A very good Christmas cozy mystery that takes place in Mistletoe, Maine. Holly (White) Gray is busy running the inn on Reindeer Farm and is gearing up for her mother's attempt at breaking a Guinness Book World Record by baking the biggest gingerbread man. As her Christmas Eve first wedding anniversary gets closer, Holly is trying desperately to find the perfect gift for her local sheriff husband, Evan, but she is having no luck. Locals and visitors alike are excited about the upcoming holiday and also about her mother's world record attempt and the town is teeming with holiday cheer. That is until the gingerbread man record is thwarted when a dead body shows up. Holly promises not to get involved in the investigation but one clue leads to another and before you know it, she is trying to find out who the murderer may be before they strike again. The characters, their holiday-inspired names, and the setting of the book are just wonderful and the story moves along at a great pace and before you know it you're wishing the book wouldn't end just yet so that you can spend a bit more time with these festive people in Mistletoe. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Rural Christmas Cozy
Ms. Frost has created a series around a business most of us would truly love to have near, Mostly family run Christmas Tree Farm creates business for others in the community due to it's popularity and the fact that it's run by and surrounded with good people. A stranger's unusual death creates havoc for the town and the farm. Crafted with humor and romance along with the mystery, it's a definite winner.
I requested and received a NetGalley arc gratis and offer my opinion in the same.

I'll Be Home For Mischief is the fifth book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series where the town celebrates Christmas year round. Each book is set at Christmas and there is a lot of talk in this one about the murder problem every year. It's the 150th anniversary of Mistletoe, Main. To celebrate the town is decorated in a Victorian theme. No cars are allowed downtown and even resident's are dressing appropriately. Holly's mother is also trying to get into the Guiness Book of World Records by baking the largest gingerbread man cookie. Descendants of the founding family are back in town. There is a lot going on at the farm and things once again take a dark turn when someone is found murdered.



This is the first one in the series I read and I had a little trouble keeping the characters and relationships straight, There is talk, without spoilers, of previous incidents and murders from the other books. It made me excited to read them.

The Christmas details are fantastic. It really feels like Christmas while reading. All of the events described were a lot of fun.

The mystery itself is interesting. It wins most memorable discovery of a corpse. The investigation wasn't as satisfying to me. Holly is a nice person but her sleuthing skills could use some work. For all the talk about danger she didn't seem to be aware of some things. I had more questions after the murderer is revealed because some of their actions don't make sense.

There are a few things that were distracting. At one point Holly has brought some cookies with her. Within a few paragraphs how they are contained and where they are located keeps changing. I read an ARC so maybe this will be changed by publishing date. Another time when Holly is alone she has a thought that something is odd but nothing ever comes of it. But it almost seems like it's supposed to be explored further.

If you want a seasonal mystery this is one to read. Readers will love the Christmas theme. It's done so well. However, I wish some detail was also given to the inn to balance things out and provide clarity.

3.5/5 stars

I’m thrilled about this 5th installment of the Mistletoe, Maine Christmas Tree Farm series, as the previous installment was assumed to be the end. Hooray and thanks to the publisher for changing course!

While it’s often true that series hit their peak early on, Jacqueline Frost (under any of her pen names) always keeps it fresh and fun. Honestly, I’ll read anything she wants to write. Her characters and humor are 100% up my alley. The Mistletoe cast are all here shining brightly, and Santa’s (I mean Christopher’s) wife and frosty cool friend Jackie are fun additions this year.

Highly recommended for cozy fans, and anyone else looking for a fun Christmas escape.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Publishers for allowing access to an ARC upon request.

I really enjoyed this book.. I would recommend it as a good Christmas cozy to read. I enjoy this whole series. The crime is even Christmas themed. What not to love about an old fashioned themed town. Highly recommended.

I'll Be Home for Mischief is the fifth installment in the A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series set in Mistletoe, Maine and featuring Holly White. Mistletoe has chosen a Victorian Village theme for the town's 150th anniversary, Holly's mother is attempting to set the world record for the largest gingerbread man and Holly and husband Sheriff Evan Gray are celebrating their 1st wedding anniversary.

Everyone is in the holiday spirit, two members of the town's founding family - the Snows are visiting and the mysterious Christopher's (readers of previous books in the series might suspect he's Santa) wife and friend have arrived by sleigh from up North. Representatives from Guinness and two obnoxious podcasters are also among the visitors to Reindeer Games. Unfortunately, things go terribly wrong when Elijah Snow ends up buried in the gingerbread batter.

Despite the pleas from her husband and parents to stay out of the investigation, Holly finds herself trying to clear the name of a close neighbor who she believes is being wrongly accused of murder. A delightful addition to the series, even in the height of summer. A wonderful cast of returning characters and a setting that sounds like so much fun you'll want to move to Mistletoe.

I received an advanced copy of I'll Be Home for Mischief from NetGalley via Crooked Lane Books. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.

I let out a little squeak of joy when I saw this book had come out. I love the Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries, they bring together both the joy of Christmas and that of a cozy mystery.

This Christmas it's the town’s 150th anniversary and descendants of the founding family, the Snows, have returned to Mistletoe and are staying at the inn.

Meanwhile, Holly's Mother is attempting to break a record by baking the world’s largest gingerbread man, but her plans go splat when the body of one of the Snows ends up in the batter.

Adding to this Christmas cocktail, it is Holly and Evan's first as a married couple and Holly's focus seems to be on getting him the perfect gift (which let's be honest would probably be her not getting involved in a murder).

But despite her denials she's getting involved Holly is of course knee deep in the investigation.

As usual Jacqueline Frost brings tons of festive fun.

Features like the Hearth, the reindeer games and characters like Cookie all make their essential appearances, while some new characters like the very Mrs Claus-like wife of Christopher add some extra fun to the mix.

And eventually we figure out who killed the man in the gingerbread too.

Another killer Christmas mystery.

Gingerbread, you're dead!

Mistletoe, Maine is bustling with the pre-Christmas crush of holiday shoppers. The town has a special celebration planned for its 150th anniversary. Holly White’s parents own the nearby Reindeer Games Christmas tree farm. Holly is especially busy with helping her mom in her bid to bake the world’s largest gingerbread man. Unfortunately, the latest Christmas fatality is in the batter!

You know Holly is in the thick of the investigation, even if her family and friends fear for her safety. Stir in a couple of annoying crime podcasters. Holly and Sheriff Gray must solve the mystery before the town's reputation is cooked.

Wow, this is another great addition to the Christmas Tree Farm series! You can’t help but feel the Christmas cheer with this charming cozy mystery. We get to revisit all the great characters and wander through my favorite Christmas town. I so enjoy the Christmas Tree Farm mysteries and this one is no exception. It has quirky characters, intriguing mysteries and Christmas magic. You will love "I’ll Be Home for Mischief"!

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the DRC!

I love this series, and I’ll Be Home for Mischief is a great addition to the list. The town of Mistletoe is celebrating its 150 year anniversary and have invited the remaining members of one of the founding families, a mother and her son. As part of the event, Holly’s mom is trying for a Guinness record for the largest gingerbread man, but on the morning they are going to bake the giant cookie, they find an unpleasant addition to the dough: a body.
Holly’s husband (and the sheriff), Ewen, ask that she stay out of this investigation, but Holly’s curiosity just won’t let her. Especially when she is convinced the main suspect is not guilty. When you add in Holly and Ewen’s upcoming first anniversary, the crime podcasters, and all the holiday to-do lists, Holly and her family and friends are extremely busy.
This is such a fun story and the mystery was tricky to unravel. The family and friends and town are so welcoming, you end up wishing you could visit or live there!
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

When Holly tries to help her Mom win a Guinness World Record for biggest gingerbread man, she finds an ugly surprise in the batter.

Along with her sheriff husband, the hilarious Cookie, and many more delightful Mistletoe characters, Holly works to find out who the rogue murderer is before she becomes the next victim.

In the same vein as Vicki Delany's Year Round Christmas Mysteries, the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series is a wonderful Christmas-centric series that can be enjoyably read at any time of the year.

Ms. Frost has a knack for making her characters very real, with situations like Holly feeling the pressure of coming up with the perfect first wedding anniversary gift for her gift-talented husband,

Another solid outing for this series.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

Another super enjoyable read in the Christmas Tree Farm series!

I adore the cozy small town of Mistletoe, Maine and it's lovable characters.

In this fifth installment, we're back at the Snow Family business where Holly's mom is attempting a Guinness World Record for the largest baked gingerbread man, but things go awry when a body is found in the batter! This was a very engaging, fast paced read that I couldn't put down and I was truly shocked at the murderer reveal!

I think this one is my favourite so far! The suspense, wholesome characters and cozy Christmas vibes made for a very enjoyable read.

I wasn’t sure if I could pick up in the series on book 5 but it was not a problem at all! Mistletoe, MN brings all the Christmas feels wand who doesn’t love to solve a little mystery along the way. Dont hesitate to pick this one up!

I love the town of Mistletoe and reading this gave me such warm and fuzzy vibes for the holiday season. This is the 5th book in the series and it was wonderful!

I have enjoyed every book in this Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Series and this 5th book is the best so far. The murder is original and I never did figure it out until the end..

The ongoing characters are wonderful and bring the joy of Christmas in this engaging story.
The majority of this story surrounding the murder evaluation is so upbeat and shows how a small community can join together for the good of the whole community. It was also enjoyable getting to know new characters.and are they really who they say they are. .There are a number of surprises, especially at the end. I certainly hope there are more offerings to this series.

I thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story months before it is published.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Holly tries to put her talent to work when a body is found. This puts a damper on the holiday events planned. Holly will need all the help she can get to solve the case. I liked this book.

This is the 5th book in the ‘Christmas Tree Farm Mystery’ series and it was a real page turner, had me hooked from the very first page. It is Christmas and the Mistletoe in Maine is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Holly and Ed are also celebrating, it is their 1st wedding anniversary. Holly is hoping for a murder free Christmas as the previous four have all been disrupted with a murder.

Sadly this is not to be, Holly’s mum is going for a world record by cooking the world's largest gingerbread man. The record judges are in place, and the crowds have gathered, but as the giant gingerbread man is unveiled to enter the specially created oven a body is found face down in the batter.

So once again Holly is looking for who really murdered the victim when a neighbour becomes the main suspect. Only finding the guilty person once again brings Holly into deadly danger.

There is so much friendship and laughter in this community I adore spending time here. It was lovely catching up with favourite characters again. And, of course, there are some new characters in town. The victim and his mother, two true crime podcasters who are filming after hearing about the previous four Christmas murders and are overjoyed when there is a fifth. Then the mysterious Gertie K and Jackie who are from the north and have brought their own sleigh. Cookie is convinced that Gertie’s K stands for Kringle, but wait till you find out who Jackie is - made my day.

If you haven’t read this series yet, I recommend you so yourself and favour and make a start.

With thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for my copy to review

Mistletoe, Maine is celebrating the town's 150th anniversary. Guests of honor are members of the founding family. The Snows. Holly White Gray runs the local inn and will be hosting people from the Guinness Book of World Records who are in town to see if Holly's mother is successful in baking the world's largest gingerbread man. When Mr. Snow's body is found in the batter, a family friend Mr. Moore is the main suspect. Holly sets out to prove Moore's innocence. When she looks into Snow's background, the question arises if his death has anything to do with his business. Holly's safety is a matter of concern as she continues to investigate.
Always a pleasure to catch up with Holly and the people of Mistletoe.
#IllbeHomeforMischief #CrookedLaneBooks #JaquelineFrost #NetGalle

This is such a cute and merry, Christmas story. I love all the characters. This is book 5, but can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the other books in the series and had no problem following along. I will definitely be going back and reading them. It’s a lovely cozy mystery. The descriptions of the town were so wonderful I wish I could live there. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

I wish I could visit Mistletoe, Maine! Jacqueline Frost's lastest Christmas Tree Farm Mystery (Book 5) is another great addition to the series. Cozy goodness.

I've fallen hopelessly in love with these Christmas Tree Farm Mystery books. This latest one, only added to that love. Holly is one of my favorite characters of all time. She's sweet, thoughtful, intelligent, rolls with the punches, and makes things work. She is my kind of gal, too. Jeans and T shirts, tennis shoes, and hair up in a messy bun. However, she also cleans up nice too. And did I mention how much I love her family?

If I had a family like that, I don't think I would ever want to leave Mistletoe either. They're protective yet supportive and they love Holly regardless of what she may or may not do. And Evan is just another welcome addition on top of that. He makes an excellent sheriff and an even better husband!

I wish this place was real. I really do. This sounds like the most amazing place on the planet. Christmas spirit all year round? Sign me up! And Carol bringing the town together to break a world record of the biggest gingerbread man? That part right there was so sweet (no pun intended).

Once I start reading these books, I just can't stop. I get sucked in and I am instantly swept away into a world of magic, love, togetherness, and unfortunately murder. However, I think it's worth the risk.

Fantastic world building, great wholesome characters, new places to explore and visit, what more you could you possibly want?

I have to admit, I was a little bit surprised by the killer this time around. I was really hoping it wasn't the one I thought it was. The ending was a complete surprise. They almost seemed remorseful. I am not sure if that's a redeeming quality for them or just a cry for help, but I appreciated the fact that it wasn't just another 'evil villain' that was the killer. This one was definitely more human, even though what they did was atrocious.

Still, there were plenty of surprises and happiness all around to be shared. Have I mentioned that I love this book and this series? Because I do! I highly recommend!

Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers, and to Jacqueline Frost for the ability to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are honest and are completely mine alone.