The Christmas Cookie Killer (Fresh-Baked Mystery) Mass Market Paperback – November 3, 2009

The Christmas Cookie Killer by Livia J. Washburn was a fantastic book. All of the characters are so realistic, and the interrelationships are magnificent. This book is the second that I have read in this series. We have quite a selection of characters in this installment, and I love them all.The main sleuth is Phyllis Newsom, and she is a retired school teacher in Weatherford, Texas. Phyllis’s son Mike Newsom is a Deputy of the sheriff’s department (enter the local lawman connection). The murderer kills Agnes Simmons in a way that is quite a crime of passion.The SleuthPhyllis Newsom is an elderly lady maybe in her late sixties early seventies and is still full of life. She loves her son, daughter-in-law, and adorable three-year-old grandson by the name of Bobby. Phyllis’s has solved two other mysteries in town before this third mystery. However, this is the first one with Detective Largo leading the case. Phyllis is quite a resourceful woman when she is trying to solve a murder, especially one this close to her home.I would love being related to Phyllis. Watch for her Lime Snowflake Cookies. I will be featuring them later this month, and I can’t wait to try these myself.What I like about Phyllis is that she still misses her husband, Kenny. Although she slowly realizes that she may have feelings for Sam. I also really like how she can get people to open up to her. It's like she does it without even trying. Another thing that I love about Phyllis is that she and Carolyn have a great friendship when they aren’t competing against each other, and it shows. I especially enjoy when the two are in the kitchen cooking together.The only thing that I don’t like about Phyllis is that she doesn't tell law enforcement everything that she found out about the murder. Who cares if it’s hearsay?The Law ConnectionPhyllis’s only son is the law connection in this series. I think this is an excellent twist in the cozy mystery world since it’s usually the love interest — what a sweet little spin. Mike Newsom is a terrific character. I wouldn’t mind having someone like Mike in my life. You can immediately tell that he has been raised right.What I like about Mike is that he is a great son and tries to be there for his mom whenever he can. Phyllis even calls him a bit overprotective of her. I can see why he is since she likes getting mixed up in cases involving murder. Mike also tries to be the best husband and dad that he can. The last thing that I love about Mike that he is an outstanding deputy. The only thing that I dislike about Mike is that he underestimates his mother's nosiness.The CaseThis case is different than others that I have read in cozy mystery stories. I thought the way that poor Agnes Simmons was killed is horrible. She was strangled with her bathrobe cord in her living room with cookies all over her. What a terrible way to die, it isn't like she could stand up to her murderer in the first place. I thought I had this one, but I was wrong. Word of warning, don’t get too caught up in the red herrings in this one as I did.Five StarsThe Christmas Cookie Killer by Livia J. Washburn was an exciting tale, and I look forward to reading another one of her mysteries. Ms. Washburn’s includes these lovely recipes. Look out for the Lime Snowflake Cookies later this month. I might do some other recipes from this book as well. I am also in love with this author's style. Ms. Washburn did a fantastic job planting and discrediting the clues to who killed Agnes Simmons. I was utterly stumped, once again, until Phyllis figured it out at the end and it started to click in my mind.I am giving this book five stars and recommending it to anyone that loves a good cozy mystery. This book comes with some added bookish recipes. So, you can try them out for the upcoming Christmas holiday.Anyways until the next time enjoy this review brought to you by,Baroness Book Trove.If you would like to read more reviews like this one, please go to baronessbooktrove.com

Good mystery. I was initially put off by the whole "corporate politically correct Christmas" silliness. But I have to thank you for helping me understand something. First, no one is trying to stomp out Christmas. Its a lovely holiday, imbedded in not only our culture, but in cultures around the world. However there are other holidays, celebrated at this same time of year, that are just as lovely and just as important to those who celebrate them. Christianity is only 2000 years old. There are MANY other religions, just as valid.As a Pagan, I take the long view, historically -- and my family and I and many of our friends celebrate Yule / Winter Solstice. It celebrates the turning of the year when the Light becomes stronger, days begin to get longer, and Hope returns. We have made it through the longest night once again.So, please. No one wants to take Christmas. Those of us who are not Christian only ask for some respect for our beliefs. Not asking for anyone to change their beliefs, just asking for mutual respect, a little tolerance and understanding.I wish you a Happy Christmas, AND a Happy Yule.Because life is too short to miss out on as much celebrating as we can squeeze in! Thanks for listening.

This is a fun light read. The book begins with an old fashioned Christmas cookie exchange and an older neighbor lady being murdered. Honestly; the main character is a very pushy, and an opinionated busy-body but you can't really help enjoying her relationship with her roommates, and for the holidays. Through the book she gains private information on some of her neighbors and attempts to weave those flaws into possible attributes of a what a murderer could be. Actually I guessed the murderer right at the very beginning of the book but was not positive until the very end. Kind of went back and forth between two possibilities. I will definitely read more of her other books as this is the first I've read.

"The Christmas Cookie Killer" presents a well-developed murder mystery plot. There are several suspects and several plausible motives. The plot moves from possible solution to possible solution. But the rest of the story just doesn't hold the reader's interest.Four retired teachers live together in a big house in a small Texas town. They plan and cook meals together, shop together, go to church together, watch "A Wonderful Life" together, look at neighborhood Christmas decorations together. They just aren't very interesting.One of them, Phyllis, has a policeman son and has been involved in murders previously. She discovers the body of an elderly neighbor, is knocked out before she can get help, then starts to investigate the murder herself. She interviews the neighbors and the victim's family. As an amateur detective, she learns more than the town police professionals (which is rather unbelievable). Although the secrets of the neighborhood should arouse interest (spousal abuse, a cross dresser), they don't. There is just too much time spent on the mundane (how Phyllis makes cocoa, for instance).If you like mysteries without a lot of physical violence and involving average, small town people, then you may like this book. But if you're looking for distinct, well-drawn characters who capture your interest and propel you from event to event, then this isn't the book for you.

this is def a good christmas read ..iv read all this authors books and have yet to be let down this one is a must for a winters night in front of the fire..great

Great

Where do I start, it seems to me that Livia J. Washburn has a real winner with this particular formula of crime writing. I have loaned my only hardcover copy of the first book from this Author to 2 people, one enjoyed as much as I have, the other person didn't like it. Just showing we're all different, thank goodness.

I am extremely happy with my choice over this book for my holiday season! Loved it and also a million thanks to the author for the amazing recipes included. Besides, thanks to Amazon a lot for the timely delivery and great package!!