Whatever Happened To Baby Peggy?

The Autobiography of Hollywood's Pioneer Child Star

Author:    Diana Serra Cary

Genre:     Autobiography/Nonfiction

Hardcover; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9780312147600

First Edition

552 Pages

$29.88; $9.99 Amazon

August 26, 2016

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Long before Shirley Temple's curls bounced their way into America's heart, Baby Peggy lit up marquee from coast to coast.  She was the original child star produced by Hollywood and her amazing journey set the pattern for all those who followed.

Discovered when she was only nineteen months old, Baby Peggy with her angelic face and expert mugging for the camera entertained audiences across the nation and around the world.  She starred in a series of short two-reel comedies, completing 150 of them by the time she turned three.  By her fifth birthday, Baby Peggy's films were earning as much as Charlie Chaplin's, and she herself was a millionaire, having signed a three-film $3.5 million contract.

Establishing a disgraceful tradition for the parents of child performers, Baby Peggy's mother and father, emotional children themselves, squandered her fortune.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Long before there was superstar child actress Shirley Temple, there was one that came before her, almost a hundred years ago.  Her name was Baby Peggy, and she made 150 films for various movie studios.  However, unlike Shirley Temple, who always played her age in films (and what endeared her to millions of viewers), Baby Peggy often played "grownups"; she would act in films that portrayed her as a miniature person, complete with period dress.

Which is not to say millions didn't adore her also; they did.  But I am saying that you cannot compare the two in regard to movies.  They were very different, and many other child actors have come and gone along the way.

I had never heard of Baby Peggy, but I wanted to know more about her.  I love classic films and own thousands of them.  But I own not as many silent films, which is what this little girl made.  Sadly, most of her films have been destroyed, and I have only been able to see Captain January, which is one of her final ones.  She did have acting ability, and it was because, according to her own writing, she could take direction and basically film anything in one take.

Having said that, I will say that this book was rather depressing to me.  Beginning acting at nineteen months, her father became her manager and she wasn't allowed to have a childhood.  Her older sister, Louise, was denied things that Peggy was denied, for that reason alone.  This caused a rift between the sisters that lasted until later adulthood.

Her father was a spendthrift, and the minute he realized Peggy could support them, he quit his own job (such as it was) and refused to allow his wife to have anything to do with Peggy's making movies.  He spent the money quickly, and unfortunately, allowed someone to manage some of it who had no business doing so in the first place.

Without child protection laws in place (which were added because of child actor Jackie Coogan and his actions), they could do what they wanted with her money, which they promptly did.  It appears Peggy did not have a very happy life, and in later years changed her name to Diana.

She did have a happy second marriage, which was a good thing, but reading this I felt that it was more cathartic for this late little actress, and that life could have treated her better.

https://www.amazon.com/What-Ever-Happened-Baby-Peggy/dp/0312147600/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7599851313

More on Diana Serra Cary's Books:    https://www.amazon.com/stores/Diana-Serra-Cary/author/B001HN15H6?ref

O Deadly Night

 A Year-Round Christmas Mystery Book 8

Author:    Vicki Delany

Genre:     Mystery

Hardcover; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9788892421874

Crooked Lane Books

320 Pages

$29.99; $14.99 Amazon

October 14, 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It's Christmastime in Rudolph, New York, which means it's time for the December Santa Claus parade.  This year, shop owner Merry Wilkinson has decided to decorate her float as Santa's elves' workshop and invites her landlady, Mabel D'Angelo, to help supervise the excited children playing the elves.  But when Mrs. D'Angelo doesn't show up, Merry begins to worry.

Worry quickly turns unto frustration when Mrs. D'Angelo reveals she was delayed by new neighbors moving in.  As the center for all things gossip, Mrs. D'Angelo is determined to introduce the new arrivals to the neighborhood.  As the days pass, Mrs. D'Angelo notices strange things about the newcomers, but Merry, busier than an elf in Santa's workshop, has little time for matters that don't really concern her.  But things turn from jolly to downright concerning when Mrs. D'Angelo disappears, and Merry is forced to admit that something might be entirely wrong. 

With family and friends counting on her during this stressful holiday season, it is up to Merry to make sure this Christmas doesn't end up wrapped in blood red.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Merry Wilkinson lives in Rudolph, New York and owns a gift store that sells Santa-themed items all year round.  The town is as Christmasy as it gets, especially this time of year.  When Merry is preparing her annual Christmas float, she expects her landlady, Mrs. Mabel D'Angelo, to show up as one of the elves, but she doesn't.  When she learns the reason why -- Mrs. D'Angelo, a gossip center, is trying to introduce herself to the new neighbors, but isn't having any luck.  As the days go on, Mabel sees that there is something going on across the street, but can't put her finger on it.  Merry, used to Mabel and her fancies, blows most of it off.  But when Mabel disappears and no one can find her, Merry begins to worry.

When she does find Mabel, it's across the street -- and Merry also finds a dead body.  It turns out that the dead person had a connection to the town and several of its residents, including Merry's younger sister, Eve.  But does Eve know anything about the murder?  As Merry starts to dig deeper, she finds that the dead woman had more than a connection with the town, and her past wasn't pretty.  In fact, it was ugly enough that someone wanted her dead...

I love this series, and most of the characters in it (yes, there are some that get on my nerves, just as in real life they would do so); and I especially love Merry's father.  He seems unflappable, and remains calm in most, if not all, situations.  Unfortunately, at least in this book, her boyfriend Alan appears just as an afterthought, he's in it so little.  I hope to see more of him in the next book.

But back to Merry's sleuthing: she's right at home doing what she does best, and we get to see her at work while she's searching for clues.  She's even misled at one time, but eventually figures it out, which is important.  This is the busiest time of year, and trying to run her business and find a murderer (not that the police detective isn't capable herself) is a lot to handle.  Yet she does so, and does it well.

I knew the murderer before Merry did, but then again, I read a lot of mysteries, so that's something.  Even so, watching her put the clues together and figure it out herself is worth it, especially watching how her best friend helped her!  All in all, this was a great cozy to read, and I enjoyed it immensely.  I look forward to the next in the series.  Highly recommended, 

I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Night-Year-Round-Christmas-Mystery/dp/B0DT3VY4ZD/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7618795116

More on Vicki Delany's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/d/vicki-delany/

Epilogue To A Christmas Murder

A Beyond The Page Bookstore Mystery Book 11

Author:    Lauren Elliott

Genre:     Mystery

Mass Market Paperback; Digital Book (Audiobook Available)

ISBN #:    9781496753342

Kensington Cozies

368 Pages

$8.99; $7.99 Amazon

September 30, 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As bookstore owner Addie Greyborne shares the loving lesson of The Gift of the Magi, the spirit of the season falls prey to a thief and a killer...

There's no place like the seaside Massachusetts town of Greyborne Harbor for the holidays, and there's no better feeling for Addie than donating to the lighthouse museum's Twelve Days of Christmas charity fundraiser.  Of the dozen books she'll be offering as prizes from her Beyond the Page Books and Curios shop, the most special volume is a first edition of The Gift of the Magi imported from England -- signed by O. Henry!  Addie receives an unexpected Christmas bonus when the book is hand delivered by visiting Detective Inspector Noah Parker, whom she met in England, and has been daydreaming about ever since.

But on the night Addie delivers the book to the museum. someone posing as one of Santa's Little Helpers swipes it -- and the rest of the charity gifts.  As if the theft wasn't bad enough, a body is found on the rocks outside the lighthouse, believed to be murdered.  Now, it's up to Addie to connect the clues, find stolen goods, and catch a killer -- in order to usher in a Happy New Year...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

After being left at the proverbial altar, Addie Greyborne retreated to England for a year to recoup and decide what to do with her life.  She left her bookstore, Beyond the Page Books and Curios, in the capable hands of her manager, Paige.  But the year has ended, and Addie has returned home, eager to welcome the upcoming Christmas holiday and Paige's Christmas Day wedding.

Then she receives an unexpected and surprising visit from Detective Inspector Noah Parker, whom she butted heads with during her time in England.  She's not going to let him know how this has shaken her, since seeing him again has taken her breath away.  But he delivers a special book for her from the owner of the bookshop she worked for there -- a signed edition of The Gift of the Magi -- and she's going to donate it to the local museum for charity.

When she shows up at the museum she meets one of Santa's Elves who seems to be putting the donations into boxes, and tells her to just add her donations to everything else.  Barely questioning it, she does so, then discovers later that everything has been stolen, and the elf is nowhere to be found.

To make matters worse, a dead body is found the next day on the cliff by the lighthouse.  Who is the man?  Is he connected to the burglary?  But when it turns out to be someone who's connected to a friend, and local police chief Marc Chandler is removed from the case, she has no help.  At least until Noah Parker is temporarily assigned to the murder case.  But the DA and the mayor want it solved quickly.  With only one suspect in line for it, Addie has to work fast, and behind the scenes.  Will she be able to find a killer before her friend is jailed?  Or will everything go terribly wrong and she won't be able to help at all...

This is the eleventh book in the series, and I must say that it is my favorite to date.  I am glad that I decided to continue reading this series after one book disappointed me (not going to say any more about that!).  While I am glad to see Addie back home in Grayborne Harbor, I miss her friends she left behind in England.  But she didn't leave all of them -- Detective Inspector Noah Parker is on holiday, and he's helping with the murder case.  Her feelings for Noah are confusing, and she wants to see him and not see him, if that makes any sense.

With Marc off the case, everything needs to be hush-hush or both Noah and Marc will permanently lose their jobs, leaving Addie to do as much as she can by herself.  She's also trying to manage her store and keep Paige from going crazy with a mother who's turned into a Motherzilla.  Paige also needs her help if her wedding is to go off nicely; Addie's in a pickle and knows it.

Looking for clues, she's pretty much on her own and what she can glean from both Marc and Noah, which isn't much.  She's positive the suspect is innocent, and trusts her gut instinct, which is more than not right.  However, knowing it and proving it are two different things.

The book kept me interested throughout, and I loved the fact it takes place during the Christmas season.  (That's just because I love the holiday, myself).  Anyway, watching Addie take what she has and put it all together at the end is the best part of the book.  This woman is intelligent, unflappable, and able to take care of herself in a pinch.  She can also think on her feet. and that's the best kind of amateur sleuth.  It makes Ms. Elliott's books are wonderful; with a taut storyline and a climax that's worth waiting for.

I will not say any more about the book in order not to spoil it for anyone (I don't think I've given any spoilers so far!)  I will say I loved the intrigue, Addie's actions and her thinking, and the way the book ended.  I look forward to the next in the series.  Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Epilogue-Christmas-Murder-Bookstore-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0DTJN96KY/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7585247015

More on Lauren Elliott's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/e/lauren-elliott/

A Limited Edition Murder

 A Beyond The Page Bookstore Mystery Book 10

Author:    Lauren Elliott

Genre:     Mystery

Mass Market Paperback; Digital Book (Audiobook Available)

ISBN #:    9781496735757

Kensington Cozies

320 Pages

$8.36; $6.99 Amazon

May 21, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Although enjoying her extended stay working at Second Chance Books and Bindery in West Yorkshire, Addie still feels adrift -- far from home, her friends, and her own beloved bookstore, Beyond the Page Books and Curios.  The engagement party of her dear friend, Tony, at Milton Manor promises to be a joyful distraction.  But there's an ill wind blowing at the estate.  When Tony presents his fiancee with a special copy of Wuthering Heights as an engagement gift, the lord of the manor insists the book was stolen from his library...

Things go from troubling to tragic when Addie takes her Yorkipoo, Pippi, out for a walk on the moors and stumbles across the body of young woman.  When the police suspect Tony of foul play, Addie vows to get to the bottom of what's going on.  But it's a twisted, treacherous path to the truth and Addie will need to watch her every step...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Addie Greybourne fled her home in Greybourne Harbor, Massachusetts, when she discovered that her life was a lie.  Her great-aunt wasn't who she knew.  Her fiance, Simon, deserted her on their wedding day.  Saddened and hurt, she traveled to England to visit her novelist friend Tony Radcliff, who not only gave her a place to stay, but she secured a job at Second Chance Books and Bindery.  She's loved her quiet life in Yorkshire and made new friends, even though she knows she'll have to return home soon.

Tony is having an engagement party for himself and his fiancee Hailey, and even though Addie isn't looking forward to mingling with people she doesn't know, she's going for Tony's sake.  But things don't run smoothly.  First, the copy of Wuthering Heights that Tony has procured for Hailey as a gift is discovered to be stolen from the lord of the manor's library.  As if that's not bad enough, when Addie returns home and takes her dog Pippi for a walk, she discovers a young woman dead not far from her cottage.

But she notices that the elaborate necklace the woman wore is missing.  While she convinces the police of her own innocence eventually, they turn their attention to Hailey.  Now Addie is once again involved in a murder, and the local DI warns her away, but we know Addie better than him.  She's determined to find the truth, and hopes that she can find the killer before Hailey is sent away and the true fiend gets away with murder...

This is the tenth book in the series, and I will say that it took me a while to read.  The reasons are my own: I have read all the books in the series, but I did not enjoy the ending of the last one, so I needed to gear myself up to see if I was interested in reading another.  I will not list the reasons why I did not enjoy the ending of the last one, but I will say that it didn't make sense to me, as people have dealt with far worse.  End of conversation.

Saying that, I was pleasantly surprised how this one began and carried on.  Addie is learning more about herself, and actually moving on with her life as it is.  She finds a worthy opponent in DI Parker, which had interesting moments.  She has unexpected allies in her quest for the truth in Tony's employees, who have been flown over for the party and need to remain during the investigation, so she's not alone.

The mystery centers on actually two of them: how did the lord's book end up in a London bookshop where Tony bought it, and what happened to the necklace, which also seems like a gift that Tony once gave to Hailey and disappeared suddenly?  Both seem to have once disappeared twenty years ago; recently reappeared, then the necklace disappeared again.

Addie is positive that digging into the previous murder will explain the present one.  But does DI Parker agree?  It seems he's not interested in her theories, even if she knows she needs to trust her gut feelings.  

When the ending comes, it's a tad bittersweet, but everything comes together nicely, and the tale was intriguing and worth reading.  I look forward to the next in the series.  Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Limited-Murder-Beyond-Bookstore-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CHH3WYK8/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7577082775

More on Lauren Elliott's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/e/lauren-elliott/

Maid of Dishonor

 The Wedding Bell Mysteries Book 4

Author:    Nancy Robards Thompson

Genre:     Mystery

Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781694703121

Tule Publishing

290 Pages

$11.99; $4.99 Amazon

July 18, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Maddie Bell's life and career have hit peak stride.  She's sold her cozy mystery series and is contracted for two more books; she's engaged to Hemlock's chief of police; and her mother has purchased and restored the beautiful historic mansion, Gracewood Hall, in their hometown of Hemlock, North Carolina.  Three generations -- Gigi, Maddie, and Jenna -- are now happily engaged in the wedding and special event business.

But their highly scrutinized inaugural event -- the wedding of an A-List social media influencer -- becomes a murder scene before the rehearsal dinner.  Kate Archer, the professional bridesmaid Jenna hired, is found bludgeoned by a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, not only threatening their new business, but also sending Jenna into a tailspin of guilt.  She knew Kate from college and has begged her to fill in as the maid of honor.

Even as the police warn Maddie not to interfere with the investigation, mother and daughter set out to discover who killed Kate and dispel the growing rumors that Gracewood Hall is cursed.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Maddie Bell writes a mystery series and owns a bridal shop.  Her daughter Jenna is an events planner, and works with her.  But now her mother, Gigi, has purchased Gracewood Hall, a resplendent place perfect for weddings and other events.

They've agreed to host the wedding of a social media influencer, London -- who turns out to be a bridezilla -- without cost, in return for the exposure it will give them in the future.  But now they are rethinking that, since the woman has alienated every single bridesmaid and has to hire a professional one, and pretend that Kate Archer is her bestie.

Things seem to be working so far -- that is, until Kate turns up murdered, and London is found standing over her body, with the champagne bottle she was holding shattered next to the woman.  Now the three generations of women must put their heads together and find the true killer before London is convicted of a crime they're certain she didn't commit.  But with a manor full of wedding guests and staff, how do they figure it out?  Especially since Maddie's fiance Jack is telling them to stay out of it, and he's also keeping Maddie at arms' length.  Will they find a killer?  Will Maddie figure out what is going on with Jack?  Or will their livelihoods be ruined forever by a killer who is smarter than any of them...

This is the fourth book in the series, and I will admit that it is also the only one which I have read.  Perhaps I should go back and read the first, since there are references to other books throughout; I will find the time to begin.  That being said, I wish I could give this a higher rating, but I didn't care for the fact that it was shown through different POVs.  I hate having to 'set one person aside' while reading another's thoughts.  That's just my opinion, but it's valid for me.

Other than that, the back-and-forth was a tad confusing; and I don't really care about influencers, so perhaps I am the wrong audience for this book.  However, I read it through, and did think that the murderer was a surprise and liked the climax, so that's a good thing.  All in all, this was a decent book and as I stated above, I will go back and read the first in the series.  Recommended. 

I was given a copy of this book from the author and BookSprout but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Maid-Dishonor-Mystery-Wedding-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0D2PKHDQW/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7556624367

More on Nancy Robards Thompson's Books: https://www.fantasticfiction.com/t/nancy-robards-thompson/   

A Wonderful Christmas Crime

 A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Book 6

Author:    Jacqueline Frost

Genre:     Mystery

Hardcover; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9788892421973

Crooked Lane Books

320 Pages

$29.99; $14.99 Amazon

October 21, 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐

As Christmas descends on Mistletoe, Maine, Holly White has an extra gift for the season: a new baby on the way.  Her husband, Sheriff Evan Gray, has been worried about her elevated blood pressure, and Holly has agreed to take this year easy.  Being idle has never been one of Holly's gifts, so when Evan surprises her with tickets to the town-wide dinner, she and her many cravings thank him.  But when a thief tries and fails to steal an antique ornament from the dinner's holiday display, it's clear that someone is on the naughty list.

The thief manages to escape, but after dinner, Holly spots their lifeless body.  It's clear that someone in town was keen to kill them.  Evan is less than jolly to find his wife at the scene of yet another holiday homicide and asks her to promise that she'll leave the investigating to the police.  But Holly has never been one to turn down a challenge and has to get creative with the help of a few of her friends in order to find this killer.

Will she and her friends be able to stop the killer and uncover the motive behind the attempted robbery, or will the killer strike again and paint the town a bloody red?

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Holly White has it all: a loving husband, a wonderful family, and a magical place where she grew up.  Christmas is around the corner, and she's looking forward to all the fun that comes with it.  But even so, she just received better news: she's going to have a baby.  She, and everyone around her, is thrilled at the idea; and learning that her blood pressure is elevated, they're also determined to keep her relaxed.

Which would be easy, except when Holly and her gal friends go out for an evening of food and fun, someone tries to steal an antique goat from a new friend, Alice, who owns the restaurant.  The thief gets away, but the goat is saved...at least for a while.  When Holly and her friends return to the restaurant, they find Alice outside in the snow, lying next to a dead person -- the same one who tried to steal the goat -- the goat in Alice's hand.  Now Alice is the main suspect in the murder, and Holly is forbidden by everyone from trying to find who the real killer.  Can she work behind the scenes and still find out who did it?  Or will her overprotective friends refuse to let her out of their sight and allow Alice to be taken in for a crime she didn't commit?

This is the sixth book in the series and I have read them all.  I have also loved them all.  As I've stated before, I love the fact that the characters evolve in each book, their lives moving along as it does in real life.  While I am happy for Evan and Holly, I do hope that the series continues even with a baby in the picture.  After all, other authors have done so, so I have hope!

As to the mystery, there is more than one: Holly is taxed with trying to solve a crossword puzzle in the daily paper by Christopher, who's been a fixture in the Whites' life, and whom she believes to be Santa Claus.  But is he?  She also continues (extremely discreetly, or so she thinks) investigating, while making a new mommy friend in someone who is in town for the antique show.  But the antique show is giving signs of being in trouble, and Holly wonders if it's connected to the death.

Leaving it up to Evan, and her sister-in-law Libby, who is a private investigator, she only hopes that they will listen to her arguments.  Being constantly watched is making her somewhat cranky, and it doesn't help with the morning sickness she's feeling.

But it's unexpected when she finally figures out who the murderer is, and her only question is will she be able to get out of trouble or will she and her unborn baby face their final moments?  I loved the climax and how it's done, giving us all the backstory that we need, and solving another Christmas mystery in time to enjoy the holiday.  Recommended. 

I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Wonderful-Christmas-Crime-Tree-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0DTN7NZW9/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7558291239

More on Jacqueline Frost's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/f/jacqueline-frost/

I'll Be Home for Mischief

A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Book 5

Author:    Jacqueline Frost

Genre:     Mystery

Hardcover; Paperback; Digital Book (Audiobook Available)

ISBN #:    9781639109067; 9798892422666

Crooked Lane Books

288 Pages

$20.66; $19.99; $14.99 Amazon

November 12, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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?

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Holly White-Gray is nearing her first wedding anniversary on Christmas Eve.  But she also has to work as innkeeper at her family's inn at their farm Reindeer Games, which is open all year but especially, and understandably, busy during the Christmas season.  It's almost overwhelming.  But this year is the town's 150th anniversary, and her mother Carol wants to make her gingerbread man large enough to get into the Guinness World Records book.  To this end, two people from Guinness have arrived to watch the pouring and cooking of the large gingerbread man.

Also in attendance are the Snows, a mother and son, who are descendants of the founders of Mistletoe, Maine.  When Holly notices local mistletoe farmer, Mr. Moore, in what seems like an argument with Mr. Snow, she wonders what it was about.  But it's not too long later when everything is in motion that someone notices the batter is bubbled, and it seems a hand is sticking out.  A hand belonging to Mr. Snow.  Now Mrs. Snow is heartbroken, and Mr. Moore is the main suspect.

Even with her husband Evan warning her to stay away from the investigation, Holly is positive Mr. Moore couldn't have murdered the man, so she begins what she believes is discreet questioning.  But someone is watching her every move, and she receives threatening messages in more ways than one.  With the heat escalating over the cold in the air, Holly knows she has to ramp up her investigation while keeping her husband satisfied.  But will it be enough?  Or will the killer finally catch up to her before she can catch a break?

This is the fifth book in the series, and I have read them all.  I have to say that I love reading about Holly and her family, and I love that the series evolves as each book appears.  We see what is going on in Holly's life and the family and friends around her, and, unfortunately but of course, a new murder.  I enjoy reading how Holly's mind works and how she puts the pieces together to create a complete puzzle, outlining how everything comes to an end.  But it also comes with the inevitable danger, and the climaxes are worth reading the book itself.  They are done well, and everything in between in believable.

This book is no different, and with a lot going on, you still need to find the clues along with Holly, and try to solve the murder yourself, and I do enjoy doing that.  I had an idea who the murderer was, but watching everything along the way gave me pause as to whether I was right or not.  In the end, it really didn't matter, and the book itself was welcome time away from the real world, and the author is very talented in this area.

I loved it all and look forward to the next in the series.  Highly recommended.

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Home-Mischief-Christmas-Tree-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CVKNNLT7/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7548355388

More on Jacqueline Frost's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/f/jacqueline-frost/