Snowy with a Chance of Murder: A Chilling, Captivating Return to Cabot Cove

 

As a lifelong fan of the “Murder, She Wrote” series — I raised my kids watching this series — I can say with confidence that Snowy with a Chance of Murder, the 60th installment (And another is on the way! Woot! Woot!) is one of the best yet.

 

 The story kicks off with Jessica taking a nasty spill on the ice, confining her to a wheelchair. Unable to join a Mystery Lovers cruise, she’s forced to stay home, where she’s drawn into an intriguing mystery right across the street. A new neighbor, Mr. Rymer, moves in and immediately stirs up Cabot Cove with his risqué snow sculptures—naked figures that spark debates over art versus public decency. When the sculptures are vandalized at night, Rymer shrugs it off, rebuilding them with fresh snow as a blizzard looms. But the morning after the storm, Jessica peers out her window to find a chilling sight: Rymer’s body half-buried in the snow, next to a new sculpture. From her chair, Jessica must unravel whether a cold-blooded killer is lurking in her beloved town.

 

 Cabot Cove is my favorite setting for Jessica’s adventures. The familiar cast—Seth, Loretta, and more— the atmosphere, all shine brightly, with delightful moments like a spa day at Loretta’s Beauty Parlor that had me smiling ear to ear. The nod to Hitchcock’s “Rear Window” is brilliant! It captured Jessica’s sharp sleuthing from her confined vantage point without ever feeling derivative. There is a terrific balance of cozy charm and suspense, pulling in all of Jessica’s friends for a story that feels both intimate and expansive.

 

 What sets this book apart is how Barbara Early nails the “Murder, She Wrote” formula, something recent writers struggled to do after the passing of Donald Bain. Early’s Jessica is pitch-perfect—witty, warm, and relentlessly curious—while the quirky snow sculpture mystery feels fresh yet quintessentially Cabot Cove. The addition of a likable young helper hired by Seth adds a new layer of heart to the story, making Jessica’s world feel vibrant and lived-in.

 

  I’ve been hooked on this series since Bain’s era, and Snowy with a Chance of Murder recaptures that magic with gusto. It’s a fun, atmospheric read that kept me guessing until the end, and it’s easily the best since Bain’s time. I’m thrilled Barbara Early has taken the reins and hope she pens many more. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this is a must-read. Five stars without hesitation!

 You can grab your copy here.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

A Sleuth in Miniature: The Jessica Fletcher Action Figure from "Murder, She Wrote"

 

As a lifelong devotee of mystery novels and their on-screen adaptations, I’ve been captivated by sleuths since my childhood days curled up with Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew, and Trixie Belden. But as an adult, one detective stole my heart: the inimitable Jessica Fletcher from “Murder, She Wrote.” Her sharp wit, relentless curiosity, and knack for stumbling into (and solving) murders in the quaint town of Cabot Cove made her a timeless icon. So, when I recently grew exasperated with the lackluster offerings on streaming services (I ditched cable long ago), I decided to revisit “Murder, She Wrote” from the very first episode. It’s been a nostalgic joyride, and it reignited my love for Jessica’s world—including her charming, detail-filled home. 

As a miniature enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the set design of Jessica’s cozy Cabot Cove residence. If you pay close attention, you’ll notice delightful quirks, like the Delft coffee grinder in her kitchen, hilariously hung upside down. This got me thinking: why hasn’t anyone created a miniature version of her home? While daydreaming about tiny replicas, I stumbled upon something even more thrilling—a Jessica Fletcher action figure by NECA! I couldn’t resist, and when it arrived, I could not have been more pleased. Let me tell you, this 8-inch figure is a must-have for any “Murder, She Wrote” fan.

This fully articulated 8-inch figure is a love letter to the 1970s-style toy lines, complete with tailored soft goods clothing that captures Jessica’s classic style. From her cozy sweater to her signature scarf and jacket, every detail is meticulously crafted. The figure comes packed with accessories that bring Jessica’s world to life: a handbag, a flashlight (perfect for snooping around dark crime scenes), a typewriter for crafting her mystery novels, and even a copy of her book, The Corpse Danced at Midnight. But the real standout? Interchangeable faceplates that let Jessica express shock and surprise, because let’s be honest, she’s always stumbling across another body in Cabot Cove! 

 The figure’s articulation makes it a delight to pose, whether she’s typing away at her desk or investigating a clue. Packaged in a retro window box, it’s as much a collector’s item as it is a playful nod to the show. The attention to detail is nothing short of amazing, and I’ve had so much fun setting her up in different scenes, imagining her solving mysteries in my own miniature world.

 

As someone who cut her teeth on Basil Rathbone’s Sherlock Holmes films and devoured Nancy Drew as a kid, I can say with confidence that this Jessica Fletcher action figure is a treasure for fans of the genre. It’s not just a toy—it’s a celebration of a character who made mystery-solving accessible, relatable, and endlessly entertaining. Whether you’re a longtime “Murder, She Wrote” devotee or a newcomer revisiting the series (like me, binge-watching from episode one), this figure brings a piece of Cabot Cove into your home. 

 

If you’re a fellow fan, I highly recommend grabbing this NECA figure. It’s a delightful way to honor Jessica Fletcher’s legacy, and who knows? Maybe it’ll inspire someone to create that miniature Cabot Cove home I’ve been dreaming of. Until then, I’ll be posing Jessica with her typewriter, ready to crack the next case—upside-down coffee grinder and all. 

What’s your favorite MSW moment? And fellow miniature enthusiasts, wouldn’t a tiny Jessica Fletcher house be the ultimate addition to your collection? Let me know in the comments. Am I experiencing my second childhood? Yes, I am. Does it bother me? Not on your life! 

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All photos copyright NECA 

Murder, She Wrote: A Killer Christmas, Reviewed

I’m dating myself here, but I watched the pilot episode of "Murder, She Wrote" when it first aired on television. I knew from that very moment, despite being unfamiliar with Angela Lansbury, that I was going to love that series, and I did. It is wonderful that it continues on in this series of books that always makes me feel as though I am sitting by a fire, wrapped in a warm blanket, sipping a cup of cocoa or tea. I can easily visualize the characters from those in the series, I can hear their voices, I can smell that salty sea air.

Photo credit: Universal Studios

The latest book in the series, A Killer Christmas (book number 59!), scheduled for release on Tuesday, like the others, captures Jessica and Cabot Cove quite well. Not all of the books in the series take place in Cabot Cove (How could they?), but this one does, and those are my favorites. It also takes place around the holiday season, and that makes it even more enjoyable in my estimation. It centers around copious holiday preparations, where the town is competing with others across the state in the hope of being named the most seasonal in all of Maine, an honor that comes with a cash prize. Meanwhile, Cabot Cove realtor, Eve Simpson, is delighting over the fact that she has finally found a buyer for an old property, long vacated, that is going to mean a hefty commission. The mystery is a good one, the characters are at their absolute best, (I have to admit to loving Eve), the book is as enjoyable as expected, and I can’t wait for more.

 I am so grateful to the variety of authors who have delighted us with this series over the years. Keep them coming. This "Murder, She Wrote" fan can never get enough.

Many thanks to NetGalley, author Terrie Farley Moran, and Dreamscape Media for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.