12 Days of Cozies Note from Carlene

by Carlene O’Connor

What a wonderful event, I love imagining everyone curled up by a crackling fire, snow falling in the background, clutching a mug of hot cocoa and losing oneself in a good Christmas-themed mystery, or twelve. Perhaps you’re baking as well with Christmas songs playing in the background, or wrapping presents, or putting antlers on a puppy dog, or on a Zoom call with loved ones. This year may look a little different for you, I know it will for me, which is why I’m reminded how blessed we are to have entire worlds to get lost in with characters we love. This year will find the O’Sullivan’s in rugged and gorgeous West Cork to celebrate the holidays with an entire orchestra. Of course, it wouldn’t be a mystery without a murder, and this one occurs near rugged cliffs with a 90-pound harp in an old whiskey mill. And if you wish to enjoy the next one with a cup of tea and some brown bread, you’ll find a recipe in the back of the book. But if your baking schedule is already full, you can always buy Odlum’s brown bread mix on amazon, imported from Ireland and ready-to-bake. Pair it with some Kerry’s Irish butter and Barry’s tea, and you’ll be sorted. From my home to yours, wishing you, as my Irish friends say, Happy Christmas.