I gave this book 4 stars because it fulfilled what I was wanting when I checked it out, a light read with a Christmas spin. So if you start reading it with that expectation you won't be too disappointed. That being said though, there are some things I didn't like. First is the character of Liss. She is likable, but at the same time there were times when I just felt angry with her for putting herself and others in needless danger. Second, the story was a bit formulaic and I was pretty sure of who the murderer would be within the first 60 pages. Third was how the use of internet jargon was thrown in (TSTL = to stupid to live). Maybe I am not as with the times as I should be, but it actually took me a while to figure out what that meant and it detracted from the story for me a bit. Otherwise, it was a fun, quick read for Christmas break. This was a series and an author that was new to me, so I figured I'd give it a try. Liss MacCrimmon owns the Scottish Emporium in Moosetookalook, Maine, and at the beginning of the story, she has a brilliant idea to help bring visitors to the town, since there isn't any snow for the skiers and snowboarders. She learns that one of the items she is selling, some tiny bears dressed in different outfits, are the latest toy craze, and are sold out nearly everywhere. She convinces the other business people to have a Twelve Days of Christmas festival, luring customers with the fact that there are plenty of the wee bears in her shop and a couple of others in the town.The bears sell out immediately, except for those in the shop across the street, where the proprietor raises the prices to a ridiculous level. First, one of the tiny bears displayed in the window is found with a bullet through where its heart would be ... soon after, the store's proprietor is found with a bullet through his heart. Liss feels guilty, since the whole thing was her idea, and she begins to investigate what may have happened.This book was enjoyable enough to finish, but nothing that made me really anxious to read other books in the series. The whole thing with the toy bears reminded me of Christmases past when Cabbage Patch dolls and Tickle Me Elmos were toys that people were willing to go to any lengths to acquire.
What do You think about A Wee Christmas Homicide (2009)?
A wee nice story! I enjoyed it - simple, a quick read and a good mystery. Very nicely written!
—Chloe
This isn't something that held my interest. Many times I've found my mind wandering.
—amna
this mystery was wee bit bit too cozy for my taste
—jules
