Book Review: Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jacqueline Frost

I was drawn by the cover (note the cat too) and enjoyed this sweet, fun cozy mystery.
Twelve Slays of Christmas: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery

by Jacqueline Frost

File Size: 2061 KB
Print Length: 320 pages
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (October 10, 2017)
ASIN: B06XWDL7YW
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

When Holly White’s fiancé 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 Mistletoe Historical Society Margaret Fenwick is bludgeoned and left in the sleigh display at Reindeer Games, Holly’s family tree farm.
When the murder weapon is revealed as one of the wooden stakes used to identify trees on the farm, Sheriff Evan Grey turns to Holly’s father, Bud, and the Reindeer Games staff. And it doesn’t help that Bud and the reindeer keeper were each seen arguing with Margaret just before her death. But Holly knows her father, and is determined to exonerate him.The jingle bells are ringing, the clock is ticking, and if Holly doesn't watch out, she'll end up on Santa's naughty list in Twelve Slays of Christmas, Jacqueline Frost’s jolly series debut.

Review:
Holly has returned home after her fiancé broke up shortly before their Christmas Eve wedding. Her spirits begin to rise as she helps out on her parents’ tree farm, Reindeer Games, and in their historic small-town, Mistletoe, Maine. Tourists are already gathering as the farm prepares for one of its biggest events, the annual Twelve Days of Reindeer Games. Unfortunately, the town’s grouchy Historical Society president and enforcer, Margaret Fenwick, is found dead in a sleigh at the gates of the farm, closing it before the event can open.

Sheriff Evan Grey is quick to look at Holly’s father and the Reindeer Games staff because of the location and murder weapon. Holly knows it couldn’t be her father and is pretty certain it isn’t anyone else on staff. She has to hunt up alternate suspects quickly so the Sheriff will reopen the farm.

As Holly makes inquiries around town she learns that Margaret had been issuing tough restrictions to many folks so there are quite a few people who might have been angry with her. Sheriff Evan warns Holly to stop especially when someone starts issuing warnings to Holly. The first warning is disturbing but then the threats escalate. But Holly is onto a solid trail if she can only figure out where it leads before the murderer sneaks back to keep her quiet.

I liked Holly and Evan right away. Their dialog is “peppered” with bad metaphors and challenging banter. Neither is rushing into any feelings but it is nice as his protective instincts, and her sense of security, grow. There are plenty of quirky characters to join in the holiday activities, including Holly’s aloof cat, Cindy Lou Who, and another cat that joins the group mid-story. The setting has the touch of Christmas Magic and the mystery moves along with light relief in between the threats and clues until the climactic scene when the murderer is revealed.

I enjoyed the fun characters, light romance, and easy read. This reminded me of the Hallmark Christmas Movies. :-) I recommend this to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries, Christmas (and cats). I’ll look forward to reading more about Holly, Evan and Mistletoe.

I received this from the publisher through NetGalley. It adds to my NetGalley Challenge.