King Henry's Christmas is part of the High Country Mystery series. This is the first story I've read in the series, even though this story falls between books 7 and 8. There are 8 books and one short story collection in the series so far.

It's two days before Christmas and Sheriff Jeff McQuede is called to investigate a jewelry store robbery. The owner was robbed of precious jewels at gunpoint. Just as McQuede starts to leave the scene of the robbery, he's called to a break-in at a local apartment. When he arrives, he finds Sofia Moretti on the floor. She's been bashed in the head from behind. The only eye-witness to the attack is a fat, tabby cat. McQuede recognizes the cat. King Henry belongs to a man he suspects might know something about the jewelry robbery. Who stole the jewels? How is the robbery related to the attack on Sofia? And what the hell is he going to do with a pesky, fat tabby cat?

This story is a great introduction to the High Country Mystery series. It's a good stand alone story and doesn't give any spoilers for prior books. I had to laugh at King Henry's antics. McQuede worked to solve the case quickly because the cat was tearing up his house and driving his dog nuts! :)

I will definitely read more of this series. I like McQuede as a main character. He's an intelligent and skilled investigator. The side characters were all likable and quirky enough to be interesting.

**I received a free copy of this short story from the authors. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.** ( )