Like cozy mysteries and in the mood for a holiday read? Then you're going to want to grab this one. It's a short read, and you could easily get through it in an afternoon while curled up with your favorite cookies and some cocoa. I loved Mel - she's a great character who's just made a big life change, but can't quite leave her old life behind. A quiet town, a quaint inn, and a murder. I'm really hoping we get to see more of Mel, or at least the town and the people who live there, in future books! ( )

Fun short story filled with all kinds of Christmasy bits of snow, cookie baking and a Christmas festival. Lots of great humor and a decent mystery. I'd be interested in visiting these characters again. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy. ( )

Mel O’Rourke has left her job as a police officer in LA after a injury and has moved to a small mountain town to open a B&B with the support, both emotional and financial, of her large family. So far things are going (well except for her attempts at her grandmother’s recipe for starlight mint surprise cookies) when one of her guests is found dead. She’s pretty sure it’s natural causes but she wants an investigation done to protect the reputation of the B&B and her family’s investment. The local deputy, on the other hand,, thinks an investigation would be a waste of resources even after another guest goes missing. When her body is found at the bottom of a cliff, he’s convinced it’s just an accident but Mel is not so sure and decides to investigate on her own, a decision that could put her in danger.

The Starlight Mint Surprise Murder (Christmas Cookies) by Maria A. White is a fun fast and short cozy mystery with an interesting storyline, a likeable female protagonist, a touch of humour, and, of course, the requisite potential love interest. I’m not sure if this is a stand-alone or the start of a new series - either way, I will be looking for more by this author in the future. A perfect read for a snowy afternoon with a warm blanket, a cup of hot chocolate, and maybe a cookie or two.

Thanks to Netgalley and The Wild Rose Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review ( )