O, Deadly Night by Vicki Delany

O, Deadly Night by Vicki Delany is the latest entry in her Year-Round Christmas Mystery series.

It’s everything Christmas all year long in the quaint town of Rudolph. But in this tale, it “is” the Christmas season. Everyone in town is extra busy. Merry Wilkinson’s gift shop is filled with holiday shoppers.

Merry’s dad, Noel, always plays the part of the town’s Santa since he just happens to look like the real deal! Her sister, Eve, is a struggling actress – playing bit parts, hoping for eventual fame and success.

But something seems to be “off” with Merry’s friend and neighbor, the retired Mrs. D’Angelo. Mrs. D’Angelo is the head of Rudolph’s gossip network. It’s a job she lives and thrives on. Everything that goes on in that town, good or bad, she’s “on it!”

Mrs. D’Angelo is funny, kindhearted and popular with most of the residents in spite of her quirkiness of grooving on gossip. And speaking of gossip, Mrs. D’Angelo has tried to give her new neighbors a hearty welcome. Funny — she knows they’re in there, but they don’t answer the door. She’s been keeping an eye on them and tells Merry that they are acting very suspicious.

And then, Mrs. D’Angelo turns up missing! At first Merry isn’t too worried. But then she realizes Mrs. D’Angelo hasn’t returned phone calls and even worse – hasn’t posted any new gossip! Something “really” is wrong.

A missing person report is filed with the local police, but Merry can’t help but getting involved in her friend’s disappearance. Then someone from the past becomes a murder victim. Someone Merry’s sister, Eve, and other townsfolk knew.

Suddenly Merry’s holiday season includes intruders, stalkers, low-profile criminals and murderers. Did the victim get iced because she double crossed a partner? Or did one of her scammed victims finally have enough? An old flame with a grudge? Perhaps a jealous wife or jilted lover?

The more Merry probes, the more she puts her own life in danger. This feisty and fun cozy mystery portrays in the greatest detail, a Christmas town worthy of the name Rudolph. It’s a perfect read during the cold winter months or during down time during the busy holiday season.

As usual,Vicki Delany gives us a solid mystery plot with colorful, Christmasy characters that cozy fans crave. The setting is gloriously detailed and the mystery itself, totally engaging.

O, Deadly Night is another great mystery to add to your personal shopping list – for yourself or for the cozy mystery fans in your life.

It was a chilly, damp and downright miserable rainy day. I had no choice but to enjoy this book while lazily snuggled in bed with a cup of coffee and gingerbread cookies! Perhaps you’ll want to do the same!

A copy of this book and cover photo were provided by Crooked Lane Books.