Do You See What I See?

A Christmas Murder Mystery

Peter Swanson

IF you’re looking for that perfect Christmas stocking filler for your crime mystery fans, then this murderously clever novella from Peter Swanson, one of America’s best psychological thriller writers, should be top of your list.

Rightly labelled the grand master of misdirection, award-winning Massachusetts-based Swanson’s awesome literary brain loves nothing better than to defy readers’ expectations, and this stunning and ingeniously plotted thriller is a festive feast of devilish deceits.

Through a reading journey of just 151 pages, this master of suspense manages to string together more twists and turns than a marathon game of snakes and ladders as we join a rather rancid Cape Cod Christmas gathering where both guests and family are far from feeling festive.

After being dropped by his publisher, struggling mystery writer Nicholas Child is commissioned by his agent to help one of her more successful authors finish the overdue follow-up to his breakout bestseller.

In the week before Christmas, he travels to Grey Gables, the sprawling Cape Cod estate of Marco Tavares who has hit a writer’s block after the success of a number one bestseller. But what Nicholas discovers is a house decked out in twinkling lights and a towering Christmas tree yet short on festive cheer and full of secrets. There are also some very strange people in the house – not least Marco’s family members – and every one of them seems to have a grudge against their host.

As Christmas Day approaches, a single boozy night culminates in two shocking deaths, and Nicholas becomes convinced that the whole thing was a setup from the start. And as he tries to write his account of what happened, a perfectly fiendish puzzle starts to emerge… can Nicholas uncover the truth before the killer strikes again?

Can You See What I See? is a thriller-chiller to relish as Swanson (pictured above) employs his wonderfully addictive sense of mischief and brain-teasing machinations to a brilliantly conceived and plotted short story which delivers all the classic mystery tropes but then subverts them in the most delightful and entertaining manner.

Perspective and storytelling narratives are cleverly manipulated as this tantalising, slow-burn Christmas cracker delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche whilst springing a series of breathtaking twists and turns on unsuspecting readers. Expect a tension-packed countdown to a fabulous finale which is best consumed by firelight with a stiff drink to hand!
(Faber & Faber, hardback, £10)

Let the Bells Ring Out

Milly Johnson

IF love, laughs, new beginnings and second chances are what you’re looking for as the Christmas season draws near, head off on a rollercoaster train ‘ride’ with the inimitable Milly Johnson, an author whose gift is to give her readers the book hug they long for.

There can be no better way to get ready for the season of family, friendship and togetherness than to escape into one of the dazzling wintertime worlds conjured up by this bestselling Barnsley author whose warm-hearted stories are the perfect match for her hearty Yorkshire humour.

Loved by readers for her eternal optimism and feel-good fiction, Johnson (pictured below) has turned rom-coms into a very special art form, bringing us stories that blend heartfelt emotions with laugh-out-loud comedy, gritty reality with gorgeous romance, and moments of sheer magic with the downright prosaic.

And she’s back with Let the Bells Ring Out, a veritable blitz of drama featuring seven people, four days and a snowy Christmas on board a luxury sleeper train which gives a whole new meaning to ‘getting away from it all’ as a snowstorm stalls their festive plans.   

When seven strangers, all trying to get to their destinations for the holidays, find themselves stranded on a snowy platform just days before Christmas, they find shelter in the Yorkshire Belle, a glamorous steam train all decked out for an escapist festive getaway.

Each with their own hopes and dreams, secrets and sorrows, they board the train as strangers, but as the snow keeps falling and they realise they are going nowhere fast, they are forced to slow down and embrace the present.

For Elizabeth, this is a welcome delay from facing the wrath of her family and her fiancé. For Roo, it’s a distraction from her ex’s wedding taking place on Christmas Eve, and Frank hopes this might be a chance to reconnect with his wife Grace after their tragic loss. Taxi driver Vincent is ignoring his growing feelings for Elizabeth, Santa-for-hire Tim is acting more like the Grinch and problem-fixer Jane can’t get a grip on her own. And is a mysterious new arrival the kindly man he appears to be?

This Christmas on board the Yorkshire Belle, will the friendships they make change their lives forever and will each of them find happiness again?

Billed as the ‘sister book’ to another of her much-loved Christmas crackers, I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day, this new romp includes some hidden, related gems for readers to spot on their journey through a big-hearted and life-enhancing  tale of second chances, unexpected friendships and the joy to be found in the kindness of strangers.

With Johnson’s trademark cast of wonderfully portrayed characters, a big dollop of the author’s wit and wisdom, the guarantee of both laughter and tears, a mountain of snow and a sprinkling of magic, readers will be letting the bells ring out for their favourite book of the season!
(Simon & Schuster, paperback, £9.99)