Cape Cod Holiday Reads 2024

This holiday season, immerse yourself in the charm of Cape Cod through the many holiday reads that capture its unique spirit. With the bustling summer crowd gone, locals find themselves in a serene atmosphere that makes for perfect reading days. Cape Cod libraries offer a treasure trove of holiday-themed books, where you can explore everything from cozy mysteries to heartwarming family sagas. Here are some top picks to check out as you cozy up and read your way around Cape Cod this winter.

Murder in a Cape Cottage by Maddie Day

Maddie Day’s Murder in a Cape Cottage invites readers into the world of Mackenzie “Mac” Almeida, a bike shop owner with a knack for solving mysteries alongside her Cozy Capers Book Group. Mac is juggling wedding preparations, business obligations, and her latest book group pick—a coloring book mystery that promises calm after the holiday rush. But calm is shattered when a skeleton is discovered in her cottage, dressed as a bride. As Mac and her friends untangle the mystery, they uncover a tale of forbidden love and ancient feuds. This book captures the quintessential Cape Cod setting, mixing suspense with the warmth of local friendships. It’s a page-turner that showcases how even the quietest communities hold mysteries waiting to be uncovered.

Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter Street Series

Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter Street series—Winter Street, Winter Stroll, Winter Storms, and Winter Solstice—paints a vivid picture of holiday life in Nantucket, perfect for Cape Cod readers. The series follows the Quinn family, who gather at their family inn each Christmas amidst personal challenges and family drama. In Winter Street, the family faces the fallout of infidelity, while in Winter Stroll, unexpected guests disrupt their Christmas plans. By Winter Storms, the Quinns rally together despite looming obstacles, and finally, Winter Solstice celebrates their reunion and joy with a memorable holiday season. Hilderbrand’s rich storytelling and love for New England landscapes make this series a captivating winter read, transporting readers into a world of family love, resilience, and celebration.

Christmas at the Restaurant by Pamela Kelley

Pamela Kelley’s Christmas at the Restaurant is a festive tale set in Nantucket’s Mimi’s Place, co-owned by sisters Mandy and Emma, along with chef Paul. This year, the trio aims to make the restaurant’s holiday season unforgettable, adding extra sparkle to Nantucket’s famous Christmas Stroll. For Mandy, who’s adjusting to life as a newly single mother, and Emma, celebrating her first holiday with Paul, the restaurant becomes a hub of holiday cheer and new beginnings. Kelley weaves a heartfelt story that captures the warmth of family, the excitement of new love, and the healing power of community, making this an ideal holiday read to inspire togetherness and hope.

An Eggnog to Die For by Amy Pershing

Amy Pershing’s An Eggnog to Die For follows professional foodie Samantha Barnes as she navigates the festive season on Cape Cod with her dog and her romantic interest, a harbor master. Samantha’s plans for a peaceful holiday are upended when she finds a dead Santa Claus in a local restaurant, sparking a whodunit adventure. The story balances culinary delights with mystery, as Samantha juggles holiday cooking and solving the murder. Pershing’s cozy mystery combines humor, a festive Cape Cod setting, and a thrilling plot, making it an engaging and lighthearted read for those who enjoy a little intrigue with their eggnog.

Cape Cod Christmas Cookbook by Mark Jasper

For those looking to bring the flavors of Cape Cod into their kitchens, Cape Cod Christmas Cookbook by Mark Jasper is an essential addition to any holiday reading list. This cookbook showcases recipes from iconic Cape restaurants, including dishes like Cape Cod Christmas Scallops and Plantation Gingerbread. Jasper’s collection offers a culinary journey and celebrates Cape Cod’s rich traditions and local ingredients. This cookbook allows readers to savor the tastes of the Cape, turning holiday gatherings into authentic, flavorful experiences. This holiday read reminds locals and visitors alike of the joy of cooking and sharing Cape Cod’s culinary heritage.

Choosing your Holiday Reads

These Cape Cod-inspired books offer a blend of mystery, family drama, romance, and culinary traditions, perfect for holiday reading. Whether you’re a fan of whodunits or love stories, these titles capture the spirit of the season and the charm of the Cape. This holiday season, let your local library be your portal to unforgettable holiday reads that will keep you entertained and warm, no matter how cold the winter winds may blow.

All of these Cape Cod Holiday Reads are available within the CLAMS library network as well as many local bookstores, so be sure to stop by a local library or bookstore on your trip to Cape Cod this holiday season.

Contributing author, Autumn Hassett, is the Executive Director of the Cotuit Library. Unlike many other libraries, the Cotuit Library is an independent 501(c)(3) organization and raises approximately 50% of the operating budget each year through donations, fundraising, and grants. You can learn more about the 150th anniversary of the Cotuit Library at https://www.cotuitlibrary.org/