Brenda H. (booksinvt) - , reviewed on 8/31/2018 + 467 more book reviews

'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.

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