Ruby and Lucas don't have too much to worry about – the pre-Christmas school show of Hairspray they're both in, that's about it. They're getting along as well as first-time step-siblings can get, and looking forward to the wedding party of Ruby's mother's work colleague at the town surgery. But that's before the GP there goes missing, the place gets trashed – and first one member of staff then the other get their houses turned over. Long before they suffer the same ignominy, they're intrigued how a much-loved doctor could disappear, and why and how someone seems to be after something he left behind.

This was a lively enough drama for the target readers – a crime book not shying away from the fact it features a murder, when it seems beyond so many similar volumes to admit what they contain. That said, this is perfectly bloodless, and even when the drama veers away to give peril to its two leads it remains peril of the mildest kind. It's also a little OTT, and ultimately isn't realistic enough for people outside the intended readership. But the real market for this will have success with it – characters are strong, it's an engaging set-up, and the snowy landscape makes this a good seasonal pick. Four stars for those readers, then – even if for me personally this didn't quite deserve that.

I Just Love A Winter themed Murder Mystery & This did Not Disappoint, I Would 100% want to Purchase this Book & Read it Again!
(Thanks to Net Galley, Fleur Hitchcock & Noisy Crow for this Book!)

I have always like mystery and crime fiction even as a young reader and this is the sort of book that I would love as a middle grade reader. It was full of mystery and an absolutely compelling read. I loved it

Lovely murder mystery set around Christmas time. It’s an easy read than will keep you turning the pages to find out who the killer is.

Ruby and her step brother Lucas find a chest walking home, when they open it and find a body. The police don’t listen to them about finding a gold tooth so they start investigating.

Loved the characters, loved the setting and loved the plot. Fleur Hitchcock really knows how to write a mystery to keep you engaged. Looking forward to introducing her books to my children when they are older. 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this murder mystery. Perfect for young crime fiction fans. It felt really atmospheric and kept me guessing

Can't beat a thrilling Murder Mystery!

An afternoon well spent racing through the snow & furiously turning the pages of the latest trademark Hitchcock Whodunit - Fleur really is the Queen of Middle Grade Murder Mystery!

When Lucas and Ruby find an abandoned trunk in a layby covered in snow, Lucas says there’s bound to be a body inside. Ruby laughs but what if he’s right? Nervously she starts to open it, and immediately wishes she hadn’t...

The step-siblings uncover the identity of the deceased & a small object Ruby recovered from the layby - initially dismissed by the police - reveals its significance. As the teens get closer to solving the mystery, the murderer is determined to silence them. A perilous chain of events occur, all under the cover of heavy snowfall - but can it cover up the truth...?

Out on the 3rd November, this is the perfect read to cosy up with when temperatures plummet. In her signature style, Fleur throws us more than a red herring or two that will keep you guessing right until the final chapter. As always, I was utterly gripped.