Book 31, 2019

[chez_jae]

Yuletide Homicide by Jennifer David Hesse

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Early Thursday evening, I finished reading Yuletide Homicide by Jennifer David Hesse. It's part of the author's "Wiccan Wheel" mystery series, featuring attorney and practicing witch, Keli Milanni.

As a solitary witch, Keli has long kept her faith a secret, but she's slowly coming out to those closest to her, including her boyfriend, Wes. She is looking forward to the approaching Yule and its symbolic rebirth. Thoughts of the holidays must be put aside, however, when Keli's boss has her and her stuffy colleague, Crenshaw Davenport, work undercover as auditors at the office of a real estate mogul who has recently announced his mayoral candidacy. Edgar Harrison is being blackmailed, and it's up to Keli and Crenshaw to learn what they can.

Unfortunately, Harrison is found dead beneath the Christmas trees after the company's holiday party. Keli doesn't believe it was an accident. As she delves deeper into the matter, her own life is endangered. She'll need to use her wits and her witchcraft if she's to solve the murder before someone silences her for good.

This was a fun, lively story. It's good to see Keli becoming more comfortable with her Wiccan side. I also enjoyed getting reacquainted with familiar characters, from Keli's zany friend Farrah to stodgy old Crenshaw. Largest complaint was how much of a Mary Sue Keli became in this book. She has her boyfriend, Wes, but along comes and old flame, Mick, who wants her back. Young buck Zeke is also sniffing around, and previous books have hinted that Crenshaw fancies her, too. Enough, already!

Favorite line: "You could be in here doing some naked witchy ritual."

An enjoyable enough read to earn four stars.