[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
Summary
While Holly’s loved her life growing up in Mistletoe, Maine on her family’s Christmas tree farm, Reindeer Games, her best friend Caroline’s life in town has always been more complicated. Holly grew up enjoying the freedom of her family’s property. Caroline is the mayor’s daughter. Her life has been a series of lectures and expectations and obligations. The most recent was the event she had to attend with Judge Waggoner’s son, Derek. She didn’t want to go in the first place, and then he tried to get a little too familiar. The video of her telling him off went viral and news hit the front page of the paper. The only bigger news came 24 hours later when Derek was found dead.
Holly remembers how dangerous last Christmas was when she was on the hunt for a killer. Even if she could forget, her family and friends won’t let her. She’s been told to stay away from this investigation. But when the evidence stacks up against Caroline, and someone leaves Holly threatening notes to leave it be, Holly is convinced she has to get to the truth for Caroline’s sake – and her own.
Review
I fell in love with this series last year, and book two has lived up to the excellence of the first one. I adore the fictional Mistletoe, Maine! What a terrific setting! The town shops sound delightful, and I love the activities at Reindeer Games. I’m excited about the changes happening at the Christmas tree farm for Holly’s family – they add lots of avenues for new stories in the future.
Holly and her family and friends are people I’d love to know in real life. I chuckled many times at the conversations between the characters. Cookie is a hoot, and I loved the interplay between Holly and Ray as well as Holly and Caroline. The author added a nice wrinkle to Holly’s relationship with the sheriff that may extend into the next book.
The mystery was excellent! Lots of juicy gossip led to several viable suspects. There was a lot more danger for Holly in this book. This added a layer of suspense to the whole story that I don’t often find in cozy mysteries. It made for a great reading experience. There’s also a touch of Christmas magic in this one that I loved.
I highly recommend both books in this Christmas mystery series! Excellent characters and well-crafted mysteries make for an enjoyable reading experience and help set the mood for Christmas!