Congratulations to the winners of the last contest. Jody C. from Manhattan, KS won Murder at Chateau sur Mer. Sheryl J. of Grapevine, TX will receive The Inheritance. Due to the Veteran’s Day holiday, the books will go out on Saturday.

I know it’s early, but if the books are to go out in the mail so you can have time to read them before Christmas, I should give them away now. I have two 2017 releases, so many of you may not have had time to pick up these books yet. The latest Meg Lanslow Christmas mystery by Donna Andrews is How the Finch Stole Christmas. Meg has to solve the latest local murder before it spoils Christmas in Caerphilly. Meg’s husband is changing his one-man show of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, making it a full production with the twins playing Tiny Tim and young Scrooge while Meg is the stage manager. But, Scrooge himself? The over-the-hill actor who comes to town to play Scrooge brings a sleigh full of baggage and enemies with him. And, what’s with all those beautiful caged finches?

I have an ARC (Advanced Reader’s Copy) of The Usual Santas: A Collection of Soho Crime Christmas Capers. This is a collection of unusual and unexpected stories from authors such as Tim Hallinan, Cara Black, James R. Benn, Sujata Massey. There’s a wonderful introduction and Christmas  story by Peter Lovesey. If you’re looking for a collection with some different stories, you’ll want to try to win this one. (And, if you don’t win this one copy, you might want to buy a copy.)

Which book would you like to win? You can enter to win both, but I need separate entries. Email me at Lesa.Holstine@gmail.com. Your subject line should read either “Win The Usual Santas” or “Win How the Finch Stole Christmas.” Please include your name and mailing address. The giveaway will end Thursday, Nov. 16 at 5 PM CT. Entries from the U.S. only, please.