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Marshmallow Hollow Mysteries #4
Carnage in a Pear Tree
A witchy christmas cozy mystery
Welcome to Marshmallow Hollow, Maine, a holiday mystery, where it's all Christmas all the time and murder is hung by the chimney with care...
Hellooo! I'm at it again, and only a day after my last run-in with a killer!
Hobbs and I are growing closer and closer, but there always seems to be a mystery waiting for us just around the corner, nipping at our heels and thwarting our hot romance.
A very nice waiter named Joey Scarpetti, from the Marshmallow Hollow Ski Lodge is dead, and it happened in my backyard in my pear tree, no less. So what’s a girl to do but investigate?
On top of that, I catch Hobbs having coffee with a very stylish, flawlessly beautiful, natural blonde (hair envy here!), and I’m in a bit of a tizzy.
But when I have a gruesome vision of a young woman, so grief-stricken she wants to leave this plane forever, I know I have to find out if my vision is from a future event and if so, is there a way I can prevent a horrible tragedy?
All bets are off the table as I hunt for a killer and try and save a young woman’s life!
Welcome to Marshmallow Hollow, Maine, a holiday mystery, where it's all Christmas all the time and murder is hung by the chimney with care...
Hellooo! I'm at it again, and only a day after my last run-in with a killer!
Hobbs and I are growing closer and closer, but there always seems to be a mystery waiting for us just around the corner, nipping at our heels and thwarting our hot romance.
A very nice waiter named Joey Scarpetti, from the Marshmallow Hollow Ski Lodge is dead, and it happened in my backyard in my pear tree, no less. So what’s a girl to do but investigate?
On top of that, I catch Hobbs having coffee with a very stylish, flawlessly beautiful, natural blonde (hair envy here!), and I’m in a bit of a tizzy.
But when I have a gruesome vision of a young woman, so grief-stricken she wants to leave this plane forever, I know I have to find out if my vision is from a future event and if so, is there a way I can prevent a horrible tragedy?
All bets are off the table as I hunt for a killer and try and save a young woman’s life!
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2021
About the author
Dakota Cassidy
169 books1,960 followersDakota Cassidy is a national bestselling author with over thirty books. She writes laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, grab-some-ice erotic romance, hot and sexy alpha males, paranormal shifters, contemporary kick-ass women, and more.
Invited by Bravo TV, Dakota was the Bravoholic for a week, wherein she snarked the hell out of all the Bravo shows. She received a starred review from Publisher Weekly for Talk Dirty to Me, won an RT Reviewers Choice Award for Kiss and Hell, along with many review site recommended reads and reviewer top pick awards.
Dakota lives in the gorgeous state of Oregon with her real life hero and her dogs, and she loves hearing from readers!
Connect with Dakota online: https://twitter.com/DakotaCassidy https://www.facebook.com/DakotaCassid...
Join Dakota Cassidy’s Newsletter The Tiara Diaries! Join here: http://mad.ly/signups/100255/join
Invited by Bravo TV, Dakota was the Bravoholic for a week, wherein she snarked the hell out of all the Bravo shows. She received a starred review from Publisher Weekly for Talk Dirty to Me, won an RT Reviewers Choice Award for Kiss and Hell, along with many review site recommended reads and reviewer top pick awards.
Dakota lives in the gorgeous state of Oregon with her real life hero and her dogs, and she loves hearing from readers!
Connect with Dakota online: https://twitter.com/DakotaCassidy https://www.facebook.com/DakotaCassid...
Join Dakota Cassidy’s Newsletter The Tiara Diaries! Join here: http://mad.ly/signups/100255/join
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 21, 2024
And that's a wrap! (At least for now.)
This 4th volume has Hobbs finally in the know. Though I have to say that while it IS refreshing not having someone completely lose their shit, how calm and collected he was was ... almost unrealistic (and I know how that sounds).
Of course, there was some additional tension, not to mention ANOTHER murder in what we were told was a cozy little town obsessed with everything Christmas. Who knew coziness came with so much blood and this many lethal instruments - up to and including actual trees. *lol*
Just as cute and comedic as the other volumes - though we might have had a few chuckles more than in the previous volume courtesy of the funniest grandma-reincarnated-as-a-reindeer. Ok, the fact that was hilarious too.
It was also time for some answers. Which we got. Sorta.
Can't say I believe this can carry on for 10 more books like other series, but I did enjoy these well enough as a short and cute little pre-Christmas treat.
This 4th volume has Hobbs finally in the know. Though I have to say that while it IS refreshing not having someone completely lose their shit, how calm and collected he was was ... almost unrealistic (and I know how that sounds).
Of course, there was some additional tension, not to mention ANOTHER murder in what we were told was a cozy little town obsessed with everything Christmas. Who knew coziness came with so much blood and this many lethal instruments - up to and including actual trees. *lol*
Just as cute and comedic as the other volumes - though we might have had a few chuckles more than in the previous volume courtesy of the funniest grandma-reincarnated-as-a-reindeer. Ok, the fact that was hilarious too.
It was also time for some answers. Which we got. Sorta.
Can't say I believe this can carry on for 10 more books like other series, but I did enjoy these well enough as a short and cute little pre-Christmas treat.
December 28, 2022
Incredibly addictive series. Not sure if it's over or not -- my guess is yes :-( but a reader can dream. So addictive, in fact, so addictive that I listened to all four books within a two week time period in December. Light and funny. Snappy dialogue. Outrageously quirky! Flirty and swoony romance! And don't get me started on the talking animals. :-) Hollie Jackson's narration was fabulous and I will definitely be revisiting Marshmallow Hollow in future Christmases. Plus, just discovered this series is a spin off from another one -- Witchless in Seattle -- which has a ton of books to keep me happily reading into the New Year.
November 7, 2021
Halliday and Digby are trying to figure out how or if they can deal with the truth bomb that Halliday dropped into their new relationship. When out in her back yard Halliday has a body drop by her and with a new murder to solve they put the tension to the back burner. How did the victim get there, who would want to murder him, can they still work as good as they always have? As always this is an incredible story and a real mystery, I read this in one day I just couldn’t put it down.
September 30, 2021
This is a wonderful book that kept me turning the pages until the very end. This picks up right where the previous book - One Corpse Open Sleigh - left off. I enjoy visiting Marshmallow Hollow and getting to catch up on all the goings-on, it’s always a fun adventure.
December 25, 2025
My true rating is 4.6 stars.
The story picks up immediately after the gripping events of the previous book, diving right into the last spoken words that propel the narrative forward. Our protagonist finds herself embroiled in yet another perilous situation just a mere day after her last harrowing encounter with a killer.
As she navigates this treacherous landscape, the bond between her and Hobbs deepens, filled with moments of intimacy and connection. However, lurking at every turn is a new mystery that threatens to derail their budding romance, casting shadows over their moments together.
The plot thickens when a tragic incident occurs in her backyard—Joey Scarpetti, a charming waiter from the Marshmallow Hollow Ski Lodge, is found dead beneath her beloved pear tree. Faced with the gruesome scene, she feels compelled to launch her own investigation, determined to uncover the truth behind this shocking crime.
Adding to her emotional turmoil, she stumbles upon Hobbs sharing a coffee with a strikingly beautiful, impeccably styled blonde. This encounter leaves her feeling anxious and jealous, introducing an element of personal conflict into her already chaotic life.
Things take a darker turn when she experiences a haunting vision of a young woman consumed by grief, so much so that she longs to escape this world. Convinced that her vision might be a glimpse into a future tragedy, she feels an overwhelming sense of duty to intervene and attempt to avert this disaster at all costs.
With the stakes higher than ever, she embarks on a relentless quest to pinpoint the killer while simultaneously striving to save the life of a young woman she hasn’t even met yet. The thrilling tension of the narrative builds as she races against time, navigating twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end.
The intricacies of the mysteries are brilliantly crafted, challenging to unravel, and rich with detail. The diverse cast of characters is skillfully developed, each bringing a unique personality that reflects the quirks of their small community while also showcasing their social eccentricities. The narration by Hollie Jackson breathes life into every scene and character, enhancing the experience and drawing readers deeper into the story.
As this installment seems to serve as a fitting conclusion to the series, it leaves a lingering hope for more adventures to come. The vibrant characters and the charmingly peculiar community spark a desire for additional mysteries, each potentially brimming with festive spirit and captivating relationships that could flourish in future tales.
The story picks up immediately after the gripping events of the previous book, diving right into the last spoken words that propel the narrative forward. Our protagonist finds herself embroiled in yet another perilous situation just a mere day after her last harrowing encounter with a killer.
As she navigates this treacherous landscape, the bond between her and Hobbs deepens, filled with moments of intimacy and connection. However, lurking at every turn is a new mystery that threatens to derail their budding romance, casting shadows over their moments together.
The plot thickens when a tragic incident occurs in her backyard—Joey Scarpetti, a charming waiter from the Marshmallow Hollow Ski Lodge, is found dead beneath her beloved pear tree. Faced with the gruesome scene, she feels compelled to launch her own investigation, determined to uncover the truth behind this shocking crime.
Adding to her emotional turmoil, she stumbles upon Hobbs sharing a coffee with a strikingly beautiful, impeccably styled blonde. This encounter leaves her feeling anxious and jealous, introducing an element of personal conflict into her already chaotic life.
Things take a darker turn when she experiences a haunting vision of a young woman consumed by grief, so much so that she longs to escape this world. Convinced that her vision might be a glimpse into a future tragedy, she feels an overwhelming sense of duty to intervene and attempt to avert this disaster at all costs.
With the stakes higher than ever, she embarks on a relentless quest to pinpoint the killer while simultaneously striving to save the life of a young woman she hasn’t even met yet. The thrilling tension of the narrative builds as she races against time, navigating twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end.
The intricacies of the mysteries are brilliantly crafted, challenging to unravel, and rich with detail. The diverse cast of characters is skillfully developed, each bringing a unique personality that reflects the quirks of their small community while also showcasing their social eccentricities. The narration by Hollie Jackson breathes life into every scene and character, enhancing the experience and drawing readers deeper into the story.
As this installment seems to serve as a fitting conclusion to the series, it leaves a lingering hope for more adventures to come. The vibrant characters and the charmingly peculiar community spark a desire for additional mysteries, each potentially brimming with festive spirit and captivating relationships that could flourish in future tales.
September 23, 2021
Carnage in a Pear Tree picks up right where One Corpse Open Slay ended. It was fun to be back in Marshmallow Hollow with such great characters. Halliday’s secret gets explored more by Hobbs and he has a lot to take in throughout the book. Readers are in for a treat as Hobbs has his own secret to reveal.
This story has a great plot and covers a hard-hitting topic. The pace and twists will keep you turning the pages. Carnage in a Pear Tree lets us enjoy some more of the townies and everyday life in Marshmallow Hollow. As always with this series, the main mystery is wrapped up by the end of the book so there are no cliff-hangers.
I think this book is pivotal to the series as the secrets revealed may shape their future together. Don’t miss out, read it now!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
This story has a great plot and covers a hard-hitting topic. The pace and twists will keep you turning the pages. Carnage in a Pear Tree lets us enjoy some more of the townies and everyday life in Marshmallow Hollow. As always with this series, the main mystery is wrapped up by the end of the book so there are no cliff-hangers.
I think this book is pivotal to the series as the secrets revealed may shape their future together. Don’t miss out, read it now!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
May 27, 2022
Very interesting story and the romance is great! The sleuths are at it again but this story has some unusual helpers. James Bond could use Harper as a helper but in this case he helps Hal live longer. We know from the previous book the Hal has finally told Hobbs that she is a witch and more. So in addition to outing herself Hal now has a helper who knows all but loves to tease.
This murder takes place closer to home and it does have a few twists. I will be honest until you get near the end of the story I never saw the killer. A good mystery will have you on the edge of your seat but there are some clues to help you.
We know Hal’s secrets but you will learn Hobbs secret and it is a good one! Enjoy this story because it is very good and I hope there will be another!
This murder takes place closer to home and it does have a few twists. I will be honest until you get near the end of the story I never saw the killer. A good mystery will have you on the edge of your seat but there are some clues to help you.
We know Hal’s secrets but you will learn Hobbs secret and it is a good one! Enjoy this story because it is very good and I hope there will be another!
April 3, 2023
This was a cute little paranormal cozy mystery set in the town of Marshmallow Hollow, Maine where the town is everything Christmas. Our MC, Halliday Valentine, is a witch who owns a Factory that produces all things Christmassy and an amateur sleuth that sticks her nose in all the murder cases. She gets away with it because her bff is a cop so she gets all the info she should probably not get. Although I'm not a huge fan of cozy mystery, I can get behind this one because I want to live in Marshmallow Hollow..lol.
Hal gets involved with the latest case when the body falls from the ski lifts and into her pear tree on her property. It's discovered that the body was dead before it even hit the ground. So Hal begins to investigate with her boyfriend and the info she gets from her cop bff.
It's a fun and fluffy read, that is relatively short.
Hal gets involved with the latest case when the body falls from the ski lifts and into her pear tree on her property. It's discovered that the body was dead before it even hit the ground. So Hal begins to investigate with her boyfriend and the info she gets from her cop bff.
It's a fun and fluffy read, that is relatively short.
December 22, 2024
Cozy fantasy mystery/romance set during xmastime, book 4, complete.
Funny how all that pretty much says it all in almost no words.
It's simply an easy read with all the expected elements.
I'm continuing with my little experiment of writing synesthesia reviews -- my impression of books by way of my other senses.
In this particular book, I got the distinct impression of vinegar, but not too much. It was more used like a condiment for something a bit unusual, like a hint of grilled salmon on rye. Most of it carried just a bare hint of flavor, but the vinegar stood out, as if it was being used copiously at the table next to me.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to DM requests. I think it's about time I get some eyes on them.
Arctunn.com
Funny how all that pretty much says it all in almost no words.
It's simply an easy read with all the expected elements.
I'm continuing with my little experiment of writing synesthesia reviews -- my impression of books by way of my other senses.
In this particular book, I got the distinct impression of vinegar, but not too much. It was more used like a condiment for something a bit unusual, like a hint of grilled salmon on rye. Most of it carried just a bare hint of flavor, but the vinegar stood out, as if it was being used copiously at the table next to me.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to DM requests. I think it's about time I get some eyes on them.
Arctunn.com
October 3, 2021
It was so great to be back in Marshmallow Hollow and getting to catch up on all the shenanigans it's always a fun adventure. This book reveals so much just as Halliday's secret was getting explored more by Hobbs were hit that Hobbs has secrets of his own. Overall this was a enjoyable and entertaining read. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. As always my reviews are totally voluntarily and no monetary compensation was received and the opinions I have expressed are completely my own.
October 30, 2021
Psychos be crazy!
Thing's are going smoothly for Hal and Hobbs, for like two days after the last murder was solved, then another one literally falls from the skies.
The boy who dies is, it seems, liked by EVERYONE 🤔🤔 so who killed him? Also why can they not find ANY social media for such a nice guy 🤔🤔
And whose the gorgeous woman Hobbs is with at the hotel??
Secrets R US are about to be un-secreted lol.
Totally enjoyed this series, hoping we may get more as Stiles needs his HEA 🙏🙏🙏
Thing's are going smoothly for Hal and Hobbs, for like two days after the last murder was solved, then another one literally falls from the skies.
The boy who dies is, it seems, liked by EVERYONE 🤔🤔 so who killed him? Also why can they not find ANY social media for such a nice guy 🤔🤔
And whose the gorgeous woman Hobbs is with at the hotel??
Secrets R US are about to be un-secreted lol.
Totally enjoyed this series, hoping we may get more as Stiles needs his HEA 🙏🙏🙏
December 29, 2022
This is not a safe place to live! One day after the last murder (and book), a body drops out of the sky on Hal's property. Finding out he fell from a ski lift closes the lodge and stops all activities.
Hal an Hobbs finally learn all about each other's secretes.
Again I have an issue with Hobbs. He's from Texas and has a prize Holstein? Not really a Texas cow, especially not around Katy, TX. Just sayin'.
This book has more twits and a truly despicable killer. Hal really has to stop putting herself in so much danger. This is the last of the series, but I'm really hoping for more.
Hal an Hobbs finally learn all about each other's secretes.
Again I have an issue with Hobbs. He's from Texas and has a prize Holstein? Not really a Texas cow, especially not around Katy, TX. Just sayin'.
This book has more twits and a truly despicable killer. Hal really has to stop putting herself in so much danger. This is the last of the series, but I'm really hoping for more.
January 4, 2023
I think this one just might be my favorite in the series! There was a heavier tone to parts of the story that I appreciated, as it added a lot to the suspense and anticipation. As always, the author creates tons of twists and turns, lots of little reveals that totally hide the true whodunit. When the bad guy was finally revealed, I was utterly floored. And while the mystery was wonderful, so too was the romance. I love Hobbs and Hal together, but a potential wrench is thrown into it when it’s discovered that he, too, has a secret. So good!
January 4, 2023
I've really enjoyed this whole series, and I think this last instalment is my favorite. I guessed the reveal at the end in book two, but I still enjoyed Hal's reaction to it. This series is loads of fun, with loveable animal sidekicks, and a love interest who is not only not a jerk but also a really kind, caring, all around good guy. I wouldn't be sad if Cassidy decided to write another quartet about these guys in the future. I love all the characters, and the mysteries have been great.
September 26, 2021
This story picks up right where One Corpse Open Slay left off. This story features a twisted mystery, visions that may or may not be related to the murder, a hunky boyfriend with secrets of his own and all the craziness that is Halliday Valentine. I laughed and wondered and wondered again. But mostly I enjoyed and look forward to my next visit to Marshmallow Hollow.
October 4, 2021
I love Dakota Cassidy and I especially love the way she writes. I received this book as an Arc for an unbiased and honest review. I really enjoyed this book as my friend told me it continues right where the last book left off but I am hooked on marshmallow hollows and I am going back to read the first three because this book was so good that the pages just turned themselves.
December 27, 2021
Love This Series!!
This series is an absolute hoot!! I love the cozy mystery of it, but it's so much fun reading about Halliday and call of her family and friends, who are characters in their own right! These books are such a joy, especially around the Holidays!! Highly recommend these, if you love cozy mysteries, great humor and Christmas, this is a must read series!!❤❤❤
This series is an absolute hoot!! I love the cozy mystery of it, but it's so much fun reading about Halliday and call of her family and friends, who are characters in their own right! These books are such a joy, especially around the Holidays!! Highly recommend these, if you love cozy mysteries, great humor and Christmas, this is a must read series!!❤❤❤
June 21, 2022
Another fun outing for our holiday witch- one that picks up right where the other one stopped. She finally told her hunk of a man that she's a witch, but then a body drops right outside her yard. Plus, is he hiding something from her after she's revealed all?? The bumble from Rudolph makes a great cameo.
September 25, 2021
Fun read!
This was a fun book to read! I really enjoy this series and this latest book is no exception! The characters are fun and interesting! The plot moves quickly and the major mystery is wrapped up by the end. I'm looking forward to the next book!
This was a fun book to read! I really enjoy this series and this latest book is no exception! The characters are fun and interesting! The plot moves quickly and the major mystery is wrapped up by the end. I'm looking forward to the next book!
October 16, 2021
Secrets
Hard to know who committed a murder. But the reading led you on a quest for answers and had you guessing and trying to help solve the murder. I wasn't even close but it truly was good exciting reading.
Hard to know who committed a murder. But the reading led you on a quest for answers and had you guessing and trying to help solve the murder. I wasn't even close but it truly was good exciting reading.
December 26, 2021
The perfect ending to my Christmas Day!
No spoilers but this is the best book yet in the series! Marshmallow Hallow is the best place to have Christmas!!! You might even meet a Bumble!!!!!!!
No spoilers but this is the best book yet in the series! Marshmallow Hallow is the best place to have Christmas!!! You might even meet a Bumble!!!!!!!
September 24, 2021
Welcome back to Marshmallow Hallow with Halliday and the gang. Loved this story and finding out more about Hobbs. Don’t miss out on this great series.
This is an ARC review.
This is an ARC review.
September 25, 2021
Christmas has never been so exciting
Love Hal and Her Texan , this book gave both highs and lows . Makes me want a brownie and hot chocolate
Love Hal and Her Texan , this book gave both highs and lows . Makes me want a brownie and hot chocolate
November 9, 2021
4 Stars… Another great sleuthing mystery with Hal and Hobbs…. Marshmallow Hollow always gets the Christmas feels going:)
November 10, 2021
Pear tree
This story was great fun all the references to old TV shows and Christmas movies. It’s a lively move right along story
This story was great fun all the references to old TV shows and Christmas movies. It’s a lively move right along story
June 22, 2022
The aftermath of telling Hobbs. Enjoying this series more and more.
December 31, 2022
I adore this menagerie. And just the general idealistic "help your neighbor, be kind to everyone" vibe of the series.
January 8, 2023
❤️❤️📚👍
February 13, 2023
Love this series.
April 21, 2023
brilliant series
But seriously need more what a joy so much fun wonderful characters can’t wait for next instalment woo hoo happy holidays
But seriously need more what a joy so much fun wonderful characters can’t wait for next instalment woo hoo happy holidays
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews