It's an engaging story and despite knowing the truth, you'll wonder quite how it's all going to work out, as truth and results do not always meet on equal terms, even in fiction. Anne Meredith builds the plot steadily and meticulously: I wasn't certain how it would all work out until the final few pages. The characterisation is superb: you'll need to concentrate in the early pages to get all the actors straight in your mind, but you'll be well rewarded for the effort and there's the bonus of some excellent, pithy writing. On several occasions I found myself reading paragraphs again, just for the pleasure of the words. I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to the Bookbag.
[[:Category:Martin Edwards|Martin Edwards]] provides an excellent introduction to the book with a piece on Christmas crimes. He's also edited [[Murder at the Manor: Country House Mysteries (British Library Crime Classics) by Martin Edwards (editor)|Murder at the Manor: Country House Mysteries]]. His non-fiction book [[The Golden Age of Murder by Martin Edwards|The Golden Age of Murder]] is also exceptional reading. You might enjoy [[Dying for Christmas by Tammy Cohen]], which is a lighter reador [[Murder at the Old Vicarage by Jill McGown]], which is a cracker.
{{amazontext|amazon=0712352457}}