Returning to the Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm has come to feel like a holiday tradition, and these lovely cozy mysteries never fail to disappoint. This series has become a favorite of mine within the cozy mystery genre, and I was hopeful I'd end up feeling just as positive about I'll Be Home For Mischief.

Readers will notice a few changes with this one, as Holly and Evan are now newlyweds making a go of her continuing to be the farm's inn keeper, and him the beloved town sheriff. This Christmas season is bringing about many wonderful things including their upcoming one year wedding anniversary, and Holly's mom attempting to break a world record for the biggest gingerbread man. However, it wouldn't be Christmas on the tree farm without a dastardly murder plot taking place, and readers are once again treated to a "keep you on the edge of your seat mystery." As Holly and Evan race against the clock to solve another murder mystery involving her family's beloved Christmas tree farm, readers get to go along for the ride.

If you're looking for a wonderful and atmospheric Christmas cozy this season, then this is definitely the book you've been waiting for. In typical Jacqueline Frost fashion, the mystery keeps the reader engaged, and the small town feels will keep you coming back for more. This read may see some changes from the rest of the series, but our favorite eclectic cast of characters are just as fun as ever, and they'll all band together to help bring this case to a close before their favorite season of all.

Another wonderful addition to the series, I highly enjoyed this one, and I'm hopeful the author will keep writing these titles for years to come.

Final Rating: 4/5.

Thanks so much to Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to advance read and review this title!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Crooked Lane Books) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jacqueline Frost for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for I’ll Be Home for Mischief coming out November 12, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’ve read the first book in this series, but not the other ones. So I definitely need to go back and read the others. But I really loved cozy Christmastime mysteries. Holly is a fun character. The setting in Maine is very quaint and lovely. I love Holly and Evan’s supporting relationship. It was a really fun mystery. I’d definitely read more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christmastime cozies!

I'll Be Home for Mischief the 5th instalment in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series by Jacqueline Frost. Innkeeper Holly White is decking the halls this Christmas season, but someone is on the naughty list when a body is discovered

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…
Omg I loved it! I love this series and hope that Julie can write more in the series in 2025.

What a great story to get us in the Christmas spirit. I love reading books about Christmas all year long. I loved the characters and want to be friends with Holly, Evan, Libby, Ray, Cookie, Carolyn, Samantha etc. as with most of Julie’s books you fall in love with the characters. Holly has so much going on between running her family's Inn, being a newlywed, hosting Reindeer games, and now the murder of Mr. Snow!

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had just enough twists and turns to keep you engrossed in the story till the end.

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read "I'll Be Home For Mischief" in exchange for my honest review.

This is the fifth book in A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series. Set in Mistletoe Maine, continuing the adventures of Holly (White) Gray as she finds herself involved in another Christmastime murder. Holly the innkeeper at the Reindeer Games Tree Farm has been involved in a murder for the past 4 Christmases and this one is no exception. Her husband of one year Sheriff Evan Gray spends most of his time worrying about what she is up to. Holly has an adorable calico cat named Cindy Lou Who - a quite determined feline.

Violet Snow and her son Elijah are guests at the inn. They are part of the founding families of the town. Great mystery surrounds why young Violet and her family up and moved from Mistletoe in a great rush. Violet claims to have no memories of the town yet she lived there until she was a senior in high school.

There are a couple of incredibly annoying true crime podcasters who may have a few redeeming qualities but it takes a long while for them to appear.

Cookie is one of Holly's oldest and dearest friends, she shares her life with Theodore and his wife Clementine - pygmy goats. There is the mysterious Christopher who everyone believes is really Santa Claus - except for Holly. Christopher's wife Gertie and her friend Jackie Frost are also quests at the inn - again everyone thinks that she is really Mrs. Claus.

There is talk of a feud between the Snows and the Moores. When one of the Snows ends up dead in the gingerbread batter, poor Mr. Moore is the obvious suspect.

Holly once again puts herself in danger to solve a case. She's threatened several times, kidnapped and almost loses her life (again). Evan wants her to stop investigating and placing herself in the path of danger but that's just not who she is.

Woven into the story are 1000 missing gingerbread men and where exactly did all the toy donations disappear to and how were they all taken from the inn.

During the time that Jackie Frost is in town, there are severe low temperatures but as soon as she and Gertie leave... There is a heartwarming Christmas Eve which brings to mind that the holidays are for gathering with family and friends.

Another truly wonderful story by Ms. Frost.

I loved this book. It was silly, but warm, cozy, and filled with fun and joy. I loved being whisked away into a fun magical world and the mysterious and fun sleuth.

B&B Cozy Mystery that follows a Maine innkeeper who turns sleuth after a body's dumped into the batter of her mother's attempt at baking the world’s largest gingerbread man.

5/5 stars: This is the fifth entry in Frost's Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series which is a B&B Cozy Mystery set during the holiday season in a Maine seasonal tourist town and features an innkeeper who runs the B&B on her family's Christmas tree farm. When the local mistletoe farmer's accused of killing a founding family descendant, she reprises her role as amateur sleuth to uncover the Grinch who dumped the dead man into the batter of her mother's attempt at baking the world’s largest gingerbread man. In between hosting the decease's mother and other guests at her inn, preparing for her first wedding anniversary and receiving threatening messages from the killer she might need a Christmas miracle. With plenty of twists and turns, Frost has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Frost's writing and character work are brilliant; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's a joy to catch up with Holly, her friends and parents at Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm and the town folks of Mistletoe. I love seeing how happy she is with her Sheriff husband, Evan. Oh and of course we can't forget Holly's perfectly named feisty rescue cat, Cindy Lou Who. I adore the small town holiday-filled atmosphere of the inn and Christmas tree farm and always get a kick out of the Reindeer Games hi-jinks. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Twelve Slays of Christmas. A great read, highly recommend!

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

I loved returning to Mistletoe, Maine in Jacqueline Frost’s latest book, I’ll Be Home for Mischief! The familiar characters in this cozy setting was just what I needed to get me into the holiday spirit…though I do read Christmas books whenever I feel like it! Whatever the season, I’ll Be Home for Mischief is one to add to your to be read piles!

Frost does such a great job making the reader feel as if they’re right there in the book with the characters. I love Holly along with her friends and family. In this book, we get a little less of Cookie, a fun elderly woman, but her scenes will still make you smile and laugh at her antics. I enjoyed getting to know the “guest” characters and thought they added a lot to the story and not just to the mystery. I’d love it if some of them pop up in future Christmas Tree Farm mysteries!

I adore the setting of this series! Mistletoe is such a happening place during the holiday season, and I enjoy reading about the events at Holly’s family farm. They have lots of games that entertain guests from all over and of all ages. Holly’s mom is the best! Since I’m close to her age, I’d love to have her as a friend…and not just for her mad baking skills! She’s so kind and caring, and people always feel welcome when they walk into her on-site restaurant.

I really enjoyed solving this mystery with Holly and clearing the names of the innocent! There are plenty of clues that will lead you down the right path, but there are also plenty of red herrings.

I highly recommend I’ll Be Home for Mischief as well as the rest of the Christmas Tree Farm mystery series. It’s got well-written characters, a cozy setting, and a mystery you’ll enjoy solving! I give it 5 stars!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Another phenomenal read from Jacqueline Frost, or should I say Jack Frost haha. This is the fifth installment of the Christmas Tree Farm series and once again we get to solve a murder in Mistletoe. One of the things I love most about this series are the cjatavyer) characters. The author does such a great job of creating characters I would want to hang out with. So, with each book, it's like getting to sit down for coffee with old friends. I love being able to catch up on what's been going on in their lives since the last installment. I am always sad when the story ends, but excited to catch up with them in the future. The author creates an entire vibe with this series and this book. You truly feel like you've transported to this winter wonderland of a town. I encourage you to read the entire series, but it's not necessary to enjoy this book.

Christmas magic doesn't seem to work quite the same way for Holly Gray. Each year, a sinister spirit seems to seek out her and her family at the Reindeer Games Tree Farm in Mistletoe, Maine. As the season starts, Holly is busy with guests at the Inn on the property and creating her signature melted glass jewelry. She helps out with the dozens of holiday activities around the tree farm and collects donations of toys to wrap and distribute to local children. But, this year, she is especially busy collecting massive amounts of sugar, flour, and molasses for her mom, who is attempting to make the Guinness Book of World Records with the world's largest gingerbread man.

One ingredient decidedly NOT called for in the recipe is a dead body.

As much as her family asks (begs) Holly to leave the investigation to her husband, Sherrif Evan Gray, her curiosity calls her to get involved. And, as careful as she tries to be, Holly still finds herself in the path of a killer.

I'll Be Home for Mischief is the fifth Christmas Tree Farm Mystery story. Each book features plenty of holiday spirit, family-friendly games, a sprinkle of romance, and cleverly written murder mysteries. It's a great seasonal read just in time for the holidays. Grab a cup of cocoa and a couple of cookies, curl up, and enjoy!

Poor Holly. It’s Christmastime again at Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm and, for the fifth December in a row, someone is killed.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The setting is wonderful. Mistletoe, Maine sounds like such a cute place. I love how close Holly and her family and friends are. They have fun together and work together and they’re people I’d like to hang out with . Holly and her husband, Sheriff Evan Gray, have a good relationship.

The plot was put together well and it moved along at a good pace. We have several potential suspects and the whodunnit wasn’t overly obvious.

The book and the series are so Christmassy. From the town to the food to the way the man was killed, it just screams Christmas, which I enjoy. It would be a perfect December read. And it has several touches of Christmas magic that set it apart.

This is one of my favorite series! I love the characters and the setting on the Christmas Tree Farm is so magical. I would like a book that takes place during a non-Christmas time to see what the town does then. I could definitely relate to Holly with trying to find the perfect presents. I can't wait to see what is going to happen with Libby. Looking forward to the next book already!

Loved this newest installment of the Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries! This book revolves around a plan to make the world's largest gingerbread man when one of the guests at the Inn is found murdered covered in the batter. This book is perfect for the holidays with all the Christmas vibes, the cutest town, quirky characters and a little mystery.

Welcome to Mistletoe, Maine, where there are a lot of Christmas activities going on. As I enjoyed all the activities, there is also a mystery to solve, and two guests at the inn, are questionable to who they actually are. Settle into an exciting, thrilling ride, of everything that is happening here, as it comes barreling into Christmas, and all is revealed.
I received an ARC from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley.

This is a beautiful book and it is so amazing, the story is so lovely and very enjoyable to read. i loved everything about this book and i would recommend to anyone who loves reading to give this book a go. it is a lovely book and i will read other books from this author.

This series is just so cute! I love a good cozy mystery! This book follows Holly White, now Gray, around her cute little town Mistletoe, Maine. Once again there is a murder right before Christmas! I just love everyone knows Holly wont listen to her husband, Sherriff Gray and keep her nose out of it. She is just too curious for her own good. I love how he tries repeatedly to get her to stay out of it to protect her but knows it will never work. He just accepts her. I don't know how they eat all the sweets and never gain a pound. Everyone is always so trim and fit. I did notice few things in the book that didn't quite make sense but they would be spoilers so, I'll leave it at that. Thanks NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars

[ thank you @crookedlanebooks & @netgalley for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own! ]

PUB DATE: November 12, 2024

This is probably one of my all time fav cozy series!! I mean, the vibes are so good. All the Christmas references galore, a small Christmas town, great characters.. oh, and murder. 😳

I love being in Mistletoe, Maine. I love Holly and Evan, I love their friends and family. I seriously loved this book.

I was all for the who-dun-it. I solved half the mystery, does that count and earn me my sleuthing badge?!

Overall, another great addition to the series! Highly recommend. Here’s to hoping there’s a book 6!! 🤞🏻🤞🏻

My first Christmas-y book of the year!

Jacqueline Frost’s Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series is always a lot of fun. The little scenic town of Mistletoe and the White’s tree farm with its annual Reindeer Games are always a joy to revisit and, between descriptions of all the décor and delicious food, always feel genuinely warming.

You’d need to watch out though because, as protagonist Holly points out early on:

There’d been a murder this time of year, seemingly like clockwork, for the past four Christmases…

You’d think that’d put a dampener on the festivities somewhat, but that’s not the case (and I really love that wry sense of humour, when longer running cozies are able to acknowledge and poke fun at how persona non grata you’d expect these amateur sleuths to become!)

In I'LL BE HOME FOR MISCHIEF, we have a couple of World Record attempts, a death in a giant gingerbread man, and some nosy podcasters poking around while Holly valiantly tries to resist jumping into the investigation.

These books are such fun, especially at this time of year, and I really recommend them is you like cozies or just want something light and seasonal. There are a few romantic plotlines that would benefit from reading the series in order, but you wouldn’t lose much be diving in wherever takes your fancy.

A great addition to the series, with a ton of holiday touches and a mystery that will have you guessing right up until the end. Perfect book to read in front of the fire on a cold winter’s night.

This is probably my least favorite book out of the series. The story of Holly's meddling in yet another murder case is well written and I love the characters and setting. Most of the characters.

An attempt to break a World Record for the biggest gingerbread man cookie reveals yet another murder on the Christmas tree farm. And the town and farm now have a bit of a reputation for dead bodies at Christmas time. Which, is pointed out constantly in this story. Holly finds herself possessed with finding out the who, what, where, and why of the murder. If you think it sounds like I"m 50/50 on liking this book, you would be correct. I do like the story. I especially loved the easter eggs pointing towards other books written by the author and the Doctor who reference. And I do like the story. But it is a bit chaotic and honestly felt like it was an end to the series. I don't think it is, it's just my opinion.

I do not like Holly in this story. We all know she's going to look into the murder. But it's pointed out constantly by everyone. Holly embraces it, but to a point where she comes off rude and unsympathetic. She points the finger at the true crime podcasters for their nosing around the crime, but is upset when they point out she is doing the same thing. She's not afraid to offend anyone with her questions, but is offended when her friends offer to help her investigate. The story was predictable. The murderer wasn't obvious at first but did come to light for me before Holly figures it out.

Still happy to have read the story and that the The Christmas Tree Farm series is continuing.

Thank you to NetGalley and #CrookedLane Books for the eArc.

I would like to thank Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books and Jacqueline Frost for the E ARC of this book.
We are back in Mistletoe, Maine and this year the Historical Society are celebrating the towns 150th Anniversary, they have invited one of the towns founding family the Snows to come back for the event. To help the celebrations and help get Mistletoe back on the map Holly’s Mum decides to try and bake the world’s biggest gingerbread man.
However, being Mistletoe things do not go to plan and when Mr Snow’s body is found in the gingerbread batter the hunt for the killer starts. Mr Moore the local Mistletoe farmer is accused of being the killer Holly gets back to her sleuthing ways. Her time is full what with running the Inn, which is full, planning her 1st year Wedding Anniversary, helping with the Reindeer Games and helping with the local toy drive.
When she starts getting threatening messages and the killer breaks into her home, Holly knows she has to work quickly before she is the next victim.
I love Holly as a character, she is so caring and wants to make everyone’s life easier and happier. Her friends are great, they look out for her and help her sleuthing. We can’t not mention Theodore, he is such a sweet gentleman and now that he has a wife will there be kids on the way?