If you’ve been following “Mistletoe Murders,” you know this series is basically Christmas-meets-cozy-crime heaven; and one woman who keeps it all interesting.
WARNING: This post will contain spoilers for “Mistletoe Murders” Season 1 and 2.
“Grey’s Anatomy” alum, Sarah Drew, is set to return for Season 3 as the endlessly clever (and slightly mysterious) Emily Lane. And Peter Mooney is back as Detective Sam Wilner, the guy whose patience with Emily’s sleuthing is basically a superpower. Fans are buzzing, and it seems like nobody’s ready to let go of this small town just yet. Plus, let’s be real; who doesn’t want more of that slow-burn tension between Emily and Sam?
Fun fact for fans: “Mistletoe Murders” originally started as an Audible Original series, featuring the voices of Cobie Smulders, Raymond Ablack, Anna Cathcart, and a full cast. It seems like the story was so good that Hallmark just had to bring Fletcher’s Grove to life on screen.
Season 1 Recap: Emily Steps Into the Mystery
Season 1 kicks off with Emily Lane returning to Fletcher’s Grove to run her bookstore during the holidays. Seems like she can’t catch a break, because almost immediately, a fire at the town’s Christmas market isn’t as accidental as it looks, and a local business owner ends up dead. Of course, Emily’s curiosity (and her ability to notice every tiny detail) drags her into the investigation alongside Sam.
Over the season, Emily helps solve three major cases: the arson, a stolen Christmas ornament heirloom, and a poisoning at the annual holiday gala. Along the way, the tension between her and Sam builds perfectly: he’s skeptical of her sleuthing but can’t deny she’s good at it.
And supporting characters? Fans fell in love with June, Sue, Violet, and Brooke. Violet, in particular, steals scenes… she’s sweet without being annoyingly perfect, and it seems like the actress just nails that charm.
By the finale, Emily discovers that the arson was tied to a rival business trying to sabotage the market, and Sam starts realizing Emily might actually be essential…in more ways than one.
Season 2 Recap: Twists, Heart, & Chemistry
Season 2 immediately raises the stakes. There’s a series of break-ins and thefts that eventually lead Emily to a decades-old family secret connected to her own past. Finally, fans start getting a glimpse into why Emily is so sharp… and why Fletcher’s Grove seems like it can’t keep secrets from her for long.
Apparently one viewing was all it took to get some people hooked (we know, us too):
Plus, the Emily-and-Sam tension gets even juicier. From stakeouts to quiet heart-to-heart moments, it seems like every time they talk, sparks are flying; even if Sam doesn’t say it out loud. Supporting characters continue to shine: Violet helps expose a suspect, June uncovers a blackmail plot, and Brooke plays a key role in uncovering the town’s final mystery… an embezzlement scheme at the holiday charity.
And, of course, jokes comparing Fletcher’s Grove to classic mystery towns popped up:
Execs Say More Mysteries & Moments Are on the Way
In a post from Deadline announcing that Season 3 was happening, Hallmark Media’s Michelle Vicary teased why the show continues to resonate. “Mistletoe Murders embodies so many of the elements viewers turn to Hallmark for: romance, community and Christmas wrapped within a cozy mystery.”
Jocelyn Hamilton (President of Television at Lionsgate Canada) jumped in to add, “Season three represents everything we love about working with Hallmark: beloved characters, festive magic, and entertaining storytelling.”
Basically, the execs are confirming what we all already know: fans love Emily Lane, Fletcher’s Grove, and the cozy holiday mysteries.
Season 3 Spoilers: What We Know, So Far
If Season 3 follows the path of previous seasons, it should be a part of Hallmark’s ‘Countdown to Christmas’ event this year. That means we’re looking at a late fall / early winter 2026 premiere; perfect timing for cozy mysteries and hot cocoa binges.
As we mentioned before the leads are both returning, so yes, Emily and Sam are back; and their dynamic is as un-missable as ever. But we also know there’s some intriguing unresolved tension: a final Season 2 scene teased an unexpected arrival (Aaron Ashmore, anyone?) at Emily’s door right after a sweet moment with Sam. It’s exactly the kind of setup that makes fans theorize, gasp, and mark their calendars.
Basically, Season 3 looks set to deliver all the cozy suspense, romance, and festive Fletcher’s Grove chaos fans are craving… plus maybe some surprises that will have social media buzzing for months.
HallmarkMissed all the action? You’re in luck; Seasons 1 and 2 of “Mistletoe Murders” are currently available to stream on Hallmark+.
We need more episodes please. Six is just not enough. Love the mystery, just get started to learn more and can’t wait!
I can’t wait for the new season to start. I think all of us fans would be happy to see it sooner then the Countdown to Christmas.