Death On A Winter Stroll: A Merry Folger Christmas Mystery by Francine Mathews

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

No-nonsense Nantucket detective Merry Folger grapples with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and two murders as the island is overtaken by Hollywood stars and DC suits.

Nantucket Police Chief Meredith Folger is acutely conscious of the stress COVID-19 has placed on the community she loves. Although the island has proved a refuge for many during the pandemic, the cost to Nantucket has been high. Merry hopes that the Christmas Stroll, one of Nantucket’s favorite traditions, in which Main Street is transformed into a winter wonderland, will lift the island’s spirits. But the arrival of a large-scale TV production, and the Secretary of State and her family, complicates matters significantly.
 
The TV shoot is plagued with problems from within, as a shady, power-hungry producer clashes with strong-willed actors. Across Nantucket, the Secretary’s troubled stepson keeps shaking off his security detail to visit a dilapidated house near conservation land, where an intriguing recluse guards secrets of her own. With all parties overly conscious of spending too much time in the public eye and secrets swirling around both camps, it is difficult to parse what behavior is suspicious or not—until the bodies turn up.
 
Now, it’s up to Merry and Detective Howie Seitz to find a connection between two seemingly unconnected murders and catch the killer. But when everyone has a motive, and half of the suspects are politicians and actors, how can Merry and Howie tell fact from fiction?
 
This latest installment in critically acclaimed author Francine Mathews’ Merry Folger series is an immersive escape to festive Nantucket, a poignant exploration of grief as a result of parental absence, and a delicious new mystery to keep you guessing.

my thoughts:

A murder mystery at Christmas - yes, please! I absolutely LOVE cozy mystery novels and how much cozier can you get than a holiday murder master, right? Luckily for me, Francine Mathews has penned a new one for her popular series, A Merry Folger Nantucket Mystery Series, titles, Death On A Winter Stroll. First off, the title alone will hook you. I mean, c'mon, 'death', 'winter stroll' - how creepy and mysterious does that sound? That title alone grabbed my attention. Secondly, the book's cover. Seriously, how much more 'winter stroll' can we get? I loved it! All that snow, the narrow passage under the trees, that fogged out looking exit - it all screams BEWARE! Perfect for a murder mystery! Third, I've always heard great things about this series and I've had it on my TBR list, so I was super excited when I was given the opportunity to read the newest book in the series. Talk about perfect timing! I just loved settling down with a huge cuppa, a warm blanket, and this book during this holiday season - perfection! And, fourth, the book! It was awesome! I absolutely LOVED Death On A Winter Stroll! It may be the seventh book, but it was a great introduction for me into the series, which I will now be reading ASAP in 2023. 

So, what's to love about the actual story? Well, the superb writing for one. Mathews has written a terrific story chock full of mystery, murder, politics, celebrity, and post-COVID life - all of which makes for quite an intriguing read. And the characters are unforgettable - I just loved getting to know Police Chief Meredith (Merry) Folger! And, the town of Nantucket itself was a wonderful character, too. Plus, the mysteries that need to be solved ASAP are just too good! I couldn't help but try to figure out whodunit - always fun when reading a mystery. All in all, Death On A Winter Stroll is storytelling at its very best!

I would happily recommend this book to fans of the series and to anyone looking for their next holiday read - you are going to fall in love with this series! Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!