Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
Murder at Christmas
Grace is delighted when she arrives in Bath to spend Christmas with her mum and younger brother, Billy. Although her dad won’t be with them, they will be staying at the hotel owned by their mum’s twin sister, Aunt Mollie. But when a body is found on the stairs and their mum disappears, Grace and Billy start to worry that everything is not as it seems. Together with their new friends, Doug and Olive, they start to hunt for clues, determined to find their mum and solve the murder in time for Christmas.
You can always rely on Fleur Hitchcock for a well-written, compelling adventure and ‘Murder at Christmas’ is no exception! Perfectly pitched for young readers and offering plenty of twists and turns, this festively themed mystery is every bit as enjoyable as her other books.
There is a wonderful warmth to this story! It is a joy to read about such a loving, close-knit family, including siblings who are so fond of one another. Instantly likeable, Grace is a very relatable character who, finding herself plunged into a mystery, tries to balance looking after her little brother with coping with their mother’s disappearance. She shows herself to be resourceful and determined despite feeling the odd twinge of self-doubt. Billy is also a well developed character and, although she goes missing part way through, Mum is also a real presence in the story instead of a ‘token’ grown-up’.
The action is brilliantly plotted with plenty of red herrings, twists, double dealing and a very satisfying conclusion. Those who know Bath will really enjoy recognising the familiar features and locations of that beautiful city which all adds a sense of realism to the story.
This would make an excellent class story for UKS2 with plenty to discuss and enjoy, encouraging children to predict and deduce as they spot clues and interpret the evidence. It is also the perfect story to recommend to those looking for something to challenge their thinking or for those who enjoy a thoroughly good adventure. Whatever the reason, ‘Murder at Christmas’ offers an excellent read for the coming festive season!
Murder at Christmas
Fleur Hitchcock
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805132240
You can read my review of ‘Murder at Snowfall’ here, ‘Murder at Wintertide’ here, ‘Waiting for Murder’ here and ‘Murder in Midwinter’ here and ‘Mouse Heart’ here
