All Lindsey wants in a perfect Christmas. But instead, she and her boyfriend discover a dead body. Even worse, the body belonged to the judge in the Christmas cookie contest Lindsey was competing in. And worst of all, the judge was covered in the crumbs of Lindsey's cookies. Lindsey needs to solve the mystery so she can focus on the perfect Christmas.

I enjoyed the latest in the Beacon Bakeshop mystery series. I did read the first book, but this book could be read as a stand-alone.

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off is my first read by Darci Hannah and I didn’t yet read book 1 in this series … but I couldn’t resist Christmas cookies and a small town bakeshop in an old lighthouse! I’m happy to report that it reads perfectly well as a standalone, though I definitely want to go back and read how Lindsey went from New York jilted fiance to Michigan bakeshop-in-a-lighthouse-with-a-ghost owner with a swoony new boyfriend.

Lindsey and her loyal Newfoundland dog Wellington are instantly likable, as is the Beacon Bakeshop & its staff. Of particular interest in this book is her new assistant baker Mrs. Nichols, whom I loved! I hope we get to see more of her in future books, even if it’s only seasonal. I didn’t connect as much with Lindsey’s parents or her BFF Kennedy but I didn’t not like them either. I would just rather hang out with Lindsey, Wellington, and Rory.

The mystery was very well done, with plenty of layers that revealed themselves a bit at a time and drew me in with some surprising twists! I was invested in the various players, too, and realized how much when some of those twists left me disappointed in this character or that one. But the icing on the Christmas cookie for me was the magical realism that showed up in a couple of different ways in this story – y’all know how much I love magical realism and this was a delightful & unexpected surprise for me in reading Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off!

Bottom Line: Take a restored lighthouse bakeshop with a resident ghost, a bit of Christmas magic, and tons of yummy cookies… mix in some very likable characters and a whodunit that keeps you guessing… and you’ve got the recipe for a delightful cozy mystery! Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off by Darci Hannah has all of these ingredients, and I was invested in the story from start to finish. The mystery definitely had me in step with Lindsey & her crew of amateur sleuths (plus her swoony boyfriend who used to be Special Ops), rather than running ahead of them to the reveal. Not to mention all the times my mouth watered from the delicious-sounding Christmas cookies! A great read to kick off (or continue) your holiday reading!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Lindsey Bakewell is finally making money at her bakeshop, and the demands for her tasty goods are growing, especially during the holidays. When her friends Betty and Felicity show up in her shop, they aren't there for the goodies this time. Felicity has convinced the town council to have a Christmas cookie bake-off, with a celebrity chef from Chicago to judge the goods. She's sure she's going to win because of her connection and the fact that she owns the town's year-round Christmas store, but unfortunately, she's up against both Lindsey and the chef from a hotel in town.

Finding out she has stiff competition, Felicity is not happy. She's blatantly flirting with the judge, who tried doing that with Lindsey also but was rebuffed. Her actions are noted by the other bakers, and not in a good way. When Felicity sees the chef flirting with another contestant, she goes ballistic -- but when he doesn't show up for the second half of the competition and is found dead by Lindsey and her boyfriend Rory. Now, along with Rory and her best friend Kennedy (and a little unexpected help from a few others), Lindsey is once again on the trail of a killer who might be cooking up another murder...

This is the second book in the series and I have to say that I loved it just as much as the first. Lindsey is nearly frantic with all the Christmas cookie orders she's taking, especially since she hasn't found an assistant baker to help her, until an older woman shows up and is just what she needs. With perfect help in the bakery, she finally has a little free time -- at least until she's off looking for a killer.

I am glad to see that Kennedy is back, as well as Lindsey's parents James and Ellie, (and, of course, their dogs, the models), as these characters bring a liveliness to the series and make it even more worthwhile reading. Lindsey is smart and business-savvy, and she's just beginning a relationship with her neighbor Rory, which, due to the holidays, is causing a bit of humorous frustration to them (at least for me). They just can't catch a break. Kennedy, however, has a secret of her own, and she's enjoying all of it, while the parents are both terrific people and I would love to spend time with them. Lindsey's lucky in her life, even with her ghostly Captain Willy around, who seems to be guarding her in his own way. I also enjoy looking forward to 'seeing' more of him in future books.

But the murder has the town on edge with everyone wondering who the killer is and a few of them are speculating that it might even be Felicity, fueled by jealousy. But did she kill the chef? And if she didn't, then who is to blame? The suspects begin to mount, and it brings even more questions as to the reasons why. When Lindsey and her friends start digging deeper, they find something they weren't expecting, and it leads to a rather interesting climax that has everyone surprised.

When the murderer is revealed it is rather sad, as most of the time it is; but who can say what is in the mind of a killer. Or what makes them do what they do. It all came together, wrapped in a nice package that completed the story satisfactorily.

And, of course, it's Christmas. Where would Christmas be without a little magic? I saw hints of it at the beginning of the book, and I knew why, although it certainly would take Lindsey a lot longer. After all, sprinkling holiday cheer is all what Christmas is about. Joy, family, and friends. Spreading happiness and love. And let's not forget that Christmas magic...

Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off is a fun holiday cozy mystery. This is a wonderful story with a cast of quirky and entertaining characters. I enjoyed trying to solve the murder mystery right along with Lindsey. I love that there are cookie recipes at the end, I can't wait to try some of them out!!

I’m not sure what it is about this series, but I adore it. It could be how each character brings spice, the small-town feel complete with a lighthouse and ghost, or not knowing what this group of friends will get up to next. Including their version of a sting operation. But what I do know is that Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-off should be on your Christmas-themed reading list, and I want to see Mrs. Nichols again.

Lindsey Bakewell gave up her Wall Street job for a dream career as a bake shop owner in a historic lighthouse in Beacon harbor, a quaint town on the coast. This year she's determined to create the perfect Christmas of her sugarplum visions, but a community cookie bake-off threatens to push her past her limit.

Fortunately, she gets help in the shape of friends, family, and a mysterious woman with more than a passing resemblance to Mrs. Santa Claus.

The other-worldly additions to the story (there's a ghost, too) don't interfere with the story of the bake-off-- and the murder that doesn't derail Christmas. It's a well-written, fast-paced book with lots of holiday atmosphere.

a new to me series that has me wanting more of it, the story had me smiling and laughing , and the characters was cute and adorable, and it had the touch of what Christmas is all about family .

Lindsey Bakewell is settling into life in Beacon Point, Michigan, running her bakery out of the old lighthouse, making friends and nurturing her romantic relationship with new boyfriend Rory Campbell. With the Christmas season approaching, she’s especially excited to host her parents and best friend Kennedy Kapoor for the holidays. Sure, she’s having a little trouble hanging onto an assistant baker due to the interference of the ghost who haunts her lighthouse, but doing the work of two is par for the course for any small business owner.

What isn’t par for the course is the sudden announcement of a town-wide bake-off between Beacon Point’s small businesses, as part of the town’s attempts to lure more tourist dollars to the area. Felicity Stewart, the proprietor of the year-round Christmas store, The Tannenbaum Shoppe, has already invited celebrity food critic Chevy Chambers to judge the competition’s live finale. Lindsey figures she’s up to the challenge, at least until the rest of Beacon Point’s desperate business owners start calling her to order dozens of cookies for the initial shopper-judged round.

Calamity strikes more than once even before Chevy arrives, bringing with him a nasty attitude that isn’t above seeking sexual quid pro quo from the contestants. Lindsey finds him repulsive but is determined to show off her culinary skills once she makes it to the live bake-off. Unfortunately, an unsuccessful attempt to corner some cookie thieves causes Lindsey to finally concede defeat, at least until she and Rory stumble over Chevy’s dead body, lying under mistletoe and covered in crumbs from her signature cookie.

While Lindsey doesn’t immediately fall under suspicion for Chevy’s murder, she does feel keenly involved. She might have given up on winning the bake-off, but she won’t quit investigating what really happened that fateful day. With the help of family and friends, she unwraps more than one surprising truth on her way to bringing a killer to justice.

This was a very fun installment of the Beacon Bakeshop mystery series. Filled with humorous asides, it had me laughing out loud, at the hilarious charades scene especially. I was also impressed by the clever construction of the mystery, as well as by the effortless development of the story, with its light supernatural aspects. And that ending definitely invites more hijinks into Lindsey’s life. I’m looking forward to reading all about them in future novels.

There were nine recipes included of the many delectable sweet treats showcased in the narrative, and I had a tough time deciding which one to try. I finally settled on this one:

QUOTE
Bradley’s Signature Brown Butter Shortbread Cookies

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F, place rack in middle position.

Prep time: 40 minutes. Cook time: 50 minutes.
Makes one 9x9 pan of cookies.

For the dough:
1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons salted butter (Irish butter is recommended, but not necessary)
2 tablespoons low-fat milk (I use 2%)
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour

For the topping:
6 ounces milk chocolate (may use dark chocolate if you prefer)

To brown the butter: Prepare an ice-water bath with a medium metal bowl set inside. Put butter in a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. The butter will start to foam and turn brown. Continue stirring and cooking until the butter turns a nice deep golden brown. Be careful not to cook the butter too far or it will burn. Remove butter mixture from heat and pour into bowl in the ice-water bath. Whisk in milk. Using a rubber spatula, stir continuously while scraping sides. The brown butter will start to thicken. When butter is thick and stiff, remove from ice-water bath and set aside. Allow butter to rest 15 to 20 minutes until it reaches room temperature.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat brown butter until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in powdered sugar and vanilla. Reduce speed and beat in flour.

Line 9x9 pan with parchment paper. Press dough evenly in the bottom of the pan. Using a knife, score dough, creating even lines every 2 ¼ inches (to make 16 square cookies). Using a fork, prick dough twice on every square.

Bake in preheated 300-degree oven for 50 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool in pan for 5 minutes. Using parchment paper, remove from pan and cut score marks with knife. Place on cooling rack and cool completely.

When cookies are completely cooled, make the chocolate drizzle. Break chocolate into chunks and place in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 10 seconds and stir well. If chocolate isn’t melted, repeat. Dip a fork into the melted chocolate and drizzle over each cookie. Create your own drizzle pattern, or you can dip part of the cookie into the chocolate if you prefer. Let cool on wire rack. Enjoy!
END QUOTE

This cookie is so good but so labor-intensive! It’s definitely the kind of thing you make for someone you love, or someone you really, really want to impress. Though, perhaps, it was my own amateurish attempt at an ice bath that made the first few steps take so frustratingly long to complete. All I know is that it felt like I was rechurning butter, not an activity I want to incorporate into my life with any regularity.

That said, the chocolate-topped shortbread is one of the best cookies I’ve ever tasted! The shortbread manages to be both airy and dense at the same time, which makes absolutely no sense until you taste it for yourself. It’s light on the tongue but feels both immensely filling and satisfying, which makes a 9x9 pan last longer than you might think.

Next week, we head west for an extremely stressful vacation, though at least we’ll be making a delicious soup to keep us warm while investigating murder in the winter cold. Do join me!

MURDER AT THE CHRISTMAS COOKIE BAKE-OFF, the second book in the Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries by Darci Hannah, is another stellar addition to a yummy series! From the scrumptious and inviting cover, to the heart-felt and tender dedication and acknowledgements, to the enchanting Christmas theme, to the delectable Christmas cookie bake-off event, I didn’t want to put the book down until I’d read the very last word. Infused with the spirit of Christmas and a hint of a lighthouse ghost resident, Ms. Hannah brings the magical holiday season to life. With a strong descriptive voice, the reader will feel like they are experiencing the town festivities and the cookie bake-off right alongside protagonist, Lindsey Bakewell, owner of the Beacon Bakeshop in Beacon Harbor, Michigan. With humor sprinkled throughout, Lindsey and her comedic sidekick, Kennedy, provide entertaining repartee which made me feel like I’d like to be a part of their circle of friends. Other supporting characters are just as well-developed and I like that relationships are progressing and changing with each book.

Despite Christmas cheer taking over the town, someone is intent on playing Scrooge and ruining the festivities for everyone. Could it be the egotistical celebrity chef brought into town to judge the cookie competition? Or could one of the contestants be behind the theft of Lindsey’s signature cookies? When a judge is found dead, beneath mistletoe and covered in crumbs from Lindsey’s cookies, fingers point at Lindsey being the culprit. I greatly enjoyed that Lindsey isn’t a lone ranger in trying to solve the murder. Assisting Lindsey is her ex-special forces boyfriend, Rory, her best friend, Kennedy, her parents, and a mysterious elderly woman who swept into town to help Lindsey and her bakeshop. Clues were sprinkled around like cookie crumbs and there were several viable suspects to keep the reader guessing. Twists and turns kept me on my toes yet it was still a surprise at the final reveal. With a heartwarming ending, I’ll be savoring this story throughout the holiday season.

With a Cookie Bake-Off mentioned in the title you can be sure that there are cookies galore mentioned throughout the book. And trust me, there are so many swoon-worthy cookies! Many thanks to Ms. Hannah for indulging the reader by including several Christmas cookie recipes at the back of the book, including one no-bake cookie.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off by Darci Hannah is the 2nd book in A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series, and another great addition. Lindsey Bakeswell found her fiancé with another women, so she quits her high paying Wall Street job to moves to Beacon Harbor, Michigan. Lindsey buys a lighthouse sight unseen, made it into her home and a bakery. Lindsey also has a beloved Newfoundland dog called Wellington. Lindsey is busy baking cookies for the Christmas season, while looking for an assistant. Lindsey also has plans to enter the baking contest, but when one of the judges dies, the sleuthing begins. This book has everything, you want in a book, mystery, surprises, romance and quirky people. I can not recommend this book enough, and I am anxiously waiting for the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you read the previous book, this brought back all the best characters for a fun filled holiday together with cookies, lights and a murder. This story was funny, and though I was a little annoyed with the characters in the beginning about the Christmas lights and waiting for Rory, the plot was interesting and the twist at the end was great. I found this to be a fun and really sweet holiday story with a great mystery.

Lindsey Bakewell owns the Beacon Bakeshop in Beacon Harbor, Michigan. Christmas is approaching and Lindsey has a vision for a perfect sugar plum holiday. She has not had luck in the past with achieving a merry holiday. The bakery is keeping Lindsey hopping especially with all the Christmas orders. She really needs an assistant baker. Then Felicity Stewart convinces the town to host a Christmas cookie bake-off with each shop offering samples of their signature cookie. Lindsey becomes inundated with calls for orders. The bake-off takes a turn when the flirtatious celebrity judge is found dead with crumbs from Lindsey’s signature cookie on him. The only way to clear herself from suspicion is to find the guilty party and hopefully before Santa comes riding into town. Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off by Darci Hannah is the 2nd A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery. This new cozy can be read as a standalone. Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off is a fun lighthearted story with delicious cookies. The cookie descriptions will have your mouth watering. The story contains good writing with developed, relatable characters. I just love Lindsey’s Newfoundland, Wellington. I loved the idea of Lindsey and Welly having matching coats (I wonder if I can get my dog to wear a coat). There is humor sprinkled throughout that had me chuckling. The author captured Michigan in the winter. Beacon Harbor sounds like a charming small town. I love Lindsey’s lighthouse with its resident ghost. I enjoy the paranormal element and would actually like more of it. The mystery was well plotted with several suspects, a red herring, and good clues. It depends on your sleuthing ability on when you will solve this whodunit. Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off is a cute cozy that will put you in the mood for the holidays. There are cookie recipes at the end for several of the tasty treats featured in the book. Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off is a merry tale with cookie trickeries, dazzling lighthouse lighting, a bevy of baking, an affable assistant baker, delectable cookies, and a spectral captain.

Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off is a lighthearted cozy mystery set in a completely charming setting. Lindsey runs her own bakery, the Beacon Bakeshop, out of an old lighthouse. She lives there too! Set on Lake Michigan, it might be cold, but you'll still feel cozy.

We all know how crazy things can get around Christmas. With decorating, baking, wrapping...it's hectic! Plus, we, like Lindsey Bakewell, get it into our heads that Christmas needs to be perfect. Visions of Sugarplums are dancing in Lindsey's head...visions of the perfect Christmas. But Lindsey has a problem saying no! Not only does she take on extra orders, she also ends up baking cookies for a contest...and not just her own! No, she bakes others' signature recipes for them too because...she can't say no! But not to worry...just when Lindsey thinks she's completely in over her head, a nice, older woman named Mrs. Nichols shows up at her door ready to be her baking assistant.

When you read Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off, you're going to want to have cookies on hand. I cannot fathom the energy it takes to make multiple types of Christmas cookies because I usually stick to cut-out cookies and peanut butter blossoms! You'll be introduced to so many cookies that you'll feel like you're in the bakery smelling the baking cookies and gingerbread. Thank goodness the recipes for several of these are included in the book because you're going to want them.

This cozy mystery is filled with fun, diverse characters, that cozy lighthouse setting I mentioned, and a murder mystery that will keep you guessing. If you are a fan of foodie cozy mystery books, Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off is for you!

This was the perfect cozy mystery for me: a cool setting (bakery in a lighthouse), slightly flawed but lovable main character (the Christmas decoration debacle), wonderful secondary characters (a former model, a social media influencer and a retired military boyfriend). Add in a cooking competition and the Christmas season and I did not (willingly) put this down - I did drop my kindle several times when I fell asleep but picked it up and rallied to finish the chapter. It was funny and didn't have too many TSTL moments. I loved everything about this!

“Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off ” by Darci Hannah is the 2nd instalment in the "A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery" series i enjoyed the first in series with great charcters and a fun sleuth. This is a fun Christmas theme cozy that I highly recommend. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity.

Its Christmas time in Beacon Harbor Michigan and our protagnist bakeshop owner Lindsey wants to win the towns bake off with her sweet treats. The competition is fierce and when a murder occurs setting up Lindsey to take the blame she has to investigate to save herself and her bakery.

I love the Christmas theme that is so endearing in this fictional small town. Lindsey is a favorite protagnist as she navigates another murder amid her many other responsibilities. I enjoy the supporting charcters and the sleuth kept me turning pages to the end. A very enjoyable Christmas theme cozy.

“Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off ” by Darci Hannah is the 2nd instalment in the "A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery" series. I loved this book it’s a fun Christmas mystery which had me believing in the spirit of Christmas! I totally added it to my favourite series list!

Tucked away inside an old lighthouse in Beacon Harbor, Michigan, bakeshop café owner Lindsey Bakewell is ready to make her first Christmas in town shine bright. But her merry plans crumble fast when murder appears under the mistletoe...

I started reading series backwards with book 2 first but I loved so much I bought book one. I really enjoyed visiting Beacon Harbor, Michigan, and the Beacon Bakeshop.

Everyone knows I’m a sucker for furbabies in my cozies so when you have a Newfie named Wellington well let’s just say I’m in love. Then add in two visiting Westies called the “Models” …

I absolutely adored Mrs. Nichols and the hint of Christmas magic she entailed plus the nod to the Great British Bake Off

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Lindsey did. Plus all the descriptions of the cookies made my mouth water. ( recipes included in back of book)

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 3!

I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Kensington and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

I adored this cozy mystery! The group of characters were fantastic, and I loved the beach setting. I enjoyed the plot twists and the mystery. It was well paced and well written!

Thank you NetGalley, Darci Hannah and Kensington Books for the copy of Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off. This is my personal review.
This is the second book in the Beacon Bakeshop Series, and I enjoyed as much as the first book Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop.
This book takes us to Lindsey Bakewell’s bakeshop at Christmas time. Beacon Harbor Michigan is all set for the holiday.
She has visions of the perfect holiday, but things don’t always go the way she wants them to in her life.
With a cookie bake off contest being put into the mix of things then on top of all that throw in a murder it keeps Lindsey busy trying to do it all and help solve the murder mystery.
The characters in the story and the location are a perfect blend.
I am looking forward to the next is this series.

When the owner of the Christmas shop decides the town merchants need a Christmas cookie bake-off, it is quickly organized. In order to compete in the live final, the shops offer samples and customers vote for their favorite. As the owner of the town bakery, Lindsey is ready to compete, especially after three women steal her sample cookies and with help from a Mrs. Claus lookalike.

As a lover of cozy mysteries I have read many different authors. I was very impressed with Ms. Hannah's writing, especially when it comes to the conversation between the characters. In places where it could be witty, it definitely was. Several times (before the dead body showed up) I found myself laughing out loud.

From the beginning until the last pages I enjoyed this mystery and look.forward to the next. The author's style of leading up.to the murder slowly with tiny plot twist was interesting and enjoyable.

#NetGalley #MurderAtTheChristmasCookieBakeOff #KensingtonBooks #CozyMystery #DarciHannah #BeaconBakeshop #KensingtonCozies

Are you like me? Do you love cozy mysteries and cookie bake-offs? If so, get this book ASAP! This is the second book in Darci Hannah's Beacon Bakeshop series. The setting is a small town on Lake Michigan. Lindsey is our overwhelmed bakery owner and amateur sleuth. Already in book two she has become known as a crime solver. There are nice twists and turns and a false ending--so if you think you know who the killer is, you might be right, or you might be wrong!

This book doesn't have an overwhelming number of characters, it's easy to follow the story without having read the first novel. There is no love triangle, wahoo! This book has the perfect amount of Christmas coziness including a visitor from the North Pole. As the book goes on you can see the community of Beacon Harbor really embracing Lindsey as one of their own.

The cookies themselves were described in the most mouthwatering way, I was so thrilled to see that Darci Hannah has included all the preliminary and final cookie recipes in the back of this book! Because this book does work as a stand-alone and because it has so many cookie recipes in the back, it could be a really fun book to give with a cookie tray as a Christmas gift!

4.5 stars to Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off by Darci Hannah!

Thanks so much #NetGalley for the ARC of this book! All the opinions are my own! #MurderattheChristmasCookieBakeOff