Mystery shopper and single mom Josie Marcus is assigned the task of shopping at "Naughty and Nice," a new Christmas store that has recently opened near two other such shops. The owner of Naughty and Nice, which sells "pornaments," just happens to be Josie's new boyfriend's batty-with-a-bad- attitude ex-wife, Doreen, and Mike's fourteen-year old daughter, Heather, is being forced to work in the smutty store. It wouldn't matter who owned this tasteless shop, Josie would still give it a negative review. But Doreen declares a personal vendetta against Josie when the franchise owner forces her to close. The shop owner next door is also forced to close when two people die after eating the chocolate snowmen she offered her customers. One of the victims was Josie's ex-husband, Nate.

Nate had just reappeared in Josie's life, wanting to get to know their daughter, Amelia. He showers Amelia with expensive presents, but they have little time together before his death. Amelia is very upset with Josie for not telling her about her father and letting her get to know him. Amelia also detests Mike's daughter, Heather, and this puts a crimp in Josie's love life.

MURDER WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS is the eighth clever and entertaining offering by the talented Elaine Viets. The characters are believable and likeable, with the exception of the odious Doreen. This is a delightful cozy mystery, full of humor and a soupcon of romance.