When I see Chris’ book, I just know it’ll be a banger.
I remember the first cosy stories he’s published years ago, and I am so thrilled to see how equally excellent (if not better) his not-cosy-at-all crime novels are.
I’ve been really enjoying the Christmas editions, and I’m always looking forward to the new book in the series.
As always, a serial killer is on the loose and they don’t really care about the upcoming holidays, being merry and joyful! I think this book was my favourite instalment to date.
The dynamic between the main detectives progressed in a way I hoped for and the ending brought a big smile to my face - great loop to the first sentences of the book!

An absolute must read.

A deliciously dark festive thriller, packed with twists that kept me guessing. Chris Frost has wrapped murder, secrets and Christmas carols into the perfect crime read for the season.

Slightly flawed Detective Tom Stonem gets results but doesn't always play by the book and his bosses are often frustrated by his actions.
In this novel, set again just before Christmas has him trying to solve the brutal murder of a retired schoolmaster. A Christmas carol is playing loudly on the stereo and the same song lyrics are stuffed into his mouth. The case takes Tom and the team to a boarding school and to investigate a cold case at the same time.
I love this series, I like the characters and how they work together. The storyline is a little harrowing and is fast paced. I couldn't put it down

A thoroughly enjoyable read. This is the third book in Chris Frost’s detective series. We re-join detectives Tom and Lauren in the run up to Christmas – Tom’s least favourite time of the year – and of course there has been a murder.
Pacy and with enough clues - I was able to guess who did it, but the why and how eluded me until the reveals towards the end – hugely satisfying and so nice to be kept guessing. The subject matter is quite bleak and the killings are grizzly (but isn’t that why we read detective fiction?), Chris Frost handles the story of missing children, abuse and family relationships with sensitivity and a little humour to lighten the mood.
Although it helps if you’ve read the previous two books in this series (I have), there is enough background and reference to previous cases to bring new readers up to date with Tom and Lauren’s relationship; the emotional and psychological impact of previous cases and an understanding of why Tom Stonem makes bad choices (both personally and professionally).
I enjoyed seeing Lauren grow as a person and as a detective (can she have her own series please? She is astute, brave and has a lot to offer readers).
I read this as a Netgalley ARC, but already had it on pre order as it’s one I’ll definitely be adding to my shelf.
Five stars because this is a great story, well written and ticked all my boxes – strong female characters, believable plot - and a satisfying conclusion. Better still, Tom and Lauren still have unfinished business and knowing what they decide to do in the next instalment matters to me!
If you haven’t come across Chris Frost before, do check out his previous two Christmas books - and also his “alter ego” Chris McDonald – the Erika Piper detective series is excellent.

This is the first book in gave read by this author, and the third in this series, but that didn't matter. It was really easy to read this as a standalone book, particularly as enough information was given to set the scene. I absolutly loved this and cant wait to read others by this author.

The characters were very likeable and worked well together to give a good storyline. The book was easy to read, quite fast paced and with twists thrown in along the way and an ending I didn't predict.

A fabulous read that I highly recommend.