‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas

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?

---

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

Rating:

This newest book from Jacqueline Frost (aka: Julie Chase, Julie Anne Lindsey) 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.