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A Christmas Cozy Mystery #6
Yule Be Sorry
Christmas Eve is just around the corner in Candy Cane Hollow, but Holly's holiday spirit is shattered when Gilbert, the beloved elf and heart of Claus Cottage, goes missing.
With a sinister clue left on their doorstep, Holly, Nick, and the Claus family find themselves tangled in a web of trickery woven by the mischievous Yule Lads, 13 impish pranksters who have returned to cause chaos.
As Holly and her determined team—Father Christmas, Mrs. Claus, and the ever-resourceful Wiggles—race against the clock to find Gilbert, they must navigate a blizzard of clues, from mysterious notes to missing kitchenware. But as Christmas draws near, the stakes grow higher, and Holly uncovers a chilling plot that points to an unexpected culprit within their midst.
In a thrilling adventure that takes them from the heart of Candy Cane Hollow to the eerie No Carols Cave, Holly must use every ounce of her sleuthing skills to bring Gilbert home and save Christmas. With the joy of the season hanging in the balance, will they be able to outwit the Yule Lads and restore peace to Claus Cottage?
Join Holly on this festive, heartwarming, and suspenseful journey filled with twists, turns, and a sprinkle of holiday magic. "Yule Be Sorry" is a cozy mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. Get ready to be enchanted by the sixth installment of the beloved Christmas Mysteries series by Mona Marple.
Will Holly solve the mystery in time for Christmas dinner? Find out in "Yule Be Sorry," where the spirit of the season meets the intrigue of a captivating whodunit.
With a sinister clue left on their doorstep, Holly, Nick, and the Claus family find themselves tangled in a web of trickery woven by the mischievous Yule Lads, 13 impish pranksters who have returned to cause chaos.
As Holly and her determined team—Father Christmas, Mrs. Claus, and the ever-resourceful Wiggles—race against the clock to find Gilbert, they must navigate a blizzard of clues, from mysterious notes to missing kitchenware. But as Christmas draws near, the stakes grow higher, and Holly uncovers a chilling plot that points to an unexpected culprit within their midst.
In a thrilling adventure that takes them from the heart of Candy Cane Hollow to the eerie No Carols Cave, Holly must use every ounce of her sleuthing skills to bring Gilbert home and save Christmas. With the joy of the season hanging in the balance, will they be able to outwit the Yule Lads and restore peace to Claus Cottage?
Join Holly on this festive, heartwarming, and suspenseful journey filled with twists, turns, and a sprinkle of holiday magic. "Yule Be Sorry" is a cozy mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. Get ready to be enchanted by the sixth installment of the beloved Christmas Mysteries series by Mona Marple.
Will Holly solve the mystery in time for Christmas dinner? Find out in "Yule Be Sorry," where the spirit of the season meets the intrigue of a captivating whodunit.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2024
128 people are currently reading
1669 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 4, 2025
Another fun read and it's all about Gilbert. Love this series.
December 26, 2024
Holly Wood was the best thing that ever happened to Nick Claus aka Santa and she was about to start investigating yet another mystery. From the ending of the last book, we know the Claus family’s faithful house elf, Gilbert had gone missing or was taken, so Holly made it her priority to get him found and have him back where he loved it most at Claus Cottage.
At one point, I was pretty sure whodunit, but I always love how Holly comes to the right answer and gathers her suspects. She was right about who was behind everything, and once the entire family was back together they could have their complete Christmas dinner. The ending was super sweet so I can’t wait for the next book!
At one point, I was pretty sure whodunit, but I always love how Holly comes to the right answer and gathers her suspects. She was right about who was behind everything, and once the entire family was back together they could have their complete Christmas dinner. The ending was super sweet so I can’t wait for the next book!
December 31, 2024
I love this Christmas series. You get a little of everything- Christmas, mystery, romance, laughter and magic. Holly and the Claus family need to find Gilbert in time for Christmas. The Yule Lads were a fun addition.
January 3, 2025
I have enjoyed the whole series very well written and keep me in the books did not want to put down until I fished.
December 18, 2025
best one so far absolutely loved it
December 29, 2025
Up until now I really enjoyed reading this cosy [murder] mystery series with a - mostly subtle - touch of romance. It was charming and a good "I need to turn my brain off for a while" read over the last couple of days.
Then I started reading this one and within a few pages I got hit with the full onslaught of AI-isms and -tells. As a result this book reads more like the first one in the series, which was a bit simplistic when it came to the writing style, only now it's in addition sounding like any other "book" spit out by The Slop Machine ever since everybody-who-always-wanted-to-write-a-book-but-didn't-want-to-put-the-work-in has decided to agonise readers who actually care about the content and quality of the books they read. The same uninspired, lifeless, tell-the-tellings-tales prose of countless other books generated or "edited" to [readability and style] death by AI.
I frankly do not care if the whole thing got AI generated or if someone choose to mutilate their book by mangling it through an AI "editor" and then not being able to tell that the result that "editor" spat out is utter garbage that did nothing but ruin their writing.
I'm tired of all the AI-slop thrown at readers left, right, and centre. I want to read a decent book, written - and edited - by someone who actually cares about their writing, their characters, their ideas, and their readers. By someone who takes pride in the art and craft of writing. If you let any kind of genAI or LLMs near your writing you clearly do not give a flying flamingo about any of those.
And just like that, I am done with this author (not an author any longer, in my eyes).
P.S. Yes, I checked [two books] deeper into the series, unfortunately this wasn't an one-off "mishap of curiosity" and laps of judgement. I wouldn't have been chuffed about that either, but I'd be willing to point it out and move on. Alas...
Then I started reading this one and within a few pages I got hit with the full onslaught of AI-isms and -tells. As a result this book reads more like the first one in the series, which was a bit simplistic when it came to the writing style, only now it's in addition sounding like any other "book" spit out by The Slop Machine ever since everybody-who-always-wanted-to-write-a-book-but-didn't-want-to-put-the-work-in has decided to agonise readers who actually care about the content and quality of the books they read. The same uninspired, lifeless, tell-the-tellings-tales prose of countless other books generated or "edited" to [readability and style] death by AI.
I frankly do not care if the whole thing got AI generated or if someone choose to mutilate their book by mangling it through an AI "editor" and then not being able to tell that the result that "editor" spat out is utter garbage that did nothing but ruin their writing.
I'm tired of all the AI-slop thrown at readers left, right, and centre. I want to read a decent book, written - and edited - by someone who actually cares about their writing, their characters, their ideas, and their readers. By someone who takes pride in the art and craft of writing. If you let any kind of genAI or LLMs near your writing you clearly do not give a flying flamingo about any of those.
And just like that, I am done with this author (not an author any longer, in my eyes).
P.S. Yes, I checked [two books] deeper into the series, unfortunately this wasn't an one-off "mishap of curiosity" and laps of judgement. I wouldn't have been chuffed about that either, but I'd be willing to point it out and move on. Alas...
September 5, 2024
Really good, full of charm
Ooh, back in Candy Cane Hollow, and I love that place! Love the characters, so it was good to be back!
The book was good, really good, it was well written and enjoyable! Lots of emotions, tricks by the Yule Lads, food and drinks, but not much actual investigating. There just aren’t many clues, so it was more of a search. A search combined with lots of Christmas vibes! Very charming and enchanting! The whole story oozes Christmas charm! A feel-good story!
But honestly? I missed Gilbert. This book is about Gilbert, he’s been kidnapped, but that also means he’s not actually in it, for the largest part. He has always been the highlight of these books, and without his dramatic presence and threats to hang up his apron, the story just lost some of that excitement, some of that fun. He has always been my favourite character, who brings lots of laughter to the stories. Although of course I love Holly, Nick, Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus! I even started to like most of the Yule Lads LOL! A heartwarming end made for a very pleasant read!
Ooh, back in Candy Cane Hollow, and I love that place! Love the characters, so it was good to be back!
The book was good, really good, it was well written and enjoyable! Lots of emotions, tricks by the Yule Lads, food and drinks, but not much actual investigating. There just aren’t many clues, so it was more of a search. A search combined with lots of Christmas vibes! Very charming and enchanting! The whole story oozes Christmas charm! A feel-good story!
But honestly? I missed Gilbert. This book is about Gilbert, he’s been kidnapped, but that also means he’s not actually in it, for the largest part. He has always been the highlight of these books, and without his dramatic presence and threats to hang up his apron, the story just lost some of that excitement, some of that fun. He has always been my favourite character, who brings lots of laughter to the stories. Although of course I love Holly, Nick, Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus! I even started to like most of the Yule Lads LOL! A heartwarming end made for a very pleasant read!
December 26, 2024
Elf Envy
I've read all the Candy Cane Hollow mysteries but this is the best so far. Gilbert, the perfectionist house elf for the Claus family is suddenly gone! On a routine shopping trip for Christmas Eve dinner, Gilbert vanishes. To make things worse, this year the Yule Lads who live in caves in the Frozen Forest, can roam around Candy Cane Hollow. Father Christmas forgot to renew their 10 year contract. Being tricksters and with a love of petty theft, could they have kidnapped Gilbert for a prank? Mrs. Claus is frantic when are girl elf from Elf Employment shows up and insists she's Gilbert's replacement. Holly and the whole family must find the clues that will lead them to the missing Gilbert before it's too late!
I've read all the Candy Cane Hollow mysteries but this is the best so far. Gilbert, the perfectionist house elf for the Claus family is suddenly gone! On a routine shopping trip for Christmas Eve dinner, Gilbert vanishes. To make things worse, this year the Yule Lads who live in caves in the Frozen Forest, can roam around Candy Cane Hollow. Father Christmas forgot to renew their 10 year contract. Being tricksters and with a love of petty theft, could they have kidnapped Gilbert for a prank? Mrs. Claus is frantic when are girl elf from Elf Employment shows up and insists she's Gilbert's replacement. Holly and the whole family must find the clues that will lead them to the missing Gilbert before it's too late!
September 5, 2024
This is a great book, Ms. Mona is a fantastic writer. Claus Cottage is at a loss. The famous elf, Gilbert, has gone missing and everyone there is looking for him. All of the sudden another head elf appears, from The Elf Employment Agency, supposedly. But no one can replace Gilbert. Then pranks are happening all over town, and Santa realizes he forgot to renew the contract. Well if you want to know what happens next, I highly suggest you get the book when it comes out. It is really really good. The characters are consistent, and the plot is really good. Thank you
September 29, 2024
Join Holly Wood and the Claus family in Candy Cane Hollow, one of my favorite destinations. Holly’s sister and family is also in town for the celebration. There’s just one hitch in the plans, Gilbert the elf is missing. He’s disappeared. Santa has realized he has let lapse the contract with the wily, mischievous Yule Lads and suspects they’re hiding Gilbert. And house elf Gwen is moving herself into the house to take Gilbert’s place. Could anyone really take Gilbert’s place? The ending is surprising. Don’t miss this enjoyable Christmas treat.
December 20, 2024
Where's Gilbert?
Days before Christmas, the house elf for the Claus Cottage goes missing. The Yule lads are running through Candy Cane Hollow causing chaos. Did they take the loyal elf as a prank on the Claus Family? Was someone else behind his disappearance? Or did he just decide to leave on his own? Holly sets out to find him and bring him back home. Through twists and turns, will she find the culprit or will the soon to be Mrs Claus in training fail at finding her friend, the house elf?
Love this series! It's so captivating!
Days before Christmas, the house elf for the Claus Cottage goes missing. The Yule lads are running through Candy Cane Hollow causing chaos. Did they take the loyal elf as a prank on the Claus Family? Was someone else behind his disappearance? Or did he just decide to leave on his own? Holly sets out to find him and bring him back home. Through twists and turns, will she find the culprit or will the soon to be Mrs Claus in training fail at finding her friend, the house elf?
Love this series! It's so captivating!
December 22, 2024
The Magic starts Here!
Do you get excited for Christmas? Or are you missing something? Come for a visit in Candy Cane Hollow and fall in love with the town. I just want to move there and meet Gilbert. Maybe he'd share his Hot Chocolate Recipe and I could hire an elf from the Agency to clean my house and cook too. Wonder where the magic comes from? It all starts here. Don't forget to read the other books in the series as well to meet the other characters too, for a wonderful read!
Do you get excited for Christmas? Or are you missing something? Come for a visit in Candy Cane Hollow and fall in love with the town. I just want to move there and meet Gilbert. Maybe he'd share his Hot Chocolate Recipe and I could hire an elf from the Agency to clean my house and cook too. Wonder where the magic comes from? It all starts here. Don't forget to read the other books in the series as well to meet the other characters too, for a wonderful read!
November 16, 2024
Yule Be Sorry
We return to Candy Cane Hollow for another whodunit. The main character, Holly, and the Claus family have a mystery to solve before Christmas and it’s getting close! There’s a kidnapping and pranksters and mysterious clues leading to the rescue of their beloved elf and house servant. The story is filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing. It is another charming, entertaining story in this series. I highly recommend this light read that will keep you smiling.
We return to Candy Cane Hollow for another whodunit. The main character, Holly, and the Claus family have a mystery to solve before Christmas and it’s getting close! There’s a kidnapping and pranksters and mysterious clues leading to the rescue of their beloved elf and house servant. The story is filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing. It is another charming, entertaining story in this series. I highly recommend this light read that will keep you smiling.
November 16, 2024
I enjoyed this latest look at life in Candy Cane Hollow with Holly and the Clause family. As they’re getting ready for Christmas, the unthinkable happens…Gilbert turns up missing. As they are searching for him, they run into the Yule Lads who like pulling pranks. Did Gilbert leave willingly or was he kidnapped? Will Holly and the rest of the gang find him? Another fun installment in the series!
December 20, 2024
Fun to be back in Candy Cane Hollow with Christmas just around the corner.
Gilbert the Elf and my favorite character is missing. Everyone is looking for him. Did he just leave? Did something happen to him? Nothing is the same without Gilbert and his complaining.
Holly and the Claus family need to figure out the clues, twists and turns to find and rescue Gilbert.
An enjoyable holiday mystery.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
Gilbert the Elf and my favorite character is missing. Everyone is looking for him. Did he just leave? Did something happen to him? Nothing is the same without Gilbert and his complaining.
Holly and the Claus family need to figure out the clues, twists and turns to find and rescue Gilbert.
An enjoyable holiday mystery.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
December 22, 2024
I love how Gilbert is not really a house elf but actually a beloved and integral member of the Clause family. I had my suspicions as to who kidnapped him fairly quickly but kept doubting my suspicions. I loved the Yule boys…they are hilarious and I loved that Santa had a much better contract written up that was a better fit for them. I also LOVED the ending! This is such a delightful series and I look forward to each new book every year!
December 25, 2024
The Yule Lads were such a fun addition to this book. They were interesting characters, not evil, but definitely not all good.
Holly arrives home to find their elf Gilbert has been kidnapped. The Claus family immediately calls the police to assist in their search. For three days they refuse to give up, even with it being Christmas. But while they continue to be unsuccessful finding Gilbert, the kidnapper might be much closer than they think.
Holly arrives home to find their elf Gilbert has been kidnapped. The Claus family immediately calls the police to assist in their search. For three days they refuse to give up, even with it being Christmas. But while they continue to be unsuccessful finding Gilbert, the kidnapper might be much closer than they think.
January 15, 2025
I found the storyline a bit lacking in this 6th book of the series. Gilbert has been kidnapped, and the Claus family thinks that the Yule Lads, 13 mischievous elves who live outside of Candy Cane Hollow, have taken him. Newly engaged Nick and Holly seem to be ignoring each other and not planning for their future, as Holly takes Gilbert's disappearance rather hard. I figured out the kidnapping much quicker than did Holly or the rest of the family.
January 22, 2025
Yule Be Sorry 4.6 ***stars***
Okay our main characters are Father and Mrs. Christmas and their son Nick and his fiance Holly. They spend almost four days searching for Gilbert who wasn't really lost, but they wanted him to join them for Christmas dinner. It all worked out just fine!
Okay our main characters are Father and Mrs. Christmas and their son Nick and his fiance Holly. They spend almost four days searching for Gilbert who wasn't really lost, but they wanted him to join them for Christmas dinner. It all worked out just fine!
September 2, 2024
Yule Be Sorry is an absolutely wonderful cozy mystery. It is delightful and magically festive. The characters are wonderful and so interesting. The mystery has so many twists and surprises you are kept guessing until the end. I loved this book and highly recommend it and the whole series.
December 22, 2024
This is a review of the ARC for Yule Be Sorry by Mona Marple.
I love this series and was excited to receive an advanced copy for review. I adore the characters but my favorite is Gilbert the Elf. Imagine finding him gone! Did he leave on his own or did something happen to him? Oh the anxiety! I can't say more on that for fear it will spoil things. We do get to meet some new characters, ones I hope to see again, the Yule Lads. I really enjoyed them. Maybe I have a thing for elves. Shh! I love Christmas and all it's festive delights. In the midst of the anxiety over Gilbert there were still festivities going on. Children around the world are depending upon Santa's visit and no one knows that better than the Claus family and the elves. This book has everything I want in a Christmas cozy book. If you are reading this review then I urge you to read this book. It is calling out to you.
I love this series and was excited to receive an advanced copy for review. I adore the characters but my favorite is Gilbert the Elf. Imagine finding him gone! Did he leave on his own or did something happen to him? Oh the anxiety! I can't say more on that for fear it will spoil things. We do get to meet some new characters, ones I hope to see again, the Yule Lads. I really enjoyed them. Maybe I have a thing for elves. Shh! I love Christmas and all it's festive delights. In the midst of the anxiety over Gilbert there were still festivities going on. Children around the world are depending upon Santa's visit and no one knows that better than the Claus family and the elves. This book has everything I want in a Christmas cozy book. If you are reading this review then I urge you to read this book. It is calling out to you.
December 26, 2024
I actually really enjoyed this one! The house elf goes missing and it is Holly’s job to find him. Gilbert (the house elf) has been one of my favorite characters in this series so being that he wasn’t in much of this one was sad but obviously there was a reason.
December 28, 2024
Another super cute read in this series. It was fairly easy to figure out who took Gilbert but the book remained interesting as we learned about the Yule Pads and got to see how Holly and Nick can work together.
December 8, 2025
Simply Marvelous!!!
Wonderful imaginative mystery story for the Christmas holiday. Plot twists that keep you guessing until the end. Fun characters that you can't help but love especially Gilbert who is my favorite. This is truly a good book. Highly recommend!!
Wonderful imaginative mystery story for the Christmas holiday. Plot twists that keep you guessing until the end. Fun characters that you can't help but love especially Gilbert who is my favorite. This is truly a good book. Highly recommend!!
October 19, 2024
Review to come.
December 12, 2024
I love being back in Candy Cane Hollow! It’s such a magical place. The characters and storylines are fantastic. I can’t wait to read the next book.
December 21, 2024
A favorite series
I love this fun and funny series. The characters are gifted with their own unique personalities. Mona Maple makes them come alive.
I love this fun and funny series. The characters are gifted with their own unique personalities. Mona Maple makes them come alive.
December 29, 2024
Another amazing story from Candy Cane Hollow.
I was so excited to see the recipe for chestnut bacon and chive soup!
I was so excited to see the recipe for chestnut bacon and chive soup!
December 31, 2024
The books in this series never fail to put a smile on my face!
January 1, 2025
This book seemed to get back into the spirit of the series. I loved the description of Santa's Sleigh launching on Christmas Eve.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews