This is the third book in the series but the first that I am reading. It does read as as standalone and I had no trouble following everything.
A Christmas Murder by Mary Grand
Series: Isle of Wight Killings #3
Genres: Cozy Mystery

Susan didn’t plan on being an amateur sleuth and, after two successful investigations, she’s looking forward to a quiet Christmas. So, when local businesswoman Meera is in desperate need of help, Susan agrees rather reluctantly.

The task should be easy enough. The infamous press mogul Duncan Fern is coming back to the Isle of Wight, the scene of his family’s childhood holidays, to celebrate Christmas with his grown-up children and their partners, his new glamorous wife Kirsten who is forever dripping with diamonds, and the spikey editor of his paper the Morning Flame, Antoine. The newly-refurbished luxurious Bishopstone Manor is the perfect setting for a festive break and all Susan has to do is help Meera host.

But when a snowstorm descends over the island, and the following morning a body is found, Christmas at the Manor takes a darker turn. Can Susan get to the bottom of the mystery before the murderer strikes again…

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I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review

Susan has recently found herself single after her husband of forty years left her for another woman. As she adjusts to her new life and embraces her newfound independence, she forms a close bond with Robert, a retired detective. While they are just friends for now, it’s clear that their relationship is heading toward something more.

The mystery in this story takes place on a snowed-in island, centered around a Christmas murder—who doesn’t love that trope? The author mentions that she had always wanted to write a Christmas murder mystery, inspired by Hercule Poirot’s Christmas, and as a Poirot lover I can say that Mary Grand does a fantastic job delivering just that.

It’s perfectly clear from the start who the murder victim will be. During the first dinner, tensions are palpable, and the victim makes no effort to hide their power over the other guests. I will say this reminded me a little of Mr. Body from the movie, Clue, in that you knew he was going to end up dead and you weren’t even sorry about it. Susan overhears two guests whispering, “If he could only die,” and the next day, that person is indeed dead.

When the police are called, the death is initially ruled as natural. However, Susan can’t shake the feeling that something doesn’t add up. The clues don’t point definitively to murder, but they don’t quite suggest a natural death either.

I really enjoyed watching the mystery unfold and following Susan as she tried to piece things together. That said, I did feel a bit frustrated with Susan’s behavior at times but that was more of a personal opinion. She just sometimes frustrated me.

Despite this small irritation, the mystery kept me engaged from the first page until the very last page. If you’re looking for a classic-style Christmas murder mystery to add to your holiday reading list, A Christmas Murder by Mary Grand is definitely worth checking out!

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