Goodreads

Release date: November 3, 2025

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Synopsis:

In Rudolph, New York, it’s Christmastime all year long. But this December, while the snow-lined streets seem merry and bright, a murder is about to ruin everyone’s holiday cheer…

As the owner of Mrs. Claus’s Treasures, Merry Wilkinson knows how to decorate homes for the holidays. That’s why she thinks her float in the semi-annual Santa Claus parade is a shoo-in for best in show. But when the tractor pulling Merry’s float is sabotaged, she has to face facts: there’s a Scrooge in Christmas Town.

Merry isn’t ready to point fingers, especially with a journalist in town writing a puff piece about Rudolph’s Christmas spirit. But when she stumbles upon the reporter’s body on a late night dog walk—and police suspect he was poisoned by a gingerbread cookie crafted by her best friend, Vicky—Merry will have to put down the jingle bells and figure out who’s really been grinching about town, before Vicky ends up on Santa’s naughty list…

Review:

If you love cozy mysteries that feel like curling up under a blanket with cocoa and twinkle lights, Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen by Vicki Delany is the perfect pick. Set in the year round Christmas town of Rudolph, New York, the story follows Merry Wilkinson, the owner of Mrs. Claus’s Treasures, a charming holiday shop in the heart of town. As the residents prepare for their big holiday parade and the arrival of eager tourists, the festivities take a dark turn when a visiting journalist turns up dead. Suddenly, the most wonderful time of the year becomes a tangled web of secrets, small town gossip, and suspicion.

Delany nails the cozy mystery formula—there’s a clever plot with plenty of red herrings, a cast of quirky and endearing townsfolk, and a vivid setting that oozes charm and festive cheer. Merry’s connection to the town (her father is the former mayor and now plays Santa Claus!) gives her a natural role as both sleuth and insider. The humor sprinkled throughout keeps things light even as the mystery deepens, making this the kind of book that feels like watching a Hallmark movie with a dash of murder. It’s a strong start to a series that promises more warmth, laughter, and holiday hijinks in Rudolph.

Overall rating: 4/5