Home for the Homicides

With their career rivalries and past sexual activity, Mark and Holly are a disgruntled team of investigators from the SBI (State Bureau of Investigation of an un-named state) sent to solve a murder that occurred in Christmas, a distant town where nothing bad EVER happens. The body of an unknown woman was found murdered in the town nativity scene, days before the giant holiday festival that is the town’s annual financial salvation. With a population mostly comprised of people with holiday-punny names and no experience with crime, our duo has a difficult time assembling the clues they need in addition to dealing with Mark’s local ties and Holly’s tragic holiday past. An omniscient narrator (an elf on the outs with Santa?) makes snide comments throughout. In the end, the crime is solved, careers are saved, and romance may be in the future. A bit treacly and Hallmark-movie-esque? Yes, but great seasonal fun. This is the first of a holiday-themed series.—Danise Hoover