In this book Mitzy is asked to help out the sheriff by solving a mystery that doesn’t involve a dead body. This was a nice twist. When the baby is stolen from a local church’s nativity scene, Erick gives it to Mitzy. It’s safe, keeps her occupied and frees up the sheriff’s office to solve other crimes. A win for all, right?
Then comes the death of a relative of a friend. On the surface, it looks like a regular, perhaps weather related, death. However there are little things off that only someone close to the deceased would know. When newspaper photographer, Quince, calls Mitzy is on it. You didn’t think she would leave a friend on their own, did you?
I really enjoyed this book. It was as interesting to have the non-body mystery as it was to have the death related one. I think we mystery readers can forget that mystery doesn’t always involve murder. I found that a nice reminder because most cozy mysteries are set in small towns. How many murders can be expected in a small town? Apparently many, but I do find myself wondering, sometimes, if there were as many murders in that location before the sleuth moved there. So having a non-murder mystery was fun. I also really enjoy getting to know more about the secondary characters. When you read a series there are always characters who show up often. I think it enhances the series to give them bigger roles in some books. I find myself very intrigued by some characters, (Deputy Paulson being one, just saying. I mean, there has to be more to her and her gruff nature.). I also enjoy reading about developing relationships that aren’t love interests of the main characters. Speaking of love interest, Mitzy and Erick are another draw for me. I like that the conflict with them isn’t easily solved and the work that goes into a good relationship is a part of the story. Every cozy mystery that involves the sleuth with a law enforcement officer, (let’s admit that a great deal of them do), is doing the law enforcement doesn’t like the sleuth involved from fear of them getting hurt. It usually ends up with the usual arguments between them that moves along each book with it being winked at when the crime is solved and the sleuth safe. Fun but also a bit boring. I mean, no surprise there. So seeing Mitzy and Erick going through conflict that is related to trust and her magic is interesting to me. A final thought on the relationships in this series, I adore how the author is bringing in Odell and Ghost-ma with a second chance romance. The physical part of relationships, in books, can make it seem like that should be the focus in real relationships. We are bombarded with it, (and it is important - it’s just not everything). I’m really looking forward to where the author is going with a relationship where the focus isn’t on going to bed. I feel like there is a real opportunity for something unique in the cozy mystery genre, (really even in the romance one where even Twilight gave in to the physical part). It’s something to look forward too.
As usual, I am not going to discuss the mysteries. I’m always afraid of giving out information that would ruin the fun of another reader. I enjoyed them. I think the author did well with two mysteries in one book.

Information for those who don’t know this series.
There is a magical theme in this series. It is a major part and is done very well. If you are Wiccan, I think you will enjoy the work the author puts into this series. I have recommended it to Wiccan friends because it is, in my opinion, accurate and respectful.
The mystery presented in each book is solved in each book. However, I would describe this as a character driven series. The main character has a very interesting story and, especially in the early books, goes through a lot of growth. The secondary characters are all very interesting. In the books you learn more about various ones as they play bigger roles in some books. This makes the series best read in order. I would definitely recommend reading the previous books. If you are using an ereader, the author has boxsets available. They are a good way to catch up quickly. ( )

This is book 17 in the series, and it is just as fresh, exciting, and fun as the earlier books in the series. That is because the awesome Trixie Silvertale knows what her readers like and she keeps providing it.

This series is just so much fun. I am always eager to read what the citizens of Pin Cherry Harbor are up to now. The strength of the Mitzy Moon series is its characters. They may be fictional, but each book leaves me feeling like I just had a visit with some of my favorite people.

In “Dangers and Empty Mangers,” Mitzy has two crimes to solve. First, someone has stolen the statue of the baby Jesus from the church’s nativity set. And second is the murder of the uncle of Quince, the local photojournalist. At first, it is assumed that he passed out from drinking and froze to death while ice fishing. But Mitzy finds evidence that the death may not have been accidental.

There is the usual fun bantering between Mitzy and Ghost-ma. Mitzy is her usual charmingly klutzy self. Pye, the caracal…he keeps providing his not-so-subtle clues to solving the crimes. And I love getting to know Odell, owner of the local diner, better in this book.

Mitzy is still struggling with her trust issues. For someone who grew up in the foster care system, learning to trust is very difficult. Will this be a hindrance in the sweet romance between Mitzy and Eric?

Fast-paced. A real page-turner. If you are looking for a sweet quick cozy mystery read, I HIGHLY recommend this series. ( )