Trixie Silvertale

This is a whimsical fantasy read. Not sure if the author intends this to be a YA book but young teenage girls would definitely enjoy this book. I have not read any reviews yet but I have a feeling this was written by a novice. I'm giving her 4 stars mainly for effort. I did enjoy the storyline but at times it was disjointed. Again, time and more experience in writing will improve her style.
Cindy is Santa's daughter, but doesn't want to follow in her Dad's footsteps. She is part Elf because of her mother so she does have some powers. Cindy has asked her parents to leave the magical place of the North Pole so she can start a bakery. Santa sends his talking Arctic Fox to help Cindy adjust to *human* life. I did enjoy how Cindy interacts with humans and has to learn the slang. When Cindy's new friend is found dead and Cindy is charged with the murder, she is forced to find the real murderer.… (mais)

“Peppermint Cookie Murder” is a delightful and enchanting paranormal cozy mystery that blends the magic of the North Pole with the charm of a small town, creating a festive and heartwarming read. Trixie Silvertale introduces readers to Cindy Claus, Santa's daughter, who is on a baking quest to prove herself beyond her Yuletide heir status.

From the very beginning, the story captivates with its whimsical tone and festive spirit. Cindy Claus is a lovable protagonist with a heartwarming blend of naivety and kindness. Her determination to open her bakery and pursue her passion adds a layer of depth to her character, making readers root for her from the start.

The introduction of Artikoa, the talking arctic fox and Santa's trusted advisor, adds a magical element to the narrative. Artikoa's presence is not only amusing but also serves as a guiding force for Cindy as she navigates the human world. The dynamic between Cindy and Artikoa forms a delightful partnership, enhancing the overall charm of the story.

The plot takes an unexpected turn when Cindy's “nearly” roommate is murdered, and Cindy becomes the prime suspect. The mystery element is well-crafted, keeping readers engaged as Cindy, with the help of Artikoa, seeks to unravel the truth and clear her name. The narrative skillfully combines the paranormal and mystery genres, creating a unique and enjoyable reading experience.

Cindy's journey of adapting to human ways and learning about their customs and slang adds humor to the story. The fish-out-of-water scenario, coupled with Cindy's genuine and kind-hearted nature, makes for entertaining and endearing moments throughout the book.

Silvertale's writing style is engaging and flows smoothly, making it an easy and enjoyable read. The festive atmosphere, the small-town setting, and the well-developed characters contribute to the overall charm of the book. Additionally, the inclusion of recipes from the story adds a delightful touch, allowing readers to bring a taste of Cindy's baking adventures into their own homes.

Peppermint Cookie Murder is a perfect holiday read for those who enjoy cozy mysteries with a touch of magic. Trixie Silvertale has crafted a delightful start to the Christmas Catastrophe Mysteries series, promising readers a tasty whodunit with kind-hearted heroines, furry sidekicks, and a dash of mistletoe magic.

I received an advance copy of the book. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.… (mais)

I fell in love with Coriander the Conjurer when I read the first book about her “All Swell That Ends Spell.” She was sweet, shy, and short on self-confidence. But now with the assistance of her best friend Fraxi and her toad familiar Thornton, she is settling into her position as queen of the fairy realm. But disaster hits when the confectionery burns to the ground and a body is found inside. It is the witch Pomelo, and her body is strangely preserved inside a fireproof glass box. Pomelo was hated by all as she was the one who tricked everyone into eating her cursed candy thus trapping them forever within the confines of the faire. Cori now leads the investigation to find the killer…and perhaps stop the curse so the magical creatures can be freed.

I love the variety of magical beings and their personalities – a clever vampire who is the coroner, a sexy blacksmith who is also an alchemist, and Cori’s merman love interest. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing who the murderer is.

Trixie Silvertale’s books are always a refreshing break from other heavier reading. Her books feature snarky heroines, a bit of romance, and a wonderful cast of unique characters. I am always eager to read any book she publishes.

Trixie’s three books in this series are part of a larger collection of books called the Magical Renaissance Faire Mysteries. Ern Johnson writes three books in the collection about a novice witch, and Nova Nelson writes three about a magical fallen angel.

Perfect for when you need to escape into a happier place for a few hours.

I received an advance digital copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.… (mais)