A novella about murders in Florida during the Christmas season.
Detective Kc Cassidy is charged with finding the killer of a local councilman - and her job is on the line. Then more bodies stack up. She has quite a bit of work before her.
Then a twist puts her in the cross hairs and this becomes very personal.
There isn't a lot about the Christmas season in the book but the setting in Florida isn't the most traditional setting. It is a nice story if you need a little bit of mystery to get you through the holidays

S. F. Baumgartner does not disappoint in the nouvella "Christmas Murders: A Mystery". Fast-paced, action-packed, engaging characters. Just wish it had been a full-length novel. Maybe this is the beginning of a new series????

Releases Nov. 26th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Christmas conspiracy. Multiple Murders. A dogged detective who won’t quit! Great read! Definitely a short story, which I normally don’t enjoy but this book had just enough to keep me going! It had great suspense, intriguing, action, murder, mystery, fantastic characters, and some crazy moments! The story was very interesting! I definitely recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

★★★★★

A short crime novella that dives straight into the action, KC’s latest case—the mysterious death of a local councilman—sets off a chilling series of murders. Baumgartner nails character development within just a few chapters, keeping the suspense high and the pace relentless. A fun and thoroughly enjoyable read!

Thank you to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and S.F. Baumgartner for the early copy of this holiday treat!

I’m generally not a huge fan of short stories/novellas, but I really did enjoy this one. It was fast paced and easy to follow and the action started from the beginning and continued throughout, so it never felt flat or boring. I enjoyed the plot and wouldn’t mind reading some full length books about the characters from this story. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen next, and that’s what kept me reading. I look forward to more books from this author!

Detective Kylie "KC" Cassidy's career wilts like a thirsty poinsettia in the Florida heat in Christmas Murders: A Mystery by S.F. Baumgartner.

When a councilman is found dead during Christmas week, KC must solve this high-profile case before the New Year's Eve fireworks or face unemployment.
As she delves deeper, more bodies surface like unwanted gifts. KC is running out of time, and the clock is ticking down like a twisted Advent calendar.

The book is a novella and a quick read. I liked the plot, and the story was fairly fast-paced. Christmas Murders is a good psychological thriller.

#ChristmasMurdersAMystery #NetGalley

procedural, police-drama, Florida, psychological-thriller, law-enforcement, novella, murders, corruption, suspense, money-laundering, framed, secrets, lies, unputdownable, threats, police-detectives, double-cross, double-agent, relatives, drug-trafficking, theft, conspiracy*****

Tightly wound plot with lots of suspense, moderately developed characters and emphasis on a sometimes-clandestine investigation.
Hope this is KC Cassidy Mysteries 0.5!
I requested and reviewed a free temporary uncorrected proof copy from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley. Thank you!
#ChristmasMurdersAMystery by @SFBaumgartner #MirrorEstatePsychologicalThrillers #BooksGoSocial @newbooksplease #NetGalley

This book was a real page-turner, delivering a fast-paced and action-driven story that included drugs, a high-level mole, and another murder. I was always left in suspense, unsure of what would unfold next. I really connected with the characters, especially KC, and now I’m eager to explore more about this intriguing character. The novella was filled with unexpected twists that kept me guessing right until the last moment.

Thank You NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me to review this ARC

This book was a very fast read. Saying that, it did manage to fit a whole lot of plot into very few pages! Starting with a murder, it became a full on investigation complete with corruption and moles in the police. Definitely worth a read, especially if you have a short time to fill. It was like reading a whole thick book in a fraction of the time!

Christmas Murders: A Mystery by S.F. Baumgartner offers a chilling take on the holiday season, blending the warmth of Christmas traditions with the suspense of a classic whodunit. This gripping mystery takes readers into the heart of a small town, where a series of murders shatter the peaceful holiday atmosphere, and no one is quite as they seem.

The plot revolves around a detective who is called to solve a string of murders that take place during the Christmas season. The holiday setting provides an interesting contrast to the dark and twisted events that unfold, creating a unique atmosphere where festive cheer mixes with chilling suspense. As the investigation progresses, the detective must navigate a web of secrets, hidden motives, and personal rivalries, all while racing against time to prevent more deaths.

Baumgartner excels at building tension throughout the novel. The pacing is tight, and every chapter reveals new clues, red herrings, and twists that keep the reader guessing. The murder mystery itself is compelling, with plenty of suspects to choose from, each with their own possible reasons for committing the crime. The town’s cozy, snow-covered backdrop serves as an eerie contrast to the sinister events, adding to the story’s atmospheric tension.

One of the strengths of Christmas Murders: A Mystery is the character development. The detective is a complex, relatable figure with their own backstory, which makes them more than just a typical investigator. Baumgartner’s depiction of the town's residents and suspects adds depth to the mystery, as each character has their own potential secrets and motivations. These interactions help to build a layered narrative that keeps the mystery fresh and engaging.

The themes of the novel are also notable, as the story explores the darker side of holiday cheer. Baumgartner delves into human nature, examining the lengths people will go to in order to protect their secrets or achieve their desires. The contrast between the joyful holiday season and the macabre crimes at the center of the plot creates an unsettling but fascinating tension.

Conclusion: Christmas Murders: A Mystery is a clever and engaging holiday thriller that offers a twist on the traditional Christmas story. With its strong characters, gripping plot, and festive yet ominous setting, S.F. Baumgartner delivers a holiday mystery that will appeal to fans of crime fiction and anyone looking for a unique, suspenseful read during the holiday season. This novel proves that Christmas can be just as deadly as it is merry.

I received a complementary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the author and the publisher.
Christmas Murders is a novella about a detective tasked to solve a murder mystery right before Christmas. This is a fast paced police procedural that has this detective searching for clues about a possible big level crime including some big politicians. Not really much Christmas in this one but a good quick crime novella.

The novella Christmas Murders by S.F. Baumgartner is a well plotted police procedural that packs a whole lot of story in a fairly small space. It combines edge-your-seat suspense and plenty of twists and turns with a kickass female protagonist to make for a very compelling read. It should be noted that, outside of the title and the time period of the tale, there is very little to do with Christmas here. Still a fast short and entertaining read perfect for this very busy time of year.

Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read this book in e change for an honest review

Christmas Murders: A Mystery by S.F. Baumgartner is a gripping holiday thriller that follows Detective Kylie "KC" Cassidy as she navigates a high-stakes murder investigation during Christmas week. KC, struggling with a career on the line, is tasked with solving the mysterious death of a councilman before the year's end—or risk losing her job. As she digs deeper into the case, more bodies begin to pile up, each one a grim gift that leads her closer to a dark conspiracy. With time running out, KC must unravel the truth before the final countdown to New Year's Eve. Will she solve the case in time to save her career, or will this be her last Christmas? Perfect for fans of the Michael Bennett series, this fast-paced mystery is filled with twists and tension.

Thanks to Netgalley and FB Publishing for an advance copy for my honest review.

Novel Nerd Blog : https://smithareading.blogspot.com/

An easy going book. K.C. Cassidy is a detective in a small town sheriff’s department. Nothing exciting happens until an old school friend tells KC that he believes there is a mole in the sheriffs department. A local town councillor is murdered so KC and another detective team up to try to solve the murder. Unbeknownst to them the murder is also of interest to the F.B.I who are investigating drug smuggling within the town. More bodies are discovered and evidence disappears from the lock up. KC is recruited by the FBI to gather information to bring down the drug organisation and reveal the mole. Not much in the way of Christmas, but nevertheless an enjoyable story.

Who doesn’t love mysteries at Christmas time. This book was great! I didn’t want to put it down. I highly recommend this book.

Detective Kylie "KC" Cassidy's career wilts like a thirsty poinsettia in the Florida heat. When a councilman is found dead during Christmas week, KC must solve this high-profile case before the New Year's Eve fireworks or face unemployment.
As she delves deeper, more bodies surface like unwanted gifts. KC is running out of time, the clock ticking down as though in a twisted Advent calendar.

Just when she thinks it’s over, the tables turn. Will she survive the ordeal and save her career, or will this be her last Christmas?


Loved it. Cannot wait to read more from the author. Will recommend to others.

*Christmas Murders* by S.F. Baumgartner is a tightly plotted police procedural that delivers a lot of story in a compact package. With plenty of suspense, unexpected twists, and a strong, kickass female lead, it keeps you hooked from start to finish. While the title and the story's setting during the holiday season hint at a festive theme, don't expect a traditional Christmas tale—it's more about the gripping mystery. Still, it's a quick, engaging read that's perfect for the busy holiday season!