Cozy Christmas Mystery Review: Gingerbread and Grief by Nova Walsh

Rating: ★★★★☆ | Genre: Cozy Mystery, Holiday Fiction | Series: Moonstone Bakery Mysteries (Holiday Novella)

If you're hunting for a mystery that's equal parts cozy comfort and clever sleuthing, Nova Walsh's Gingerbread and Grief hits the sweet spot. This festive novella sets a perfect tone for December—complete with twinkling lights, family dinners, and a dash of unexpected murder.

🍪 About the Book

When Ginny Malone and her boyfriend Vince spend Christmas in his hometown of Wyattville, she expects festive fun—gingerbread houses, cider, and cozy farmhouse chaos. But when a local politician collapses during the Winter Festival, the cheerful morning unravels into a tangle of secrets, gossip, and hidden motives.

❤️ What I Loved

Walsh's storytelling has the rhythm of a Hallmark movie with classic whodunit intrigue
Settings shimmer with small-town charm—from bustling cider stands to gingerbread scents
Perfect pacing keeps you guessing until the satisfying final reveal
Vince's loud, loving family adds humor and heart to the holiday chaos

📖 Room for Improvement

Because Gingerbread and Grief is a novella, the resolution feels a touch rushed. A few more pages would deepen character development and add emotional weight. Still, that brevity makes it perfect for an afternoon by the fire!