Holly and her family and friends are gearing up for the Christmas season. What should be a joyful time at the tree farm is spoiled by a vicious B&B critic who criticizes everything. It gets worse when the critic is found murdered. The murder weapon just happens to be a gift Holly was recently given by her friend Cookie, who then becomes a person of interest. Holly is determined to prove her friend’s innocence. Her sheriff boyfriend tells her to backs off and let him do his job, but she just can’t seem to let it go. She ought to listen to him, because now Holly has a target on her own back. This delightful Christmas cozy is filled with the spirit of the holiday, including lots of descriptions of tasty treats and lively reindeer games. The mystery is a good one, but it takes a back seat to the coziness of the setting, the interactions of the characters, and the lovely end of the story. ( )

As another Christmas rolls around in Mistletoe another murder embroils Holly in a life threatening situation. Will she solve the case and get Cookie out of jail before Christmas? And exactly what is Evan hiding from her? A fun holiday whodunit! ( )

The Reindeer Games are afoot once again in Mistletoe, Maine. Holly is running her family's bed and breakfast. Karen Moody, a critic, ends up dead, and Holly sets out to help her boyfriend Sheriff Evan Gray with the investigation even though he wants her to remain uninvolved. Because a quirky townsperson becomes a suspect, Holly determines to prove her innocence. It's an interesting puzzle, but the audiobook narrator is not as good as many, particularly with male voices. ( )

Celebrate Christmas all year with Jacqueline Frost's delightful series where the holiday spirit never dies - but murder is abundant. Christmas and cozies are two genres that provide a feeling of warmth and Frost mixes the perfect blend of the two. The setting feels like constant Christmas cheer in this wintery town that goes above and beyond to celebrate every aspect of the holiday. The primary setting is even a Christmas tree farm where you can find reindeer, trees, and sleighs. Holly White not only has a perfectly Christmasy name but has the spirit of the holiday to go along with it. The attitude of the critic - demanding and clashing - creates an immediate juxtaposition with the setting while also setting up the conflicts that will lead to the lists of suspects in her murder.

Each character is unique and stands apart from the rest but none as much as Cookie (real name Dolores Cutter) has a pet pygmy goat that goes everywhere with her and is named after her late husband Theodore. This character pairing is a perfect example of the humorous and zany personalities that Frost brings out that captures the spirit of Christmas. Every character has a place within this community and each of them helps bring it to life and makes you want to jump right into the world. Frost crafts a world that you want to join in the festivities whether it's taking a sleigh ride, petting reindeer, or purchasing a Theodore calendar. This whole town from the stores to the tree farm creates the ideal Christmas town with lovely detailed descriptions that make it feel even more magical. Among these details are the beautiful (and candy-themed) displays at the Gumdrop Shop that showcase elaborate and edible artworks. You'll instantly fall in love with this little Christmas town and with Holly White. Each new installment only adds to the wonder of it and to the holiday themes of each suspenseful mystery.

The entire series encompasses the joy and spirit of the holiday season and Slashing Through the Snow is no different. Frost strikes the perfect blend of Christmas cheer and a murder mystery to create another addicting installment. ( )

Slashing Through the Snow is the 3rd novel in A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series. I always enjoy visiting Mistletoe, Maine where the residents are friendly and there is plenty of Christmas cheer. The White’s Christmas Tree Farm is a festive place where you can stay at the inn, eat at the Hearth, play in the twelve days of Reindeer Games, pick out a tree, go for a sleigh ride, and relax in front of the fire with delicious hot cocoa. I find the characters to be varied and developed. Cookie and Theodore add the quirky to the story. Cookie’s antics had me laughing. The mystery was well thought out. I enjoyed following the clues in order to solve it. There is misdirection and various warnings. The reveal was suspenseful. The only thing I did not like was everyone telling Holly to stay out of the investigation. They should have known that she would not. I love the descriptions of Holly’s recycled glass candy jewelry. Slashing Through the Snow will get in you in the holiday spirit with all the Christmas activities. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the latest A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery and I cannot wait for the next one (I hope we do not have as long a wait). Slashing Through the Snow is a jolly tale with gooey gumdrops, a teddy bear bonanza, rousing Reindeer Games, a caustic critic, a surfeit of toys, and a cheery Christmas. ( )