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Santa-in-Training Mystery #1
The Knives Before Christmas
International bestselling mystery author J. Kent Holloway spins a delightfully mischievous holiday mystery full of twists and turns sure to delight amateur sleuth fans of all ages!
Holiday emporium owner Thomas Nast isn’t your typical guy. His Victorian-era home is sentient with a 13-foot guard alligator named Tinsel living in its walls. A mostly invisible—and mischievous—elf named Peppermint reluctantly serves his every whim. And he just happens to be the next in line to become the real-life Santa Claus.
Until that happens, however, Tom spends his days helping the people—and frequent tourists—of Christmas, Florida, with all their Christmas and other holiday needs.
That is, of course, until he walks into his store one morning to find the body of a man dressed in full Santa costume—a man reviled by almost everyone in town—who’s been stabbed multiple times with a pocketknife identical to six custom jobs Tom had given to his closest friends a few years earlier.
With Tom’s young assistant, Trixie McNamara, in police crosshairs as the prime suspect, Tom is forced to dig up the dirt on his friends, a nasty town spinster, and a semi-retired mobster to prove Trixie’s innocence. But as he investigates the murder, Tom will find himself in the crosshairs of an altogether different kind if he’s not careful…and Santas-in-Training, he knows, can die just like anyone else.
Holiday emporium owner Thomas Nast isn’t your typical guy. His Victorian-era home is sentient with a 13-foot guard alligator named Tinsel living in its walls. A mostly invisible—and mischievous—elf named Peppermint reluctantly serves his every whim. And he just happens to be the next in line to become the real-life Santa Claus.
Until that happens, however, Tom spends his days helping the people—and frequent tourists—of Christmas, Florida, with all their Christmas and other holiday needs.
That is, of course, until he walks into his store one morning to find the body of a man dressed in full Santa costume—a man reviled by almost everyone in town—who’s been stabbed multiple times with a pocketknife identical to six custom jobs Tom had given to his closest friends a few years earlier.
With Tom’s young assistant, Trixie McNamara, in police crosshairs as the prime suspect, Tom is forced to dig up the dirt on his friends, a nasty town spinster, and a semi-retired mobster to prove Trixie’s innocence. But as he investigates the murder, Tom will find himself in the crosshairs of an altogether different kind if he’s not careful…and Santas-in-Training, he knows, can die just like anyone else.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2025
4 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
J. Kent Holloway
9 books2 followersBestselling author J. Kent Holloway lives on death. Literally. With more than twenty-seven years' experience in forensic death investigations, he's seen it all. Experienced the worst that life has to give and never let it dim his sense of wonder or humor. Now, he brings all this experience, along with a zeal for uncovering the folklore and superstitions of death, to the written page as author of mysteries and forensic crime fiction. He is the author of the fun, breezy Grim Days Mystery series, as well as the critically acclaimed Ezekiel Crane paranormal mystery series. He's also the author of the Cold War era tropical island/voodoo/KGB-packed calypso-inspired mystery, Killypso Island and the forensic thriller, Clean Exit.
Kent Holloway also has a Master's degree in Biblical Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served as singles minister, evangelism pastor, and director of discipleship and education. In 2019, Kent released his very first Christian nonfiction book entitled I Died Swallowing a Goldfish and Other Life Lessons from the Morgue that features tales of his real life investigations with the important lessons he's learned from them. He currently resides in Florida.
source: Amazon
Kent Holloway also has a Master's degree in Biblical Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served as singles minister, evangelism pastor, and director of discipleship and education. In 2019, Kent released his very first Christian nonfiction book entitled I Died Swallowing a Goldfish and Other Life Lessons from the Morgue that features tales of his real life investigations with the important lessons he's learned from them. He currently resides in Florida.
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 21, 2025
"Santa Claus lying dead at my feet was the last thing I wanted to stumble over the moment I walked into my shop."
What a fun Christmas mystery!
The ending did start to become a little predictable but that didnt spoil the enjoyment. I think because it was such a fun read it didnt matter that I figured out who the killer was early. I loved all the characters and the magic of the house and the mystery of 'tinsel'.
I also loved the epilogue and im hoping to see more of Tom Nast and his possible new acquaintance.
If you are looking for a cozy Christmas murder mystery this one is for you!
What a fun Christmas mystery!
The ending did start to become a little predictable but that didnt spoil the enjoyment. I think because it was such a fun read it didnt matter that I figured out who the killer was early. I loved all the characters and the magic of the house and the mystery of 'tinsel'.
I also loved the epilogue and im hoping to see more of Tom Nast and his possible new acquaintance.
If you are looking for a cozy Christmas murder mystery this one is for you!
December 1, 2025
This is a very different spin on a cozy mystery, but I really did enjoy reading it.
Tom owns a holiday emporium, where every day is Christmas.
The twist to the story is that Tom is next in line to be the real Santa Claus.
In a town full of Santa lookalikes, it should be no surprise when Tom discovers a dead body in his shop, leading to a cast of suspects that all have a secret to hide.
Tom owns a holiday emporium, where every day is Christmas.
The twist to the story is that Tom is next in line to be the real Santa Claus.
In a town full of Santa lookalikes, it should be no surprise when Tom discovers a dead body in his shop, leading to a cast of suspects that all have a secret to hide.
November 18, 2025
Solid Laid Back Cozy Florida Mystery - With Magical Realism Tossed In. This is the book that exactly one person alive was capable of writing - particularly writing this well. That person being St. Augustine-based medical investigator and now pastor of a St. Augustine area church, Kent Holloway.
I've known Holloway for years. I first started reading his works when he began working as a coauthor with The New God Of Science Fiction Jeremy Robinson, and I've read most of his independent works since - even his nonfiction book I Swallowed A Goldfish, where he looks at his older day job (medical investigator) through the eyes of his newer one (pastor). I either know of or have read every project he names in the Author's Note at the end of this tale, and I was largely around when he was coming up with all of them. Living in Jacksonville myself for nearly a decade now, I even finally got a chance to meet Holloway in real life a couple of years ago now... when Robinson came to St. Augustine and brought his annual gathering of fans and colleagues, Robinsonfest, with him.
As noted in the Author's Note, years ago Holloway wrote a book called The Legend Of The Winterking. In its level of detail and blending of both fantasy and Christian lore - but with Holloway's own particular Christmas-focused bent to it - it really did seem capable of standing right up there with Lewis and Tolkien. As I don't read fantasy, I don't *know* this, but being familiar with the overall stories of all three authors - despite never having read a word of any of their fantasies - I feel confident enough in saying that. Winterking was supposed to be Holloway's Magnum Opus. It was going to be glorious and make Holloway as famous as those other two. Wait. Has anyone ever heard of them? ;)
Here, with this particular tale, Holloway actually does *better* than he has ever done before - including with Winterking. Yes, you heard that right. This long time fan and reader of Holloway is openly proclaiming *this* to be his best book yet - and I have strong thoughts on this.
Who else beyond Holloway would be able to create a Tolkien-level world... and then when that project failed, instead use it as a magical realism deep background element to an Agatha Christie level cozy murder mystery... that happened to be based both at Christmas and in Christmas, Florida? I know many more Florida based authors, from the few native Floridians to be found these days to transplants who have lived here various lengths of time, both longer and shorter than I've lived here myself. Literally not one of them - talented authors all in their own rights, many of whom I am an active fan of - could have pulled something quite like this off. Sure, many of them have done emotional family mysteries of various levels. A few have done scifi epics. But none of them have been able to combine fantasy and cozy mystery the way Holloway has here, and it shows just how strong a storyteller he really can be.
Who else could take the real-world Christmas, FL - a town on the opposite outskirts of Orlando from that place with the castle famously ruled by a rodent, a town that literally doesn't have so much as a stop sign on its main road through town, a town where it is more than possible to imagine the rampant (recovering) alcoholism Holloway incorporates into this book being all too real - and use it quite the way Holloway has here? Even with the blatant set up of the name, I've not yet encountered anyone.
And yet Holloway takes all of this, takes his deep Christian faith and his deep love of all things Christmas (the holiday), and creates... this truly remarkable cozy mystery that somehow blends all of this, along with quite a bit of both heart and hilarity, into a tale that will be unlike most anything you will ever read from any other author.
Now, because of all of this - the several mentions of alcoholism throughout the book, the focus on Christmas, the magical realism based in nothing you've likely ever heard of before, the sheer number of characters (though from only a single perspective), the merry-yet-acknowledging-the-darkness, the (off screen) referenced child abuse, the (behind the door) attempt to cajole a young adult lady to have sex (played for both heart and a touch of comedic relief, to be clear), and perhaps any number of other issues... maybe this book isn't for you. You do you. But I'm telling you as someone who has read over 150 books this year, who has read nearly 1800 books in a decade now... this is one of the most singularly unique books I've ever encountered, in so many of the best possible ways. Do what you need to do for your own mental health, I'll never say otherwise there (so long as you're not harming anyone else, that is, and choosing not to read a book is not harming anyone). But I'm not going to hide my opinion that this book is great for *all* readers.
Ultimately, this could yet be the opening chapter in Holloway's true Magnum Opus. It truly is the best book he has written to date, bar none, and I for one cannot wait to see where he takes this world next.
Very much recommended.
I've known Holloway for years. I first started reading his works when he began working as a coauthor with The New God Of Science Fiction Jeremy Robinson, and I've read most of his independent works since - even his nonfiction book I Swallowed A Goldfish, where he looks at his older day job (medical investigator) through the eyes of his newer one (pastor). I either know of or have read every project he names in the Author's Note at the end of this tale, and I was largely around when he was coming up with all of them. Living in Jacksonville myself for nearly a decade now, I even finally got a chance to meet Holloway in real life a couple of years ago now... when Robinson came to St. Augustine and brought his annual gathering of fans and colleagues, Robinsonfest, with him.
As noted in the Author's Note, years ago Holloway wrote a book called The Legend Of The Winterking. In its level of detail and blending of both fantasy and Christian lore - but with Holloway's own particular Christmas-focused bent to it - it really did seem capable of standing right up there with Lewis and Tolkien. As I don't read fantasy, I don't *know* this, but being familiar with the overall stories of all three authors - despite never having read a word of any of their fantasies - I feel confident enough in saying that. Winterking was supposed to be Holloway's Magnum Opus. It was going to be glorious and make Holloway as famous as those other two. Wait. Has anyone ever heard of them? ;)
Here, with this particular tale, Holloway actually does *better* than he has ever done before - including with Winterking. Yes, you heard that right. This long time fan and reader of Holloway is openly proclaiming *this* to be his best book yet - and I have strong thoughts on this.
Who else beyond Holloway would be able to create a Tolkien-level world... and then when that project failed, instead use it as a magical realism deep background element to an Agatha Christie level cozy murder mystery... that happened to be based both at Christmas and in Christmas, Florida? I know many more Florida based authors, from the few native Floridians to be found these days to transplants who have lived here various lengths of time, both longer and shorter than I've lived here myself. Literally not one of them - talented authors all in their own rights, many of whom I am an active fan of - could have pulled something quite like this off. Sure, many of them have done emotional family mysteries of various levels. A few have done scifi epics. But none of them have been able to combine fantasy and cozy mystery the way Holloway has here, and it shows just how strong a storyteller he really can be.
Who else could take the real-world Christmas, FL - a town on the opposite outskirts of Orlando from that place with the castle famously ruled by a rodent, a town that literally doesn't have so much as a stop sign on its main road through town, a town where it is more than possible to imagine the rampant (recovering) alcoholism Holloway incorporates into this book being all too real - and use it quite the way Holloway has here? Even with the blatant set up of the name, I've not yet encountered anyone.
And yet Holloway takes all of this, takes his deep Christian faith and his deep love of all things Christmas (the holiday), and creates... this truly remarkable cozy mystery that somehow blends all of this, along with quite a bit of both heart and hilarity, into a tale that will be unlike most anything you will ever read from any other author.
Now, because of all of this - the several mentions of alcoholism throughout the book, the focus on Christmas, the magical realism based in nothing you've likely ever heard of before, the sheer number of characters (though from only a single perspective), the merry-yet-acknowledging-the-darkness, the (off screen) referenced child abuse, the (behind the door) attempt to cajole a young adult lady to have sex (played for both heart and a touch of comedic relief, to be clear), and perhaps any number of other issues... maybe this book isn't for you. You do you. But I'm telling you as someone who has read over 150 books this year, who has read nearly 1800 books in a decade now... this is one of the most singularly unique books I've ever encountered, in so many of the best possible ways. Do what you need to do for your own mental health, I'll never say otherwise there (so long as you're not harming anyone else, that is, and choosing not to read a book is not harming anyone). But I'm not going to hide my opinion that this book is great for *all* readers.
Ultimately, this could yet be the opening chapter in Holloway's true Magnum Opus. It truly is the best book he has written to date, bar none, and I for one cannot wait to see where he takes this world next.
Very much recommended.
December 3, 2025
🎁 Edition
📚 Read as an ARC ebook for NetGalley
📃 240 pages
⏱ ~3 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Keylight Books
✨ Genre: Cozy Mystery
What starts as a holly-jolly mystery quickly unwarps into something more inventive. The concept of Santa being an inherited role passed down through mentorship, feels fresh and surprisingly heartfelt. It gives the story this myth-meets-cozy vibe, like someone mixed Hallmark with a dash of folklore and a sprinkle of "wait, there's an alligator in the wall?"
The humor sparks amid the sleuthing, and the Florida-based Christmas setting gives just the right dose of ironic warmth oa murder mystery drenched in snowflake spirit. Holloway leans into the absurd in all the right ways, like a sentient house, an invisible elf named Peppermint, and a gator named Tinsel somhow blend into a world that actually works. It's fun. It's fast. It's cheeky.
That said, the storytelling occasionally stumbles. The choice to summarize dialogue with lines like "then he explained about this" pulls the reader out of the moment. Instead of sitting in the room watching these oddballs banter, you suddenly feel like someone's recapping what you just missed. It's a small issue in an otherwise vivid narrative, but it does interrupt the flow in spots.
Still, the humor lands, the mystery keeps twisting, and that cliffhanger? Oh, it's a good one. It practically jingles with the promise of book two.
Would I recommend it?
A quirky, funny, and heartwarming holiday whodunit that mixes murder and magic, just in time for adding some Christmas magic. Add this to your Holiday TBR RIGHT NOW!!!!
Holiday Murder, Florida Style! What would you do if Santa was real?
Ever wondered what would happen if the local Santa is actually a real one in training? Share your real-life Christmas magic stories below. Let's share some Christmas spirit around.
📚 Read as an ARC ebook for NetGalley
📃 240 pages
⏱ ~3 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Keylight Books
✨ Genre: Cozy Mystery
What starts as a holly-jolly mystery quickly unwarps into something more inventive. The concept of Santa being an inherited role passed down through mentorship, feels fresh and surprisingly heartfelt. It gives the story this myth-meets-cozy vibe, like someone mixed Hallmark with a dash of folklore and a sprinkle of "wait, there's an alligator in the wall?"
The humor sparks amid the sleuthing, and the Florida-based Christmas setting gives just the right dose of ironic warmth oa murder mystery drenched in snowflake spirit. Holloway leans into the absurd in all the right ways, like a sentient house, an invisible elf named Peppermint, and a gator named Tinsel somhow blend into a world that actually works. It's fun. It's fast. It's cheeky.
That said, the storytelling occasionally stumbles. The choice to summarize dialogue with lines like "then he explained about this" pulls the reader out of the moment. Instead of sitting in the room watching these oddballs banter, you suddenly feel like someone's recapping what you just missed. It's a small issue in an otherwise vivid narrative, but it does interrupt the flow in spots.
Still, the humor lands, the mystery keeps twisting, and that cliffhanger? Oh, it's a good one. It practically jingles with the promise of book two.
Would I recommend it?
A quirky, funny, and heartwarming holiday whodunit that mixes murder and magic, just in time for adding some Christmas magic. Add this to your Holiday TBR RIGHT NOW!!!!
Holiday Murder, Florida Style! What would you do if Santa was real?
Ever wondered what would happen if the local Santa is actually a real one in training? Share your real-life Christmas magic stories below. Let's share some Christmas spirit around.
November 9, 2025
I really had to think about the rating for this book. In fairness, I usually don’t read fantasy or mythology, and this book lies very much in that genre. I was attracted by the Christmas theme, and the book’s description.
The story is surreal; a house with incredible powers shelters a grumpy elf as well as a guard dog alligator. It snows heavily in Central Florida. Beyond that, The Knives Before Christmas does spin an interesting murder mystery, good enough to keep most mystery fans at least somewhat engaged. The Christmas theme is moderately strong, which should satisfy readers seeking a holiday connection.
There were many characters in the book, but it was clear which were integral to the story and which ones were not. Although it was challenging at times to be clear on the “who’s who”, it was easy enough to put characters aside until their relevance emerged.
I might have given the book another star if not for the ending. The epilogue fell completely flat for me. Based on the author’s afterword, readers who are familiar with the author’s other works might not share this sentiment. However, those who have not read this author may agree that the epilogue felt totally out of the blue, instead of serving as an extension of the story, as an epilogue typically does.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #KeylightBooks for the advance reader copy. This review represents my unbiased opinion of #TheKnivesBeforeChristmas.
The story is surreal; a house with incredible powers shelters a grumpy elf as well as a guard dog alligator. It snows heavily in Central Florida. Beyond that, The Knives Before Christmas does spin an interesting murder mystery, good enough to keep most mystery fans at least somewhat engaged. The Christmas theme is moderately strong, which should satisfy readers seeking a holiday connection.
There were many characters in the book, but it was clear which were integral to the story and which ones were not. Although it was challenging at times to be clear on the “who’s who”, it was easy enough to put characters aside until their relevance emerged.
I might have given the book another star if not for the ending. The epilogue fell completely flat for me. Based on the author’s afterword, readers who are familiar with the author’s other works might not share this sentiment. However, those who have not read this author may agree that the epilogue felt totally out of the blue, instead of serving as an extension of the story, as an epilogue typically does.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #KeylightBooks for the advance reader copy. This review represents my unbiased opinion of #TheKnivesBeforeChristmas.
November 15, 2025
This was a super fun, silly Christmas mystery where the amateur sleuth is literally Santa Claus in training. He finds a dead man in his holiday shop, Wonderland, dressed as Santa Claus. When his shop manager/like a daughter to him is fingered as the murderer, there is no way he can let that stand and will do anything to help her. With the assistance of a mischievous elf named Peppermint, Santa is going to solve the murder.
While I did figure out whodunit, I still enjoyed the story. This is one of those books I looked forward to returning to at the end of the day. It was filled with the perfect amount of Christmas cheer, mystery and just plain fun. I wish the alligator named Tinsel had gotten a little more "screen time" if you will, but other than that I was happy with this Christmas cozy.
The author sets up a possibility of another book at the end and I would certainly read another book in this series. Perhaps the Santa-in-training mysteries will become another holiday tradition.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While I did figure out whodunit, I still enjoyed the story. This is one of those books I looked forward to returning to at the end of the day. It was filled with the perfect amount of Christmas cheer, mystery and just plain fun. I wish the alligator named Tinsel had gotten a little more "screen time" if you will, but other than that I was happy with this Christmas cozy.
The author sets up a possibility of another book at the end and I would certainly read another book in this series. Perhaps the Santa-in-training mysteries will become another holiday tradition.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2025
The Knives Before Christmas has humor, sincerity, magic, and murder. Thomas Nast, owner of a Victorian house with magical powers, finds a dead body in his store, Wonderland (which is located in his home) and sells Holiday items all year long in Christmas, Florida. The man dressed as a Santa Claus, turns out to be the father of Trixie McNamara, his assistant and a person he considers a daughter. The police suspect Trixie of committing the crime. Tom, who happens to be a Santa Claus in training, investigates to clear Trixie.
There are some fun characters, Peppermint, an elf, Tinsel, the guard alligator. There is plenty to keep the reader engaged as secrets are revealed. This is a quick read with a gathering of potential culprits to get to the big reveal of whodunit. This was the first book I have read by this author, and I enjoyed the magical aspects, snow in Florida. I hope this becomes a Christmas series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Keylight Books, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.
There are some fun characters, Peppermint, an elf, Tinsel, the guard alligator. There is plenty to keep the reader engaged as secrets are revealed. This is a quick read with a gathering of potential culprits to get to the big reveal of whodunit. This was the first book I have read by this author, and I enjoyed the magical aspects, snow in Florida. I hope this becomes a Christmas series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Keylight Books, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.
December 20, 2025
Tom Nast lives in Christmas, Florida and owns Wonderland, a Christmas-themed emporium with a mind of its own, Peppermint, a mostly invisible wise-cracking elf, and a guard alligator. Tom arrives at work one day to discover the dead body of a one time friend, stabbed by one of six knives he had gifted to friends. When the police arrest Trixie, his shop assistant, he is sure she is innocent and sets out to prove it which brings him into the cross-hairs of the local crime boss, a dangerous place to be even for a Santa-in-training.
The Knives Before Christmas, by J. kent Holloway, is a fun cozy mystery with some very likeable and not so likeable characters, an interesting mystery, a touch of magic and a nice stream of humour running through it. Overall, a charming tale that kept me entertained and I recommend it highly to anyone who, like me, is a fan of Christmas cozies. This is the first book I have read by this author but it will definitely not be the last.
Thanks to Netgalley and Turner Publishing Company for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
The Knives Before Christmas, by J. kent Holloway, is a fun cozy mystery with some very likeable and not so likeable characters, an interesting mystery, a touch of magic and a nice stream of humour running through it. Overall, a charming tale that kept me entertained and I recommend it highly to anyone who, like me, is a fan of Christmas cozies. This is the first book I have read by this author but it will definitely not be the last.
Thanks to Netgalley and Turner Publishing Company for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
December 12, 2025
The Knives Before Christmas by J. Kent Holloway is a festive, twist-filled mystery that combines holiday charm, humor, and clever suspense. Thomas Nast, a holiday emporium owner with a sentient Victorian era home, a 13 foot alligator named Tinsel, and a mostly invisible elf named Peppermint, is delightfully quirky, making the story both whimsical and engaging. The plot, which revolves around a Santa costumed murder and the misadventures of Tom and his young assistant Trixie, keeps readers guessing while delivering holiday cheer with a mischievous twist.
What makes this mystery particularly enjoyable is Holloway’s ability to balance suspense, humor, and vivid worldbuilding. The town of Christmas, Florida, is memorable and full of eccentric characters, while the murder investigation is intricate, engaging, and satisfying. The Knives Before Christmas is a clever, fast paced read that appeals to both mystery lovers and those looking for a holiday story with unexpected surprises
What makes this mystery particularly enjoyable is Holloway’s ability to balance suspense, humor, and vivid worldbuilding. The town of Christmas, Florida, is memorable and full of eccentric characters, while the murder investigation is intricate, engaging, and satisfying. The Knives Before Christmas is a clever, fast paced read that appeals to both mystery lovers and those looking for a holiday story with unexpected surprises
November 9, 2025
2.5 ⭐
Chistmassy: 🎄🎄🎄
Coziness: 🧣🧣🧣
Setting: ⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐
Mystery: 🔍🔍
Less Christmassy feels than I was hoping for. It's hard to envisage the MC as the soon to be Santa Claus, when he's going around accusing all his closest friends of murder. He wasn't my favourite MC, which impacted the mystery element for me.
The many references of child abuse, physical abuse and addiction, also made this book feel less cozy and Christmassy. It was cozy, just not as much as I'd have liked.
To add to this, one of my biggest pet peeves of any mystery is when a character stands there and tells everyone how clever they are, by explaining each step they took to finding the killer.
Although this story and characters didn't end up being for me, I did enjoy several elements. I loved the Christmas shop, the snow and I thought the sentient house was the best!
Chistmassy: 🎄🎄🎄
Coziness: 🧣🧣🧣
Setting: ⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐
Mystery: 🔍🔍
Less Christmassy feels than I was hoping for. It's hard to envisage the MC as the soon to be Santa Claus, when he's going around accusing all his closest friends of murder. He wasn't my favourite MC, which impacted the mystery element for me.
The many references of child abuse, physical abuse and addiction, also made this book feel less cozy and Christmassy. It was cozy, just not as much as I'd have liked.
To add to this, one of my biggest pet peeves of any mystery is when a character stands there and tells everyone how clever they are, by explaining each step they took to finding the killer.
Although this story and characters didn't end up being for me, I did enjoy several elements. I loved the Christmas shop, the snow and I thought the sentient house was the best!
December 2, 2025
This was a really fun Christmas mystery. My first one of the season and I’m really happy with it.
I felt like this had a really good balance between being a cozy holiday read, while also having some pretty high stakes. My favorite parts of this book were the House and Pep!
I do wish there had been some more explanation or back story on the friendships and some of the side characters, but overall I had a great time. I found myself constantly wanting to pick it back up and wanting to know what was going to happen, which was amazing!
I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a Christmas mystery this season without the romance! Thank you to the publisher for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I felt like this had a really good balance between being a cozy holiday read, while also having some pretty high stakes. My favorite parts of this book were the House and Pep!
I do wish there had been some more explanation or back story on the friendships and some of the side characters, but overall I had a great time. I found myself constantly wanting to pick it back up and wanting to know what was going to happen, which was amazing!
I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a Christmas mystery this season without the romance! Thank you to the publisher for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
December 1, 2025
Good mystery - from the Agatha Christie school of storytelling. That is, there are actual clues and they add up and lead to the culprit! If you pay attention you might solve it (I didn't pay attention and didn't solve it, but in retrospect the clues were there). Likeable characters, with the primary ones having adequate depth. Only a couple of character tropes (but just for bit parts - like the bumbling thugs). The mythos (the protagonist is Santa in waiting - read the afterword) is kinda interesting. In particular, I like the sentient house and the invisible house elf. If I were to sum this book up, I'd call it a cozy mystery with some fun fantasy elements.
December 6, 2025
“Santa Clause lying dead at my feet was the last thing I wanted to stumble over the moment I walked into my shop”
This book was so good!! I have never read a Christmas mystery before and I’m so glad I picked this one up.
The characters were great, there wasn’t one that had me going “oh great, here we go again”, they were all tolerable!
Peppermint was such a fun character!! I would love to read a short novella of just him and his adventures through the house. I need to see more of him, that’s for sure!
The ending was a bit predictable towards the ends but I still enjoyed the story nonetheless. Such a great read for those interested in murder mysteries and Christmas 🥰
This book was so good!! I have never read a Christmas mystery before and I’m so glad I picked this one up.
The characters were great, there wasn’t one that had me going “oh great, here we go again”, they were all tolerable!
Peppermint was such a fun character!! I would love to read a short novella of just him and his adventures through the house. I need to see more of him, that’s for sure!
The ending was a bit predictable towards the ends but I still enjoyed the story nonetheless. Such a great read for those interested in murder mysteries and Christmas 🥰
December 8, 2025
Rating: 3.8 but rounded up to 4 stars
I thought I needed a good palette cleanser and wanted to try something different this festive season and would recommend this! It’s fun, quirky and did have me laughing at some parts.
It was such a good and fun mystery book based around Christmas. It had me on the edge of my seat throughout. It sort of gives off a Hallmark mystery vibe, much like the Aurora Teagarden series, which I love meets clue, which it’s cozy and does have some humour parts to it.
Whilst it usually isn’t something I read I really did enjoy it and would read something similar again.
Thank you to NetGalley and Turner Publishing for the opportunity to read this novel.
I thought I needed a good palette cleanser and wanted to try something different this festive season and would recommend this! It’s fun, quirky and did have me laughing at some parts.
It was such a good and fun mystery book based around Christmas. It had me on the edge of my seat throughout. It sort of gives off a Hallmark mystery vibe, much like the Aurora Teagarden series, which I love meets clue, which it’s cozy and does have some humour parts to it.
Whilst it usually isn’t something I read I really did enjoy it and would read something similar again.
Thank you to NetGalley and Turner Publishing for the opportunity to read this novel.
November 23, 2025
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!
This books has the perfect balance between Christmas and mystery. Its really fast paced and I was hooked from the beginning. Love how the House and Pep are also important characters and not just there to support Thomas' identity.
The only point I thought was off is the fact that Ursula doesn't seem like the kind of person who would lose her mind after finding out the truth.
I really hope there'll be a sequel for this story.
This books has the perfect balance between Christmas and mystery. Its really fast paced and I was hooked from the beginning. Love how the House and Pep are also important characters and not just there to support Thomas' identity.
The only point I thought was off is the fact that Ursula doesn't seem like the kind of person who would lose her mind after finding out the truth.
I really hope there'll be a sequel for this story.
December 7, 2025
A fun story that is an easy read, which also has wonderful characters. Thomas Nast created a Christmas story that is open year-round. It is also where a man dressed in a Santa suit died on his floor, also there is one of his knives that he gave five people. Now he wants to help find the killer. A very good story.
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December 20, 20253.5 ⭐ The Knives Before Christmas is a humorous, mystery, and magical Christmas story. Tom, finds that his Victorian home has magical powers. Within the home is his store called Wonderland. Tom finds a dead body and it is being investigated by Santa in training. This is a pretty good, quick read.
Thank you Netgalley and keylight books for the ARC.
Thank you Netgalley and keylight books for the ARC.
December 22, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this concise, well-written cozy mystery. The fantasy elements were fun and left me wanting to read more about the lore of the Wonderland Emporium. I’ll look forward to checking out more of the author’s books.
June 9, 2025
“Hidden secrets are everywhere in Holloway’s The Knives Before Christmas. It’s a twisty mystery wrapped up in holiday paper with a magical bow.”
November 26, 2025
cozy mystery with a very strange setting and some very strange plottings throughout that somehow manages to work. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
December 31, 2025
🎄🔪Looking for a holiday mystery that’s quirky, clever, and delightfully chaotic? The Knives Before Christmas delivers from the first page. Holloway blends festive whimsy with classic whodunit energy, creating a story unlike any other seasonal mystery. Thanks to Turner Publishing Company for the opportunity to read and review.
Set in the offbeat town of Christmas, Florida, we meet Thomas Nast...a holiday emporium owner, Santa-in-Training, and reluctant sleuth with a sentient Victorian home, mostly invisible elf assistant, and a 13-foot alligator in his walls. When Tom discovers a dead man in full Santa gear in his shop, the clues hit uncomfortably close to home, and he must navigate secrets, motives, and small-town scandals.
Holloway balances cozy holiday fun with twisty mystery. Charming characters, humor, and fantastical elements blend perfectly with the murder-mystery core. If you love holiday reads with originality, personality, and a dash of magical mischief, this is a standout seasonal story.
Set in the offbeat town of Christmas, Florida, we meet Thomas Nast...a holiday emporium owner, Santa-in-Training, and reluctant sleuth with a sentient Victorian home, mostly invisible elf assistant, and a 13-foot alligator in his walls. When Tom discovers a dead man in full Santa gear in his shop, the clues hit uncomfortably close to home, and he must navigate secrets, motives, and small-town scandals.
Holloway balances cozy holiday fun with twisty mystery. Charming characters, humor, and fantastical elements blend perfectly with the murder-mystery core. If you love holiday reads with originality, personality, and a dash of magical mischief, this is a standout seasonal story.
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