Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed on 12/13/2012 + 707 more book reviews

Ellie Avery is a military wife and an expert at moving. She has turned her skills into a business that can travel with her wherever she goes. She is a professional organizer.

In this installment she takes a job helping first rate hoarder eliminate stuff that is beyond repair, donate what she doesn't need, and organize the things she wants to keep. She was really nervous taking on this job but with Gabrielle Matheson, another professional organizer, trying to poach her clients and underbid her on the new ones she has no choice.

Trying to enjoy a little holiday cheer the squadron spouse club gets together for a party. The highlight of the night besides the little argument between Ellie and Gabrielle was the Elephant Swap Gift Exchange. When the gift Ellie receives ends up as a murder weapon she becomes the prime suspect. Ellie now "has to solve this ho-ho-homicide ...and find a killer who wishes her a very deadly Christmas".

Dollycas's Thoughts

I love the television show Army Wives and this series could be a spin-off - Air Force Wives.

I immediately loved the characters and the setting. The mystery was well written and fast paced. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down. The holiday theme was a real treat as I have attended a few Christmas parties myself with a White Elephant Gift Exchange. My favorite character definitely was Ellie's husband Mitch. He reminded me a lot of my husband. The quiet man behind the scenes until you are just about to take things too far and he steps in to try the voice of reason. It's doesn't always work but these guys try.

I will admit this is my first Ellie Avery mystery. The author sent me a copy telling me it could be read as a stand alone, which was true. I am usually a stickler for reading series books in order but Sara Rosett was very smart. I enjoyed this story very much and now I will be reading the rest of the books in this series as soon as possible. :)

This is a wonderful holiday read. Several organizational tips are included too! So whether this is a new series to you or you already love Ellie and her family, this is definitely a book to add to your pre-Christmas list!!

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