Trust Gnome One
Book Review

This Trust Gnome One book review explores the third installment in a festive Christmas cozy mystery series filled with seasonal charm, quirky discoveries, and a determined amateur sleuth. Set during the busy holiday season in a town buzzing with sleigh rides and winter festivities, the story quickly turns from cheerful celebration to curious investigation when a body is discovered. With family tensions simmering, a questionable suspect in the spotlight, and a loyal dog always close by, this holiday mystery blends light suspense with the comforting atmosphere that cozy mystery readers love.

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Trust Gnome One – Sue Hollowell

Series: Murder All the Way
Vibes: Holiday cozy, festive small-town charm, lighthearted mystery, winter whimsy, comforting seasonal read

Trust Gnome One Book Review

If you’re in the mood for a festive mystery filled with quirky small-town characters, holiday chaos, and a determined sleuth with a loyal dog by her side, this Trust Gnome One book review takes a closer look at the third installment in Sue Hollowell’s Murder All the Way Christmas cozy mystery series.

Set against a backdrop of sleigh rides, family antics, and a town fully embracing the holiday season, this cozy mystery blends lighthearted investigation with plenty of Christmas charm. When Chloe and her trusty dog stumble upon a body while searching for runaway reindeer, what begins as a festive outing quickly turns into another mystery that needs solving. With her mother convinced the wrong person is being blamed, Chloe finds herself stepping into investigator mode once again.

This installment ended up being my favorite of the three books in the series, largely because of how everything comes together in the final act. While the story works as a standalone, I think my enjoyment was enhanced by having already spent time with these characters across the series.

The Sleuth:
Curious, Determined, and Always Planning

Chloe continues to shine as a sleuth who balances curiosity with determination. She isn’t the type of character who sets out to investigate every mystery she encounters, but when circumstances put her in the middle of one, she can’t help but start connecting the dots.

In this book, Chloe becomes involved in the investigation after she quite literally stumbles across the crime scene. While attempting to help corral some runaway reindeer, she and her dog discover a dead body in a barn. That shocking discovery immediately places her in the center of the unfolding mystery.

Her motivation to dig deeper becomes even stronger when her mother refuses to believe that the celebrity chef at the center of the investigation could possibly be guilty. Wanting to help clear the situation—and get to the truth—Chloe begins looking more closely at the clues.

Chloe falls somewhere between a reluctant sleuth and a natural investigator. She doesn’t necessarily seek out trouble, but her curiosity and determination make it difficult for her to ignore unanswered questions.

One aspect of her personality that stands out is how organized and forward-thinking she tends to be. Chloe is a planner, someone who likes to stay on top of things and make sure everything is running smoothly. Throughout the story, she also worries about the future of the family business, which adds a layer of personal stakes to everything she’s juggling.

At times, her determination also leads her to put herself in situations that could be risky. Like many cozy sleuths, Chloe occasionally steps a little too close to danger while chasing down answers.

The Setting:
A Festive Small-Town Christmas

The small-town setting leans heavily into holiday charm. The town feels warm, cozy, and full of festive energy, making it the perfect backdrop for a Christmas cozy mystery.

Holiday elements are woven throughout the story, from seasonal activities to charming winter locations. Sleigh ride areas and the hotel where Chloe and the others are staying help establish a setting that feels both immersive and distinctly seasonal.

The Christmas atmosphere plays a major role in the overall tone of the book. Decorations, celebrations, and winter scenery all contribute to the feeling that the entire town is wrapped up in the spirit of the season.

Despite the presence of a murder investigation, the environment remains cheerful and cozy. The festive setting balances the mystery elements nicely, creating that classic holiday-cozy combination where danger exists but never overwhelms the story’s warmth.

Side Characters:
Family Chaos and Colorful Personalities

As with many cozy mysteries, the side characters add a lot of personality and charm to the story.

Chloe’s mother is easily one of the most memorable characters in the book. Their relationship has had its share of tension in the past, and Chloe clearly worries about her at times. That dynamic adds depth to their interactions and gives the story a sense of family complexity beneath the humor and chaos.

Alongside her mom, Chloe’s sisters and her boyfriend also play meaningful roles in the story, helping to create a sense of community around the central mystery.

There are also a few characters who bring a bit of drama into the mix. The celebrity chef’s assistant, for example, stands out as a particularly frustrating presence in the story, adding tension and suspicion to the investigation.

And of course, Chloe’s loyal cocker spaniel deserves a mention. The dog plays a noticeable role in the story and becomes especially important toward the end, contributing to some memorable moments during the resolution.

The Mystery:
Lighthearted but Satisfying

The mystery keeps things fairly straightforward, which works well for a quick and cozy holiday read.

The tone stays light and playful throughout the investigation. While there are certainly stakes involved, the story never veers into anything dark or heavy. Instead, it maintains a balance between mystery and festive fun.

The suspect list is relatively small, which makes the mystery easy to follow without becoming overly complicated. Rather than focusing on a large web of suspects, the story lets the clues unfold naturally as Chloe pieces things together.

Even though the investigation is fairly straightforward, there are still a few surprises along the way. The reveal itself feels satisfying and ties the story together in a way that makes sense.

One thing I especially appreciated was how smoothly the book flows from beginning to end. The pacing keeps things moving without feeling rushed, and the conclusion provides a satisfying wrap-up to both the mystery and the series.

Vibes Check:
Holiday Cozy with Festive Chaos

The overall vibe of this book can best be described as holiday cozy with a touch of festive chaos.

Between runaway reindeer, sleigh rides, family drama, and a murder investigation unfolding in the middle of Christmas celebrations, the story captures the kind of cheerful unpredictability that makes holiday-themed cozies so fun to read.

Despite the chaos, the story remains deeply comforting. The warm setting, familiar characters, and festive atmosphere all contribute to a cozy reading experience that feels perfect for the holiday season.

Who Will Enjoy This Book Most?

This book will especially appeal to:

• Christmas cozy mystery readers
• Fans of quick, lighthearted mysteries
• Dog lovers
• Readers who enjoy festive small-town settings

If you’re looking for a cozy mystery that captures the spirit of the holidays without becoming too complicated or intense, this series is an enjoyable choice.

My Final Thoughts:
Trust Gnome One Book Review

Overall, Trust Gnome One feels like a strong and satisfying conclusion to this short Christmas cozy mystery series.

The quick pacing, festive setting, and engaging characters make it an easy and enjoyable read. While the mystery itself stays relatively simple, the story’s charm comes from its cozy atmosphere and the relationships between the characters.

Out of the three books in the series, this one ended up being my favorite—especially because of how the ending ties everything together.

Even more exciting, the conclusion also hints at a new series involving these characters. That small teaser was a fun way to wrap things up and definitely left me interested in seeing where the story might go next.

For readers who enjoy holiday-themed cozy mysteries with charming characters and a lighthearted mystery, this book offers a cozy and satisfying seasonal read.

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