This series has grown on me with each entry, and I found this Christmas season set story to be quite enjoyable. The victim is someone known to readers and the characters, casting another shadow on this round of filming their baking show, and since the main suspect is one of the judges, Courtney is determined to help her friend clear their name (though she makes it incredibly hard). There are good side plots and the story is satisfying.

Christmas Candy Corpse is the third book in the Courtney Archer Series by Rosemarie Ross. It is the first in the series I have read, and I cannot wait to get the first two and dive into them!
Cozy mystery books are great to read and having this one be set at Christmas time is even better.
Courtney Archer is so easy to like. She is a chef a fun person who loves to solve a murder mystery when she stumbles into them. This time her friend Shannon is the person of interest in committing the crime. Courtney knows Shannon is innocent so solving the mystery is even more important to her.
I enjoyed this book so much and look forward to getting to now Courtney and everyone else better.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the copy to read. This is my personal review.

I love holiday cozy mysteries and this one was just so fun and great! I definitely would recommend this for the holidays.

This is the first book I have read by Rosemarie Ross and I enjoyed it immensely. I saw some real growth and compassion in the characters as the book progressed. There were some very real, heartfelt life problems examined in this story of what goes on behind the scenes of a nationally televised cooking show. The mystery was expertly executed, with a surprising ending. I am going to go back and get the previous books in the series in an attempt to understand fully the series. I look forward to more.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

It's a week til Thanksgiving, which means I've been reading Christmas books for a few months already! Thank you to Kensington Books for my ARC of Christmas Candy Corpse!

Pub date: November 30
Series: Courtney Archer, book 3

In one sentence: The American Baking Battle holiday special is in full swing until a murder forces chef Courtney to play sleuth again.
Do I need to read book 1 first? I didn't, and like most cozies, this one works well as a standalone!

If you love The Great British Bake-Off, chances are you'll enjoy this book! There's plenty of baking drama mixed in with the murder subplot, and the book gave me all the warm cozy feelings that I also associate with the show. I also liked the focus on Courtney's character - her relationship with her boyfriend and her new business venture as she moved forward into her next chapter. Just like on GBBO, there are plenty of fun, quirky characters to root for here. And of course, there's plenty of drool-worthy food (as well as a few baking fails!)

Do you need a book to put you into the holiday baking spirit? If so, this would be a great choice!

I received this book for free for an honest review from netgalley #netgalley

An enchanting cozy with lots of class.

I’m not sure that I have ever favored Christmas cozy mysteries over other times of year prior to this book. Christmas Candy Corpse is the third Courtney Archer Mystery and it has everything you need for a holly jolly Christmas and it comes with a side of murder.
I enjoy watching the Great British Baking Show so I suppose it would be natural for me to love a cozy mystery series based on an imaginary American Baking Battle show. In Candy Christmas Corpse, the show is doing a Christmas special battle. The theme is a bit directed toward a Christmas Carol with past, present and future baking challenges featuring candy, cookies and cakes.
There is plenty of emotional drama as well with Shannon acting completely out of character, Courtney trying to figure out her relationship with Eric and Brendan’s mother Victoria visiting the set.
Kinzy was a good choice for murder victim because she was likable in the first two books but was acting a bit high and mighty as this book opened. Courtney had already come to care for Kinzy so she was inclined to get involved in figuring out who the murderer was.
There were some good suspects and only in the back of my mind did I consider the way things turned out in the end. Courtney tried so hard to play it safe but she has her life threatened once again.
The ending has lovely feelings surfacing once again making this one of the best Christmas cozies I have read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

Christmas Candy Cane Corpse by Rosemarie Ross is a 2021 Kensington publication.

The special holiday baking competition this year will feature six bakers who will be tasked to create festive candy, desserts, and cookies.

Tension immediately soars when Kinzy, the show’s director, is told her estranged grandfather has died and she has been named the executor of his will.

If that didn’t set a somber tone, Shannon’s entire personality has changed, and she refuses to confide in Courtney.

But when Kinzy is found strangled to death with one of Shannon's promotional aprons, her odd behavior makes her a definite person of interest.

To save the show, and to stand by Shannon, as she stood by her, Courtney decides she needs to find out who killed Kinzy…

This is the third installment of the Courtney Archer series, but it’s my first. I loved the ‘Food Network’ premise and the holiday candies, cookies, etc., gave the story the festive mood I love in a holiday themed story.

Because I had not read the first two installments, I was completely lost as to how the characters were connected to each other, who was a recurring character, and which characters were making a first- time appearance, which took me out of the story, in the beginning and made it hard to get into it.

Eventually, I caught on, for the most part and was able to concentrate on the murder mystery part of the story, which despite Courtney’s tendency to toss out some pretty flimsy motives for the possible suspects, was pretty solid.

I did worry a bit about how much emphasis was placed on Shannon’s weight gain, but I’m sure this is common in any kind of television environment, but it felt very judgmental to me at times.

Other than that, the author did a good job of creating the atmosphere in reality show competitions, plus, I did not guess who the murderer. The holiday theme was nicely done, as well, which was the main reason I chose this book.

Overall, the story has some flaws, but was enjoyable enough as a holiday mystery, but I doubt I'll continue with the series.

2.5 stars

Although this is the third book in the book series of Courtney Archer, the book has entertained me well as a first time reader. Although, I already have a hint who the person of interest is, the book still is a page-turner, and unbelievably engaging. I like Courtney Archer’s natural curiosity to solve the mystery. I devoured myself in this book overnight. I can’t hardly wait to know who the Christmas culprit is. It’s rewarding for me to validate my theories on each character.

I’m glad to have come across to this holiday-themed cozy mystery. It’s fun, quick and a relaxing read. It’s a good seasonal mystery book that will uplift one’s holiday spirit with combination of baking competition show, humor, romance and suspense.

Thank you so much @netgalley and @kensington for this opportunity to enjoy a good read ARC in exchange of an unbiased feedback.

With a certain British show back on Tv, this is the perfect time to read this book! It gives you a VERY interested look at behind the scenes these typoes of shows, but from the judge's perspective! Add in a cozy little mystery, some chick lit, some subtle red herrings, and you have a delectable holiday treat! Best not to read on an empty stomach though, as all that cooking and food talk, might just get you in the mood to munch! Courtney is a likeable caharacter, and I'm looking forward to reading the first 2 books in this charming series!

Great holiday, cozy mystery.
During the first day of filming a Holiday Bake off, Kinzy, assistant director, is found strangled with an apron string. Courtney has her suspicions , and is upset about another murder taking place around her.
Enjoyed the characters, their banter, and the plot. Had a surprise guilty party I wasn't expecting!

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was enjoyable. It had a different setting in that the protagonist worked on a Christmas Cooking championship show while it was being filmed for television. There were several possible suspects in the murder of the assistant director of the show, but the culprit turned out to be someone I hadn't considered. I highly recommend this book to other cozy mystery readers.

I admit during this read I had an inkling of whodunit. I didn't like this book as much as the last one in the series because I found Shannon's over the top mood swings and irresponsibility got in the way of my enjoyment of the plot. It almost felt like the book was more about what a grouch she was peppered in with the rest of the plot. It made me grumpy and almost made me put the book down.

On this episode of The Great American Baking Battle, the cast and crew are rushed to a last minute shoot, interrupting their Thanksgiving weekends. Most of them are unhappy about this challenge but agree to soldier on and make the best of it. Except when someone winds up dead who is an integral part of the crew. Now on top of the sour mood already permeating the group, they are struggling to cope with the loss of a coworker and some rather unruly contestants. Paul Hollywood would not put up with such nonsense!

I enjoy culinary mysteries, especially ones about baking. I must say I am grateful not to had to have tasted some of these confections, especially anise candy because ew. I think that also took me away from the story a little, although the theme of past, present and future bakes was a good one. I will of course read another in this series but I don't think this installment is one I'd revisit.

Christmas Candy Corpse: A Courtney Archer Mystery
By Rosemarie Ross
Kensington
December 2021

Review Cynthia Chow

After finally admitting to her fraudulent identity as the non-farming host of “Cooking with the Farmer’s Daughter,” Courtney Archer continues to be embraced by her audience and even signed on to become one of the hosts of “The American Baking Battle.” Their upcoming special Christmas edition has them all at the Coal Castle Resort in Poconos, Pennsylvania, where six bakers compete in three challenges of candy-making, cookie baking, dessert-making. They are barely through their first filming episode when there’s a disruption involving director Kinzy Hummel, the first sign that this holiday show will not go smoothly. Indeed, it’s not long an obnoxious attorney is dragged off the set that Courtney discovers Kinzy’s body, strangled to death with an apron. Truly unfortunate is that the apron happens to be part of a new product line designed by Shannon Collins, one of the competition’s judges and who has recently become Courtney’s good friend.

Courtney begins to question the trustworthiness of their friendship when Shannon seems unstable and acts out irrationally, becoming very defensive when called out on it. Her refusal admit that anything is wrong is alarming, especially when Courtney fears that Shannon may be jeopardizing her marriage. While Courtney’s maybe-boyfriend Eric Iverson encourages her to reach out to Shannon he warns Courtney away from investigating the murder, as her previous encounters have nearly gotten her killed. His role as her producer does complicate their relationship, and Courtney is still hesitant to fully commit or announce their dating status. Her hormonally-charged attraction to the show’s Head of Security Drake Nolan may factor into this slightly, but she’s more concerned over her and Eric’s rather smooth and unexciting transition from friends to something more. While Courtney attempts to sort out her relationships behind the scenes, in front of the cameras tempers are flaring while chocolate is tempered as the contestants battle during what should be a celebration of their families’ holiday traditions.

This third in the series would be just as entertaining if it focused only the baking competition and the interactions between competitors and judges and not on the murder mystery. The author skillfully builds up the suspense and drama for each cooking challenge, and the commentary by the judges reveals much about all of the participants. Considering the complexities involved in the candies and cookies prepared by the chefs, it shouldn’t be surprising that no recipes are included in the novel. There are more than enough descriptions of the flavors and aromas from the treats to please foodies though, with an abundance of gingerbread houses, filled cookies, and fudge candies spread throughout the competition. Readers will be as frustrated with Shannon’s behavior as Courtney, yet the explanation for it turns out to be unexpected and not the one that first comes to mind. Each of the three challenges are as exciting as the reveal of the final culprit, making this an enticing Christmas-themed novel with the bonus of it also being a lively murder mystery.

This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. It is a quick read, a cozy mystery, with likable characters. Who did it? Who killed? Friendship, competition, and mayhem...this book has it all...although the story moves somewhat slowly at times, it is a fun read. Enjoy.

Christmas Candy Corpse
by Rosemarie Ross
Pub Date 30 Nov 2021 | Archive Date 03 Dec 2021
Kensington Books, Kensington
Mystery & Thrillers


I am reviewing a copy of Christmas Candy Corpse through Kensington Books and Netgalley:




In Christmas Candy Corpse Six ambitious bakers are competing for glory and a grand prize, showcasing their most delicious candies, cookies, and desserts. But Courtney detects some grinchiness actions from her coworkers, especially from judge Shannon Collins, but she’s hoping the sweet treats will restore everyone’s festive spirits. That Christmas wish swiftly fizzles when assistant director Kinzy Hummel is found strangled—with an apron from Shannon’s new product line.




Shannon insists that she’s innocent. In the meantime Kinzy had been under pressure from a disgruntled attorney to settle her late grandfather’s estate. But could that be a motive for murder? Even as Courtney sifts through competitors and crew for likely suspects, the show must go on. Unless she can get to the truth quickly there’ll be another helping of homicide amid the pinwheel cookies and fruitcakes..




I give Christmas Candy Corpse five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

A Christmas bake off adds plenty of holiday cheer to this novel but the joy of the season is tested when someone is found strangled with an apron. An enjoyable if somewhat formula-based read.

Well. Baking competitions can be tough but murder? Someone strangled Kinzy, assistant director of the American Baking Battle, with an apron, an apron that is part of a product line from Shannon, one of the judges and Courtney's good friend. While she's a suspect, as are others in the competition, there's more at play here because Kinzy had been delaying settling her grandfather's estate. This is classic cozy territory with an additional twist. Courtney is a good heroine, who has matured a bit, I think, from the last outing. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A fast fun read.

The popularity of reality shows has resulted in several mystery series that revolve around reality TV shows, some more successfully than others. This was a new series to me, although this is the third in the Courtney Archer series. Courtney is a chef and cooking show hostess whose network has tapped her and her co-host to record a holiday-themed cooking contest. This is a great boost for her show and career as well as for the contestants, but from the start, things go off the rails. One of the judges, Shannon, keeps disappearing from the set, and one of the contestants is refusing to wear the aprons supplied by the show because they are part of a line of products developed by Shannon. Tempers flare and everyone is on edge with a condensed shooting schedule. But things take a serious turn when the assistant director is murdered, and Courtney finds herself trying to film two shows while figuring out whodunnit before they strike again. The book is well written overall, although there are some glaring grammatical mistakes and weird word choices and typos, and the pace is fast. But this is apparently the third murder in just a few months involving the same crew and show at the same resort, and I cannot believe that the network would not have cancelled this program as fast as possible. Ms. Ross really needs to move the show and introduce characters not related to it as suspects because the resort as the setting for yet another murder involving the exact same group of people is mentioned several times, which underscores that this is either lazy writing or unimaginative writing. Why not send them on location? Why not have Courtney stumble on a murder while on a publicity tour for her show? Why not have Courtney involved with publishing a book of the show's recipes, and someone is killed who is unrelated to the show--a bookstore owner, a restauranteur in another city, an editor, or a network executive is murdered when she's visiting HQ? How about a murder while she's on vacation? There was also a major story line that irritated me--Shannion's multiple disappearances throughout the day. Several times Courtney sees Shannon in a place she shouldn't be, many times Courtney talks to her coworkers or herself about how Shannon is not acting like herself, yet it takes the entire book for her to just ask her what the heck is going on? Shannon is supposed to be her good friend, yet Courtney treats her like a stranger and avoids trying to help her. Very irritating. Fans of cooking shows and baking contests will enjoy the book, but I won't read another unless the book jacket assures me it doesn't take place at the resort and on set. Recommended.

Ms Ross always provides a great story! This book gave great insight into the behind the scenes workings of a reality baking show. I always wondered how the cooks always had everything at their fingertips....Good food, well developed characters and a mystery. Best read during a cold winter's day!
Thank you NetGalley for providing this copy. This opinion is mine alone.