This book was such a delightful surprise—equal parts nostalgic, eerie, and heartwarming. Andreina Cordani takes the iconic Ebenezer Scrooge and gives him a fresh twist, placing him in the middle of a murder mystery that’s as festive as it is haunting.

Set nearly a year after his famous Christmas redemption, Scrooge is trying hard to stay on the straight and narrow. He’s throwing parties, decorating his home, and even planning a feast for the poor. But old habits die hard, and when a shady business deal tempts him, things start to unravel. Then comes the ghost—a silent, terrifying figure whose murder Scrooge must solve to avoid another visit from the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.

What I loved most was how Cordani balances the cozy charm of Dickensian London with a genuinely gripping mystery. Scrooge is still recognizably himself—gruff, calculating, but trying to be better—and his bond with Tiny Tim adds a lovely emotional layer. The investigation takes him into the darker corners of the city, and the tension builds beautifully as Christmas approaches.

It’s clever, atmospheric, and surprisingly moving. If you enjoy classic characters reimagined with a twist, or just want a festive read with a bit of bite, this one’s worth picking up.

With thanks to Andreina Cordani, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

This is really very good. Andreina Cordani's got a difficult task on her hands - pick up one of the best-known Dickens stories and take it further, treading a fine line between pastiche, parody and imitation - and she's done it. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to sequels.