Status
Call number
Collection
Publication
Description
Fiction. Mystery. HTML: A Wiccan attorney's latest case involves blackmail, murder, and Christmas in this cozy mystery by the author of Bell, Book & Candlemas. It's Christmas in Edindale, Illinois, and family law attorney Keli Milanni is preparing to celebrate the Wiccan holiday Yuletide, a celebration of rebirth. But this Yuletide someone else is focused on dying . . . After years of practicing in secret, Keli has come out as a Wiccan to her boyfriend, and she feels like this Yuletide she's the one who's being reborn. But the Solstice is the longest night of the year, and Keli is about to stumble on a mystery so dangerous, she'll be lucky to make it to morning. Paired with her unbearably stuffy colleague Crenshaw Davenport III, Keli goes undercover at a real estate company owned by mayoral candidate Edgar Harrison. An old friend of Keli's boss, Harrison, is being blackmailed, and it's up to her to find the culprit. But the morning after the company holiday party, Harrison is found dead underneath the hotel Christmas tree. The police rule the death an accident, but Keli knows better�??and she'll risk her own rebirth to nab a missing killer. Praise for Yuletide Homicide "Hesse incorporates Keli's Wiccan practices into her story line, with prayers to the Goddess and incantations that assist her sleuth in gaining insights to solve the mystery. A perfect read for New Age devotees and those who prefer the pagan version of Yuletide." �??Library Journal "Hesse easily balances murder and romance in this holiday tale that's so cozy." �??Kirkus Reviews… (more)
User reviews
Yuletide Homicide had a mystery with medium complexity, and I believe some readers will be surprised by the outcome. Keli, though, was annoying and lackluster in this installment in A Wiccan Wheel Mystery series. The Wiccan elements did nothing to enhance or add to the story. Another unnecessary element was the return of Keli ex-boyfriend. The only reason it seemed he was added was to get Keli to return to the hotel. His storyline was left unfinished. I am giving Yuletide Homicide 3 out of 5 stars. I was glad to see the action pick up towards the end of the story. The book lags in the middle while Keli does her investigating (questioning). If you are looking for a feel-good Christmas cozy, I suggest you keep looking.
Keli has come out as a Wiccan to her boyfriend, Wes. Stunningly enough, he doesn’t
Crenshaw and Keli go undercover at a real estate company owned by mayoral candidate Edgar Harrison. Edgar is an old friend of Keli’s boss. Apparently, Harrison is being blackmailed. It’s up to her to find the culprit. As luck would have it, the morning after the company holiday party, she finds Harrison dead under a hotel Christmas tree. The police rule the death an accident, but Keli doesn’t think it was an accident and sets out to prove it.
--
Series: A Wiccan Wheel Mystery–Book 3
Author: Jennifer David Hesse
Genre: Paranormal/Witch Cozy
Publisher: Kensington
Yuletide Homicide is the third book in the “A Wiccan Wheel Mystery” series. The new book offers a great story with lots of colorful characters and locations. Jennifer David Hesse has crafted characters that are charming, witty, full of vitality, well-rounded and easily relatable.
Keli is an unusual person, not only is she a practicing attorney, she is also a practicing Wiccan. Her normal routine of solo practicing has its ups and downs, mainly when she needs help solving a crime. That is when she calls on her friends, and fellow Wiccan, Mila. Mila is a perfect example of the type of people Keli needs in her life.
The characters of Farrah and Wes are equally important in Keli’s life. Farrah is always willing to jump in and help Keli with an investigation. While Wes is protective and supportive even when he is worried that Keli is getting involved in dangerous situations.
Although this book is an excellent addition to the series, it would have been nice if Mila and the other coven members had played a bigger role in helping Keli with her investigation. Also, Keli’s aversion to being involved with a coven, although not uncommon is getting to be a bit much without any real explanation. Her interactions with the coven would enhance the story and series. The returning characters are interesting and evolving, but overall the story could benefit by bringing in new characters that would make the story even more enjoyable for the long term.
The unmasking of the killer and the motive are original. All the readers’ questions are answered, and most will not guess who the killer is until the end of the book. Readers may have some trouble picking up the clues as to the murderer’s identification but not so difficult as to make the ending unbelievable.
This is a well written and entertaining book. Yuletide Homicide will keep the reader on the edge of their seat with twists and turns while anxiously waiting to turn the page to find out what happens next. This book and series are highly recommended to anyone who enjoys their mystery with a touch of magic.