Rosemarie Ross

Courtney Archer is a filming a holiday version of The American Baking Battle at Coal Castle Resort. There is tension on the set as Shannon Collins, a judge for the baking competition, and the assistant director, Kinzy Hummel clash. Courtney has noticed that Shannon has put on some weight and her attitude has taken a nosedive. Courtney is unable to get Shannon to talk about what is bothering her. When Kinzy is found strangled with one of the aprons from Shannon’s new apron line, she becomes the prime suspect. If Courtney wants to save her new show, she needs to clear Shannon. She will need to be careful, or Courtney will end up being the next victim. Christmas Candy Corpse by Rosemarie Ross is the third A Courtney Archer Mystery. I recommend reading the series in order. It is the best way to get to know the characters and their relationships. Christmas Candy Corpse is an easy-to-read story. It moves at a good pace. There are numerous sweet temptations mentioned that will have you heading for your local bakery. I liked the challenges that has the characters doing treats to represent past, present, and future. The past sweet treats featured two items that many people will not have heard of or tasted (divinity and anise candy). I thought the author created an authentic experience of a television baking competition. I was not a fan of the references to Shannon’s weight gain. I knew there was a good reason for it, and it was not because she had developed a sweet tooth. I like how Shannon’s friends rallied around her when the truth was revealed. The mystery was simple. I knew who would die and who did the deed before the crime occurred. I kept hoping for a good twist to surprise me. Some of Courtney’s theories regarding the murder were half-baked. I like how the method of murder tied back to Shannon and the show. I enjoyed the holiday atmosphere. Christmas cozies are always fun to read and get me into spirit of the season. Christmas Candy Corpse is a lighthearted tale with sweet treats, an apron argument, an imperious mother, holiday happenings, a mounting midriff, a mysterious murder, and a curious chef.… (meer)

Christmas Candy Cane Corpse by Rosemarie Ross is a 2021 Kensington publication.

The special holiday baking competition this year will feature six bakers who will be tasked to create festive candy, desserts, and cookies.

Tension immediately soars when Kinzy, the show’s director, is told her estranged grandfather has died and she has been named the executor of his will.

If that didn’t set a somber tone, Shannon’s entire personality has changed, and she refuses to confide in Courtney.

But when Kinzy is found strangled to death with one of Shannon's promotional aprons, her odd behavior makes her a definite person of interest.

To save the show, and to stand by Shannon, as she stood by her, Courtney decides she needs to find out who killed Kinzy…

This is the third installment of the Courtney Archer series, but it’s my first. I loved the ‘Food Network’ premise and the holiday candies, cookies, etc., gave the story the festive mood I love in a holiday themed story.

Because I had not read the first two installments, I was completely lost as to how the characters were connected to each other, who was a recurring character, and which characters were making a first- time appearance, which took me out of the story, in the beginning and made it hard to get into it.

Eventually, I caught on, for the most part and was able to concentrate on the murder mystery part of the story, which despite Courtney’s tendency to toss out some pretty flimsy motives for the possible suspects, was pretty solid.

I did worry a bit about how much emphasis was placed on Shannon’s weight gain, but I’m sure this is common in any kind of television environment, but it felt very judgmental to me at times.

Other than that, the author did a good job of creating the atmosphere in reality show competitions, plus, I did not guess who the murderer. The holiday theme was nicely done, as well, which was the main reason I chose this book.

Overall, the story has some flaws, but was enjoyable enough as a holiday mystery, but I doubt I'll continue with the series.

2.5 stars… (meer)

Interesting premise in this third Courtney Archer mystery, namely, murder during a TV baking competition. This is the first book in the series which I've read and would be happy to go back and read the first two books.

Lots of great characters, starting with Courtney Archer celebrity chef and our sleuth, and a terrific plot. Plus, of course, I love Christmas-themed mystery.

This is a book I'd recommend to cozy mystery fans.

(I received this book from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.)… (meer)