A Killer for Christmas is the adult debut mystery by Kim Harrington. Expected to be released on September 22, 2026, it takes readers to a small town called Christmasville. Kelsey had fond childhood memories of Christmasville, Maine, so when she needed a change in scenery, that’s where she found herself heading. Broken-hearted, she hoped to find herself in a Hallmark movie setting. Which she did, until the murders began to happen.
I want to thank Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of A Killer for Christmas. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
Synopsis from Goodreads
Christmasville, Maine, is the only place where Kelsey Hendricks has ever felt happy. When she loses both her job and her boyfriend, the move is a no-brainer, especially when she sees a listing for a position as Christmasville’s social media manager. Surrounded by twinkling lights and candy canes and with the perfect job, this tinsel town is working its magic on Kelsey. With two heartthrobs vying for her attention, her life is now just like a Christmas movie.
Except for the murders.
The first one is dismissed as an accident. But after the second, and definitely the third, it becomes abundantly clear that Santa is leaving coal in someone’s stocking this year.
Determined to bring back the holly jolly spirit to the town before tourists begin canceling their reservations, Kelsey must sleuth her way out of a chilling murder mystery and back to a holiday rom-com.
Positives
- Under 350 pages
- Quick and easy read
- Wonderful descriptions of the setting
- Interesting cast of characters
- A few suspects
Negatives
- The revelation of the murderer broke my heart a little
My Opinions
A Killer for Christmas was added to my TBR because it sounded like a fun holiday read. And guess what, it was! Even with the murders. It’s great if you enjoy the Hallmark holiday movies, but need a little something to cut through all the sweetness. Even Kelsey, the main character, admits Christmasville is a tad over the top with Christmas.
Kelsey finds herself in need of a change after serious heartbreak and loss of self-confidence in Boston. So she turns to the one place she’s always felt happy-Christmasville, Maine. After visiting the charming town, I could see why someone would want to move there for a chance at a new life. A place where it’s Christmas year-round? It could be fun and charming, right? Then why would someone start killing people? Were the deaths accidents? Or were they murder?
Of course, I’m not going to tell you who the murderer is. That would be a major spoiler! Just know that I was a little broken-hearted when it was revealed. Yes, I had my suspicions about this person, but I hoped they were wrong. I had a couple of other suspects, and one major red herring!
Overall, A Killer for Christmas is a quick, easy, killer of a holiday read! (See what I just did there?) If you enjoy reading holiday romances, you’ll enjoy reading A Killer for Christmas. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you guessed it, you’ll enjoy it too.
Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.
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