Unfortunately, I didn't quite love this one as I did the first book in the series. The mystery aspect was well done. I still really enjoy that setting and the overall festive feeling. It has a great cast of characters. Holly is still a very likable heroine.

However, the whole Ethan and Holly "romance" was just odd. At the end of the last book they kissed, and it seemed like they were headed towards Coupeville, then at the beginning of this book, you find out that after that kiss they have barely said two words to each other for the entire year. Halfway through you find out the reason why (and it was kind of a weak excuse in my opinion), then things seem to be more on track (we even get a kiss AGAIN), and then at the end Ethan basically tells her the next year is going to be the same as the previous one. He will be gone a lot so they won't see each other much. He won't be able to talk to her about it. At this point, I would rather see Holly get with Ray since they seem to have WAY more chemistry together as friends than her and Ethan.

Last, I said this in my last review, but this book would have been a bit more special if the author had included some of the recipes for the things mentioned in the book. All in all, it was an OK read, and I enjoyed it enough to pick up the next book in the series.

This second entry into the Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries is even better than the first. Jacqueline Frost creates a small town that feels both real and fun. Time spent at the games could easily be a distract from the plot but both the reader and the participants have so much fun that those games are a delightful and unique characteristic of the series. ‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas is a Christmas murder mystery with the real feel of the holidays including the best and the worst they have to offer. I love when Christmas novels really include the holiday much more than those that just take place in December. The plot and people should be enough to carry any reader who does not appreciate the holidays, but be warned that this town is year-round Christmas. I don’t think anyone would have a problem reading this book as a stand-alone. The relationships are well laid out without interfering with the plot as are the roles of each characters. I highly recommend this holiday treat to anyone looking for a good cozy read or for a book to put them in the holiday spirit.
I was excited to get an ARC of ‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas from Crooked Lane Books via Netgalley and will enjoy sharing it with my friends. #Knife Before Christmas #NetGalley

‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas is the second book in Jacqueline Frost’s A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series. This well-written book flows smoothly at a fast pace, engages the reader from the beginning, and kept me guessing until the reveal. The well-developed characters are delightful, the setting is whimsical, and the whodunit is well plotted. I highly recommend this delightful and captivating cozy mystery.

Holly White, who returned to her home in Mistletoe, Maine last Christmas, helps out in the family business and has turned her hobby of melting old glass bottles and creating custom jewelry with tiny replicas of holiday items and sweets into a thriving business. The Whites own Reindeer Games, a Christmas tree farm, in Mistletoe, Maine, and Holly’s mom manages the tree farm’s small café, The Hearth, providing sweet treats and hot beverages to guests. Holly’s dad has always dreamed of opening an inn on their property, construction is underway, and her family hopes it will be completed by Christmas Day. Holly, who is currently living in the guesthouse, will move into the inn when it’s finished and become the innkeeper. Holly’s best friend, Caroline West, is the daughter of the town’s mayor and is often forced to attend benefits with obnoxious dates to please her dad. Her latest date was with Judge Waggoner’s son, Derek, who got handsy with her, and her threat that if he ever did it again he would regret it was recorded for all to see. When Derek’s body is found in a giant bowl filled with peppermint candy at the tree lighting ceremony, and the murder weapon turns out to be one of Caroline’s custom knives, she becomes the prime suspect. Sheriff Evan Gray arrests Caroline and Holly can’t sit back and do nothing. She starts asking questions and begins receiving threats that she’ll be next if she doesn’t stop, but Holly is determined to clear her best friend’s name and track down the killer.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

'Twas the Knife Before Christmas by Jacqueline Frost is the 2nd book in A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery, and it was great. I enjoyed this book more than the 1st book, Twelve Slays of Christmas, which is also good. Holly White's family owns the Christmas Tree Farm in Mistletoe, Maine, where Christmas is big business for the little town. I would love to go and drink hot cider, play some Reindeer Games, and take a buggy ride at the Tree Farm. In this book Holly's best friend, Caroline, is a suspect in the murder of the dead body found behind her store, Caroline’s Cupcakes. Unfortunately half the town say Caroline fighting with the victim. Holly is determined to find the real killer. If you love cozy mysteries, and are looking for a delightful Christmas story, give this book a try, you won't be disappointed. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review

‘‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas is a terrific cozy for the holiday season. Mistletoe, Maine screams Christmas cheer and the characters are extremely likable. The story is well written and a quick read. Christmas, Murder and mayhem...everything you want in a cozy this time of year!

A cosy Christmas mystery set in a town called Mistletoe with a protagonist called Holly. Written by Jacqueline Frost! What's not to like about this book!

This is the second in the Christmas Tree Farm series and it is a great holiday mystery.

When a body turns up in the town square Christmas display the crowd is horrified. None more so that Holly's best friend Caroline. She's been spotted having a huge argument with the victim and to make matter worse her personalised kitchen knife is the murder weapon.

Holly sets out to prove her best friend is innocent. At the same time as helping her parents renovate their new inn, run the Christmas events at the farm and make enough glass jewelry to fulfill her Christmas orders. With only days until Christmas the list of potential suspects is increasing and someone really doesn't like Holly poking her nose in.

This was a throughly enjoyable, quick read. The smell of Christmas cookies and pine needles oozes off the page. There's lots of quirky townsfolk who take Christmas very seriously.

I loved Holly's friends Cookie and Ray as they work on a goat photoshoot - that is calendar I would buy!

The plot leads you down plenty of dead ends and keeps you guessing until the very end.

Mistletoe itself sounds absolutely lovely and my kind of town.

Thanks Jacqueline Frost and Netgalley for this advanced copy in return for an honest review.

This is the first time I have read this author. I really enjoyed this mystery. This book was a page turner and you had to keep reading the story to find out who did. it. all the threats, caroline in isolation in jail and so much more. I recommend this book for anyone interested in a good mystery.

Holly would give anyone palpitations, she is one curious lady, who hates to be told what to do, she always seems to find herself the target of the murderer's eyesight. But having her best friend thrown in jail for a murder she didn’t commit drove her inquisitiveness into action, which led her to become a thorn in Sheriff Evan’s side. She needed to find the murderer and have her fiend out of jail in time for their regular Christmas events, poor Sheriff Evan he had a hard time of trying to keep her safe, along with all his other responsibilities, and still find time for their budding relationship to progress. Evans is faced with a dilemma, one year ago he almost lost Holly to a crazed killer now the situation has happened again. Mystery with a spice of love, a really cool book with awesome characters and a great storyline.

Holly lives in Mistletoe, Maine, and is helping her parents with their cafe, Christmas tree farm and the construction of an inn. And, of course, it's right before Christmas. At the tree-lighting, a local man is found murdered and Holly's friend Caroline is the main suspect. Holly's boyfriend just happens to be the sheriff, but he's not thrilled when she does her own investigation. This is a great little cozy mystery, one that will get you into the Christmas spirit for sure! There is an abundance of quirky characters, and the number of suspects keeps you in suspense throughout the novel. Highly recommended, and I look forward to reading future episodes in this story line!

This was well-written whodunit with a comfortable tone and a pacing that was on par with how well this story was being told. The author has a way with the narrative with the descriptive nature of each scene, making me feel like I’m in the middle of all the action as I follow along with the heroine. I like how with each turn of a page, we are presented with a suspect and I enjoyed watching it all play out as one by one, their alibis held but it was that critical point in the story where the author changed direction and a killer’s identity was revealed, one that I did not see coming. In addition, miracle do happen. It was fun seeing characters from the previous books have return and meeting new ones, which I hope we get to see more of in the next book. This was a great read and I look forward to more adventures with Holly and her friends in this delightfully charming series.

When a body turns up in a larger-than-life candy bowl filled with peppermints on the town square just before Christmas, Holly White is horrified to learn that her best friend Caroline is the main suspect. Everyone in town, including Mistletoe, Maine’s sheriff, saw Caroline fighting with the victim on the night of his death. Worse, a custom kitchen knife, engraved with Caroline's initials was found with him.

Now, just ten days before Christmas, Holly’s up to her jingle bells in holiday shenanigans and in desperate need of a miracle. Juggling extra shifts at her family’s Christmas tree farm and making enough gingerbread jewelry to satisfy the crowd is already more than she can handle. Now she has to find time to clear her best friend of murder. Add in her budding relationship with the sheriff, and a personal stalker dressed as Santa Claus, and Holly’s ready to fly south until springtime.

But her Sherpa-lined mittens come off when Caroline is taken into custody. Can Holly wrap up the case in time for Christmas…even after she gains the true killer’s attention.

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Series: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery - Book 2
Author: Jacqueline Frost
Genre: Cozy/Holiday/Culinary Mystery
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Publishing Date: November 13, 2018

This newest book from Jacqueline Frost is a wonderful addition. The characters are warm and inviting. The location is magical for the holidays, and the cupcakes will have the readers mouthwatering. 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas will keep readers guessing and inspire them with the holiday traditions.

Holly is a wonderful friend who’s not afraid to get into the middle of a murder investigation to help her best friend. She jumps in, head first to clear Caroline’s name, and to bring her back to where she should be, home and not in a jail cell. Christmas will be ruined if Holly can’t figure out who the killer is and she isn’t about to let that happen. She puts herself in danger, but that doesn’t stop her. All the warnings in the world won’t prevent her from finding the killer and saving Caroline.

The town of Mistletoe is known as Christmas town, and everything about it screams holiday spirit. It is the type of town people can only imagine and wish for at Christmas time. But it also has a darker side that has nothing to do with the holiday spirit, which Holly always seems to be bringing out into the public eye. It is, however, a perfect place to spend a few hours visiting and savoring the atmosphere.

Other characters, such as the Sheriff and Holly’s parents are delightful and add additional interest to the story. They make Holly’s life happy and filled with fun. This book wouldn’t be the same great read if the characters weren’t as developed as they are. The writing is smooth, fast-paced with an easy plot to follow.

Overall this is a wonderful holiday book, and a growing holiday series that delights readers and leaves them anticipating the next book. I happily recommend 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas, and the previous book, Twelve Slays of Christmas.

ARC Provided by NetGalley

This book managed to be charming and terrifying at the same time which is a difficult and delicate balance to achieve. I love the kitschy nature of Mistletoe but can this series be sustained with books only set in December? I feel like an expansion into other seasons is necessary. I was not a fan of the plot device used pretty heavily at the end of the book. It just felt like an easy out.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for this review.

This book makes you want to plan a vacation in Mistletoe, Maine with all the quaint descriptions... except for a murder! This is Jacqueline Frost’s second pine-scented Christmas Tree Farm mystery and I did not feel lost having not read the first in the series.

When main character, Holly White's best friend is suspected of murder, she has to balance an already hectic schedule to solve the case in time for Christmas.

This back has all the ambiance and a touch of magic. I highly recommend it and will be returning to the first book in the series.

Mistletoe, Maine is the setting for what is probably my favorite new cozy series of the year, the Christmas Tree Farm cozy series. This book, the second in the series, adeptly follows up to Frost’s outstanding first book in the series, Twelve Slays of Christmas. Holly White returns home to Mistletoe and her family’s Christmas tree farm, after her fiancé called off the wedding, only to be involved in a small-town murder at the holidays. In this book, she tries to clear her best friend of the crime.

Lots of mouth-watering holiday food descriptions and clever, offbeat Christmastime games. Interesting characters. Lots of fun. For cozy fans, there aren’t many better Christmas cozies. I’d highly recommend this one. Absolutely loved it, once again.

A fun read just in time for Christmas. A very typical cosy set in Mistletoe Maine. Everything in Mistletoe is about Christmas. Holly White, a 27 year old resident has a nose for murder. Her best friend gets framed for the murder of a local lothario, and Holly is determined to clear her name. Her boyfriend, the chief if police is not pleased. A good plot, good character development create an enjoyable holiday read. An easy book to recommend .

I received a complimentary advance reader's copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.


As a huge fan of cozy mysteries, and of Christmas themed reads, this book jumped out at me, and I knew I had to give it a try. I hadn't read the first book in the series going into it, but that definitely didn't hinder my enjoyment. While I was expecting to like it, I really wasn't prepared for just how much I ended up loving it, and how invested I truly was into the story unfolding within the pages.

Mistletoe, Maine is a charming and quaint little town with a big heart for Christmas, and a neighborly group of inhabitants. Holly White has grown up in this lovely little community, and Christmas is especially a big deal for her and her parent's, as they run a Christmas tree farm. Their family farm, Reindeer Games, is complete with a lovely little cafe, plenty of Christmas activities, and enough merriment to brighten even the scrooge's in the world. However, not everything is going to be fun and games this season, as Holly soon finds herself dragged into the middle of a murder mystery. What's supposed to be a sweet holiday event at the town's Christmas tree lighting turns deadly-literally-when the man who escorted her best friend to a dinner the night before turns up dead in a giant bowl of mints. To make matters worse, her best friend Caroline was seen publicly arguing with the man over his "handsy" manners on their date, and she soon finds herself the top suspect in his murder. Holly is determined to clear her dear friend's name, even if it means encroaching on the local sheriff's territory, who just also happens to be her boyfriend, and painting a target on her own back.

The mystery keeps the reader guessing right until the end, and is definitely a page turner. I loved how well developed and three dimensional all the characters were, and I ended either loving or absolutely hating each one introduced throughout the story. Most of all though, I loved the beautiful writing that seemed so original for the cozy mystery category, and the way the setting is described so vividly that you'll literally feel like you're right there experiencing the beautiful Reindeer Games farm with Holly and all her friends and family. I'm actually glad that I never read the first book going into this one, as now that I'm desperately wanting to read another of Holly's adventures, I can go ahead and do so. I'll also be highly anticipating the release of book three in this series, and I encourage anyone looking for a cozy, Christmas mystery to go ahead and pick this one up.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I couldn't have adored it more, and I can honestly say that it's right up there with The Domestic Diva and Maine Clambake series as my favorite cozy mysteries of all time.

Thanks so much to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for allowing me to advance read this.

This second book in the series was a great read, even better than the first.
I enjoyed the strong family relationship, interesting characters, unique setting, love interest and a really good whodunit.
I hope there are more books to look forward to in this series!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

This is a fun Christmas-themed cozy mystery. I loved all the characters and the story kept my attention. This a clean book with no foul language or embarrassing scenes. There’s a strong theme of supporting family and friends during difficult times, and there’s a romance between the local sheriff and the heroine to add interest to the story. As with all good cozy mysteries, there’s a suspenseful ending and this one has just a small touch of Christmas “magic” to add to the holiday theme. I’m hoping there will be more books in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

As they begin the Christmas festivities, they find a dead man in the large container of mints. He's been killed with a large knife that has Caroline's initials on it. Since she had a big fight with him at a public event, the police consider her a major suspect. Holly disagrees and starts asking questions...

Crooked Lane Books and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you). It will be published November 23rd.

The more questions she asks, the more threats she gets. But she doesn't stop asking questions. Finally the killer gets her alone and takes her up to the widows walk, which has no railing. Will she die here? It's either jump or get killed by a nail gun.

I like the touch of Santa Claus the author worked in. Overall this is a very good cozy. Give it a try.

I can't speak with enough superlatives to express my appreciation for 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas'. It is just, plain perfection. There is mystery, humor, romance and whimsy all wrapped in the warmth of kindness. The only problem I have is that it seems I have to wait for another year for another Christmas Tree Farm Mystery. I'd give it 10 stars if I could!