Stalking Around the Christmas Tree
Ratings7
Average rating4.1
15
Ratings7
Average rating4.1
Tis the season to solve a murder—and innkeeper Holly White knows she’ll have to make her list and check it twice if she wants to catch the killer in the 4th Christmas Tree Farm mystery from bestselling author Jacqueline Frost. For inn keeper Holly White, Christmas time in Mistletoe, Maine, is the ultimate holiday gift. Business at the Reindeer Games Inn is booming, her wedding to Sheriff Evan Gray is nearly here, and the annual parade is about to begin. The town is lucky to have another gift this year with the state’s ballet company staying for several performances of The Nutcracker. But disaster strikes when Tiffany, the lead ballerina, shows up dead on a float during the parade, the Rat King’s mask nearby. Holly will have to spruce up her sleuthing skills if she wants to catch the killer before Christmas—and her wedding day. Immediately, Holly discovers that Tiffany had more than a few secrets. She finds out that the star of the show had a super fan that no one knows anything about. And the show’s understudy slips some other intriguing information Holly’s way: not only was Tiffany secretly seeing someone romantically, but there seems to be more than one rat in this company. When Holly discovers a secret passage leading to Tiffany’s dressing room, with footprints leading out; she wonders if this is evidence of a secret lover—or a stalking killer. With an impending snowstorm and the ballet company on the way out of town, Holly must act quickly if she wants to find the person responsible for this terrible murder. Will she be able to save Christmas—or will her investigation turn cold like the weather?
Featured Series
5 primary booksChristmas Tree Farm Mystery is a 5-book series with 5 primary works first released in 2017 with contributions by Jacqueline Frost.
Reviews with the most likes.
I loved visiting Mistletoe, Maine for another Christmas. We got to see some reindeer games and a blizzard as well as a wedding. I loved the Christmas feel of this book! The wedding is a good payoff for Holly and Evan. It was so good to see everyone coming together to help them.
The mystery was interesting. The first time we see the victim, Tiffany, is when she is dead. Then we learn about her as they investigate. It was a bit hard to keep some of the ballerinas straight, so I was never quite sure which of them was a suspect. The murderer made sense in the end. I also liked the stalker mystery and how Evan's sister had to work through that.
Amazing setting, wonderful characters, and pretty good mystery.
Stalking Around the Christmas Tree was absolutely amazing! I loved it from start to finish. This was my first Christmas Cozy Mystery and I'm glad I didn't wait until December to read it. I loved the small town of Mistletoe, Maine where the story was set. It is a small town devoted to the holidays. Holly White, the main character, works at the Inn there and helps run Reindeer Games tree farm with her parents. They also run the Hearth cafe in town. Holly's fiance is the town sheriff and they are getting ready for their wedding which is coming up fast. Plus Holly is getting ready for Christmas, running the Reindeer Games and wrapping gifts for charity. There isn't much time for anything else, but when Tiffany, a ballerina, who is in town for a performance of the nutcracker, turns up dead, Holly can't resist getting involved.
In spite of there being a murder in town, this is where I want to spend Christmas. The people that live in the town are sweet and fun, including a group of older ladies who call themselves The Swingers (because they swing dance) and some adorable busybodies who run the local shops. Everyone cares about Holly and just wants to see her happy and settled.
As Holly looks into the murder, her fiance, Sheriff Evan Gray, becomes worried that the murderer may target her too. There is no stopping her though as she wants this all wrapped up before their wedding.
I give this book 5 stars as it had lots of twists and turns, a wonderful town with warm Christmas cheer and a sweet romance. What more could a person ask for?!
Book Review: Stalking Around the Christmas Tree by Jacqueline Frost
⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 Stars
Jacqueline Frost's “Stalking Around the Christmas Tree” is a delightful addition to the Christmas Tree Farm mystery series that will captivate readers with its festive setting, well-crafted mystery, and endearing characters. Set in the charming town of Mistletoe, Maine, innkeeper Holly White finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation during the most wonderful time of the year.
The story unfolds with the excitement of the holiday season, as Holly prepares for her upcoming wedding and the arrival of the state's ballet company for performances of The Nutcracker. However, the joyous atmosphere takes a dark turn when the lead ballerina, Tiffany, is found dead on a parade float, sparking an intricate and compelling mystery that Holly is determined to solve before Christmas and her wedding day.
Frost's storytelling shines through her high-quality writing and fast-paced narrative, keeping readers engaged as Holly delves into the secrets surrounding Tiffany's life and untangles the web of suspects within the ballet company. The plot is well-crafted, offering twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
One of the standout aspects of the book is the charming and festive setting of Mistletoe, Maine, which adds an enchanting backdrop to the unfolding mystery. The author skillfully brings the town to life with vivid descriptions, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that enhances the holiday spirit of the narrative.
Furthermore, the cast of characters in “Stalking Around the Christmas Tree” is highly likable and relatable, drawing readers into their world as they navigate through the complexities of the murder investigation. Holly's determination and sleuthing skills make her a compelling protagonist, while the supporting characters add depth and intrigue to the story.
Additionally, the cover of the book is visually stunning, capturing the essence of the festive holiday season and adding to the overall appeal of the novel. As a fan of series, I found “Stalking Around Christmas Tree” to be a thoroughly enjoyable read that left me eagerly the next installment.
In conclusion, Jacqueline Frost's “Stalking the Christmas” is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and holiday-themed stories. With its plot, charming setting, and endearing, this book delivers a perfect blend mystery and festive cheer. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming and entertaining read during the holiday season.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
