A Cruel Cold

An intriguing mystery which explores how childhood lies can compel someone to seek revenge for a lifetime of deception and betrayal.  

Christmas is only a few days away, and Kate Galway has been looking forward to spending some mother-daughter time with her barrister daughter, Alex, on the isolated Welsh island where Kate grew up. But Kate is forced to adjust her plans when Alex arrives accompanied by her father, Detective Chief Inspector James Hewitt, Kate's ex-husband. The island's matriarch, Sophie Sutherland, is eager to reunite with her old beau, Teddy Bartell, who shows up with an entourage of relations, including his son, the son's abrasive second wife, and her twin brother.  Everyone joins in the Christmas celebrations at the pub, but the party comes to an abrupt end when someone ingests a lethal dose of cyanide. A winter storm has shut down access to the mainland, trapping the killer on the island. With no forensics and minimal support from the mainland police, Kate, James, and Alex must rely on old-fashioned detective work to track down the murderer before they strike again.

For fans of Agatha Christie's isolated settings mysteries, A Cruel Cold and a hot cup of tea is the perfect way to spend an evening.