I don’t know about you, but a fresh set of fleece pajamas and a brand-new novel on Christmas Eve is one of my favorite holiday traditions.  Throw in a roaring fireplace, a mug of cocoa loaded with whip cream and a candy cane stir, and trust me, I’m up long after Santa flies overhead. I also enjoy gifting books throughout the season, and often choose novels with a hint of nostalgia. For me the story must have at least a few of the following elements: a cold snowy picturesque setting, mouthwatering treats that I’ve never tasted before, a new craft project or idea to add to my own holiday décor. Since I’m drawn to puzzles, I also need a mystery to solve. With those criteria in mind, a holiday cozy mystery is the perfect gift for even your most discerning bookish friends too.

Cozy mysteries make the perfect holiday book because they stand out with their small-town charm, idyllic settings, mouthwatering provisions (often the recipes are in the back of the book) and a few relatable home-town characters that seem like a neighbor or a best friend. Personally, I hope I’m not on Santa’s naughty list this year, because I have a few favorites I’d like to read this Christmas.

Stalking Around the Christmas Tree: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery by Jacqueline Frost

This is one of my all-time favorite Christmas cozy mystery series. I think it’s because I secretly always wanted to own a tree farm. Mine would have a gift shop attached so I could celebrate the feeling of the Christmas season year-round. Wouldn’t that be lovely? Anyhow, this is book four in the series, and I recommend going back to the beginning on this one so you can fall in love with the Inn keeper, Holly, and her family. This edition has the lead ballerina from the Nutcracker, found dead on a float during the holiday parade. Since I danced the Nutcracker ballet at the state house in Boston when I was twelve, this one has me a little excited. No, I wasn’t the lead ballerina, I was a toy-soldier… but still. Honestly, if I close my eyes, I can still vividly remember my blue uniform and rosy cheeked makeup while I danced at the state house with my friends!

A Nutcracker Nightmare: A Killer Chocolate Mystery, by Christina Romeril

I’m sensing a nutcracker theme here, aren’t you? This is the second book in the Killer Chocolate Mystery series and this one is going to have me reaching for an extra dollop of whip cream in my cocoa. The owners of the local chocolate shop are attending a reunion with the star quarterback from back in High school and soon enough the poor guys found hit overhead with a nutcracker. Looks like our main character is going to be the prime suspect and it’s going take a lot more than sweetening up the local Police Department to get out of this one!

Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas: A Year-Round Christmas Mystery by Vicki Delany

This is book six in the series, and Delany always keeps me coming back for more. First, it takes place in a town called Rudolph, New York which is considered Christmas town USA. The perfect setting for a holiday book, especially when the town is preparing for a production of A Christmas Carol. Conflicts arise between cast members which threatens production, and then one of the members is found dead. With loads of suspects and tensions, this one looks like a winner for me. Especially when an excursion to a shop called Mrs. Claus’s Treasures is in the mix!

Sugar Plum Poisoned: a Cupcake Bakery Mystery by Jenn McKinlay

This is book fifteen in the series! And McKinlay is certain to keep me up all night once again. I might have to wait until after Christmas Eve for this one so I can stay awake for my guests on Christmas day. In this novel, a star singer hires the bakery to supply cupcakes for the guest lounge. They overhear an argument between the singer and her manager, and shortly after the manager is found toes up, cupcake in hand and a bit of fabric from a Santa suit. The only problem is several people were dressed in a similar fashion.

Baking Spirits Bright, a True Confections Mystery by Sarah Fox

This novel returns us to Vermont, where there’s lots of snow, ice skating on the frozen canal, and drinking cocoa by the fire which sounds like a perfect read to cuddle up with. Experimenting with holiday flavors such as eggnog, gingerbread, and peppermint, the main character is preparing for a holiday baking competition. I have a feeling this one will have me drooling for Christmas cutout cookies while I indulge in a mystery involving a local food blogger and a participant found dead with a chocolate chipper.

So, if you’re looking for a charming, nostalgic read—with a bit of intrigue, try adding a holiday cozy mystery to your list. I wish you all the love, joy, and peace the season can bring. And a fun little mystery, too.

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