Don’t trust anyone. That’s the message given to six people who agree to spend the Christmas holidays playing a mystery game at Midwinter, a village in the extreme north of England. It’s also a warning to readers of Martin Edwards’ first Christmas mystery, Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife.
The Midwinter Trust is a mysterious organization founded several generations ago. They’ve invited six people from the publishing community to compete in a mystery game, with a monetary prize and an invitation to join the Trust if they win.There’s Harry Crystal, a mystery writer who has written thirty-two books, but has failed in life, and has lost his publisher. Carys is a cultural commentator, and the woman Harry blames for his failed career. Baz is a podcaster. Poppy is a publicist. Zack is a literary agent, and Grace is an editor. for some reason, all of them have stalled in their careers. They’re eager to participate in the Trust’s mystery game.
The four board members and two employees of the Trust welcome the guests. It’s not unusual for Midwinter to have nasty winter weather, but this time it’s a blizzard that shuts off the power, so they have to run on a generator. And, the welcome isn’t cheerful after one of the guests dies. Now, they have to decide if it’s an accident, all part of the game, or is it murder.
Edwards’ story is a contemporary one, but it’s modeled on Golden Age mysteries written between the wars. The author plays fair with the readers, with clues scattered throughout the book, and a cluefinder at the end that points to the clues. Readers have the opportunity to solve the mystery right along with the guests.
It wasn’t easy to read about six failures in the publishing field. Even Harry, whose journal indicates his thoughts throughout the book, was not a very likable character. It was hard to care about any of the characters. There were some interesting twists, but the villain wasn’t a great surprise.
I will repeat what I said when I first mentioned this book. I’d suggest you read a print copy of Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife if you’re going to read it and play along. There are maps that I didn’t see because I read an e-galley, and it wasn’t easy to try to solve the mystery without the print edition. Looking for one to read along? Pick it up in print.
Martin Edwards’ website is https://martinedwardsbooks.com/
Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife by Martin Edwards. Poisoned Pen Press, 2025. 432p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I read a galley from the publisher via NetGalley, with no expecations.
Hmm, not sure about this one. On the one hand, I liked Edwards’ writing, particularly the Lake District Mysteries, as well has his British Library collections and, especially, his non-fiction writing on the genre. But six unlikeable characters?
Really, more than that, Jeff. I didn’t like the guests or the Trust. A cast of unreliable narrators. My fault. Others may like it, but I don’t like unreliable narrators.
I’ve really enjoyed his Rachel Savernake Golden Age Mysteries, so I’m sure I’ll give this one a try. But I’ll heed your warning and go with the physical book. Thanks
I think you’ll get more out of the physical book, MM.