Let it Crow! Let It Crow! Let It Crow! by Donna Andrews and The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Merry Days of Christmas by James Patterson and Tad Safran

These two authors are seldom reviewed together, one writing humorous cozy mysteries, and the other a bestselling thriller writer. But both have entertaining holiday novels that I enjoyed reading this fall. While I do not have winter holiday decorations up yet, I am enjoying holiday reads and planning my winter holiday baking.

In Let It Crow!… amateur sleuth Meg Langslow is a blacksmith who doesn’t get to spend as much time at her craft as she’d like, because she’s raising twin boys with her husband Michael, has another part-time job, and, of course sleuthing. But when her mentor Faulk is injured, Meg is needed to replace him in a weaponsmithing competition that’s being filmed on the grounds of a nearby estate. She’s the only woman competitor in the Blades of Glory tent. It’s holiday time, and her mother is helping decorate the estate house, or castle, in red, gold, silver, and black, and Michael and the boys can stay with her on site. There is plenty of holiday cheer including sledding, wonderful food, and an amazing assortment of gingerbread houses, but there seems to be a practical joker in the blacksmithing tent, as Meg has found the temperature on her forge turned up and down a couple of times. There is plenty of humor, especially when night owl Meg must be on camera bright and early. And yes, there are crows, who end up providing some clues when there’s a crime to be solved. I’m a fan of the Meg Langslow books, but often wished for more blacksmithing scenes, and enjoyed reading about Meg creating a knife and a sword for the first episode.

In the Twelve Days… Henry, Will and Ella Sullivan haven’t celebrated Christmas in five years, since Will and Ella’s mother Katie died. Henry is a history professor at Columbia, just going through the motions of teaching, and drinking a bit too much. Will, 14, has joined up with a group of older teens who shoplift and play pranks while Ella, 12, is a very quiet germaphobe whose only joy is painting landscapes and scenery for a school musical. Will and Ella combine to create a dating profile for Will, as they’d really like to celebrate Christmas again (including presents). Ms. Truelove responds, and begins sending them all the traditional twelve days of Christmas presents. Mayhem results in their Harlem townhouse with a neglected walled garden. Marian, a city animal protection worker, is often there to help with issues related to feeding and caring for the partridge, hens, calling birds, geese, and so on. Henry’s job at Columbia is in jeopardy and the house is a wreck, but the food from all the eggs and milk is incredible. A funny and poignant holiday read.

Brenda