Death by Eggnog

When her Christmas plans fall through, Krissy Hancock stays in Pine Hills, Ohio with a week off from her bookstore-cafe. She gets roped into performing as an elf in the local holiday musical, where she runs into a demanding director, backstage drama, and two actors competing fiercely for the lead role.

After the actor playing Santa is murdered, Krissy's ex-boyfriend becomes the primary suspect. Convinced of his innocence, she investigates while juggling rehearsals and trying to stay safe.

As her behind-the-scenes sleuthing intensifies, Krissy has to solve the case before Christmas dinner — or worse. The fifth Bookstore Cafe Mystery is a holiday-set entry in Alex Erickson's small-town cozy series.