Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen by Vicki Delany is the first book in the NEW “Year-Round Christmas” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, November 2015

In Rudolph, New York, it’s Christmastime all year long. But this December, while the snow-lined streets seem merry and bright, a murder is about to ruin everyone’s holiday cheer. . .

As the owner of Mrs. Claus’s Treasures, Merry Wilkinson knows how to decorate homes for the holidays. That’s why she thinks her float in the semi-annual Santa Claus parade is a shoe-in for best in show. But when the tractor pulling Merry’s float is sabotaged, she has to face facts: there’s a Scrooge in Christmas Town.

Merry isn’t ready to point fingers, especially with a journalist in town writing a puff piece about Rudolph’s Christmas spirit. But when she stumbles upon the reporter’s body on a late night dog walk—and police suspect he was poisoned by a gingerbread cookie crafted by her best friend, Vicky—Merry will have to put down the jingle bells and figure out who’s really been grinching about town, before Vicky ends up on Santa’s naughty list. . .

What an enjoyable read boasting an eclectic cast of characters that both amused and entertained me. This action-filled and fast paced drama kept me glued to the pages as I had to know the outcome of what was happening in Christmas Town. Merry is a delightful character and those she encounter rounds out a wonderful cast in this festive tale. The author did a great job in the execution of the mystery, peppering this tale with red herrings to keep me guessing until the killer’s identity was revealed. I like how Merry and her friends came together to protect their town and livelihood. Vicki’s descriptive narrative put me in the holiday spirit and I wish I was right here in Christmas Town with them. A great beginning to a delightfully charming series, I look forward to more holiday exploits with Merry and her friends.