Thanks to the author for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

This is #5 in the series, but the first one I read. Taking place in the weeks leading up to Christmas, it would be perfect to read during the holidays, but was equally enjoyable in July. Stacie Maroni and her friends are doing some Christmas shopping at the mall, and for fun decide to check out the photos with Santa booth. A few minutes after they arrive, gunshots are fired, people run, and an elf is injured. Stacie and friends call 911, step in and calm the elf, (a 20-something young woman who was subbing for a colleague), and describe what happened to the police when they arrive. Turns out Stacie has been helpful to the police with past crimes (remember this is book #5) and they appreciate her input throughout the novel. This is a cozy murder mystery with several questions and suspects - who was the intended shooting victim? who was the shooter? What was the motive? Will Stacie throw off her bah humbug attitude and get into the holiday spirit?

I read an advance reader copy so am assuming the typos will be cleaned up before the book is released. ( )