Holly Chase has
been in Mistletoe, Maine for about a year now. Back with her
family and friends and happily, she’s settling into
a new normal. She’s going to be the innkeeper for the
inn her father is having built. Her parents are very busy
running their Christmas tree farm, and the farm’s small
cafe, the Hearth. Holly is working with the builder to make
decisions about the inn, helping at the tree farm, and making
and selling holiday-themed melted glass jewelry. She's so
busy that she doesn't have time to dwell on her relationship
with Sheriff Evan, although she knows he has become distant
and is avoiding her.
Last year there had been a horrific murder
with the victim put on display at Reindeer Games, the farm.
And what’s worse, Holly’s father, Bud was the
main suspect! She tells herself that this year everything
would be calmer at Reindeer Games. Of course, it would! But
once again there’s a murder, although this time the
victim is found in a huge candy bowl at the town’s Christmas
tree lighting. Derek Waggoner was an unlikable man and obviously,
someone really hated him. Holly’s best friend Caroline
West had an argument with Derek after an awful dinner date
just the night before. One of her personalized knives is found
with the victim, and the sheriff is taking a very hard look
at Caroline’s involvement with the man.
Holly sets out to clear Caroline's name, but
she starts asking too many questions and finds herself threatened
with being the next victim if she doesn't let it go.
This is a charming seasonal mystery that is
written in a pleasant style and is peopled by small-town characters
who are just the right mix of personalities and mannerisms
to keep things interesting. I enjoyed it very much and as
with the first in the series, I think this would be a terrific
Christmas gift for your mystery-loving friends and family.
It’s perfect for curling up on a snowy day, with a cup
of hot chocolate and some sweet desserts to keep you fueled
for a good long read. Because once you start reading, you
won’t want to stop!
Reviews of other titles in this series
Twelve
Slays of Christmas
Reviewers
Notes: . The author also writes The Kitty Couture Mysteries
as Julie Chase
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