Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm in Mistletoe, Maine is decked out in holiday elegance and has a full house now that it has become a bed and breakfast establishment. Holly White is excited about her new role as innkeeper.
We have a Karen in this story folks, she's a bed and breakfast critic who has nothing nice to say about new b&b inns. So far no one is paying her any mind as the inn is doing a brisk business but when a body is found despite the amenities here the customers are leaving in droves.
Very seasonal cozy mystery and I enjoyed the characters. A pleasant read.

Pub Date 12 Oct 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

If anyone is looking for the PERFECT Christmas cozy, look no further. It’s always a blast joining Holly, Evan, and the whole crew as the solve murders in the quaint little town of Mistletoe, where they celebrate Christmas all year long!

I really enjoyed reading Slashing Through the Snow. I loved the first two books in the series and was disappointed when it seemed like the series had been canceled. I was so happy to find a new book was coming out. The main characters were as likeable as always. I really got more invested in the non-murder mystery that was going on with Holly and her boyfriend, Evan. That was honestly the best part of the whole book. As for the murder mystery, I was completely surprised at who the killer was and why they did it. I didn't see it coming at all. I really hope there's more books in this series, especially after the way this one ends.

Title: Slashing Through the Snow
Author: Jacqueline Frost
Ch: 27
Pg: 304
Series: A Christmas Tree Farm mystery
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Rating: 4 stars
Publisher: Crooked lane books

Slashing Through the Snow by Jacqueline Frost is the third book in the A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series, and I have to say its my favorite of the series so far. Holly White has finally settled back into life her parents Christmas tree farm and running the inn. She's rekindled friendships and created new ones and her romance with Sheriff Evan Gray continues to blossom. Though I pretty sure he wishes she would quit getting herself stuck in the middle of murder mysteries.


I also loved that it was a Christmas cozy mystery that gave me a break from Christmas rom coms. Because you need a variety of books in your Christmas reads. I also did not see that ending coming but I loved it. And I can't wait for the next 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.

It's December so it's time to visit Holly White at Christmas Tree Farm. This one is the best one in the series. I love not only the mystery but also watching the relationships develop.. Christmas, love and murder makes for a great read. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.

My favorite holiday cozy series… <i>Slashing through the snow</i> is the third in the Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries! On top of characters that have that little bit extra that keep them believable, as well as holding my interest, and a puzzling murder to solve, this series is full of holiday cheer! Set in Mistletoe, Maine at the Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm, this latest has Holly White managing her family’s beautiful new inn and trying to keep yet another friend from spending Christmas in jail. While I think the series checks all the boxes for an enjoyable cozy, the setting is what puts it at the top of my list for a fun holiday read!


FYI - I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you read one Christmas themed cozy mystery this year, this is THE one!

Everything about this series, I love. The setting of a Christmas tree farm with all the goodness of Christmas games and treats, the quirky cast of characters, an endearing friendship between a woman and her goat, and the murder mystery is plotted so well it will keep readers guessing until the very end. And this ending is one not to miss!

On a side note, I plan on buying the print version of every one of the books in this series because the covers are amazing.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the hours of fun reading this ARC in exchange for my review.

Slashing Through the Snow by Jacqueline Frost is the third book of the cozy A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series. In the first book in the series, Holly White had returned back home to her parents Christmas Tree farm in Mistletoe, Maine after a broken engagement. She worked with her parents to make some changes and make the business viable and decided to stay. She is now running the family business Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm, where she has added a B&B component. Holly is also spearheading the local toy drive with donations being dropped off at the B&B. What she was not expecting to find in the donation box was the body of a critic that is in Mistletoe to not only review the Inn, but to jumpstart her career as an investigative reporter. Holly jumps right into investigating, especially as it is her place of business that is being besmirched. Her boyfriend, sheriff Evan Gray, is not happy at all, especially when she puts herself and others at risk. The victim in this book, a harsh critic who revels in ruining businesses, was easy not to like, but who hated her enough to kill her? Will Evan find the culprit before Holly ends up being another victim?

I have read all three books in this series, and even though it has been three years since book 2, I easily found myself back in Mistletoe with the characters. The mystery was well developed and had a few suspects as well as several twists and red herrings. Some of the situations Holly finds herself in were a bit tense, but fortunately, all works out. The characters are great, likable and some add the humour and quirkiness I enjoy in a cozy. The plot moves at a good pace, and there is plenty of active sleuthing. There is a side story with Evan's sister, Libby, which ties into the murder in an interesting way and I hope it will be tied up in the next book in this series. If you enjoy a good cozy mystery, then pick this one up as it is full of action, great characters and is just plain fun!

The number one thing I love about this series is how festive the books are. Nothing annoys me more than a cozy advertising itself as having a holiday theme, and then the holiday is barely mentioned. So not the case here. These books are festive on steroids. However, I think they would be even better with some recipes included. There are so many foods and drinks mentioned, It seems like a lost opportunity not to include any.

This was another solid book for this series. The setting is wonderful. It has an extensive cast of interesting characters. The mystery kept me guessing. The key problem I had was Holly. She just wasn't likable in this book. She constantly acted like Evan was an idiot. She got angry when people expressed concern for her welfare. She expected Evan to give her every detail of an ongoing investigation and cop an attitude because he didn't (someone explain to me what he sees in her??!!). Lastly, she is an awful inn owner. No wonder all her guests checked out. She basically screwed off to stick her nose in the investigation instead of actually doing her JOB!

I am still a fan of this series overall, and hope that in the next book Holly goes back to being the likable character she was in the previous two!

**ARC Via NetGalley**

No one likes a critic, and Karen Moody appears to be one of the worst. Holly White is determined to please the travel journalist for the New England Magazine despite Karen’s less than pleasant behavior. After all, she wants a good review for her newly opened inn, her family’s latest addition to Reindeer Games and their family Christmas tree farm in Mistletoe, Maine. Karen is the perfect villain for Mistletoe, as it’s easy to envision her as the Grinch coming to steal Christmas. Instead, Karen’s nastiness has driven someone to murder her and now Delores “Cookie” Cutter is the prime suspect. Cookie is practically family to Holly, and Holly is determined to clear Cookie’s name.

SLASHING THROUGH THE SNOW is the third book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series but can easily be read as a standalone story. However, I suspect new visitors to Mistletoe will find themselves captivated by both the characters and the environment! And speaking of Mistletoe… I want to visit Mistletoe! Whether it’s the creativity behind each unique event in the Reindeer Games or the fascinating shops in town, each and every aspect of Mistletoe is delightful! And oh my, the scrumptious sweets and treats available in places such as Caroline’s Cupcakes can almost cause weight gain just imagining the flavors!

Jacqueline Frost is a master at crafting a Christmas-themed cozy mystery that is both heartwarming and intriguing. The Christmas atmosphere permeates every aspect of the story line, right down to the name of Holly’s perfectly named cat. I’ve read several of Jacqueline Frost’s other books under different pseudonyms, but the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series remains my favorite. SLASHING THROUGH THE SNOW is yet another phenomenal installment in the series and my only regret is that I have to wait now for the next one to be published.

*review is in the editing queue at Fresh Fiction*

Slashing Through the Snow is the third book in the Christmas Tree Farm series featuring amateur sleuth Holly White. Holly is excited to take on the new role of inn keeper this holiday season after expanding her family Christmas tree farm business to include a bed and breakfast. Located in the charming and festive town of Mistletoe, Maine where everyone is gearing up for the upcoming holiday season, everyone that is except for B & B reviewer Cleo. With a reputation for being a rather harsh critic, it comes as no surprise when the individual found murdered and gift wrapped in the toy donation bin is identified as Cleo. What does come as an unwelcome surprise is when Holly's best friend Cookie is taken in for questioning. While Cookie did gift Holly the nutcracker that was used to commit the crime, Holly is positive there is no way her friend could have committed such a brutal crime. Holly once again takes up the case, against the wishes of her boyfriend, local sheriff Evan Gray, in order to find the true killer before they strike again.
Slashing Through the Snow was a fun and entertaining murder mystery set in a festive town during the height of the holiday season. The gorgeous and festive cover drew me right in and the story itself delivered everything the cover hinted might be contained within the pages. Full of action, adventure, amateur sleuthing, daring sleight rides, a Christmas wedding and plenty of reindeer, Slashing Through the Snow was the perfect holiday themed cozy mystery to get me into the festive spirit. The ending contained a hint at things to come in the next book, a hopefully positive sign there will be more delightful tales set in Mistletoe Maine. I thoroughly enjoyed returning to the festive town of Mistletoe Maine and catching up with Holly and the rest of the town members. I highly recommend this book to cozy mystery and Christmas fans alike.

Another wonderful visit to Mistletoe, Maine, and the Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm. I’ve never been a huge fan of Christmas. I love giving and getting gifts but the whole decorating and living in the Christmas village thing is not my thing but there is something about Mistletoe that makes me want to see it, meet the people, participate in the games. There’s something so welcoming about the whole setting that Jacqueline Frost excels at that makes me what to take it all in. The mystery was solid and while Holly did take some risks, they weren’t overly careless. And that ending! It was perfect. I love this series and can’t wait for the next.

I love, love, love Jacqueline Frost (Julie Anne Lindsey), and this book did not disappoint! I loved being back with Holly in Mistletoe. The murder was a fun mystery, and I love the characters and the setting.

Slashing Through the Snow is the third book of the cozy A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series. Each book works as a standalone, but some of the characters and relationships evolve through the series.

In the first book of the series, Holly had returned back home to her parents’ Christmas Tree farm in Mistletoe, Maine. Now, the farm’s bed and breakfast that she will be managing is open. Unfortunately, one of the first few guests, a rather nasty critic, is found dead just off the front porch. And one of Holly’s friends, Cookie, a sweet if kooky older woman, is the most obvious suspect.

Holly decided she has to investigate so she can provide her sheriff boyfriend with another suspect. The mystery itself was good, with several potential suspects, and enough clues and red herrings to keep you guessing. Holly stirs up a bit of trouble with her questioning and gets rather serious threats and finds herself in two more near-deadly situations. Honestly, even though I know it will all turn out alright, this series has a bit more tension when it comes to the main character than most. The poor girl is really going to develop a dread of Christmastime. Well, maybe not, because there was a very sweet moment near the end with Evan that probably evens things out for her.

I do love Christmas mysteries, and this was a fun one. I’d love to go stay at the B&B, eat at Holly’s mom’s cafe, participate in the reindeer games, and go shopping in town. And maybe help Holly solve a case, although maybe not get in a car with her.

Another great book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series. I enjoyed the characters and the story. It's occasionally a bit saccharine, but not to the point that I don't want to keep reading the series. The mystery of the murder kept me guessing, but not the mystery of the surprise Evan had for Holly. That one I figured out early on.

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I liked the setting of this cozy mystery, a Maine family inn with lots of activities and yummy food for visitors around the Christmas season. Holly is an interesting heroine and female sleuth. A murder occurs. Holly's good friend is considered a prime suspect and Holly is on the case. Her boyfriend is the local sheriff and some tension arises when she pursues the truth, feeling perhaps the law might be ignoring some viable suspects. And suspects there are aplenty.

I liked the feeling of the community. One of the issues in the novel is the impact of a bad review by a magazine and I liked how people worked together to support each other. A toy drive is going on and the response is overwhelming. That's a nice community. And there are some interesting and quirky characters, like Cookie with her pet goat.

The resolution to the murder was a little out of left field, I thought. In the denouement, the sheriff reveals what he knows and it is much more than we readers know. I kind of felt like Holly when she said, “Would've been nice if you'd told me any of this earlier.” (2816/2986) There could have been more hints for us to have a better guess at the villain. This is the third in a series but reads well on its own.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

These Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries are so much fun. I love the characters and I really enjoy putting the pieces of the mystery together along with them. The stories are always lighthearted enough to be a cozy mystery but complex enough to still be interesting and intriguing. There are lots of moving parts and things all come together in the end. I definitely would read more of these if the series continues and I wish Mistletoe, Maine was a real town!

"Slashing Through the Snow" is a great cozy mystery, just in time for Christmas and the holidays! Cozy fans will enjoy. .

This is the third book in the Christmas tree farm mystery series. Holly White is back as the inn keeper at her families new B&B on the Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm. Things are extra hectic this holiday season when a new guest checks in: Karen, a vicious B&B critic, who could make or break the new inn. And the short December days turn even darker when Evan and Libby find Karen's dead body in the gift-wrapped toy donation box.

The problem is that cranky Karen was an oh-holy-nightmare to lots of the townsfolk. Holly is shocked when the main suspect is local resident Cookie since her fingerprints are all over the murder weapon, a metal nutcracker that she gave to Holly. She also was overheard making a joke about hitting Karen with the nutcracker. Things are not looking good for Cookie. To figure out the killer's identity and clear Cookie's name, Holly and her friends brainstorm and try to wrap up everything before Christmas.

I really enjoyed this book and I really enjoy this series.

Celebrate Christmas all year with Jacqueline Frost's delightful series where the holiday spirit never dies - but murder is abundant. Christmas and cozies are two genres that provide a feeling of warmth and Frost mixes the perfect blend of the two. The setting feels like constant Christmas cheer in this wintery town that goes above and beyond to celebrate every aspect of the holiday. The primary setting is even a Christmas tree farm where you can find reindeer, trees, and sleighs. Holly White not only has a perfectly Christmasy name but has the spirit of the holiday to go along with it. The attitude of the critic - demanding and clashing - creates an immediate juxtaposition with the setting while also setting up the conflicts that will lead to the lists of suspects in her murder.

Each character is unique and stands apart from the rest but none as much as Cookie (real name Dolores Cutter) has a pet pygmy goat that goes everywhere with her and is named after her late husband Theodore. This character pairing is a perfect example of the humorous and zany personalities that Frost brings out that captures the spirit of Christmas. Every character has a place within this community and each of them helps bring it to life and makes you want to jump right into the world. Frost crafts a world that you want to join in the festivities whether it's taking a sleigh ride, petting reindeer, or purchasing a Theodore calendar. This whole town from the stores to the tree farm creates the ideal Christmas town with lovely detailed descriptions that make it feel even more magical. Among these details are the beautiful (and candy-themed) displays at the Gumdrop Shop that showcase elaborate and edible artworks. You'll instantly fall in love with this little Christmas town and with Holly White. Each new installment only adds to the wonder of it and to the holiday themes of each suspenseful mystery.

The entire series encompasses the joy and spirit of the holiday season and Slashing Through the Snow is no different. Frost strikes the perfect blend of Christmas cheer and a murder mystery to create another addicting installment.