Maybe it's because I didn't realize this book was part of a series, and not even the first book, but I found myself caring less about the murder mystery plot and more about the rest. I still finished the book, of course. I still can't quite figure out how the main character figured out who did it.

Thank you NetGalley, Level Best Books, (Independent Book Publishers Association ) and Wendy Sand Eckel for the Arc of Killer in Winter Wonderland.

This is my first from Wendy Eckel and Killer in Winter Wonderland is the 4th book in the Rosalie Hart Mystery series.

The book is in first person POV as Rosalie and this book can be read as a stand alone ( I’ll be going back to the first book and reading the series !) The narrative is very easy to follow and has a very wholesome feel to the book. I love how Rosalie thinks and feels about people. I also love the fact she asks about people’s stories, always showing interest. Asking questions but in a non evasive way.. She has a very well rounded character which is very likeable without being too sickly sweet..

The story itself had good pacing, unfolding slowly and gathering pace near the end. This is a cosy mystery so it’s not all fireworks, guns blazing ending, but wraps up with some nice tension and a pay off.

The other characters in the book are also very well fleshed out. Some likeable characters and some unlikeable ones which I feel struck a nice balance.

This is definitely a great book when you don’t want anything too heavy to read.


4.25 stars 🌟

I liked the mystery story in this book, but it kind of plays second fiddle behind Rosalie and her life, and personally I'd like it the other way round. Without the goings on in the cafe, the investigation of 'whodunit' would be over very quickly. I'd have preferred it if the mystery was more fleshed out and there was less of the running of a small business.

It's a quick read, and although 91 chapters seems daunting, each chapter is only a page or so long, so you zip through it.

If you want to delve into the life of a small business cafe owner and her friends, then this book is for you. If you want to feel like you could be the next Sherlock Holmes, maybe choose something else.

I read this as an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

An entertaining and compelling festive cozy mystery that kept me guessing and having fun. Well plotted, solid mystery, likeable characters
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

In Wendy Sand Eckel's Killer in a Winter Wonderland, the fourth installment of the Rosalie Hart Cozy Mystery Series, readers are transported to the enchanting town of Cardigan, Maryland, where the holiday season unfolds with a perfect blend of suspense, humor, and culinary delights. Protagonist Rosalie Hart navigates unexpected challenges, from a Christmas alone to managing her newly renovated restaurant. When her confidant Glenn Breckinridge discovers a neighbor's murder, Rosalie and Glenn embark on a festive yet mysterious journey to unravel the truth. Eckel skillfully crafts endearing characters and a warm camaraderie between Rosalie and Glenn, infusing the narrative with small-town charm. The unique combination of culinary delights and mystery adds richness to the tale, even as the mystery takes a back seat initially. Despite this, Killer in a Winter Wonderland offers a delightful escape into Cardigan's cozy world, making it a must-read for fans and newcomers alike.

Killer in a Winter Wonderland by Wendy Sand Eckel is a cozy mystery except its heavy on the cozy and light on the mystery for the first two thirds of the story. Don’t get me wrong, it was an enjoyable and easy read but the mystery, for the most part, takes second place to the story of a friendly restaurant with, a surprisingly world-class chef or two. When the mystery does finally take centre stage, it was interesting and did keep me guessing. Add to that, it seems many other readers seemed to like it quite a bit more than I did. So, in the end, I would say, this is one of those stories I would leave to readers to decide for themselves if this is something that would suit their taste.

I received an arc of this ebook from Netgalley andLevel Best Books in exchange for an honest review

What a great cozy mystery read! Rosalie and Glenn are such a fun pair to try and solve this whole done it.
I loved the characters in this story! Rosalie, Glenn, Tyler, Custer, Crystal and everyone in between.
I loved that the book was centered around the mystery of who killed Glenn’s neighbor but also had a daily menu to Rosalie’s cafe.
I’ve always dreamed of running a coffee shop / cafe so I loved every minute of the behind the scenes of the investigation.
If you need a nice cozy mystery read, this one is it!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this winter mystery. It is a part of a series and even though I started with this one, I haven't felt like I am lost in the story. It was an enjoyable read with likable characters and a nice storyline. I will look up the other works from this author.

Thanks for the opportunity to read this holiday book! Unfortunately I did not care for it. It was more about a woman and her restaurant with a sprinkle of murder mystery. It is just not what I thought it was going to be.

#KillerinaWinterWonderland #NetGalley Meeting Rosalie Hart was a wonderful experience. The title and cover intrigued me enough to look further at this book, and I'm so glad I decided to read it.
There was a comfortable feeling when I read this book, the story and mystery were interesting and I enjoyed getting to know everyone, as this was the first book I've read in the series.
I think Rosalie's character is portrayed in a manner that makes her easy to like.
It was interesting to watch the story unravel as Rosalie began to connect the pieces of the puzzle together.

I'm looking forward to reading the earlier books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.

Killer in a Winter Wonderland by Wendy Sand Eckel is a delightful addition to the Rosalie Hart Cozy Mystery series, delivering suspense, humor, and a festive atmosphere. With its engaging plot, mouth-watering menus, and compelling characters, this book is sure to please fans of the series and newcomers alike.

In this fourth installment of the series, Rosalie Hart finds herself facing various challenges during the holiday season. With her ex-husband taking their daughter away for a vacation and her restaurant, the Day Lily Café, reopening after renovations, Rosalie is already dealing with change. However, when her best friend and head waiter, Glenn Breckinridge, discovers that their neighbor has been murdered, they join forces once again to uncover the truth.

Wendy Sand Eckel creates a vivid and engaging world in the fictional town of Cardigan, Maryland. The holiday spirit permeates the pages, making readers feel immersed in the festive atmosphere. The author's descriptions of the decorations, the wintry landscape, and the mouth-watering menus of the Day Lily Café evoke a cozy and captivating ambiance that enhances the reading experience.

Rosalie Hart continues to be a relatable and likable protagonist. Her resilience, wit, and determination to uncover the truth behind the murder make her an engaging amateur sleuth. The supporting characters, both old and new, add depth and intrigue to the story. The dynamics between Rosalie and her best friend Glenn provide moments of humor and camaraderie that lighten the suspenseful plot.

The mystery itself is well-crafted, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end. Wendy Sand Eckel effectively balances the elements of suspense and holiday cheer, ensuring that the investigation remains captivating without losing the festive spirit. Additionally, the integration of mouth-watering menus throughout the narrative adds an enjoyable culinary aspect to the story, further enhancing the reader's experience.

The writing style is concise and flows smoothly, making Killer in a Winter Wonderland an easy and enjoyable read. Wendy Sand Eckel's ability to create engaging dialogue and maintain a steady pace contributes to the book's overall entertainment value. However, some readers may find certain plot points predictable, adhering to the conventions often found in cozy mysteries.

In conclusion, Killer in a Winter Wonderland is a festive and engaging cozy mystery that captures the holiday spirit with its suspenseful plot, compelling characters, and delectable menus. Wendy Sand Eckel's ability to blend suspense, humor, and a festive atmosphere makes this book a delightful addition to the Rosalie Hart Cozy Mystery series. If you're looking for a charming and entertaining read to get you into the holiday mood, don't miss out on this delightful tale of sleuthing and festive cheer!

A great winter mystery that is well written with multi- faceted characters and an engaging storyline. You won’t be disappointed