Review: Whispers in the Snow by Heidi Eljarbo

January 28, 2026

Review: Whispers in the Snow by Heidi Eljarbo

Today is a busy day, as I'm also thrilled to welcome back a second, fabulous author of gentle romantic mysteries, Heidi Eljarbo. I'm sharing my review of her delightful new story, Whispers in the Snow, which is out now.

Make sure to read on, especially if you enjoy cosy mysteries with a heart-warming sprinkling of Christmas romance...

Whispers in the Snow is on blog tour today with The Coffee Pot Book Club. Find lovely tour spotlights and more reviews HERE!

Whispers in the Snow

Heartwarming Christmas

by Heidi Eljarbo

Review:

Cornelia is a young lady in rural Norway, who should be focusing on balls and parties, to snare herself a husband. After all, she's in her twenties now!

But all Cornelia is interested in is uncovering mysteries and secrets. If her fictional hero, Sherlock Holmes, can do it, why can't she? Not that there are many mysteries in her neighbourhood...

With Christmas coming up, and snow settling on roads and gardens, the seasonal balls are under way, and her Nannie implores her to attend. But an article about a derelict house nearby piques Cornelia's curiosity, and keen to avoid being forced to bore herself witless, she sets off to find out more.

It transpires that no one has lived in the ’yellow’ house for nearly half a century, and Nannie even remembers playing with a young girl there in her youth. But one day, the family never returned.

As Cornelia explores the vast gardens and adjoining forest leading to a nearby fjord, she discovers footsteps on the shore, and signs that a boat was hauled on land. The footsteps lead back to the house's garden, and one early evening, after dark, she spots lights flickering behind drawn curtains upstairs. As the room faces away from the road, no one can see that the house is no longer vacant.

But just who resides there, and why now? Eventually, Cornelia's persistent knocks on the door are successful, and she finds herself facing a handsome young man, who is most unimpressed by her intrusion.

As she eventually learns of his – and his great-aunt's – dangerous reasons, she decides to help them. But in doing so, she sets in motion a string of adventures that see not only her own life threatened, but also the lives of those she holds dear.

Oh, what would Holmes do? How will Cornelia escape the danger, and ensure her new acquaintances are safe?

Whispers in the Snow is a delightful (if sadly a bit short) mystery that sends you into the beautiful winter wonderland of pre-Christmas late 19th-century Norway. Like Cornelia, we're entranced by the timeless beauty of snow-filled landscapes. The setting evokes the best of the Christmas season, with its cosy fires, warm lights, and dark, chilly nights.

The mystery itself is fascinating, and entirely credible, even though it is fictional. The tension is subtle, but present, and even though Cornelia gets herself into serious danger, we're not exposed to brutal realities, but rather at hinted intentions. It is a cosy mystery in every sense, and sensitive readers will definitely enjoy it.

The budding romance between Cornelia and Simon is sweet and exquisite – even though things more rather quickly. I wished the timeline would have allowed them more space to develop their relationship, as it seemed a bit rushed. But it is a gentle romance, with a feisty, endearing heroine, and a brave, likeable hero, and their devotion to each other is obvious.

Whispers in the Snow is a sweet, enthralling Victorian Christmas romance mystery that gives you all the best vibes of the season: warmth, gentleness, snow, and of course, love.

A highly recommended read!

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Blurb:

Of course, a young woman in Norway during the late nineteenth century can be a successful amateur sleuth, and goodness knows, Cornelia’s days are always more exciting when she can devote her time to resolving a local mystery.

Cornelia Gran is a dedicated daughter, friendly and kind; although, she has an exorbitant amount of curiosity. She devours Arthur Conan Doyle’s magazine articles and tries to follow the fictitious Sherlock Holmes’s investigative examples, but her fascination with solving puzzles always gets her into mischief.

Each morning, Cornelia reads the newspaper, looking for a conundrum to solve. Searching for clues—and then chronicling her discoveries—thrills her. She certainly finds those activities more entertaining than taking her grandmother’s advice and attending one Christmas ball after another in search of a husband.

But chaos and danger turn Cornelia’s quiet days upside down when her attempt to find information about the owner of a nearby abandoned cottage takes her into dangerous territory. As winter winds rattle the windows and swirl snowdrifts against the doors, she faces off with a ghost, gets in trouble with the police, and finds herself staring down danger without thinking of the consequences. In the middle of it all, she meets Simon and is captivated by his charm, good looks, and personality.

Meanwhile, a real killer is after her, and he won’t stop until he gets information she doesn’t have! Christmas, with all its cheery festivities, hygge, and family traditions, has never been more threatened. Cornelia must call on all her investigative skills, not only to stop the ruination of her family’s holiday, but also to make certain Simon and his aunt keep what belongs to them. And maybe, just maybe, the amateur sleuth will discover the meaning of true love.

Set in a fictitious town in Norway in 1891, this cozy historical mystery is perfect for those who enjoy curious and determined women sleuths, clean and wholesome romance, and the discovery of buried secrets in an abandoned house.

Praise for Whispers in the Snow:

"With a setting steeped in mystical winter whimsy, creating a chilling yet beautiful backdrop for the narrative, “Whispers in the Snow (Heartwarming Christmas)” by Heidi Eljarbo is a captivating novel. Within its pages lie the uncertainty of an unsolved puzzle, the intensity of a high-stakes thriller, and the gentle wonder of a Christmas romance."
~ Ellie Yarde, Yarde Book Promotion, 5* Editorial Review

Buy Link: Universal Buy Link

This title will be available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

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About the Author:

Heidi Eljarbo grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history.