⭐⭐

I am going to keep my review for this book brief. I think the author did a good job with the mystery aspect, and the killer was a surprise to me. The reasoning, however, was far-fetched. The main issue I had with this book (besides none of the characters being at all likable) was the inordinate amount of fat shamming aimed towards Shannon because she gained some weight. I wish I had made a note every time someone mentioned her weight. Even the main character (Courtney) who is supposed to be a good friends thinks while they are having lunch together "Does she really need a whole friend appetizer platter before a steak dinner" <-- that was the nail in the coffin for me with this book.

*ARC Via NetGalley**

I read a lot of cozy mysteries, but this is the first book I've read by Rosemarie Ross. Even though I read the book out of sequence of the series, it was easy to understand as a standalone book (although there are some spoilers if you want to go back and read some of the earlier books in the series).

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was suspenseful and not super obvious who the murderer was. I really enjoyed the Christmas theme and the baking show setting - it's a nice mix up from most Christmas plotlines. I look forward to reading more books in the series. :-)

Courtney Archer is a filming a holiday version of The American Baking Battle at Coal Castle Resort. There is tension on the set as Shannon Collins, a judge for the baking competition, and the assistant director, Kinzy Hummel clash. Courtney has noticed that Shannon has put on some weight and her attitude has taken a nosedive. Courtney is unable to get Shannon to talk about what is bothering her. When Kinzy is found strangled with one of the aprons from Shannon’s new apron line, she becomes the prime suspect. If Courtney wants to save her new show, she needs to clear Shannon. She will need to be careful, or Courtney will end up being the next victim. Christmas Candy Corpse by Rosemarie Ross is the third A Courtney Archer Mystery. I recommend reading the series in order. It is the best way to get to know the characters and their relationships. Christmas Candy Corpse is an easy-to-read story. It moves at a good pace. There are numerous sweet temptations mentioned that will have you heading for your local bakery. I liked the challenges that has the characters doing treats to represent past, present, and future. The past sweet treats featured two items that many people will not have heard of or tasted (divinity and anise candy). I thought the author created an authentic experience of a television baking competition. I was not a fan of the references to Shannon’s weight gain. I knew there was a good reason for it, and it was not because she had developed a sweet tooth. I like how Shannon’s friends rallied around her when the truth was revealed. The mystery was simple. I knew who would die and who did the deed before the crime occurred. I kept hoping for a good twist to surprise me. Some of Courtney’s theories regarding the murder were half-baked. I like how the method of murder tied back to Shannon and the show. I enjoyed the holiday atmosphere. Christmas cozies are always fun to read and get me into the spirit of the season. Christmas Candy Corpse is a lighthearted tale with sweet treats, an apron argument, an imperious mother, holiday happenings, a mounting midriff, a mysterious murder, and a curious chef.

As my first time to this series, I didn’t mind it. There were bits and pieces of the story that I struggled with.

Thank you Kensington Books and Net Galley for the advance read

I really liked that this book had the suspense and mystery behind it it's not something you usually find at holiday books and it was a nice refreshing breath of air for me

This is such a fun series, and I had a great time with this cozy mystery. I loved the plot, the twists and turns, and the characters!

I’m always a fan of cooking challenges and these were different in that they were making vintage desserts, which seemed to throw off some of the contestants. Courtney seems to always be involved in the cooking challenges, which is a nice way to introduce new characters but keep a good-sized core of regulars as well. The mystery was well paced but I just couldn’t connect with any characters and felt that the story itself was just OK. I had no idea who the murderer was. Overall, I enjoy the setting and the characters and I look forward to the next one in the series.

This series is really getting better. I have to admit I wasn't sure about it at the beginning or if I even liked Courtney that much. But after three books of seeing how she interacts with her friends/coworkers, she's really grown on me, and she's grown as a character as well. I feel she's gained some maturity (finding dead bodies does that to ya, I guess), and I was happy to see her and Eric in a good place with their relationship.

I had a little sneaky feeling earlier about the killer in the book, and it ended up being the right whodunit and for the reason I thought as well. It was well-plotted and executed though. That was some exciting showdown too! Once again, Courtney's kitchen set had something handy! The ending was very sweet and Christmasy.

Shannon had her own side mystery going on and I thought I'd guessed what it was. It was interesting to see that play out into the happy ending everyone in the cast had. I can definitely say I'm looking forward to reading the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

A Christmas who done it and I was thrilled with the title and knowing that something dramatic and murder mystery called Christmas Candy Corpse .. I love it a page turner mid to fast paced and I had to read straight through to the end as I was unable to put the book down. A spectacular spine-tingling sensational crime story that left a reader confused and keep guessing on who the murderer is. A gripping story which follows a number of characters, their relationships, secrets kept and are told. A book that contains a couple of genres such as romance, mystery-thriller and cooking; to which Captivated me from beginning to end. A great book for readers who follow Blake Pierce.
#ChristmasCandyCorpse #NetGalley
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley for my honest review of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.

Six bakers gather at a Poconos resort to compete for the American Baking Battle Christmas special. During filming Kinzy, the assistant director, is found murdered and Courtney, the host, starts investigating.

I loved this book and that a reality cooking show was the setting. There was always something going on whether it was the investigation, filming the show, cranky co-workers or a meddling mother. The pace was quick but natural and kept me guessing until almost the end. All the descriptions of Christmas cookies and candies have me craving sweets so pardon me while I go eat a cookie. 😀

What can I say?! Cosy, Christmassy, Baking, American. I just love all these things and this fun book had them all.

A Christmas baking competition that doesn't go as planned and so the murder has happened and the mystery begins. A book that is fun, has much mystery and humour, this isn't a full on murder mystery but one that can easily be read in a short period of time and be enjoyed.

I am glad I found this genre and I will continue to enjoy it.

This is the third in a very enjoyable culinary cozy mystery series, perfect for getting me into the Christmas spirit. Once again Courtney Archer, aka The Farmer's Daughter (the big secret she keeps - she really isn't one) has to embark on an investigation to clear a friend when suspected of homicide. It's time for a Christmas themed program for the program she hosts - the American Baking Battle. Airing the show from a resort in the Poconos there are six bakers vying for the big prize. Will one of them do anything to win or is there another motive being hidden by someone else? The victim, Kinzy Hummel, crossed somebody sometime and her killer is somebody nearby, but who? Is it in any way connected to her late grandfather's estate? Courtney is certain that coworker and judge Shannon Collins didn't do it despite the fact that the murder weapon was one of her product line aprons. Shannon isn't her usual cheery self but could that be connected to her being framed for a murder?
Courtney is a great character and continues to develop as the series continues. She's got smarts and that serves her well tracking down the occasional killer. She's a trained chef and a good friend, too. Toss in some humor, a touch of possible romance, yummy food and a well crafted mystery to keep the reader guessing, this cozy has it all. As a bonus? No calories. I'm looking forward to the next book.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Christmas Candy Corpse by Rosemarie Ross is the 3rd book in the Courtney Archer mystery series, and another wonderful book. Courtney Archer is ready for The American Baking Battle Christmas special, looking forward to tasting all the Christmas goodies. Unfortunately when the assistant director is found dead, the sleuthing begins. I really enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. The story has a bit of everything, humor, terror, and romance, which keeps you reading page after page. I highly recommend this book/series for anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A fun cozy murder mystery, set around a Christmas baking competition. So many egos to take into consideration. Calls of favouritism and the bad temper of one of the judges certainly don't help.

Really enjoyed it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.

Christmas Candy Corpse is the 3rd book in the Courtney Archer Mystery series by Rosemarie Ross.

Courtney Archer had to cut her Thanksgiving break short to film the American Baking Battle’s holiday special. The week starts off on a rocky note with challenging contestants and a murder. Despite everyone telling Courtney to stay out of the investigation, she gets involved.

I am a huge fan of baking competitions, so I was excited to read this book. This was the first book I’ve read in the series, but I was able to read it as a stand-alone story. It was a bit confusing because it seems as though Courtney and Shannon are supposed to be good friends and yet they seem to not communicate well with each other.

I love the premise and there are interesting characters. The murder mystery kept me guessing and I didn’t figure it out until shortly before Courtney did. I look forward to catching up on the series and seeing what is up next for Courtney.

Thank you to the author, Kensington, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange of an honest review. Christmas Candy Corpse was my introduction to the Courtney Archer series. The storyline was interesting, but it took me some time to really get into the book. For a new reader, there are many characters introduced once, and I had a bit of a hard time understanding the dynamics between them ar first. After a short wile, I was able to fully enjoy the book. As for characters, I really didn't like Shannon. Maybe it's because I haven't read the previous books. At least, the majority of those I understand are recurring characters are pleasant enough. This series is best read in order because there are some spoilers, although not major ones. Still, it does taint the experience when reading previous books in the series. In all, a pleasant Holiday-themed cozy mystery.

Christmas Candy Corpse is the third in Rosemarie Ross' Courtney Archer series, but it is the first I've read by this author. The setting is one that I always enjoy--a bake-off--as compared to the Great British Bake-off. There is a murder, a character you love to dislike, and a vey quick pace. Best of all, everything takes place at Christmas. I enjoyed the the character exchanges-- though a couple were a challenge to like. An all together good read for the holidays or any season!
Thank you to NetGalley and 3KensingtonBooks for granting my request for an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own. #ChristmasCandyCorpse #NetGalley

I received this ARC via Netgalley and Kensington Books, in return for an honest review. While the third book in this series, it is easily read as a standalone. As a reality cooking show host, Courtney Archer is on set for the American Baking Battle’s holiday bakeoff special filming. Looking forward to working with her usual co-hosts, she’s flabbergasted when Shannon arrives and acts completely out of character while the baking contestants range from lovely to downright rude. When the assistant director is found strangled using one of Shannon’s signature aprons, things on the set go from festive to frightening. As in the first two books, Courtney finds herself in a position to help the police solve the crime, while trying to figure out why Shannon is so unhappy. This was a lovely holiday cozy and just in time for Christmas. Fans of the Great British Baking Show should enjoy this adventure.

This is #3 in the "Courtney Archer series, I have not read the prior 2 but that did not affect my enjoyment of this book. There is nothing I like better than a cozy mystery set during the Christmas season that involves food!!!! Loved the cooking show holiday special storyline! I will be putting #'s 1 and 2 on my TBR list. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Christmas Candy Corpse is a very enjoyable third novel, chock full of madness and mayhem in the mystery series by Rosemarie Ross, featuring Courtney Archer. Although I haven't yet read book one, Cobblered to Death, I don’t think this spoilt my enjoyment of this particular instalment.

Courtney Archer is a reality TV cooking show host, despite the fact that she’s actually a paediatrician’s daughter. She is in the beautiful Poconos resort, the setting for the American Baking Battle’s holiday special, where six bakers are competing for a prize, showcasing their sugary delectables. But the jolly Christmas spirit wanes when assistant director Kinzy Hummel is found strangled with an apron...

Protagonist Courtney had a natural curiosity and the characters' banter is witty and fun. The opening chapters drew me into the story and captured my attention immediately. There was never a dull moment with a lot going on and the mystery itself was well thought out with enough misdirection to puzzle over the perpetrator's identity. With oodles of mouthwatering food descriptions, there was plenty to keep the reader entertained. The book had a natural, steady pace and I was totally engrossed until the reveal. Delightful and absorbing, Christmas Candy Corpse is a highly recommended, quick, light read for all cozy mystery fans.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.