Donna Andrews, How the Finch Stole Christmas.

September 12th I finished Donna Andrews upcoming holiday themed Meg Langslow Mystery, How the Finch Stole Christmas.   This one is out October 24th and published by Minotaur Books. I love the cover, and this is the first in series I have ever read. Even though I had not read the series, I found this was easy to follow and I was pleased that it was not at all predictable. Having read similar themed Christmas cozies, I was sure I had it all figured out but I was really thrilled that Donna did not take the easy way out with this mystery! I enjoyed how the title really came into play into the mystery itself . The story was well done and thought out, with strong characters and purpose. I really enjoyed the storyline and I am happy I found a series I can continue to enjoy!

As in her previous Christmas mysteries, Six Geese a-Slaying, Duck the Halls, and The Nightingale Before Christmas, Andrews continues to write “firmly in the grand tradition of Agatha Christie’s Christmas books” (Toronto Globe and Mail).

New York Times bestselling author Donna Andrews takes us home to Caerphilly for the holidays in her new hilarious Christmas mystery How the Finch Stole Christmas!

Meg's husband has decided to escalate his one-man show of Dickens' A Christmas Carol into a full-scale production with a large cast including their sons Jamie and Josh as Tiny Tim and young Scrooge and Meg helping as stage manager.

The show must go on, even if the famous―though slightly over-the-hill―actor who's come to town to play the starring role of Scrooge has brought a sleigh-load of baggage and enemies with him. And why is Caerphilly suddenly overrun with a surplus of beautiful caged finches?

How the Finch Stole Christmas! is guaranteed to put the "ho ho hos" into the holidays of cozy lovers everywhere with its gut-bustingly funny mystery.

You can preorder How the Finch Stole Christmas on Amazon by clicking here. 
Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a cozy mystery review. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

On My Table and In My Cup September 9th-16th

This is a week that has flown by, a one foot in front of the other week. I found out over the weekend that a friend, mentor and author I worked closely with, passed away suddenly. Jessica Simon was a fellow Sister in Crime member and our membership secretary at Sisters In Crime Canada West, it was a shock and we are deeply saddened with the news of her sudden passing.

At this time I am looking at still holding the event we had planned on September 24th, but will proceed after consultation with her husband Mike. To all who knew and loved Jessica, my heart is with you as we mourn this incredible loss to our community.

My Witchy Wednesday book this week was Crystal Magic, a book that is coming out in October and a book I felt I really learned with. This is a book that would make a great gift to those who love the stones and crystals. 

I was surprised to find a mystery in my mailbox, a book I have had on my wishlist and am excited to read! Midsummer Night's Mischief, arrived from a mystery sender and I wish to thank them and hope they will let me know who they are! #buyafriendabookdaymystery. 

I finished Donna Andrews How the Finch Stole Christmas, this is a lovely holiday cozy and a review I will share in the next week or so. Keep your eye out for this one!

Oh boy did I love Death on Tap by Ellie Alexander, I have so many things I want to share about this book . To start with I will share a cautionary tale with you about Death on Tap by Ellie Alexander, you are going to want to clear your schedule to read it and if you are reading on a device, make sure it is fully charged before you start! The only reason I did not finish this in one night is my ipad battery died, this is a very good binge worthy book and I am delighted it is on my table! I love it when a first in series captures me in this way! 

I am almost finished Murder on the Toy Town Express by Barbara Early! This one is a great story and easy to picture for me, I would love to go to a toy fair like the characters do in this book, more to come with the review. 

Thank you so much for joining me this weekend for a cup of tea and a cozy mystery week in review. I look forward to sharing more with you tomorrow. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com