Hope has high hopes of a family night with Ethan and his two daughters. As she's running around getting all the details perfect, she overhears snippets of conversation that give her pause. Nothing prepares her for the murder of the town's Santa.

Both Ethan and the acting sheriff caution her not to investigate. Only she (and they) know she'll see what she can come up, along with her sister, Claire, Jane, and Drew. A few close calls strain the relationship between Hope and Ethan, not to mention her friends telling her to be careful. Each fact or picture Hope comes up with takes her in unexpected directions.

The characters are likable or not depending on their role and it's no clear until the end who the killer is. The plot moves along nicely. This was a fun Christmas read and I certainly wouldn't turn down any of the goodies Hope brings with her to ease her questioning. This is the seventh book in the series but can easily be read as a stand-alone.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

A super cute cozy that's a quick read
Def a good addiction to your tbr if you enjoy festive mysteries

I'd like to thank netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read and review this book

A Corpse Among the Carolers (Food Blogger, #7) by Debra Sennefelder opens with Hope Early preparing for the annual Jingle Bell Stroll. When the person playing Santa Claus is murdered, Hope knows she must find out how and why it happened. I received an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) from NetGalley for free in exchange for my honest review.

This book was just the one I needed to read to help me get in the mood for Christmas. I know that it sounds weird since it's a cozy mystery where people are murdered, but it was full of holiday activities including caroling, a holiday market, making wreaths, picking out a Christmas tree, and more. The caroling event especially made me think of my childhood when the neighborhood kids along with a few adults would go door to door around the neighborhood to sing Christmas carols. We would have luminaries lit on both sides of the street as well.

All of the characters, minus one or two of them, were very likable, and despite me not having read any of the other books in the series, it wasn't hard to keep them straight. Additionally, the friendliness of the characters drew me into the story, and I felt a sense of community if that makes sense. I guess it reminded me of all my neighbors where I grew up. Even though the main character, Hope, does a lot of things with her church, it doesn't come across as too religious, as in the story doesn't push any religion down your throat, which is a plus.

As for figuring out who the culprit of the murders was, I had a couple of characters in mind, but I ended up being so completely and utterly wrong. Debra Sennefelder did a fantastic job of misdirection and throwing suspicion on other other people. Overall, I loved the sense of community in this book and will likely read other cozy mysteries by this author. Four out of five stars.

This was a superb read with a well developed plot and characters that made the village really come alive.There are many suspects and many intricate details of the past of some of them that kept me on my toes as to who had committed the first murder of Santa and then more to follow and an attempted muder on Hope herself.. I like to think that I am a very good sleuth but I did not detect the murderer at all. Not only was this such a good read but the addition of the recipes at the end were fantastic.

At the Jingle Bell Stroll, Hope Early finds that the man playing Santa Claus has been stabbed. She works to solve the mystery but finds there are a number of viable suspects.

I wanted to read A Corpse Among the Carolers because I love cozy mysteries. I especially like holiday mysteries and foodie books.

I really liked the holiday setting and the details of Hope's food blogging. (I would have enjoyed even more of those!)

The mystery aspect of the storytelling was well done, with lots going on and leads that could go in several different directions ... which gave this mystery some twists and turns.

I enjoyed A Corpse Among the Carolers and look forward to reading the next book in the Food Blogger Mystery series as well! Recommended for other cozy fans.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Food blogger Hope Early loves the holidays, especially the Jingle Bell Stroll. A grand event when the community comes together going from place to place spreading Christmas joy singing carols and Santa Ho-ho-hoing. Everyone was having fun until Hope found Santa dead with a knife in his back. Looking around she sees the vast number of the town’s residents who had come out for the event. Who would have been despicable enough to kill the man playing good old St. Nick with children present and parents who could have witnessed the crime? Naturally, the man’s spiteful ex-wife is high on the list of suspects, as is his current wife. But Hope then finds clues to the victim’s checkered past that sends her investigation in a different direction. Can she wrap up the murderer in time for Christmas? Or will the killer keep her from celebrating the happy holidays?

The characters in this series easily pull readers into the story. Hope is busy with her blog, her cookbook, her barn renovation, and helping her best friend Drew with his new puppy and his home renovation, but she still has time to plan and participate in the town’s holiday events. She loves spending time with her boyfriend Ethan and his daughters, Molly and Becca, but they are still trying to make things work with the girl’s mom, Heather. Hope has a close relationship with her sister Claire who makes a great sleuthing partner. She is also close to former mystery author Jane Merrifield and her sister-in-law, retired librarian Sally who run the Merrifield Inn. They also like to chime in with ideas on the latest murder. All these characters are well-crafted, feel true to life, and are like old friends. I also love the animal characters Ms. Sennefelder brings to life in each book. Drew’s little hurricane Trixie is adorable and her antics make me smile. Hope’s loveable pup Bigelow and her diva cat Princess each hold their own in the story too.

The town of Jefferson, Connecticut was all done up in its Christmas finery and sans the murder and the chaos that followed it would be a delightful place to celebrate the holidays. Ms. Sennefelder’s descriptions enabled me to envision everything so clearly. I can still see Santa Claus sitting on the bench surrounded by people. People who weren’t paying attention to him or thought he was just napping when he in fact was A Corpse Among the Carolers.

The murder mystery was very well written with a variety of suspects. Hope gets totally caught up in the case. She presses the suspects with question after question and makes some keen observations. I am happy that she has Claire and other friends to help her out but she does take some scary risks. I enjoy tagging along with her as she chases down every clue. With every twist and turn the list of suspects became shorter. I had my “A-ha moment” a bit before Hope, but the suspenseful showdown had me on the edge of my seat. The aftermath gave me a little chuckle.

A Corpse Among the Carolers is a merry addition to the Food Blogger Series. The appealing characters and the compelling mystery will draw cozy mystery lovers in. The heartwarming ending will have you longing for the next book in the series. There are 4 recipes and directions to set up a hot chocolate bar in your home at the back of the book. Fix yourself a cup of hot chocolate, grab some cookies or Reindeer Munch Mix, grab this book, and enjoy it all. Merry Christmas!

While Christmas caroling, Santa is stab to death. Having just spoken to the man, Hope is shocked that someone had the nerve to kill him while so many people were right nearby. Since she suggested the man plays Santa, Hope feels somewhat responsible for his death. Can you figure out who killed Santa before the killer silences her once and for all?

There has never been an entry in the series that hasn’t been enjoyable. The author has really developed the characters and bring them to life come for the mystery, stay for the recipes. Because both are absolutely delicious!

It's the Holidays, and food blogger Hope Early is preparing her yummy recipes for her followers. Plus, there are lots of holiday events around town, like the Jingle Bell Stroll. The one thing not in her holiday plans is finding Santa slumped over a park bench...and not breathing. Hope is used to helping the police solve whodunits. However, this time, the deadly culprit doesn't want Hope to help and isn't afraid to keep her out of the investigation...by any means necessary.

I enjoyed this cozy mystery so much! Great characters, danger, plenty of red herrings, and yummy recipes at the end. Plus lots of Christmas spirit.

Many thanks to Beyond The Page Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

This is food blogger mystery seven in this delightful series. Hope is a food blogger and a busy foodie who wears many hats. Her responsibilities have increased with her busy Christmas season but she takes time to attend a festival for the town. She finds Santa dead and becomes involved in the mystery with the local police once again. She has a talent for finding suspects and red herrings.

I enjoy this series for the setting of a small friendly town, a unique protaganist who wears many hats and is independent. It has been fun to follow her journey to success in this series. I love the supporting characters and the sleuth I did not figure out. A fun holiday theme mystery I highly recommend. Well done to the author. Included are a fun hot chocolate idea and receipes.

Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher for the opportunity to review. My review opinions are my own.

Hope always has a way of getting herself into danger when she's investigating a case. It seems she and the detective at least came to an understanding and this time he wasn't quite so harsh.

I'd guessed the killer but definitely not the plot twist regarding said killer. The showdown was exciting and let's just say it's a good thing Drew's got such a sweet tooth. The ending was amazing with all Hope’s family and friends gathered for a super memorable Christmas Eve dinner.

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

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Christmas is a time of joy which Hope is looking forward too. On a holiday outing, a man is murdered. Hope is looking into the murdered man's past . This book kept me guessing.

A Corpse Among the Carolers is book #7 in the Food Blogger Mysteries series by Debra Sennefelder.

Christmas is approaching and Hope Early has a lot on her plate, including going to the Jingle Bell Stroll. All is going well, until Hope finds Santa with a knife in his back. Wonderful characters, interesting murder mystery, Christmas, good food - what’s not to like? At the end, there is a great idea for a hot chocolate bar and yummy recipes for people and the pups.

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

This is a christmas themed cozy featuring food blogger Hope Early. During the annual Jingle Bell Stroll, Hope finds the body of the volunteer playing Santa Claus. This was a cute holiday cozy, the characters are great, and there are lots of suspects and red herrings. The pacing was a bit slow but overall a good book.

A Corpse Among the Carolers is the 7th book in this wonderful cozy mystery series by Debra Sennefelder. The characters are likable and the mystery kept me guessing with some interesting twists and turns. Hope Early is a food blogger. She is dating Ethan Cahill who has two young daughters, Becca and Molly. Ethan was the Police Chief but he is now an investigator and works with their friend Matt. It is right before Christmas and there is the usual festivities. Hope is looking forward to going caroling with Ethan and the girls until the volunteer Santa ends up dead. Hope is not going to get involved until the killer involves her and another person ends up dead. Most of the regulars make an appearance which is fun. Hope's best friend.Drew has a new puppy which adds some humor. The ending is perfect for a Christmas story. This is a very enjoyable cozy mystery and the series is one of my favorites. #ACorpseAmongTheCarolers #FoodBloggerMysteries #NetGalley #BeyondThePage

I wanted to like this book based on the synopsis but unfortunately nothing about the book lived up to it.

Hope is busy with Christmas, all the baking, shopping and holiday events. When Santa is murdered during the carol stroll, Hope finds the body and finds herself involved in trying to figure out why he was killed. I enjoy this series and this is a nice addition to it. I found myself not liking the elusive nature of the Hope and Ethan dynamic throughout the book, the ending seemed a little anticlimactic in the resolution. Overall I liked the book and plot, there were plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing.
I received an ARC of this book in return for a review.

A Corpse Among the Carolers is book 7 in Debra Sennefelder’s Food Blogger cozy mystery series. Although it is book 7 in the series, it’s easily read as a standalone.

Hope Early is a food blogger who somehow keeps getting pulled into investigating murders. It’s Christmas in Jefferson Connecticut, and the town is going all out to celebrate. Unfortunately, their Christmas spirit is squashed when Santa turns up dead on the Jingle Bell Stroll.

Jefferson is full of interesting characters, and cute little shops. And like many small town stories, everyone seems to know everyone and their business. If it weren’t for the murders that keep happening, it sounds like a great place to live!

A Corpse Among the Carolers was full of twists and turns, new characters and possible motives, that kept the mystery interesting, and me guessing to the very end.

And As a bonus, at the end the author included some of the recipes mentioned in the book! Personally, I really want to try the eggnog scones. Yum!

If you love a good mystery, set in a town with a great community spirit, then give The Corpse Among the Carollers a try!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Debra Sennefelder for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Corpse Among the Carolers coming out November 12, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I have a few books in this series, but this is the first book I’ve read. So I definitely need to read the other books in the series. I really love Christmastime murder mysteries. I think this series is really fun. I loved Hope’s character. Food cozies always make me hungry. I love all of the recipes. I would definitely read more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!

The annual Jingle Bell Stroll is a popular event, but this year it ended with the fatal stabbing of Santa Claus. Hope has blog posts to write and baking to do, but she plunges herself into the investigation, juggling it with the busy holiday season. I've been reading the Food Blogger mysteries since the beginning of the series and this book further develops the relationships between the characters. Pick this one up if you're looking for some holiday cheer and mystery.

Both Goodreads and NetGalley let me down on information here, so just to be clear, this is actually the seventh book in the Food Blogger Mystery series and I haven't read the rest of the series, so my opinions might be different from those of returning readers.

Overall, I enjoyed A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS and I think Sennefelder did a really good job of providing a little relevant backstory while keeping the book as accessible as possible for new readers. There's a hefty cast of regular-feeling characters in this small town (understandable by a seventh installment) and I did struggle a little to keep up with who everyone was and their connections to each other. I also felt like I, personally, was missing a little of the context that would have made the friendships, romances etc really pop.

I did however adore the atmosphere. Sennefelder has done a fantastic job of working in festive holiday staples to create that traditional Hallmark small-town Christmastime ideal. The novelty of the Jingle Bell Stroll, the chill of the tree farm, and the warmth of the kitchen as Hope works on delicious Christmas themed bakes all came through in a tangible way. I'd have liked to have seen a little more of the 'food blogger' element of the series come though in the story (although there is a nice scene where Hope works on some promotional material) but I can understand that that probably took a backseat to making this particular instalment as festive as possible, so it's a reasonable adjustment.

Reading A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS gave me a nice taster of the Food Blogger Mystery series, and I enjoyed it enough that I'll happily go back and read the first instalment. Hopefully the 'food blogger' aspect will come through more in those less 'themed' books, and I'm interested in trying them out.

A good cozy mystery, with a really strong festive atmosphere, A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS isn't a bad place to enter the Food Blogger Mystery series, and I suspect returning readers will enjoy it even more.