This trim entry in the crossword-mystery series written by husband and wife Cordelia Frances Biddle and Steve Zettler, under the pseudonym Nero Blanc, is harmless fun for crossword lovers and fans of light mysteries set during the holidays. Opening the day after Thanksgiving, as the annual contest of decorating the Paul Revere Inn for Christmas in eighteenth-century fashion begins, the authors give the story a genuine warmth of the holiday season.

Belle is the crossword puzzle editor for The Newcastle Evening Crier. She is joining her friends Sara and Martha from the church sewing group in an attempt to win a contest they've lost 4 years in a row. Morgan and Mitchell, twins and owners of the Inn, are constantly at odds over the expensive trappings Mitchell believes lends authenticity to the Inn's name. The original Longfellow poem hangs as a reminder of Newcastle's past.

When that framed historic poem is stolen, Belle's husband Rosco, an ex-cop turned private detective, looks into the matter. More intrigue surfaces when Belle discovers a book of puzzles. The book is filled with delicious recipes, but the ingredients are contained within the puzzles, so that the crosswords must be completed in order to enjoy them. As added nostalgia, the clues involves my favorite era, the 1940s!

A young teenager named E.T. Whitman has a sorry home-life but a love of words and helps Belle and Rosco do some sleuthing. The historic document’s sudden return leads to new discoveries about old crimes, long hidden and forgotten. The solving of the mystery has an added bonus for young Whitman I can't reveal.

A light cozy and holiday atmosphere makes this a nice read for Christmas, or those who wish it was Christmas year-round. Rosco and Belle are a warm and fun couple, and their love for their dogs Kit and Gabby is endearing. Anyone who enjoys a very light cozy mystery with seasonal ambience, and warm likable characters will enjoy this book. The recipes and crosswords are included, but Belle and Rosco, a.k.a. - Cordelia and Steve, have included the answers at the back if you get stuck. An enjoyable read. ( )

I loved this book. It has crosswords and chocolate recipes for Christmas. You use the recipes to solve the crossword puzzles; or maybe it's the other way around-use the puzzles to figure out the recipes. The precocious 12-year-old , E. T. Whitman will win your heart. I hope to see him in other books in this series. ( )