An easy reading Christmas cozy with a tangled mystery. District Judge Deborah Knott and chief sheriff's deputy Major Dwight Bryant are getting ready to celebrate their first Christmas together as man and wife. However, it promises not to be a quiet Christmas. In chapter 1, Mallory Johnson, the popular golden girl cheer leader captain is killed in a suspicious one car accident. It is the second fatal car accident involving students in recent histoy. As Deborah and Dwight learn more about Mallory from their teen nephews and nieces, they discover that she might not have been as golden as all assumed. Just days later, two other teenagers are found shot to death. Is there a connection? Also, is there a connection to a decades-old death? By the story's conclusion, all of the tangles are undone, and justice is done. In addition to the mystery, the relationships among Deborah's and Dwight's large, extended family is interesting to observe. As the story ends, there is a hook into the next story. Definitely worth a read. It's Christmas in rural North Carolina's Colleton County and Judge Deborah Knott is looking forward to a family celebration when a tragedy clouds the holiday season. A beautiful young cheerleader dies in a car crash and the community is devastated by her death. Sheriff's Deputy Dwight Bryant soon learns that her death was not a simple accident, and more lives may be lost unless he and Deborah can discover why she died.I've always liked the Deborah Knott books, but this one was s-l-o-w. There was just too much non-plot detail.
What do You think about Christmas Mourning (2010)?
part of the Bootlegger's Daughter series/Deborah Knott Mystery. Set in North Carolina.
—Vencejo
Very good book. Well plotted. Good characterization. Will read more of this series.
—geneva
