Murder at Christmas

Grace is delighted when she arrives in Bath to spend Christmas with her mum and younger brother, Billy. Although her dad won't be with them, they will be staying at the hotel owned by their mum's twin sister, Aunt Mollie. But when a body is found on the stairs and their mum disappears, Grace and Billy start to worry that everything is not as it seems. Together with their new friends, Doug and Olive, they start to hunt for clues, determined to find their mum and solve the murder in time for Christmas.

You can always rely on Fleur Hitchcock for a well-written, compelling adventure and Murder at Christmas is no exception! Perfectly pitched for young readers and offering plenty of twists and turns, this festively themed mystery is every bit as enjoyable as her other books.

There is a wonderful warmth to this story! It is a joy to read about such a loving, close-knit family, including siblings who are so fond of one another. Instantly likeable, Grace is a very relatable character who, finding herself plunged into a mystery, tries to balance looking after her little brother with coping with their mother's disappearance. She shows herself to be resourceful and determined, despite feeling the odd twinge of self-doubt. Billy is also a well developed character and, although she goes missing part way through, Mum is also a real presence in the story instead of a 'token’ grown-up'.

The action is brilliantly plotted with plenty of red herrings, twists, double dealing and a very satisfying conclusion. Those who know Bath will really enjoy recognising the familiar features and locations of that beautiful city, which all adds a sense of realism to the story.

This would make an excellent class story for UKS2 with plenty to discuss and enjoy, encouraging children to predict and deduce as they spot clues and interpret the evidence. It is also the perfect story to recommend to those looking for something to challenge their thinking or for those who enjoy a thoroughly good adventure. Whatever the reason, Murder at Christmas offers an excellent read for the coming festive season!

256 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+

The arrival of a Christmas murder mystery has become something of an early Christmas present from this author. This time, the two main characters are staying with their mother at their aunt's hotel in Bath. However, when the hotel manager is killed and their mother disappears, the siblings are desperate to find the answers, but without going to the police, as they are afraid of being put into care. With the help of two new friends, who live locally, they start to untangle the web of deceit and danger that they find themselves surrounded by. But can they solve the mysteries and find their mother before any more disasters take place?

Murder at Christmas really appeals to me, mainly because it is set in the wonderful city of Bath, somewhere I have known for the last 30 plus years and the reader can actually visualize the places where the action occurs. The children are at that in-between age, where they have a lot of self-confidence, but they are aware that the adult world is not something that they totally understand, or are ready to cope with yet.

Intertwined with the main plot is the children's background as the offspring of diplomats (with a very mobile lifestyle). They had been hoping for a normal Christmas, so this upheaval is particularly disruptive for them, but perhaps lessons can be learnt, especially about the importance of family. A book to curl up with by the fire.

256 pages / Reviewed by Margaret Pemberton, librarian

Suggested Reading Age 9+