I can't speak with enough superlatives to express my appreciation for 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas'. It is just, plain perfection. There is mystery, humor, romance and whimsy all wrapped in the warmth of kindness. The only problem I have is that it seems I have to wait for another year for another Christmas Tree Farm Mystery. I'd give it 10 stars if I could!

Holly White is back again, unwittingly involved in another heinous crime in Mistletoe, ME. This time a local womanizer investor is found dead on the town square in the middle of the tree lighting. Unfortunately, Holly’s best friend Caroline, who just happened to be out with the deceased and left him in the middle of an argument, has become the prime suspect for the town sheriff. Holly cannot just let her best friend be bamboozled with this murder charge because, along with just about everyone, Holly is convinced Caroline is innocent, and has somehow been set up. Follow Holly, as she goes everywhere in the town, talking to everyone who may have heard or seen something or, worse still, who may be involved in the murder and frame-up. Holly goes through a myriad of clues, some red herrings and some legit, as she strives to figure out who the murder is and why the murder framed Caroline, while still managing to help out her family during its busiest time and enjoy a bit of the cheer herself.

Like the other in this series, which I read last year, this one is a pretty good cozy mystery. I enjoyed the in-and-out setting of Holly’s family’s Christmas tree farm and all the seasonal events that take place there. From their descriptions, some looked like pure fun while some made me wonder just how anyone can even think of competing in them. The characters were also all well-done, with just enough small-town hominess and openness to whatever this season may bring. I particularly enjoyed the “sort of” romance between Holly and the sheriff, which began in last year’s book. There were some references to the earlier book, but not many, and they did not leave the reader confused or wondering, if he/she had not read it. Mistletoe, ME sounds like a perfect place to spend the holidays or the ramp up to the holidays. I just wish I knew where e it was located! This is a book that will transport the reader to the joys of Christmas and will provide a glimpse of how one small town capitalizes on its name and reputation. I think it would be a great book to sit back with, breaking from the usual holiday rush we all find ourselves in. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

I love Christmas cozies!! Twas the Knife Before Christmas was the perfect mix of holiday cheer and murder mystery. The characters were well developed and lovable. The reader starts rooting for Holly to clear her best friend's name from murder before Christmas can come. This was my first book by this author. Being the second in the series, I plan to return to Mistletoe, Maine and find out how this all started. If you are looking for an enjoyable nightly read combining Christmas and Mystery, you will not be disappointed. I received a copy through Netgalley. I review was not required.

Great read. Enjoyed this book and the characters very much. I would definitely recommend this book. Jacqueline Frost is an amazing storyteller. I can't wait to read more.

A cute read taking place in Mistletoe, Maine. Holly is set on finding out who the “Candy Mint” murderer is since her dear friend Caroline was accused of the murder. This gal can get in more trouble though out the book causing Sheriff Evans all kinds of headaches. You will find yourself laughing and enjoying the “Reindeer Games” along with the sleuthing of Holly.

Fun read for all ages.

This book was given to me by Net Galley for an honest review.

Christmas is fast approaching and Mistletoe, Maine is in holiday mode. Like every year, the season is kicked off with the unveiling of a downtown Christmas display. Everything is going as planned except for the body in the giant candy jar. This wouldn’t be a problem for Holly White except her best friend, Caroline, was seen having a very public row with the guy the night before and it is her knife that is very prominently sticking out of the corpse. To keep her friend out of jail, Holly is determined to help the local sheriff find the real killer - thing is, though, the sheriff, who also happens to be her boyfriend, doesn’t seem too keen on having her help. In fact, he seems to be doing his best to avoid her. And worse, she begins to suspect that she is being stalked by a deranged killer in a Santa suit.

Finding new Christmas cozies is one of my annual holiday traditions and I have kicked off the season albeit a bit early with “Twas the Knife Before Christmas: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery by Jacqueline Frost. It’s a fun fast read with plenty of twists and turns and lots of red herrings to keep the reader guessing. Definitely a good read for anyone whose favourite thing about the holidays is all the holiday-centred reads.

<i>Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review</i>

Holly is back!! I was so excited to see another installment in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series!!

Holly is horrified a body turns up in a larger-than-life candy bowl filled with peppermints on the town square, and 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 ,Holly is on the hunt to find out who the real killer is and clear Caroline’s name. During her investigation Holly starts to receive threats that if she doesn’t stop sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong that she is next. During all of this Holly is trying to do extra shifts at her family Christmas tree farm, work on her jewelry business and figure out if she and the local sheriff are still dating.

LOVE THIS SERIES!! Read it!

'Twas the Knife Before Christmas is the second Christmas Tree Farm mystery. This book was truly wonderful. Not only was the mystery incredibly clever (I never guessed who the killer was!), but I just love the small town feel of the setting. When I read this book, it honestly felt like I was reading something that could be a holiday mystery movie on the Hallmark Channel. Holly White, her friends Caroline, Ray, Evan, and Cookie, as well as Holly's parents are such great characters. I love how we get to see them all regularly throughout the book, and series so far, instead of only getting glimpses of them here and there. The murder mystery itself truly stumped me. I thought I had it figured out and I was glad to be proven wrong. If you love Christmas-themed mysteries or just fun mystery series in general, then this book and series is for you. I can't wait for the next book in the series to see what happens to Holly, Evan, and everyone else next.

Note: I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.

First let me say I could never pass up a chance to read a Christmas book by an author named Jacqueline Frost. Thank you netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the complimentary Arc in return for my honest opjnion. I loved the mystery plot, the ending was not expected. The characters are well developed and written well. I want to take a road trip to Mistletoe and find Holly. If you live Christmas Cozy mysteries buy this second installment and get the first one while you are ordering. YOU Will not be sorry!

80 degrees outside and I sat here shaking with cold just reading this book! The snow, wind and cold just had me shivering. How cool is it to grow up on a tree farm that goes all out for Christmas. The place sounds amazing. How can such a cool place have so many suspects? I like this book! The pace of the story was great and I found myself up half the night reading to see who did it. Fabulous ending!
Thanks for the opportunity to read this book.

'Twas the Knife Before Christmas is the second installment in the A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series set in the small town of Mistletoe, Maine and featuring Holly White. Holly is settling back into life at her family's Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm, she's busy with her new jewelry making business and is passing the time waiting for the new Inn on the property to be completed so she can take over as Innkeeper along with her darling kitty, Cindy Lou Who.

The town is in high spirits with Christmas right around the corner and Holly along with her best friend Caroline, owner of Caroline's Cupcakes, head to the tree lightning ceremony on the town green. To add to the excitement of the tree lighting the Mayor has decided to hold a contest for the townsfolk to guess how many peppermint candies are in the gigantic bowl under the tree but nobody was expecting to see the body of Derek Wagonner buried amidst the candies.

Unfortunately, Caroline had a date with Derek the night before and when he got a little handsy with her she'd caused a huge public spectacle. When the murder weapon turns out to be one of her kitchen knives, it's no surprise that Caroline finds herself in police custody. Determined to clear her friend's name, Holly sets out against the wishes of Sheriff Evan Gray to track down a killer.

This series is an absolute delight even for those suffering from a permanent case of "bah humbug" and you can't help but be drawn into the spirit of the holidays. The author has created a delightful cast of characters, a truly special setting and has crafted a second whodunit that will keep you turning the pages well into the night. Everyone should believe in Santa Claus and I for one, like a little kid on Christmas Eve, can't wait for the next addition to the series.

I love this story; I certainly would love to live in this Christmas town in Maine! This is the second book by this Author, a murder happens every Christmas, with Holly in the middle of it all. If I were Holly, I would be more concerned about the local Sheriff, Evan! What a hunk! Holly's parents own the Christmas farm, everything including the furniture in the diner is Christmas themed! It is in the sweetness of this very idyllic small town; a murderer is lurking! I like Holly, love her parents, madly in love with Evan. I guessed the murderer before the ending, which should have been harder to do. I think a twenty-seven-year-old woman and a thirty-one-year-old man are taking a very long time to decide to marry; I do not like the fact that there is barely any kissing between two adults after a year of dating? It makes the book seem more for young adults or teenagers.
I like the premise; it needs to decide which one it is going to be. I waited a long time for this book, the second in this series; I am slightly disappointed in this area.
I recommend for teenagers. Thank you Netgalley.
carolintallahassee

The Town of Mistletoe Main is home of Reindeer Games Farm and has become an annual Christmas destination for people from around the World. It’s also become a holiday tradition for me as I love this series and it helps to set the mood for the holidays. Love it!

Holly White works on her family’s farm that is non stop Christmas from the day after Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. People travel to Mistletoe for the holiday celebration and this year is just as busy as the years past. When Holly’s BFF Caroline is arrested for murdering her date, Holly is committed to clearing her friend’s name before Christmas arrives. But with the holiday at Reindeer Games, her mail order jewelry business, and all of the decisions that she must make about the Inn that her family is building, Holly is in over her head. But Christmas is full of Miracles and Santa…if you believe.

The town of Mistletoe is absolutely a hoot to visit in this book and I look forward to next years entry. Last year’s was one of the best holiday series I have read and this year’s did not disappoint either. Going to read this again both books again the week before Christmas because I love them that much!

Mistletoe, Maine is a very friendly town that emphasizes all of the positive things of Christmas and most of the townsfolk are very likeable. A few, however, are anything but, like the guy who turns up dead in a giant candy bowl in downtown. Unfortunately, the chief suspect is the mayor's daughter who has a cupcake shop against the parent's wishes and, more importantly, is best friends with amateur sleuth Holly White whose family operates the tree farm with a twist. But there is a decent suspect pool, only the sheriff appears unwilling to investigate but Holly keeps trying despite personalized threats. There are enough twists and red herrings to keep the suspense going and the reader from doing other things!
I requested and received a free review copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley.

I am really enjoying this series! They are quick reads and a little on the scarier side. :) I like how this book was a year after the last, but would like to see what happens on the farm during the rest of the year. Looking forward to the next one in the series. I hope it continues for a long while. I also enjoyed the character's lives as well as the mystery.

I found this book hard to get through. There was little depth to the story or the characters. I skimmed a lot of the book and lost nothing. If you want an easy read like you are eavesdropping on some people, this book might be for you. I just think it took too long to get anywhere and the trip was boring.

I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

I enjoy my time at Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm. The characters and setting is good. I did enjoy the head contractor of the Inn that is being built. Holly White needs to clear her friend of being the murderer, supervise the building of the Inn, get her jewelry she's sold made and shipped and work out her relationship with her boyfriend. Quite a full plate needing to be done before Christmas.

I reviewed a eARC provided by NetGalley from Crooked Lane for an honest review. - Very good series, looking forward to more.

This is the second book in the series, and I would suggest reading the first before this. The story picks up almost a year after the last one ended, and Holly is pulled into another mystery. Trying to clear her friend's name, Holly takes it upon herself to find a murderer. Of course this puts her in danger, but with her maybe boyfriend, the sheriff, she manages to scrape by.
I absolutely loved the first book and was very excited for the second, but I had a bit of trouble getting hooked in right away. I kept on though, and after a few chapters, it picked up. I really like the characters and the town--I absolutely love Christmas, so the thought of a town all about the holiday sounds like heaven . The only real issue I had was Holly's relationship with the sheriff. It just seems implausible that the relationship stalled, and neither one broached the subject with the other for so long.
Overall, I really liked this book, and would recommend it.

I really loved this cozy thought it was kind of hard getting into the groove at first because a whole year has went by since the last book as this series seems to just be a Christmas only series. So some things happened during that year and it took me little bit to wrap my head about things like Evan and Holly and how they seem to be at odds when the last book ended with such a sweet ending. Other than that everything was great!

It's getting close to Christmas and so Reindeer Games is busy getting ready for all the fun events that go on during the holiday season. Holly is pretty busy with her new business of making jewelry but also helping at the Hearth and with the games. Her friend Caroline's business has take off thanks to Cookies investments and everything seems to be going pretty good. All but the funny way that Evan has been acting.

Things turn bad pretty quick when the guy that Caroline was seen having a public argument with on camera is found dead in the huge candy jar in town. All the evidence is pointing to Caroline but Holly knows she didn't do it and bumps heads with Evan about it. Evan wants her to stay out of things but she won't let her friend go to jail. This puts her on the killers radar and she starts getting threatening letters along with some peppermint candies. 

I really enjoyed the Santa like character that was the contractor working on the Inn. It really added a nice Christmas touch!

This series is just so whimsical and it really would make a fantastic Christmas mystery for Hallmark! I love Holly she is a great character even though she is a bit to gungho about chasing after a killer and doesn't think sometimes. All the side characters are great from Her parents to her friends and all those that hang out at the Hearth. 

It had a really good mystery and I had a hard time figuring it out, there was a few good red herrings to throw me off so that I was kind of surprised but not really when the killer is revealed.

I highly recommend this series! The first book came out last year called Twelve Slays of Christmas!! Just love these titles!  

I will be posting this review on my blog http://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com on November 6th.

This was a great holiday cozy mystery. I loved the setting of Mistletoe and wish I could visit there. The characters were well defined and interesting to follow. The ending was a surprise for me and I was guessing throughout the book. Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.