A Nutcracker Nightmare is book #2 in the Killer Chocolate Mystery series by Christina Romeril.

It is Harriston High School’s reunion weekend and Alex and Hannah are busy providing chocolate and attending events. A much disliked attendee is murdered and Hannah is a suspect.

The mystery was challenging because no one liked the victim and many of the suspects had secrets that kept them from being honest with the police or Alex. I like the main characters and how they shared meals. Though, with Alex’s age, I expected a bit more common sense. The waffling on the relationships and the situations she put herself in was a bit annoying. I did like how everything wrapped up. Loved Watson! The book left me craving chocolates. There are recipes at the end.

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

A NUTCRACKER NIGHTMARE is the second book in the Killer Chocolate Mystery series by Christina Romeril. A class reunion set around Christmas sets the scene for this holiday cozy mystery. Twins Alex and Hanna, owners of the Murder and Mayhem Killer Chocolates and Bookshop, are bringing their “special” chocolates for dessert as they mingle with their old classmates. Named after certain poisons, these chocolates are killer without having a deadly effect… Strychnine Strawberry chocolates anyone? The author showcases her clever combinations and puns between the shop and the banter the twins enjoy. I enjoy the comradery the twins have with each other. They’re supportive and look out for each other, and get along despite working together all day long. The supporting characters in the story are equally well-developed, each with their own individual personalities and quirks. The setting of the bookshop and the small Montana village are charming and inviting. Ms. Romeril’s strong descriptive skills bring the holiday cheer to life and makes the reader feel like they’re right there enjoying the festivities.

Except, someone isn’t enjoying the reunion and decides the school’s bad boy, Kyle, needs to be permanently erased. Poor Alex finds the body of Kyle and law enforcement sets their sight on her sister as the culprit. Inspired by the books stocked at Murder and Mayhem, as well as her innate curiosity, Alex can’t help but start asking questions and digging into Kyle’s past. As she uncovers clues, it seems like no one was happy with the man and he’d burned more than his share of bridges. The pace was even, and the story is well-plotted to keep the reader engaged. There were a few red herrings that threw me off the scent, and at the final reveal it all came together, wrapped up like a Christmas present with a big red bow. If you enjoy holiday cheer with a side of murder, then you’ll want to read A NUTCRACKER NIGHTMARE!

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

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. A Nutcracker Nightmare is the second book in the Killer Chocolates series. Alex and Hanna are twin sisters who own a mystery bookstore combined with a homemade chocolate shop. They are great characters, especially Alex. The storyline is strong, and the pace does not let the reader get bored. There are many characters involved in the story, all the better to keep you guessing until the end. A Nutcracker Nightmare is a very enjoyable cozy mystery, not to be missed!

I adored the books by Joanne Fluke, so when this title said it is perfect for fans of her novels I was ready to be entertained.

I enjoyed the characters and setting of the novel. What's not to love about a chocolate shop, right? Even better there are recipes at the end of the book you can make at home.

Plenty of mystery to be found that will have you wondering who the culprit will be.

While this is the second title in a series, you do not need to have read the first one. I hadn't. I may see if I can get my hands on the first book, though.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Christina Romeril for the e-Arc of the book.

During a reunion event and dinner, a bunch of high school drama was still still affecting people who were definitely old enough not to act that way or care about old grudges etc. When one murder followed fairly soon by another rocked the peacefulness of the village’s Christmas season, Alex wasn’t about to listen to the sheriff and stay out.

Despite a couple scary things happening to her as well as wondering who the mysterious gossip blogger was who eerily knew things before the police informed people, and wondering what was up with Tom, Alex managed to crack the case and lived to sleuth another day thanks to a clever gift from a friend. I’m happy with how things ended between the twins and their guys and can’t wait to see what happens in next year’s book!

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

With providing catering for the Harrison High School reunion weekend and preparing for a chocolate competition, twins Alex and Hanna are busy bees and would like nothing better than to see both events done and dusted without any ugly drama. However, Kyle the former star quarterback and a big pain in almost everyone's lives has other plans but even his planning did not include getting himself killed! Now Hanna is a suspect and it is upto Alex to again flex her sleuthing muscles and grey cells to figure out who had enough of Kyle's blackmailing ways to take such a step.

Overall, I liked the book but I will admit a little less than the first one. I think there were quite a lot of characters to keep track of and personally I felt the mystery/reason behind Kyle's murder should have been attached to his activities during his high school years instead of how everything played out. There was once again ample mention of chocolate goodies and a few more recipes included at the end.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Christina Romeril for the e-Arc of the book.

The book publishes today!

Nutcracker Nightmare is the second book in the True Confections series and it is so good! The main characters are twin sisters who run a chocolate shop in a small Montana town. Alex and Hanna's Christmas preparations are derailed when Hanna becomes the prime suspect in a murder. It's up to Alex to find the real killer and prove her twin's innocence.

I think twins as the characters is a fun, unique idea. I really enjoy the relationship between Alex and Hanna and the love for each other. Alex is a determined amateur sleuth who will do what it takes to help her sister. I liked the suspense of the mystery and the way things turn out in the end in both the case and in the personal lives of both sisters. There are recipes at the end of the book for some chocolate treats that sound delicious, but are well beyond my culinary talents! I enjoyed the first book in the series, too, but it's not necessary to enjoy this one. Cozy mystery fans looking for a fun holiday read will enjoy this book.

I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

Christmas, candy and murder do not sound right in the same sentence, but that is what you get in the newest installment in the Killer Chocolate series. Twins, Hanna and Alex, own Murder and Mayhem book store and chocolate shop. Nothing sounds more appetizing than a book and chocolate. When Hanna and Alex attend their high school reunion, there is a mixed bag of old friends and new friends. Of course, no reunion would be complete without a former jock who still thinks he is a gift to women everywhere. Apparently Kyle never grew up and is just annoying as he ever was in high school. He has made it his mission to win over Hanna. Hanna is not interested at all. Later that evening Kyle's body is found. He has been killed with none other than a very large nutcracker. Unfortunately for Hanna, she is a prime suspect because she was seen slapping Kyle earlier in the evening. However, Kyle was not very well liked, so the suspect pool is large.

As the investigation deepens, a lot of secrets bubble to the surface, secrets that have been buried for a long time. These secrets could be motive for murder. Alex has been warned to stay out of the investigation, but like any good amateur sleuth, that warning goes in one ear and out the other. This lack of listening often gets her in trouble. The cast of characters in this book and this series are very likable and easy to relate to. The descriptions of the scrumptious goodies will make your mouth water. Christina Romeril does a bang up job of providing one red herring after another. I would think I had it all figured out, and then there would be another suspect to clue into. The past and present will collide in this new cozy mystery. If you enjoy chocolate and books with a side of murder, you will enjoy this one.

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A Nutcracker Nightmare by Christina Romeril takes us back to Harriston, Montana where twin sisters Alex and Hanna own Murder and Mayhem, a mystery bookstore that sells handcrafted themed chocolates. Each chocolate is named after a poison (an example is strawberry strychnine). While the series features twins, the story is told from Alex’s point of view. Alex and Hanna have a close relationship. They live together and work together. It looks like both sisters will have a chance at romance, but the path forward will be a rocky one. The murder takes place at a Harriston High School reunion where Alex and Hanna are providing chocolates. It was obvious who would die early on. The victim was an unlikeable fellow. Hanna finds herself at the top of the suspect list (of course) so Alex dons her sleuthing cap and dives into the case. There are plenty of suspects since Kyle, the victim, was a bully, a groper, and so much more. Alex’s investigative skills need work. When she questions people, it sounds like she is accusing them. Alex can be blunt to the point of being rude. The clues and suspects are repeated frequently (I got it the first time). The whodunit is neatly tied up at the end. There are a number of characters in this story, and it can be challenging to keep them all straight (it made me want to set up a murder board). The contest in which Hanna is entering her chocolates and Kyle was to judge seemed to be an afterthought. Personally, I thought the mystery should have surrounded the contest instead of the reunion. The chocolate descriptions will have you craving bonbons and truffles (there are recipes for a couple of Hanna’s creations at the end). While chilly temperatures were mentioned, Christmas not so much. A Nutcracker Nightmare is the second book in A Killer Chocolate Mysteries. I believe readers would benefit from reading A Christmas Candy Killing first where there was more world building. A Nutcracker Nightmare is a killer cozy with delectable chocolates, a slayed sleaze, a sister as a suspect, romance troubles, an excess of suspects, and a hopeful heart.

A Nutcracker Nightmare is the second book in the A Killer Chocolate Mystery series by Christina Romeril.

Twins Alex and Hanna own Murder and Mayhem: Killer Chocolates and Bookshop in Harriston, Montana. Hanna creates and makes the chocolates while Alex handles the front of the shop. With Christmas just around the corner, the twins are busy making up inventory for holiday shoppers, and Hanna is busy creating new flavors for an upcoming chocolate competition. They handle the dinner and provide desserts for the Harriston class of 1999 reunion and dinner/dance.

Kyle, one of the 1999 graduates, is in attendance and hasn’t changed much since his high school day. He was considered a bully and blackmailer, which has continued in his adult life. Kyle has gotten into several arguments, some rather heated, early on at the reunion. Hanna goes to the basement, and when she gets there, she finds the lifeless body of Kyle. As the police begin their investigation, Hanna quickly becomes the prime suspect when it is learned her fingerprints are on the murder weapon, a holiday nutcracker, and she had a confrontation earlier with Kyle.

Alex had promised not to do any investigating, but that falls by the wayside when Hanna becomes the prime suspect. Alex will call on their employee Maggie, her friend Tom, and various residents of Harriston who knew or went to school with Kyle.

The book is well-written, plotted, and moves at a nice pace. The characters are fascinating and believable. I particularly enjoy reading about their “poison” chocolates. Ales’s rescue dog, Watson, is adorable. There were plenty of red herrings that I was kept guessing until the end as to the identity of the killer.


Instruction and recipes for making molded chocolates are also included in the book.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this delightful series.

Murder & Mayhem bookshop and chocolaterie, which was owned and run by twin sisters Alex and Hanna, was very busy and the women were run off their feet. The Harriston High School's reunion was on on the weekend, and they were supplying the sweets, while the chocolate competition they always entered was coming up fast. After setting up everything in preparation for guests, the old classmates were welcomed and memories rushed back for one and all. But it was the nasty, egotistical and universally disliked Kyle who caused trouble throughout the evening, until Alex, searching to replace paper towel, found Kyle's body in the basement. He'd been bludgeoned to death with a nutcracker - and while there were plenty of suspects, there weren't many who were sorry.

When Duncan, deputy sheriff and Hanna's beau, blocked the area, called the sheriff and began interviews before everyone could leave, amateur sleuth Alex was immediately processing what she knew. Kyle had had enemies, so elimination was best. But when someone else was killed, theories and ideas flowed, and although she was told not to get involved, Alex took no notice. Would she discover the killer or would the killer get to her first?

A Nutcracker Nightmare is the 2nd in the Killer Chocolate series by Christina Romeril and it was a lot of fun. Mixed with Christmas songs, decorations, ice and snow, the chocolate sounded divine. (recipes at the end!!) And Mrs Watson - she was a very special, adorable dog! Hanna and Alex are great characters - I'd have them around just for their chocolate making skills! Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

“Okay, a lot nosy. Impetuous. Bossy. Unfiltered.”

If you’re thinking about going to your class reunion, pick up this book and find out why you should stay home! It seems the class of ‘99 in Harriston was as dysfunctional as my graduating class and the reunion was the perfect time to wipe the slate clean. And I can’t blame them! Alex can’t seem to keep her nose out of things, even when she’s assured her sister isn’t seriously a suspect...and makes some questionable decisions along the way to solving the crime that has me seriously wondering if she’s never picked up a cozy mystery in her life? While slow in places, the story kept me puzzled to the end and was a solid follow up to A Christmas Candy Killing.

I didn't realise that this is the second book in a series, but that didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story at all. An engrossing, Christmassy story with books and chocolate. What more could a reader want? Recommended.

A Nutcracker Nightmare gives us small town class reunion activities that bring together people still struggling with issues from their past. It’s leads to murder.
Alex and Hanna have only been in Harriston for 4 years, but they agree to help with the food and goodies for the reunion dance and dinner. Before the end of the night a man from the class of 1999 is dead. Alex promises not to get involved, but Hanna ends up as the prime suspect.
Both books 1 & 2 in the Killer Chocolate series take place at Christmas time. It adds some elements not present at other times of year. Harriston is in Montana, so that means snow at inopportune times,
I didn’t expect the person who ended up being the murderer as there were some other really good suspects.
If you like Christmas mysteries, look for A Nutcracker Nightmare. I think it could be read as a stand-alone.
Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for a review copy.

What is it about high school reunions? Hanna and Alex had been looking forward to their but then there was the loathsome Kyle who, as it turns out, ends up murdered- and not by Hanna. Alex finds herself scrambling to uncover the real villain but then something else happens and well, Alex and Hanna have to worry about their own safety. This has all the cozy elements- a chocolate/book shop, twin sisters with different romantic interests, a dead man with lots of enemies- and it's just twisty enough to keep you guessing. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. AND- recipes.

There is much to like in this series. The setting of Murder and Mayhem: Killer Chocolates and Bookshop, where mystery themed books and handcrafted, poison themed chocolates are sold, is so unique. The close, supportive relationship between Alex and Hanna and their friends is what cozy mystery readers look for. The mystery itself offers plenty of suspects who all could have a motive for murder, which will keep readers engaged until the murderer is found.

Readers tend to try to connect with the main characters as they read, and this is particularly true in reading cozy mysteries. I struggle with liking Alex. She is often blunt and accusatory, to the point of rudeness when she questions people. This really lessened my enjoyment of this well written mystery.

Absolutely not for me- very poorly written with almost no character development whatsoever. Give it a pass

Book 2 of the killer chocolate cozy mystery series is fantastic! The characters are likable, the mystery kept me guessing, and the chocolate sounds delicious (well all except the poison in the chocolate lol). I highly recommend this to any cozy lover or adventurous foodie! lol
I would like to thank netgalley, the author Christina Romeril, and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!

5/5 stars: This is the second Literary Culinary Cozy Mystery in Romeril's Killer Chocolate Mystery series and it hit's it out of the park. Not only are the characters incredibly likable and distinctive but I love how realistically Romeril's written the ups and downs of both Hanna and Alex's romantic relationships. Most importantly, Romeril's mystery weaves just the right balance of clues, red herrings and suspects that will leave you scratching your head until the final reveal. Oh, one mustn't forget the most adorable rescue dog, Watson. And you won't want to miss the yummy sounding chocolate recipes that are included. To begin this series from the start, pick up A Christmas Candy Killing.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

I loved the setting and the plot. However, the story fell flat halfway through. I suppose I would loved it better had the victim been murdered at the chocolate contest rather than at his high school reunion. After all, the victim was one of the judges at the contest. Also, I wish the story had more details about the contest - this might have added an extra dash of intrigue to the murder mystery.

Red herrings are plenty. We also have a bit of development in the twins' personal lives - their love lives to be exact. Though Alex was a bit confused at the beginning - she had two men pursuing her. I am glad she made the right choice at the end. Phew!

Overall, this was an okay read. Not as good as the first installment though. Having said that, I love the theme and characters of this series and I am looking forward to reading the next one.