People like to ask me, “Holly, what was it like growing up on a Christmas tree farm?” My answer has always been, and will always be, “magical.” I can’t help it, it’s just true. I love Christmas and everything about it, from my mom’s homemade cookies, cakes, and whoopie pies, to seeing my dad take guests on horse-drawn sleigh rides around our snow-covered property. The Reindeer Games tree farm has been in our family for five generations, and it gets better every year. And so does life in our historical, holiday-themed town, Mistletoe, Maine. The whole area is picturesque. Kind of like living in a snow globe, except with lots more to do.

My days here are never exactly the same. Most of the year, life is slow, and leisurely, but November through January, goodness gumdrops! The pace is frantic on a slow day. Tour busses carry folks into town from all over the country, and lines curl around the downtown blocks with folks just waiting to get their hands on a cupcake from my best friend, Caroline’s, cupcake shop, and to buy holiday gifts from the adorable shops on the square. I start most days with coffee and a slice or two at the pie shop with my husband, Evan, who’s known to most as Sheriff Gray. Then we go to work. He protects the town, and I serve up the fun at Reindeer Games.

Sometimes, Mom needs me at The Hearth, our little tree farm café and sweet shop. People can’t get enough of her fresh-baked treats, and then there are all the Reindeer Games! Like our namesake, we organize daily challenges for guests during the twelve days of Christmas, and I love to be the MC. Watching folks scramble over the snow and laugh until they double over fills my heart joy. Outside, we play Build a Big Frost, have blindfolded sled challenges, elf hat ring tosses, and all sorts of fun. When the sun sets, we stay inside where it’s toasty warm. Guests load up on hot chocolates and warm apple ciders, then we play Bling that Gingerbread, Holiday Bingo, and Christmas Karaoke. I never tire of this life, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything on earth.

I suppose, if I was picky, I’d say there are days that could be better, but those are few and far between. Usually, when a killer comes to town. Unfortunately, that’s become an annual occurrence, and it’s giving Mistletoe a reputation among true crime fans and nosy Nellys. Of course, my husband always finds the killer, and piping hot justice is served. But— upon occasion— I’ve been known to help a teeny tiny bit, which only makes sense because I’ve lived here my whole life, I know everyone in town, and I see about ten million people a day at the farm. I’d be remiss NOT to ask a question or two. Right? The whole thing gives my parents and Evan, an ulcer, but they love me anyway. Thank my stars, because I’ve got to be honest, I don’t think I can stop.

It’s way too much fun.

Don’t tell anyone I said that.

And, hey, if you’ve got some time this holiday season, why don’t you stop over and see me? Mama’s cooking up a world-record-breaking gingerbread man this year, and the town’s never been so excited! Definitely not to be missed! I even heard someone say it was to die for.

I’ll Be Home for Mischief, A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Book 5
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: November 2024
Format: Print, Digital, Audio
Purchase Link

Innkeeper Holly White is decking the halls this Christmas season, but someone is on the naughty list when a body is discovered in the fifth installment in the Christmas Tree Farm mystery series from bestselling author Jacqueline Frost.

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?

About the author
Julie Hatcher writes the Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries as Jacqueline Frost. She is an award-winning and bestselling author of mystery and romantic suspense, having published more than fifty novels under multiple pen names since her 2013 debut. When she’s not creating new worlds or fostering the epic love of fictional characters, Julie can be found in Kent, Ohio, enjoying her blessed Midwestern life—and probably plotting murder with her shamelessly enabling friends.