The story itself was fine, and even fairly sweet and heartwarming for a murder mystery, but the setting borders on the absurd. Throughout nine seasons thus far, we've never seen snow in Cabot Cove, Maine, but I expected the producers to make an effort for Christmas. Granted this is a fictional city, filmed in California, but when the trees are still green and there's not even a bit of old slush at the roadside, I cannot suspend disbelief. This is so obviously not Maine in December, much less a genuine New England White Christmas.
On the other hand, Sheriff Metzger almost makes up for that with his lovely caroling scenes. A nice touch! And what's Christmas without a child - so we've got that, too, and toys -- including, of course, a train.
Enjoyed this one.