Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas

Until recently I mostly avoided novellas but Lynn Cahoon is one of several authors whose work has convinced me that shorter novels can be as good as a full length one. Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas from the Kitchen Witch Mysteries series is a prime example of a complete and delightful tale presented in a novella. When a well known ghost wreaks havoc with Mia's preparations for a holiday open house to promote her catering, meal prep, and cooking lesson business, she has no choice but to help the spirit even though she has no time to spare. Much of what the ghost shares doesn't make sense, and the things she refuses to share complicate things even more, but the elderly spirit is absolutely convinced that she has limited time for a resolution and Mia agrees to try her best. With help from her assistant and her special guys, the new caterer is determined not to fail at either endeavor. Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for accepting my request for an ARC to the delightful Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas from the Kitchen Witch Mystery series. I have loved every book and story in the series. #Netgalley #KensingtonBooks #LynnCahoon #HaveaHollyHauntedChristmas #KitchenWitchMysteries

Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas by Lynn Cahoon is A Kitchen Witch Mystery Novella (#2.5). It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series, but I believe it is best if you read the other two books first. Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a cute short story. Mia is busy preparing for a Christmas party to promote Mia’s Morsels. Unfortunately, a ghost starts wreaking havoc causing delays. The ghost is Dorothy Purcell who believes she was murdered. If Mia is going to have a successful party and a jolly holiday, she will need to do a little sleuthing with help from her friends. Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a fun story. It is well-written with friendly characters and the story moves along at a quick pace. When Mia is not digging for clues, she is decorating the lobby for the holiday party or busy cooking. Grans, Trent, and Christine are back, and they help Mia with her investigation. Mr. Darcy/Dorian is present too. The mystery was cute and suited the length of the book. I was left with an unanswered question at the end of the book (and I really wanted the answer). I would have liked more magic. There was very little magic in the story (except for seeing ghosts). I would like more of the magical elements. I enjoyed reading Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas and I am looking forward to reading Three Tainted Teas when it comes out in the spring. Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a spirited cozy mystery with sweet sugar cookies, a grumpy ghost, an enigmatic Grans, a beau with a talent for bedecking the halls, a cooperative college student, and a harried kitchen witch.

novella, cozy-mystery, witches, urban-fantasy, romantic, Christmas season, small-business, small-town, family, family-dynamics, friendship, ghosts*** Short and pleasant read. I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!