Mistletoe and Mayhem is a Pennyfoot Hotel Christmas story. Cecily Sinclair Baxter runs the Pennyfoot hotel on the coast of England. It seems that every year there is a murder (or two, or more) on or near the property, and Cecily has become rather adept at solving them. Her husband Baxter, of course, frowns on this but that does little to deter her.As this story opens Christmas is fast approaching and Cecily and the staff are busy making their last minute preparations. A new housemaid named Ellie has come on staff, and while she seems sweet, several of the servants realize there is more to her than meets the eye. She is heard arguing with someone and when her and the footman she was seen kissing under the kissing bough turn up dead, the place descends into chaos. Cecily is determined to solve the mystery before Christmas is ruined, but when the body count rises she may find that she has more than she bargained for.
The story is told from the viewpoints of Cecily as well as several of the servants, including the maids Gertie and Pansy. Cecily has a support network of friends who help her parse the clues, and of course the servants are the ones who hear and see all sorts of things. The characters are likable and, for the most part, realistic. There are romantic subplots and a touching scene or two. This year there is even a special mystery guest in attendance, although the servants of course don't like him due to his reclusive nature.
I read this mainly because I read the latest book, Mulled Murder, last year around the holidays, and this year I felt like revisiting this cozy world. As others have pointed out, it's very unrealistic that there would be so many murders at the same place, every year- but then I'm reading these primarily for the characters and the setting. The nice thing about this series is that the recurring characters are charming and have problems and issues of their own- it's nice to share their triumphs and sorrows and get a taste of an old world Christmas at the same time. So it's definitely a comfort read and a chance to enjoy some down time in a charming setting.
This is a light cozy with a fun cast of characters and a nice setting. We have the ditzy, inept policeman and a few other predictable elements, but by and large this is an enjoyable read and I will probably get more of these. They're comfortable and there's something to be said for that- and this time of year, they're a great little read.
Sounds fun! Like you said, it may not be super realistic that there's so many murders, but sometimes realism isn't the point - wacky situations and lovable characters are a great blend for a cozy mystery! I've been looking for fun cozy mysteries lately, so I may grab this one. It's ok as a standalone?
ReplyDeleteIt's perfect for a standalone! And you're right- the attraction here is the characters- and the setting too. I think you would like this- it's a good holiday read.
DeleteI've read one book in this series but it was years ago. I should revisit it as you're right - they're comfortable reads. I do like the sounds of this one and all the fun you could have with the hotel setting. Of course, if there were 1 or more murders in a hotel each year I'm not sure I'd stay there anymore! Thanks for reminding me about this series. It sounds like a fun holiday read that would be - well - cozy!
ReplyDeleteYeah I don't think anyone would stay in the hotel with all the going on, frankly! But it is a fun book. I read Mulled Murder last year and at the time didn't feel the need to read another, but this it appealed to me again. Must have liked it more than I thought. :)
DeleteI'm with you on comfort reads in busy times like Christmas. Plus reading seasonally has its perks - glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI'm reading and posted today's Tuesday Intro andTeaser Tuesday - on release day no less - a WW1 novel book 2 OF Love and War series HOPE RISING by Stacy Henrie. Intriguing so far.
Comfort reads are nice this time of year. A hot cup of something, some twinkling lights and a good mystery. :) Not a bad way to spend a few hours.
DeleteI did wonder about the realism of so many murders at one place but sometimes you have to let go and just embrace the crazy. I like the different POVs and that we get some from the servants. This sounds like a series I might like.
ReplyDeleteI went to add book one to my wish list and realized I have book two on my Kindle! :D
DeleteCool! I ought to go back to the beginning too- I'm sorta doing it backwards. I will try another of these, I like 'em. It is nice the way the POV rotates it works well. Why anyone would stay at that place though is beyond me. :)
DeleteI followed this series for a number of books, a decade or so ago. Yes, the number of murders in and around the hotel is unrealistic (you couldn't PAY me to stay at the Pennyfoot Hotel, for fear of getting bumped off!) but as you point out, the setting and characters are charming. Maybe it's time for me to pick the series up again. :-) Good review, Greg!
ReplyDeleteI know it, why does ANYONE go there? Glad they do though. :) I enjoy thr setting , and the mystery guest was interesting, if she could have done more with it.
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