the way it mixed mundane traditional family Christmas activities with a shocking murder. I did find some elements a little predictable, but it didn’t really spoil my enjoyment.

Overall, I’d give this four stars! If you liked Janice Hallet’s ‘The Christmas Appeal’ or if you fancy yourself an amateur investigator, pick this one up!

I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Avon Books UK via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I absolutely loved this book and loved the title

This book made me laugh and I loved all the characters especially the busy body neighbour

Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

Amateur Detective work at its most bonkers and absurd.

It’s Christmas Eve. Anna and Oli are hosting Christmas dinner for his parents tomorrow. Last night they hosted their annual Christmas Eve Eve party for a small selection of friends, family and acquaintances that provided the opportunity or everyone to enter the season in good cheer. Well, almost everyone! With a raging hangover and a dead body in her larder, Anna has to pull herself together pretty quickly if she is going to woo the disapproving Mother-in-Law. However, when a bungling police officer demonstrates his incompetence, best friend Jennie decides they need to establish who from this small intimate circle of guests has the killer’s instinct. With a fuzzy head, no sleuthing skills, but armed with a sense of adventure, can Anna, Jennie, and Oli narrow down the suspects to crack the case?

Happy Bloody Christmas by Jo Middleton will certainly make the Christmas season interesting. So many of the characters are highly relatable. I almost daren’t say it, but in the opening scenes, I could have been a third person in the conversations between Anna and Jennie as they downplayed certain events, gave priority to things of little consequence, and reasoned about why they themselves shouldn’t be on a murder board. Does that make me a bad human? The conversations between the besties and those between Anna and her family that includes her husband Oli, 15-year-old son, Ben, and prepubescent daughter, Lily, are realistic with a natural flow, accurately depicting their years. The inner thoughts about the mother-in-law are not uncommon to any woman who just doesn’t make the cut for someone’s perfect, darling, son. And who can forget the nosey, elderly neighbour who gives themselves an air of importance by joining every committee going?

Key characters aside, the writing style is easy. There are no big words to trip you up, no convoluted twists and turns that have you in a knot that has you going, ‘Huh, what the….?’ at the end of the book. Rather it is a book with simple people, written for simple people that wouldn’t mind being a ‘have a go’ hero for the day. The book has a gentle pace that starts and finishes on Christmas Eve mid-morning and finishes on Christmas Eve evening making it feel like you are exploring and watching the mystery unfold in real time. Although there are red herrings and plot twists, the level of sleuthing does not rival the likes of Agatha Christie. With a relatively small cast, provided you are paying a little attention, the clues that are also as common as the marzipan fruits in this story are solvable.

I really enjoyed watching more and more people get sucked into the investigation, and the visual images Middleton was able to help conjure in my head. I found there to be such hilarity in scenes of photographing ‘evidence,’ shoplifting, raiding gardens, wheedling one’s way into someone’s home, talking moon cups, and more, all for the sake of the greater good. The fact that it happens during the season of goodwill, when there are so many other stresses going on just adds to the laughable mayhem.

This book is a gossip’s dream. If ever you need justification for the amount of drama you share, Happy Bloody Christmas is it. I wanted to write a balanced review, so having raved about the good points, it’s only fair that I consider the negatives. Thinking, thinking, thinking… the fact is, there are none. The book is perfectly pitched at readers that do not have to be too logical, or too attentive, or too niche. Readers don’t have to be too involved; they can choose to get involved or simply enjoy the frolics for what they are. The structure is easy to follow, the spelling and grammar has been checked and double-checked and the story reaches a satisfying conclusion with everything neatly sewn up, so you are not left filling in the blanks. The language is tame making it suitable for older teens and above. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a cozy mystery, you won’t be disappointed. Now if Middleton could just hurry along and release another book that would be the icing on the cake.

I started reading Happy Bloody Christmas having read a number of very enthusiastic reviews and was dismayed that my initial reaction didn't match up with them. At the beginning it read like a very cringy sit com and I nearly gave up but I am so glad I persevered.
Jo Middleton is obviously a very talented writer with great insight into people and what makes them tick, and also what the reader will find highly amusing. This is a warm, very cleverly done Christmas novel with an amusing, likeable and relateable family trying to solve a murder before the overbearing mother in law arrives on Christmas morning.

Well this was simply bloody brilliant! I literally giggled the whole way through! So much of it reminded me of conversations I have with my mum about our husbands (the constant having to think of what’s for tea etc) that it felt very close to home! Obviously finding a dead Santa hasn’t happened to either of us (I’ll say yet because you can never say never!) but what a fun read. Anna and Jennie made me think of me and my bestie, Mel, and what either of us would say if the other rang us up with the news (pretty much what Jennie said)! Honestly, this was so much fun and silly at the same time, perfect Christmas book without it being a typical sickly sweet Christmas read!

Frantic, festive - and funny!

Christmas Eve is a hectic time for everyone but for those hosting the festive meal - and especially with the in-laws arriving - even frantic doesn't begin to cover it. Throw in a booming hangover, a 'to-do' list growing by the minute and Anna has more than enough on her plate. It can't get any worse - can it? Well, when you throw in a dead body in the larder, it definitely can ...

I'm going to be very careful not to give anything away here, but I think there's a lesson for all of us in this one. After all, it's only one day - but oh, the pressure we put upon ourselves! Anna is no different; coping with children and Christmas enters a whole new level with a thudding hangover and the laughs come thick and fast. Very funny, but those used to solving mysteries in their reading will be able to pick out all the wrong things to do - which only increased the giggles. As long as you don't take life too seriously, this is a warm and witty read. 4.5*.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this novel via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

Anna’s Christmas is not as she’d anticipated, quite different from previous years. After their annual Christmas party, hungover Anna goes downstairs the following morning to find a dead body in her larder…. From here a dark humored whodunnit 🥸 will have you laughing out loud very early on.

Not your average Christmas romance, but a definite should read this Christmas 🎄

I just loved this book so much it was so good that once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. It made me want to be friends with Anna and Jennie and spend Christmas with them. This book was an absolute hoot to read and a marvellous whodunnit, it had marvellous characters in it as well. I was just sorry when it finished as it was so good.

I would highly recommend reading this book if you love a marvellous whodunnit with a good bit of humour too and marvellous characters as well as an excellent story.

I would like to thank Avon and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book early.

Happy Bloody Christmas is just brilliant, and I'm sad that I have finished it! Anna is preparing to welcome her in-laws for Christmas, and feeling the pressure of living up to her mother-in-laws standards. That would be bad enough, but stumbling into the pantry with a hangover, Anna is in for a shock - her sleazy boss Colin has been stabbed!

With the hapless police officers more interested in their Christmas party than investigating, Anna and best friend Jennie take on themselves to investigate. Whilst juggling Christmas Eve preparations, nosy neighbours and a party of suspects, Anna and Jennie attempt to get to the truth, with a whole load of revelations along the way.

What was unexpected was the sub-story running alongside, featuring Anna and her perceived expectations of Christmas with her family. Pretty much the worst has already happened in their house, so who cares if the cats eat the smoked salmon starter?! This side of the story was really heartwarming, especially the support from Anna's husband Oli and children Ben and Lily (who was scarily similar to my own daughter!)

Please please bring Anna and Jennie back for more escapades, and can I join their gang too?!

Happy Bloody Christmas was a wonderfully entertaining read. From the first page I was chuckling and the book kept up this jovial tone, despite the murder!

Anna is a relatable character who wakes up on Christmas Eve and discovers the body of her boss (dressed as Father Christmas) in her prised walk-in pantry. When the police are more interested in festive food, she takes it upon herself to unravel the mystery. With help from her family and best friend, Anna follows the evidence to discover who committed the murder at her Christmas party.

Everyone seemed to have motive and opportunity which made the book a great read and kept me guessing right to the end.

A great mixture of humour, mystery, and general Christmas-time stress!


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this novel. All opinions are my own and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

Happy Bloody Christmas by Jo Middleton is a festive murder mystery with a difference. A true Christmas cracker of a read.

Anna wakes up Christmas Eve morning after their annual party with the worst hangover, a dead santa in her larder and what's worse is her in laws are coming to stay for Christmas. When the police arrive it's obvious that they are more interested in getting back to the station for their Christmas pies than solving the murder. So Anna and friend Jennie are left to solve the murder themselves. They get their murder boards out and work through their suspect list. Will they find our who stabbed Santa with a knife from Anna's sabatier set (you can't buy individual replacements you know)

This was the funniest festive book that I didn't know I needed to read. It's a brilliantly plotted whodunit, completely bonkers at times and told in a light, quirky and engaging way. Jo Middleton is an author I haven't read before but I'm looking to reading more from her soon.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for providing me with a copy to read and review.

I love a Christmas read and adding the element of mystery was a perfect mixture for me. Overall it was funny and compelling!

If you're a fan of Motherland and A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, then Happy Bloody Christmas by Jo Middleton should be on your must-read list! This clever and engaging Christmas murder mystery mixes humour with suspense, making it the perfect holiday read.

The story centres on Anna Johnson, who wakes up the morning after her Christmas party with a pounding hangover, struggling to recall foggy memories of amaretto shots and an intense game of Twister where she was determined to show she could still do a crab. As if the pressure of creating a festive tablescape for her judgmental mother-in-law's imminent arrival wasn't enough, Anna's day takes a wild turn when she discovers a dead Father Christmas in her brand-new walk-in larder.

Things go from bad to worse when the police officers on the scene are more interested in returning to the station so as not to miss out on the Christmas party turkey & cranberry pies than solving the crime. Their incompetence peaks when they destroy key evidence, trampling through the crime scene, and spilling pasta shells all over the dead body. It soon becomes evident that if this murder is to be solved, Anna will have to take charge.

What ensues is a chaotic yet hilarious adventure as Anna tries to balance holiday preparations with unravelling an unexpected murder, all while trying to keep the Christmas spirit alive for her family.

Anna is an incredibly relatable character, dealing with endless to-do lists, family pressures, and the quest for the perfect Christmas.

The story masterfully combines the dark humour and domestic mayhem of Motherland with the gripping mystery that fans of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder will love.

Anna wakes up on Christmas Eve not feeling her best after her party the night before but knows she needs to prepare for her (nightmare) in-laws who are arriving the next day. So when she finds Father Christmas murdered in her pantry it throws a real spanner in the works. Will she find out what happened and manage to save the family Christmas?

I was really drawn to the title and premise of this one as it sounded like it would be a lot of fun. After reading I can confirm that it certainly was! I really enjoyed the author’s lighthearted, humorous writing style and even though this was a murder mystery I had a smile on my face. The story flowed well and I really enjoyed getting involved in the investigation; it all came together well.

All the characters are great, as they are witty, funny and I felt I really got to know them. I loved the rapport between Anna and friend Jennie and their easy banter. I would love to read more of their antics in a second book! This is a perfect book for those looking to read a festive cosy murder mystery filled with plenty of black humour. I will be recommending! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

One word.

AMAZING!!

When I first started reading i thought oh no christmas in September but actually it was so good. Althought based at christmas it wasnt heavy christmas so you could read it anytime of the year. The plot, character and story was absolutely amazing! This was a first for me reading this author but it definitely will not be the last. I have been recommending this to everyone I know who reads amazing 😍

What's the worst that could happen when you wake up with a hangover on Christmas Eve? Could it be finding Father Christmas dead in your pantry? Happy Bloody Christmas is a fun, entertaining who-dunnit with some madcap scenarios and giggles thrown in for good measure. Thank you to netgalley, author and publisher for an arc.

What a wonderfully funny book. The sheer absurdity of the situation, set against the banality of preparing for a family Christmas with the in laws, is what makes the novel so entertaining. There are some really classic, laugh out loud, hilarious comments and moments. Although murder is clearly not a feel good theme the love and closeness of Anna, Oli and Ben is very uplifting. So, too, is Anna’s relationship with her best friend, Jennie, and with her brother his partner. In some ways, a classic whodunnit, but in others so much more. The writer has a way with words and uses them effectively. When Anna finds a body in her pantry her first thoughts are to salvage their Christmas celebrations and protect her family from unpleasantness. However, faced with the apparent incompetence of the police officers, she quickly decides to investigate and solve the crime herself, enlisting the help of husband, Oli, son, Ben and friend, Jennie. Some difficult moments follow as the team try to eliminate suspects. A refreshingly different Christmas story, which I definitely recommend.

What a bloody brilliant story. I read this in one sitting and absolutely roared with laughter throughout. Yes, it’s a little predictable but don’t let that take away from the absolute hilarity that this truly is.
The absurdity of the whole situation, coupled with the inner thoughts of a millennial mum (speaking my language) you have got yourself a gut buster of a narrative.
Nice quick easy read, and strangely enough, rather cosy and festive 😂

I loved this book. Totally ridiculous but laugh out loud funny. With the most inept police officers you could ever come across; if you find a body in your larder you're going to just have to solve the murder yourself, even though it's Christmas Eve and your super critical mother in law is about to descend (and you have the worst hang-over ever)..

I think most mum's would empathise with the panic of trying to produce the perfect Christmas and being thwarted at every turn but then to discover your boss with your best Sabatier knife sticking out of his chest - you know that you've really got your work cut out

A festive murder mystery.

Highly entertaining, vaguely believable and a whole lot of ditsy - but all in a very good way!!

After the family's annual pre Christmas party, Anna is feeling worse for wear and all she wants is to finish her to-do list and finally sit down with the world’s biggest glass of wine. When she opens the larder, her plans are quickly thrown to smithereens after discovering a dead body taking up the space.
To Anna's dismay, the local police are more interested in returning to the station to eat mince pies than investigating the crime. Anna and her best friend Jennie get their thinking caps on, the murder boards out and work their way down the list of suspects.

Never waste a good knife!

PS: I loved this passage (and the Aldi instant coffee reference) in the ARC. Hopefully both make it to the published version!

"Someone should really make it much clearer to men that hearing things like ‘I’ve cleaned the toilets’ is much more attractive than a six-pack or a full head of hair. Ask any woman, especially a mother, about their preferred style of foreplay and I bet plenty of them would say ‘having my partner wash up without being asked’."

This festive cosy crime book is a great antidote to any romantic Christmas story! I love the way the myth of the perfect family Christmas is debunked. Anna is a brilliant character, many mums will surely identify with her situation in the run up to Christmas, with the imminent arrival of the in-laws. I definitely recommend this hilarious novel.

A great easy read with lots of laughs. This was just what I needed to read and bore great relevance as I hate and do not do Christmas. Full of twists and turns. Don't try to ananlyse as this is a light read! Look forward to the author's next book. Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC

Loved this! The book was full of humour and interesting characters and kept you guessing until the end. Anna is feeling stressed on Christmas Eve.. She has a million things to do to make the house look perfect and on top of that she has her mother in law due on Christmas morning. Her mother in law spends her time making sly digs at Anna regarding everything from her cooking to her weight so probably hosting a massive party the night before Christmas Eve was not a very sensible idea. She gets up early the next day to clear up from the party and with a long list of jobs only to find her boss has been murdered in her larder. Along with husband and best friend Jennie she sets about trying to solve the murder before her in laws arrive. With quite a list of possible suspects and limited time Anna decides to prioritise being a detective and let Christmas look after itself after the police appear to be thoroughly incompetent. I have not heard of Jo Middleton before but will be looking out for her now as this book had me gripped with its humour and relatability. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me ad ARC of this funny book.

This was such a joyous, funny Christmas romp even if Santa did get murdered in the larder, amateur sleuths Anna and Jennie finding the murderer through some fairly unorthodox methods, mixed up with family and friends was truly enjoyable and I loved every minute

It may seem strange to be reading and reviewing Christmas books in September, but plenty of other reviewers probably read it on the beach. It’s fun, witty, dangerous, and twisty, just great for a holiday read. In my case, it was a hospital read, and all the better for firstly, raising my spirits and second, for having lot of extra information coming in from co-opted sleuths so that a summary and progress report came along just when I needed it.

Jo Middleton must know my niece and her friends. I’m sure the main character is based on Leah, who runs The Spinney 53, our local waste reduction store. She has much the same vibrancy and zanyness, and probably the same approach to parenting: just keep your fingers crossed.

I loved this book. I am considering buying it for said niece and friend. Old fogies like me will recognise the stresses of modern life even if we don’t do everything on the phone. For me this was fresh, exciting, funny and intelligent. I mean, what would you do if you came downstairs to clear the dregs of your Christmas party, and found Santa, dead in your larder. I mean, how are you ever going to get the bloodstains out before your MIL arrives?

Brilliant priorities, so funny; kids and husband —and single again friends— typed to a t. Wonderful book. Don’t miss it (although UK readers may enjoy it most!). Probably also suitable for teens to read after listening to you chortle.

PS. no Christmas puddings were harmed in the making of this book

Anna wakes up Christmas Eve morning heavily hungover from the house-party she hosted the night before. She gingerly makes it down stairs, steps into her posh new walk-in larder and see's Santa, dead. What's worse is he has one of her favourite, expensive knifes sticking out of his belly.

The police arrive on the scene akin to the Keystone Cops! bumbling their way into the larder, trampling over the evidence, knocking pasta all over the dead body. The interactions with Detective Bacon and Simons are hilarious.

It's clear to Anna that these two bumbling officers of the law are never going to be able to figure their way out of a paper bag, let alone solve a murder. So, with the help of her husband, Oli, her son Ben and best friend Jennie, she begins to investigate, all whilst trying to prepare the house for the Christmas day visit with her in-laws.

Anna and Oli, put together a timeline of events from the previous nights drunken frivolity. A list of suspects for them to investigate with Means, motives and opportunities.

This book is laugh out loud funny. I found myself reading aloud excerpts to my wife, who would look at me with dismay.

The plot is well thought out and Anna's investigation takes a logical approach, following tried and tested methods from other works of fiction. When evidence is uncovered, her notes are updated and we receive a refresh of the timeline and list of suspects.

All of this is wrapped up with very funny situations and conversations which reminded me of the old British TV sitcom, 2 point 4 Children. I believe the family in that series would behave much the same as the Johnsons here.

All of the clues are there for you to be able to solve this, as any classic whodunnit should. And this is a classic whodunnit.

I would like to convey my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this novel. All opinions are my own

A really enjoyable black comedy murder mystery. Anna discovers her boss’s body in her larder the morning after a Christmas party. The police are more interested in their Christmas Eve party at the station than in the murder and so Anna, her husband, Oli, and her friend, Jennie, set out to solve it themselves. Anna is simultaneously trying to prepare for her in-laws arriving, i.e. her nightmare mother-in-law who makes Hyacinth Bucket sound reasonable! I can easily see this as one of those wonderful English black comedy films with a star cast. There were many laugh out loud moments and it’s a reasonable murder mystery too, although I’d worked out who the murderer was fairly early on. I’d happily buy this as a stocking filler this Christmas.

This is a quirky story that will have you laughing and sympathising with our world weary heroine. It’s written in such a way that you are absorbed from the start, it’s real with no heirs and graces and I loved it. Smart with some great one liners. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author for the chance to review.

Ah, happy or not so happy, depends on which character you are. An engaging read with wonderful descriptive scenes. A book well written and engaging.