3.5 stars = Good+

I loved being back in this world again - the Christmas activities and Holly's family and friends were so fun to read about. The mystery, in my opinion, took a backseat to the town and people and holiday theme. And while I enjoyed ALL of that, I felt a bit short changed on the mystery. We didn't really get a sense of the victim at all, and the suspects seemed to pass across the page without a lot of depth to them.

I believe series fans will enjoy spending time with Holly and company again. And newcomers could probably pick this up without any issues, but I think the mystery will feel like a small part of the story, which could leave some readers feeling like they missed out.

This was a very enjoyable, cozy mystery! It's book four in the Christmas Tree Farm mystery series, and I hadn't read the first three before I read this one. The author does a wonderful job introducing the characters and filling the reader in on their histories. I didn't feel lost at all and had no problem reading this as a stand-alone.

Stalking Around the Christmas Tree is a quick, light, and entertaining holiday read. The characters are likable, and the mystery is well thought out. The stakes are low enough that you get those cozy Christmas vibes.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the fourth book in Jacqueline Frost’s Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series – I’ve loved reading them as they have been released and this one was no exception.

I think the characters and setting are really important in these sorts of cosy mystery stories and series, and I love that Frost gives us a strong sense of the town of Mistletoe while still giving her characters a lot of space to live and breathe through the story. I really felt like I get to know a bit more about Holly through each of the books, and I also feel like there isn’t so much backstory, and so many characters, that you would feel lost jumping in on book 4 of the series.

In terms of the actual mystery, it was really a typical cosy mystery and done well. The way Holly finds herself involved makes sense, and I found the ending satisfying.

As always with the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery books my favourite thing was how Christmassy and warm it all feels – I would love to spend a Christmas with Holly and her family in Mistletoe.

Overall I think this is a fun and accessible read for anyone looking for a cosy Christmas book, and would recommend picking it up if you’re looking for sweet festive (murdery) book.

I really wanted to like this book, but Holly is really unpleasant at times. She has no real reason to investigate this time around, which makes for a disjointed story. For someone who is supposedly so busy she has plenty of time to run around town butting into everyone’s business. Maybe Holly will mature a bit more in the next book.

5 out of 5 stars. I loved this book! I am so glad that we got book #4 in this series. The mystery was very good and well crafted. The characters and the town and the tree farm and everything there are what make this series so enjoyable. I look forward to see what new Reindeer Games the author comes up with in each book. I also look forward to whatever antics Theodore gets up to next.

Innkeeper Holly White is juggling wedding prep (to her fiance Evan Gray the local sheriff) and the Christmas tourists at the Reindeer Games Inn in Mistletoe, Maine. So when a ballerina guest is murdered during the town's parade, Holly finds herself in the middle of the investigation. Several suspects include the Rat King and the ballet choreographer. And someone is threatening her friend and future sister-in-law Libby, too. Can Holly solve both mysteries before she becomes the next target?
I enjoyed this cozy mystery. It's clean with no profanity and only mild sexual innuendo. And I'd like to visit Mistletoe, Maine!
The mystery kept me guessing. But it wasn't so engaging that I felt eager to keep reading.
Even though this is the fourth in a series, it could stand alone. I would have followed the storyline better if I had read the previous installments.

An enjoyable holiday installment in the Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries written by Jacqueline Frost. It's the perfect time of year to devour these seasonal books because you get the wonderful spirit, great ideas for decorating and cooking, and you have a curious whodunit. In this one, the ballet is featured prominently, as well as our protagonist's wedding the local sheriff in a small town in Maine. Loved the holiday cheer and definitely made the day super fun. Looking forward to another one next year.

This has every element of a perfect cozy mystery to me. The setting of Maine is so delightfully cozy, and winter time adds to that tenfold. The pacing, plot, and characters are all equally as charming and well done. Despite not being first in the series, I never felt lost in the story. I can't wait to get into the others in this series!

I really enjoyed this mystery. This series is one of my must reads and the latest adventure with Holly and the crew had me guessing throughout the story. I loved the side story of Holly’s wedding and the secondary mystery surrounding Libby. This was unputdownable!

This is the only cozy mystery series I read. I absolutely love how much Christmas is packed into them. So many "Christmas books" just seem to happen around December or mention snow or the holiday in passing and I'm always disappointed. That's not the case with these books the only thing that could make them more merry is if the pages were lined in tinsel or twinkle lights!

While I really enjoyed this book, I felt its predecessors were better- with the first book being my very favorite. I was really missing Cookie in this one- while she's there it's only in small doses. I was also a bit frustrated with Holly in this book- she had so many characters point out how she's repeating past mistakes and she just shrugged it off. I also found it a bit off putting how many times she was questioning someone and told them "I won't take too much time" or "just one more question" and then proceeded to drone on and on.

All that aside- I really enjoyed the ballerinas! What's Christmas without the nutcracker?! The mystery was a lot of fun and kept me guessing. This was a fun cozy Christmas read that is definitely worth the read!

Jacqueline Frost does it again with another Christmas themed murder mystery. This time it’s a ballerina who is appearing in The Nutcracker in town. But no fear, Holly White is there along with friends and others to figure out how it’s done. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane to read this book for an honest opinion, I’d recommend reading this 4th in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series.

Another wonderful visit to Mistletoe, Maine...well all except for another murder!! Every Christmas at the White tree farm is filled w/ joy, cheer, delicious coffee/treats, reindeer games, but this year it is going to be extra special w/ the Christmas wedding of Holly White and Sheriff Evan Gray! That is if Holly can keep herself safe long enough to get married.
The ballet troupe in town for a performance of the Nutcracker is staying at the inn. During the towns Christmas parade the lead prima Ballerina is discovered dead.
This holiday cozy series is one of my favorites! The characters are lovable (Cookie is one of my all time favorites), and the town and community sound nothing short of magical! I want mistletoe to be a real place!
I can't go w/o mentioning that Theodore is not that kind of goat, and that I would totally buy a Theodore calendar!!
If you are a fan of holiday cozies...this book is for you!

This book wasn't for me and I am not sure why. It had all the elements of a cozy mystery, which I enjoy, but I just couldn't connect with the characters or storyline.

I didn't read any prior stories in this series and I don't feel you need to. Any references yo prior storyline were filled in, so I wasn't lost.

I had trouble connecting with the main character, Holly, as I found her to be annoying and frustrating. Someone is very upset about the murder of someone and she is sorry for their loss but still wants to interegate the person. I feel like her love of true crime makes her think she knows too more than others, even her soon to be husband that is the sheriff.

I love the little town of Mistletoe, Maine. I found many of the townspeople to be wonderful as well. Again, overall I enjoyed this book, except there was something about Holly that made me not want to read the book.

I finished the book with audiobook version, as this is much faster with work and traveling. The narrator was very good!

Thank you very much to the Author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. I am on the fence on whether I will reaf more of this series. 3.5 stars rounded down to 3. We need 1/2 stars!

*Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Book 4
*Fun, fast read
*The Nutcracker & ballerinas
*mysterious rubber rats involved
*Clever method of poisoning someone
*Fairytale Winter Wedding
*Loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

'Tis the season to be jolly…. and SOLVE A MURDER!!

Holly White owns Reindeer Games Inn in Mistletoe, Maine. She has a lot on her plate with it being a week until Christmas, her wedding on Christmas Eve to the town's Sheriff and an entire ballet company in town for The Nutcracker performances!

When the lead ballerina is murdered, it sets up an insanely good mystery to find out who murdered Tiffany and why, before Holly and her financé's wedding!

I haven’t read anymore in this series, but I would absolutely love to!

I decided to pick up the first Christmas Tree Farm Mystery last year around this time and fell in love with this series. This is the newest release from Jacqueline Frost and it does not disappoint. The characters are amazing. I love them all. The town of Mistletoe sounds like such a magical place to live. I wish I could find a town like that. Holly, of course, is neck deep in the murder mystery, while trying to plan a wedding, and Evan is doing everything he can to keep her alive and out of trouble. These books are always such a fun read! Be sure to pick one up this Holiday Season!

Once again, murder comes to visit Mistletoe, Maine, in the holiday season. After a ballerina from the Nutcracker dies, Holly White charges in to help her fiancee, the sheriff, solve the murder before their wedding only one week away. Filled with small town goodness and charm, this series is perfect for settling down with a cup of hot chocolate and your sleuthing cap. Interesting mystery and you can't help loving all the characters who call Mistletoe their home.

Princess Fuzzypants here: Christmas in a town called Mistletoe is going to be big. Add to it a family business called Reindeer Games that includes a restaurant, inn and tree farm. Then mix in the final preparations for a Christmas wedding and you have the ingredients for chaos. Add in the murder a visiting ballerina who is part of a troupe performing in town and things are going to be tight for the groom who also happens to be the sheriff. The excuse for his intended to get involved is a tad on the flimsy side since she always ends up in danger and it is only her overwhelming curiosity that motivates her.

Her betrothed knows he is not going to win that battle and it seems she has half the town encouraging her to get involved. She does and it does put her in danger again on the eve of her wedding. But that is only one of the many challenges she will face to pull of the wedding against the odds. At least she is not one of those heroines who never lets the police know what she has discovered or what she is doing. It is the biggest saving grace when she wanders into danger. That and the fact that the story is quite exciting.

Four purrs and two paws up.

Book Review: Stalking Around the Christmas Tree by Jacqueline Frost

⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 Stars

Jacqueline Frost's "Stalking Around the Christmas Tree" is a delightful addition to the Christmas Tree Farm mystery series that will captivate readers with its festive setting, well-crafted mystery, and endearing characters. Set in the charming town of Mistletoe, Maine, innkeeper Holly White finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation during the most wonderful time of the year.

The story unfolds with the excitement of the holiday season, as Holly prepares for her upcoming wedding and the arrival of the state's ballet company for performances of The Nutcracker. However, the joyous atmosphere takes a dark turn when the lead ballerina, Tiffany, is found dead on a parade float, sparking an intricate and compelling mystery that Holly is determined to solve before Christmas and her wedding day.

Frost's storytelling shines through her high-quality writing and fast-paced narrative, keeping readers engaged as Holly delves into the secrets surrounding Tiffany's life and untangles the web of suspects within the ballet company. The plot is well-crafted, offering twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

One of the standout aspects of the book is the charming and festive setting of Mistletoe, Maine, which adds an enchanting backdrop to the unfolding mystery. The author skillfully brings the town to life with vivid descriptions, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that enhances the holiday spirit of the narrative.

Furthermore, the cast of characters in "Stalking Around the Christmas Tree" is highly likable and relatable, drawing readers into their world as they navigate through the complexities of the murder investigation. Holly's determination and sleuthing skills make her a compelling protagonist, while the supporting characters add depth and intrigue to the story.

Additionally, the cover of the book is visually stunning, capturing the essence of the festive holiday season and adding to the overall appeal of the novel. As a fan of series, I found "Stalking Around Christmas Tree" to be a thoroughly enjoyable read that left me eagerly the next installment.

In conclusion, Jacqueline Frost's "Stalking the Christmas" is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and holiday-themed stories. With its plot, charming setting, and endearing, this book delivers a perfect blend mystery and festive cheer. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming and entertaining read during the holiday season.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

This is the fourth book in one of my favorite Christmas cozy series. And I have to say that this one was my favorite of the series. And even though this one did seem like it was a good place to end the series, I hope it's not the last and that there's more to this series.