I love me a good, cozy mystery! This was a cute and clean read for the holiday season. Although this is the 5th book in a series, and I haven't read any of the previous books, I didn't feel like I missed anything. With that being said, I do think it would be better enjoyed if the series was read in order as other cases were mentioned and I had no knowledge of them. However, I wasn't missing any information to understand and enjoy this current story.
I did find it a bit dramatic that there was a murder EVERY year, and the same person is to blame every time. That's a bit excessive. After the first couple of times, you'd think it was clear it wasn't the main character you'd think she would be left alone.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.

I’ll Be Home for Mischief is the fifth installment in the entertaining cozy mystery series, A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Book, by Jacqueline Frost. As Mistletoe, Maine prepares for the town’s 150th anniversary, townsfolk decide to come up with a plan to break a world record. Not surprising, given the town’s unfortunate record for murders in a small town, a body is discovered inside one of their endeavours and now Holly is once again on the trail of a killer.

This is a fun read with interesting and (mostly) likeable characters, a compelling mystery with plenty of twists and turns and red herrings to keep the reader engaged and guessing as well as lots of holiday vibes to help ring in the season for those of us who consider Christmas cozies a very big part of the holiday. I read the book while listening to the audiobook narrated by Allyson Ryan who does an excellent job.

Thanks to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Crooked Lane Books for bot the eARC and audiobook. All opinions are my own.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dreamscape media for my copy of I'll Be Home for Mischief by Jacqueline Frost Narrated by Allyson Ryan in exchange for an honest review. It published November 12, 2024.
First off, I always enjoy Allyson Ryan’s narration!
The fifth installment in this fun series, takes place in Mistletoe, Maine. I really enjoy this setting, it’s the place of my dreams! I love this family, and the relationships between everyone.
I loved the couple bits of self-awareness, I thought it was very, “meta” and definitely got a good chuckle from me!
The mystery is solid, who did it was a surprise. My Christmas tradition of reading books from this series continues, and it’s totally a highlight for me!

"I'll Be Home for Mischief" by Jacqueline Frost is a delightful cozy mystery set in the charming town of Mistletoe during the Christmas season. The main character is relatable and engaging, making you root for her as she unravels the mystery.

Frost's writing strikes a great balance between humor and suspense, keeping you hooked until the end. The festive atmosphere and sense of community add warmth to the story, making it feel like you're part of Mistletoe.

Overall, it's a fun, quick read that's perfect for the holidays. Grab a warm drink and dive into this charming mystery!

"I'll Be Home for Mischief" by Jacqueline Frost - 4 Stars**
"I'll Be Home for Mischief" by Jacqueline Frost is an enjoyable read that offers a cozy escape into a small-town holiday setting. Frost's writing is warm and inviting, making it easy for readers to settle into the story and get to know the charming characters.
The plot revolves around a delightful mix of holiday cheer and lighthearted mischief, which provides a nice balance of fun and festive spirit. While the storyline is engaging, it follows a somewhat predictable path that at times lacks the depth and complexity that could elevate it further.
The characters are likable, though some feel a bit familiar or archetypal. They each bring their own quirks and charm, but I found myself wishing for a little more development in their backstories to really connect with their experiences. Still, their interactions often bring a smile, and the small-town dynamics are well depicted.
The pacing of the book is steady, with a nice flow that keeps the reader entertained. Frost successfully captures the essence of the holiday season, with moments of warmth and humor that make for an enjoyable reading experience.
Overall, "I'll Be Home for Mischief" is a solid holiday read that brings a sense of cheer and lightheartedness. While it may not break new ground in the genre, it certainly delivers a feel-good story that many readers will appreciate. Perfect for curling up with a cup of cocoa during the holiday season!

The fifth installment in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series brings us back to snowy Mistletoe, Maine in the snowy Christmas season. Innkeeper Holly White is hoping for a murder free and peaceful holiday season so she‘d be able to enjoy Christmas and her first wedding anniversary with sheriff Evan Gray. Of course, things don’t go her way… Her mother is trying to get the town in the Guinness Book Of World Records by baking the world’s biggest gingerbread man when a dead man turns up in her dough on Holly’s parents’ Christmas tree farm right in the middle of this year”s reindeer games. Since her Sheriff husband is on the case and her inn hosts the victim’s mother Holly can’t stay away from the case. Could an old family feud be at the bottom of everything’s going on or are current shady business dealings more likely to have stirred up trouble ?
I love this seasonal mystery series that author Julie Anne (Lindsey) Hatcher writes under the pen name Jacqueline Frost, the beautiful town of Mistletoe and the descriptions of the festive village, inn decorations and Christmas tree farm get me in a cheery mood.

If you like cute mysteries set in cozy locations than you will likely enjoy I'll be home for Mischief. This is the fifth book in a continuing series by Jacqueline Frost, but I read it as a stand alone. I am slowly coming to the conclusion that cozy mysteries are not for me. While there is some tension around solving the murder and the main character's life is actually in danger at one point, the formulaic exposition and fairly flat characterization just didn't get me invested. Everyone is just a bit too much of a caricature in their roles, and while the main character is supposed to be nosey but smart, she seems to get herself in trouble a lot and need her husband to bail her out. It all felt al little silly. Not that it was bad, but it lacked something I needed to feel like I cared. The setting is the best part of course, if you like Christmas towns with all the food and smells and festive things. I just needed a little more story.

The audiobook was also a bit dry- the narrator did a lot to distinguish characters and add emotion, but I think instead of helping it made the flat writing all the more noticeable and kept me feeling at a distance from the action. I am always glad to read with both a print and audio version, but sometimes with this one I would turn the audio off and just read with my eyes because I did not vibe with the tone of the narrator.

I'll Be Home for Mischief was a nice fun cosy mystery. I enjoyed the town setting. Through the middle there was a part where felt a bit slow for me.

I’ll Be Home for Mischief (audiobook) by Jacqueline Frost
Holly White is an amateur sleuth in the town of Mistletoe, Maine. As an innkeeper she plays a significant role in the activities surrounding the Christmas season. This year is her first wedding anniversary with her husband Evan Gray, the sheriff. Holly is preoccupied with several things. She needs the perfect anniversary gift for Evan, the town is celebrating 150 years, and her mother is attempting a world record to put the town on the map with the largest gingerbread man.
Those plans for world fame are dashed when a body is found in the batter. Holly can’t help but get involved to support a long time family friend, even when she is threatened. Things get a little too close for comfort when someone breaks in her office and she has to decide if it’s worth it to continue to ask questions.
This is #5 in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series, it works great as a stand alone cozy mystery. The characters are delightful and the story is cozy, perfect for the Christmas season! I really enjoyed the quirky characters and the wintery Christmas setting. The plot had an easy flow with a smooth writing style that just welcomed you into the story. Allyson Ryan did an excellent job with the narration and made it easy to connect with the char@caters as the reader listened.
I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to review the audiobook.
4/5⭐️

I'll Be Home for Mischief by Jacqueline Frost is the 5th book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series. Although this is a series, you can easily enjoy each cozy mystery as a standalone. The author does a great job summarizing any backstory that you may need to enjoy these stories!

Once again, we are back in Mistletoe, Maine at Christmastime. Holly once again finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery when one of her out of town guests winds up getting gingerbreaded to death. As always, she is joined in her investigation by Cookie, Ray, and Caroline, along with many other Mistletoe residents. At this point, the whole town expects Holly to investigate and discover the truth about what has now become the yearly Christmas murder in Mistletoe.

This is a great cozy read that can be enjoyed by many ages who love a great mystery. Sit back, drink some cocoa by the fireplace, and curl up with this exciting and fun mystery!

This novel has all of the obligatory elements of a cozy mystery. The amount of Christmas going on in this town is over the top. Having someone die by falling into batter for the world's largest gingerbread man is about as cozy Christmas mystery as you can get. I found many of the characters and elements a bit too cloying for my taste, but I think those less curmudgeonly than myself may find this delightful. It's a fine balance.

This may be one of my favorite murder mysteries that I have ever read. The cover is what originally got my attention. This is the first book that I have read by Jacqueline Frost and I absolutely loved her writing style. I really enjoyed the characters names fitting the theme of the book as well as the descriptions of the town. I could imagine so many things vividly and I was immersed in the story from start to finish.

What a horrible way for Mr. Snow to die, but also one of the most creative deaths I've ever read. The murderer wasn't easy to predict and boy was the murderer a true murderer. The murderer was ready to take out anyone that got in their way. This led to Holly getting herself into some really deep trouble and almost became a victim herself.

Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Jacqueline Frost for an ARC of this audiobook. This review is my own honest opinion.

**I'll Be Home for Mischief**
by Jacqueline Frost
Narrated by Allyson Ryan

**Audiobook Review**

As the festive season blankets Mistletoe, Maine, in a layer of sparkling snow, the Historical Society has launched an ambitious campaign to commemorate the town’s 150th anniversary. Innkeeper Holly White is in full swing, transforming her cozy inn into a winter wonderland, filled with shimmering lights and cheerful decorations. The long-anticipated return of the descendants of the founding family, the Snows, adds an air of enchantment to the season, and Holly is determined to create an unforgettable experience for them.

Meanwhile, Holly’s mother, a beloved local baker known for her delicious treats, is aiming to put Mistletoe on the map with her audacious plan to bake the world’s largest gingerbread man. However, her sweet intentions take a dark turn when the shocking discovery of Mr Snow’s body in the gingerbread batter sends ripples of panic through the town.

This cozy mystery unfolds against a backdrop of warm holiday cheer, as Holly, now married for nearly a year to the town's steadfast Sheriff, Evan, navigates the challenges that come with the season. Her parents run a charming Christmas tree farm where festivities abound, including lively reindeer games that draw townsfolk together in celebration. Yet, when tragedy strikes and Elijah is found lifeless in the batch of gingerbread, Evan urgently warns Holly not to delve into the investigation, mindful of her past brushes with danger during similar holiday murders.

But Holly’s curiosity is insatiable, and she cannot turn away from the mystery that threatens to overshadow the holiday spirit. She embarks on her own quest to uncover the truth, determined to find the elusive killer before the joyful celebrations are dimmed.

The story unfolds at a captivating pace, filled with unexpected twists and delightful surprises that keep listeners on the edge of their seats. The narrator brings each character to life with vibrant portrayals, adding depth to the already enchanting tale, and making it a perfect listen for the season.

I love this series and this story! The idea of a Christmas tree farm in a Christmas town is wonderful, it's too bad that someone has to be murdered every Christmas, haha.

The narrator is an acquired taste, I have read most of these books as audiobooks and Allyson Ryan has become these characters to me. I think that if you listen to many audiobooks that you get used to a certain narrator and you have to give new narrators a decent listen before you judge them. I like Allyson and I hope she continues to narrate this series.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to and review this story.

We've come back to Mistletoe for Christmas once again and there are tons of activities besides the annual Reindeer games! The world book record keepers are in town to watch Holly's mom try to break a world record, the remaining family members of one of Mistletoe's founding families is in town and crime pod casters have descended to attempt to get a big story for their podcast. Unfortunately, it appears the podcasters are going to get their wish as a body appears and once again thrusts Holly into the center of things! The setting of this series makes it fun and lighthearted while the murder is complex, detailed and compelling making you stay up way past your bedtime to keep turning pages! There is so much going on that you won't want to put the book down as you can't help wanting to read what comes next! The story is really well crafted, but honestly it is the development of the characters, their relationships and antics that will have you putting this cozy mystery series on the top of your must-read list! I can't wait to read the next book in the series, alas, I'll have to wait for the author to create the next book! Hopefully soon!!!

FYI: If you are an audiobook lover like I am, I highly recommend that you put this one on your must-listen list. The narrator does an outstanding job of bringing the characters personalities and emotions to life while enhancing the already awesome plot!

I just LOVE this series I wish there were more. Cookie is my absolute favor character. Has some romance, TONS of holiday cheer and of course a little murder, that in order to solve Holly has to get herself into a some trouble.

TW: Ruined baked goods. Also captivity and fire.

This is a really wholesome read, I enjoyed it as a palate cleanser after some really heavy books. This book has such a great community written in it, and I love the whole family. Every character is so well crafted and lovely. I really like the goats. :)

The mystery was great, it keeps you guessing and really takes the time to show angles.

This is great if you like Agatha Christie mixed with Donna Andrews.

Thank you for the ARC!

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.

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. 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 her frosty cool friend Jackie are fun additions this year.

Allyson Ryan is back to narrate, and as always she brings Mistletoe to life.

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

Thanks Dreamscape media and NetGalley for access to an early digital copy upon my request.

Ok so... as if it's my first time reading, I didn't start with the first book in the series. And while that is something that I will be fixing, I do NOT regret listening to this adorable lovable whodoneit holiday tale. Grab yourself a blanket, a cuppa cozy, and hunker in for the perfect winter read!

In I’ll be Home for Mischief Audio by Jacquleine Frost everyone in the small town of Mistletoe, Maine, thought this would be the year they broke their streak of Christmas time murders. Sadly, it was not to be. Holly’s mom had been working for months to create a giant gingerbread man to break the record in the Guiness Book of World Records. The dough mas made, it had been poured into the giant mold, and was safely stored for the night. The next morning as they were checking it over they discovered the body of a man. A dead man. He had a wound on his head but the coroner determined he had frozen to death. Holly’s husband, Evan, as sheriff, was called to the scene and promptly begged his wife not to get involved. She had gotten involved before and nearly been killed. Then, looking at her mother’s face, she saw the same request there. She didn’t mean to get involved. She was just talking after all. To possible suspects.

This was a very entertaining book, sans murder. The town is filled with interesting people and some that were just there to visit. Holly is an excellent character, just curious, and loyal. She loved her husband and she meant to stay out of harm’s way, but it was so hard to let the police handle it. Not that she didn’t trust him. Typical story for female amateurs: they have someone who worries about them. Often it is a spouse or boyfriend. Often law enforcement. This was an interesting mystery. Some things I saw coming, some not. I didn’t know who the killer was until it was almost too late. Holly really got herself in a fix this time. It was such a fun listen. Joy radiated in this reader’s voice.

Allyson Ryan is the narrator and she is perfect for this fun book about year-around Christmas town. She is unendingly cheerful and full of spirit, just as Holly is. Perfect choice.

I was invited to listen to I’ll Be Home For Mischief by Dreamscape Media. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #DreamscapeMedia #JacquelineFrost #IllBeHomeForMischief