Into the Fire

A Cold Day for Murder is Book 3 in The Kelsie Butler Mystery Series by Karin Kaufman (the Queen of Cozy Mysteries). 

An unusual but intriguing invitation arrives in the mail for Kelsie for an all-expense paid weekend at the old Thorne Mansion in the mountains. Allowed to bring a guest, Kelsie invites Angela, one of her mystery club companions, who jumps at the chance to accompany her on this strange adventure. 

Upon arriving after a snowy drive, they (Kelsie, Angela, and Kelsie's dog Stella) are greeted by a pleasant and polite man named Julian and introduced to Emma from the Mansion's management. They're given a directive and before long, they and the other guests are served a lavish and delicious dinner in the dining room. Afterward, there are unusual plans for stories and secret clues given to each guest settled around the fireplace in this chilly domicile. 

Kelsie and Angela retire to their individual rooms along with the other guests who've all been a rather interesting bunch of unrelated co-workers and/or married couples. Angela goes to Kelsie's room to discuss the event so far while questioning who's hosting this shindig. 

What proves to be a very eventful evening in the cold mansion sets everyone on edge and over the edge.

As cozy mysteries go, this one is perfect for reader sleuthing. Little by little facts are revealed and who's who in the whole scheme is a grand mystery. Murder and confined mayhem make ascertaining who, how, and why difficult. Then the snowstorm hits and the snowplows are delayed along with the sheriff. Between losing power and cell service and knowing there is a murderer among them, all add to the high tensions while Kelsie and Angela are doing their best detective work to discover the whodunnit of this bunch. 

Cozy Mystery Lovers will have great fun with this one. It's a potential book for a non-stop read until the satisfying end.  

Father, I ask that you would continue to give Karin everything she needs, body, soul, and spirit, to write what she loves. Inspire and direct her and give her your divine touch. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.