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'Tis the season for murder, in this locked-room holiday whodunnit. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Robert Thorogood and Rev Richard Coles.

Welcome to Mistletoe Manor Hotel. As snow brings England to a standstill, twelve stranded strangers gather round the crackling fire. What they don’t realise is a murderer has also checked in…

With just four days til Christmas, Nick, an investigative journalist, is desperate to get home to his wife and baby daughter. But when his frozen car stutters to a stop, Nick struggles over white fields to the distant glinting lights of a small hotel.

Welcomed in from the cold, he meets the other guests. English rose Penelope and her wealthy American husband, basking in second-chance love. Matilda, an elderly widow, reminiscing about holidays past with her now-scattered family. And wistful Violet, recovering from heartbreak.

But Nick’s relief at finding shelter is short-lived. There is no phone signal, no internet, and, as the snowfall deepens, no means of escape…

Because the next morning, Penelope is found murdered, with the Christmas tree star covered in blood. And twelve strangers suddenly become eleven suspects.

Can Nick uncover the truth, before another innocent life is lost – including his own? Or will his daughter’s first Christmas be his last?

This festive locked-room mystery is perfect for fans of cosy whodunits, Agatha Christie and Sarah Yarwood-Lovett.

© F. L. Everett 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025