Hello hello and welcome or welcome back to my little bookish corner of the internet. Today I’m sharing with you my review of Murder in Midwinter, a middle grade mystery with a wintery feel. This is by the same author as Murder at Twilight, and Murder at Snowfall.
Synopsis
Sitting on the top deck of a bus days before Christmas, Maya sees a couple arguing violently in the middle of a crowded Regent Street. They see her watching, she looks away, and the woman disappears. Maya goes to the police, who shrug and send her away. Then a body turns up… Now convinced she is a vital witness to a crime, the police send Maya into hiding in rural Wales. She resolves to get to the bottom of the mystery. Then the snow comes and no one can get out. But what if someone can still get in?
Review
Just like with other Fleur Hitchcock books, this mystery carries an instant punch of action, a gripping story with twists and turns, and strong mottos of family dedication.
Maya and her sister are texting about the end of term party when she takes a photo out of the bus window that will change her life forever, and those of her family. Things kick up a gear the very next day, and soon Maya is whisked away to be with her Auntie V and her cousin Ollie, who hates having her there almost as much as she hates being there.
Despite supposedly being safe so very far away from London, she just can’t shake the feeling that she’s being watched. And, of course, she’s right to be on her guard; it wouldn’t be a mystery without something going horribly wrong!
Throughout the story, the characters feel vivid and jump off the page to share their opinions with you as strongly as possible. It’s easy to get sucked into this telling, and I read it in one sitting, snuggled up under a fluffy blanket with a cup of tea. All that was missing was cake, to make for the perfect snuggly evening.
This is the exact kind of cosy mystery that any age group will appreciate, as there’s so many unpredictable happenings, as well as wonderful moments where characters show who they really are, even to themselves. It’s a powerful, fun, adventurous tale, just the right kind of read for the winter season.
Thanks for stopping by for this review today. We’re getting so close to Christmas now, and I hope you’re having a cosy time, even if it’s not an easy time. If you don’t come back before those big days, I’m wishing you peace and joy, and lots of books.
And On She Reads 