Customer Reviews

Holly and Homicide: A Domestic Bliss Mystery (Domestic Bliss Mysteries)

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I loved reading Holly and Homicide (I love the entire 7 book series) as Leslie knows the right blend of mystery and romance which will keep you from putting this book down. I love the chemistry between Erin and Steve, the two main people, and really enjoy the supporting characters. Leslie's style of writing and her use of words makes it easy for me to come to know these people and quickly invest myself into their lives. Everytime I thought I had figured out who the killer was, I would turn the page and believe it to be someone else. The sexual tension between Erin and Steve is undeniable and their back and fourth banter makes for great humor throughout the book. I highly reccomed this book to anyone looking to lose themselves in a great story!

In Colorado, first they were enemies; then they became competitors. Erin and Steve joined forces to become Gilbert and Sullivan Designers, which ultimately led them to become lovers. They win the commission to remodel the Godwin Victorian mansion into the Snowcap Inn Bed and Breakfast. The previous owner Henry Godwin had a case of wanderlust so he sold his house to business mogul Wendell Barton, Domestic Bliss TV star Audrey Munroe and Pop star Chiffon Walters.

Wendell also bought other property awhile ago on the nearby mountain and he created a ski resort, which will change the complexion of Snowcap, Colorado with an influx of outsiders. The locals are outraged encouraging Angie the building inspector to find reasons to prevent the inn from operating with guests on Christmas Eve as envisioned by Wendell and associates. Erin finds Angie's dead body out doors. She realizes her eggnog is laced with poison. When a second homicide occurs, Erin investigates, which places her in the crosshairs of a killer and of an incompetent sheriff.

The whodunit is fabulous because it is cleverly constructed with red herrings and twists to keep the reader, police and Erin guessing who the killer is. The romantic subplot blends well with the detecting especially as Erin's former boyfriend arrives to add tension. Leslie Caine has written a charming colorful cozy starring a captivating amateur sleuth and the men in her life.

Harriet Klausner

Erin Gilbert and Steve Sullivan have finally done it. They've given into their unbridled passion and have officially become a couple. Who knew that combining their decorating finesse would eventually lead to romance on the job as well as in the bedroom. Crestview has not only the best interior design team, but also the perfect pair to put this quiet, little Colorado town on the map as a Mecca for cutting-edge designs and trends.

Christmastime has arrived in Snowcap, a neighboring sleepy town, complete with snowflakes and holiday cheer. Unfortunately, all is not calm and bright due to the recent sale of revered Goodwin Estate. So naturally, the new owners call upon the services of Sullivan & Gilbert to help create the perfect holiday setting to help ease the unsettled nerves of the skeptical townsfolk.

What starts off as just another job quickly turns into a decorator's nightmare when the local building inspector winds up dead. Not surprisingly, Erin is once again at the center of the investigation due to her knack for getting caught up in murder and mayhem. As the inn starts to encounter more issues which might prevent it from opening on Christmas Eve, Steve and Erin have no choice but to help find the killer before their newly acquired job turns into a lump of coal.

As the couple try to appease the proprietors with their own version of the Twelve Days of Christmas, Erin's ex-boyfriend shows up on the scene with a vested interest in the inn. As Erin tries to put by-gones aside while focusing on her budding relationship with Steve, another murder takes place which threatens to destroy the future of their business. Who is out to get them? And more importantly, will Steve and Erin be able to survive this murderous test of their love?

HOLLY AND HOMICIDE is the seventh installment of Leslie Caine's highly popular Domestic Bliss Mystery Series. With her quirky cast of characters and seasonal decorating tips, this delightful holiday caper makes the perfect gift for under the Christmas tree.

Sullivan and Gilbert Designs has been hired to decorate a B&B opening up in Snow Cap, Colo. The town has been riddled with controversy with a local developer systematically turning town's idyllic landscape into rows of high-priced condos for wealthy tourists and skiers.

The Goodwin Estate, previously owned by the town's mayor, Henry Goodwin, is in danger of being razed in favor of more profitable condos. To keep this from happening, he sells the estate to three investors, with the caveat that it remains in its original form as a B&B. Developer Wendell Barton (guilty of modernizing the town with condos), along with Erin Gilbert's friend and mentor, Audrey Monroe, and actress Chiffon Walters purchase the property.

Everything is going relatively smoothly until the inspector, Angie, shows up. After giving the home a failing grade, with instructions to repair the home's water system (among other things), the inspector meets a grim fate one night on the B&B's property. Then, Erin's ex, Cameron, shows up and after making some waves, is also found dead. There are more inspection failures that threaten the inn's grand opening date, set for Christmas Eve. When Erin and Steve become prime suspects in both murders, thanks to the hapless Sherriff's shoddy investigation, Erin sets to work to clear their names. It seems like everyone (from the carpenter and contractor Ben Olin to Angie's sister, Mikara who is managing the inn) has something to hide...will Erin find the culprit before its too late?

This delightful mystery includes holiday recipes and decorating ideas. I quite enjoyed reading this book, and now I have plans to go back and read her other "Domestic Bliss" mysteries!

This is the first Caine mystery that I have had the pleasure of reading. It is fast paced, full of twists and mis-direction. There's a wealth of detail and description, but it doesn't bog down. I love it when a writer can place me right there in the room, on the lawn, walking the trail or strolling the shops. Thank you for a good read.

This was the first book I read by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I try to read holiday based books every year right before Christmas, and this one did not disappoint. I plan to read others.