My rating is 4.9 stars.
I find myself utterly captivated by these richly developed characters, each one vividly crafted to the point where I’m seamlessly drawn into their world. They invite me on a thrilling journey, and I'm eager to accompany them as they delve into an intriguing mystery. Their personalities radiate charm and vitality, enhanced by some of the most delightful sidekicks imaginable. The dynamic duo of Halliday and Hobbs is compelling, but it’s Halliday’s quirky companions—a sassy hummingbird named Atticus, complete with a delightful British accent, and her spirited grandmother who is reminiscent of a reindeer—that truly steal the show.
As the Christmas season grows near, the quaint town of Marshmallow Hollow bursts into a flurry of festive activities, each corner alive with holiday spirit. However, not every event is brimming with joy. Halliday finds herself reluctantly persuaded by her enthusiastic friend, Stiles, to participate in an ice sculpting competition, which turns out to be more of a comedic disaster than a triumph. Let’s just say, Michelangelo would shake his head in dismay. Secretly relieved when their hilariously flawed ice sculpture takes a tumble, Halliday seizes the opportunity to watch her new love interest, Hobbs, as he gears up to race in the thrilling sled competition.
Things take an unexpected turn just moments into the race when Hobbs’s exuberant dog, named Stephen King, makes a break for it, eager to join in the action. With uncontainable energy, he finds a sled—unfortunately, it’s already occupied by none other than the lifeless body of a notorious ice sculpting judge.
Driven by their love of true crime, Halliday and Hobbs dive headfirst into the investigation, their curiosity ignited. However, the stakes are high; there’s a vulnerable little kitten caught up in the chaos that they are determined to help.
The labyrinth of suspects is daunting. The victim was infamous for being an equal-opportunity jerk, uniformly reviled by everyone he crossed paths with. Each potential culprit seems to have a solid alibi, adding layers to the web of intrigue. To complicate matters further, the murder weapon remains an unsolved enigma that baffles even the local authorities.
This whole investigation would be significantly simpler if Halliday could rely on her magical abilities. Yet, she wrestles with a critical question: can she trust Hobbs with the truth about her powers? More importantly, is he ready to accept that revelation?
This mystery unfolded with delightful twists and clever dialogue that felt so relatable and authentic. I particularly loved the nod to one of my all-time favorite films, "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians," which added an enjoyable touch to the narrative. Hollie Jackson has truly excelled in bringing this episode to life with her engaging storytelling.