Twas the Knife Before Christmas: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery

There is nothing not to like about this book! This is the second time I've read a book that had a town called "Christmas" and themed the town off of it. The other was a historical romance. I still find this to be a very unique premise. However, killing off someone and revealing them at the town Christmas tree lighting definitely kicks things up a notch! Knowing that they're going to open a Bed & Breakfast in future books also gives so much room to go in future books. I need to go back and read the book before this. Thankfully, I'm only jumping into the series at book 2. I could tell that I missed some things though and instead of it being a spoiler, it teased me just enough to make me really want to go back and read it. I can't say that I didn't guess who did it because I was wonderfully led down a few paths only to question myself again. So, I'm sure that I guessed at one point, I just didn't stick with it through the whole thing. There were laughs mixed with suspense throughout. I did not expect it when the climax of the book came. I honestly thought it was going to maybe be a little suspenseful but the drama would come a different route when I was suddenly hit with it. I particularly enjoyed the closeness of the family and the support they show their friends. Thank you to Jacqueline Frost, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and share my honest thoughts and opinions with others. Reasons I enjoyed this book: Entertaining Great world building Easy-to-read Page-turner Original Funny Wonderful characters Whimsical Happily Ever After

‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas by Jacqueline Frost has us journeying to Mistletoe, Maine. Holly White works at the family café The Hearth on their tree farm in addition to making her popular recycled glass candy jewelry and working with the construction crew on the families’ new inn. Holly had no idea she would have to make numerous design choices for the inn which she will be running when it is completed. Holly and her best friend, Caroline West, who owns Caroline’s Cupcakes, meet up for the town tree lighting ceremony where they will unveil the “Guess How Many Mints are in the Bowl” contest. When the cover is removed from the giant bowl, a deceased Derek Waggoner is inside. Unfortunately, Caroline had a very public incident with Derek the night before which puts her at the top of Sheriff Evan Gray’s suspect list. Caroline’s alibi consists of eating cupcakes and watching Cupcake Wars (who doesn’t love that show) on her new smart fridge in the bakery. Now Holly must work in sleuthing in between her other duties. The killer, though, does not appreciate Holly sticking her nose into the case and warns her off with boxes contained threatening notes and peppermints (just like the one in the big bowl). When Caroline’s prints are the only ones found on the murder weapon, Sheriff Gray arrests her. Holly is determined to have her friend out of jail and home before Santa comes riding into to town. ‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas contains plenty of Christmas cheer with the Reindeer Games, Holly’s jewelry, a construction crew that resembles Santa and three of his elves, making gingerbread houses, sleigh rides, a Christmas tree lighting and special Christmas magic. While some of the Reindeer Games sound like fun, there are others that I am surprised there were any competitors (decorating a gingerbread house blindfolded). Holly is an energetic and creative woman who is doing three jobs with the help of her friends, Cookie and Caroline. Holly owns a cute cat that she has named Cindy Lou Who. Holly’s romance with Evan Gray seems to have stalled out over the last few months. He has some issue that is keeping him occupied, and he has not confided in Holly. She just might need to do a little reconnaissance. I am glad that the author is letting their romance progress at a slower pace (let is develop naturally). While the new inn is being built, Holly’s mother decided to have the kitchen at The Hearth remodeled. The remodel was supposed to be completed weeks ago plus the carpenter manages to create chaos on a daily basis. The whodunit has multiple suspects, good clues and misdirection. Holly questions people around town while trying to find the guilty party and clear Caroline of the murder charge. Holly finds herself in some sticky situations. While ‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas is the second A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery, it can be read alone (easily). I am giving ‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). ‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas is a charming cozy mystery with friendly characters and plenty of Christmas fun that will put you in a festive mood.

When a body turns up in a larger-than-life candy bowl filled with peppermints on the town square just before Christmas, Holly White is horrified to learn that her best friend Caroline is the main suspect. Everyone in town, including Mistletoe, Maine’s sheriff, saw Caroline fighting with the victim on the night of his death. Worse, a custom kitchen knife, engraved with Caroline's initials was found with him. ----- Now, just ten days before Christmas, Holly’s up to her jingle bells in holiday shenanigans and in desperate need of a miracle. Juggling extra shifts at her family’s Christmas tree farm and making enough gingerbread jewelry to satisfy the crowd is already more than she can handle. Now she has to find time to clear her best friend of murder. Add in her budding relationship with the sheriff, and a personal stalker dressed as Santa Claus, and Holly’s ready to fly south until springtime. ----- But her Sherpa-lined mittens come off when Caroline is taken into custody. Can Holly wrap up the case in time for Christmas…even after she gains the true killer’s attention.----- -- Series: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery - Book 2 Author: Jacqueline Frost Genre: Cozy/Holiday/Culinary Mystery Publisher: Crooked Lane Books----- Publishing Date: November 13, 2018----- This newest book from Jacqueline Frost is a wonderful addition. The characters are warm and inviting. The location is magical for the holidays, and the cupcakes will have the readers mouthwatering. 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas will keep readers guessing and inspire them with the holiday traditions.----- Holly is a wonderful friend who’s not afraid to get into the middle of a murder investigation to help her best friend. She jumps in, head first to clear Caroline’s name, and to bring her back to where she should be, home and not in a jail cell. Christmas will be ruined if Holly can’t figure out who the killer is and she isn’t about to let that happen. She puts herself in danger, but that doesn’t stop her. All the warnings in the world won’t prevent her from finding the killer and saving Caroline. ----- The town of Mistletoe is known as Christmas town, and everything about it screams holiday spirit. It is the type of town people can only imagine and wish for at Christmas time. But it also has a darker side that has nothing to do with the holiday spirit, which Holly always seems to be bringing out into the public eye. It is, however, a perfect place to spend a few hours visiting and savoring the atmosphere.------ Other characters, such as the Sheriff and Holly’s parents are delightful and add additional interest to the story. They make Holly’s life happy and filled with fun. This book wouldn’t be the same great read if the characters weren’t as developed as they are. The writing is smooth, fast-paced with an easy plot to follow. ------- Overall this is a wonderful holiday book, and a growing holiday series that delights readers and leaves them anticipating the next book. I happily recommend 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas, and the previous book, Twelve Slays of Christmas.