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Welcome to Candy Cane Hollow, a charming town full of excitement and secrets. Join Holly as she tackles her biggest challenge yet - solving a high-profile mystery while planning her dream wedding.

The arrival of Angel Albright, the superstar pop sensation, has set tongues wagging in the town. But beneath the glitz and glamour lies a darker truth - someone is threatening her life. As the gossip mill churns, Holly must use all her investigative skills to uncover the truth behind the threats and protect Angel from harm.

In this page-turning mystery, you'll find yourself hooked from the first page as you follow Holly's journey through the twists and turns of the investigation. Don't miss out on the opportunity to unravel the secrets of Candy Cane Hollow and join Holly as she uncovers the truth behind the mystery.

Get your copy now and prepare to be swept away!

132 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2022

169 people are currently reading
282 people want to read

About the author

Mona Marple

51 books226 followers

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5 stars
290 (47%)
4 stars
209 (33%)
3 stars
89 (14%)
2 stars
22 (3%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Ta'Mara.
46 reviews
December 16, 2025
3.5 rounded up not the best in the series, what happened at the end....happened so fast it didn't make sense
Profile Image for Babe Johnson.
54 reviews
November 4, 2023
A new adventure in Candy Cane Hollow just in time for the Christmas holidays.

The mystery begins with a mysterious new patient for Dr. Wood. A famous pop star moving into Candy Cane Hollow to retire. Gilbert’s reactions are hilarious and as always, he provides “Gilbert drama”. This series is very fun and I always enjoy the adventures of the Candy Cane Hollow gang.

I highly recommend reading the other novels in the series but you do not have to in order to enjoy this one.

I received a complimentary eARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Profile Image for Jennie Lynn.
157 reviews
January 24, 2025
Once Holly gathers her info & everyone into a single room.. issa wrap!
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,905 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2023
What a joy to be back in Candy Cane Hollow!

Holly has a new case. What a joyful, fast-paced story! The writing is excellent. It has that flow that makes you want to read on and on. I did find it a bit easy to solve, and would have liked a more complicated, layered, longer investigation. But the story was super pleasant, as always, and it was just so good to read about the characters again! Holly, Nick, Gilbert! Gilbert has to be my favorite character! Great to have them back. So wonderful to experience that snowy, cozy, Christmassy vibe of Candy Cane Hollow again! I do have a little warning: there is a hook, maybe not technically a cliffy, because the main mystery from this book is completely solved, but there is a sort of mini-cliffhanger of something else, and I don’t know if I like that, especially because it will be a long while before another book comes out. Having said that, I can’t wait to read the next book, so that’s always a good sign!
92 reviews
June 26, 2025
This is the 5th book in an awesome series placed in Candy Cane Hollow, where Santa and his family reside. This book follows Holly Wood, resident doctor and Santa’s new fiancé, as she encounters a stranger at her clinic. The stranger presents Holly with confidential new patient forms for a famous rockstar moving to town. Before she knows it, Holly is pulled into a mystery centered around the town’s newest resident. Fave part of this plot is learning that the beloved Gilbert is the rockstar’s biggest fan, which presents the opportunity for him to tag along on Holly’s adventure. Always love more Gilbert scenes!

While I enjoyed the story and pace and extra Gilbert time, I wish there was a little more side plot with Mrs. Claus, Nick, and the rest of the family. They weren’t in this book as much as previous entries. This was a quick and enjoyable read and ends on a huge cliffhanger! Can’t wait for the next book in series!
Profile Image for Wulfwyn .
1,172 reviews108 followers
November 11, 2023
What a fun return to Candy Cane Hollow! This time the setting is almost entirely at Holiday Haven. The famous entertainer, Angel Albright, and her family are staying for there for the Christmas holiday. When things go sideways, Holly, Cornelius, Wiggles and the starstruck elf, Gilbert head for Holiday Haven. Don't fear. We do see everyone before they head out and again after they return home. There is so much that I loved about the story. I adore Gilbert so seeing him shine was awesome. The life and drama of a celebrity family was so interesting and, sadly, I suspect close to reality for some celebrities. I did adore Angel who made me think a little of Britney. The ending was a bit shocking and has me in a tizzy. I really need the next book.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,634 reviews103 followers
November 26, 2023
I was so glad to finally be able to read the fifth book in this series since I just love going back to Candy Cane Hollow and visiting with Holly and the Claus family. Gilbert the house elf who’s always been a fave character of mine got a lot bigger role in this book since his idol was in town. There was a murder (not Gilbert at least) so Holly was helping Wiggles again. I hadn’t been sure whodunit so I enjoyed Holly’s usual sit-down with the suspects. But wow, was that ending a surprise! Now I’m more eager than ever to read the next book!
Profile Image for Sarah.
427 reviews3 followers
December 11, 2024
3 1/2 stars

I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the others in the series, but I’ll definitely keep going once the others are out and finish.

The setting is almost entirely at Holiday Haven as a famous celebrity has decided to retire at Mistletoe Moor. Angel has received various kidnapping threats over the years, and now it seems as if someone has actually done it. Holly works hard to figure out who in the house could have killed one person and possibly kidnapped Angel. Her hope is to solve the mystery in time to save Angel.
6,726 reviews5 followers
September 9, 2024
Entertaining mystery relationships listening 🎶🔰

This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book five of six

Holly and her sister are having fun 🌙 while she is visiting. Then a dead body is found. The investigation leads to the truth and arrest.

I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 👒😤
Profile Image for Sue Ellen.
1,003 reviews
December 17, 2024
I was disappointed in this one. The thing I like best about this series is that despite the crimes, the basic mood of the stories has been light and upbeat. This one was just a downer all the way. The Santa family barely made an appearance. The whole retired pop star story seemed stilted and contrived and I couldn't care about any of the new characters. Even worse, it ended on a cliffhanger with a beloved main character in danger. I don't like the dark turn this series is taking.
Profile Image for Linda.
781 reviews15 followers
January 16, 2025
A mysterious man visits Holly's medical office to advise her of a new patient, but he leaves out all the pertinent information, like name and reason for the visit. But she shortly discovers that the new patient may be the latest resident of Candy Cane Hollow, superstar pop artist, Angel Albright. But with her visit comes threats of kidnapping and then a murder, putting Holly once again in detection mode to solve this mystery.
Profile Image for Phthon.
2,301 reviews7 followers
November 3, 2023
I love this series! It is so much fun. The town, Candy Cane Hollow, seems like such a fun, quaint place! I really enjoy how Holly was accepted into the Claus family and soon she will be a permanent member! I think it is awesome. I liked the glimpse of the chaos in a celebrity’s life. This is a crazy yet fun mystery and I loved reading it!
Profile Image for Valerie.
17 reviews
November 4, 2023
Candy Cane Killer

Another trip back to Candy Cane Hollow where Christmas is all around. This is the 5th book in the Candy Cane Hollow series . Each of the books give me a warm, joyful feeling. The main character, Holly Wood, has another mystery to solve. It’s a fun, fast, and sweet story. If you’re looking for a book to make you feel good, this is one for you!
890 reviews6 followers
November 28, 2024
The arrival of Angel a very famous singer has things jumping in Candy Cane and there are all these threats of kidnapping plots regarding Angel and her 3 daughters are coming up to spend Christmas with her and she feels she has plenty of security but then, there's a murder and Angel disappears. In the end she is found safe and sound and the killer discovered. Great read.
31 reviews2 followers
November 2, 2023
A fun quick read

I enjoy this series, it's fun. The books are a pleasant escape and always leave me feeling warm and content red with a serious craving for hot chocolate when I'm done.
Profile Image for Emily Botzenhart.
55 reviews
Read
December 21, 2023
Accidentally read this book without knowing it had previous books in the series so I was thrown off a little with the characters backstories and whatnot so I don’t feel like I can accurately give it a rating.
Profile Image for Marsha Asquith.
171 reviews
August 5, 2024
Kidnapped

Holly and Gilbert find themselves in the middle of a murder and a kidnapping. With a house full of suspects and a lot of attitudes, they work their way through the clues to find the killer. The ending sets up the next book. I can't wait to read it!
Profile Image for Theld.
311 reviews
December 28, 2024
Whodunit for sure

The eccentric Angel brings such a flare of drama for no reason and it's perfect. The suspect was a complete guess the entire way through, finally, which made the read so much fun. What a surprise ending though!
1,652 reviews11 followers
November 2, 2023
Murder and mayhem

Nice to be back in Candy Cane Hollow as once again Holly is involved in a kidnap attempt of a singer, a murder, and all sorts of family drama. Very enjoyable.
Profile Image for E.
1,876 reviews
November 3, 2023
Fantastic

Wonderfully written holiday cozy mystery. A fun read. Great characters & setting. I can’t wait to read more in this series.
Profile Image for Tina.
1 review
November 13, 2023
Cozy mystery

This book was a cute, cozy Christmas mystery! Holly Wood is at it again. A well-known singer comes to town and the mayhem starts!
225 reviews
November 16, 2023
Candy Cane Killer cozy mystery

This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I am looking forward to the next one to come out.
Profile Image for Jessica King.
18 reviews
December 9, 2023
I love the Cozy mysteries by Mona Marple but this one was just lacking something.
947 reviews3 followers
December 13, 2023
Candy cane killer

This is a Christmas story about people willing to do anything to get what the want from the rich people
62 reviews
December 28, 2023
Meh

I had been looking forward to reading this but it was over before it began it seems. I didn't get the fuzzy feeling I usually get from reading the adventures in Candy Cane
Profile Image for Jodi Sweet.
1,780 reviews9 followers
September 5, 2024
Twisty!

So many twists, turns and surprises! And the ending, a huge surprise with a cliffhanger! How am I going to make it to the next book?!
59 reviews
November 9, 2024
Keeps you guessing

A fun read. Has several twists and turns. One mystery after another to keep you on your toes. I am really enjoying this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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