There were many things I enjoyed about this book and a few that I didn't like so much. For the most part, I thought the story was witty and charming, the characters were original and entertaining and the story kept me turning pages, but the timeline had me going a bit in some spots.

I like books that raise lots of questions for the reader to answer and this one did that. I did feel like some of the resolutions to said questions were often a bit convenient, but overall this was still a good book and one that you won't forget right away when you finish it. I also liked the descriptive nature of the author's writing and found it easy to imagine that I was there, in place of the characters.

If you enjoy crime fiction that will keep you wondering what's going to happen next, you will most likely enjoy this book. Recommended.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Another page turner in the Henry Kennis mystery series set on Nantucket.

3 stars

Jackson Blum murders his business partner Ted Coddington in 1997. He hastily buries him replaying their earlier fight in a restaurant in his mind all the while. He scurries about trying to set up Ted’s “suicide.” He steals the codicil to Ted’s will that leaves his half of the business to his wife Anna. He steals the suicide note as proof should he need it that Ted committed suicide (does it never occur to him that Ted couldn’t bury himself?).

In 2017 a skeleton is discovered while digging a basement. Police Chief Henry Kennis is attending the scene and telling the story from his own point of view. At the same time, Santa Claus whose real name is Homer Boyce has disappeared. Once Homer is located – and the red suit – Kennis reluctantly agrees to step in as Santa at Jackson Blum’s store. Of course, Blum is as rude as ever about the whole thing.

The novel goes on from there.

There are way too many chatty asides about Kennis’ children and other uninteresting things in this novel. While it is well written, I wouldn’t go so far as to say that it is well plotted. There is too much cozy and not enough action for me. It is way too slow-paced. I would imagine it’s a very fine book for those who like cozy mysteries. Sorry, I just didn’t enjoy it that much. I won’t be looking into any other Steven Axelrod novels.

I want to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for forwarding to me a copy of this book to read.