This second book in the Killer Chocolate series is another solid installment as the twin sisters who own a chocolate story/bookshop in Montana try to solve murders at a high school reunion.

This was one of the more complex-plotted cozies I've read in quite awhile. I think I changed my view as to whodunnit every few pages, at least. This made for an especially interesting mystery.

Very enjoyable Christmas mystery, though. Highly recommended!!

A Nutcracker Nightmare is the 2nd book in the Murder and Mayhem series. After reading and loving the 1st book, A Christmas Candy Killing, I was excited to be able to read and review this story. Although I did enjoy this one, it was just missing something from the previous book. The setting in this series is gorgeous, I love the twins, Hanna and Alex, love the concept of their book and candy store (I wish we had something like it in our city!!). I thought there were way too many characters to keep track of in this story, I had to stop and try to remember who was who and what their relationship to the others was. It just made it harder to follow along. But I will definitely look forward to reading book 3 (if there will be a book 3).

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

Title: A Nutcracker Nightmare
Author: Christina Romeril
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Publish Date: 10/17/23
Rating: 4 stars


I enjoyed this cozy mystery. It had interesting characters and an intriguing storyline with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. I do wish I had read the first book for a little more background on who everyone was, but I think I did ok.
Love the recipes at the end of the book. And the cover is so fun!

Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

After rereading book 1 and enjoying a bit more than the first time around, I had good hopes for this new installment in the series. It started out rather strongly, and I enjoyed the first half, but my interest started to wither away in the second half, the pace wasn't solid enough in my opinion. So, in the end, I have some mixed feelings about this one.

Setting the Scene: Twin sisters, Hanna and Alex, owners of the Murder and Mayhem book and chocolate shop, have their hands full preparing for the Harriston High School’s reunion weekend in addition to the various holiday demands. All too soon, it becomes apparent that reminiscing can be dangerous, and Kyle, the former star quarterback, seems to be at the center of an awful lot of animosity. He furthers his dubious reputation when he begins making moves on Hanna, going so far as to threaten her if she doesn't play ball. Hanna doesn't respond well to either., and when Alex stumbles across Kyle's body during the reunion dance, the partying is put on hold, and Hanna becomes the prime suspect.

When Alex, along with their friends, and of course Watson, the sleuthing canine, initiate their own investigation, they find plenty of people with motives. However, when those suspects become victims, the pressure increases to solve this case before Hanna spends the holidays, if not her life, in jail.

What I Thought: I enjoyed this second outing with Alex and Hanna, including their artistic endeavors to create "original, decadent, and daring" flavor combinations for their chocolates. This is a light cozy, but it checks my cozy boxes as entertaining, with a well plotted mystery, and a set of friends on whom Alex and Hanna can depend. Since camaraderie among characters is particularly important to me, I love the impromptu dinners with Maggie, Drew, Tom, and sometimes even Dylan. The puns in which they engage are so bad they are funny. The romance has been a little lacking but may be showing promise. It is only the second book. However, Alex's potential romance with Tom is unique, in some respects, and he has great potential with this line, "I'll probably keep telling you to be careful, but I accept you for who you are." Music to an amateur sleuth's ears. I recommend you give this series a try, but, as always, begin with Book 1.

Alex and Hannah, twin sisters who own the chocolates and mystery shop, seem to have the bad luck of stumbling over bodies. That said, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be mourning Kyle's death, either. Too bad Hannah is a suspect.

Unable to calmly step aside, Alex seems unable to keep herself from asking not-so-subtle questions and pondering scenarios and clues. She barely hesitates even after receiving a warning note on her windshield and later being almost deliberately run over while out walking her dog, Watson. She's pretty obvious about her sleuthing. How obvious? So obvious even the anonymous gossip rag identifies her as someone prone to both finding dead bodies and sleuthing. Of course, I should also note that she's still intent upon walking the dog and even searching out and confronting suspected murderers. Probably not the best idea, huh?

So, who killed Kyle? Kyle is so obnoxious, arrogant, and, um, let's say too hands-on with women that the list would possibly run to pages. I mean, everyone seemed to have a motive. Well, except Watson. In the meantime, both Alex and Hannah are trying to make their blooming relationships work, which is a bit complicated when Duncan, Hannah's boyfriend, is faced with officially having to keep her on the police suspect list. Alex's is a bit less scary but complicated as she can't figure out what's going on with Tom. Watching them work on their normal lives, which includes lots of chocolate and baking, was interesting. We even get to see a new trick they've taught Watson, who is adorable. But, wait! More bodies? Uh-oh....

Seriously, enough teasers. While I spent a good portion of the book annoyed at Alex for not showing common sense much of the time and what seemed a slow start, I liked the sisters and found the mystery interesting. And, sigh, I didn't guess whodunit until the reveal. Didn't see that one coming although it made sense when I thought back.

So, sit back and enjoy the ride and, oh, be prepared for an overwhelming yen for chocolate and more chocolate before you're done reading. You'll enjoy the recipes at the end which are in more of a conversational tone as they guide you. I felt like the author was talking to me rather than just handing me a recipe card and wishing me luck. Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for letting me indulge the chocoholic in me with words and recipes. My Daisy dog says to give Watson a virtual treat, btw.

This is the second book in the Killer Chocolate Mystery series. Once again the story takes place around Christmas. There is a flurry of activities going on in Harriston, Montana including a highschool reunion/alumni dinner and dance. Meeting up with old classmates isn't fun for everyone though when someone like Kyle is known for antagonizing everyone. It's no surprise when he turns up dead. Alex will have to work quickly to solve the murder before her twin Hanna is arrested for the murder!

This was a fun and cozy read. There was a lot going on to keep the characters and reader busy. The candy descriptions sound delicious. Alex isn't the most subtle sleuth which is sometimes amusing. I like how her friends get involved in the case. The side characters are portrayed well including the victim. Despite being twins Hanna is a lot different than her sister. She is a bit of a mystery as I feel the reader is still getting to know her.

The mystery was well done and I was thrown off by some red herrings. My guess for the killer kept changing so although I didn't get it right in the end they were a suspect at one time. There are also a couple of side stories that further develop the characters and will have an impact in the next story.

This is a quick read, perfect for getting an early start on the holiday season! Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read!

I really enjoyed this cozy. Alex , as the amateur is really good and no matter how many threats she gets she keeps going. There were actually 2 murders in this story which kept Duncan busy. Hanna was a suspect so that made it more important for Alex to sleuth. It was not until the end of the story that the murderer was revealed . it was one of those that as soon as you think you figured it out something changes. These are the kind that I love to read.

A Nutcracker Nightmare by Christina Romeril is another Christmas mystery for Alex Wright and Hanna Eastham.

Can Alex find the true killer of Kyle?

Alex Wright and Hanna Eastham
Alex Wright is back again working in her bookstore and candy shop. She has a hard time believing that Tom still wants to date her or even have anything to do with her. Alex, out of the two twins, is always the one who sticks her nose into other people's business. Especially when it comes to solving a murder. I think that Alex will forever want to solve mysteries as she likes being able to solve a crime that isn't in one of her mystery novels at the bookstore, despite what her sister and friends all think about Alex doing that.

Hanna Eastham loves making the specialty chocolates for the bookstore. She has been busy trying to create two new chocolates that taste excellent for the competition that they signed the shop up for. Hanna is accused, this time, of killing the victim when he is found dead. I have to say that out of the two, I don't think Hanna could hurt anyone. However, Alex, I think she can if it is to protect someone.

The Victim
Kyle Allerton is the victim of this current mystery. Alive, Kyle wasn't the best person, and now that he is dead, many people have a lot to say about him, and none of it was good. Well, even when he was alive, no one liked him. Kyle upset a lot of people growing up there and even more so now that he was back. At the class reunion for the Class of 99, he wasn't well-liked by most of his former classmates, who didn't want to talk to him. I have to say that finding out more about Kyle, I was surprised he wasn't killed sooner.

Four Stars
A Nutcracker Nightmare by Christina Romeril is another good Christmas read. I am giving A Nutcracker Nightmare by Christina Romeril four stars and recommending it to anyone who likes a holiday mystery.

The only thing that I have to say to Ms. Romeril is maybe have a mystery set at a different time of year to make it different, and not all murderers go to Montana during the winter time.

Ms. Romeril has a how-to guide for making chocolate molds at home, True North Nicotine Caramel, and Gingerbread Gelsemine Truffle.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of A Nutcracker Christmas by Christina Romeril.

Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.

A Nutcracker Nightmare is the second book in Christina Romeril’s A Killer Chocolate Mystery series. Twin sisters, Alex and Hanna Wright, own Murder and Mayhem: Killer Chocolates and Bookshop in Harriston, Montana. When a former classmate is murdered, and Hannah is a suspect, Alex sets out to find the real killer. This is a fast-paced read, with no sagging middle. Great characters, lots of action, and plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing. And chocolate, can’t forget the chocolates, they sound amazing, and some recipes are included. I’m looking forward to the next installment.

Thanks to the author, Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for a digital advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another good addition to the series; glad to see a resolution to the romance mess, the mystery was well paced with plenty of red herrings and clue following.

A Nutcracker Nightmare is the second installment in the Killer Chocolate series set in Harrison, Montana and featuring twin sisters Alex and Hanna Wright, owners of the Murder and Mayhem: Killer Chocolates and Bookshop. It's a busy December for the sisters and their one employee Maggie Fletcher with the Festive Foods Chocolates Competition and the High School Reunion weekend.
Nobody is looking forward to seeing Kyle Allerton, former High School quarterback who has a reputation as a playboy. When Kyle turns up dead at the dance it's no surprise but everyone becomes a suspect, from former teammates, to classmates and current townspeople. With Hanna being top of the list, Alex sets out to track down the real killer, and quickly learns once again the idyllic little town has lots to hide.

I enjoyed this book, and the characters are very interesting and smart.
I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store for these sisters.
Thank you to NetGalley, Christina and Crooked Lane Books for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

CANNOT WAIT FOR MORE ❤️

Twin sisters run a book and chocolate shop in a small town when a murder happens. The mystery was cozy and there was some character development as well. I hadn’t read the first book and was overwhelmed by all the characters and how they fit together. I would have liked more about the chocolate contest itself. The recipes at the end of the book was a nice touch.

This was a fun read, I really love a cosy murder mystery and I found A Nutcracker Nightmare was an enjoyable read with the added Christmas blend and likeable characters. I really enjoyed it.
The writing was gripping enough and with all cosy reads, it had me engaged until the end.

The next installment in the Killer Chocolate series will murder your boredom. Too much? Haha. I liked this one better than the first which I found a bit predictable but I understand needing to sort up a series, it’s is now finding its stride.

This was a fun story with likable characters that will keep the reader wanting more. Its background and holiday spirit made for a quick read. I love the way the Watson was described reminded me of my own pups. I also like the background of the two sisters and way they do to solve what happened.

Would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery that keeps you guessing till the end.
Thank you to y Christina Romeril, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the arc of this book

This is the second book in the series and I haven't read the first. That might have colored my opinion a bit. I felt the world-building wasn't very strong but perhaps I missed that in the first. It's great to see some slightly older main characters. The mystery was very cleverly crafted and difficult to solve. There is some light religion mentioned but it's also a Christmas cozy so that's not surprising. I think I will go back and read book one, as I did like these characters and the writing style.

Thanks to the NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

A Nutcracker Nightmare is the second installment in the Killer Chocolate series set in Harriston, Montana and featuring twin sisters Alex and Hanna Wright, owners of the Murder and Mayhem: Killer Chocolates and Bookshop. It's a busy December for the sisters and their one employee Maggie Fletcher with the Festive Foods Chocolates Competition and the High School Reunion weekend.

Nobody is looking forward to seeing Kyle Allerton, former High School quarterback who has a reputation as a playboy. When Kyle turns up dead at the dance it's no surprise but everyone becomes a suspect, from former teammates, to classmates and current townspeople. With Hanna being top of the list, Alex sets out to track down the real killer, and quickly learns once again the idyllic little town has lots to hide.

A fun afternoon read with returning characters, a furry companion and developing romances. Oh, and don't forget the delicious sounding chocolate recipes.

I received an advanced copy of A Nutcracker Nightmare from NetGalley via Crooked Lane. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.