Because I haven't read the other books in the series I feel like a lot of details were missing for me, I really liked the premise but the book was slow and a bit boring.
I think when it comes to mystery I'm not a huge fan of sleuthing.
the narration was fine nothing special to say about that part.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be a cozy novel to get me in the mood for the holidays. It was a mystery with a side of the holiday season. I thought the author did an amazing job with both the character and the story line. I can't wait to read more from this author. I definitely recommend this novel to the cozy mystery readers.

Thank you Net Galley, Dreamscape Media, and Jacqueline Frost

Such a delightfully fun cozy holiday mystery!

This fifth book in Jacqueline Frost's, "Christmas Tree Farm mystery" series finds the village of Mistletoe, Maine celebrating its 150th anniversary with a return visit by members of the founding Snow family. The villagers have pulled out all the stops, not the least of which is White's Christmas Tree Farm with its annual reindeer games offering. Just as an attempt to break a world record convenes, a body is discovered, placing a pall over the games. When Holly Gray (nee White), proprietress of the tree farm's inn, hears that an unlikely villager is suspected of the crime, she is eager is get to the bottom of things and clear their name. Her propensity for amateur sleuthing is well known, all to the chagrin of her sweet husband, Sherriff Evan Gray. Can Holly solve this one in time to save a dear soul and the reindeer games without getting herself caught in someone else's crosshairs? That is an excellent question.

Ms. Frost has written a charming and captivating mystery. Even though this was the fifth book in series, there was sufficient background material to help a person new to the series get a firm footing. The writing itself is good and solid. The characters are charming, quirky and well developed. The author's background in cinematography is apparent through the richly described scene settings. The witty banter and engaging dialogue certainly add to the story's charm.

Allyson Ryan, as narrator in this audiobook does an excellent job of delivering this story. The pace is well managed and she modified her voice well to suit the various characters. As a Bostonian myself, I was rather amused by the sheriff's "Boston" accent. It was curious, however, that the downeast Maine accent never made it to the recording. In fact, most of the villagers sounded as though they were from the Midwest.

I am grateful to Dreamscape Media for having provided a complimentary copy of this audiobook through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.


Listening Length: 9 hours and 4 minutes
Narrator: Allyson Ryan
Audible.com Release Date: November 12, 2024
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
ASIN: B0DG3669ZK

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me this book!
I have read from this author before, and I always enjoy her cozy murder mysteries. This was absolutely perfect for the holiday season. If you are looking for a good and fast murder mystery read, you will love this novel! Highly recommend!

I love this series, it could not get any cuter! But also murder is thrown in which makes it my favorite! Jacqueline Frost never disappoints and this time is no exception. I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment!

#IllBeHomeforMischief
#NetGalley

"I'll Be Home for Mischief" is Book 5 of Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series. I was introduced to this series with Book 4, so didn't read the first three books. But, as with the last one, these work well as standalone books too.

In this installment, there's another murder at Christmastime in the little town of Mistletoe, Maine. And Holly Gray is smack-dap in the middle of things, even though her husband, Sheriff Evan Gray, has repeatedly asked her to stay out of it. Somehow, all the scuttlebutt simply lands in her lap, making her a prime target as the murderer's next victim!

And all of this is taking place amidst the chaos of trying to find the perfect gift for Evan for their first anniversary and supporting her mother in her pursuit of breaking a world record for the largest gingerbread person.

If you enjoy some warm-hearted reindeer games thrown in with a small-town mystery and an amateur sleuth, you'll enjoy this story too.

Thank you to Jacqueline Frost, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

This was exactly what I needed! Each year I look forward to the release of the next in the Christmas Tree Farm mystery series and couldn't wait to listen to this one. Spoiler alert, it was a five star read.

I enjoyed this one even more than the last one in the series. Being in Misteltoe for their 150th anniversary was such a vibe (is that what the kids say these days?! haha) But really, if you're looking for a Christmas story that actually makes you feel like you're in the winter and holiday this is a great one. Though you might want to skip the gingerbread cookies while you read this one and opt for chocolate chip or something, haha.

The family feud aspect of this made it even more interesting (who doesn't love a good bit of drama in their whodunnit) and the mystery itself was done really well and kept me guessing till the end.

Seeing our familiar characters again felt like coming home. Their quirky, loyal and loveable. As always, Cookie has me cracking up and hearing about her "kids" never fails to make me laugh- the nosy neighbor always keeps me interested as she knows all the things and yet can't take a hint-the relationship with her parents is loyal and relatable - and her and Evans relationship is sweet yet realistic (and if you want a good whodunnit that doesn't pile on the romance, this is great).

I listened to this on audio thanks to netgalley & the publisher and the narrator brings the characters to life wonderfully. Every year I consume these I always start off with the audio because I love them that way and yet inevitably end up with the physical copy because they're so enjoyable. You already know this is a recommend from me - at any time of year- but if you want the wintery feels with some mystery- pick this up asap.

I'll Be Home for Mischief is the 5th book in The Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries. Each book can be read as a standalone, but you would miss some character development and personal story arcs. It’s Christmas time in Mistletoe, Maine, and also the town's 150th anniversary. As part of the celebrations, descendants of the founding family, the Snows, have returned for the first time in years. In an attempt to put Mistletoe on the map, Holly’s mother, and local baker, attempts to break a record by baking the world’s largest gingerbread man. The morning of the unveiling doesn't start well when Mr. Snow’s body ends up in the batter. When Mr. Moore, the local mistletoe farmer, is accused of the crime, Holly is determined to protect the sweet older man and begins her own investigation. 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 is one busy lady. Will she figure out who the killer is before she ends up in batter of her own?

I enjoy being back in Mistletoe and seeing all the characters that I have gotten to know over the last four books. Holly puts herself right in the middle of this one, even though both her parents and her husband, Sheriff Evan Gray, beg her to leave it alone. There aren't a lot of suspects, but I was sure I had it figured out, but as usual, I was wrong. This story had Holly in the most danger I have seen her in before. This is a suspenseful story with some twists, lots of danger, festive fun with games at the tree farm, a little romance and Christmas magic and a great mystery. Another great addition to this series. I listened to this book, narrated by Allyson Ryan. She does a nice job with the voices, tone, pacing and expression. I enjoyed listening to this one.

This was the ultimate Christmas book set in Mistletoe, Maine, and it time for the Reindeer Games. Holly's mom is trying for a World's Record for the largest gingerbread cookie and when a man is found dead in the batter that really stops the festivities before they really get rollings. Holly's husband is the sheriff and pleads with her to let him do his job but she is an amatuer sleuth and she cannot help herself. She does what she does best, talks to people and somewhere along the way she gets under the nerve of the real killer. Twists and turns and hang on to find out where we land.

I look forward every year to this series. I love a good Christmas cozy mystery. And I loved the Victorian Christmas theme with this one! As always, the Christmas imagery was on point and very festive. The mystery was intriguing and had a climatic ending.

While I enjoyed the mystery in this one, Holly was borderline ridiculous in this. She is asked outright numerous times by numerous people to not risk her life by investigating yet another murder. But of course, she ignores them time and time again, only to be surprised when she's threatened by the killer and eventually is attacked by them. Also, did it bother anyone else that her and Ethan weren't living together during the busy season because she didn't think she could leave the inn? They'd had a year to figure that out and still hadn't by the end of the book. And they weren't even the ones to find a solution, her parents were. This just seemed silly to me.

Overall, I still enjoyed this one and am looking forward to any future books.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an audio arc of book!

Jacqueline Frost's 'I'll Be Home for Mischief' is the fifth installment in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series, and while it can be enjoyed as a standalone, readers and listeners familiar with the previous books will surely appreciate the recurring characters and their ongoing character development. The story follows innkeeper Holly White as she investigates the murder of a visiting resident found dead in her mother's record-breaking gingerbread man. With her sheriff on the case and her own involvement growing increasingly dangerous, Holly must navigate a web of family feuds and local secrets to uncover the truth.

Frost's cozy writing style effectively captures the festive atmosphere of Mistletoe, Maine, with vivid descriptions of the snowy landscape and holiday preparations. However, the plot, while engaging, feels somewhat predictable at times, lacking the unexpected twists and turns that could elevate it further. The characters are charming, but some feel a bit archetypal, and while the holiday theme is well-integrated, it occasionally overshadows the mystery itself.

Despite these minor drawbacks, 'I'll Be Home for Mischief' offers a pleasant escape with its heartwarming portrayal of small-town life and the spirit of the Christmas season. Allyson Ryan, delivers a strong narrative performance, bringing the characters and their distinct personalities to life. This audiobook is a solid choice for fans of cozy mysteries and those seeking a lighthearted holiday listen.

Dreamscape Media, NetGalley, and the editorial team - thanks for giving me the opportunity to review an audiobook ARC of this publication!

For more reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads!

#IllBeHomeforMischief #NetGalley #LifeLongLearning

"I'll Be Home for Mischief" by Jacqueline Frost is a cozy murder mystery thriller. I found it to be over the top cheesy and then way too scary. Trigger warning for being trapped in a fire.

Set in Mistletoe Maine, this is the 5th book in the Christmas Tree Farm series by Jacqueline Frost. This meant lots of established characters. I hadn't read any of these books before, and I was confused by so many.

Holly White is the innkeeper, and she is married to the town's sheriff, Evan Gray. Their relationship seemed unbelievable. They don't even live together!

The narrator of the 9 hour audiobook, Allyson Ryan, did a pretty good job. The pacing of this book is incredibly slow.

Characters - 4/5
Writing - 3/5
Plot - 4/5
Pacing - 2/5
Unputdownability - 2/5
Enjoyment - 3/5
Narration - 4/5
Cover - 4/5
Overall - 26/8 = 3 2/8 rounded to 3 stars

Unless you love very cheesy, cozy mysteries and/or are in love with these characters from previous books in the series, give this one a pass.

Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Jacqueline Frost for providing me this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I’m always impressed when I find a good quality cozy mystery, and this one delivers.

This is fun and really loaded with holiday atmosphere. Tons of Christmas spirit and sense of place, some humor, and a mystery that isn’t half bad.

I liked the characters and the setting a lot, and the structure is unusually good for the subgenre.

Looking forward to reading more of this series!

I’ll Be Home For Mischief is the fifth book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series by Jacqueline Frost. The story features a lot of Christmas vibes, perfect for readers trying to get into the holiday spirit. Holly White is a likable main character, and the entire community of Mistletoe, Maine is charming and enjoyable to read about. The main mystery plot was interesting, but it really is all of the characters and environment that make this such a comforting cozy mystery series. I’m looking forward to hopefully another installment in this series!

Overall, 4.5 stars!

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of I’ll Be Home For Mischief by Jacqueline Frost. My comments are an independent, honest review.

Wow! This was a fun Christmas murder mystery! I’m excited to have found some more good Christmas books. Every Christmas I read exclusively holiday themed books for the months of December. This book is the 5th in the series but each book can be read alone. I’m excited next year I have 4 previous books to read! The story was great and the narrator was enjoyable. I’d definitely recommend these to anyone who enjoys holiday themed murder mysteries! Thanks to the author; publisher and NetGalley for an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Another great story from the Christmas tree farm! I have not read this series as an audiobook before, the narrator was also great at changing voice and showing enthusiasm.

This remains my favorite Christmas series! I love that Christmas never really takes a back seat and is very prevalent throughout the book. I did find myself much more interested in the goings on of the returning characters than the actual mystery though. I was really missing some of the characters and interactions between them in this particular book. Something about this particular volume felt more like a set up for the next one than a particularly strong addition to the series. So while this wasn't my favorite of the Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries it was still very enjoyable and I look forward to what's to come!

As always I loved the audio narration- even if the Evan voice/accent is a bit grating.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review

Now this is a Christmas book. It gave Christmas vibes from the beginning to the end and still had a good cozy mystery plot. The little christmassy explanation/twist at the end made this go from a 4 starts to a 5. The writing and description were adorable and so were the relationships between the characters. I love that the author put a piece of herself in it as well. I definitely want to read the other books in this series.

I'll be publishing my review on Goodreads and StoryGraph 25th December and on Tik tok most likely will add to a monthly wrap up post with review the beginning of January

Thank you @Dreamscape Media and @ NetGalley for the ARC. Dreamscape Media comes out with the best audio productions. Jacqueline knows how to write a great mystery and this was perfect for the Christmas Holiday. A fun read.

Oh I love being back in Mistletoe!

I adore this series and have come to make them a holiday tradition to read the new installment. I love Holly and her need to meddle into anything that goes on in town. Yes, its very farfetched that murders keep happening in this small holiday town, but as long as Frost keeps writing them, I will read them.

I loved that they incorporated the need to break a world record in this novel. It was sweet and seemed spot on for the cast of characters to find this more important than the fact they found a dead man in cookie batter.

Such a fun cozy mystery. I love this series!