Twelve Slays of Christmas Audiobook – A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Series, Book 1

I started listening to “Twelve Slays of Christmas” on a rainy afternoon, curled up with a mug of cinnamon tea while my cat batted at the twinkling lights on our little tree. Instantly, Jacqueline Frost’s cheerful descriptions of Mistletoe, Maine swept me into that nostalgic magic only small-town holiday mysteries can conjure—the soft crunch of snow underfoot, the scent of fresh pine lingering in the air, and that comforting sense of community where everyone knows your name (and maybe your secrets).

As someone who’s weathered a few heartbreaks around the holidays myself, I found Holly White’s journey back home after her canceled wedding especially resonant. There was something tender about her resilience: instead of wallowing in disappointment, she throws herself into helping at her family’s Christmas tree farm—just in time for their beloved Reindeer Games festival. But when local curmudgeon Margaret Fenwick is found dead in a sleigh display and suspicion shadows Holly’s father, the tone shifts from festive to urgent. It felt like life reminding us how even the jolliest seasons can be disrupted by unexpected darkness.

What makes this audiobook so charming isn’t just its setting or plot—it’s Frost’s ability to make you feel truly part of Mistletoe. The cast is brimming with delightful characters: there’s Sheriff Evan Grey adjusting to his new post; Holly’s supportive but understandably anxious parents; and a constellation of quirky townsfolk whose personalities sparkle brighter than any ornament on their trees. I particularly appreciated how Holly navigates grief and suspicion without losing sight of kindness—a theme that really touched me as we all try to bring out our best selves during tough times.

The mystery itself delivered exactly what I want from a cozy: plenty of red herrings and twists (some I guessed, some genuinely surprised me), yet nothing so grim it would ruin an otherwise warm story night. Frost writes with brisk pacing—you’ll find yourself sneaking extra chapters while frosting cookies or wrapping gifts! I also loved all the holiday details woven throughout: peppermint treats shared between suspects and friends alike; fires crackling during tense town meetings; laughter echoing among evergreens despite lurking fears.

Now for full transparency—because no review is complete without honesty—I did notice that sometimes secondary characters blurred together just a bit amidst all the festivities. And since information about the audiobook narrator wasn’t readily available for my version (a rare occurrence!), I’m unable to speak directly about vocal performance here—which might matter if you rely heavily on narration style for immersion.

Still, none of these minor issues dulled my enjoyment. The writing radiates warmth while keeping suspense alive until nearly the last sleigh ride—and at just over 300 pages’ worth (or its audio equivalent), this was perfectly paced for one or two cozy evenings by firelight or fairy lights.

If you’re searching for an audiobook that wraps up humor, heartache-turned-hope, engaging sleuthing, and more Christmas spirit than Santa himself could carry—all set against an idyllic New England backdrop—“Twelve Slays of Christmas” should top your winter playlist. For those who love their mysteries with sugarplum sweetness (but enough edge not to be saccharine), Jacqueline Frost delivers joyfully on every front.