Deadly Slip While Decorating
In recent years, Kensington has started really releasing holiday themed anthologies with various authors, then releasing those novellas individually a couple of years later. This year, they are rereleasing some of the older stories on their own as well, including The Dangers of Candy Canes, a short addition to the Jaine Austen Mysteries by Laura Levine.
This story stars freelance writer and sometimes unofficial PI Jaine Austen. When one of Jaine's clients, Seymour Fiedler of Fiedler on the Roof Roofers, is sued for wrongful death, he hires Jaine to put down her pen and solve the crime. Seems that Garth Jankin fell off his recently reroofed house while decorating for his neighborhood's annual Christmas decorating contest. Since Garth had numerous enemies, Jaine quickly decides that the tiles must have been loosened. But who would do something like that?
As with the books, this story is very funny. Jaine can't resist temptation, and spends time talking about her need to lose weight while eating Christmas candy. A sub-plot about Jaine volunteering with a group that mentors underprivileged girls almost slows the story down at times. In fact, it makes the ultimate climax seem a little abrupt. But Jaine is a charming character and I love spending time with her. The other characters are interesting as well. And several red herrings keep this story interesting and fun until the end.
This story originated in Candy Cane Murder, which featured stories from Joanne Fluke and Leslie Meier as well. If you have that book, there’s no need to pick this one up. But if you’ve missed it, you’ll be glad you added this story to your collection.
Those looking for a short Christmas read that will make them laugh will want to picked up The Dangers of Candy Canes.
Don’t miss the rest of the Jaine Austen Mysteries.
This is another series I really need to read. I've heard such great things about it and it seems like such a fun cozy series.
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