I'll Be Home for Mischief (Christmas Tree Farm Mystery 5), by Jacqueline Frost

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Last December, I binged the first four books in Jacqueline Frost's Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series. I loved the series so much that I was glad I didn't have to wait to listen to each one. Since they were already released and available through my local library, I listened to one right after the other. After book 4, I was disappointed I would have to wait until this year to read or listen to the next one. I was delighted to see I'll Be Home for Mischief (Christmas Tree Farm Mystery 5) was recently a "read now" option on NetGalley. I grabbed it, knowing I would read it during Christmas in July.

It is once again Christmastime in Misteltoe, Maine, and this year, the town is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Descendants of the founding family have returned for what promises to be a festive occasion. Unfortunately, just as innkeeper's Holly White's mother is about to set a world record, a dead body is discovered in what is one of the most unique ways I've read in a cozy mystery. The local farmer, Mr. Moore, is accused of the crime, but Holly knows better. She sets out on another dangerous quest to clear the sweet man's name. She does so while also keeping her guests at the Inn comfortable and happy, and searching for the perfect anniversary gift for the love of her life. She may need a Christmas miracle to make it all happen...and to survive.

I've been waiting seven months to read this installment and it did not disappoint! I really enjoyed spending time with some of the same characters from previous books, humans and otherwise, as well as meeting new ones. There are a wide variety of characters with interesting personalities. For example, you will get a kick out of reading about Theodore and his wife. They are a couple of goats! 

The people in Mistletoe, Maine are so warm and welcoming. It's a town where I would want to spend Christmas (minus the annual Christmastime murders, of course). I especially adore Holly White, our amateur sleuth. She loves her family and friends so much and she wants to see everyone smile.

Although Holly is investigating a murder, Jacqueline Frost does such a great job painting a festive picture of the town. It was the perfect cozy read, complete with snow, cookies, hot chocolate, and more. I also loved reading about the Reindeer Games. These games were not just briefly mentioned. As a reader, I felt like I was there participating in them as they were happening. If you're planning a Christmas party, you might want to read this book to get some ideas for games!

As for the mystery, there were several viable suspects, but not too many to overwhelm the reader. Although the culprit was one of those viable suspects, the big reveal still surprised me. Those reveal scenes read like a cozy thriller novel without being too graphic. I was on the edge of my seat hoping for the best outcome possible. I was happy to see there was still some time left to read in the book because I needed something calming after that, and that's what the reader gets. I was comforted and satisfied in the end.

I am really hoping this series continues for a long, long time. I think the characters still have potential to grow, especially in their relationships. There is just the right amount of romance in this installment. It does not distract from the mystery. In fact, some of those relationships are the needed calm in the midst of the storm.

If you enjoy Christmastime cozy mysteries, you can't go wrong with this series. Each book is a self-contained mystery that is wrapped up in the end, but in order to see the characters grow, I recommend starting with the first installment, Twelve Slays of Christmas. I'll Be Home for Mischief releases on November 12, 2024, so you have some time to catch up in the meantime. They are best enjoyed in order even though you can easily pick up this one and not feel lost. Either way, I'm certain you'll be glad you dove into this series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.