Book Review: As The Christmas Cookie Crumbles by Leslie Budewitz
I was afraid that if I did some type of happy dance after finishing this series, I’d summon up some evil force. Instead, I packed it up with the other installments which will be given to one of my unsuspecting friends.
Per usual, the cast list is included and a lot of unnecessary minor characters, but the saving grace is the story is set during Christmas.
In this go round, Erin Murphy is busy planning her Christmas Eve wedding and starts to investigate the murder of Merrily Thornton, a former resident who has come home to Jewel Bay, Montana. Merrily also brings with her a prison record and suspicion of embezzlement.
Surprisingly though, Erin doesn’t come across as a bridezilla, but I still couldn’t believe the narcissistic behavior of planning a full fledged wedding on Christmas Eve. As I’ve said in my past reviews of the series, everything has to revolve around her. She’s a character that I for one won’t miss.
The series itself could have been better and the potential was definitely missed. I’m really surprised that the series consisted of five installments. The problem really started with a character that wasn’t relatable and the character list.
As with the previous installments, Erin seems to put all of her energy into her job and when it comes to investigating, she focuses too much on one person and then a lightbulb goes off.
Clues aren’t really given (and if they are, it’s usually a minor character who might provide it) which adds to the confusion.
If another installment is written, I think I’ll skip it and concentrate on something else in my life.