After finding a corpse in her larder, all Anna wants is a nice, quiet Christmas.

No chance of that happening.

There's a snowstorm on the way - and another body...

A brilliant sequel

Another Hoot..
The second in the Christmas Murder Mysteries series and this time Anna has decided, in her infinite wisdom, to take her whole family away for Christmas - but will relocating Christmas to the back of beyond really avoid all of the usual Christmas annoyances and, more specifically, a dreaded Christmas murder scenario ? As it goes, it will not. Another hoot, fast paced and very amusing and with a credible cast that will keep the reader thoroughly entertained and engaged. Christmas escapism,

I loved this . Did not realise it was book 2. Did not matter but I will read book 1 now. A lovely good fun Christmas murder book. Not scary just a great read. Loved the whole family. Ben was an ace son. Some of the working out was great to read. Hard to review murder books. Highly recommend it. Perfect Saturday afternoon escape.

Having enjoyed Happy Bloody Christmas last year I jumped at the chance to read the new offering from Jo Middleton to see if Anna’s Christmas this year was any better.

And of course it wasn’t as despite getting away for her dream Christmas break it was once more thwarted when she discovers a dead body again!

Reading the first book isn’t essential as this one does give the odd nod back to it to explain a few things, but I would recommend it anyway, mainly because it’s such a brilliant and funny read.

As soon as you get into the first chapter of this book you get a flavour of how good the author is at laugh out loud lines causing more than a few chuckles as you read. With a great story you fall in love even more with Anna and her family, not to mention her best friend Jennie who is just as funny from afar via FaceTime. As well as having some very witty and funny observations on life, this is once more a nice ‘whodunnit’ story that is summed up beautifully giving a satisfying conclusion.

An absolutely brilliant, hilarious read that is a must for the festive period, but was just as enjoyable in August! I’m looking forward to the next instalment already.

Many thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Despite the title, this was a fun festive novel that had me smiling throughout. The story was easy to follow and had enough content to keep me interested and a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.

this was a strong sequel in the Happy Bloody Christmas series, it had that mystery element that I was wanting and enjoyed the overall storyline that was going through this. I enjoyed the use of Christmas in this book and had me guessing what was going on with the whodunnit element. The characters continued to feel like they belonged in the world and continued to feel like they were supposed to. Jo Middleton has a strong writing style and these two books have been great getting into and was invested in what was going on, I hope there is more in this series and from Jo Middleton.

I was so looking forward to catching up with Anna, and book 2 in the series didn't disappoint. I loved it. Funny with some fabulous poignant moments.
Highly recommend.

Brilliant, even better than her previous book. What a superb sense of Humour mixed with intrigue & mystery!!******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

This hilarious Christmas murder mystery will keep you laughing from start to finish. It will certainly help anyone dealing with tricky family members to get through the festive period! The plot and setting are familiar for a Christmas murder story: a country house, snowed in, the murderer must be in the house, etc, but this is part of its appeal. A must have book for fans of this genre.

I absolutely couldn’t wait to read this one, after enjoying the first one, I’ve never laughed so much!

This year Anna is determined to have a wonderful Christmas, no annoying extended family members and certainly no dead bodies in the larder. She insists on heading off for a quiet Christmas away from home. However, nothing goes as planned for Anna, and of course, another body turns up……

I love the style of writing in these books, witty and to the point. Intriguing but oh so funny.
The author really keeps you engaged and keeps you guessing. I love how the family pull together as a team to investigate, especially best friend Jennie.

The pace is really good and you will want to read it in one sitting, especially as you near the end and can’t work out just who did it!

As with the first book, the police’s roll is hilarious and fits the book so well.

All in all a fun, quick read. I think I loved the first one just slightly more, but it may be because the style and ideas were just so new and unique. Although the storyline is so different in this one, the humour is similar. I would definitely recommend reading it.

Was so excited to see this book on Netgalley.
I absolutely loved this first book and this was just as good!
I highly recommend this book.
Thanks Netgalley for letting me read this book for an honest review

I read Happy Bloody Christmas last year and loved it so there was no way was I going to pass on an opportunity to read this ahead of its October release date.

It feels so familiar being back with Anna and her family. I think she's brilliant and I couldn't read it without laughing out loud. She's seriously unlucky when it comes to Christmas and trying to organise something the good kind of exciting as opposed to the excitement of dead bodies popping up. It seems 'Christmas murder mystery' really is her trope and her sidekick Jennie just adds to the fun; although we only get her from a distance this time. We get double the comedy with those two and Santa paws was just a little extra to twitter at!!

The unexpected guests at Whispering pines bring disharmony to Anna's celeb but it's great how her and Oli switch into sleuth mode with Ben assisting. Definitely room for a family PI business and I can't wait to see what happens next Christmas 😂🤣

Such a light-hearted, fun, cosy mystery. I didn't put it down as I was enjoying myself too much.

I think this would come under the heading ‘cosy murder’, which is a bit of strange title, but this book definitely fits the description. Anna and her family head off for Christmas in a hotel in the middle of nowhere. She thinks she has got the place to herself until six more adults and two children arrive. On the first evening one of them dies and it is thought that he has had a heart attack until Anna starts to investigate and decides he has been poisoned with cyanide. Unfortunately there has been a bad snowstorm during the night and the snow is backed up against the house meaning nobody can enter of leave. This book keeps you guessing until the very end as a murder mystery should. It is full of humour and would be a great book to read in winter next to a roaring fire! I would definitely recommend it. The characters are interesting and there are plenty of twists and turns and red herrings. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me an ARC of this book.

Another great Christmas mystery!

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Not Another Bloody Christmas (all thoughts are my own), and despite reading it in August, I felt myself getting into the Christmas spirit.

The location was fantastic and really set the scene with Christmas and snow sprinkled in. I loved the characters and their quirks, and it was great to see Anna and her family back.

This year, Anna is doing things differently. She’s hoping that by whisking the family away to a luxurious house over Christmas, she’ll escape the memories of last year. However, fate has other plans when she uncovers a body in the library.

A great murder mystery where everyone has a motive, and it had me guessing who did it right until the end.

Somehow, this book combines murder and comedy and still manages to be a cosy read. A great one to snuggle up with on a winter’s evening, and can easily be read as a standalone.

I absolutely loved the first book, so I’m not surprised to say I also loved this one.

Anna just always feels so real, and her humour is so dry but hilarious. I just kept giggling at her the whole way through.

I don’t have a huge amount to say, but I do hope we get more in this series!

After enjoying the first book in what appears to be a series, I was hopeful that this second book would not just cover the same ground and give the reader nothing new to latch onto. Fortunately, this couple of complete amateurs with a friend available via telephone, find fresh ways to bring all the clues together to solve the murder mystery. At times the writing is quite funny, despite the serious subject. Perhaps they should consider the murders at a different time of the year, but that may change the necessity for the titles in this series. I particularly liked the way the writer provides a wide range of characters and gradually you get to know them all. It's impossible to know whodunnit at an early stage, but the clues that are drip fed give you hope that you might be able to guess in the right direction. Suffice to say, this was a most enjoyable story and I'm looking forward to the third in the series.

Anna's family have no luck over Christmas, last year, a body in the Pantry. This year a body in the library. Over to a modern day, middle aged, Miss Marple, a.k.a, Anna to solve the crime. Brilliantly written, very very funny. I read it in a day because I simply could not put it down.

This is a Christmas Cozy Mystery, and this is the second book in the Happy Bloody Christmas series, and I have not read the first book in this series before picking up this book. I found this book fun to read, and I loved the characters. There is a ton of Christmas stuff in this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

I absolutely adored the first in this series. I laughed out loud so often while reading that I had to stop reading it at night because I kept waking my husband up! This second book was also enjoyable, but a lot of it tracked very closely with the elements of the first one - and where they were surprising and laugh-out-loud funny when they were new, they were a little bit less so in the reboot. I still enjoyed it, don't get me wrong, and would definitely read more in the series because I love the family dynamic and snarky sense of dark humor, but this one didn't quite hit it out of the park the way the first one did for me...

I just loved it! I absolutely loved the prequel (A Bloody Christmas) but I enjoyed this even more. Anna wants nothing more than a calm family Christmas, after finding a dead body in her house last year. But all her plans go out of the window when a double booking at their remote hotel location means a whole load of guests to have to share Christmas with.

When one of the guests in found dead, Anna and family must put their thinking caps on and get to the truth, especially as they are snowed in with all the suspects!

What's really great is that Anna is just a normal mum, and does and thinks all the normal mum things (like not giving her kids books of poetry for Christmas). It not only gives the book a humorous touch, but also the 'it's not just me' feeling.

Not Another Bloody Christmas is a brilliant read, at any time of year!

Not Another Bloody Christmas by Jo Middleton is a witty, cozy, and thoroughly entertaining festive mystery. I loved the humor, the quirky characters, and the clever twists that kept the story engaging from start to finish. It was the perfect mix of holiday charm and murder mystery. I truly enjoyed it and gave it five stars.

The second in the series, can be read as a stand alone.
As enjoyable and twisty as the first book.
Still as madcap and funny. The family dynamics between Anna husband Oli and the children Ben and lilly true to life and will make you smile.
The dysfunctional guests at the boutique hotel and the issues will leave you thinking about them and who you recognise in your own life.
A murder mystery who dunnit, that will make you smile .
Bring on the next one

Last year Anna, Oli, and their two children had a horrible (but very funny!) Christmas which included obnoxious family members and a dead body in the larder. Anna and her friend, Jennie became detectives and eventually solved the murder, but this year, Anna is determined to have a normal family Christmas.
Anna has booked the family in to Whispering Pines, an imposing country house hotel, where they should have been the only guests, but due to a mix up in bookings other people are also spending Christmas there. Anna and Oli are exploring the hotel where they discover a dead body in the library.
And so begins another festive whodunnit, a laugh out loud page turner as Anna once again turns detective, with a little help, or hinderance, from her family, and the faithful Jennie assisting from the side lines on her mobile phone. Really awful weather, dysfunctional families, a secret passage, and the mysterious housekeeper, Mrs Haddock, all contribute to the fun and games.
I had read the first novel by Jo Middleton and loved it, so I couldn't wait to read this one. I read it in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm also hoping for a third in the series, maybe next year?
Thank you for my advance copy.

This author certainly knows how to write an amusing, engaging novel The plots are totally far fetched and almost farcical, but they are totally rescued by the wonderful descriptions of family life. The family are so perfectly imperfect, that every parent will relate to their charming, down to earth exchanges and experiences. After a disastrous previous Christmas, when a dead body was discovered in the family’s house just before Christmas, it seems sensible to escape the drama and enjoy a blissful country retreat. Alas, it is not to be. Th3 first problem is that the hotel is overbooked, necessitating the entire family sharing on3 room. The second is that another body appears and it doesn’t seem as if he died from natural causes. Together, the family try to solve the mystery whilst ensuring that they all remain safe from the mystery murderer. A delightful, escapist novel, that had me laughing out loud.

Absolutely LOVED this book! I'd not read the first book but it made no difference to my experience of this one. The simple plot is spelt out at the start - last Christmas, Anna, Oli and family came across a dead body, so to try and eradicate the memories of that, they decided to treat themselves to a Christmas break at a remote location, to relax and enjoy the festive season... All was going well until - you guessed it - another dead body crops up!

The storyline and the writing were perfect; light in touch, with numerous funny bits, but underneath a well-structured and paced thriller, as they attempted to work out how and why the person is dead - and who was responsible. At times the family dynamic (and the dynamic with the others at the house) felt akin to the TV series Outnumbered (probably minus the Ben character in that show!). I sincerely hope that Jo Middleton is coming up with the storyline for book three as I need my fix! I've ordered the first book so I can find out what happened a year ago...

A worthy sequel to Happy Bloody Christmas, we follow Anna and her family to a country house hotel where they find themselves snowed in with a dead body and several suspects, not the quiet Christmas they were hoping for after last year’s debacle. Spiked with the author’s dry wit, I laughed out loud many times whilst simultaneously enjoying the murder mystery. Although I had a rough idea of what the motive was, I enjoyed the journey towards the denouement. As with last Christmas, Anna has to solve the mystery herself - with help from her family and her friend, Jennie (though on her mobile this time) - because the local police are more interested in their mince pies than they are in trying to attend the scene of the crime. Good fun and a good story - a perfect Christmas read!

With thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for a review copy.

After the runaway success of the hysterically funny Happy Bloody Christmas, it is not surprising that Jo Middleton’s follow-up suffers from a few growing pains. The opening feels too strained, too striving for the same magic that accompanied the first.

Fortunately it is the perfect book to read on a wet, windy autumn day, when there’s nothing on tv, or to stream, and even your iPad has died. Getting through the first few opening chapters with a weird set-up and some uncertain dialogue, since the protag has a habit of talking to her mother in law on Whats App as well as sundry other people in the middle of other chaos… well, it was a bit of a strain. Fortunately, once the body has arrived, it all flows beautifully into an investigation that strains the most convoluted of rabbit holes.

Not that Anna is investigating a murder, of course not. She’s just unravelling who these people are, that managed to double-book the mysterious house she booked online. The author captures the anxieties of relationships, parenting, modern technology, and Christmas, plus mothers-in-law, in a beautifully observed, pacy narrative.

I’m not sure Ms Middleton should go to the well for a third time, but I’d recommend anyone who enjoys a Christmas murder romp to give this one a go.

I can't tell you how much I loved last year's 'Happy Bloody Christmas' and my fingers were well and truly crossed that Jo Middleton's follow-up would capture the same chaotic fun that seems to follow her leading character, Anna, around.

Thankfully, Not Another Bloody Christmas is another cracker with Anna Johnson back for another festive whodunnit, this time swapping last year’s larder corpse for a body in the library of her snowy ‘idyllic’ retreat.

Between snowstorms, double bookings, eccentric guests, and hilariously relatable moments, Jo Middleton nails the mix of sharp humour and clever mystery.

Fresh, funny, and full of festive mischief, it’s a five-star treat for anyone who loves their Christmas mysteries and who identifies with saving up their Boots points to buy a serum they saw on Instagram - Anna, we've all been there!

Absolutely brilliant! I love that this carried on from the last book Happy Bloody Christmas. It’s a year later, and after the chaos of last Christmas, Anna has booked a house for the family to stay in for this Christmas. All she wants is a nice family, murder free Christmas….

This book is packed with mayhem and so many witty moments. The characters are brilliant, I love the friendship between Anna and Jennie, and the banter between husband Olie and Anna.

I was laughing out loud from start to finish. The story reeled me in from the start and I just wanted to keep reading as the story started to unfold, and the mystery and humour continued.

Highly recommend this humorous murder mystery story. Thank you so much to Netgalley and Avon books for the early read of this one. Opinions expressed here are my own.

The writing was light, humorous and engaging from the beginning right through to the end. I read it for long periods of time and after putting it down, I looked forward to picking it back up at each reading session.

There was quite a lot going on which I enjoyed. I liked going through the various scenarios presented to us by the main character every so often, and trying to work out which one was the most likely solution to the mystery. I was kept guessing right up to the end.

The chapters were fairly long so you got a good chunk of the story before moving on. I didn't feel the length of the chapters though as I was too engrossed.

There was a good flow between the chapters, which helped to keep the story moving forward. The pace was good, made interesting by the fact that new scenarios kept coming up and we would go through the different bits of evidence, sometimes revisiting the same bits a few times, which, whilst slowing it down, cleverly showed the desperation and amateur approach to the whole thing.

The characters were excellent. I absolutely adore the main character and her wicked sense of humour. I always enjoy her rambling thoughts that often have nothing to do with what is happening at the time, but are still strangely relatable. The relationship that she has with her family feels so authentic, with love and support as an undercurrent, often covered by the attitude of the kids, but still there.

The rest of the characters were interesting to read about. They were all suspicious, with little bits of information coming to light at different stages of the story. The mix of personalities made for an interesting, thought provoking read.

Lastly the settings. I loved the settings. There were some lovely descriptions that brought the story to life and added an extra layer. The house was almost a character by itself, with it's own history and uncertain future.

Overall a very entertaining murder mystery that I cannot recommend highly enough. A must read this festive season!

This book is 10 out of 10 it is a follow up to last Christmas murder in Anna’s household this Christmas she takes her family away to a big old spookie house hoping for log fires snow and a cosy family Christmas and doesn’t expect to be confronted with another murder but it happens and o what a joy to read it’s a corker

After find a body in her larder the previous year, Anna decides to escape to a grand country house the following year but it seems destiny has other plans for her when she discovers a body for the second year in a row….

Another fabulously funny instalment from Jo Middleton. Perfect for a cozy wintery afternoon by the fire.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was eager to catch up with Anna’s family again this year and it didn’t disappoint!

This story is lighthearted, funny, and full of moments that had me laughing out loud. The humour really suited me, and I flew through it thanks to the quick pace and medium length chapters.

One thing I’d say is not to take it too seriously, it’s meant to be fun, uplifting, and easy to read. While it’s marketed with a Christmas angle, the festive theme isn’t overwhelming, so you could enjoy it at any time of the year.


If you’re after a quick, cheerful read that will make you smile, this is a great choice!

A light hearted Christmas mystery, this is a classic story presented in a fresh and unique manner.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC . My review is voluntary.
Not Another Bloody Christmas is the sequel to Happy Bloody Christmas. Although events from the first book are often mentioned, this is a new mystery, so it isn't necessary to have read the first book.
The plot and setting will be familiar to fans of Christmas murder mysteries. A locked-room scenario in a country house where a group of snowed-in guests become entangled in the intrigue.
What sets this book apart is the unique way Anna, the main protagonist, narrates the story.
This narration feels like a stream of consciousness, with Anna coming across as the friend who endlessly chats about everything and nothing at the same time. We do not hear the point of view of any of the other characters. While Anna's inner monologue is detailed, it lacks any reflection on her observations, focusing instead on an endless stream of quips.
Although this book may not appeal to readers seeking an escape to other times and places, it provides a different kind of experience. It’s easy to relate to Anna and her many references to everyday life, like the Aldi three-bird roast, antenatal classes, and more. Plus, the humour is also distinctly that of country.
The mystery itself relies on a few unlikely premises, such as the police being unable to reach a potential murder scene due to some (British) snow and the excessive meddling around the murder scene.
This book is likely to become very popular, thanks to its easy-to-read style, popular main character, and writing approach that readers enjoyed in the first book of the series. It would make a good TV comedy in the vein of Motherland.

I absolutely loved the first book in this series, so I was incredibly excited to read the second book and it didn't disappoint!!

Anna wanted the family to have a winter wonderland picture perfect Christmas after last year but that wasn't to be. Anna, Ollie and their children Ben and Lily are going away for Christmas. Away from her mother-in-law and most importantly not finding any dead bodies. Anna just wants a picture perfect family Christmas in the lodge she has booked but when another group of guests turn up, due to a double booking, And when one of the guests turns up dead, Anna's picture perfect Christmas is looking very unlikely.

I love Anna she's a brilliant character, I hope she opens a detective agency, I really can't wait to see what she does next. Jennie is also brilliant, I love the wee snippets when she appears. I would like more Jennie.

I will be highly recommending this book as much as the first one. I can't for the third one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read this great book.

A deliciously cosy festive read! I really did enjoy this book. The author has a distinctive writing style and knows how to pack a punch! Thank you for the opportunity to read this and I would definitely recommend the book to others.

did anyone else see the genius that is Mike Gayle comment on this book? yeh i did and rankly that would have been enough. but my festive reads so far have been superb. but they have all focused mostly towards the romance side of things. so i really wanted to try something new this year. to broaden the genre out a bit with some festive fun seemed a great idea. and this book delivered all i could have wished for.
this is a festive cosy mystery. i mean im not thinking of a body being found amongst my Christmas baubles so surely this family has the worst luck ever.
Anna and her family this year are making sure nothing can go wrong. so they go to a nice retreat in the country. buuut this is Anna and so of course there will be a body found right? and this time they are also snowed in with said body and the people or persons guilty of the crime.
Anna is back again the one to take on the mystery and solve it herself. because the police seem to be more interested in mince pies and mulled wine than coming to the rescue of Anna and her family. she has a bit of help along the way but Anna is on the trail.
this book was full of that dry humour i love. a bit sarcastic, very humour filled. and dark without being too much. and light without making too light, of you know, a murder!
this book has all the details thought out so it felt like Jo was guiding me exactly where i needed to be. this tight plotting means its fun but the pacing keeps enough tension and also moving things along in a way you are kept guessing just enough but have little moments of suspicion and clarity.
oh and this book is funny. you know when you just think some people have funny bones. yeh, i think Jo has them. there is a lightness of touch to these as well that feel like you are skipping happily through your read even thought this is a murder lol.
this is the book i needed today. i was having a poorly morning and feeling glum with it all. so i settled in to this and finished it in quick time because i didn't want to leave it, i was just having such a feel good time with it.

Havent read a jo middleton book before it was nicea cosy who dunnit love how everything came together i wanna read the 1st one now i feel u can read them seoerate because they are 2 different stories but i may have found the situation funnier if i'd have read the first one rather than been told.

Not another bloody Christmas by Joe Middleton is the second book in the Christmas murder mysteries and I for one cannot get enough. I love the Davis family from Anna Ollie Ben little Lilly and best friend Jenny I cannot get enough of this family and their Christmas exploits. Ever since last Christmas when Anna found her boss dead in her pantry After solving his murder she decides to go away to have the perfect family holiday and yet she stumbles on another murder mystery. Soon after arriving thinking they’re going to be the only people at the country manor a pompous ass named Rodrick and his wife Annaria show up but they’re just the first of many soon his sister Sophie Husband Daniel their twins his business partner Justin and younger girlfriend influencer Emsley are all there to stay in a home only equipped with four bedrooms they decide to make it work for one night only to wake up and be snowed in and find Roderick in the library dead. Due to his bad health and recent rating from his doctor they at first think he had a heart attack, but due to Anna‘s inquisitive nature and things she “just happens“ to hear and clues she finds; it isn’t long before she gives up on her perfect holiday. With Jenny on FaceTime they wind up solving yet another Christmas murder. with every guest in attendance a good suspect Anna has her sleuthing skills put to the test and being snowed in what will she do if she finds the killer? Not to mention the shady housekeeper a creepy picture that constantly watches you it is a perfect Christmas story with the Davis family and Jenny and as I said I love these people and I love this book and I can’t wait for more Joe Middleton write some of the best mysteries and I just love her and her books so very much and couldn’t recommend this one more. I love the way Anna is with her son Ben and little Lily because no matter how much murder there is to solve she always has time for her children and Ollie what a good husband. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,#JoeMiddleton, #NotAnotherBloodyChristmas,

I will never get enough of these books. The first one had me howling, and this one didn’t disappoint either.

I love Jo’s style of writing and her knack for storytelling. Comedy and murder? They go hand in hand, and Jo proves it works brilliantly.

It’s such a joy to read something so lighthearted, yet still get that thrill of trying to piece everything together. Honestly, it feels like playing a laugh-out-loud version of Cluedo — all the intrigue, but with wit and charm sprinkled through every page.

Well done, Jo. Another great book. Nothing not to love here, and your writing just keeps getting stronger. I’m hooked!

This book was the perfect blend of suspense and heart. The mystery hooked me from the very beginning with its clever twists and well-placed clues, keeping me second-guessing every character and motive. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the story pulled the rug out from under me—in the best way.

Alongside the tension and intrigue, the romance was beautifully woven in. The chemistry between the leads was undeniable, sparking with banter and slow-burn intensity while still feeling organic against the darker backdrop of the plot. I loved how the romantic arc added warmth and vulnerability without ever taking away from the edge-of-your-seat suspense.

The writing is vivid and atmospheric, pulling me straight into the setting and heightening every moment of danger, every whisper of attraction. By the end, I was equally invested in solving the case and rooting for the couple to find their way to each other.

If you love a story that keeps you guessing while tugging at your heart, this book delivers it all: tension, twists, and tender romance. Absolutely unputdownable.

4.5 stars : I was absolutely thrilled when I saw my request to read this had been accepted after absolutely adoring the first book so thank you so much to NetGalley!! This was heartwarming, funny, unputdownable and just brilliant. Loved it!!

I was very excited to read this one as I loved "Happy Bloody Christmas" and it was a very fun read, although I think "Happy Bloody Christmas" was just a tad more exciting. We meet up with Anna, Oli, and the kids as they decide to go away for Christmas after the disaster of last Christmas. As they check into their lodging, they realize another group will be joining them and in similar fashion as last year, Anna and Oli stumble onto a body and the mystery begins! Things that worked: Anna's inner-monologue is hilarious. Oli originally wanted to solve the murder this year - it was not just lead by Anna. Oli and Anna show a wonderful example of a great marriage. You can tell they both really love each other and you rarely see that in books that are not romance. Also, it was fun that Jennie got to be involved via phone - she is a hoot! Things that could have been better: Less discussing the theories and more action. It feels like nothing happened for a lot of the book. I think what made it work is that Anna is just so darn funny that she can tell you about her grocery list and you would read it! I just would have liked more murder, more excitement, and maybe a few more twists. However, I did very much love the book and would suggest it to anyone who wants a hilarious cozy Christmas mystery. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

The sequel to one of the best christmas mysteries I've read for a long time. After the adventures of last year, Anna and Ollie and the kids plan to spend this Christmas in a secluded mansion to be waited on by housekeeper, Mrs Haddock. When eight more guests come knocking at Mrs Haddocks door, she realises the house has been double-booked for the holidays.

That evening, the snow starts to fall and body is discovered in the library. Anna and Ollie take it upon themselves to investigate.Would it be a christmas mystery without a snowstorm trapping everyone inside the house?

I really enjoyed "Happy Bloody Christmas" and was delighted to discover there was a sequel. The change of setting is a nice idea, bringing some sterotypical tropes into this comedic mystery novel. There are hidden passageways, hideyholes and treasure maps along with the mince pie obsessed PC Chops (tying in nicely with last years PC Bacon).

I think Jo Middletons sense of humour must be similiar to my own as I did find this very amusing and occassionally infuriating, which I believe was the authors intention, with the youngest who was a constant irritation. The new characters work well, with social media 'influencer' being my pick of the bunch. Anna's best friend Jenny also returns but via phone calls and messages.

You definitely don't need to have read 'Happy Bloody Christmas' to enjoy this, but for those of you that have, I'm pretty sure you'll like this sequel.

I would like to convey my thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the chance to review this novel. All opinions are my own.

Not Another Bloody Christmas is due to be released on 23rd October 2025.

After the events of last year, all Anna wants is a nice quiet Christmas. An idyllic rural retreat with just the family sounds perfect. At least until another group of guests arrive and a body turns up in the library. Once again Anna finds herself hunting down clues, and a new killer, in order to save her family Christmas from disaster.

I loved Happy Bloody Christmas and this follow up did not disappoint. This was a fast-paced and engaging read filled with humour and a good amount of intrigue. I found myself solving the murder alongside Anna and her family (and particularly appreciated when Anna would comment that there was something she needed to remember or a connection she needed to make, so I could arrive at the right conclusion ahead of the ‘official’ reveal).

The writing style pulls you in and while the storyline itself is a bit unbelievable (what family is so unlucky as to get involved in two murders at Christmas and then have to solve them themselves without police intervention?) I felt that Anna and her family were very realistic. Their personalities and interactions with each other were very believable, and offered such an interesting counterpoint to the others they encountered during their stay.

This really is the ideal murder mystery for those looking for a fun, quick and humorous read over the Christmas period. I’m already hoping for more next year.

With thanks to Avon and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC ahead of publication.

Not your typical Christmas story, Not Another Bloody Christmas is full of wry wit and packed with characters sure to remind you of someone you know.

Set in Whispering Pines, a boutique homestead, Anna thinks it’ll be the perfect place for a family Christmas—until they get snowed in with a dead body and a housekeeper who keeps disappearing. With the police unable to reach them due to a snowstorm, Anna, a maybe aspiring PI, decides to figure out what happened herself.

This fun mystery is book 2 in the Christmas Murder Mysteries series, but it could be read as a standalone.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Absolutely brilliant! I read the first book last year and loved it, and the follow up didn't disappoint! I wouldn't describe it as cosy crime, its more humerous than cosy but its a brilliant read and I'd highly recommend it.

The second book in the series....

A really enjoyable festive read that compliments the first book perfectly.

I'm looking forward to the next book

When I requested Not Another Bloody Christmas I did not realize that this was the second book with these characters. This did not affect my enjoyment of this book. What a laugh out loud funny book.!

The Johnson family, Anna, Oli, and their children, Ben and Lily, head for a rural retreat this year for Christmas. Unfortunately, there is a double booking and now they are spending the holidays with strangers. Oh, a snowstorm forces all of them to stay, and if that isn't bad enough a body is found in the library! Everyone is a suspect, and Anna is left to solve the crime., since the local police are no help. The family works together to investigate, including Anna's best friend, Jennie, who phones in her help.

If you enjoy a fun murder mystery, and the Christmas holidays this is for you. I am going to read the first book, Happy Bloody Christmas, having loved this one. I can't wait to see what Jo Middleton writes next. I hope we don't have to wait until next Christmas for more Anna, maybe a summer trip?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Avon Books, UK, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.

I just loved this book! I couldn’t wait to read this book as I read the previous book and it was an amazing read, so I was thoroughly excited to read this book. I loved how Anna thought by taking the family away for Christmas that she was going to have a normal family Christmas but obviously that was never going to happen, especially after it was supposed to be just them but then the others all turned up. I loved this story and how everything turned out especially with the extra guests knowing each other and having secrets so something was definitely going to happen to one of them. I loved all the different characters but I especially loved Mrs Haddock and her son Arnold who was a surprise but who ended up being very helpful. I loved how Anna, Oli and Ben all worked together with the extra help of Anna’s friend Jennie and how they managed to get everybody together for Anna to do her Poirot impression. I was very impressed with the way everything worked out and I would think having a Christmas with Anna family is definitely an experience everyone should have. I thoroughly look forward to hopefully a next book in this series as they are amazing.

I would highly recommend reading this book if you love a murder mystery with a brilliant family who take all the twists and turns that come their way along with their Christmas holiday.

I would like to thank Avon and NetGalley for this Advanced Readers Copy.

Loved the first one and loved this just as much. As a sequel it was cleverly done, putting the family in a fresh situation away from home but still finding a way to feasibly bring in other characters from the previous. And, with talk of Anna starting a detective agency hopefully the author is setting up a plausible way for future "bloody Christmases". That said, once again the murder is by the by, it's all about the family and I would happily read any plot or genre involving them. I just love the relatable humour of family life and Christmases such as avoiding the billiards room in Cluedo "as its quite hard to get to" or random 'crap from the freezer' teas. I'm also with Anna on swear words just being words, only shaving your ankles (ie the bits that show) and being "someone who cries when they are angry or frustrated." I love Anna as a character but my favourite is "adorable and small and bossy" Lily. And that's my only criticism that I wanted more Lily but hopefully next time....

I read this book not knowing that it was a sequel, but there is enough back story provided that I was easily able to understand exactly why Anna is so focused on traveling to a scenic country house for the holidays. I will have to go back and read about their previous Christmas adventure! This is a story about an overbooked holiday house and a snowstorm that force Anna and her family to spend Christmas trapped with a group of not entirely likable people—one of whom may be a murderer. I found Anna to be an interesting character and this is a cozy mystery told with a great deal of humor. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Definitely recommended!

Not Another Bloody Christmas is festive chaos at its finest—think locked-room mystery meets family holiday meltdown. Anna just wants a murder-free Christmas, but fate (and a snowstorm) have other plans.

Whispering Pines was meant to be a relaxing solution. to the chaos of the holidays for Anna but noooo. First there are other guests who are problematic in their own ways, then there's a blizzard and then there's a murder. I missed the first book but it's clear that Anna, our intrepid if tired amateur sleuth has some detecting skills. And they're put to good use. I liked this for Anna's voice. which is both snarky and relatable to anyone who has just had enough. And of course, for the mystery which kept me guessing. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

I enjoyed the first novel in this series so was eager to read ‘Not Another Bloody Christmas’. It’s full of wit, humour and of course plenty of drama. It’s a fun read as once again we join the hapless Anna as she finds herself embroiled in yet another Christmas catastrophe. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author for the chance to review.

I enjoyed this book it’s the second in the series Christmas Murder mystery and it was nice to read the follow on book.

Blurb

Anna’s taking the family away for Christmas. Unlike last year, there will be no risk of her burning the turkey, far less nagging from her mother-in-law and – crucially – a zero per cent chance of finding a dead body in her larder.

All she wants is to relax with a glass of wine in front of the fire. But when another group of guests show up just before a snowstorm, her plans begin to go awry. And the appearance of a dead body threatens to bugger up Christmas once again…

Can Anna get merry and root out the murderer? Or will this be another bloody Christmas nightmare?

All Anna wants is a peaceful Christmas. No in-laws. No burnt turkey. And absolutely no corpses in unexpected places. But fate’s like, “Girl, be serious.” Enter "Not Another Bloody Christmas," where Anna, our reluctant detective-slash-exhausted mum, just wants mulled wine and a nap but instead finds herself trapped in a country house with a bunch of strangers and a body in the library. Cozy vibes? Decimated.

I didn’t read "Happy Bloody Christmas," the first book, and frankly, it didn’t matter. I was immediately caught up in Anna’s mental spiral of wine math, parenting fatigue, and casual homicide. She books Whispering Pines for a quiet Christmas away from last year’s literal nightmare, only for a whole extra group of guests to show up, a snowstorm to trap them all inside, and one pompous man to wake up very, very dead. Classic.

The murder plot is solid. You’re not reading this to crack codes and chase red herrings like it’s "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." You’re here for the vibes, the sarcasm, and the relatable inner monologue of a woman clinging to her holiday spirit by a single piece of curling ribbon. Anna’s sleuthing is less “professional detective” and more “Mum Who Solves Crime Because No One Else Can Be Arsed,” and I honestly prefer it that way.

And while the mystery isn’t some twisty high-stakes thriller, it doesn’t need to be. The pacing works, the clues are actually seeded pretty cleverly, and I did feel the pull to figure it out before Anna did. Some readers clocked the culprit early, but even they admitted they couldn’t stop turning the pages because they were just having too much fun. Also, full points for atmosphere. Creepy house? Check. Sinister housekeeper? Check. Snowed-in group of guests all with possible motives? Ding ding ding.

The heart of this book, though, is Anna’s voice. It’s warm and chaotic and razor-sharp, like your funniest friend ranting at you from the middle of a stressful school nativity. Her relationship with Oli is brilliantly dry and affectionate, and her FaceTime check-ins with chaotic best friend Jennie are the kind of unhinged commentary I live for. Add in crime-obsessed son Ben and you’ve got the world’s most relatable murder mystery team. I would absolutely watch this as a BBC Christmas special.

Do the characters skew a little broad? Sure. But it’s intentional. Everyone’s a little extra at Christmas and this cast leans into the fun. They’re suspicious, ridiculous, and petty in that perfect British comedy way. You know exactly who they are the moment they walk into the room and say something terrible about the mince pies.

3.5 stars, because while the mystery itself isn’t mind-blowing, the delivery is. If you want a murder mystery with heart, hilarity, and the unshakeable feeling that this could happen to you if your Airbnb host was sketchy enough, you’ll have a blast.

Merry Mayhem Prize: For Proving That the Real Christmas Tradition Is Solving a Murder Before Your Kids Find the Body First

Big shoutout to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the ARC and the early invite to this festive little murder party. I had an absolute blast getting snowed in with a corpse, a bottle of wine, and one very exhausted amateur sleuth. I guess this means I finally need to go back and read "Happy Bloody Christmas" now... because apparently chaos is a tradition in this household and I am fully invested.

This Christmas book captures the spirit of the festive season beautifully. It is filled with warmth, heart and that special magic that only comes at this time of year. The story celebrates love, friendship and hope, with moments that are both touching and joyful.

The writing creates a cosy, comforting atmosphere that makes it the perfect read for winter nights. It brings together everything you want in a seasonal story, reminding readers of the importance of kindness, connection and new beginnings.

A lovely festive read to enjoy by the tree with a cup of something warm.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Such an amusing and entertaining read — I genuinely had such a good time with this one!

Anna’s Christmas getaway should have been calm and cosy but when a snowstorm traps her and her family at Whispering Pines with some unexpected guests and a murder to solve, things quickly go sideways.

I love a closed-room mystery, and this had that perfect mix of intrigue and humour. The mystery itself was solid (even though I did manage to guess the twist), but honestly, it was the humour that made it for me. I’m more of a quiet chuckler but this is the first book EVER that actually made me laugh out loud!

What I really loved was how relatable it all felt. The way Anna thinks and speaks really resonated — realistic, sassy, and just so human. The banter between Oli and Anna felt genuine and familiar, the kind of relationship you instantly believe in (and reminded me of my own). Unrealistic and unrelatable dialogue is something I've found lacking in other recent reads so I found this so refreshing.

I read it in one sitting because I was just enjoying myself too much to stop.

Definitely need to read more Jo Middleton books after this one!

fun cozy story with a great sense of plotting. the characters immediately feel like they're fully actualized, and the culprit reveal was fantastic. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

This is the second book in the "Christmas Murder Mysteries" series.
A festive "locked room scenario" murder mystery set in a snowed in supposedly Luxury Boutique Hotel with Anna, her family and nine strangers.
Anna is determined to have a quiet uneventful Christmas after the events of the previous Christmas, BUT it's not to be as one of those nine strangers (the pompous Roderick) is found dead at the desk in the Library the following morning (Christmas Eve)
There are a numerous LOL moments as Anna husband Ollie and son Ben try to discover "Who Did It" and why when Anna suspects and finds that Rodericks death isn't from natural causes while trying to keep daughter Lucy oblivious and immersed in a perfect Christmassy bubble.
With BFF Jenny back home at the end of her mobile phone keeping fully involved in what is going on, with her own frantic Christmas Eve schedule, including a "crosswired" booked visit to see Santa, a sinister housekeeper, staring portraits and a creepy old building undergoing remodelling adding to the atmosphere, and everyone having a motive for killing pompous Roderick, this book will have you guessing and turning the page.

It's about bloody time for a second part! Jo brings us to yet another Christmas that has produced a body. This is a laugh out loud story where Anna is determined not to have another crazy, bloody Christmas so she takes her family away on a retreat. Of course, they have a body in the library. This is a witty, well written sequel, and makes you yearn for more. It is easy to read in one sitting and will have you guessing until the end. And the police are once again, not on top of things, leaving Anna to have to solve this case. Can't wait for the next one from her.

Another fabulous book from Jo Middleton. Full of suspense and laughs, this festive mystery is a good read with a very relateable main character and an interesting supporting cast.