What do you think?
Rate this book
A Christmas Cozy Mystery #4
Mistletoe Murder
When a local millionaire eccentric dies, the whole of Candy Cane Hollow are crying into their mince pies.
But when the Will is read, it turns out that the whole estate has been left not to the man's family, but to an elf who claims she didn't know him at all.
With that shock discovery, it's time to see how money really does change people... and not everyone will survive the fall out.
Holly finds herself caught up in another murder, but she already has enough on her plate. Her sister is visiting her new, festive home for the first time, and together they will sort the final plans for the Winter Ball.
Oh, and is she imagining things, or is her dimpled dish of a boyfriend acting suspiciously?
But when the Will is read, it turns out that the whole estate has been left not to the man's family, but to an elf who claims she didn't know him at all.
With that shock discovery, it's time to see how money really does change people... and not everyone will survive the fall out.
Holly finds herself caught up in another murder, but she already has enough on her plate. Her sister is visiting her new, festive home for the first time, and together they will sort the final plans for the Winter Ball.
Oh, and is she imagining things, or is her dimpled dish of a boyfriend acting suspiciously?
133 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2022
196 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
December 24, 2025
"Mistletoe Murder (Christmas Cozy Mystery #4)" by Mona Marple has Holly Wood nearing her 2nd Christmas in Candy Cane Hollow. Her sister, August, is finally visiting her and will be helping her finish planning a Winter Ball. They're staying at the Claus house, because there isn't enough room at Holly's place for some reason. Honestly I don't know why Holly ever moved out of the Claus house. She's always staying there or one of their other family residences.
Not only do the sisters have the ball planning but then there's the drama some of Ginger's family brings to the Claus house. Holly gets pulled into another mysterious death investigation with her sister tagging along.
Lots of the usual when it comes to the investigation. Holly also starts to worry about her relationship with Nick since he seems to be avoiding her. Then there's some be changes happening for her sister. Lots of big changes all around at the end of this one I wont spoil.
Not only do the sisters have the ball planning but then there's the drama some of Ginger's family brings to the Claus house. Holly gets pulled into another mysterious death investigation with her sister tagging along.
Lots of the usual when it comes to the investigation. Holly also starts to worry about her relationship with Nick since he seems to be avoiding her. Then there's some be changes happening for her sister. Lots of big changes all around at the end of this one I wont spoil.
August 15, 2022
Holly has invited her sister August to plan a ball but has to solve murder and find out why one of the elves got an inheritance without even knowing the dead person. And Holly wonders why she has not seen Nick throughout the whole time. This is a great book. Ms Mona has outdone herself. The characters are fantastic and the plot is set at the most wonderful time of the year. I hope you enjoy this book and the series just as much as I do. I highly recommend this book and the series. Thank you.
August 26, 2022
I absolutely LOVE THIS SERIES!!!!!!!!!!!! It's so wonderful!! Love the characters, the setting and the plot. It really feels like I'm in Candy Candy Junction. Holly is so happy her sister August is going to come visit her for a few days. August comes and they are staying in Claus Cottage together to work together to plan the Winter Ball. It's a good thing that August is there because Holly is so nervous that everything must be perfect because she doesn't want to disappoint Mrs. Claus. Things are a somber situation when a beloved member has passed away and they have to plan the funeral but things get dicey when the will is read and there is a surprise beneficiary. Then add a murder to it and it gets even more crazy. Can Wiggles and Holly solve the murders and find peace for everyone before the Winter Ball? Oh and such a surprise at the end!! LOVED IT
August 19, 2022
I was so excited to visit Candy Cane Hollow again! In this newest installment of Mona Marple's Christmas Cozy Mystery Series, Holly is planning a highly anticipated holiday ball - her first event without Mrs. Claus's supervision. Holly invites August, her organizationally gifted sister, to help her with final preparations.
On the heels of August's arrival, the death of a wealthy elf is revealed. When there are questions about the will, chaos and murder ensue. It is up to Holly to figure out the truth, solve the murder, and get to the bottom of Nick's strange behavior.
I loved this book! My only complaint is that I finished it too quickly. I am already anxiously waiting for the next book in the series.
On the heels of August's arrival, the death of a wealthy elf is revealed. When there are questions about the will, chaos and murder ensue. It is up to Holly to figure out the truth, solve the murder, and get to the bottom of Nick's strange behavior.
I loved this book! My only complaint is that I finished it too quickly. I am already anxiously waiting for the next book in the series.
August 20, 2022
A great balance of sweetness and spiciness! Once again we peek into Holly Wood’s life at the North Pole and her relationships with the Claus family and friends. Though there are many twists and turns, she solves the murder mystery. She has family visiting which results in a surprise ending, but you’ll need to read it to find out what happens. I highly recommend this interesting tale.
October 17, 2022
I always love the books written by Mona Marple and this is no exception. Lots of love, fun, and mystery can be found in each book. In this book, Holly's younger sister, August, comes to Candy Cane Hollow to help put the finishing touches on the Winter Ball. Mrs. Claus is slowly giving Holly the responsibilities she (Mrs. Claus) usually does. However, Nick (Santa) has been avoiding her. She's now doubting his feelings for her.
One of the older Hollow residents passes away so his estranged son comes for the reading of the will. However, the beneficiary is a surprise to everyone. While everyone is at the Claus Cottage, a person is found murdered and another is injured. There are lots of surprises for everyone. Holly and August do some investigating while working on the Ball.
These characters are so fleshed out even to the point of Holly and August having some sisterly bickering while they share a room at the Cottage. August is not surprised at the magical occurrences (talking reindeer). And, the murderer is named before the Ball. However, Nick is still avoiding Holly.
I don't want to accidentally give out spoilers (what fun would that be?), so I'll stop here. Read this book. In fact, its part of a fairly new series so I suggest you start at the beginning and read the books in order. You won't be sorry you did.
One of the older Hollow residents passes away so his estranged son comes for the reading of the will. However, the beneficiary is a surprise to everyone. While everyone is at the Claus Cottage, a person is found murdered and another is injured. There are lots of surprises for everyone. Holly and August do some investigating while working on the Ball.
These characters are so fleshed out even to the point of Holly and August having some sisterly bickering while they share a room at the Cottage. August is not surprised at the magical occurrences (talking reindeer). And, the murderer is named before the Ball. However, Nick is still avoiding Holly.
I don't want to accidentally give out spoilers (what fun would that be?), so I'll stop here. Read this book. In fact, its part of a fairly new series so I suggest you start at the beginning and read the books in order. You won't be sorry you did.
October 15, 2023
A rich recluse dies and leaves his fortune to a stranger. Soon a murder takes place. Holly needs to help solve the murder while her sister is visiting and plan the winter ball. This story was so cute. I truly enjoyed it. I absolutely loved the way it ended! It’s a must read
September 8, 2024
Entertaining mystery relationships listening 🎶🔰
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book four of six
Hollys sister comes to visit for a quick couple of days. A person ends up dead. Is it murder? Or natural? The answer is discovered.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of holiday family and friends relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 👒😀
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book four of six
Hollys sister comes to visit for a quick couple of days. A person ends up dead. Is it murder? Or natural? The answer is discovered.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of holiday family and friends relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 👒😀
September 22, 2022
Another fun Christmas Mystery by Mona Marple! A Winter Ball, a sister's visit and a murder. What more could Holly ask for? Clues are plenty and the Christmas spirit is catchy in this fourth book in the series. It's sure to help you get in the holiday mood.
August 16, 2022
Mistletoe Murder is a fun and interesting cozy mystery. I love this series. It is festive and fun. I love the characters. This book is well written and engaging. The mystery has many twists and surprises. The ending is fantastic. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
December 15, 2022
Awesome!! Another great series for the season 🎄❄️🎅🏻
December 29, 2025
This is my FAVORITE Christmas series and I loved this one so much. I love seeing Holly so established in this festive town and how she has been completely embraced. It was so heartwarming to see her sister visit and how they seamlessly worked together to both plan and sleuth. The fact that her sister trusted and believed her without question was lovely. There were a lot of moving parts and story lines for a novella and I love how everything came together. It was emotional and definitely some tough topics, and I love how the author tackled them and also kept this Uber cozy. The end had me in happy tears and I cannot wait for more!!
Note: I am so thrilled these are now audiobook and I LOVED the audiobook narration!
Note: I am so thrilled these are now audiobook and I LOVED the audiobook narration!
September 10, 2022
Holly’s super-organized younger sister August has come for a visit and to finalize the arrangements for the Winter Ball. Holly loves having her sister visiting at the Claus’s house, but there are several also unplanned guests. A wealthy hermit has died and his upset relatives are there. As well as an elf and her estranged husband. What a handful. Join my favorite Christmas characters in another murder and entertainment. Loved the ending!!
September 13, 2022
Really enjoyed this wonderfully written story. It’s original with fantastic characters. The setting is awesome! What an ending, I can’t wait to see what happens next!!
September 21, 2022
Get in the Christmas spirit with this fun holiday mystery.
Holly is tasked with arranging the Christmas Ball and has invited her sister, August to visit and help with the planning. When one of the elfs is murdered, and Holly once again becomes involved. To make matters worse, Nick, (as in St. Nick) who Holly is dating seems like he is avoiding her. August's seems preoccupied with something personal also. It doesn't look like a very merry Christmas to be.
Lots of quirky characters in the series. Gilbert the curmudgeon elf is a favorite. A favorite from Tumbledown Manor makes an appearance too.
I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.
Holly is tasked with arranging the Christmas Ball and has invited her sister, August to visit and help with the planning. When one of the elfs is murdered, and Holly once again becomes involved. To make matters worse, Nick, (as in St. Nick) who Holly is dating seems like he is avoiding her. August's seems preoccupied with something personal also. It doesn't look like a very merry Christmas to be.
Lots of quirky characters in the series. Gilbert the curmudgeon elf is a favorite. A favorite from Tumbledown Manor makes an appearance too.
I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.
October 10, 2022
I love going to Candy Cane Hollow! When fall arrives, my thoughts always turn to Christmas time, my favorite holiday chased closely by Halloween.
In this book Dr. Holly Wood needs to prepare the Winter Ball without Mrs Claus' help! Her sister, August arrives to help. This was a fun storyline! I love both of them. Just after August arrives there is news of a death and a surprise in the will. Is it enough reason for someone to die?
The mystery is well done. I love that this book had me turning pages until the end when I started reading slower to savor the book. Definitely put this one on your TBR.
*I received an ecopy for review consideration. All opinions are based upon my experience reading this book. *
In this book Dr. Holly Wood needs to prepare the Winter Ball without Mrs Claus' help! Her sister, August arrives to help. This was a fun storyline! I love both of them. Just after August arrives there is news of a death and a surprise in the will. Is it enough reason for someone to die?
The mystery is well done. I love that this book had me turning pages until the end when I started reading slower to savor the book. Definitely put this one on your TBR.
*I received an ecopy for review consideration. All opinions are based upon my experience reading this book. *
September 21, 2022
Holly is planning the Winter Ball without the help of Mrs. Claus. Help! Thankfully help is on the way as she invited her sister August to give her a hand.
A murder has occurred and one of the elves has gotten the inheritance. How did that happen when the elf does not know the person who died? Holly needs to help solve the murder and fast!
A fun read and cute story to get you in the Christmas spirit. Lots of quirky characters.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
A murder has occurred and one of the elves has gotten the inheritance. How did that happen when the elf does not know the person who died? Holly needs to help solve the murder and fast!
A fun read and cute story to get you in the Christmas spirit. Lots of quirky characters.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
August 23, 2022
Mistletoe Murder by Mona Marple
If you like books with a little whimsy, a little fantasy, a good mystery with a touch of romance thrown in, you'll love this series.
If you like books with a little whimsy, a little fantasy, a good mystery with a touch of romance thrown in, you'll love this series.
January 24, 2025
I love everything about this series! It’s easy to read, it’s fun, and it’s festive!
September 25, 2022
A new episode in Holly's life in Candy Cane Hollow . . . introduces us to her sister. In the Hollow for a long overdue visit AND to help Holly with the Candy Cane Ball, August is also on hand to help with a new mystery when a local millionaire leaves everything to someone he supposedly didn't know.
Adding to that, Holly's beau is acting decidedly odd, and Holly is concerned.
As we've come to expect, Marple puts her characters through their paces, making the final resolution not only a surprise but a fitting one. I'm always happy to revisit old favourite characters, and the residents of Candy Cane Hollow are certainly that. You'll love this one!
[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
Adding to that, Holly's beau is acting decidedly odd, and Holly is concerned.
As we've come to expect, Marple puts her characters through their paces, making the final resolution not only a surprise but a fitting one. I'm always happy to revisit old favourite characters, and the residents of Candy Cane Hollow are certainly that. You'll love this one!
[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
September 3, 2022
Holly Wood and the rest of the Candy Cane Hollow crew are back in this charming tale. The death of a long time resident brings big ch@ng es to his sole beneficiary elf Patrice. Her estranged husband is found dead and the investigation and search for his killer begins. Mona wraps things up cleverly with a very sweet ending. I enjoy her books tremendously and am looking for the next installment like now if not sooner
September 22, 2022
A new adventure in Candy Cane Hollow.
The mystery begins with a Notice of Death. A very wealthy elf has passed and relatives of the deceased are hosted at the Clause residence for the funeral. August, Holly’s sister, is in town for a visit. There is Gilbert drama and a murder investigation with August & Holly teaming up to crack the case. This could be a standalone but recommend reading the other books in the series. The Christmas Cozy Mystery series is very fun.
I received a complimentary eARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The mystery begins with a Notice of Death. A very wealthy elf has passed and relatives of the deceased are hosted at the Clause residence for the funeral. August, Holly’s sister, is in town for a visit. There is Gilbert drama and a murder investigation with August & Holly teaming up to crack the case. This could be a standalone but recommend reading the other books in the series. The Christmas Cozy Mystery series is very fun.
I received a complimentary eARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 21, 2022
Holly’s sister comes to visit and finds that she absolutely loves it in Candy Cane Hollow. All kinds of mysteries are in this book! Rudy, an elf, is found dead in the study of the Claus’ home. His estranged wife has inherited a fortune from a man she doesn’t know. The man’s son axis left out of the will completely. Nick is acting super strange. Can Holly and August figure all this out? I loved reading this story, especially the end!
September 21, 2022
Fun Christmas story. Holly loves being Nick’s one and only, and who would not love being the future Mrs. Clause. Candy Cane Hollow is a magical place you will love visiting. The town, the citizens and the feelings of joy they share are truly amazing. However, there is always a Debbie Downer (or a Sprout Downer in this case) who is only full of greed.
This book needs to be added to your TBR pile. Nova Nelson writes great books and you will not be disappointed.
This book needs to be added to your TBR pile. Nova Nelson writes great books and you will not be disappointed.
December 5, 2022
What a fun story line with Holly’s sister, August coming for a visit. I was like Holly and didn’t think she’d believe enough to be able to make it there, but she loved it. August and Betty the reindeer cracked me up. I mean how cute is a perfume-addicted reindeer. Have spritz will move now lol. I was sure I knew whodunit but had it wrong.
The ending and very ending at the Winter Ball were just so sweet and special. I can’t wait for the next book now!
The ending and very ending at the Winter Ball were just so sweet and special. I can’t wait for the next book now!
December 19, 2022
An enjoyable book with many twists and turns in the murder investigation. Holly's sister is visiting and the two of them do all the prep work for the big ball. Still enjoying this series! Amazon shows that there will be 5 books in this series but I can't find out when or what!
Amazon synopsis:
When a local millionaire eccentric dies, the whole of Candy Cane Hollow are crying into their mince pies.
But when the Will is read, it turns out that the whole estate has been left not to the man's family, but to an elf who claims she didn't know him at all.
With that shock discovery, it's time to see how money really does change people... and not everyone will survive the fall out.
Holly finds herself caught up in another murder, but she already has enough on her plate. Her sister is visiting her new, festive home for the first time, and together they will sort the final plans for the Winter Ball.
Oh, and is she imagining things, or is her dimpled dish of a boyfriend acting suspiciously?
Amazon synopsis:
When a local millionaire eccentric dies, the whole of Candy Cane Hollow are crying into their mince pies.
But when the Will is read, it turns out that the whole estate has been left not to the man's family, but to an elf who claims she didn't know him at all.
With that shock discovery, it's time to see how money really does change people... and not everyone will survive the fall out.
Holly finds herself caught up in another murder, but she already has enough on her plate. Her sister is visiting her new, festive home for the first time, and together they will sort the final plans for the Winter Ball.
Oh, and is she imagining things, or is her dimpled dish of a boyfriend acting suspiciously?
December 10, 2024
I’m going to miss these books when I’m done.
Holly’s sister August is making her first trip to Candy Cane Hallow. Holly is excited to introduce August to Nick and his family. Instead of a warm and exciting greeting, the house is flooded with guests who are visiting for a funeral and elves working through a marital spat. When one of the elves is found deceased, Holly realizes she has to find the killer before anybody else is hurt.
Holly’s sister August is making her first trip to Candy Cane Hallow. Holly is excited to introduce August to Nick and his family. Instead of a warm and exciting greeting, the house is flooded with guests who are visiting for a funeral and elves working through a marital spat. When one of the elves is found deceased, Holly realizes she has to find the killer before anybody else is hurt.
January 18, 2025
Holly's sister finally gets a chance to visit Candy Cane Hollow and meet Mr. Hunkalicious, just in time to help her with finalizing the plans for the Winter Ball. But then a contentious inheritance becomes a problem, possibly leading to a murder, and Holly once again helps investigate. This is such a fun holiday series, and I am glad that we finally get to meet Holly's sister. I love how comfortable Holly is getting with all the residents of Candy Cane Hollow, as she settles into her life as a doctor, and "maybe" her future life as part of the Claus family. Onward to the next book in this series!
January 10, 2026
I stumbled onto this series while looking for a relatively quick fun listen on Hoopla.
the four I have listened to so far (books 1 to 4) have been fun!
cozy mystery. they are stand alone. but the character development and relations build with each.
The audio are single narrator. I have enjoyed her inflection of slight voice changes to differentiate characters.
Looking forward to the future books in this series.
the four I have listened to so far (books 1 to 4) have been fun!
cozy mystery. they are stand alone. but the character development and relations build with each.
The audio are single narrator. I have enjoyed her inflection of slight voice changes to differentiate characters.
Looking forward to the future books in this series.
September 21, 2022
Delightful and enchanting
Such strange goings on - Holly's sister visits, a death occurs, a strange beneficiary request, family tensions, and a seemingly absent Nick. In addition, Holly and Autumn prepare for the Winter Ball, her first solo organising responsibility. Really enjoyable.
Such strange goings on - Holly's sister visits, a death occurs, a strange beneficiary request, family tensions, and a seemingly absent Nick. In addition, Holly and Autumn prepare for the Winter Ball, her first solo organising responsibility. Really enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews