Tinsel, Trees And Treachery: A Clean Holiday Whodunit

Bruce Hammack

Dec 2025 · Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Book 15 · Bruce Hammack

About this ebook

A blind detective. A masked killer. One deadly Christmas.

Blind private investigator Steve Smiley expects a quiet Christmas—until Branson entertainer Candy Caine arrives with an unusual problem. Someone claiming to be Krampus, the demonic folklore figure who punishes the wicked, is demanding money.

What started as threatening letters dismissed as a sick joke has escalated to a deadly promise: pay up for her sin of greed, or face the consequences. When Candy is locked in her dressing room as smoke pours under the door, the message becomes horrifyingly clear—this is no idle threat.

With his loyal guide dog at his side and his sharp-witted team backing him up, Smiley navigates a treacherous maze of suspects to expose the killer. With Christmas drawing closer and the killer growing bolder, Smiley races to unmask the monster—before Candy's next performance becomes her last.

Grab your copy of Tinsel, Trees And Treachery today—the latest private detective mystery in Bruce Hammack's beloved Smiley and McBlythe series! Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie-style whodunits who love clever plots without the gore, violence, or explicit scenes. This is mystery entertainment the whole family can enjoy—from your teenager to your grandma!

Ratings and reviews

Steve and Heather are at it again. These stories are always fun to read. As the duo plus dogs start their adventure to find out who is putting fear into the life of a friend of Steve's, they set out to Branson, MO. I enjoyed being reminded of my visit there some years ago so that added more enjoyment for me as I followed the adventure. Its a cozy mystery, which is a genre that is always a good match for me. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I recommend this book!

Tinsel, Trees and Treachery by Bruce Hammack is another book in the Smiley & McBlythe series. It does not disappoint! I really enjoy the interaction among the different characters, especially the animals. This cozy mystery is slightly different in that there is not a murder that needs to be solved, but there is much more going on that needs to be resolved. I received an advance review copy and I always review every book that I read. I highly recommend this series and this author. Enjoy.

A twisty holiday mystery. When an old friend asks for his help, Steve Smiley accepts an unusual case. Candy Caine, a successful Branson entertainer, is receiving threatening letters from someone claiming to be the Christmas demon Krampus. The villain may be imaginary, but Smiley and McBlythe realize the threats are real when she is almost killed in a fire. It's easy to take the wrong path when following the clues in this mystery. There are interesting twists that kept me guessing.

About the author

Drawing from his extensive background in criminal justice, Bruce Hammack writes contemporary, clean read detective and crime mysteries. He is the author of the Fen Maguire Mystery series, the Smiley and McBlythe Mystery series, the Star of Justice series and the Detective Steve Smiley short mysteries. Having lived in eighteen cities around the world, he now lives in the Texas hill country with his wife of thirty-plus years.

Follow Bruce on Bookbub and Goodreads for the latest new release info and recommendations. Learn more at brucehammack.com.