I love Christmas, and I love good mysteries!
This book was both.
It was the fourth book in the series, and I did not realize that, so it can be read without previous knowledge about characters.
 
I used to read mysteries all the time, but I've stepped back since they can be dark and a bit of a downer. This book gave all the lovely feels of a Christmas story, with very bubbly characters and a tight community, but with a mystery that was not anxiety inducing like mysteries tend to be.
 
My only complaint was about the main character, who is not a police officer, walking around crime scenes and collecting evidence. That was a bit too far, and I couldn’t suspend belief since that would compromise a whole case.
 
But all in all, it was a warm and fussy read that will make this Christmas season even better.
 
Pub Date: Oct. 17, 2023
 
Thank you, @netgalley and @crookedlanebooks, for this lovely book!

I gave Stalking Around the Christmas Tree by Jacqueline Frost (Julie Anne Lindsey) 5 stars.

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.

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First of all, all books I have read by this author have been amazing, so I knew going in that this fourth book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series would be too. I love the writing and even if it is 34 degrees Celsius/93 degrees Fahrenheit outside right now, it felt like I was in a snowy winter wonderland while reading this book.

I don't want to spoil the plot too much since it is the fourth book. But we got a fascinating mystery and our main character had a Christmas wedding coming up that I could not wait to read about.

I highly recommend this if you want a delightful Christmas cozy mystery series to read for Christmas in July or during winter time.

This book comes out October 17.

Thank you, Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CujF_74rYRt/

Stalking Around the Christmas Tree was absolutely amazing! I loved it from start to finish. This was my first Christmas Cozy Mystery and I'm glad I didn't wait until December to read it. I loved the small town of Mistletoe, Maine where the story was set. It is a small town devoted to the holidays. Holly White, the main character, works at the Inn there and helps run Reindeer Games tree farm with her parents. They also run the Hearth cafe in town. Holly's fiance is the town sheriff and they are getting ready for their wedding which is coming up fast. Plus Holly is getting ready for Christmas, running the Reindeer Games and wrapping gifts for charity. There isn't much time for anything else, but when Tiffany, a ballerina, who is in town for a performance of the nutcracker, turns up dead, Holly can't resist getting involved.

In spite of there being a murder in town, this is where I want to spend Christmas. The people that live in the town are sweet and fun, including a group of older ladies who call themselves The Swingers (because they swing dance) and some adorable busybodies who run the local shops. Everyone cares about Holly and just wants to see her happy and settled.

As Holly looks into the murder, her fiance, Sheriff Evan Gray, becomes worried that the murderer may target her too. There is no stopping her though as she wants this all wrapped up before their wedding.

I give this book 5 stars as it had lots of twists and turns, a wonderful town with warm Christmas cheer and a sweet romance. What more could a person ask for?!

Stalking Around the Christmas Tree by Jacqueline Frost is a marvelously written mystery with holiday flair.

Will Holly figure out who killed the ballerina before Christmas Eve?

Holly White
Holly is our sleuth in this murder mystery set right before Christmas in Mistletoe, Maine. Although investigating isn't her primary occupation, it does seem that she is quite good at it. She also assists her parents with running their Christmas tree farm, and she runs the inn on the farm. But that isn't all that Holly has going on. She volunteers for numerous events, has all her regular holiday things to get done, and is getting married.

I like Holly. She has a big heart and enjoys life and the holidays. I love her curious mind and love of a great sweet treat.

The Mystery
This story is like the ultimate Christmas village. They have the Nutcracker ballet in town for the week; there is a parade, massive events, reindeer games, YouTube shows being taped, and tons of fabulous shops like a fudge shop, wine shop, cupcake shop, so many shops. Oh, did I mention the snow? This town has the Christmas spirit. Well, except for the fact that they have had a murder during the holidays for the last four years. On the bright side, they always get the culprit.

In this mystery, the lead ballerina, Tiffany, is murdered, but who could have done it? They don't know any of the people in the ballet, and they will leave on the 23rd. Holly and Sheriff Evan have to figure it out and still make it to the altar on time. Let's not forget the snow and blizzard conditions that continue to be in the forecast.

Five Stars
Although this is my first time reading one of the Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The close-knit community and entertaining townsfolk make for a sweet read. The sleuth and her fiance are believable and likable. I will definitely be reading more of this series.

My rating for Stalking Around the Christmas Tree by Jacqueline Frost is five stars. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fantastic holiday mystery.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Stalking Around a Christmas Tree by Jacqueline Frost.

Until the next time,
~Jen

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.

This is the 4th book in this series and it can easily be read as a stand alone however I have added the first three books to my tbr because I adored this book. It has everything I wanted in a cozy Christmas mystery close knit family and friends, descriptions of great food, a tidy mystery, the right amount of danger, adorable named characters who are eccentric ( I mean what name is better than Cookie Cutter for a Christmas book), and characters who agree with me that the Nutcracker is a bit creepy. I want to visit Mistletoe Farms and play Reindeer Games this book was amazing and even caused me to get a little teary at the end. I can't wait to read more in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book. Please keep sending me books by this author they are amazing.

holly is back with another murder on Mistletoe.
I love this series, the characters are all lovable and the town is a Christmas Wonderland. I almost wish we could have a Christmas without a murder, but I do love solving the mystery along dude the cast.

Release Date: October 17, 2023

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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.

This is the fourth in the #christmastreefarm mystery series. Ive read all four and absolutely love them! The character development between books is fantastic. I also love that the books only occur during Christmas time. All the characters from the previous books are here and they are just the best. Quirky and loyal they play a big part in the investigations and general Christmas chaos. As usual Cookie and Theodore remain the best characters. I highly recommend this series!!

#stalkingaroundthechristmastree #christmastreefarmmysteries #christmastreefarm #jacquelinefrost
#crookedlanebooks #crookedlanebookspublishing #cozymystery #bookreview #bookstagram #booklover #bookstagram #bookworm #booknerd #booktok #bookrecommendations #bibliophile #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookblogger #igreads #goodreads #bookclub #bookreviews #bookblog

Nothing like taking a trip to Mistletoe, Maine at Christmas time when it's hot out and the humidity is 96%. This was a fun trip, with the added bonus, of the holidays, a ballet company preforming The Nutcracker and Holly and Evan's wedding. Everything would be perfect except for that dead ballerina and Libby having a stalker. As if the holidays and a wedding don't provided enough excitement now there is a murder to solve and Evan's sister to protect. Will they get their answers on time, can Holly and Evan figure out who killed Clara, can Libby be kept safe, can everything that needs to be done for the holidays and the wedding get done on time, will a blizzard stop family and guests from getting to Mistletoe? You will definitely want to come along for the sleigh ride!!! Thank you to #NetGalley for the chance to read this book.

A cozy Christmas mystery (I mean, look at the author's name!). The gang's all here and the book delivers the expected comforting formula the previous three books set up. A good entry in the series.

Another great book in this series. Less than a week before Holly and Evan's wedding and there is another murder to solve and a mystery surrounding Libby.

I was thoroughly entertained by both mysteries in this book. All of the supporting characters are back and Cookie has a new plan for Theodore.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

I like this series, and I understand that it´s supposed to be formulaic, but it's starting not to hold my attention like it used to because of the same structure. Maybe it's just me. I also didn't love the ballet performance plot overall. That said is still well-written and cozy.

Stalking Around the Christmas Tree is the fourth book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series by Jacqueline Frost and is as delightful as the previous three books. Holly White’s family owns Reindeer Games tree farm where much of the action in this series centers around. The town of Mistletoe sounds like a place I’d love to visit, if not live there.

A ballet company comes to town to perform The Nutcracker and unfortunately, the lead ballerina, Tiffany, ends up murdered on a float in the parade. Who would want to kill a stranger in their town? Thinking this way, you realize it has to be a member of the group. Or was it mistaken identity because she was similar in appearance to Evan’s sister Libby, who recently testified in a court case?

Libby’s personality and appearance have changed since her court appearance and she is withdrawing from family and friends. What is going on with her is one mystery that is happening at the same time of the mystery of the ballerina’s death.

Also going on at the same time is the upcoming wedding between Holly and Evan. Will the weather cooperate with this event or will the storm of the century with a lot of snow happen and ruin the event?

I thought the ballerina’s killer was obvious if you don’t tie it to Libby’s mystery. I felt what was going on with Libby was a lot harder to solve because, who knew? I loved the introduction of Zane as a love interest for Caroline because she deserves something good in her life considering her parents.

You will absolutely love the town and the characters in this series. Cookie and her goat Theodore are a hoot! I hope there are more stories in this series to come. A lot of times a series will end when the main character gets married. I feel there is a lot of life left in this series with Libby and Caroline. Holly can still meddle even though her new husband is the sheriff. Keep them coming!

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The annual Reindeer Games are going on in Mistletoe, Maine and the state ballet company is in town to perform The Nutcracker. The company is staying at Holly White's inn while in town.
When the lead ballerina is found murdered, Holly investigates, hoping to reveal the killer before her wedding to Mistletoe Sheriff Evan Gray. A mystery surrounding Evan's sister is also a matter of concern.
Delightful addition to the series.
 #StalkingAroundtheChristmasTree #NetGalley

Another installment from Mistletoe, Maine. Like previous ones, we have our eclectic cast of characters, and the main setting at the Christmas tree farm. Of course, the Reindeer Games are also being held. There is also a ballet in town, which is the source of the mystery.

So far this was my least favorite in the series, it seemed like there were some plot holes. For expample, if Tiffany as killed by a smoothie made in the bed and breakfast, why wasn’t that examined? The blender keeps getting used no problem. I found that so bothersome it kept distracting me.

On the plus side, the setting and characters are lots of fun. Extreme weather changing plans makes sense for a winter novel, and I can relate. I will read more, but I hope they are fleshed out better.

I have a deep appreciation of winter and Christmas-themed books, and Frost crafts some of my favorites in that theme. I always look forward to another book by Frost and eagerly read Stalking Around the Christmas Tree. It was worth the wait! Hard to put down, an excellent mystery, and the same characters that I have come to love. Cannot recommend this series enough!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC and the chance to review this cozy mystery

The premise of the story interested me and did not disappoint. This is the 4th in a series of books following the lead character Holly and her assortment of friends and family in Mistletoe, Maine. For the past several years a murder has occurred around Christmas time in this small town and close knit community. This year is no different. Holly puts on her armature sleuthing hat to help solve the murder all while planning her Christmas Eve wedding. But will Holly's sleuthing put her in danger and prevent her from making it to the alter?

When I read this book I was unaware that there were three other books in the series. Now I want to read those books and then reread this one. I suggest reading the first 3 books before delving into this one. The characters and their relationship with others , plus the history of the town will make more sense that way .

This is definitely a cozy mystery series that I hope will continue beyond book 4. The characters are delightful and Christmas cheer is welcome throughout the year.

Also reviewed on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5607208264

This is one of my favorite series! I love the characters and setting. I was sad when something was going on with Evan's sister, but happy that things got worked out. I'd like to read about what happens on the Christmas Tree farm during the off-season. The mystery was great and keeps you on the edge of your seat at times. Ready for the next one!

With a name like Holly White who works at Reindeer Games Inn in Mistletoe, Maine you know this cozy will be fun! I love the year-round d holiday theme and the characters are relatable, the mystery fast-paced and keeps you guessing. Don't wait for snow to read the book - it's perfect for a summer day!

I received ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

“Stalking Around the Christmas Tree” (Christmas Tree Farm Mystery #4) by Jacqueline Frost ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Cozy Mystery. Location: Mistletoe, Maine, USA. Time: Present.

THE SERIES: Holly White moves home to her family’s Christmas tree farm. They expand the business, adding the Reindeer Games Inn with Holly as Innkeeper. But murder and mysteries keep finding Holly, her friends, and Sheriff Evan Gray.

THIS BOOK: After 3 Christmas murders in 3 years, Mistletoe hopes for a happy holiday season. The Reindeer Games Inn is doing great; Holly’s wedding to Evan is almost here; the state’s ballet company is in town to perform The Nutcracker. Then lead ballerina Tiffany is found dead in a snow globe parade float, with the Rat King’s mask beside her. Rats are left on Holly’s truck, and Holly finds footprints in a secret passage. Were they from Tiffany’s secret lover or a stalking killer? Meanwhile Evan’s sister Libby, who testified in a Boston crime family murder trial, fears they have found her.

Author Frost has written a very Christmasy book. The tourist town of Mistletoe is totally Christmas-oriented: The Hearth Cafe has candy striped booths, licorice table legs, lollipop barstools. The toy drive coordinator looks and acts like Santa Claus. Many descriptions of holiday treats, items, and games make this a good choice when you want to catch the holiday spirit.

Frost writes Holly as a bit over-dramatic (“…missing her so much I could scream and hating that she was right there but a million miles away.”) I can’t remember reading another book where a character used the words hate/hated/hating so often to describe small disappointments. Her plot has many characters, but this is #4 in the series so that’s expected. The majority of characters are unfailingly happy, talented, amazing, friendly, spunky, enthusiastic. It’s a cozy Christmas mystery, so that’s no surprise. The plot has a few fun twists and turns before it ends as cozy mysteries do. It’s 3 fun and festive stars from me🌵📚💁🏼‍♀️. Thank you NetGalley, Crooked Lane Press, and Jacqueline Frost for this early ecopy. Publishes 10/17/2023.

Stalking Around the Christmas tree is the 4th book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series and is a perfect book to add to your Christmas reading list.

Christmas is a week away and Holly is preparing for her Christmas Eve wedding to local Sheriff, Evan. A ballet troupe has arrived to perform The Nutcracker and they are staying at Holly’s Inn. Wouldn’t you know it though - one of the dancer’s winds up dead - poisoned. You would think that with running the Inn, helping her parents with the Reindeer games, last minute wedding details and wrapping presents, Holly would have no time help her detective fiancé to solve the murder this time. But she does, and of course she ends up in danger.

All the characters from the previous books are here and they are just the best. Quirky and loyal they play a big part in the investigations and general Christmas mayhem. Investigations? Yes, there is a smaller back story that involves Evan’s sister Libby. Between the two storylines Evan and Holly are flat out and a winter blast is on the way. Will the wedding actually happen?

Author, Jacqueline Frost, is a great mystery writer. She knows how to throw all the threads into the air before slowly gathering them and tying them all together after a few twists and turns. I have enjoyed the previous three books in this series and I really liked this one as well.