The Christmas Tree Killer

by Chris Frost

This winter, fear comes gift-wrapped.

In the dead of winter, the Pennine Way is treacherous. As snowstorms hit, hikers have been told to stay away. But not everyone has heeded the a lone walker finds a parcel in the snow, addressed to her. But there’s no festive treat inside. Instead? A severed limb.

DI Tom Stonem is called in to investigate as more gruesome packages appear under the trees. Each is wrapped like a Christmas present, with tags addressed to local residents. Are the intended recipients of these sinister gifts involved in the bloodshed? Or victims of a killer’s cruel game?

As Stonem unwraps the case, the secrets of the forest get ever darker. As December ticks down, it looks like this Christmas, murder is the gift that keeps on giving…

Genres: Christmas, Crime, Thriller, Mystery, Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

Published November 6, 2025

Reviews

[sophhhhh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars | audiobook

i enjoyed it but not as much as the first one. i remember being impressed with it, especially for a christmas book. this one got a little repetitive and the ending shocked me but i wasn’t suprised if that makes sense? just wasn’t what i wanted ig? i’m still excited for the next one tho😛😛 especially for the romance subplot 😛😛

[Scott A. Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars. The second one was another excellent Christmas Mystery. Stoneman and Lauren are very good characters with a lot of potential. I hope that the series continues for a long time. This mystery was very strong,holding to the end.There is definitely more for these two in the future. A great Holiday read.

[Jessica Huntley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great sequel and an exciting plot. 😀

[Caroline | dogtailsandcrimetales · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★.5

Christmas is fast approaching and once again DI Tom Stonem is tasked with finding a dark and twisted killer… Amidst a snowstorm, a lone hiker finds a wrapped package addressed to her under a tree along the Pennine Way, but inside is no festive treat. More and more packages appear, yet the intent and identity of the killer remain as elusive as ever, and DI Stonem is once again facing heavy criticism as the local press questions how fit he is to serve after his last case, The Killer’s Christmas List…

When Chris Frost promises you an anti-cozy Christmas, he really means it. Nothing makes that clearer than DI Tom Stonem’s growing anxiety every time he sees a Christmas tree and dreads checking underneath it for a gift wrapped in robin paper. The story pulled me in right away, especially the image of Northumberland buried in deep snow with a lone wrapped gift sitting under a tree in the middle of the forest. Eerie. Even more so when you realize it has your name on it. The characters were wonderfully odd and hard to read, all acting suspicious in their own ways. No one more than Lauren’s new fiancé. That’s right, no one felt safe. I suspected them all.

Tom and Lauren complement each other again, and I still find her a bit sharper than he is. Considering he’s her superior, it makes for some fun dynamics. The local police team added some much needed humor to this dark tale, and I genuinely enjoyed their presence. I am already excited for next Christmas, since this series is quickly becoming a holiday staple for me. I am really hoping for another sequel next year. Highly recommend!

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this follow up to The Killer's Christmas List, you are met with a very grisly opening scene. A hiker finds a severed limb wrapped in festive paper, but this is just the beginning of a race against time to find out who is responsible.

I was delighted to hear that a second book in this series was being released. It definitely lived up to my expectations!

The plot had me hooked from the very start. It kept me reading into the small hours as I promised myself "just one more chapter". I can't remember the last time I zoomed through a book so quickly.

I enjoyed getting to know Tom more, he is a really great character and the little details into his thoughts and ideas brought him to life for me.

As I progressed through the story I kept going over the suspects in my mind, trying to figure out what had happened. I was kept guessing throughout, excited every time I thought I had spotted a new clue.

The Christmas Tree Killer is a fantastic book that is perfect for the winter months.

Thank you HarperNorth and NetGalley for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Nat Eveleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Tom and Lauren are detectives, and return to the second instalment of this series. This time their jobs take them away from home after a severed foot is found wrapped neatly as a Christmas present. the hunt begins to find the owner of the foot and who put it there.

I really loved this story. It was fast paced, and every page had something new to tell. It was so gripping that I finished it in record time. Each character was well written, whether I liked them or not, they make the story as good as it is. This is a brilliant story for the festive season, so much more preferable than the lovey dovey ones in my personal opinion. Highly recommended, and cant wait for the next one.

[Trina Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a couple of weeks before Christmas and Madison is walking the Penine Way alone. Underneath a pine tree she finds a present with a gift tag addressed to herself. Upon opening, she's horrified to discover a severed limb.
DI Tom Stonem, still reeling from events from last Christmas) is sent with DS Lauren Rea to investigate. The bloody trail continues when more gruesome presents are found. Is there a link between the victims and the recipients.
This is a fast paced novel, set over a couple of weeks leading up to Christmas, it's a rollercoaster of a novel, just as you think you have it all sewn up another curveball throws you in a different direction. It's a clever read and has you reeling. Another sure fire hit from Chris Frost

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddison is hiking the Penine Way when she sees a parcel wrapped in festive paper, on closer examination it has a label with her name on it, she screams on unwrapping it and turns and runs. Haltwhistle is a small place and the police request help, Tom and Lauren are sent, hoping this is not a repeat of the Christmas before, but the parcel had contained a human foot and soon another parcel is found, this time containing a human hand.
Tom struggles with flash backs to the year before but is determined to solve the case, hopefully before Christmas.
A fast paced story with plenty of twists and an unexpected outcome. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Realising this was book 2 in the DI Tom Stonem series, I read book 1 first which I thoroughly enjoyed.

The Christmas Tree Killer was an easy, enjoyable read with a serial killer at the heart and a touch of romance thrown in for good measure. I was rooting for the ‘couple’ by the end and a good twist added to the story.

You do not need to read book 1 first, book 2 does follow on, but also doesn’t reveal the outcome of the book 1.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison leaves her fiancé before Christmas to walk the Pennine way in the snow to think of her relationship when she finds a Christmas present addressed to her under a tree but inside is a severed foot.
DI Tom Stonem and his partner Lauren are put on the case when another present is found addressed to another local who Madison knows.
A fast moving story I just couldn't put down wanting to know what was happening.
Loved Tom and Lauren and can't wait to find out what happens to them in the next one of the series.
Would definitely recommend
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Tree Killer(DI Tom Stonem 2)by Chris Frost: ratings story 10/10, characters 10/10,easy to read 10/10, gripping christmas crime story which will have you on tender hooks, plot DI Tom Stonem investigating a serial killer who leaves gruesome Christmas gifts, including a severed limb, for residents of the Pennine Way. I was given this advanced ARC copy of this novel by the kind people at HarperNorth and NetGalley
#chrisfrost #thechristmastreekiller #christmascrimenovel #myenjoyablereads #highlyrecomemded #HarperNorth #NetGalley

[Angela Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series and another great read.

Tom and Lauren are asked to investigate after a severed foot is found wrapped up as a Christmas present. As more Christmas presents are found which get more gruesome each time Tom is running out of time to solve the investigation.

I was hooked from the first chapter as the story was fast paced and really kept me guessing until the end.

An excellent read and I can’t wait for the next one to find out what happens with Tom and Lauren.

Thanks to NetGalley, Chris Frost and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Jane Bridger · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was good to be back with Tom & Lauren they are great characters. Tom & Lauren are called in to assist with a grisly crime where various body parts are wrapped in Christmas paper and addressed to different people who all know each other. Tom is still suffering with the after effects (debilitating oanic attacks) of the crime he worked on last Christmas although he can't accept he is suffering from PTSD. I would love to see the characters in a nine Christmas novel.

[Terry]

A very good 2nd book in the series. It could be read as a stand alone but the first was really good too. So you might as well read that one too.
Poor DI Tom is on the case again. But this time it’s Christmas gifts wrapped and left at places on the penine way. Only problem is these are not gifts you would want to receive.
I found this easy to read, flowed nicely and I really like Tom as a character. Hopefully he pops up in another book in the future.

[Bookgirl888 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it ever the wrong time for a Christmas thriller?! Absolutely not! This was full of suspense from the start and had me guesssing all the way to the end. Even when I thought it was solved, there was another twist and I was shocked again. Really pacey and I fell in love with Tom and Lauren. A must read for fans of Christmas, murder abd maybe a kiss under the mistletoe!

[BamBam Bookish · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted a trashy Christmas murder book and I got one, so despite my 2 star rating I am a fan and I will read the 3rd book I've heard is coming out next year...however, there were so many inconsistencies in the details of this book I kept thinking "Oh that's a really obvious error, I'm assuming that's going to be relevant further down the line" and yet it never was. It's like nobody proof read it and it was annoying me by the 3rd or 4th thing I spotted. Also, the ending I was like really???? Is that it? I felt like there could have been an extra twist, or more of a motive as it just seemed random. But like I said...If there's a 3rd Stonem book I'll still read it!

[Kayl_may · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series and couldn’t wait to read the second instalment, I was not left disappointed… another 5 star read! A great Christmas police procedural. Lots of twists and red herrings. I love Tom and Lauren’s chemistry. I pray there will be another DI Tom Stonem book released next winter!

[Charlie Morris (Read, Watch & Drink Coffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always talk about needing more Christmas-themed thrillers, and this is what I mean!! I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but I loved this one even more!

With another gripping crime and investigation (this one consisting of body parts being wrapped up with a bow - yum!), the story had me hooked with plenty of body parts and even more suspects.

Most of all, I really enjoy the characters, and there is a lot of great character development in this series. They are an engaging bunch to spend time with, who really pick up your spirits alongside all of the murder.

The Christmas Tree Killer is exactly what you want from a Christmas thriller - snow, blood, mystery and revenge alongside laughter, teamwork, and festive cheer.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

review to follow

[Heather Cairns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read with a decent twist at the end I didn’t guess

[Sofie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as an ARC through Netgally.

2.5/5 stars

The Christmas Tree Killer smashed my love for Christmas with a traditional crime novel following a detective's pov. I think I might have read to many books in this genre to be super amazed and entertained. The story was well written and the murders are interesting. But the book follows very traditional and tropy crime suspects and motivations. Also not a big fan of the chemistry between the two detectives we followed. But if you are looking for a traditional crime novel set during the Christmas time you should give it a shot.

[Lydia Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to enjoy reading thrillers/crime novels but after a while they all seemed to get very ‘samey’ and a gave them a wide berth for a few years. In 2025 I’ve got back into them- mainly thanks to Net Galley- and have enjoyed many of the ones I’ve read. I do generally still find them much of a muchness though so this one was a pleasant surprise. It stands head and shoulders above your average crime novel & keeps you guessing all the way through without getting too surreal. The characters of Tom & Lauren are very likeable & I’m looking forward to book 3 to see what happens with them.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Tree Killer by Chris Frost (Chris McDonald) is book 2 in the DI Tom Stonem series. I loved book 1, The Killer’s Christmas List, so I was looking forward to this. What a great read it was too. A hiker on the Pennine Way, Maddison, comes across a tree with baubles on it and a wrapped Christmas present underneath addressed to her. Tom and his partner DS Lauren Rea have travelled to Haltwhistle to investigate. Tom is still suffering from the intense case from the year before. I was absorbed in the story as it drew me in. With this bizarre crime, someone is playing games and there are quite a few twists. It wasn’t till the end that I knew who the murderer was. Love the author’s writing. Some beautiful passages I found as I read it. I loved Tom’s way of unwinding. He likes to sit down with a book and a hot chocolate, not that he got the chance during this investigation.

[Hobart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---

‘Obviously the timing isn’t ideal, what with it being so close to Christmas…’

Tom shivered. He hoped that festive murders were not going to become his professional speciality. He supposed the dark of winter was a good time for hiding dark deeds – but some were darker than others.

WHAT'S THE CHRISTMAS TREE KILLER ABOUT?
You don't have to unwrap every package with your name on it. Especially if you're out on a long hike in the woods by yourself and you come across a package with your name on it. I'm just saying. Of course, the impulse to open it is going to be there—curiosity killed the cat, right? And in this case, traumatized the hiker. Because there was a severed foot underneath the wrapping paper.

Now, as feet are usually attached to people and not typically used in even White Elephant exchanges, the police get involved. The local force isn't quite up to dealing with a case this extensive, so they call in help from another local force. That help ends up being DI Tom Stonem and his partner. Before they can make too much progress with this foot, another body part is found—and the gift tag bears another name.

It's pretty clear that this is going to be anything but a holly or jolly Christmas unless Tom and his colleagues can figure out what's going on (and where the rest of the body/bodies are).

WELL, NOW I FEEL LIKE A JERK...
As soon as I saw that Frost was giving us another Christmas-themed mystery, I started joking about it to myself (and I think in a post or two here). Naturally, I wasn't the only one—Tom and a couple of colleagues indulged in some dark humor about it.

But a local reporter (who had a run-in with Tom before) isn't joking about it. As the investigation doesn't produce instant results, he starts taunting Tom and even runs a story. I'll give you a sample of.

The headline was repeated here, bold and unapologetic. Beneath it was a photograph of him from last year pinning a journalist to a wall outside Gateshead police station. Tearing his eyes away from the photo, he started on the article.

CHRISTMAS CURSE FOR DI STONEM

Another holiday season, another body count – should DI Tom Stonem still be leading investigations?...

For most, Christmas brings music, mince pies and cherished moments with family. For DI Tom Stonem, it seems to bring something far more sinister: murder.

The embattled detective, who transferred to Gateshead following what police sources once called ‘commendable service’ in Manchester, has once again found himself at the centre of a high-profile homicide investigation – his second Christmas running.

This gets to Tom--who's still dealing with the events of last year's case, and is starting to make some progress. This sets him back and gets into his head.

It: 1. Is a really good idea, and worked well with the story on many levels.
2. Made me feel like a jerk for mocking the guy.

I got over it, sure. Still...

PERSONAL STORIES
The romantic subplot(s) worked out pretty much the way you think they would—the primary one seems a bad idea for all involved, but that’s not for me to say. Frost did it well enough, but it could maybe have used a little more subtlety in the depiction.

The familial stories, on the other hand, were done well. I hope we get to see a bit more of Tom’s family in the books to come. I thought that went really well.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS TREE KILLER?

‘Standard practice out here, apparently. I don’t think I’m made for the country.’

‘Nor me,’ she said, a wry smile on her face. ‘Though, don’t you think it’s funny that we’re repulsed at some dead moles when we’re potentially walking towards another severed human foot like it’s just another day at the office.’

Some of the procedural moments bothered me—they spent too long before trying to track down people associated with the first “gift’s” recipient, I had a hard time buying that from an investigative point of view. And from the point of view of someone who’s read a lot of books like this? You just knew it was going to end badly, the only question was how. Also, there was one person they should’ve looked at more closely early on—but if they had, this would’ve been a short story. So, I get why they didn’t—but maybe Frost could’ve sold it a bit better.

It's a clever little mystery novel—with some decent red herrings, some good twists and reveals along the line. The pacing was good—maybe its strongest suit—once you get into this, you have to see it through—and your attention isn’t given a lot of room to waver.

It’s maybe not your mother’s idea of a pleasant Christmas read—but it’ll scratch an itch for a good segment of readers. If you can find a corner to tuck yourself away in for a couple of hours without delighted children or chatty relatives, it’d be a perfect read for Dec. 25.

If only for the sake of his reputation, I do hope that Tom’s next adventure happens on a nice, summery day. Or perhaps mid-Spring. Regardless of the season, if Frost does bring us another book featuring him—I’m eager to read it.

[Jackiesreadingcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s great to be back with DI Tom Stonem—honestly, it feels like a lifetime since I read book one and the author’s other work. I was so pleased to get my hands on this one. Although it’s book two in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone, though reading the first book does give valuable insight into Tom’s PTSD.

A year has passed since Tom nearly died during his previous case. He’s now, albeit reluctantly, seeing a psychotherapist and slowly starting to take their advice on board. Just as he’s working through this, a new case pulls him to Haltwhistle, where a young hiker discovers a Christmas-wrapped foot. The disturbing question quickly becomes: who does the foot belong to—and where is the rest of the body? Tom works the case with DS Lauren Rea, and he’s relieved to have her by his side. Their partnership is one of the strengths of this series.

The timeline starts on 14th December. With Christmas approaching fast, can they catch the killer in time? Tom and Lauren arrive on the 15th, the morning after the foot is found. The hiker, Maddison, who discovered it while walking the Pennine Way, insists on continuing her journey—despite the fact the parcel was addressed to her. Then, on the evening of the 15th, another wrapped parcel appears, this time addressed to someone named Niall.

At the mortuary, they learn that the foot and hand found so far are both from a male—but possibly not the same male. If the fingerprints come up empty, identifying the victims is going to be an uphill battle.

By 2 a.m., the team reconvenes to share updates and assign tasks. The next day, the DCI schedules a press conference and expects Tom, as SIO, to attend. This is a major trigger for him given past events, and he struggles to stay calm—made worse when a panic attack hits.

After the press event, a woman calls, asking to meet Tom and Lauren. She reports her husband missing and immediately recognises the hand from the photograph because of a distinctive scar. Now the question becomes whether the foot belongs to him as well.

As the investigation unfolds and another body part surfaces, things grow even more complex: the parts appear to come from different people. Who would do this? And why? The only link so far is that the people they’ve interviewed all knew each other from school ten years earlier.

This is another brilliant read from the author. I��ve read all his books and have never been disappointed. The plot is clever, with some excellent twists—plenty of opportunities to guess, second-guess, and still be surprised. Several chapters are told from the perpetrator’s perspective, but cleverly written without gendered pronouns, keeping you guessing whether it’s one person or more.

Will they catch the killer? Will they find the remaining body parts? What’s the motive? There are so many questions pulling you through the story.

I really like Tom Stonem and Lauren Rea. They’re relatable, likeable, and the humour they share adds warmth and balance to the darker elements. The plot flows well at a solid pace, keeping your attention throughout. I’m already looking forward to whatever comes next.

[Lydia Omodara · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a quiet year spent recovering from his dealings with the serial killer who terrorised the North-East last December, DI Tom Stonem is back on the case. This year he and his unflappable partner, DS Lauren Rea, are on the trail of a new killer stalking the Pennines, one whose calling card is a merrily decorated tree - and a grisly wrapped present beneath it.

Despite the subject matter, there is once again something undeniably cosy about author Chris Frost's writing. Whether it be the Christmas card-perfect village to which the detectives have been seconded, the sweet dynamic between Tom and Lauren (who manage to squeeze in multiple pub trips and a romantic Italian around their murder investigation) or our soft boy hero himself, The Christmas Tree Killer has more wholesome moments that one might expect from a police procedural. In contrast to the oft-depicted jaded maverick who throws himself recklessly into pursuing society's most depraved criminals in order to avoid confronting his personal demons, Tom Stonem just wants to do his job well, not let anyone down and wrap the case up in time to go home to his mum's for Christmas. If he gets the chance to treat himself to the occasional velvetised hot chocolate, so much the better.

Inconsistencies and continuity errors abound (at least in the galley I read). One character is introduced as having a Scottish lilt but is later described as being Newcastle born and bred; a severed foot is initially described as being removed post-mortem, but later the pathologist references it being cut off while the victim was still alive, and whether or not the foot's owner is dead is important to the plot. In some places, events are described in mind-numbing detail - Tom's new hiking boots are noted at least the first four times he goes outside after purchasing them and we get a full run-down of everyone's food choices whenever a meal occurs - but, conversely, crucial plot points are sometimes skimmed over: someone who at one point seems like a prime suspect is ruled out later in a single sentence thanks to 'some sterling [unspecified, off-page] work.'

Tom Stonem is unusually sensitive and thin-skinned for a high-ranking detective. He is thrown off kilter when an editorial in The Sun, of all places, criticises his abilities, even though the author is clearly a bitter man with a grudge and the article is laughably lame. Rather than describing the flashes of brilliance which he uses to solve the case, Frost has Tom rely on passing thoughts and making random connections which happen to lead him forward.

Despite their flaws, I have a real soft spot for these Tom Stonem mysteries. They are twisty enough to be engaging, fast-paced and laden with an enjoyable mixture of really creepy moments and comic interludes; after two books, I'm still not sure not sure whether or not some of the latter are intentional!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper North for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas is supposed to be the time of peace and goodwill but for DI Tom Stonem it’s becoming something much darker and he’s understandably apprehensive when he’s tasked with leading the investigation into a severed foot which was discovered half buried under snow by a hiker walking the Pennine Way – gift-wrapped and bearing a label with her name on it…
Tom is still badly affected by the traumatic investigation into the twisted Christmas list killer a year ago and has been seeing a psychologist on his boss’s orders. It’s not necessary to have read the excellent The Killer’s Christmas List first because The Christmas Tree Killer is a standalone murder mystery but there are significant spoilers so I would recommend reading the series in order if possible.
I was hugely impressed by the characterisation in the first book and Chris Frost continues to ensure the tense, compulsive plot is complemented by his thoughtful, empathetic character development. Tom, in particular, is a likeable, relatable protagonist who is shown throughout to be tormented by both recent and previous events – and often stricken by guilt by his perceived shortcomings in preventing further deaths. He is also a thoughtful, resolute detective who respects his colleagues; as with The Killer’s Christmas List, he has to forge new working relationships here as he is sent to support the small rural force investigating the hacked off limb but at least has one familiar face with him this time as he is accompanied by DS Lauren Rea, who was introduced in the first book. Lauren’s personal life has seen some significant changes over the past year but it becomes apparent that she is confused about her feelings and what she really wants. Her shared sense of humour with Tom brings some warmth and light relief, while the compassionate trust and sparks of chemistry between them adds a further layer of intrigue and suspense to proceedings.
More body parts are found wrapped and addressed to other recipients, and Chris Frost’s vibrant, atmospheric descriptions macabrely juxtapose the seasonal frivolities against the gruesome, complex investigation. As Tom and Lauren uncover the connections between the victims and suspects, the twists and turns keep coming and with each new revelation into their personal or professional lives, it seems that anyone could have a motive to kill. As Christmas Day approaches, this gripping thriller becomes increasingly tense but can Tom cope with the demands placed upon him by the media – and more importantly by himself?
With its addictive, grisly plot and insightful exploration into human behaviour, most notably jealousy, control, self-doubt and guilt, The Christmas Tree Killer is a thrillingly dark read and further confirmation that Chris Frost's books should be on any crime fiction fan’s Christmas reading list. I enjoyed this superb mystery immensely and highly recommend it.

[Anthony Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5-Star ReviewThe Christmas Tree Killer – Chris Frost

The Christmas Tree Killer by Chris Frost is an absolutely gripping festive thriller that delivers on every level—atmosphere, suspense, emotional depth, and relentless tension. This is holiday crime fiction at its darkest and most addictive, proving once again why Chris Frost is becoming a standout name in seasonal thrillers.

Set against the backdrop of a picture-perfect Christmas season, the story twists holiday traditions into something chilling and sinister. What should be a time of joy and togetherness becomes the perfect hunting ground for a calculated killer who uses Christmas trees as the haunting signature at each crime scene. From the very first chapter, the contrast between festive warmth and brutal violence creates an unsettling tension that never lets up.

The investigation is tightly plotted and expertly paced. Each new discovery deepens the mystery and raises the stakes, while the growing body count keeps the pressure intense. Frost does a phenomenal job of building suspense through short, punchy chapters that practically force you to keep turning the pages. Just when you think you’re getting close to the truth, another twist sends the story in a shocking new direction.

The characters are exceptionally well written, especially the lead investigator, who carries emotional weight alongside professional determination. Their personal struggles, exhaustion, and obsession with stopping the killer feel raw and realistic, adding real heart to the story. The supporting cast is equally strong, with suspects that feel believable and motives that keep you constantly questioning everyone.

One of the greatest strengths of this book is its atmosphere. Frost captures the sights, sounds, and emotions of Christmas perfectly—the lights, the cold nights, the festive gatherings—and then masterfully twists them into something ominous. The result is a haunting seasonal setting where danger feels like it’s lurking just beyond the glow of the decorations.

The ending is tightly executed, emotionally charged, and deeply satisfying. The killer’s motivation is revealed in a way that is both shocking and disturbingly human, tying the entire story together with precision and impact.

Final Verdict:The Christmas Tree Killer is a chilling, fast-paced, and expertly crafted holiday thriller that will grip you from start to finish. With its dark festive setting, complex characters, and relentless suspense, this is easily one of the most intense and addictive Christmas crime novels you can read.

Perfect for fans of twisted holiday thrillers, serial killer mysteries, and crime fiction that doesn’t pull its punches.

🎄🔪 A flawless five-star read that proves Christmas can be just as deadly as it is magical.

[Teresa Nikolic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A week before Christmas, Maddison decides to fulfil her dream of walking the Pennine Way, as a snowstorm hits she considers returning to the comforting civilisation of Haltwhistle but decides against it and sets off through the snow to find the trail. Just as she's doubting her decision again she spots a Christmas present under a nearby pine tree and goes to investigate, seeing that the gift tag has her name on it she wonders if it's a surprise left by her boyfriend Tristan and picks it up, but the sight of blood oozing from it is enough to make her drop it and run screaming from the woods because that wasn't a loving gift, it was a severed limb. DI Tom Stonem and his partner DS Lauren Rea are called in to assist the local police with the investigation and soon more gift wrapped body parts are being found, all with gift tags for local people but, are they from the same body, or are there multiple victims here, and who is sending these gruesome gifts?

The Christmas Tree Killer is the second book in this series, once again set in the North East of England we are reunited with Tom Stonem and his partner Lauren Rea. As in the first book this is told from the third person perspective with intermittent chapters from the perpetrator. It's another fast paced read from Frost and hits the ground running right from the start. It was great to see Tom and Lauren back again trying their best to make the people in the north feel safe in their beds, but none of it is plain sailing and soon Tom is reminded of what happened the previous year and how it affected him, this makes him more determined than ever to crack this case. Another solid read from this author with twists throughout that keep you on the edge of your seat and let's face it, who doesn't love a festive read, especially when it's a thriller as well?

I'd like to thank Harper North and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads and Amazon.

[Claire - TheBookendReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas might be around the corner, but Chris Frost isn’t offering anything cosy in this second instalment. When a lone hiker discovers a neatly wrapped package beneath a snow-covered tree on the Pennine Way, containing a severed limb, DI Tom Stonem is thrown straight back into the kind of nightmare he hoped he’d left behind. And as more parcels appear, each addressed to a specific victim, the pressure on him intensifies. The local press still hasn’t forgiven him for the last case, and every Christmas tree he passes now feels like a threat.

The atmosphere is fantastic: deep snow, isolated forests, and gifts you absolutely do not want to find. The suspects are delightfully slippery—odd, evasive, and all giving off the kind of energy that makes you doubt every word they say. I suspected practically everyone at one point, especially when it came to Lauren’s new fiancé.

Tom and Lauren continue to work well together, with their dynamic bringing sharpness and warmth to an otherwise chilling investigation. The wider police team adds just the right amount of dark humour, grounding the story and giving you a breather between the grisly discoveries.

The pacing is spot on. I devoured this in long stretches, constantly telling myself “one more chapter,” and the twists kept me shifting my theories right up to the reveal. Frost plants clues cleverly, and the tension never dips.

A grisly, atmospheric festive thriller perfect for winter reading — and a brilliant follow-up to The Killer’s Christmas List. This series is becoming a yearly must-read for me, and I’m already hoping we get another case next Christmas.