It was two weeks until Christmas, and for the first time in her life,
high powered Hollywood talent agent Mackenzie Monroe was not dreading the festivities of the
season. In fact, she was looking forward to them. As carollers caroled
and shoppers shopped and the Cheesy Network started airing sappy Christmas movies on a twenty
four seven loop. Instead of cursing these things, McKenzie embraced them. Only
one short year ago, McKenzie had hated Christmas. She couldn't stand it.
She hated the carollers, the shoppers, and she especially hated the sappy Christmas
movies on the cheesy networks. This was because last year, her best client,
Cameron Stack, had been offered a starring role in a seasonal movie on
the Candy Cane Network, and Mackenzie had had to accompany him to tiny Evergreen,
Ohio, where the movie was filming. Mackenzie hated the Midwest almost as
much as she hated Christmas, but she had gone as the dutiful agent to
support her client and found herself in her Manolo Blannock, standing in a pile
of snow in a nowhere town with two city blocks, one diner, and
one bar. But just when she thought she would go crazy out of boredom,
the most astonishing thing happened. Two people in the tiny town were murdered,
and McKenzie had solved the murders. That's right, Mackenzie Monroe had investigated
the horrific killings until she had pinpointed the murderers Miranda Sebastian, the mayor's own
wife, and Tom DeWitt, an accountant and her secret lover. She had
also saved the life of a man named Nick Tenenbaum, who was a lawyer
in Evergreen and who McKenzie now called her boyfriend. Nick and his sweet mother
Diane had cracked mackenzie's hardened, grinchy exterior, and now McKenzie was happy and
in the Christmas spirit, no longer at ebene her Scrooge throughout the whole month
of December, but McKenzie had her job in Los Angeles and Nick had his
law practice in Ohio, and the long distance thing was hard, but at
least one week end a month, sometimes more, Nick would fly out to
La Mackenzie to Evergreen to spend some much needed quality time together. Mackenzie liked
when Nick came to visit Sunny La, but she liked it more when she
got to go back to the quaint Ohio town she once hated, especially during
the holidays. She loved the Christmas decorations, no matter how tacky and bright.
She loved the fact that the nice people of Evergreen were even nicer to
one another during the holidays, and she especially loved the snow. Mackenzie liked
Los Angeles, the sun, the weather, and outdoor activities, but during
the month of December, she loved the peaceful falling snow and the way it
blanketed the ground in the Midwest and made everything sparkle. That was why if
she sat at her desk on December eleventh, she was counting down to her
Christmas Evergreen trip in just a few short days. She was blowing off any
work that had to be done. Luckily, there wasn't as much around the
holidays, the entertainment business always got quiet, and making a shopping list of
presents she would need to buy for Nick, his mom, Diane, and
her many clients when her cell phone rang. Looking down and seeing it was
Nick calling her heart sword, she answered on the second ring, I was
just thinking about you, Mackenzie said into the phone. Hey, babe,
no wonder my ears were burning, replied Nick. It was so good to
hear his voice. What's up, Mackenzie asked, Well, I have sort
of a proposition for you. I know you were looking forward to coming to
Evergreen for Christmas again this year. Wait a minute, Mackenzie screeched. You're
not canceling on me, are you. No, No, No, don't
worry. It's nothing like that, babe. It's just something a little different,
if you're up for it. What is it, Mackenzie was wary.
Well, my mom's brother just died. His name was John. Oh no,
I'm so sorry to hear that. How is your mom doing? Were
they close? Mackenzie was upset. Thanks, yeah, I mean my mom's
doing okay. They actually weren't very close, but it's still is hard.
The worst part about it was that even though he was seventy five years old,
he was in great health and he died suddenly in under weird circumstances.
No one really knows what happened. They just found him the other day.
Wow, that is really tough. I'm really sorry, and so close to
the holidays. Thanks, and yeah, that was kind of why I was
calling. You see, John was the caretaker for this old manner down in
Garland, Ohio. It's right on the border of Kentucky and West Virginia,
and he'd been working for this rich family for his whole life, like fifty
years, well since he died, so suddenly they need someone to come and
take care of the property during the Christmas holiday. They do a lot of
stuff like get the manner ready for the season and throw a big Christmas Eve
party. And the place is really old and needs a lot of work and
upkeep. Mackenzie interrupted him, and let me guess they want you to be
the interim caretaker. You got it, Nick replied. My mom asked if
I would help them out for the week before Christmas instead of staying in Evergreen
this year because I'm andy. I told her I would be happy to help.
It's the least I could do for her and Uncle John. And I
want you to come with me, of course. Mackenzie didn't hesitate to answer.
I would love to come with you. I'll be there for sure.
But what about your mom? Won't she be upset we won't be an Evergreen
for Christmas? Now She'll be okay, Nick replied, Honestly, she's just
grateful that someone can step into help. And you know how busy she is
this time of year, with planning the Evergreen Christmas Eve party and waitressing at
the diner. Okay, well that all sounds good, Mackenzie replied, So
who are these people John used to work for. What is this manner?
You're going to laugh? Nick said, why, well, it's kind of
Christmas themed, like everything in my family. Okay, Mackenzie said hesitatingly.
It's Mistletoe Manner, owned by Maxwell and Magdalena Mistletoe. They practically run the
town for generations and they're exceedingly wealthy. It's the largest mistletoe farm in the
Midwest and the export tons of the stuff, especially around the holidays. Mackenzie
burst out, laughing, So you mean to tell me that we are going
to spend Christmas at a place called Mistletoe Manor in Garland, Ohio. That's
right, the one and only. Well, I'll make sure to pack appropriately
this time, Mackenzie said, Please do, Nick replied, and bring a
coat. The weather is calling for a lot of snow, and maybe,
if you're lucky, you'll get a kiss or two from me under the mistletoe.
I hope that's a promise and I will. I'll see you soon.
Love you, Mackenzie stated, love you too. Nick hung up the phone.
Just as mackenzie was getting ready to head out, her boss, Sandra
Hirsch, waltzed into her office, entering in a cloud of expensive perfume.
She was wearing her trademark hire engine red lipstick and a mink stole, even
though the temperature was pushing eighty degrees outside in Los Angeles. So it's nearly
Christmas time again. Dear your new favorite season. Where are you off to
this year? Sandra asked in her posh British accent. I'm now headed to
Garland, Ohio, and where pray tell is that sounds horrific. It's in
southern Ohio supposed to get a lot of snow. Well, don't bring any
of it back here with you, and don't pick up any awful Midwest accent.
I don't plan on it, Mackenzie replied, but I am staying in
a manner there, owned by the largest producer of mistletoe in the Midwest.
Sandra perked up at the mention of manner and cast a look at McKenzie.
Do scouted out for one of all movies, then did maybe we can film
something there for that god awful Candy Cane Network for their seasonal programming next year
if we get it for cheap. Mackenzie rolled her eyes as Sandra walked out
the door. All right, Sandra, I'll work on it, she said
to her, receiving back, then muttered to herself. Can't a girl just
take a freaking vacation without working or solving a murder? Guess? Not one
week later, all of her Christmas shopping done, McKenzie was on a flight
to the Cincinnati airport. After a particularly bumpy ride, the plane touched down
amid small, swirling snowflakes. Mackenzie breathed in the cold air, which vigorated
her. After waiting for her suitcase at the baggage claim, in which she
had brought plenty of cold weather apparel, she bounded out of the airport to
look for Nick, who was coming to pick her up in his rental car.
She finally spied him through the throng of holiday travelers, and when she
caught up to him, he wrapped her up in a big bear hug.
He smelled like pine trees and flannel, and she buried her face into his
broad shoulders. After he was done giving her a big hug, he kissed
her long and hard. Hey babe, long time, No see. How
was your flight pretty bumpy? But no matter about that. I'm here now,
Mackenzie replied. Nick hoisted her large suitcase into the trunk of the rental
suv and groaned, We're only staying like less than a week. What the
hell did you bring with you this time? Mackenzie swatted his arm. You
told me to bring cold weather clothing, so I have a few coats,
a puffy vest, chunky sweaters. She trailed off as Nick interrupted her.
Okay, okay, I get it. I'm glad you are prepared this time,
and you look great, but you always look great. Nick stole another
kiss as they both climbed into the vehicle. But buckle up, because we
got about an hour ride to Mistletoe Manor. I'm excited to see this place,
Mackenzie said, as Nick navigated his way through the busy airport exit.
Who all will be there? Do you know? Well? My uncle's employers,
I guess former employers now are Maxwell and Magdalena Mistletoe, and I think
they have two grown children, a boy and a girl. There was one
Christmas that my mom and I went to spend with Uncle John at Mistletoe Manor,
but it was so long go I barely remember everything. I was probably
only about five or six years old. I do remember the Missletoe children being
complete jerks and bullying me, so my mother vowed never again to have us
spend another Christmas outside of Evergreen. But here we are. Nick finished,
Well, regardless, I'm excited to me everyone and explore the town of Garland,
Mackenzie said, looking out at the beautiful landscape of the tiny rural towns
of Ohio outside the window. Yeah, Nick agreed, you will probably get
plenty of time to do that. I'm going to be pretty busy with odd
jobs around the manner, but will probably get some really good food. The
Missletoes have a full time butler and cooks. That is crazy, Mackenzie stated.
Well, you know me always hungry and I love a good meal.
We'll need to fatten you up for the holidays. Nick agreed, you're looking
a little la scrony. Mackenzie hit him playfully on the arm. I am
not, she stated, and they laughed and joked all the rest of the
way to Mistletoe Manor. When they finally reached Garland, Ohio, Mackenzie thought
it looked very quaint, just like Nick's hometown of Evergreen. A little library
and post office sat on the edge of the town square. Little Christmas trees
lined the streets, and Mackenzie caught sight of a church and a town hall.
There were no fast food restaurants, big box chain stores, or anything
that could be looked upon as an eyesore in the tiny town. There was
one mom and pop hardware store and a restaurant, and that was about it.
Well, Mackenzie said quietly, I guess there won't be too much exploring
for me to do. But I did bring some work with me. Nick
laughed, Only you, the workaholic, would bring work with you over the
break. You really are something else, you know that, Mackenzie sighed.
There are only a few scripts I brought to read. Besides, I can
cozy up by the fire and do my work there. It will be romantic,
Nick, Giffod, if you say so, miss high powered Hollywood agent.
They both lapsed into silence as they drove through the town and finally pulled
up in front of mistletoe manor massive mistletoe manner. As they pulled into the
long driveway, they were met by a pair of extremely high iron gates with
a sprig of mistletoe design in the center. Beyond those gates, the driveway
continued and ended in a circular pattern in front of the largest mansion Mackenzie had
ever seen. It looked like some sort of European castle, with turrets,
gargoyles, balconies, and an imposing stone facade. Mackenzie gasped. As they
drove up. Nick rolled down the car window and poked his head out to
press a button on the side of the gate where the intercom was located.
How may I help you, A man's deep voice asked. It's Nick Tenenbaum
and Mackenzie Monroe. I'm John's nephew, and we're here too. Nick was
cut off by a loud buzzing sound, and the gates in front of them
started to open slowly. Then the man's voice said again, Yes, we
have been expecting you. Please pull around to the front. Nick looked at
Mackenzie and shrugged, then drove up the driveway toward the manor. When they
got out of the car, they were readed by an older looking man,
probably about seventy years old, in an actual black and white butler's uniform.
He was joined by a woman who was perhaps sixty. She was wearing an
actual maid's uniform. Once in the world, mackenzie muttered under her breath.
Nick looked over at her and put the car in park. I told you
they had actual butlers and cooks and stuff. Yeah, you did, McKenzie
answered, but I still wasn't prepared. McKenzie and Nick exited the car and
went around to the back to grab their luggage, but the old man and
woman beat them to it. Please, the old man said, allow Lucy
and I to retrieve your bags and place them in your respective rooms. And
there will be respective rooms, he said, pointedly, looking back and forth
from McKenzie to Nick with disdain. Okay, then duly noted, Nick stated,
stepping forward and holding out his hand. Nick Tenenbaum, he said,
cheerfully. The old man simply looked at his outstretched hand and gripped the suitcases
tighter. I am James Smith. I have been the Mistletoe's loyal butler for
over forty years, and this is Lucy Smith, my wife and buttress to
the ladies of the house. If you need anything from us during your stay,
please do not hesitate to ask. Now come, I will show you
to your respective rooms, and after that you will meet the Mistletoe family.
Nick dropped his hand and placed it on the small of Mackenzie's back as he
escorted her into the manner, right behind James and Lucy, who had not
uttered a word. We're seriously staying in separate rooms, Mackenzie whispered to Nick
as they stepped inside the mansion. What are we high school students? Nick
shrugged, Yeah, I guess so. I'm sorry, but it might be
fun for you to sneak into my room when everybody else goes to sleep,
just like an high school Nick winked at her, but Mackenzie was too busy
to notice the cold draft and the impressively high ceilings as they entered into the
great hall. Right in front of them was a winding staircase with branches of
mistletoe wound around the banisters all the way to the top. A sparkling chandelier
dropped down from the ceiling and cast an eerie glow over the entryway. To
the right was a massive living room with velvet settees, couches, armchairs,
and at least a twelve foot tall Christmas tree. In the corner to the
left and through a wooden door, was a large library with floor to ceiling
bookshelves and a rolling ladder to climb all the way up to the top that
opened into a grand study and den with a large mahogany desk, a fainting
couch, and rows of dark cherry cabinets. Through the library and the den,
Nick and Mackenzie could just make out an older man pacing back and forth
in front of the grand desk in the study, holding a tumbler of whiskey
and speaking into a cell phone. Shouting into a cell phone was more like
it. Mackenzie could not make out what the man was saying, but he
sounded very angry. When the man looked up and realized he had an audience
in the hallway, he walked briskly to the door of the study and slammed
it shut. Mackenzie jumped at the sound. Come along now, James continued
walking up the grand staircase with Lucy behind him. I will show you to
your respective room. Dinner is served promptly at seven with drinks to be at
six in the library. It is then that you will meet the Mistletoe family.
I suggest you get cleaned up and ready before then. Mackenzie checked her
watch. It was only four pm. So you mean we are not going
to meet the Mistletoes until drinks at six. That is correct. They are
very busy and will not be receiving guests until six pm in the library.
All right, then, Nick agreed. Well, I guess if you'll show
me to my room, we can start to get ready, right Mac,
very well, Sir James agreed, showing Nick out the door. Your room
will be at the end of the hall. Mackenzie surveyed her room for the
next week. It was very large and grand, with a stately four poster
bed with a thin quilt draped over it. In the corner was a large
arm chair and a vanity opened onto a small bathroom with a toilet and an
old fashioned claw foot tub. Mackenzie shivered and drew her arms in toward her.
The room was drafty and freezing, just like the manner, but a
roaring fire was crackling in the huge stone fireplace against the far wall. The
lights from the fire cast an eerie glow over the room as Mackenzie looked out
the window and noticed the sun was already starting to set. Just when she
was about to take out her clothes to get dressed for the evening, she
heard a knock on her door. Before she could even say come in,
Nick slipped inside. In his hands, he held a sprig of mistletoe.
Well. The bad news is, he started, is that I am just
down the hall from you. The good news is that I am just down
the hall from you. Well, mister Tennenbaum, Mackenzie replied, what on
earth will we do for the next two hours before we meet the mysterious Mistletoe
family. I thought we could maybe try out their namesake if we have time.
Nick held up the brig of mistletoe, and that is why I brought
this, And before Mackenzie could object, Nick had wrapped her up in his
arms and was kissing her passionately. Murder at Mistletoe Manor is written, produced,
and performed by me Katie Accardo. Sound mixing and editing by Me god
rest Ye Marry Gentleman. Music written, recorded and performed by Jack Hire,
Steve Baine, Jim Van Reeth and the Angel Choir. Tune in in one
week on Tuesday, November twenty second for Part two of the Mackenzie Monroe Christmas
Mystery Series. Make sure to check out our first season, The Evergreen Murders,
available wherever you get your podcasts, as well as True Crime in the
fifty podcast for some crazy true crime stories from all of the great states throughout
this country, Alabama through YOT. Thank you so much for list