I haven't read the prior books in the series, but this could be read as a standalone novel. However, reading them in order would probably give the reader a greater appreciation for the characters and their development. There's a nice blend of holiday cheer and sweet romance. I enjoyed Holly, along with the quirky supporting cast. The cover is a nice fit for the tale. Some overdetailing did create lulls and pull me out of the story on occasion, but it balanced out overall. This could be a good option to help the reader get into the holiday spirit.

Holly White, inn keeper at Reindeer Games, her family owned farm in Mistletoe, Maine, was excited as Christmas drew closer, and with it, her upcoming wedding to Sheriff Evan Gray. The state's ballet company had arrived to do performances of The Nutcracker, and most of the ballerinas were staying at Holly's Inn. As preparations for the annual parade finalised, the various games began, with tourists from out of town joining in the fun. But the sudden death of the lead ballerina in the middle of the parade sent Sheriff Evan Gray into full cop mode. Who had killed Tiffany, and why?

With the investigation into Tiffany's death well underway, Holly could see something was bothering Evan's sister. As she withdrew into herself, those around her became concerned. As Christmas Eve drew closer, Holly and Evan wondered if they would be able to close the case before the ballerinas left Mistletoe, as well as discover the reason for Libby's despondency. And would they still be able to get married when they planned?

Stalking Around the Christmas Tree is the 4th in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series by Jacqueline Frost and I loved it! Intriguing, suspenseful, I was glued to the pages until the end. The bitter cold, the beautiful scenery, the delicious food which littered the pages, the fun and entertainment - all combined to ensure an excellent read. I encourage anyone who is interested to start at the beginning of the series. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

It's been almost two years since the last installment of Christmas Tree Farm, so imagine my excitement when I read that the latest installment would be released as an early Christmas present this year.

I love this series for many reasons. One, the setting: a town named Mistletoe where you one find all things Christmassy. Two, the recurring characters and their side stories. Three, storytelling, duh! I love Frost's writing.

In Stalking around the Christmas Tree, we have not one but two mysteries. First is the murder of the ballet group's main actress. The second has something to do with a story we first heard of in the previous installment.

Coming to the murder mystery, Holly's curiosity is piqued when the understudy gives her a vital clue - something to do with Tiffany's personal life. Suspects weren't plenty and Holly had to juggle between getting ready for her own wedding and sleuthing. Though the mystery and suspense elements were a tad low here, I did not let it stop me from enjoying the story - I was waiting for the Christmas wedding, you see!

The killer's identity wasn't a surprise. Holly had her eyes set on one particular suspect but from the beginning I felt it was an overly explored red herring. Having said that, I didn't expect the surprising turn of events when Holly came face-to-face with the killer.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I am looking forward to knowing what's next for Holly and Evans. After all, the story ended on a good and happy note.

This is the fourth book in the series and my first. I found the characters lovable and quirky . The two mysteries are compelling. I just wish I had read the first three books to really appreciate it all.

The Reindeer Games are back in action with a ballet troop in town, wedding planning underway for a Christmas Eve wedding, a stalker and a killer which puts Holly once again in the crosshairs! This series makes me smile every time I listen to a new book from the series! The characters are charming and relatable while the plot is always detailed with just the perfect amount of twists and turns that you may or may not see coming! If you are looking for a fantastic Christmas themed cozy mystery, then you need to have this series and especially this book on your list. I can't see what is in store for the characters in future books, but it will be hard to pass this one as my favorite as a good wedding is hard to beat....that is if the bride doesn't get knocked off before the I do's!!! You'll have to read to find out!

The state ballet is visiting Mistletoe, Maine, and some of the performers are staying at the Reindeer Games Inn where Holly White is the innkeeper. Christmas will be here soon, and so will Holly’s wedding to Sheriff Evan Gray.

During a holiday parade, the lead ballerina, Tiffany, is found dead on one of the floats. As the investigation into her death begins, it seems she had a lot of secrets and there are a lot of suspects.

Can Holly do some sleuthing of her own and help Evan solve the crime before anyone else gets hurt, or worse, and will her wedding take place as planned?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another great visit to Mistletoe. Love is in the air, with the impending Christmas Eve wedding for Evan and Holly. But first, a murder to solve! This is the fourth in the series and you should probably read the earlier ones first, as the cast of characters has been developed more in each book. The murder was intriguing and the magical Christmas wedding had all the holiday romance feels. This series is a must-read near the holidays.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

This is a delightful, Christmas-themed cozy mystery. My favorite part of the book was the holiday world-building - fictional Mistletoe, Maine is town stuffed with bakeries and Christmas trees and holiday sweaters, and the story opens a few days before protagonist Holly's planned Christmas Eve wedding, with a blizzard on the way - a perfect storm of holiday fun!

Of course, the story also opens with a murder - the lead ballerina of a visiting troupe is killed - and protagonist Holly immediately starts investigating. Her fiance is the town sheriff and she runs the inn where the ballet troupe has been staying, but otherwise she has no special access, and her fumbling and very human take on the mystery is a nice change from the hard-boiled attitude of some other fictional sleuths.

The one part of this book I didn't enjoy was the secondary mystery plot, in which Holly's future sister-in-law is stalked by someone (presumably) allied to a criminal she helped condemn in a previous novel in this series. This mystery was grittier, more realistic, and scarier than the main plotline, and the tone felt out of step with the other, non-mystery elements of the story.

It should be the happiest time for Holly- she's about to marry Evan, the Inn is doing well, it's Christmas, and the ballet is in town! Wait- that last proves to be a problem when Tiffany, the lead ballerina in the Nutcracker is murdered! Of course, Holly, along with her pal, has to investigate. And there's another issue with her soon to be sister in law Libby- no spoilers on that. It's very much a classic cozy and while there's lots and lots of Christmas stuff (including, let's face it, the name of the author), that works for those looking for a read focused on the season. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

I had previously read book 1 to familiarise myself with the atmosphere of this mystery series. And I liked it enough to go on. You get strong cozy vibes due to the decor (a Christmas tree farm in a town called Mistletoe), tons of festive events, a romance and a mystery all wrapped into one. Even though this fourth installment did drag a bit in some parts, I thought it was a solid one.

Fantastic! I love the idea of a Christmas wedding and it’s perfectly fitting for Holly. The town is adorable and picturesque, making an idyllic background for all this Christmas. Add in the Nutcracker and it feels like it really is that time of year. The mystery was front and center but didn’t take Holly away from her other responsibilities. The characters, as always, are welcoming and make you want to visit. There’s the added drama of the continuing storyline so read this series from the beginning. Highly recommended for holiday cheer and a great mystery.

Holly is looking forward to her wedding on Christmas Eve at her family Christmas Tree farm in Mistletoe, Maine. There is a lot to do and with the Inn being so busy plus helping out with the Reindeer games,she has her work cut out for her.
The twon's Mayor has arranged for the States Ballet Company to come and do a number of performances of The Nutcracker to help the town's profile, a number of the ballerina's are staying at the Inn plus the grouchy choreographer. The principal ballerina Tiffany is taking part in the annual Christmas parade in the town but as her float comes buy there is something wrong, Tiffany is dead.
Holly gets drawn into the investigation, giving her findings to her fiance Evan, who is the town's sheriff. Working somewhat together can they unmask the killer before the ballet company leaves town?
Add to that Evan's sister Libby, who lives in the town and works at the cafe on the farm is receiving strange cards and messages, plus why is there a car following her at times?
Can Holly, Evan and their friends wrap up the murder and the mystery of the sender of the cards before their wedding? Also will the wedding take place as there is a huge snow storm forecast?

I loved the characters we meet back up with, the town and the farm sound so lovely - makes me want to visit it. Cookie is such a quirky character with a heart of gold. I loved how supportive all Holly's friends and family are.
This was a really enjoyable Christmas Cosy Mystery. I will definitely be reading more in this series.

I haven't read the previous books in this series, but mystery and Christmas? That was enough to have me saying sign me up!

Holly and Evan are preparing for their wedding, the boon times at their Christmas tree farm - and solve a murder!

Intriguing characters (some who are funny without them realising why they are funny), a goat on a mission and antics abound.

I enjoyed this story, and need to go back and read the previous books.

This was a fairly standard cozy mystery. A lot of what was going on in the characters’ lives interspersed with some sleuthing. It’s a quick read but not a very memorable one for me.

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Christmas Tree Farm Mystery #4
Stalking Around the Christmas Tree
Jacqueline Frost
4.38
144 ratings139 reviews

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Tis the season to solve a murder—and innkeeper Holly White knows she’ll have to make her list and check it twice if she wants to catch the killer in the fourth Christmas Tree Farm mystery from bestselling author Jacqueline Frost.

For inn keeper Holly White, Christmas time in Mistletoe, Maine, is the ultimate holiday gift. Business at the Reindeer Games Inn is booming, her wedding to Sheriff Evan Gray is nearly here, and the annual parade is about to begin. The town is lucky to have another gift this year with the state’s ballet company staying for several performances of The Nutcracker. But disaster strikes when Tiffany, the lead ballerina, shows up dead on a float during the parade, the Rat King’s mask nearby. Holly will have to spruce up her sleuthing skills if she wants to catch the killer before Christmas—and her wedding day.

Immediately, Holly discovers that Tiffany had more than a few secrets. She finds out that the star of the show had a super fan that no one knows anything about. And the show’s understudy slips some other intriguing information Holly’s way: not only was Tiffany secretly seeing someone romantically, but there seems to be more than one rat in this company. When Holly discovers a secret passage leading to Tiffany’s dressing room, with footprints leading out; she wonders if this is evidence of a secret lover—or a stalking killer.

With an impending snowstorm and the ballet company on the way out of town, Holly must act quickly if she wants to find the person responsible for this terrible murder. Will she be able to save Christmas—or will her investigation turn cold like the weather?

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Genres
Christmas
Cozy Mystery
Mystery
Fiction
Contemporary
Holiday
Murder Mystery
288 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication October 17, 2023


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About the author
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Jacqueline Frost
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Jacqueline Frost is a mystery-loving pet enthusiast who hopes to make readers smile. She lives in rural Ohio with her husband and three spunky children. Jacqueline is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and Sisters in Crime (SinC).
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Ratings & Reviews
My Review
Profile Image for Christine.
Christine
508 reviews · 30 followers
September 5, 2023
I am beyond happy when I found out this series was continuing. Its Christmastime in Mistletoe, Maine and Holly White is getting ready to marry police chief, Evan Gray. The nutcracker ballet is in town for the season and the dancers are staying at Holly's inn. When one of the dancers is found dead on one of the floats in the Christmas parade, Holly decides to investigate.
I loved everyhting about this book. The characters are always my favorites. I enjoyed the secondary mystery revolving around Evan's sister, Libby and am glad with how it ended. Holly and Evan getting married just made the book that much more special. The main mystery was well done and I was not expecting some of the twists at the end. Frost aka Julie Anne Lindsay always does as exceptional job with her mystery plots and characters. I haven't read a book of hers that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. And I love that she just announced that there will be another book in the series. I can't wait to read it.

This is what I would categorize as a cozy mystery novel. Set in my one of my favorite states, Maine, in an imaginary town called Mistletoe. These books, (this is number 4), all have a mystery that occurs around Christmas the towns most popular time of the year.
Holly White is the main character, and Innkeeper of the family complex. She has a front row seat to the murders in her town. Aided by her family, friends, and her now fiancée Sheriff Evan Gray, she seeks to solve the deaths each time.

While watching the local parade to showcase the performers of The Nutcracker Suite, the primary dancer is found dead in the "snow globe" meant for her to perform in. This ballet troupes' appearance in a local theater is the culmination of an entire year's worth of effort for the local authorities and one of the big tourist draws, so finding her murderer is imperative.

Throw in a couple of other storylines, a big snowstorm, and oh yes, her wedding to Evan, and Holly has her hands full. While not officially an investigator, she has access to a couple of suspects, the room that the dancer was staying in, and her own good sense to enable her sleuthing.

This was an enjoyable story, and I will look forward to more Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries.
Opinions expressed are strictly my own. Thank you to netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.

5/5 stars: This is the newest entry in Frost's Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series, which is set in Mistletoe, Maine and takes place during the holiday season. I adore the small town holiday-filled atmosphere of the Inn and Christmas tree farm and get a kick out of the Reindeer Games hi-jinks. Frost's characters are incredibly likable and Holly's relationships with her friends, parents and her fiance, Evan, are genuine and delightful. Oh and one must never forget feisty rescue cat, Cindy Lou Who. Most importantly, Frost's mystery perfectly balances the clues, red herrings and suspects and will keep you guessing until the end. Some tough topics are discussed, take care and check CWs. This is the fourth book in this B&B Cozy Mystery series, to start at the beginning check out Twelve Slays of Christmas and catch up on all the festive fun and oh yeah... crimes.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

its like your good ol mystery with nothing out of the box happening but its set around christmas which is my favourite time of the year so a three star will suffice i suppose

Tis the season to solve a murder—and innkeeper Holly White knows she’ll have to make her list and check it twice if she wants to catch the killer

Omg I loved it! It was extra special recognizing friends names from the cozy community. I love this series and hope that Julie can write more in the series next year or in 2025.

What a great story to get us in the Christmas spirit. I love reading books about Christmas all year long. I loved the characters and want to be friends with Holly, Evan, Libby, Ray, Cookie, Carolyn, Samantha etc. as with most of Julie’s books you fall in love with the characters. Holly has so much going on between running her family's Inn, getting her jewelry orders mailed, hosting Reindeer games, getting married on Christmas Eve, and now the murder of the lead ballerina Tiffany Krieg!

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had just enough twists and turns to keep you engrossed in the story till the end. We also had the sub-plot of who was terrorizing Libby.

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is book 4 in the Christmas Tree Farm series. It's Christmas in Mistletoe, Maine and the farm is busy. Also Holly has a full hotel with tourist in town for the parade and the ballet troupe presenting the Nutcracker. When the star ballerina is killed during the Christmas parade the town is upset. Holly discovers that Tiffany had more than a few secrets. She finds out that the star of the show had a super fan that no one knows anything about. And the show’s understudy slips some other intriguing information Holly’s way: not only was Tiffany secretly seeing someone romantically, but there seems to be more than one rat in this company. Will this be an end to tourism in Mistletoe?