The town of Mistletoe, Maine celebrates Christmas all year, but things really ramp up in December. Holly White works with her parents on their Christmas tree farm, which boasts a restaurant, the holiday reindeer games events and a soon to be inn. When a local bad boy is discovered upon the unveiling of the candy contest, Holly immediately starts to defend her friend Caroline, who was one of the last seen with the deceased, unfortunately, yelling at him. Holly rushes toward quite a bit of danger without regard for her own safety at times, which adds a lot of action to the story. Sheriff Evan Gray continues to be an unknown quantity in Holly's personal life, plus there is what is turning into an intriguing multi-book story playing out. I like a lot of the secondary characters, including Cookie, Holly's parents, Ray and his mom, I hope the author continues to use them in the storylines.

Last Christmas I read the first book in this series and this new one did not disappoint. The series is Christmas Overload. Holly has moved back home to Mistletoe, Maine and her family's Christmas Tree Farm. Mistletoe Embraces all things Christmas. The are Santas, Reindeer Games, Sleigh Rides, Shopping, Eating, Baking, and a Town Christmas Tree with a Body in the Giant Peppermint Candy Dish. Holly's best friend Caroline is accused of the crime so Holly sets out to solve the crime. The best part of these books is the Christmas Setting, the small town and the characters. I really like the way everyone works together and cares for each other. The mystery was OK. The solution was good and did make sense. This series does not have to be read in order. This book really does get you in the Christmas Mood so I would suggest reading during the season. Enjoy

After reading the Twelve Slays of Christmas by Ms. Frost last year, I knew I couldn’t go wrong reading The Knife Before Christmas this year. This is the second cozy mystery in the Christmas Tree Farm Series. Once again, I was captivated by all the descriptions of Mistletoe, Maine. The cozy town, stores, and of course our protagonist, Holly White’s parent’s tree farm and entertainment center called “Reindeer Games.” When a murder occurs in this quaint town, and her best friend soon becomes the main suspect, Holly goes all out to discover who the real murder is. Once again, this page-turning novel entertained me long into the night. I wanted to bite my nails as I started nearing the end of the book! This is a wonderful and exciting cozy mystery. Perfect for your holiday enjoyment.

I read (and reviewed) the first book in the series - 12 Slays of Christmas - last year and was quite charmed by it, so was pleased to see there was a new one out this year. As was the case then, I really enjoyed this! I feel like these books have exactly the right balance of Christmas-iness, romance, and whodunnit suspense for me. There's a relatively small cast of characters (presumably since it is so early in the series) who are all just quirky enough to be lovable but not annoying, and the town sounds amazing (please tell me there is a real life Mistletoe and Reindeer Games somewhere? I want to spend Christmas there!)

These books are quick, festive, & fun reads, and I'd recommend both to fans of cosy mysteries and Christmas. I gave this one 3 Christmas stars, a big much of coffee and plate of 'bling'ed gingerbread!

‘Twas 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 “Guess How Many Mints are in the Bowl” 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.

‘Twas 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 ‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas is the second A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery, it can be read alone (easily). I am giving ‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). ‘Twas 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.

Holly White’s best friend, Caroline had stood up for herself even though the argument had been public and heard by everyone. But when the next morning, Derek, the person she’d been arguing with, was found stabbed to death, thoughts immediately went to Caroline. It was made much worse by the discovery of her fingerprints on the murder weapon – and only hers. But the marble handled knife, which had her initials on it, had come from her shop – Caroline’s Cupcakes – so of course her prints would be on it…

Holly was determined to prove her friend’s innocence – but in the process directed attention to herself. The ongoing threats escalated with the Sheriff of Mistletoe demanding Holly keep away from the investigation and keep herself safe. But that just wasn’t in Holly’s nature – what would happen just a few days before Christmas in the little town of Mistletoe?

Twas the Knife Before Christmas is the 2nd in A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series by Jacqueline Frost, and it was delightful! I laughed out loud on occasion, often smiled, and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery. My first by this author, and it won’t be my last! I was impressed with the way she set the scene and left small hints here and there, then threw in a twist or two! Great stuff! Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in a new series and I couldn't wait to read it. I love the descriptions of Mistletoe Maine at Christmas. I thought that finding the body in a bowl full of peppermint was unique and original. I really enjoy Holly as a sleuth and I liked the chemistry between her and the Sheriff. This is a great mystery and perfect for this time of year and I plan on putting it in a few stockings this year.

It's almost Christmas in the town where it's always Christmas-y..... In a town where every face you see is a friend, who could be a murderer? Holly is determined to find out
This was a great story. I loved the characters and look forward to reading more from this author!

Holly White is looking forward to a calm Christmas, unlike last year when she was involved in a murder investigation and was almost the next victim. Unfortunately her best friend is accused of murdering her dinner date after she publicly yelled at him and it ended up as a news story.

Holly and Evan's relationship has hit a snag...he keeps sneaking around on his days off and is shutting Holly out. Now she has two mysteries to solve.

This was a really fun story and perfect for this time of year. Oddly enough, it got me a little more into the Christmas spirit :) J. Frost did a great job with this story and now I'm invested in these characters and can't wait to see which direction the stories ahead take. Side note - I love that Holly has a car named Cindy Lou Who. 4.7 stars.

I voluntarily reviewed this book on Netgalley.

#backgrounder #netgalley #twastheknifebeforechristmas

Title: ‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas

Author: Jacqueline Frost

Series: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery book 2

Chapters: 25

Pages: 309

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Christmas

Rating: 4 stars

‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas is the second book in the A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series by Jacqueline Frost we are back in Mistletoe Maine for another Christmas season with Holly White and the rest of Mistletoe. When Holly finds herself involved in another murder. This time it’s not Holly or her dad as the prime suspect instead it’s her best friend Caroline as the prime suspect. Holly is determined to clear her friends name and find the real murderer even if the town's sheriff doesn't want her involved.
‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas combines two of my favorite book genres into one book; Christmas stories and cozy mysteries. It was neat getting to return to town in Maine for the Christmas season. As well as seeing lovable characters again. This is a sweet cozy Christmas mystery that is just perfect to read with a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter's night. I loved the character in the book that Caroline thought was Santa Claus though to Holly he's just the guy that her parents hired to build the inn. Even if none of his employees are over 5 feet is Holly going to entertain the possibility that Christopher is indeed Santa Claus.

Though I read this towards the beginning of November I recommend you read it in December. This book is perfect for those reads who love cozy mysteries and Christmas. I hope that next year's Christmas season bring a new book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I enjoy Christmas as much as the next person, but I'm also not someone who has to read Christmas-y books as the holiday approaches, but I'd heard good things about 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas so I thought I would give it a shot, and I'm glad I did.

Holly White lives and works on the Christmas Tree Farm - a business that's been in her family for years. When her best friend Caroline is accused of murdering a man she was caught on camera arguing with publicly, Holly sets out to prove her friends' innocence. This is not as easy as it sounds - Holly's working out the beginnings of a relationship with the town's sheriff, and due to her interference now has a target on her back when the real killer catches on to what she's doing.

This was honestly just a crazy-Christmas-filled adventure from start to finish. Holly is a capable and independent woman who works with her family, but has plans of her own (and a craft side-business to boot!). She's got a reputation as being a bit of a magnet for problems like this at Christmas time, so her family and friends rally around her.

Aside from the real Christmas holiday park vibes that you get when reading this book, I loved two things: Holly's unwavering dedication to her best friend, Caroline, and her desire to sort out her relationship with the Sheriff. Both are incredibly endearing traits (and it doesn't hurt that these characters are always wonderful side-characters to read about).

If you're looking for a cozy mystery for the Christmas season, look no further. 

Although I might recommend having some treats on hand, because all the talk of food in this book made me hungry!

This was a very good read - I had enjoyed the first one very much and was really looking forward to this one and I was not disappointed.

Holly is a great main character. Her inquisitiveness and love of where she lives just shines and I believe that she never means to get into trouble, she just loves her friends and her family and where she lives so much, and she is, being an only child, filled with questions and inquisitiveness and that just naturally leads to trouble. It is her love of her town and her best friend Caroline that leads her down the road to terror [and I am only slightly exaggerating here] in this installment. I honestly may never eat another peppermint candy again <shudder>!!

I like Holly's approach to Evan and his weird distance with her; she likes him, but she is not going to let him and how he has taken to ignoring her to heart and she is not going to wait around for him to figure it out either - she is happy and content in her life and her job[s] and she just lives life. I L O V E that. I love her with Evan because they compliment each other well, but I love that she doesn't need a man to be happy and fulfilled. This is a rarity in my opinion in cozies and something that more main characters need to find. I like that Holly is independent while also loving spending time with her parents and letting them spoil her in little ways - her love of her parents and where she grew up is also just so refreshing.

I also really enjoy all the peripheral characters, especially Cookie and Ray. I really enjoy the friendship that Ray and Holly have; friends with no expectations of anything else, even though Ray has a bit of a crush on Holly. He never crosses that line, is respectful and caring of Holly and many men can take a lesson from Ray on how to behave with a woman who isn't romantically interested in you, but wants to be true friends with you.

This story also had one of the most believable reveals I have read in a long time. You don't question why Holly is where she is and the killer was a HUGE surprise to me [which is so rare since I read over 100 of these type of mysteries a year] and I also loved the bit of magical realism that shows up as well.

I am really liking this series and will keep reading as long as she writes them!

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a fun story! Mistletoe, Maine is a winter wonderland and what better place to grow up than on a Christmas tree farm with a lumberjack for a Dad and a baker supreme for a Mom. The only thing better is to be a crafty gal who is about to run her own Inn on the family property that holds Reindeer Games during the festive time of the year. Unlike other characters I've encountered, Holly is threatened from the get go for trying to help her Caroline who is suspected of knifing a local judge's son and leaving him dead in a giant bowl of candy mints. Several people have a motive and means, more so than cupcake creator Caroline and faster than you can say Chris Cringle the Contractor (could it be) Holly is working through the clues and a menacing mints, while recycling glass into the cutest bracelets that are being ordered faster than she can create. With all of this and the Hearth restaurant going through a major kitchen remodel and the construction of the Inn how will Holly get it all done without being done in! Great read loved the teasing bit of romance with the local Sheriff and the introduction of his sister. Can't wait for the next one!

'Twas the Knife Before Christmas by Jacqueline Frost is the second book in A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series and it's a lovely seasonal read full of great characters and beautiful setting.

Each book can be read as a standalone. This being the first book for me I had no trouble getting into the story and familiarizing with the characters.
Things are getting hectic in little town of Mistletoe. It's Christmas time again and Holly has settled back home nicely. Apart from some renovations not getting done on time everything is perfect and everyone is more than ready for the holiday. But then the unthinkable happens when her best friend Caroline, owner of the Caroline's Cupcakes is accused of murdering her date. Now it's up to Holly to investigate and resolve the puzzle.

Charming holiday read that combines merriment and mystery in the best way possible. Full of seasonal joy and happiness it tells a cleverly plotted story with many twists and turns that will keep readers guessing till the end.
Intelligent dialogue and quirky characters make this a delightful story impossible to put down.
I liked the friendship between Holly and Caroline, and the sparks of romance between Holly and Evan. I find Cookie absolutely hilarious.
I will definitely read a first book in the series and I am eagerly awaiting next installment.

If you’re looking for a delightful Christmas-themed cozy murder mystery, Jacqueline Frost’s ‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas is sure to please. The story is set in Mistletoe, which is a charming little town in Maine, and boy, do these folks love Christmas! For all of you Gilmore Girls fans out there, imagine Stars Hollow but all decked out for the holidays. That was the vibe I got the entire time I was reading and I loved it.

The story follows Holly White and her quest to clear her best friend, Caroline, who happens to be a suspect in a murder that has rocked this quaint little Christmas town. During the town’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, a man is found dead, stabbed and dumped into a giant dish of peppermint candies. The last person seen with him was Caroline, the town’s beloved owner of Caroline’s Cupcakes, and they were having a pretty heated argument. Although no one can believe their sweet Caroline could possibly be a murderer, she still finds herself a suspect. Holly, in particular, knows her friend is innocent and makes it her mission to prove Caroline’s innocence and find the real killer, even if she drives her boyfriend, the town’s sheriff, crazy in the process.

‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas is filled with characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. Holly, Caroline, and Sheriff Evan are all very likable, and some of the secondary characters are so quirky and fun that they practically steal the show. There’s Cookie Cutter who likes to brew “special” tea that is sure to put an extra kick in your step, a la Peppermint Schnapps, and then there’s Ray, who is so overprotective of his mother because she’s dating a new man, that he spends most of the book sneaking around spying on their dates. Oh, and I can’t forget Holly’s cat, who has the best pet name ever, Cindy Loo Who. Between the fabulous characters and a murder mystery that has plenty of twists and turns to keep the story interesting, I can’t recommend ‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas highly enough. Cozy mystery fans are sure to love it! 4 STARS

We're back with Holly White at her family's Christmas Tree Farm one year after the last book. She's settled into town nicely and is still dating the local law man. It's too bad her best friend Caroline's life isn't so settled. She went out with a jerk in order to make her parents happy then very publicly argued with the man. The day before he turned up dead outside Caroline's store.
Now Holly's trying to figure out who killed the man (it's a mystery, he had no shortage of enemies) before they can get to her.
At the beginning of the story, we learn that it's a year later. That makes sense for the series but the time jump was rough. There was a lot that went on in the year that wasn't explained. The end also went a bit off the rails for me. If you don't mind an unexpected burst of magical realism, you won't mind it though.

Three stars (barely)
This book came out November 23
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley; Opinions are my own

This is book 2 in the Christmas Tree Farm series. It can be read as a stand alone but it's a nice continuation of Twelve Slays of Christmas. Another murder in Mistletoe, Maine and Holly has to clear her best friend Caroline before she's sent away for a crime she didn't commit even though the murder weapon is her custom made rolling pin. A great Christmas mystery with Holly working at the farm and developing a nice relationship with the local sheriff. Great setting and wonderful cast of characters. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is the second book in the "Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Series". This book can be read as a stand alone and I highly recommend the first in series. You will want to read these right before Christmas as they are so richly described to the reader.
I adore this series . Its full of Christmas charm and what is better then reading about a Christmas Tree Farm in Christmas time ! The town is aptly named "Mistletoe" and is located in Maine. The descriptions by the author of the delightful town and the tree farm are wonderful and draw the reader into the beauty of Maine at Christmas. Every detail of small town America celebrating Christmas is here and endearing to readers.
In this next in series our savvy young protagonist Holly is busy working at her families Christmas Tree Farm and overseeing the Inn they are building in addition to running her own jewelry business.. When her best friend Caroline is accused of murdering her date, Holly does not hesitate to jump in to clear her name. Suspects and clues abound and soon she is knee deep in a murder mystery at Christmas time.
I love everything about this series. it will definitely put you in the mood for Christmas ! I enjoy the rich descriptions of the town and the supporting charcters. Although Holly is very young she manages to pull off being a apt detective and solves the second murder just before Christmas . A very enjoyable read indeed.
Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my review.

This is the second book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series and I really enjoyed it! The setting was great and the characters were fun and quirky. I'll definitely read the next book in the series.

Holly White works at her parents Christmas tree farm called Reindeer Games in Mistletoe, Maine. It sounds like a lot of fun, they play games with the customers and there's plenty of Christmas spirit. Everything was going well until the annual tree lighting ceremony when a dead body is discovered in a giant candy bowl. The candymaker, a woman named Caroline, is Holly's best friend and Holly decides to investigate when Caroline is suspected of the murder.

This was a fun cozy mystery and I highly recommend it.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

'Twas the Knife before Christmas is the perfect story for Christmas. With truckloads of snow, snickerdoodle goodies, mouth-watering cupcakes, hot cocoa, a murder, friendship, love, family, and a Christmas miracle, this book was a complete package. In other words, Fantabulous!

The story was engrossing from the first page. Frost's writing pulls you into the book. She's a master storyteller. The descriptions of a perfect Christmas atmosphere, the characters, the climax and identity of the perp - absolutely fantastic!

There are some stories that make you believe in Santa, makes you believe in miracles and brings about a festive spirit in you and this book does just that.

The characters were quirky and funny. Cookie and her late-husband-turned-goat Theodore; Caroline and her ultra-rich-and-famous-parents who want her to marry someone of their class; Evan - the sheriff who has an on-off relationship with Holly; Ray - Holly's best buddy and junior at school; Holly's parents; Christopher - the guy who's working on the White's Inn; Derek and his weirdo girlfriend; Scooter - the creepy stalker!

The suspects' list is not very long but what Holly doesn't understand is why the killer's made Holly their next target. The story is engaging and keeps the reader hooked on to the book till the end. The identity of the perp was unexpected and shocking. The Christmas miracle, in the end, was a nice touch to the story. Not just Holly, even I couldn't believe that Santa was right around the corner protecting Holly from the killer.

If you are looking for a perfect Christmas story then do not miss to read 'Twas The Knife Before Christmas by Jacqueline Frost.