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Twelve Slays of Christmas

(Christmas Tree Farm Mystery #1)

Jacqueline Frost

3.99 · Rating details · 2,669 ratings · 495 reviews

When Holly White's fiance cancels their Christmas Eve wedding with less than two weeks to go, Holly heads home with a broken heart. Lucky for her, home in historic Mistletoe, Maine is magical during Christmastime--exactly what the doctor prescribed. Except her plan to drown her troubles in peppermints and snickerdoodles is upended when local grouch and president of the Mis ...more

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Hardcover, 311 pages

Published October 10th 2017 by Crooked Lane Books

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· 2,669 ratings · 495 reviews

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Start your review of Twelve Slays of Christmas (A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery, #1)

Dec 10, 2018 James rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 1-fiction, 3-multi-book-series, 2-authors-i-know

Until a few weeks ago, I'd never heard of this author or series. I entered a giveaway contest for a cozy mystery group and won the second book late last week. Since I usually try to read in order, and I had some time this week, I got a copy of this first book, Twelve Slays of Christmas, from the 'A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery' series by Jacqueline Frost and devoured it throughout the last 24 hours. I needed a little Christmas cheer this week and this book brought it!

Who wouldn't love a series ab Until a few weeks ago, I'd never heard of this author or series. I entered a giveaway contest for a cozy mystery group and won the second book late last week. Since I usually try to read in order, and I had some time this week, I got a copy of this first book, Twelve Slays of Christmas, from the 'A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery' series by Jacqueline Frost and devoured it throughout the last 24 hours. I needed a little Christmas cheer this week and this book brought it!

Who wouldn't love a series about Christmas on a tree farm in Maine? I dream of moving to Maine one day, so this was a good alignment for me as a reader. I have a few other Christmas series I enjoy, and now I'll be adding this one to the list of regulars. Holly White was dumped by her fiance just weeks before her Christmas Eve wedding. She trudges home feeling sad but hopeful for a new life. She's just in time to help her parents coordinate and run their annual holiday shenanigans. This year they've added fun new Reindeer Games for 12 days to help bring spirit to the town. At least until a prominent member of the town's historical society threatens to shut them down for falling out of ancient building or land code. But then... the poor woman's found bludgeoned to death by the very wooden tree signs she complained about to Holly's father. Which citizen was so angry (s)he took matters into their own hands? Holly's determined to find out all the while fighting her attraction to the sheriff who's moved to town from Boston to get away from major crimes. I guess life never goes the way you plan, huh?

As a new series, it's off to a great start. I really like Holly and Evan (the sheriff). It will turn romantic, which will be fine, but I'm hopeful that's not the center of the stories. There is also a younger guy, a reporter she knew years ago, who might give the sheriff some competition. And Caroline is a charming potential best friend, not to mention the cute and lovable parents and employees at the tree farm. I like the premise and the setting. The writing is good and felt natural for most of the narrative and dialog, only a few forced areas which I believe will disappear as the series matures. There's a mature subtle humor at times, but it definitely still falls within the cozy realm. I recommend it for all cozy fans and holiday story readers alike.

I'm giving 4.25 stars to this debut and feel really excited to dive into the second one later this month -- 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas. Sounds scary! ...more

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Sep 09, 2017 Rebbie rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017

Holly White heads home to Mistletoe, ME for Christmas after breaking up with her fiance a mere two weeks before their wedding date. Once Holly is home and preparing to celebrate the holidays with her family, a local woman is found murdered on Holly's family's tree farm. Suspicion falls upon Holly's dad, who was recently seen arguing with the woman right before she was murdered.

Of course, Holly sets out to prove her dad's innocence and capture the real killer before he strikes again. Surprisingl ...more

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Nov 22, 2017 Sheri rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2017-favorites, 2017, mystery, christmas

Mistletoe, Maine sounds like a delightful place to enjoy all the wonderful sights, sounds, tastes, and wintery fun of the Christmas season. Reindeer Games would be such a fun family outing or even a friendly competition between friends. Oh, and the shopping… the Twelve Days of Christmas sounds superb but in my case it would likely turn into Two Days of Shopping Heaven and then a maxed out credit card! So much Christmas cheer in Mistletoe, you definitely find yourself in the holiday spirit!

It tru ...more

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Sep 10, 2017 Carrie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley

Holly White thought she would be spending her Christmas holiday getting married to her fiance and heading out on her honeymoon. Instead Holly's fiance breaks up with her with less than two weeks to go until their planned Christmas Eve wedding and she packs her things to return home to Mistletoe, Maine where her family runs a tree farm. Jumping back into working at the farm to help her parents during the busy season leading up to Christmas helps Holly take her mind off of the end of her relations Holly White thought she would be spending her Christmas holiday getting married to her fiance and heading out on her honeymoon. Instead Holly's fiance breaks up with her with less than two weeks to go until their planned Christmas Eve wedding and she packs her things to return home to Mistletoe, Maine where her family runs a tree farm. Jumping back into working at the farm to help her parents during the busy season leading up to Christmas helps Holly take her mind off of the end of her relationship.

The excitement and magic of the upcoming Reindeer Games has everyone in the town excited except for those that have had a run in with the president of the Mistletoe Historical Society, Margaret Fenwick. Margaret has been on a rampage leaving lots of folks upset handing out fines in the name of the Historical Society which hasn't made her the most popular in town but Holly never expected to end up finding Margaret murdered just on the outside of the farm. Now Holly knows her family and employees are all suspects so she's determined to find out who the real murderer is to take the suspicion off of those close to her.

Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jacqueline Frost is the first book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series. This cozy mystery series is definitely one for Christmas lovers everywhere and will certainly get readers in the mood for the upcoming holidays. From the main character being named Holly and working on a tree farm with all sorts of fun Christmas activities to the name of her cat, Cindy Lou Who the entire book just oozes Christmas and had a smile on my face for the biggest part of the book.

The fun Christmas side of the story aside there was also a nice little mystery going on with a bit of suspense when Holly begins nosing about and the murderer doesn't take too kindly to it leading to threats. The local Sheriff was also a potential budding love interest for Holly as he's new to town and takes his job seriously leading to the pair spending quite a bit of time together which leads to hoping we see more of that story line in future books. In the end this one was a big ball of Christmas fun and I'll certainly look forward to more of these characters in the future.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress.... ...more

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Jan 30, 2019 Kelly (and the Book Boar) rated it liked it

Shelves: guilty-pleasure, hallmark-murders-and-mysteries, most-wonderful-time-of-the-year, liburrrrrry-book, read-in-2018

Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/

It’s 30 below today – perfect time for another overdue book review. Especially one that is set in the wintery wonderland known as Mistletoe, Maine.

Holly White finds herself the exception to the rule of the old adage “you can’t go home again” after being dumped by her fiancé right before her wedding. However, there’s no better place to turn a frown upside down than her family’s Christmas tree farm and café. In fact, the only downside t ...more

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Dec 22, 2017 abby rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery-thriller, cozy-mystery, fiction, netgalley

Holly White moves back home to her family's Christmas tree farm after her fiance dumps her for a yoga instructor right before their Christmas Eve wedding. Instead of having time to lick her wounds, she's wrapped up in helping her parents through the farm's busy season, which gets ever-so-more complicated when the disliked president of the local historical preservation society turns up dead-- murdered via giant wooden candy cane. Wanting to clear her family farm's reputation, Holly White sets out ...more

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Oct 26, 2017 Sabine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2017, seasons-christmas, usa-maine, netgalley-2017

The colourful, whimsical cover design caught my attention and I wasn't disappointed. This story is a wonderful read that combines the spirit of Christmas and an exciting and fast paced cozy mystery that I couldn't put down.
It left me with warm feelings and looking forward to the cold Christmas season.
Wonderful characters in a village that I would love to visit.

This book makes it on my Top 10 list of 2017.

Grab a hot apple cinnamon tea and some yummy cookies and enjoy the magic of Christmas with ...more

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Oct 17, 2017 Juli rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-review-copies-2017

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, Mar 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.** ...more

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Nov 29, 2018 Melissa Rose rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-in-2018, audio-books

Nothing gets me feeling more festive than… murder?

As November rapidly comes to an end, I felt a hankering to indulge myself in a Christmas cozy. So, after asking for recommendations in a Facebook group, I decided to check out Twelve Slays of Christmas; the first instalment in The Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series by Jacqueline Frost. I did not regret this choice.

Now, make no error, his mystery is not deep. In fact, there are many aspects of the story that are either cheesy, too cutesy, or just ...more

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Jun 22, 2017 Bookworm Extraordinaire rated it really liked it

This cover is getting a much coveted 5 Star rating from yours truly. Why? Because it is is just SO damn fun and festive. Fabulous use of graphics. A great representation the story. Good composition and title work as well.

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 ...more

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Nov 13, 2018 Carole (Carole's Random Life in Books) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: cozy, library, reviewed, 2018, audio-book, hohohorat2018

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

I had a fantastic time with this cozy! I had heard some really good things about this book so when I noticed that my library had a copy of the audio available, I decided to give it a try. I was not disappointed. Once I started listening to this book, I didn't want to put it down.

Holly White has moved back home after her fiance decided to break things off just before the wedding. It works out that she is home just in time to help out This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

I had a fantastic time with this cozy! I had heard some really good things about this book so when I noticed that my library had a copy of the audio available, I decided to give it a try. I was not disappointed. Once I started listening to this book, I didn't want to put it down.

Holly White has moved back home after her fiance decided to break things off just before the wedding. It works out that she is home just in time to help out during the busiest time of her at her parents' Christmas tree farm. When someone is murdered at the farm, things change quickly and everyone is a suspect. In order to get the farm open again, Holly decided to look into the murder herself and things get even more interesting.

I loved the characters in this book. Holly really felt real to me. She was smart and well-adjusted. I loved that she had a great relationship with her parents. Her parents were wonderful and I thought the way they wanted to protect Holly felt very authentic. Sheriff Evan Grey was great. I really appreciated the fact that he was a capable officer. He was calm and seemed to be able to handle just about anything. I really liked the relationship that developed between Holly and Evan over the course of the story.

I liked the fact that the mystery kept me guessing until the very end. There were quite a few possible suspects and a whole lot of people in town that had some kind of motive for the murder. There were several characters that I didn't completely trust. As new developments were discovered, I found myself trying to piece everything together but I couldn't figure out exactly what happened in this story until the big reveal was made.

This was the first time that I have listened to Allyson Ryan and I thought she did a wonderful job with this book. I found the voices that she used for the characters really added to the story. I thought that she did a great job of expressing the characters' emotions through her reading. I thought she had a very pleasant voice that was easy to listen to for hours at a time.

I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a very well done cozy mystery and would be the perfect choice for the holiday season. I am looking forward to reading more in this series very soon.

Initial Thoughts
I had a fantastic time with this cozy. The characters in this book were wonderful and I loved seeing them interact at the Christmas tree farm. I was stumped by the mystery for most of the book but had a lot of fun mistrusting some of the possible culprits. I really enjoyed all of Sheriff Grey and Holly's scenes together and couldn't help but hope for something to develop between the two of them. The narrator did a great job with this one and really brought the story to life. I do hope to listen to more of this series.

Book source: Library via Hoopla ...more

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Dec 21, 2020 Christy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: book-series, holidays, read-in-2020, audiobook, mystery-thriller, audible-plus, cozy-mystery

I was looking for a good cozy mystery set around Christmastime, and this one delivered. The adorable cover is what initially drew me in, but the entire thing was a delight and very good on Audio.

Holly White has just been dumped by her fiancé, so she heads back home to be with her family. Mistletoe, Maine is awesome...and I wish I could visit this place. It's so magical and full of holiday cheer. Her family owns a tree farm called Reindeer Games and the President of the Historical Society is fou ...more

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Oct 19, 2017 Mark Baker rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017, mystery

When Holly White calls off her wedding, she returns to her family’s tree farm in Maine just in time for the annual Reindeer Games, which take place in the twelve days leading up to Christmas. However, the night before the games are set to start, Margaret comes in causing problems in her quest to keep the town exactly historically accurate. When Holly finds Margaret dead among the trees a few hours later, the police start looking a little too close to home. Can Holly clear her family and friends ...more

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Sep 06, 2017 Chatting About rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2017-cozy-mysteries, contemporary, cozy-mystery, cozy-series, mystery, pet-lovers-will-enjoy, goodreads-giveaway

I can easily say this story embraces the fun and magic of the holiday season. Author Jacquelyn Frost creates an amazing setting for Reindeer Games, a Christmas Tree Farm located in historic Mistletoe, Maine. Many charming characters immediately felt like family and good friends to me. The protagonist, Holly, has ended her engagement and returned home to help her parents during their busiest time of year. When a local grouch, Margaret Fenwick, is killed with a stake used to identify the different ...more

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Jan 15, 2021 Lynn Cahoon rated it it was amazing

Fun Christmas set cozy with a touch of romance. Loved the main character and her sleuthing style.

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Oct 21, 2017 LORI (Dollycas) CASWELL rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-2017

Dollycas’s Thoughts

The White Family owns and operated the Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm, “a holiday paradise” and hosts The Twelve Day of Reindeer Games drawing tourists from near and far. Holly White was supposed to be getting married on Christmas Eve but her fiancé called it off when he met another woman. So Holly is home in Mistletoe helping her family with the festivities. Games like the snowball roll and find the pickle, treats baked up fresh by her mom, and trees as far as the eye can Dollycas’s Thoughts

The White Family owns and operated the Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm, “a holiday paradise” and hosts The Twelve Day of Reindeer Games drawing tourists from near and far. Holly White was supposed to be getting married on Christmas Eve but her fiancé called it off when he met another woman. So Holly is home in Mistletoe helping her family with the festivities. Games like the snowball roll and find the pickle, treats baked up fresh by her mom, and trees as far as the eye can see. Where better to spend the holidays than Mistletoe, Maine?

Then Margaret Fenwick’s dead body is found in one of the sleighs and the murder weapon is a wooden stake Holly’s dad made to mark the types of Christmas tree rows. That makes him a suspect, but Holly finds out there were several people not happy with the president of the Mistletoe Historical Society. With the farm closed for a police investigation her family isn’t making any money and the people in town for the games and their trees are not happy. Holly decides it is up to her to slay the killer or at least catch him so the games can begin.

I loved this story. What a wonderful debut for this series!

Ms. Frost’s descriptions brought Mistletoe and the Reindeer Games farm to life. As we traveled around, from the cafe to the guest house, from the forest of trees to the entrance gate, and even Holly’s parent’s house and the reindeer stable. Pictures formed immediately in my mind. I could almost smell the hot chocolate, the cookies and the pine trees. Her writing style makes it easy and fun to escape right into the story.

The author has also created some fantastic characters. Holly is a strong women growing through a huge change. Her life is not going how she planned and soon realizes she is happy the wedding was called off. Her parents are very supportive. I like that she thinks of her dad as her personal Paul Bunyan. Her mother can be found in the cafe kitchen baking up cookies and whoopie pies, always there to talk. Holly thinks she got her creative side from her mother. Delores Cutter, known to everyone as “Cookie” has quite a past but now she runs the Holiday Mouse Christmas Craft Shop on the farm and has a pet goat named Theodore, after her late husband. Be prepared to laugh, this lady is a hoot and a holler. We also meet Sheriff Evan Gray, a transplant from Boston. He came to town hoping for a slower life never expecting to have to deal with a murder in Mistletoe.

This mystery is very well written with a blizzard of twists, a couple were downright chilly. With Holly not being home for a long time and the sheriff new to the community everyone seemed to be a a suspect. Holly knew her parents had nothing to do with the murder but she knew it had to be someone who knew their way around the farm. I was right there along with Holly tried to solve whodunit.

This is a terrific holiday mystery. Fix yourself a cup of hot chocolate, grab some frosted sugar cookies, and curl up in your favorite cozy spot and enjoy! I sure did! ...more

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Nov 26, 2019 Elle's Book Blog rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: holidays, top-favorites, cozy-mystery

Release Date: October 10, 2017
Actual Rating: 5 stars

Cozy Mystery | First in a Series

Twelve Slays of Christmas is a festive who-dun-it ! I thoroughly enjoyed this one and look forward to many more books in the series. Who doesn't adore a Christmas themed novel? Especially when it takes place in such a magical place like Mistletoe, Maine! The setting truly felt real to me as the author did a wonderful job at describing just how homely this place is. The characters are what really make the b ...more

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Dec 07, 2020 Alan rated it really liked it

When Holly White's father is accused of murdering the president of the local historical society, Holly springs to her father's aid.

Holly is such a relatable and likable protagonist. The secondary characters are quirky and fun. The intriguing plot moves forward nicely and contains plenty of twists.

An all around good read for the holidays. ...more

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Dec 27, 2018 ♥Rachel♥ rated it liked it

Shelves: audio-book, cozy-mystery

Romance took too much time, IMO. (view spoiler) Other than that it was a cute cozy mystery and beautifully described the Christmas Holiday season on a Christmas Tree farm that was delightful. Great narration, too. ...more

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Dec 11, 2017 Lorraine rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: everyone who wishes to get into the holiday spirit.

Shelves: fiction, own, favorites, series, mystery-cozy

What great fun it would be to live in Mistletoe, Maine around Christmas! Jacqueline Frost’s Twelve Slays of Christmas is one totally enjoyable holiday cozie. Holly White, the daughter of the owners of Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm, returns from Portland, ME as her fiancé has met someone more ‘Zen’, and he cancels their Christmas Eve wedding only two weeks before Christmas Eve. As Holly arrives home, she is determined not to let everyone in the small town of Mistletoe pity her because of the What great fun it would be to live in Mistletoe, Maine around Christmas! Jacqueline Frost’s Twelve Slays of Christmas is one totally enjoyable holiday cozie. Holly White, the daughter of the owners of Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm, returns from Portland, ME as her fiancé has met someone more ‘Zen’, and he cancels their Christmas Eve wedding only two weeks before Christmas Eve. As Holly arrives home, she is determined not to let everyone in the small town of Mistletoe pity her because of the breakup. Thus, Holly jumps right into all the Christmas activities, The Twelve Days of ‘Reindeer Games’ as well as assisting her mom in The Hearth, the tree farm’s shop where her mom does all kinds of baking and serves her customers a little bit of Christmas magic in the form of peppermint twist hot cocoa, hot caramel hot cocoa, whoopie pies, all kind of Christmas cookies such as snickerdoodles, Christmas chocolate chip, and reindeer gingerbread cookies. That definitely sounds like a place I would love to be! Holly, on her trip to the tree farm, discovers a dead body on Reindeer Farms property. She calls the sheriff, a relatively new person to Mistletoe, and Sheriff Gray rushes to the scene, and closes the tree farm as it is the crime scene. Holly, knowing her family needs the profits from the tree farm to live and being an outgoing person, decides to ask a few questions about the murder victim, but finds she is next on the killer’s list. She is asking too many questions. Sheriff Gray, 31, has told Holly that as sheriff it is his job to solve this case, and she should back off.
Holly, 26, tries to behave herself & not get involved, but all this is affecting her family. Maybe one more question?! The Christmas Games are fun and a bit ridiculous, but it is Christmastime so why not! Tourists arrive to see Mistletoe and play the games. It is truly great fun for all the characters and definitely the reader. I will be looking for the second installment in this series as I had blast reading this book. Extremely well done! My congratulations! 5 stars ...more

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Aug 02, 2017 Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* rated it liked it

Shelves: got-in-2017, netgalley, first-in-series, mystery-cozy-and-class, ebook, holidays, small-town, reviewed, read-in-2017, mystery-read-and-solved

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 ...more

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Dec 16, 2018 Melike rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: christmas, cozy-mystery

A wonderful cozy holiday mystery with a little bit of romance mixed in, set in the delightful town of Mistletoe, Maine. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did an excellent job. I will be sure to read the rest of the series.

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Dec 10, 2019 Garan rated it really liked it

truly a gift. giving it 4.5 stars only because i wanted more out of the romance but y’all this book was so damn good and everything i wanted out of a Christmas Cosy.

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Nov 21, 2017 Tari rated it it was amazing

Holly White has returned home to Mistletoe, Maine after a very abrupt cancelling of their wedding by her fiance. Once she's home she realizes she never should have left. Mistletoe is like a Christmas fairyland and she's anxious to participate in all the Reindeer Games that her mom and dad sponsor every year on their Christmas tree farm. That is, until someone is found murdered on the tree farm property and the place is shut down while they investigate. Holly tries to coax handsome Sheriff Gray i Holly White has returned home to Mistletoe, Maine after a very abrupt cancelling of their wedding by her fiance. Once she's home she realizes she never should have left. Mistletoe is like a Christmas fairyland and she's anxious to participate in all the Reindeer Games that her mom and dad sponsor every year on their Christmas tree farm. That is, until someone is found murdered on the tree farm property and the place is shut down while they investigate. Holly tries to coax handsome Sheriff Gray into letting them open sooner but to no avail. She is determined to find out who the killer is and clear her family and farm of any negative backlash. Someone starts making threats to Holly and the farm as well which makes her even more determined but can she investigate and still get out with her life intact?

I absolutely loved this book! The blurb on the cover is right, it definitely got me into the Christmas spirit. Christmas is my favorite holiday to begin with and after reading this, I wish I could live in or visit Mistletoe, Maine!

I like that Sheriff Gray wasn't one of those sheriffs that puts down the sleuth for investigating. He was actually concerned for her safety and even said they should work on the case together--although he had come to know Holly well enough that I think he realized there were going to be some things she'd still go out on her own and investigate.

The newspaper reporter, Ray Griggs, wasn't the typical jerk reporter that some mysteries have had. I actually kind of liked him a little once I started to trust him--in the beginning I wasn't really sure he was who he said he was especially since Holly couldn't remember going to school with him. Maybe he would be a good one for Holly's friend Caroline ;) hehe, of course I'm Team Evan!

I didn't completely guess the killer although the person had crossed my mind at times. I did have someone else in mind. The ending and reveal was very exciting and to me it couldn't have ended better! I can't wait for the next book, I'm that anxious to find out more about these characters that I would love to call my friends.

Disclaimer: I was sent an advance copy of this book to read and review with my honest opinions. Thank you to Crooked Lane Publishing and the Cozy Review group. ...more

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Jul 12, 2017 Peggy R rated it really liked it

Shelves: cozy-mystery-books, netgalley, arc, 2017-craving-for-cozies-challenge, 2017-goodreads-reading-challenge

This is the debut book for the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series. I was drawn to this book by the beautiful cover , the Christmas theme, and let's be honest who wouldn't be curious about a holiday themed cozy written by Jacqueline Frost. I'm glad that I was provided an ARC by the publisher because this was a delightful, whimsical debut of what promises to be a terrific series if this book is a preview of what's to come. It has everything that cozy mystery readers look for - wonderful characters ...more

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Aug 04, 2017 Ashley rated it really liked it

Aw, this was beautiful! This atmospheric Christmas mystery set in a Christmas tree farm was indeed the perfect holiday read! The plot was intriguing without being overly cheesy and pretentious and the narrative actually radiated joy; it made me feel as though I was amongst the close-knit community, joining in the festivity, having fun. As I read the book I saw myself savouring with great relish the steaming mugs of hot cocoa, delicious gingerbread men and refreshing and therapeutic cups of peppe ...more

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Dec 09, 2019 Fred rated it liked it

Shelves: holiday, cozy-mystery

I did the CD/audio version, it’s nice book, it’s not major mystery. Just a “cozy” mystery story used with 1st person character chats, while in Maine, a small Christmas tree farm & in a large snowy village with nice neighbors. Holly White, the fiancé returns from her Christmas wedding with a “broken” heart. Wooden murder stakes found by Sheriff Evan Grey (Holly's father) and Reindeer’s staff review. Who’s a killer? Who’s on Santa’s “naughty” list?

I hope Merry Christmas & Happy New Year was to all ...more

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Dec 14, 2017 Loraine rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, christmas-stories, cozy-mystery

A Christmas cozy mystery with all the elements that make a cozy good: interesting characters, a disliked victim, a small town where everybody knows everyone's business, and lots of suspects and clues with a little romance thrown in as well.

Holly White has returned to her home in Mistletoe, Maine after canceling her wedding with only 2 weeks to go. Her parents run a Christmas tree farm and village there, and Holly jumps right in to help. Life becomes a mix of mistletoe, reindeer, fun activities ...more

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Dec 10, 2020 Ashley rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobook, mystery, romance, cozy-mystery, holiday-story

I read this as an audiobook and I could not be more in the holiday spirit! If you want a Christmas story featuring a cozy murder mystery, a small down in the winter, family feels, a romance, and quirky characters, I highly recommend! Smiled the whole way through this and craved much hot cocoa and sweets.

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Oct 15, 2018 Carla Johnson-Hicks rated it it was amazing

Shelves: cozy-mystery, christmas, adult-fiction, netgalley, hoopla, audio

This is not only the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Jacqueline Frost. She did a wonderful job with the mystery as well as the magical and cozy setting of Mistletoe Maine. Holly White returns home to Mistletoe after her fiance breaks off their engagement for another woman. Holly is sure that the family business, Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm, will be just what she needs to heal her broken heart and put her life back together. It is almost Christmas, so keeping busy is also on Hol This is not only the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Jacqueline Frost. She did a wonderful job with the mystery as well as the magical and cozy setting of Mistletoe Maine. Holly White returns home to Mistletoe after her fiance breaks off their engagement for another woman. Holly is sure that the family business, Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm, will be just what she needs to heal her broken heart and put her life back together. It is almost Christmas, so keeping busy is also on Holly's agenda. The Twelve Day of Reindeer Games at the farm, plus cookies and hot cocoa, are really packing in the tourists and locals. All is going well, until Margaret Fenwick. the head of the Historical Society, shows up with citations for Holly's father for not adhering to the historical code of the town. When Holly finds Margaret beaten to death, her body gruesomely stuffed into the Reindeer Games sleigh display the owners and staff at the tree farm immediately become suspects. Holly's father, Bud, was seen arguing with the annoying woman just before her death, making him look like a strong suspect. Holly knows her dad is not a killer, so in true cozy fashion, she is on the case to clear her father and find the murderer.

I love cozy mysteries as well as Christmas stories, so this combination was a winner for me. The background theme of a Christmas tree farm and all the holiday events really added to the plot of the book. The mystery was well paced with several suspects and some red herrings. I really enjoyed Holly as the protagonist. She is dealing with personal issues, but puts that aside to help her family. She is smart and intuitive, as well as having a sense of humor and being a bit sassy. She did get herself into trouble a couple of times due to her sleuthing, but luckily for her, the new sheriff in town was there to make sure she was okay. The secondary characters were all well-written and added to the story and atmosphere. It looks like there will be some romance in the upcoming books in this series, and I am looking forward to seeing where that goes. I like that Holly designs jewellery and will be able to stay for awhile in Mistletoe using her artistic business as an income to see if she can make a living at it. A fun story and especially a fun Christmas Caper. 4.5 Stars, rounded up to 5. ...more

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About Jacqueline Frost

Jacqueline Frost

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Jacqueline Frost is a mystery-loving pet enthusiast who hopes to make readers smile. She lives in rural Ohio with her husband and three spunky children. Jacqueline is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and Sisters in Crime (SinC).