Holly White, who lives in Mistletoe, Maine, has already solved one murder (in the first book in this series). Now she, and we, are back for number two.
It’s nice to meet the secondary characters again that we got to know in the first book, especially Ray and Caroline. In this story Caroline moves to the foreground as she’s the prime suspect for the murder of womaniser Derek. Not only did she have a row with Derek shortly before he was found dead, but it’s one of the knives from her cupcake shop that’s the murder weapon. Holly immediately starts trying to clear her friend’s name, but someone is keen that she doesn’t find too much out.
It’s an intriguing mystery that’s well constructed, and the whole book is extremely enjoyable. There are so many Christmassy touches that it’s a seasonal joy to read. The dialogue is lively, the characters are all interesting and the writing whisks you along.
Lots to enjoy in this sweet but edgy cosy.

This was an OK read at best for me. The heroine acted like a silly teenager far too frequently for me. The Christmas setting was nice, but seemed like just background noise more than really contributing to the story. Had not read this series previously, and won't read others as this seemed more of a chore than anything. I hate giving bad reviews, but it is what it is!

Mistletoe, Maine is a fun place to live and work. The town is a Christmas village with themed shops and is a great place for tourists to visit. Holly White's family owns a Christmas tree farm, Reindeer Games, where visitors are treated to much more than picking out a tree. Every day, the farm hosts different fun games to get in the spirit of the holidays. The Hearth is a place where her mom makes all kinds of goodies with the perfect hot beverage to go with it. Her dad has always wanted an inn to add to the farm and now one is in the works and Holly will be the innkeeper.
But the night of the town tree lighting is ruined when the body of local businessman Derek is found in the six foot tall candy dish full of candy that was intended for townspeople to guess the number of candies in it. Holly's best friend Caroline, owner of Caroline's Cupcakes, was seen yelling the night before at Derek and accusing him to be too handsy. When Caroline's monogrammed knife is found with the body, the sheriff has no choice but to arrest her. Evan, the sheriff, and Holly have had a relationship that has slowed down lately but this really chilled things when he arrested her BFF. So, Holly does her own investigating to prove that Caroline is innocent. When she gets too close for someone's comfort, her life is endangered on more than one occasion. Derek was a womanizer and trouble maker and there are plenty of woman and men who might want him dead. While she is trying to free Caroline, Holly is also trying to figure out why Evan seems to have withdrawn from her. What she finds out is not what she expected.
This is a fun mystery with great characters, setting and a plot with twists and turns to keep you guessing and pages turning....a great book to read anytime of the year. I have already purchased the first in the series that I want to go back and read.
I received a complimentary ARC from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

Twas the Knife Before Christmas
Author: Jacqueline Frost
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Published: September 27, 2018
4 Stars

This book picks up one year after the end of the first book in the series, and the author does a great job catching us up with the characters from Mistletoe, Maine. We learn that Holly’s parents are building an inn on Reindeer Games Christmas tree farm. The inn is almost finished, and Holly is to become the innkeeper. Her friendships with Caroline and Ray have really blossomed over the year, and she can’t imagine her life without them. Caroline has opened her cupcake shop, and Ray is continuing his quest to become an investigative reporter. Holly’s relationship with Evan seems to be at a standstill. He has been both distant and elusive, and Holly is not sure where they stand. The recurring characters in this book are all fun and easy to fall in love with. We also get to meet some new and interesting characters in this book.

It’s less than two weeks before Christmas and many of the town residents and tourists are gathered around for the town’s annual tree lighting ceremony. As the tree is lit, a large candy dish filled with peppermint candies is unveiled. Much to everyone’s chagrin, there is also a body in it. They body turns out to be that of Derek Waggoner, a successful local businessman and womanizer. Holly’s best friend Caroline becomes the prime suspect because she had been seen arguing with Derek the night before, and he has been killed with one of Caroline’s knives which was found with only her fingerprints on it. Holly knows her friend is not a murderer, and she has lots of questions about the case. She starts asking her questions around town, but almost immediately starts receiving threats to back off the case. While the threats frighten Holly, she is determined to find out who the real killer is.

I started the second book in this series right after I finished the first. The first book got me hooked, and I wanted to see what was next for Holly and her friends. While both books dealt with murders at Christmas, and Holly’s sleuthing, I thought the plots were different enough that I didn’t just feel like I was rereading the same story. The mystery in the second book is very intriguing and I enjoyed the building suspense the author created. The mystery was also as good as the first, and I’m hoping for a third book in this series. The author unquestionably laid the tracks for another story. There is definite character development in these books, and I would suggest reading them in order to truly appreciate what the author has created.

One of the things I like about both of these books is Holly’s intentions as an amateur sleuth. While she does get frustrated with the sheriff’s investigation at times, you don’t get the impression that she thinks she is smarter than the sheriff. She simply has questions that she wants answered, and she feels like she approaches the investigation from a different angle.

This is a great cozy mystery filled with the sights, sounds, and magic of Christmas.

Thanks to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC of this book. #NetGalley #TwasTheKnifeBeforeChristmas

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 is the second book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series. Holly is busy between helping out at her family's Christmas tree farm and filling orders for her jewelry business. She still has time to comfort her friend Caroline who had a very public altercation with her date the night before. When the man is found dead and put on public display along with Caroline's monogrammed knife, she is the obvious suspect. Holly comes to the rescue by investigating the murder. The various suspects kept me guessing until the end. I loved the quaint holiday theme and look forward to the next book!

I had a lot of fun reading this book this holiday season. The characters were so amusing and just fun to read. The story itself was also entertaining, and the setting made me wish it was real! I would love to visit a town that was so into Christmas. I honestly didn't guess the culprit correctly and this story kept me guessing and re-guessing. I hope that there are more to come from either this town or this author!

'Twas the Knife Before Christmas, the second offering in the Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries, is just chock full of Christmas spirit and is one of the most fulfilling mysteries I’ve had the pleasure of reading in recent memory. I would just love to plan a visit to Mistletoe, Maine for the Reindeer Games, hosted on the main character’s (a very dynamic young woman named Holly White) adorable family Christmas tree farm.
The mystery comes into play when Holly’s best friend and the owner of the local cupcake shop, Caroline, has an epically awful date. To make matters worse, just hours after the awful date plays out in public, the scumbag ends up with Caroline’s engraved knife sticking out of him in what must be the world’s largest candy bowl full of peppermint.
Holly, much to the chagrin of the local sheriff who Holly may or may not be dating (and has a few secrets of his own), jumps right in to solve the mystery and save her best friend. On top of it all, Holly has a menacing Santa watching her every step and a side holiday-themed jewelry business that’s having a record-breaking year.
I loved the Twelve Slays of Christmas last year and was pleasantly surprised that Jacqueline Frost’s sophomore effort in the series, 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas, was even better. I can’t wait for the 2019 Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries entry!

This is a wonderful holiday read. The setting of the Christmas Tree Farm and the town of Mistletoe was described perfectly, I wanted to go visit, participate in the Reindeer Games, and eat Caroline’s cupcakes. The characters have wonderful chemistry making reading about them an enjoyable experience. The mystery was full of twist and turns to keep me engaged throughout the book. I was surprised at who the actual murder was when he/she was revealed. The author adds touches of humor throughout the book, one example is where the body is found. I recommend this book to all mystery or Christmas fans.

I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.

Fun and rapid paced, the twists and turns will take you on a merry ride of the “Who Done It” variety...also, it’ll put you in a holiday mood.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Princess Fuzzypants here: Holly and her family run a place where it is Christmas all year round but things really ramp up around the Holiday Season. But it seems for one person it is not the time of good cheer as a local businessman and well known misogynist is knifed and placed in a gigantic bowl of candy. His death does not sadden too many women around town but when Holly’s best friend is framed for the murder, Holly feels obliged to find other possible suspects. Since a murder the previous Christmas almost cost her her life, she would have good reason to tread lightly. By asking questions, Holly thinks she is being subtle but she manages to irk the killer enough that he or she threatens Holly several times.
Thankfully Evan. Holly’s maybe boyfriend, the local cop who saved her last year, and another friend, are on speed dial. She needs all the help she can get. She knows she needs to back off but in chasing down other suspects, she ends up in the crosshairs of the real villain. It is often a fine line between a heroine who does things that make her TSTL (or too stupid to live). I get frustrated when an author oversteps that line. Holly comes close at first but then she reasonably tries to back off. It is too late by that time. The killer figures she is relentless and has to be stopped by any means necessary.
This story has great characters including one suspect who is turned into a friend by the end of the book. I’ve enjoyed both books of the series. There is lots of thrills, chills and a touch of romance. It even has a speck of whimsy. I will return for another Christmas willingly.
Five purrs and two paws up.

A charming Christmas cozy dripping with holiday cheer!

A town called mistletoe, a Christmas tree farm called Reindeer Games, and a cat named Cindy Lou Who are just a few of the things that make this a Christmas must read! This is the second book in the Christmas Tree Farm cozy mystery series... it can be read as a standalone, but I would strongly encourage you to read the first book as well! This really is a cozy mystery series packed full of Yuletide joy!

Holly has settled in after being home in mistletoe Maine for the past year.... when a body is found in a bowl full of peppermint candies and Holly’s BFF Caroline is the number one suspect... Holly is on the case to prove her Bestiess innocence... this was a smart mystery that made me put on my sleuthing cap...

The setting of this book is holiday perfection, the characters are fun and festive, and the mystery was marvelously plodded... I strongly encourage you to add this charming series to your holiday TBR, and you have an entire year to get caught up on the series, until the next book!

*** many thanks to Crooked Lane books for my copy of this book ***

It is Christmas time again in Mistletoe, Maine and Holly is getting ready for all the festivities. Not only that, but she is assisting with the renovations to open an inn on the property of the family tree farm known as Reindeer Games. Her best friend Caroline also needs cheering up after her blowup with her "handsy" date is publicized. Trying to cheer her up, Holly invites her to the tree lighting ceremony. When the tree is lit and the huge candy dish is unveiled, there is Derek, dead in the candy bowl with a knife from Caroline's cupcake shop in him. Of course, she is the main suspect.

Although this is only the second book in the series, I am enjoying it very much. The characters range from smart, independent Holly, Caroline the daughter of the mayor who is always on display and tries to please everyone, to Cookie who loves to bake and has a pet goat named Theodore who she talks to like he is her husband and Evan, a local detective who is Holly's "friend". Holly's parents are a great part of the series, with their protective nature and often being in the right place at the right time. Evan's sister makes an appearance in this story and it looks like she might stick around for a bit. It gives Holly another friend, confidante and sleuth to work with. The plot for this story was well-paced and developed. I enjoyed watching Holly attempt to solve the mystery, putting herself in the path of the killer. There are some close calls that were quite entertaining, yet dangerous. There are a couple of side stories rounding out the book that all made it an enjoyable read. I love the setting of the town that loves and celebrates Christmas is a wonderful way, of course, what else would you expect from a town called Mistletoe. The murderer was on and off my radar as the story progressed, yet the ending was unexpected. Throw in a couple of Christmas miracles and you have a great holiday story. The publisher, Kensington Publishing, generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, opinions and ideas shared are my own.

I really enjoyed the first book in the series. The second in the series was somewhat of a disappointment. It seems as if nothing has taken place even though an entire year has passed. While I thought the last book went with romance too soon it turns out nothing actually progressed between Holly and Evan. While I enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere sometimes it felt like filler. The chapters were far too long and the story could've been condensed. It was also hard to stand behind Holly as a lead as often she acted very teenish for a grown woman.

If you need a book to get you into the Christmas spirit, this is it. This is the second book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series and it was just as good as the first one, if not better. The author has a great and well developed group of characters that will make you wish you were there friends. I would love to live in a 24/7/365 Christmas town like Mistletoe, Maine. I had no idea who the killer was and never figured it out, it was a total surprise. Its a great combination, Christmas Magic and Murder. Highly recommend this series.

While "'Twas the Knife Before Christmas" by Jacqueline Frost may sound sinister, it's actually among the coziest of cozy mysteries, and when you finish this book, you'll be ready to book a trip to Mistletoe, Maine. That's the home of Holly White, whose family owns and operates a Christmas tree farm known as Reindeer Games. Holly's best friend, Caroline, has just opened a new cupcake shop in town, and Caroline is still hopping mad after a bad date with a guy named Derek, whose less-than-gentlemanly ways caused her to tell him off and leave. The date occurred at a local benefit dinner, and to Caroline's dismay, their fight was recorded and broadcast on the news.

Caroline tries to put the unfortunate evening behind her, but that's hard to do when she and Holly show up for the town's tree-lighting ceremony and a giant candy dish full of peppermints is revealed—with Derek's lifeless body inside. Caroline is arrested for the murder, and Holly and her friends pester Evan, the sheriff—who also happens to be Holly's love interest—about getting Caroline out of jail.

In addition to worrying about her imprisoned girlfriend, Holly is concerned that Evan has become standoffish and refuses to tell her why he's been going on so many out-of-town trips. To make matters worse, Holly is checking out his house one night while he's away and spots an attractive female inside. As if all that isn't enough to keep her busy, Holly is also helping her parents as work nears completion on the new inn at Reindeer Games, where Holly is about to become the innkeeper.

This murder mystery is a good whodunit, but the star of this show is the setting of Mistletoe and particularly the delightful Reindeer Games. Whether it's sleigh rides through the snow or the cleverly named "Bling that Gingerbread" contest, Reindeer Games has got it going on during Christmas, and Santas galore are popping up all over town. There are so many cute references to Christmas in this book—from Holly and the town of Mistletoe to an almost magical contractor named Christopher—that only the most Scrooge-like of readers won't find something to love in this charming, exceptionally well-written holiday tale.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Mistletoe, Maine, the perfect place to celebrate Christmas. Holly White’s family’s tree farm is a magical place this time of year with its Reindeer Games. All kinds of treats and festivities are planned and a contractor named Christopher has promised their new inn will be ready to open by Christmas Eve.

The first big Mistletoe event is the annual tree lighting. Everyone is gathered in the town square but when the big moment arrives the night turns from Merry to Scary. There, next to the tree is a huge candy dish full of peppermint candies and a dead body. The man was stabbed with a monogrammed custom made knife. A knife that belongs to Holly’s best friend Caroline. The deceased is the same man that got handsy with Caroline at a recent dinner and the whole town was witness to her dressing him down. With all the evidence it isn’t long before Caroline is behind bars. Holly knows her friend is no killer, she just has to prove it. But the killer is watching every move Holly makes and leaving her special warning gifts. When the gifts escalate to real harm Holly just hopes she will survive until the killer is caught.

I loved the first book in this series, Twelve Slays of Christmas last year, so I put this book on my reading calendar several months ago. I was so excited to start reading and the author exceeded all my expectations.

The White family are such wonderful characters. They make everyone feel right at home and try to make their tree farm experience as merry as possible. Holly hands her hands full as she has been put in charge of all the building choices for the new inn, in addition to helping her mother in the cafe and making her glass jewelry, a business that has really taken off.

I wanted to sit back with a couple of cups of hot chocolate and savor my visit to Mistletoe, but there is so much happening that was impossible. The author sets a brisk pace and fully draws the reader in. Chasing down clues, running from a creepy Claus, keeping up with the tourists, Holly takes on a wild ride, at times literally! The pages were flying.

Ms. Frost’s descriptions really take us there. A sleigh ride around the tree farm was described in such vivid detail, I was enjoying the scenery and after a scary moment, I was feeling chilled to the bone and was pulling a blanket over myself. The blindfolded games played were also described so well. I easily pictured what was happening and was laughing at loud. Great ideas for family get-togethers too. I also enjoyed the details along the way as the inn neared completion and the entire subplot was heartwarming. I am ready to call in my reservation today.

This was an exciting holiday read, cozy mystery lovers will be overjoyed. It will also get you truly into the holiday spirit. Fun and entertaining, a book you will not want to put down. I loved it and I can’t wait for next year. I already have saved a date on my calendar and added this story to my Best Reads List for 2018.

Holly White is back and getting into more trouble than ever. It is Christmas time again in Mistletoe, Maine. Holly, and her best friend, Caroline, are ready to enjoy the town festivities, when a body is found in a giant candy bowl. This would be distressing on its own, but the murder weapon found with the body belonged to Caroline!
The race is in for Holly to clear Caroline before the killer kills her. All my favorite characters from The Twelve Slays of Christmas are back and quirkier than ever. I particularly liked the addition of Libby to the cast of characters - I hope she will stay a large part of the series.
'Twas the Knife Before Christmas continued the development of the major characters, had an engaging storyline, and a mystery that was downright pulse pounding in its resolution. While this book works fine as a stand alone novel, do yourself a favor and read the series from the beginning - you will enjoy every page.

What a fun read! I read this back in August, during ARC August, and I have to say, it kind of saved the month for me, because I was slipping into a reading slump before I picked this one up.

'Twas the knife before Christmas is about Holly White, jewelry maker and soon-to-be innkeeper, on her quest to prove that her best friend, Caroline, is innocent of murdering the guy she was seen having a fight with the night before he was found dead. It’s a very cute story, complete with funny shenanigans, and Christmas miracles.

Holly is a very curious woman. It’s not that she wants to meddle, it’s that she genuinely wants to help those she loves. I think that’s why I love this types of books, because generally they’re about really good, helpful people. Holly is one of those really good people that when they love someone, they do it fully and they’d do anything for the people who managed to become a member of their little circle. So when Caroline is the number one suspect for murder, Holly will stop at nothing to prove she’s innocent, even getting in the murderer’s sights. I loved seeing Holly play the detective. What’s funny is that she had a way more open mind than the sheriff, and she managed to find some really interesting details about the victim.

I wish I’d have read the previous book in this series, because then I would have had a better understanding of the relationship between her and Evan, the town’s sheriff. I feel like I’m missing a few details, and I’m sure all the questions or at least most of them would be answered with the previous book. That being said, I was still able to enjoy this book as a stand-alone, since the author gave some small recaps of what happened previously all throughout the story. The book is pretty fast-paced and I read this book pretty quick.

I loved all the Christmas traditions and games going on at the Reindeer Games tree farm that Holly, her parents and her friends organized. Not only do they match the festive spirit of the season, but they also kind of got me in the Christmas spirit. There were a lot of funny scenes in this book that had me giggling like a mad woman, from the first page of the book to the last.

All in all, I rally enjoyed this book and I am definitely going to be looking out for more books by this author. Hopefully, there will be more books in this series, too.

All I can say is this was the most magical Christmas book I've read this season! I love that Holly and Evan are growing closer. Now Ray, the guy from the first book who has been puppy-dog friendly to Holly but she made it clear she didn't want to date him, has finally found someone a little closer to his own age. And so has his mom, but he's less than thrilled over that.

It was getting close to Christmas and a guy that Holly's friend Caroline was seen with arguing at a benefit dinner was found dead in the big bowl of peppermints by the town's Christmas tree. With Caroline as the prime suspect, Holly couldn't help but investigate this one. But the killer apparently knew she was on to them, since Holly had a few close calls herself, and the showdown to end all showdowns!

I loved the side story with Evan's sister but the magical part came closer to the end of the book. I think Holly truly believed that Santa Claus had granted her and her family the perfect Christmas! I highly recommend this book (and the first in series) as just the perfect Christmas cozies!

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.