Title: HAPPY BLOODY CHRISTMAS
Author: Jo Middleton
ISBN: 9780008711115
Publisher: Avon
Pages: 333
Source: Review copy from the Publisher
Blog Tour Organised by Random Things Tours
And you thought burning the turkey was the worst that could happen…
Christmas is all about lists. To do lists. Shopping lists. Lists to bloody Santa. And doesn’t Anna Johnson know it. Waking up on Christmas Eve after the annual Johnson party, she’s hungover, exhausted and really sick and tired of Christmas already. All she wants is to tick the last things off her endless list and sit down with the world’s biggest glass of wine.
But apparently, that’s not going to happen any time soon because now her list looks like
1. Wrap the presents
2. Peel the potatoes
3. Stuff the turkey
4. Solve the murder of Santa
A mysterious death in her home really is the last thing she has time for right now, but with police officers who could double as the Chuckle Brothers and a husband and two kids intent on watching Christmas films, it looks like it’s up to her to find out what the hell’s gone on. Oh – and figure out what to do with the body before her in-laws arrive.
Happy bloody Christmas indeed.
Official Summary
01 November 2024
I am the first one to complain about Christmas arriving a little too soon. However, if you guys are going to read this book before Christmas, it’s important to tell you about it now! If you only add one Christmas book to your holiday reading, then this is the one!
Jo Middleton’s Happy Bloody Christmas is a festive mystery that adds a darkly humorous twist to the usual holiday chaos. Anna Johnson’s holiday to-do list is turned upside down when she wakes up on Christmas Eve not just hungover and exhausted, but also faced with a murder in her home. As if Christmas isn’t stressful enough, she now has to juggle wrapping presents, cooking dinner, and solving the mystery of who killed Santa—quite literally.
What I loved most about this book is its blend of humour and suspense. Anna’s dry wit and exasperation with the holiday madness are entirely relatable, especially to anyone who’s ever been overwhelmed by the never-ending demands of Christmas preparations. The murder mystery is quirky and light-hearted rather than gruesome, making it a perfect read for someone looking for a holiday-themed whodunit that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Middleton does a great job capturing the family dynamics, particularly Anna’s relationship with her slightly clueless husband and their children, who seem oblivious to the chaos unfolding around them. The interactions with the bumbling police officers, who feel more like comic relief than effective investigators, add to the humour. Anna’s frustrations with trying to manage everything on her own, all while keeping the murder under wraps before the in-laws arrive, will resonate with anyone who’s had to deal with high holiday expectations.
Though the mystery itself isn’t overly complex, it serves its purpose well in moving the story forward and adding an extra layer of tension to Anna’s already chaotic Christmas. The writing is fast-paced and full of sharp, witty dialogue that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Happy Bloody Christmas is a fun, entertaining read perfect for those looking for something a little different to add to their holiday reading list. It’s the perfect mix of festive cheer, dark humour, and murder mystery, all wrapped up in one chaotic Christmas Eve. If you love your holiday stories with a dash of crime and a lot of laughs, this book is the perfect pick.
REMEMBER TO VISIT THE OTHER TOUR STOPS
Also by Jo Middleton
PLAYGROUPS AND PROSECCO: THE (MIS)ADVENTURES OF A SINGLE MUM
________________________________ January 3rd
Jaffa Cakes – 7. Times I was forced to watch a small child do a dance involving a dusty piece of ribbon found under the sofa – 4. Inappropriate thoughts about Zac Efron – undisclosed. Single mum Frankie’s whole life revolves around her kids. But when your toddler has a more active social life, something has to change. Forget ‘me-time’, Frankie would settle for some adult conversation, and watching something other than the Disney channel. The local playgroup may be ruled by Instagram mums with perfect husbands but Frankie accidentally forms a splinter group of single parents. After all, Mummy really needs a playdate of her own. (Now pass the prosecco.)
About The Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Jo Middleton lives in Somerset with her daughter, a disobedient golden retriever and three cats, all named after fictional detectives. Jo has a passion for mysteries, loves escape rooms, and longs to capture a cave full of smugglers. She is also a blogger, author, copywriter and one half of the It’s Five O’clock Somewhere podcast.
A huge thank you to Anne Cater, from Random Things Tours for including me on this blog tour. This book was a refreshing change to the dark thrillers I have been reading lately and I would highly recommend adding this title to your holiday reading list. I loved it. What is your Christmas book of the year? I would love to hear from you, please leave a comment below. Until next time…. Happy Reading!
I also enjoyed this book!
Thanks for the blog tour support x
Always a pleasure – Thank you for having me!
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