Looking for an old fashioned mystery? Set in a mansion, in the snow, with old secrets, and bodies that vanish? If so, here's just what you want: A Christmas Case: a Posie Parker Novella, by L.B. Hathaway. On Christmas Eve each of the guests at Rebburn Abbey are asked to share a personal mystery, solved ore not, with the others. (This really can't be good, can it?!) Of course, the guests are not all what they seem. There's a hidden passage and a new body in an old crypt, too. Perfect for this time of year!

We Wish You a Murderous Christmas is another in the A Year Round Christmas Mystery series by Vicki Delany. Although the small town of Rudolph, NY celebrates Christmas all year long, the excitement builds as December 25th approaches. This year is not so merry, however. The son of the local inn keeper has returned with big (and not popular) ideas for "improving" the town. (Was it wrong to give a little cheer when his body was found)? (Not a spoiler, his death is mentioned on the back cover). ;-) Overall, not a bad winter read. (Note to dog lovers: yes, I do think the dog had to spend too much time in a crate).

Laurien Berenson writes a nice mystery series about Melanie Travis and her Poodles, the most recent being Wagging Through the Snow. Melanie's brother has bought a run down tree farm at a recent auction (without telling his business partner). His plan is to get it up and running by Christmas ... about a week away. When checking out the property, a body is discovered. Secrets from long ago surface as the investigation progresses. A fairly quick read, good for these busy days! (Series title is A Melanie Travis Canine Mystery).

Reading Hermit With Dog