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Unabridged Digital Audiobook
Runtime: 8 hours, 53 minutes
Read by Allyson Ryan
As we kick off another holiday season, it’s once again time to tune in to Hallmark Channel Christmas movies and pick up cozy Christmas mysteries. And you’ll get plenty of mystery and holiday cheer from the audio edition of ’Twas the Knife Before Christmas, the second installment in author Jacqueline Frost’s Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries.
The story travels to the Christmas-loving town of Mistletoe, Maine, as the holidays approach. Since returning home to Mistletoe a year ago, Holly White has settled into life at her family’s Christmas tree farm, Reindeer Games, while helping out in the farm’s café and managing the construction of their brand-new inn. But when the body of a local businessman shows up buried in a giant bowl of mints in the town square—and all of the evidence points to Holly’s best friend, Caroline, as the killer—Holly once again takes on the role of amateur sleuth to clear her friend’s name.
No matter if you live in the chilly north, the warm, sunny south, or somewhere in between, there’s just nothing like a holiday-themed cozy mystery to put you in the holiday spirit. And the snowy setting, the fresh-baked holiday treats, and the Christmas traditions of ’Twas the Knife Before Christmas are sure to make readers eager to take part in their own fun holiday traditions (and maybe even start some new ones).
Admittedly, this series is pretty formulaic. Holly is a sweet but determined young woman who’s surrounded by good friends, supportive family, and a few quirky townspeople. She has a will-they-or-won’t-they relationship with the exasperated town sheriff. And she has a remarkable way of stumbling upon the kinds of outrageous and over-the-top murders that would never actually take place in a small town (or anywhere, for that matter). But that, of course, is what gives the series its coziness: it’s a predictable but enjoyable escape from the same old routines. The mystery is suspenseful enough (and filled with red herrings) to keep you guessing. The characters are likable. And the frozen and festive town of Mistletoe might just have you dreaming of a getaway to a quaint Christmassy small town.
It may not be new or unique, but ’Twas the Knife Before Christmas is just what many of us need this time of year: an entertaining boost of holiday spirit. It’s lovable and a little bit perilous, and it’s easygoing enough to make it a great listen while you’re running your holiday errands.
Listen to the review on Shelf Discovery:
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