Source: Publisher
Description: It’s Christmastime in Mistletoe, Maine, and the Historical Society has launched a widespread campaign to celebrate the town’s 150th anniversary. Descendants of the founding family, the Snows, have returned for the first time, and Holly is determined to make the family’s visit magical. 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.
When Mr. Moore, the local mistletoe farmer, is accused of the crime, Holly reprises her role as amateur sleuth to protect the sweet older man. 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 might need a Christmas miracle to survive.
When someone breaks into Holly’s office and scratches a warning into her desk, she knows she has little time left. Can Holly uncover the killer before someone else gets burned, or is her involvement a recipe for trouble?
Genre: Mystery - Cozy
Why I Picked This Book: I've really enjoyed every other book I've read in this series so of course I had to pick this one up.
My Impression: I always look forward to my annual visit to the Christmas Tree Farm and the Reindeer Games. Once again, the town of Mistletoe is gearing up for Christmas with the usual influx of tourists, events and this time a Victorian theme. Over on the farm Holly's mother is also trying to break a World Record with the biggest gingerbread man. Unfortunately, the return of the last remaining members of one of the founding families of Mistletoe isn't as jolly as expected - especially when a body is found in a very un-merry place.
This series cannot be beat for setting. It's so Christmasy and full of holiday fun with winter events and lots of yummy treats. The cast of characters is wonderful with Holly's family and friends. These are always characters I'm glad to catch up with. I also liked that they're not matter of fact about tripping over corpses on a weirdly regular basis. Holly's mom especially worries about Holly's safety and Holly really tries to stay out of the investigation to keep her mom and husband from worrying.
However, that's frequently easier said than done and Holly can't help but getting involved a bit. I did figure out a few things before Holly and Evan did but getting to the end was fast paced and kept me reading so I didn't mind. This is a fun read and a great way to kick off the holiday season.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely! This author is pretty much an auto-read for me.
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy cozies this is a fantastic series. While you could easily jump into the series with this mystery it's even better if you read the series in order.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy cozies this is a fantastic series. While you could easily jump into the series with this mystery it's even better if you read the series in order.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
I love Maine and this sounds like a great cozy.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
This sounds like fun! A good series to read around Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMistletoe, Maine sure sounds like a fun place to visit. :D
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good. I haven't read this series yet.
ReplyDeleteMmm must look this series up, sounds lovely and Christmassy along with a mystery.
ReplyDelete