It's Juniper Hollybright's first day at the North Pole toy factory, and she's already convinced she'll mess everything up.
Between painting tiny trains without smudging the details and trying not to have a panic attack in the break room, the last thing she needs is a mystery to solve.
But when the Annual Holiday Cookie Competition turns into a disaster—with supplies vanishing, beautiful creations getting destroyed, and accusations flying faster than snowflakes—Juniper's detective instincts kick in despite her better judgment.
Armed with her anxiety knitting, a new friend who desperately needs her help, and an accountant who's been documenting every suspicious incident, Juniper has five days to catch a saboteur before the competition is ruined for everyone.
Can an overlooked elf with ADHD and imposter syndrome solve her first mystery without getting fired by Santa during her first week at her new job?
Find out in this prequel novella to the Ho-Ho-Homicide Cozy Mystery Series!
This novella is perfect for fans of low-stakes mysteries, found family, and holiday cheer with a side of sleuthing.
Heartwarming characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Loved every page of this short prequel where we meet Juniper who is very forthcoming about her challenges. The author handles these brilliantly and the reader feels a kinship with Juniper as a result. Together with two of her coworkers the mysterious saboteur is caught. Workplace relationships, personal anxieties, and mystery blend to give the reader an excellent experience. Looking forward to more in the series!