The Mistletoe Heist

The Winterbourne Hall Mysteries Book 1

Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 08/21/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Alija Turkovic for Readers' Favorite

T. N. Traynor's The Mistletoe Heist is a cozy mystery novel that revolves around Eleanor Carstone, a woman who thinks she’s just going to enjoy a lovely Regency-themed Christmas weekend at Winterbourne Hall. Instead, she gets pulled into an unexpected mystery. When the priceless Mistletoe Bauble heirloom vanishes, Eleanor teams up with Nathaniel Blackwood, a determined journalist who doesn’t trust others easily. Together, this dynamic duo encounters suspicious guests, a shocking murder, and secrets hidden beneath the festive atmosphere. Eleanor and Nathaniel's subtle romance keeps them (and readers) guessing until the very end. Gradually, Eleanor learns that solving a mystery isn’t just about immediately finding clues—it’s about discovering who you truly are and learning to trust others, even when the going gets tough.

The Mistletoe Heist by T. N. Traynor is an intriguing story that fuses coziness with suspense, making it different from typical dark mystery novels. Instead of relying on violence to propel the narrative forward, Traynor gives the story a playful and mysterious ambiance by adding witty and engaging dialogue to grab the reader's attention. The prose, setting, and the central conflict driving the plot are both weighty and whimsical at the same time, which makes the mystery of the heist exciting while still keeping that heartwarming holiday charm. The characters, especially Eleanor and Nathaniel, are truly the heart of the story. Traynor builds their relationship slowly, letting readers watch them learn to trust each other while also solving a crime. This is where the author's writing shines the most, aligning romance with mystery rather than allowing one element to overpower the other. If you are a fan of slow-burn romances and holiday-themed stories, The Mistletoe Heist is the ideal book to get yourself (or a loved one) this month.