Genre: Holiday Mystery
Published: November 12, 2024
Pages: 282
Innkeeper Holly White is decking the halls this Christmas season, but someone is on the naughty list when a body is discovered in the fifth installment in the Christmas Tree Farm mystery series from bestselling author Jacqueline Frost.
It’s Christmastime in Mistletoe, Maine, and the Historical Society has launched a widespread campaign to celebrate the town’s 150th anniversary. Descendants of the founding family, the Snows, have returned for the first time, and Holly is determined to make the family’s visit magical. In an attempt to put Mistletoe on the map, Holly’s mother, a respected local baker, attempts to break a record by baking the world’s largest gingerbread man, but her plans are whisked away when Mr. Snow’s body ends up in the batter.
When Mr. Moore, the local mistletoe farmer, is accused of the crime, Holly reprises her role as amateur sleuth to protect the sweet older man. Between hosting the inconsolable Mrs. Snow and other guests at the inn, receiving threatening messages telling her to stop her investigation, and preparing for her first wedding anniversary with Sheriff Evan Gray, she might need a Christmas miracle to survive.
When someone breaks into Holly’s office and scratches a warning into her desk, she knows she has little time left. Can Holly uncover the killer before someone else gets burned, or is her involvement a recipe for trouble?
It’s Christmastime in Mistletoe, Maine, and the Historical Society has launched a widespread campaign to celebrate the town’s 150th anniversary. Descendants of the founding family, the Snows, have returned for the first time, and Holly is determined to make the family’s visit magical. In an attempt to put Mistletoe on the map, Holly’s mother, a respected local baker, attempts to break a record by baking the world’s largest gingerbread man, but her plans are whisked away when Mr. Snow’s body ends up in the batter.
When Mr. Moore, the local mistletoe farmer, is accused of the crime, Holly reprises her role as amateur sleuth to protect the sweet older man. Between hosting the inconsolable Mrs. Snow and other guests at the inn, receiving threatening messages telling her to stop her investigation, and preparing for her first wedding anniversary with Sheriff Evan Gray, she might need a Christmas miracle to survive.
When someone breaks into Holly’s office and scratches a warning into her desk, she knows she has little time left. Can Holly uncover the killer before someone else gets burned, or is her involvement a recipe for trouble?
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley, but then the audiobook was part of a 2 for 1 credit sale on Amazon, so I ended up getting and listening to the audiobook. This is my honest review.
I listened to this as one of my 12 Books of Christmas challenge books, but then I failed to review it in time to count. Surely next year I'll do better, maybe. I knew I'd tire of Christmas romance cheese before the season was over, so this mystery was a very welcome change of pace that still included some fun Christmas magic scenes. For one thing, the plot circles around an attempt to break the world record for largest baked gingerbread cookie. While that's not necessarily typical Christmas tale fare, it's not far removed from holiday cookie decorating.
My main issue, and maybe the reason cozy mysteries really aren't for me is that I struggle to accept the idea that a local resident is a better detective than the actual detectives. Like if you're so good at it, why not get paid to do it. Granted some of why they are successful is because people are more willing to talk to them than the cops, but still.
That being said, I enjoyed most of the twists and turns this story took. I'm also intrigued by the sisters staying at the inn who seem to be connected to Santa.
Overall I give I'll Be Home for Mischief 2.9648 out of 5 stars. - Katie
Jacqueline Frost is a mystery-loving pet enthusiast who hopes to make readers smile. She lives in rural Ohio with her husband and three spunky children. Jacqueline is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and Sisters in Crime (SinC).
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