Into the Fire

Karin Kaufman has written Book Four in the Juniper Grove Mystery Series, and it's another good addition. Death of a Santa proves to be a quick but not easy solve when one of the "Four Santas", who serenade homes with Christmas carols while consuming massive amounts of cookies as rewards, asks amateur sleuth and mystery writer Rachel Stowe's assistance in finding out who's harassing and scaring his slightly mentally challenged adult niece Sonya. Rachel's prowess for investigating crime in the community after a couple of unusual murders precedes her at the wreath-making party where her neighbor Julia has invited her. The Four Santas stop by and the final words of one of them are made in his secretive request to Rachel.

The fresh romance between Sheriff James Gilroy and Rachel has their communication on the sad event more informative and respectful of her abilities and insights at investigation and his heavy load as Sheriff of the small town. Rachel has that sinking feeling this isn't a natural death. Christmas is coming, and there's a rush to find out if murder is the gift that keeps on giving.  

When Sonya disappears from the party after her uncle's death, Rachel, Julia, and their friend Holly unite to figure out what's going on just in time for a second death.

In Death of a Santa there are multiple suspects as we've come to expect, twists, emotion, unique characters, a little romance, and Christmas goodies galore. Karin does these cozy mysteries so well, and she's knocking them out in a swift fashion so we can have one almost waiting for us as we finish the previous one. These are good stories, easy reads, appealing main characters, and well worth the time it takes to jog through them. She won't convert me to read anyone else's efforts in this genre, but I'll be glad to read all of hers.

Father, you know Karin's heart and soul, what she needs, what she loves. Please continue to bless her life, her writing, her relationship with you. Guard and protect her. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.