Hamstead, Kansas had rarely seen a never-ending cold snap like this one. With Christmas a few days away, wind chills put the temperature at about 30 below, townfolk were dropping like flies from the flu, and there just wasn't much holiday spirit in the air. That was certainly true at Caley James' house. She had caught the bug, big time, the house was falling apart, her ex was no help at all, her three kids were living in front of the television eating cold cereal, and that's when the furnace decided to die. Life had definitely hit rock bottom, and just when she figures things couldn't get worse, her four year old daughter finds the furnace repairman, Tim Holiday, dead and badly burned in the basement. Police Chief, Susan Wren, missing more than half her force to the flu, takes on this case herself, but immediately hits a brick wall. Nothing about this murder makes sense. Who was Tim Holiday, and why did he seem to be trying to keep his identity a secret? Though she claims she'd never seen him before, what is his connection to Caley? And why would anyone want him dead? Add to that, two more possibly related murders, and Chief Wren has her hands full with a whole town full of suspects and too many unanswered questions..... Charlene Weir is back with another installment of her Susan Wren mysteries and A Cold Christmas is definitely her best book so far. This is a short, fast-paced, very readable novel full of atmosphere, smart, crisp writing, strong and engaging characters, riveting scenes, and enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing to the end. Ms Weir does not skimp on the secondary story lines, and at times the plot veers off in too many directions and becomes somewhat confusing, but she pulls it all together and ties up the loose ends neatly with a cliff-hanger ending that will leave fans waiting and wondering. So put up your feet and get comfortable, A Cold Christmas is an entertaining mystery you'll have to finish in one sitting.

In Hampstead, Kansas, this winter's weather is so brutally arctic that old timers believe it is the coldest ever. Police chief Susan Wren prays that the adverse weather keeps major crime down to zero because half of her staff suffers from the blue (non-blue variety).

However, her hopes are quickly dashed when furnace repairer Tim Holiday is found burned beyond recognition in Calley James' basement. The police find identification in the victim's pocket, but no one seems to know anything about the man. Calley's ex-husband Matt was seen arguing with the casualty and it is soon learned he had an affair with the man's wife twelve years ago. Tim's real name is Bran. He was just released from prison on a technicality though convicted of killing his wife. Susan wants to know why he moved to the same city as the person who betrayed him.

Charlene Weir provides a cast of characters that seem so genuine that readers will feel familiarity with the ensemble. The mystery is well executed with plenty of suspects, everyone having a reason for wanting the victim dead. The independent heroine displays humor and strength, but has the innate ability to know when someone lies to her. A COLD CHRISTMAS is a warm police procedural.

Harriet Klausner