Dru’s Short Musing:
It’s Christmastime in Vermont and a yule log is burning, not on the ground, but on the mayor’s body that Mercy found in the woods and as such, an investigation begins, and Mercy is right there to lend a gloved hand.

From the first page to the wintery conclusion, I was immediately immersed in all aspects happening on the page from the giggle from Felicity to the visually narrative description of the town as the residents gathered to greet the winter solstice to the murders which puts Mercy, the police, and Troy on watch as they try to figure out who is doing what to whom. As their search for clues expands, secrets are discovered and it’s a race against time to solve this puzzling case that involves conspiracy, intrigue and suspense especially with foreign entities playing a hand in all this. The author did a fantastic job in delivering a well-written and nicely executed drama that I could not put down until all was said and done. Bonus was feeling like I was in the middle of all the action, as of course I rooted for Mercy and her friends to end the holiday season on a festive note. This is another fine example of a well-told story and one of the best books in this captivating and excellent series.

Series Name: A “Mercy Carr” Mystery, Book 7
Genre: Traditional Mystery
Release: December 2, 2025
Format: Print, Digital, Audio
Purchase Link

Book Synopsis:
The latest thrilling installment in the bestselling Mercy Carr mystery series

Mercy and Troy are looking forward to baby Felicity’s first holiday season, and they’re determined to make it a Christmas to remember. At Northshire’s annual Solstice Soirée, hosted by Northshire’s finest and funded by Mercy’s billionaire pal Feinberg, Amy’s little girl Helena is sitting on Santa Claus’s lap. She’s telling him she’d like a Bitty Baby doll just like little Felicity when the bearded man leaps up, thrusts the toddler at her mother Amy, and staggers away from the festivities. He disappears into the woods. By the time Elvis and Mercy find him, Santa Claus aka the town mayor, is lying on his back, dead. A yule log made of oak sits on his chest, burning bright, a beacon of light on the darkest day of the year.

This strange murder is the first of a series of similar Solstice-themed killings targeting the town’s most prominent citizens. Beloved family friend Lillian Jenkins, the grande dame of Northshire, could be next. Mercy and Troy and the dogs must team up with Thrasher and Harrington to capture The Yuletide Killer before he strikes again, this time far closer to home.

FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.