Title:

Homicide for the Holidays

Author:

Cheryl Honigford

Release Date:

October 3, 2017

Format:

Trade Paperback

Genre:

Mystery

Sub-Genre:

Holiday, Historical

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Read-A-Likes:

Summary: A hidden key that opens a drawer locked for the past eight years, a mysterious envelope filled with cash, and a threatening note… none of this is what rising radio star Vivian Witchell expects to find in her late father’s office. But when Vivian stumbles into trouble, she hardly knows how steer herself back to safety. With the handsome and maddeningly practical private detective Charlie Haverman at her side, Vivian spends the holiday season uncovering the details of the last weeks of her father’s life, following a sinister trail of clues that leads her directly to one of the most notorious mob bosses of all time, Al Capone.

The second book in the acclaimed Viv and Charlie mystery series, Homicide for the Holidays is a riveting holiday mystery set alternately amidst the glitz of Chicago’s radio drama scene and the grime of its taverns and speakeasies.-From Goodreads

What I Liked: This was a fun mystery and one that takes place in Chicago-something I loved. Honigford clearly researched what the city was like during the 30’s and added a great deal of tiny details that made the story feel real. I thought Vivian was an interesting character and a strong lead.The mystery was intriguing enough to keep me guessing but not so complicated that an amateur detective like Vivian wouldn’t be able to solve it. I enjoyed the romance between Viv and Charlie and liked how it worked with the main story and mystery.

What I Didn’t Like: Yes, this is part of a series and I read this second book before the first, but I would still like to not have the mystery in the first book ruined for me. In recapping the first book (which is needed!), Honingford tells the reader who the murderer was.  Can I go back and read the first one still? Yes. But it doesn’t have the same appeal now that I know how the mystery ends. In fact, Honingford basically recaps the entire first book throughout this one so don’t read this book first if you want to read the first. 

Who Should Read It: Fans of historical mysteries will like this realistic look at 1930’s Chicago. Readers who enjoy their mysteries with a touch of romance will also like this story. 

Review Wrap Up: This was a well-crafted story with intriguing characters and an interesting mystery. I think any cozy mystery fan will like this series!