Holly White returns to Mistletoe, Maine after her fiance breaks off their engagement for a younger woman he met at the gym. The family business, Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm, is just what she needs to help put her life, and heart, back together. The farm, and town, are gearing up for Christmas. The Twelve Day of Reindeer Games at the farm, plus cookies and hot cocoa, are really packing in the tourists and locals. Everything is holly jolly until the head of the local historical society, Margaret Fenwick, is found beaten to death, her body gruesomely stuffed into the Reindeer Games sleigh display. Unfortunately the owners and staff at the tree farm immediately become suspects because the weapon happens to be a spike used to identify trees on the farm. Holly's father, Bud, was seen arguing with the annoying woman just before her death, making him look guilty. Holly knows her dad is not a killer....so she is on the case to ferret out the murderer!

I love holiday theme cozy mysteries! And I'm pleased to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The background theme of a Christmas tree farm and all the holiday events really added to the plot of the book. The mystery moved along at a great pace with some great amateur sleuthing, several possible suspects, and some surprises along the way. I enjoyed Holly as a main character, she is intelligent and has spunk. The side characters were all believable and well-written. The murdered woman was annoying, but she was meant to be. I have dealt with over zealous historical society people before when I was a reporter.....and they can be incredibly over-the-top and annoying...just like Margaret Fenwick. Luckily, none of the ones I knew were ever murdered. :)

This is Jacqueline Frost's debut novel. I am definitely going to read more in this series! Although it's not even Halloween yet, this book really got my holiday spirit going! Great theme, awesome cover, and a fun read!!

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

This was an amazing start to a new series. The setting was wonderful and made me want a hot tea by a fire in a cozy chair. I loved the Christmas theme, which was taken to an amusing extreme. The mystery was great with a surprising ending.

A lot can happen in two weeks, ask Holly White. She breaks up with her fiancé, she returns to historic Mistletoe, Maine, and sees the good in people. The first evening back, Holly runs to the aid of a town woman. The woman does not make it and suspicion falls to her family. As Holly tries to figure out who killed Mrs Fenwick and why, she receives threats to stay out of it. We learn a lot about this small town, it’s legacy of Christmas celebration, and the kindness of a small town. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and there was plenty of twists to keep the story interesting. I highly recommend this first in a series. I had peppermint tea going, could picture the town in the White’s living room singing just like the town did on “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.” I look forward to more books in this series. An outstanding start!

3.5 Stars

Holly White has just returned to her hometown of Mistletoe, Maine and her family’s Christmas tree farm after a broken engagement leaves her devastated. She is just in time to help her family prepare for their busiest time of year and is glad for the distraction from her canceled wedding. Things change when the gruff president of the Mistletoe Historical Society, Margaret Fenwick, is brutally murdered and left in the sleigh display at Reindeer Games, Holly’s family tree farm. Holly’s father, Bud, becomes Sheriff Evan Grey’s prime suspect. Now instead of trimming trees and enjoying Christmas treats, she must put finding the real killer at the top of her list to prove her father’s innocence and keep the family’s tree farm in business.

This is the first book in a new series by the author of the Kitty Couture mysteries, written as Julie Chase. The book is good start to what could be an excellent series. The highlights are the likeable, relatable characters and the Christmas tree farm setting. The descriptions of the tree farm, its craft shop, and especially the café, from the tables made to look like chocolate bars with black licorice legs, candy-cane striped booths, and delicious homemade treats, make me wish Reindeer Games was a real place I could visit this holiday season. However, while I enjoyed the book and found it entertaining, I didn’t find it compelling. The pace is just a little too slow and the investigation drawn out a little too long to keep me glued to the pages.

However, the book is well-plotted and I appreciate that clues are given to the identity of the killer, even though I didn’t correctly guess “whodunnit”. Once the killer is revealed, a logical motive is given and I was pleased at how everything is resolved. Most cozy mysteries have some elements of romance and in this case, two different men are interested in Holly, but to me, one man stands out as the best match for Holly. Instead of the more predictable triangle, it appears by the end of the book that Holly may have made her choice, and if so, I happily support her decision. If future books have a little faster pacing and more depth to the actual sleuthing, I will happily return to Mistletoe, Maine.

~ Christine

The title is what first intrigued me about this book, very clever play with words and the mystery was just as clever. I recommend to anyone looking for a great quick read

Okay, this is what a cozy mystery should be. It is a story with the lead person, Holly, who is in need of some cheering up (broken engagement), who finds that her help is needed in her small hometown. In this one it is Christmas time, so it is snowy, which shopping and, of course, a murder. And thrown in for good luck, her dad is the prime suspect. So what does she do? Investigate. And it is a delightful book. Well written and fun to read. I would highly recommend it to those who love cozy mysteries. It is a good read.

I was drawn by the cover (note the cat too) and enjoyed this sweet, fun cozy mystery. My rating 4.25.

Holly has returned home after her fiancé broke up shortly before their Christmas Eve wedding. Her spirits begin to rise as she helps out on her parents’ tree farm, Reindeer Games, and in their historic small-town, Mistletoe, Maine. Tourists are already gathering as the farm prepares for one of its biggest events, the annual Twelve Days of Reindeer Games. Unfortunately, the town’s grouchy Historical Society president and enforcer, Margaret Fenwick, is found dead in a sleigh at the gates of the farm, closing it before the event can open.

Sheriff Evan Grey is quick to look at Holly’s father and the Reindeer Games staff because of the location and murder weapon. Holly knows it couldn’t be her father and is pretty certain it isn’t anyone else on staff. She has to hunt up alternate suspects quickly so the Sheriff will reopen the farm.

As Holly makes inquiries around town she learns that Margaret had been issuing tough restrictions to many folks so there are quite a few people who might have been angry with her. Sheriff Evan warns Holly to stop especially when someone starts issuing warnings to Holly. The first warning is disturbing but then the threats escalate. But Holly is onto a solid trail if she can only figure out where it leads before the murderer sneaks back to keep her quiet.

I liked Holly and Evan right away. Their dialog is “peppered” with bad metaphors and challenging banter. Neither is rushing into any feelings but it is nice as his protective instincts, and her sense of security, grow. There are plenty of quirky characters to join in the holiday activities, including Holly’s aloof cat, Cindy Lou Who, and another cat that joins the group mid-story. The setting has the touch of Christmas Magic and the mystery moves along with light relief in between the threats and clues until the climactic scene when the murderer is revealed.

I enjoyed the fun characters, light romance, and easy read. I recommend this to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries, Christmas (and cats). I’ll look forward to reading more about Holly, Evan and Mistletoe.

I received this from the publisher through NetGalley.

After her breakup, Holly is back home in Mistletoe, Maine and helping out on her families Christmas tree farm. The reindeer games are coming up, and the town is buzzing with excitement. When a member of the local historical society is murdered on the property, all eyes are on Holly and her family. Holly just can't believe anyone in this small town is a murderer and makes it her mission to find out who did it and get the family farm back in business.

I enjoyed this one a lot. It was suitably festive. Well written and paced. The plot was engaging and kept me guessing right up until the end. I loved the small town Christmasy feel. I loved the characters both secondary and main. They were quirky and delightful. There is a tiny smidge of romance in this one between Holly and the sheriff. I am not a huge fan of romance in my cozy mysteries because it often feels forced or underdeveloped. This one was neither, and it struck the perfect balance. The only thing I missed was a few recipes at the end. I think it would have been a nice touch to have a few of the drink and cookie recipes that were featured in the book included at the end. All in all, though this one gets two thumbs up from yours truly.

The perfect book to read in the middle of July. Holly White is jilted just two weeks before her Christmas Eve wedding and returns home to find comfort from her family. What she and her family don't need is finding the corpse of the president of the historical society on their property - and the finger of guilt points at them. Holly sets out to rescue her family's reputation, find the killer and enjoy Christmas in Mistletoe, MA. If nothing else, it will take her mind off of her derailed wedding.
I enjoyed the characters and the mystery and will be looking forward to the next entry in the series.

A fun Christmas themed mystery - small town with quaint decorations and a likable heroine.

After breaking up with her fiance, Holly comes home to help out her parent's family business just in time for Christmas. Apparently they go all out with themed parties and actual reindeer themed games. Naturally a murder ruins the party, and Holly tries to solve the crime since her father is a main suspect.

I read this one during the summertime, nowhere near the Christmas season, but it still made the magic of the holiday come alive, almost too much so. I've never seen a town celebrate Christmas to this degree, but that's one of the fun things about themed cozy mysteries.

Somewhat sanitized which is typical of many cozies, Holly isn't a perfect heroine. The love people have of her earrings is a little strange, and the stereotypical characters don't add much to the story, but the mystery itself isn't bad even if it's pretty hard to solve with the clues given. There isn't a big surprise or twist in there, it's more a story to read because you're enjoying the environment of a cozy instead of marveling at the creativity of the mystery itself.

There's the romantic subplot too, which is just okay since the romantic interest is light without any steam or intrigue. Still, it fits the sub-genre well and is kind of expected when you're picking up a book like this.

Loved it! Fun interplay between the amateur sleuth and town's sheriff. Lots of holiday games, food and drinks. I don't celebrate Christmas and was hesitant to read this cozy, but so glad I did. Charming and delightful interaction with family and friends. Happy to see this is the beginning of a series. I look forward to reading the next one.

Well I was planning on keeping hold of this a bit longer but I've just seen Christmas decorations in a local shop and thought that's all the encouragement I need to read this.

It's such a nice mystery book and has definitely gotten me in the mood for the colder days and nights now. And lets face it who doesn't love a good Christmas story!

Definitely one for the holidays.

Many thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and the author for an ARC.

A very nice debut! It's sort of odd to read a Christmas themed book on an 80 degree day but this one was a good way to get into the holiday spirit. Those of us who don't live in small towns sometimes find ourselves marveling at how they work, especially in terms of group celebrations and Mistletoe Maine is no exception. Holly comes home to her family's tree farm when her fiancé breaks up with her two weeks before their wedding- and she comes home to murder. Wow. She makes a good, intrepid amateur who is trying to keep her family, especially her dad Bud, safe as he's been implicated. The minor puns on the names and some of the other details might be a bit twee but the story is well done and the characters well crafted. This is good quick read. Thanks to net galley for the ARC.

I love a story set in a Christmas wonderland! We travel to Mistletoe, Maine when Holly White returns home to nurse her wounds after her wedding is cancelled. Going back home is just what she needs until a local ends up murdered and her father is the main suspect.
This book was filled with fun! The main characters were well throughout and written beautifully. The story and mystery were both easy to follow and enjoyable. Overall, a great read that puts you in the mood for the holidays with a touch of mystery!

I was excited to read this book as I love thrillers and all things Christmas.

Unfortunately, the plot is very basic. Because of this, the story itself is short and has been packed out with so much filler in the form of useless information, unnecessary description and even a few entirely pointless chapters that I could barely tolerate reading it. I had to skim most of the book and it still felt like it took me an age to read.

My other reason for not giving this book a higher rating is the fact I strongly disliked the protagonist. Holly White had a permanent air of self-entitlement about her and was completely ignorant and uncaring about the safety of those around her, in her tunnel-visioned nose-dive into other people's business.

I didn't like the fact that she never had to take responsibility for her actions, was described by literally everyone as being God's gift to men and acted like it was somehow warranted. She came across as unrealistic and very unlikable. I enjoyed every other character in the book, so it's a shame Holly White was the only narrator.

I appreciated the cozy Christmassy atmosphere throughout the book but with so much unnecessary description of the most mundane and irrelevant things, the pace was slower than a snail on diazepam. I also wasn't expecting there to be soooooo much cheesy romance. Props to the author for writing a seasonal thriller though. I don't think there are enough of them.

If the book was 200 pages shorter and narrated by absolutely ANY of the other characters, I would have enjoyed it. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 stars.

I really enjoyed the Twelve Slays of Christmas but it was the main character more than the plot that tied me to the book. When the pushy President of the Mistletoe Historical Society is murdered on the Christmas tree farm that has been in Holly White’s family for years, she decides to solve the murder so the property will be released before the vital last days before Christmas are gone. Everyone figures out that she is investigating but I was impressed with they way she handle her questioning of the people in the community. The heart that Holly offers the unpopular victim touched me. The dance of romance between her and the new sheriff was fun and I look forward to seeing more of this relationship. Her relationship with her cat was hilarious, I know cats just like that! While the book wasn’t outstanding it was really good and there was something about it that made me want to get to know all of the characters better. I will be following this series.
I requested and received and ARC of Twelve Slays of Christmas via NetGalley. The opinion stated is my honest opinion. I always review books that I enjoy.

Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Twelve Slays of Christmas: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery by Jacqueline Frost.

Holly white returns home to the historical town, Mistletoe, Maine after her fiance breaks up with her two weeks before their scheduled wedding.

Margaret Fenwick, the president of the historical society, is killed on her parents Christmas tree farm. Holly decides she is going to find out who the killer is before the sheriff locks up her or one of her family members.

The mystery kept me guessing to the end. A small town where everybody knows everyone except who killed Mrs. Fenwick.

This book put me in the mood for Christmas. What a wonderful story. It's the first book in the Christmas Tree mysteries. I look forward to the upcoming books. Characters are likeable and can grow as the series progresses.

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley to read and review. The Twelve Slays of Christmas was a very enjoyable Christmas cozy mystery that kept my interest from the first page until the very last page. If you enjoy a good mystery that takes place in a holiday setting you will enjoy this book.

Christmas is supposed to be filled with love and magic no matter your age but Holly has returned home to Mistletoe as a jilted bride and a murder to solve. On the eve of the Reindeer Games Holly finds the local historical society grouch dead in a sleigh on her parents Christmas tree farm which also hosts the twelve days of the Reindeer Games. Can Holly solve the murder and save the Reindeer Games all before Christmas?

Holly is a very likeable and realistic character. She has spunk when it comes to searching for clues to solve the murder and is cautious with her heart after realizing her fiancé did her a favor when he called off the wedding two weeks prior to the big day. She doesn't let that get her down and out. She throws herself into helping around the Christmas tree farm and making the Reindeer Games as successful as ever.

In interested in learning more about the Sheriff as the series goes on. He sounds like a catch but will the local newspaper photographer sometimes reporter nose his way in on the possible romance between Holly and the Sheriff?

Grab a mug of cocoa and curl up in front of the fire and let the Christmas spirit envelope you as you read the first in a new series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC in exchange for a review based on my own honest opinion.