MYSTERY

Slay Bells Ring: A Caprice de Luca Home Staging Mystery

by Karen Rose Smith
Kensington. Nov. 2017. 352p. ISBN 9781496709776. pap. $7.99; ebk. ISBN 9781496709783. F
COPY ISBN
In Smith's seventh series outing (after Shades of Wrath), the holiday season is approaching and Caprice has just finished staging a historic home in Kismit, PA. One of the homeowners, Chris Merriweather, a Vietnam vet, toymaker, and town Santa, hasn't been himself since a recent trip to Washington, DC, and then is shockingly found murdered on Santa Lane. The weapon: a wooden candy cane stake. As Chris's secrets come to light, and Caprice probes for answers, someone steals her sleigh bells with the threat: "Stop asking questions or your sleigh bells will never ring again."
VERDICT This Christmas cozy with Catholic undertones occasionally becomes more preoccupied with the protagonist's chastity than the mystery, making it an optional read.
Reviewed by Melissa DeWild , Oct 15, 2017
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

The Library Thief
by Shenjé, Kuchenga
FICTION

A Punishing Breed
by Frost, DC
FICTION

Still See You Everywhere
by Gardner, Lisa
FICTION

Love Letters to a Serial Killer
by Coryell, Tasha
FICTION

An Art Lover’s Guide to Paris and Murder
by Freeman, Dianne
FICTION

Requiem for a Mouse
by James, Miranda
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?