A fantastic festive read. Peter Swanson, one of my favourite authors, delivers another delicious mystery packed with twists and turns. Nicholas is invited to spend Christmas with fellow author Marco, supposedly to help him polish his latest book. But he soon discovers he’s not the only guest. Over the days leading up to Christmas, an eclectic group gathers in Marco’s seaside home — and it quickly becomes clear that Marco is far from a pleasant host. Every guest has a reason to dislike him.
When disaster strikes, Nicholas recounts the events to the investigating detective, and it becomes evident that Marco’s past has finally caught up with him.
Highly recommended. Huge thanks to the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What an absolute treat!

This superb novella plays beautifully with the established traditions of the murder mystery genre. Author Nicholas Child is commissioned by his publisher to spend the festive season helping fellow writer Marco with his latest book. Set against a wintry backdrop, and with the knowing acknowledgement that the premise feels very much in the tradition of a Christie-style mystery, it is not long before two bodies appear and the investigation, along with its exploration of the human psyche, begins.

Swanson is exceptional at constructing a compelling narrative and creating an unreliable narrator. Here, the story is told three times, making clever use of the gradual revelation of events and context. Nick is an excellent narrator, skilfully balancing present understanding with knowledge of the past. Maeve is equally captivating, becoming more intriguing with every chapter.

A wonderfully crafted, classic-style mystery that embraces the genre's familiar tropes while adding a playful, self-referential edge. A genuine joy to read.

Peter Swanson really is the current king of the locked away in a house style murder mystery/thriller books, and this one doesn't disappoint. Fans of Agatha Christie and festive page-turners will love this book. It's full of twists and turns, but it also brings all the right ingredients together to keep you guessing until the end of this novella.

Nicholas Child is a down-on-his-luck mystery novellist. He is paid $50,000 by his agent to help Marco Tavares, a much more successful novelist who is represented by the same agent, finish an overdue book at his Cape Cod estate. Nicholas goes to stay with Marco and his wife Maeve for the festive season as Nicholas is an orphan and doesn't have any family. Also present at the Grey Gables estate are Cat, Marco's sister, Marco and Cat's grandmother, fellow writer James Beer, along with Eve and Ben, who are old friends. And there you have the perfect setup for a murder.

I am sure you can guess who is murdered, but is all really as it seems? There are vivid descriptions and plenty of examples of the setting playing a part of the plot. You know when a house is near the sea, it must be involved.

All in all, a pacey and twisty novella that you could easily read in one sitting.

Well jingle my bells and call me Santa 🎅🎅

Thank you Netgalley and Peter Swanson for the opportunity to read this book!!

I read this book in 3 hours! I love how the book was split into 3. The first part I thought ok this is interesting, the second part I took a gap and thought oooooh this is good, the third part OOOOH MY GOD! The twists and turns I did not see coming.

Each part read a different way, I like how the author wrote the text so that when I was reading it, it was like I was the person!!! And it was just coincidence that this happened to be set in my favourite time of the year!

I don’t want to give ANYTHING away but it was definitely a 5 ⭐️ for me!!! When you have the chance you need to RUN for this book!!

A fabulous Christmas time murder mystery. Full of suspense and twists. Who did it? Will we ever find out? So well written. A list of suspects is provided at the start and I was full of wonder. Loved it. I was lucky enough to read an advance copy and leave this review voluntarily.