Brenda H. (booksinvt) -
'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.
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.
Kristina A. reviewed 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas (Christmas Tree Farm, Bk 2) on + 1528 more book reviews
âTwas 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 âGuess How Many Mints are in the Bowlâ 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.
âTwas 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 âTwas the Knife Before Christmas is the second A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery, it can be read alone (easily). I am giving âTwas the Knife Before Christmas 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). âTwas 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.
âTwas 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 âTwas the Knife Before Christmas is the second A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery, it can be read alone (easily). I am giving âTwas the Knife Before Christmas 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). âTwas 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.
Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas (Christmas Tree Farm, Bk 2) on + 748 more book reviews
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.
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.
