Review - Yuletide Homicide

It's October and time for some wicked mystery fun.  This book features a practicing Wiccan, but it is not paranormal - so don't worry about that.  I typically like to start with the first book in a series, but I made an exception for this book when offered the chance to read and review it.  So let's get in the Halloween....spirit with this book about a nice little witch.

Author: Jennifer David Hesse

Copyright: Sept 2017 (Kensington) 320 pgs

Series: 3rd in Wiccan Wheel Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy

Main Characters: Keli Milanni, family law attorney and Wiccan

Setting: Modern day, Edindale, Illinois

Obtained Through: Publisher (Netgalley) for honest review

From book blurb: "It’s Christmas in Edindale, Illinois, and family law attorney Keli Milanni is preparing to celebrate the Wiccan holiday Yuletide, a celebration of rebirth. But this Yuletide someone else is focused on dying . . .

After years of practicing in secret, Keli has come out as a Wiccan to her boyfriend, and she feels like this Yuletide she’s the one who’s being reborn. But the Solstice is the longest night of the year, and Keli is about to stumble on a mystery so dangerous, she’ll be lucky to make it to morning.

Paired with her unbearably stuffy colleague Crenshaw Davenport III, Keli goes undercover at a real estate company owned by mayoral candidate Edgar Harrison. An old friend of Keli’s boss, Harrison, is being blackmailed, and it’s up to her to find the culprit. But the morning after the company holiday party, Harrison is found dead underneath the hotel Christmas tree. The police rule the death an accident, but Keli knows better—and she’ll risk her own rebirth to nab a missing killer."

Keli Milanni is a smart modern gal working hard to make partner at her law firm.  Crenshaw Davenport III, an elitist-top hat wearing- lawyer in her firm who tends to be patronizing but occasionally shows a nicer side, is teamed with Keli to go undercover.  Wes Callahan, a tattooed bartender and former client's grandson, is Keli's boyfriend and I approve of the move away from the CRI (Cop Romantic Interest).  Mila is the owner of New Age gift shop Moonstone Treasures and a Wiccan mentor for Keli.  Farrah is her best friend and trusty sidekick.

Edindale, Illinois seems to be more than a small town from the feel, perhaps a mid-sized city. The main settings that were particularly used well were the hotel for the party and sight of the murder, and the Stag Creek Lodge outside of town for the final killer reveal.  I liked both of these.

I was immediately drawn into the story and it seemed to skate along easily.  There were only a few places where it slowed but those didn't last long.  The plot was enough to keep my interest.

The snowy killer confrontation had some tense moments, just like I like them.  The killer wasn't completely out of the blue, nor was the killer obvious.   

I liked the balance of personal life and the struggle Keli has when she can't be completely open about her beliefs and practice.  The mystery was standard.  If you're looking for a fun mystery to enjoy as a pleasant diversion, this is your ticket.

Rating: Excellent - I enjoyed it, it kept me entertained! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list