Mistletoe and Mayhem    by Katherine Hall Page, Christie Ridgeway & Judi McCoy Order:  USA  Can Avon, 2004 (2004) Paperback Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Theresa Ichino This holiday collection of romantic escapades comes along just in time for a Christmas stocking-stuffer. The authors include Judi McCoy, Katherine Hall Page, Joanne Pence, and Christie Ridgeway. They present a widely varied, entertaining selection for holiday reading. Ridgeway presents a tale of a kindergarten teacher whose decision to take a risk embroils her in more excitement and danger than she ever dreamed. In McCoy's delightful story, the protagonist is desperately trying to hide the secret of enchanted frogs from her attractive neighbour, while trying to stop their (the frogs') arrival on her doorstep. Pence's homicide detective heroine finds herself careening around San Francisco in the company of a shady but appealing character. He needs her help to find a van-load of Santas, while she is hoping he will help her solve the mystery of the dead Santa whose body was found in a parking lot. The victim obviously was killed by a fall from a great height. The problem? There are no tall buildings to explain how he fell! My personal favourite – but then I enjoy Katherine Hall Page's writings very much – was her tale of 'The Two Marys'. This was the most serious story of the lot, with a captivating heroine caught in a desperate situation. Anyone familiar with Page's amateur detective Faith Fairchild will not be surprised to learn that she once again pokes her attractive nose into a mystery. However, this time she is invited to do so. Page has also created two strong female characters whom I would love to meet again. In short, Mistletoe and Mayhem is a delightful holiday treat, to be enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews