Title: Murder, Mistletoe & Spirits
Author: Greta Sinclair
Series: Hattie & Moose #5
Location: Nashville, TN
Main Character: Hattie
Other Characters: Gracie, Tim, Hudson, Jack, Rose, Alex, Winter
Pets: a Chow named Moose , Yorkie named Minnie Pearl & Cecil the cat
Rating: 4
Murder, Mistletoe & Spirits is a such a fun read leading up to the holidays! I enjoyed the small-town atmosphere, the warm friendships, and the intriguing mystery that kept me guessing. The pacing was well written with just the right amount of suspense to keep things engaging.
Hattie is thrilled about her blossoming romance with Detective Bo and is looking forward to a double date with her best friend Gracie and Gracie’s boyfriend, Tim. They anticipate a quiet evening at the distillery, but their plans take a shocking turn when a dead body is discovered in a bourbon barrel. The victim, Quinn, is a woman who had been missing for years, with everyone believing she had simply left town. Hattie feels compelled to get involved in solving this cold case. How did Quinn end up at the bottom of a bourbon barrel? This question propels Hattie and Detective Bo into an investigation filled with unexpected secrets.
I really enjoyed the mystery and the investigation process, as well as the blossoming romance between Hattie and Bo. The only aspect that occasionally disrupted my immersion in the story was the portrayal of the animals. I love animals, especially dogs, but there were several instances where Hattie’s two dogs, Moose and Minie Pearl, along with her cat, Cecil, seemed to engage in their own conversations. This felt somewhat unrealistic and didn’t quite fit the story. While it didn’t ruin the book for me, it did momentarily pull me out of the mystery.
If you enjoy a captivating whodunit filled with twists and turns as you seek out the killer, along with a fun protagonist, a hint of romance, quirky characters, and entertaining pets, then you will definitely love this series.
CozyRom Books & Coffee 