The Nutcracker's Suite

Written by Chautona Havig

Narrated by Christa DelSorbo

“Time to dance, sugarplum.”

A painter at the Meyer’s Toys factory, Clarice Stahl, knows something is strange about the way so many men come and go through Mr. Meyer’s

office, especially one in particular. Then murder strikes a little too close to home and uncorks a barrel of secrets.

When mob king, Mario Topo’s, enforcer goes missing the race is on to prove he's behind the murder. Police and mobsters alike are after Milo

Natale, and he who finds Milo first might determine the enforcer’s fate.

A race through the city, a new friend… or more… a new life in the offing. Milo and Clarice must find who killed Topo’s man and why before

the police arrest him for murder or Topo’s men bump him and Clarice off, too.

This next book in the Ever After Mysteries combines “The Nutcracker Suite” with a murder mystery set in the heart of 1920s Rockland.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing
• Release date: Sep 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9781951839703

Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig is a prolific writer of fiction, including the popular Past Forward series and Ready or Not, among many other novels. When not writing, she enjoys paper crafting, sewing, and, of course, reading. She lives in a small, remote town in California’s Mojave Desert with her husband and seven of her nine children.

Reviews for The Nutcracker's Suite

[grammy57 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My thoughts:This is the 3rd book in this series that I've listened to. I enjoyed it very much. The story is well-planned and written. I kept my interest throughout. I listened to this straight through as I truly enjoyed it and I had the time to do that. The characters are believable and the plot goes at a very good pace, not rushed and not slow. Some stories take a long time to get into, but not this.The narration was also very well done. The inflections and diction were just right. She kept the pace of the story flowing very well, also.I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good mystery. This is a Christian book but it is in no way preachy. The characters just show their faith in word and deed. I rate this a 4 out of 5 star book. I reserve 5 stars for over-the-top books. This is good, better than most.This book was given to me through CelebrateLit in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Totally Terrific!! Chautona Havig can write any genre she undertakes. In The Nutcracker’s Suite, though, she outdoes herself in presenting a suspenseful mystery mashing together a retelling of the Nutcracker, a 1920s Prohibition mob mix-up, and a romance with faith interspersed. I was glued to my seat until I finished, at turns laughing out loud and terrified. I get the distinct impression the author is having a blast with the creation of this story! As a result, the reader has a rollicking good time.I’ve read several Havig novels, and The Nutcracker’s Suite just vaulted to the top and into my list of top ten CF novels of 2021! The mystery kept me guessing and I never did quite figure it out!! Well-done!! I must admit, I loved Havig’s use of sarcasm, especially as it relates to Clarice’s thoughts. I hope there will be a book for Lily in the future.I received a copy of the book from the author through Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.Notable Quotables:“His ability to think dashed out and into the street where he was certain, it would be run over by a police car.”“The lies are piling up faster than finished nutcrackers.”“Did she just lie with the truth?”“Not married, but I’ll remember that if I ever find a nice girl.” He didn’t say, “like you,” but Milo heard it and wanted to tie the man’s throat in a knot for it.”“Keep her safe. If you aren’t a man of faith, become one and then pray until you can’t think anymore, but keep her safe.” It was a fool’s promise, but Milo made it. “I will.”“…feelings always demanded an audience, even at the expense of truth.”“Topo. It means mouse. I’m the attic mouse.”“Every word the man spoke sat on a paragraph of threats.”“People dying have a way of interfering with one’s shopping.”

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Each book in this series is based on a fairytale. I have these stories to be exciting, creative and intriguing. I couldn’t wait to go back to the 1920s and see how the author incorporates a fairytale into a story filled with the mob, illegal alcohol, dolls and a mystery that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Clarice has a very unusual job of painting faces on nutcrackers. What a unique trade to have and it seems that her boss is impressed with her work. I began to wonder why she was suddenly working on a special project. Having the job of painting fifteen thousand dolls by hand was crazy. How is she suppose to do that all by herself? Sonething is strange here and the author had me hooked on the story. When a murder occurs Clarice is helped by Milo to get away from the danger. Just what has she gotten herself into? With men coming and going from the place she works at, she knew something was wrong. Can she trust Milo? Milo seems like a scary guy and is determined to keep Clarice from going to the police. Now who can Clarice trust? I loved how the police turn up at the factory to question Clarice. Her voice is shaky as she tried to compose herself. Can you imagine being surrounded by detectives firing questions at you? The guilt of what she knows is causing her to be physically ill. Just as I’m settling down into the story, the author throws a curve ball. Oh my I didn’t see this turn of events coming. Now Clarice is in a dilemma . Her world changed with some unexpected news, but not everyone is happy for her. These dangerous men keep getting closer to harming her and the detectives don’t seem to believe her story. I was very impressed with how Clarice stood up to Mr. Topo. He doesn’t like how Clarice is turning down the completion of his order and there looks like trouble is heading her way. She is in way over her head but she continues to stand up for what is right. I liked how the author incorporated faith in the story and used several people from the Bible to represent how God loves us unconditionally. The ending is written with intensity as Clarice puts her life in danger to help solve the murder. I will say that Milo is my favorite character because he is a good example of a man who has done many things that were against the law. He thinks that he can’t be saved but when God is shared with him, he begins to realize that he has been forgiven for his sins. I loved how protective he is with Clarice and always puts her safety first. The mystery is solved with the help of several people. I was surprised who the guilty person was and how quickly others tried to distance themselves from this person. The ending is filled with bullets flying , deceit and corruption revealed and a person who finds redemption. I loved how realistic the story is and how creative the author is in combining faith with flawed characters and watch them make a choice to change their life forever, I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.