Twitch Upon a Star
Book Review

This Twitch Upon a Star book review takes a closer look at a festive mystery where family plans collide with another unexpected holiday homicide. Set in a snow-dusted village brimming with Christmas lights and seasonal cheer, this second installment balances sister dynamics, community tension, and a determined (if slightly reluctant) amateur sleuth. Beneath the sparkle of tree lightings and winter celebrations, secrets unravel in ways that test loyalty and resolve — making this a cozy that blends warmth with just enough suspense to keep the pages turning.

Twitch Upon a Star - Sue Hollowell

Series: Murder All the Way
Vibes: Festive charm, snowy nostalgia, family-centered, cozy suspense, holiday drama

Twitch Upon a Star Book Review

If you’re craving a festive mystery set in a twinkling Bavarian-style village, this Twitch Upon a Star book review explores a Christmas cozy filled with family tension, snowy charm, and one very scene-stealing spaniel. The second installment in the Murder All the Way by Sue Hollowell delivers another holiday homicide — this time wrapped up in tree lightings, sister dynamics, and a family business on the brink.

I gave this one 4 stars. It’s a fairly short read, but it hooked me quickly — within the first chapter or two. There’s something about returning to this Christmas village that immediately pulls you in, even if, like me, you read Book 1 a few years ago and needed a moment to remember the setup.

Because the author doesn’t spend much time reestablishing the foundation, this book definitely works better as part of the series. That said, once I got going, the events of the first book came back to me naturally, and I settled into the story with ease.

The Sleuth:
Cautious, Determined, and Overwhelmed

Chloe is not your fearless, charging-into-danger amateur detective. In fact, she doesn’t really want to be sleuthing at all.

She’s cautious, caring, and deeply aware of the stakes — especially with her sisters arriving for what’s supposed to be a meaningful family trip centered around their business plans. A second murder threatens not only the town’s holiday spirit but also the fragile unity of her family.

That tension makes Chloe feel incredibly relatable.

She worries — sometimes a bit too much — but her anxiety is understandable. She doesn’t want to scare her sisters away or derail their shared future. That emotional weight adds depth to her decisions and makes her hesitation feel grounded rather than frustrating.

In terms of investigative style, Chloe uses a mixture of instinct, logic, research, and the occasional accidental discovery. She isn’t supremely confident in her abilities, and that vulnerability adds charm. She feels like someone doing her best in circumstances she didn’t ask for.

While I can’t clearly remember standout humorous moments, the tone overall balances festive chaos with heartwarming sincerity.

The Setting:
Bavarian Christmas Immersion

The Christmas atmosphere is fully immersive here.

The Bavarian-style village sparkles with winter charm — decorated storefronts, glowing lights, festive displays — and I genuinely enjoyed picturing my own family strolling through the streets, taking in the scenery. The sensory details make it easy to imagine the crisp air and holiday buzz.

The Christmas tree lighting ceremony plays a meaningful role beyond aesthetic backdrop. The victim is discovered near the very tree that symbolizes community celebration, which gives the crime an added layer of irony and impact.

Interestingly, while the town itself is cozy and appealing, it doesn’t quite rise to the level of “character” in the way some small-town cozies manage. It serves as a charming stage rather than an active personality. Still, its Christmas charm is undeniable.

Side Characters:
Sisters, Support, and a Scene-Stealing Spaniel

The sister dynamic brings both warmth and tension to the story. Chloe’s fear of driving them away keeps her cautious about getting too involved in the investigation, raising the emotional stakes.

Her mother (whose name I regrettably can’t recall) also stands out as a grounding presence. And Maude — her mother’s new friend — adds an interesting layer to the mix.

That said, the broader townsfolk didn’t leave a strong lasting impression on me. Thinking back, I can only vaguely recall the hotel staff and most side characters beyond the core group and the police.

But then there’s Max.

Max absolutely steals the show.

As someone who grew up with a cocker spaniel, the dog element hit especially close to home. Max isn’t just cozy window dressing — he meaningfully contributes to the mystery and even plays a critical role at the end by delaying the killer long enough for police to intervene.

He’s not just adorable. He’s heroic.

The Mystery:
Very Gentle with a Rushed Finish

This is a very gentle cozy mystery.

There’s no graphic content; everything happens off-page. The tone remains light even as serious events unfold. The suspect pool is modest — a handful of possibilities, which felt appropriate for the book’s length.

I did not guess the culprit at all.

However, I wasn’t fully satisfied with the motive. While it was explained, it didn’t feel entirely strong or convincing to me. The pacing overall is decent throughout the story, but the ending felt somewhat rushed. After a steady build, the resolution wrapped up quickly.

That said, the tension does spike toward the end in a way that keeps things engaging — especially during Max’s heroic moment.

Vibes Check:
Festive Chaos with Family Heart

This book radiates:

• Cozy
• Christmas
• Winter charm
• Family-oriented warmth

The overall tone blends festive sparkle with mild chaos and heartfelt family stakes. It leans slightly dramatic rather than whimsical, but never becomes heavy.

It absolutely made me crave all the seasonal comforts — hot cocoa, Christmas cookies, winter shopping, snow-dusted streets. It’s the kind of story that pairs perfectly with a blanket and twinkling lights.

Even with the murder subplot, the emotional core centers on family, legacy, and togetherness.

Who Will Enjoy This Book Most?

This story is perfect for:

• Holiday cozy mystery fans
• Dog lovers
• Sister-centered story enthusiasts
• Readers who adore small-town Christmas settings

If you enjoy gentle mysteries where the stakes are emotional as much as criminal, this series will likely resonate with you. It’s especially ideal for readers who prioritize festive atmosphere and family dynamics over intricate plotting.

My Final Thoughts:
Twitch Upon a Star Book Review

Twitch Upon a Star delivers exactly what I expected after enjoying Book 1 — festive charm, family tension, and a lovable canine companion.

While I wish the motive had been stronger and the ending slightly less rushed, the immersive Christmas setting and heartfelt sister dynamics make this a satisfying seasonal read. It’s not a groundbreaking mystery, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s comfort reading with a touch of suspense.

I’ll continue the series — especially since it’s only three books total. And while I’m not sure if it will become a yearly reread, it’s definitely one I’d consider revisiting when I’m in the mood for a snowy, dog-filled holiday whodunit.

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