"Hot Chocolate and A Festive Fatality" By Victoria Tait: Review/Giveaway

Review by Sarah Erwin

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase it.

Readers looking for a festive whodunit need look no further than Victoria Tait’s latest (and final) entry into the Waterwheel Cafe series: Hot Chocolate and a Festive Fatality.

Our main character and favorite sleuth Sergeant Keya Varma is still out on medical leave, but recovering steadily and spending lots of time at her cafe. Unfortunately, she learns that her dear police station is under review which means higher-ups will be making decisions regarding the staffing, scheduling and personnel at the station through a cost-cutting lens

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Image Source Kanga Press

Despite the stress of the unknown future of her policing job, Keya is determined to enjoy seasonal delights and visits an over-the-top Christmas lights display at a nearby house. I could easily envision this bright display, the crowds it draws and the grumblings from neighbors. Unfortunately, the night Keya visits, the home owner and Christmas lights enthusiast is electrocuted. Although Keya is on leave, being an officer on the scene, Keya takes charge. All assume this must be a tragic accident, but Keya and Sujin are suspicious. Then there is a second death at the same house and it is clear something nefarious is going on.

This was a page-turning story with both the murder mystery plot and the changes to the police station plot pushing me to read faster, even though I didn’t want to miss any details that I love in Victoria’s writing. I loved the descriptions of the decorations and seasonal menus for Keya’s cafe. I wish I could have tea at the Waterwheel Cafe.

All the usual, favorite characters are present and accounted for, and while I’m certainly sad this is the final installment of this series, Victoria does a wonderful job showing readers what’s next for each of our favorites with some lovely little twists that warm the heart. (I’m looking at you, Inspector Evans.)

If the series has to end, I’m delighted in the satisfying way Victoria wrapped everything up. And I’m equally glad that Keya will make appearances in Victoria’s Dotty Sayers mysteries.

To enter to win either an ebook or print copy (winner's choice) of Hot Chocolate and A Festive Fatality, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "hot chocolate,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen December 21, 2024. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! A new episode goes up next week.

You can click here to purchase this book.

Sarah Erwin started her career as a children’s librarian, later becoming a public library director and now she’s a stay at home mom. While her career might have changed, her love of reading has been a constant since 4th grade and she reads over 200 books a year. Read along with her on her blog Sarah Can’t Stop Reading or on Instagram. Sarah lives in St. Louis, MO with her two kids, her husband and a family dog and cat.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.