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The Twelve Murders of Christmas
The perfect Christmas gift for armchair detectives – Richard Osman meets Murdle.
It is a time-honoured tradition that in the shadowy nights before Christmas, people gather together by the flicker of candlelight to play parlour games and, later, to share the dark and twisted tales of Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie and more.
Now, there’s a new storyteller in town, bringing you twelve new festive tales – but this time, with a twist.
At the end of each story, you will receive another clue – but can you solve the mystery in time for Christmas?
These twelve puzzling whodunnits will test even the most seasoned of sleuths and serve as fascinating reading for the whole family.
It is a time-honoured tradition that in the shadowy nights before Christmas, people gather together by the flicker of candlelight to play parlour games and, later, to share the dark and twisted tales of Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie and more.
Now, there’s a new storyteller in town, bringing you twelve new festive tales – but this time, with a twist.
At the end of each story, you will receive another clue – but can you solve the mystery in time for Christmas?
These twelve puzzling whodunnits will test even the most seasoned of sleuths and serve as fascinating reading for the whole family.
Hardcover
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About the author
Sarah Dunnakey
6 books18 followersSarah Dunnakey grew up in Guisborough, on the edge of the North York Moors and later Redcar in Teesside, by the sea. She now lives in West Yorkshire with her husband and daughter.
After brief stints as a College Librarian, an Education Officer in a Victorian Cemetery and an NHS researcher she landed her dream job as a Question Researcher on Mastermind.
She now writes and verifies questions for several TV quiz shows including University Challenge, Pointless and 15-to-1. Her work, especially researching Specialist Subjects for Mastermind, has been a rich source of story ideas.
She has had short stories published in various anthologies. Her story ‘The Marzipan Husband’ was broadcast on BBC Radio 4. In 2014 she won a Northern Writers’ Award for the ‘The Companion’, her debut novel.
After brief stints as a College Librarian, an Education Officer in a Victorian Cemetery and an NHS researcher she landed her dream job as a Question Researcher on Mastermind.
She now writes and verifies questions for several TV quiz shows including University Challenge, Pointless and 15-to-1. Her work, especially researching Specialist Subjects for Mastermind, has been a rich source of story ideas.
She has had short stories published in various anthologies. Her story ‘The Marzipan Husband’ was broadcast on BBC Radio 4. In 2014 she won a Northern Writers’ Award for the ‘The Companion’, her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 9, 2024
I received a free copy of, The Twelve Murders of Christmas, by Sarah Dunnakey, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Its Christmas Eve in Yorkshire, and the first anniversary of the death of Edward Luddendham. People are gathered at his place for the reading of his will, they were asked to bring a mystery with them, and its up to the reader to solve it. This was a good murder mystery puzzle book, with a Christmas theme.
November 18, 2024
I received a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review aspart of the book tour hosted by Random Things Tours.
The Twelve Murders of Christmas is a fun murder mystery book with an intriguing concept and plot.
We follow a group of people all asked to attend Christmas at the deceased hosts home to solve the mystery of his murder. Everything is provided for the guests from accommodation to meals, and each member must stay until Christmas Eve for the reading of his will. The challenge they've been given is to each tell a festive mystery story at some point during their stay and solve his mysterious death along the way.
I loved how cleverly put together this book was. Not only was there the main plot/story unfolding, but we have many different mini stories told by each guest and then at the end of each section a group of puzzles to solve. Some are goose eggs, and you need to decipher the puzzles to work out the mystery.
This is the perfect seasonal book for puzzle lovers, sleuths, and even couples to share and solve together over the festive season.
The Twelve Murders of Christmas is a fun murder mystery book with an intriguing concept and plot.
We follow a group of people all asked to attend Christmas at the deceased hosts home to solve the mystery of his murder. Everything is provided for the guests from accommodation to meals, and each member must stay until Christmas Eve for the reading of his will. The challenge they've been given is to each tell a festive mystery story at some point during their stay and solve his mysterious death along the way.
I loved how cleverly put together this book was. Not only was there the main plot/story unfolding, but we have many different mini stories told by each guest and then at the end of each section a group of puzzles to solve. Some are goose eggs, and you need to decipher the puzzles to work out the mystery.
This is the perfect seasonal book for puzzle lovers, sleuths, and even couples to share and solve together over the festive season.
December 31, 2024
3.5
I read this as a book club Book of the Month. Frankly I'd like to throttle the good friend who suggested it. I tore my hair out trying to work out one of the clues only to discover that it was written in an ambiguous way and wasn't even the answer I wanted.
I'm good at word games and simple Sudoku but lateral thinking - not my bag at all. Still, the puzzles were mostly fun and I enjoyed doing them.
The twelve murder stories, on the other hand, were a little weak. I didn't particularly feel engaged with any of the characters but that might simply have been the style of the book. The stories were almost superfluous to the puzzles and felt a bit contrived. I think I'd have preferred a simple puzzle book.
I read this as a book club Book of the Month. Frankly I'd like to throttle the good friend who suggested it. I tore my hair out trying to work out one of the clues only to discover that it was written in an ambiguous way and wasn't even the answer I wanted.
I'm good at word games and simple Sudoku but lateral thinking - not my bag at all. Still, the puzzles were mostly fun and I enjoyed doing them.
The twelve murder stories, on the other hand, were a little weak. I didn't particularly feel engaged with any of the characters but that might simply have been the style of the book. The stories were almost superfluous to the puzzles and felt a bit contrived. I think I'd have preferred a simple puzzle book.
October 29, 2024
I love puzzle books, murder mystery, and I absolutely love Christmas. So when I saw this book, I knew I had to read it.
I love the concept of this book. You are tasked with solving puzzles at the end of each section, and if you correctly work them out, you then have a final one to solve right at the end.
You read stories from guests attending the former home of Edward Luddenham. Who died mysteriously. Then you work out the puzzles.
I think because I read the as an ARC and read it over a few days, I did lose interest slightly. I would have preferred to pick it up, do a section, and come back to it another time. Just to break it up.
I would also suggest only buying this in a physical copy. If you're like me and you're slightly rubbish at this sort of thing and need to keep going back and forth to reread parts, ebook is a right pain to do this with. This is why I didn't work out the end one.
This would make an excellent gift or stocking filler.
Thank you to Avons Books for my advanced copy
My opinions are my own.
I love the concept of this book. You are tasked with solving puzzles at the end of each section, and if you correctly work them out, you then have a final one to solve right at the end.
You read stories from guests attending the former home of Edward Luddenham. Who died mysteriously. Then you work out the puzzles.
I think because I read the as an ARC and read it over a few days, I did lose interest slightly. I would have preferred to pick it up, do a section, and come back to it another time. Just to break it up.
I would also suggest only buying this in a physical copy. If you're like me and you're slightly rubbish at this sort of thing and need to keep going back and forth to reread parts, ebook is a right pain to do this with. This is why I didn't work out the end one.
This would make an excellent gift or stocking filler.
Thank you to Avons Books for my advanced copy
My opinions are my own.
November 14, 2024
Edward died under suspicious circumstances. His friends and family are gathered to hear what they may have inherited from Edward. The only issue is that the killer is among the guests. This book kept me guessing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2025
Every so often I award a book the Headache award this year all ready this is winning book the author is big headed show off,who hell wants to be quizzed?
The stories are good but there is one funny but totally stupid one that's why I don't think this good book spoilt by showing off
The stories are good but there is one funny but totally stupid one that's why I don't think this good book spoilt by showing off
December 26, 2024
Not a bad way to while away a few hours over Christmas. A group of individuals are brought together at a country house for the reading of the will belonging to the property’s murdered owner. We know that the murderer is present in the house but not who it is. Each guest is invited to tell a murder story and conveniently most of them knows one, even the dog!! At the end of each chapter, there is a puzzle to do which results in a word that has to be carried forward to the final chapter and will contribute to the solving of the final puzzle which will reveal the murderer.
I’m afraid I got bored with the endless storytelling and skimmed through much of it, eventually just completing the puzzles. The final outcome was interesting and unexpected, however.
I’m afraid I got bored with the endless storytelling and skimmed through much of it, eventually just completing the puzzles. The final outcome was interesting and unexpected, however.
December 31, 2024
By far the best Xmas murder mystery book I've read so far. Combining my love of Xmas, murder and puzzles into one book, delivered through one overarching story with 11 unique and well written murder stories, one told solely from the POV of a DOG. So you can see how this is a top tier book from that alone.
I would say this is best enjoyed as a buddy read as me and my pal Jo have been working our way through the stories and puzzles together over xmas and it was a lot of fun doing it this way. The puzzles can be HARD. We didn't get them all 😆 but we solved the murder. So we didn't do too badly at all!
It's a shame that this book isn't more popular because some of the terrible Xmas murder mysteries we've read were big sellers. So definitely recommend picking up this lesser known book if you feel let down by the mainstream offerings
I would say this is best enjoyed as a buddy read as me and my pal Jo have been working our way through the stories and puzzles together over xmas and it was a lot of fun doing it this way. The puzzles can be HARD. We didn't get them all 😆 but we solved the murder. So we didn't do too badly at all!
It's a shame that this book isn't more popular because some of the terrible Xmas murder mysteries we've read were big sellers. So definitely recommend picking up this lesser known book if you feel let down by the mainstream offerings
December 12, 2025
I didn't know what to expect from this one. It says killer "puzzle book" on the front. There are 12 murders, but the blurb makes it sound like a novel. What is this book?!?!
Good fun is what it was.
Guests are invited to Bracestone House on the 1st anniversary of Edward Luddenham's death. He's suggested they all bring a tale of murder and intrigue to pass the time, and he's invited a private detective to try and figure out which of his inner circle bore him ill will.
Oh, and there are puzzles that have little to do with anything. And the stories don't have much to do with anything either. IT SHOULDN'T HAVE WORKED, and yet... it kinda did.
The bird puzzle managed to annoy everyone I sent it too, so that was fun too.
Absolute chaos, and I was down for it.
Good fun is what it was.
Guests are invited to Bracestone House on the 1st anniversary of Edward Luddenham's death. He's suggested they all bring a tale of murder and intrigue to pass the time, and he's invited a private detective to try and figure out which of his inner circle bore him ill will.
Oh, and there are puzzles that have little to do with anything. And the stories don't have much to do with anything either. IT SHOULDN'T HAVE WORKED, and yet... it kinda did.
The bird puzzle managed to annoy everyone I sent it too, so that was fun too.
Absolute chaos, and I was down for it.
October 12, 2024
A clever combination of murder mystery stories and puzzles.
A year on from Edward Luddenham’s mysterious death, 9 people gather for the reading of the will. Each comes with a murderous tale to share…. At the end of each story there are a series of puzzles to solve in order to solve the mystery of who killed Edward.
I enjoyed the concept of the book and enjoyed the murderous tales that each person had to share. I did get a little confused during the storytelling when each character was going between talking in the present and telling the story, but on the whole I enjoyed the storytelling.
The puzzles added an element of fun, and I was keen to solve them. I struggled with a few of the puzzles, but continued with the story regardless as I enjoyed the tales.
This was a cosy murder mystery read. I don’t think the puzzles were for me, but I enjoyed the storytelling and this book would be perfect for people who love cosy murder mysteries and solving puzzles/codes.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books Uk for the advance egalley of this to read. All opinions shared are my own.
A year on from Edward Luddenham’s mysterious death, 9 people gather for the reading of the will. Each comes with a murderous tale to share…. At the end of each story there are a series of puzzles to solve in order to solve the mystery of who killed Edward.
I enjoyed the concept of the book and enjoyed the murderous tales that each person had to share. I did get a little confused during the storytelling when each character was going between talking in the present and telling the story, but on the whole I enjoyed the storytelling.
The puzzles added an element of fun, and I was keen to solve them. I struggled with a few of the puzzles, but continued with the story regardless as I enjoyed the tales.
This was a cosy murder mystery read. I don’t think the puzzles were for me, but I enjoyed the storytelling and this book would be perfect for people who love cosy murder mysteries and solving puzzles/codes.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books Uk for the advance egalley of this to read. All opinions shared are my own.
November 14, 2024
I was beyond excited to grab my hands on a copy of this book, I loved the concept and I couldn’t wait to experience it for myself. Also, I must comment on the stunning book cover too, as soon as I laid eyes on it, my attention was grabbed.
Sarah Dunnakey is one talented author, to be able to not only write numerous stories whilst intertwining them with the main plot, but to come up with those puzzles as well is just mind blowing to me! I honestly had so much fun too, and it was a lovely activity to get talking with my partner which is a huge bonus. Some puzzles I honestly couldn’t crack and I was kept on my toes, but it felt so good when I solved the ones I could do!
As for the stories themselves, some really gripped me but others had me itching to get to the end for the next lot of puzzles. What I will say is though the author is fantastic at scene setting and descriptions, I could really visualise and feel the atmosphere.
I actually predicted the ending, which I won’t spoil, but never the less, that didn’t ruin the story for me, if anything, I felt quite smug it being a puzzle book and all. This book and the thought behind it was pure brilliance, unique and innovative!
Sarah Dunnakey is one talented author, to be able to not only write numerous stories whilst intertwining them with the main plot, but to come up with those puzzles as well is just mind blowing to me! I honestly had so much fun too, and it was a lovely activity to get talking with my partner which is a huge bonus. Some puzzles I honestly couldn’t crack and I was kept on my toes, but it felt so good when I solved the ones I could do!
As for the stories themselves, some really gripped me but others had me itching to get to the end for the next lot of puzzles. What I will say is though the author is fantastic at scene setting and descriptions, I could really visualise and feel the atmosphere.
I actually predicted the ending, which I won’t spoil, but never the less, that didn’t ruin the story for me, if anything, I felt quite smug it being a puzzle book and all. This book and the thought behind it was pure brilliance, unique and innovative!
November 7, 2024
On the first anniversary of the death of Edward Luddenham, invitation have gone out, to meet in his country house on the Yorkshire Moors. With everyone gathered together, they each have their own mystery story to tell. Each story has clues and twists for you to solve, before moving onto the next one. If you love mysteries and puzzles this is the book for you, just make sure you have your notepad and pen by your side. I found it a easy read and loved how you become part on the book, always looking for clue as you go.
November 8, 2024
A group of Edward Luddenham's nearest & dearest are invited to gather at his home on the North Yorkshire moors on the first anniversary of his mysterious death. All meals & accommodation have been paid for & they are to stay until Christmas Eve when his final Will will be read. For entertainment, each one has been instructed to tell a 'festive mystery story' over the week. It soon becomes clear that before his death, Edward suspected that one of his friends or relatives was going to kill him & his murderer is amongst the guests this year.
Wow, this was something different! I absolutely loved working out the puzzles & the clues & some of them were real brain teasers & you'll definitely need to keep a pen & paper handy. The individual stories were also great & I particularly enjoyed the one about the man disappearing into thin air from the underground tunnels & the one about the young man who inherits his estranged uncle's mansion. I actually managed to work out the guilty party before the final clue. Speaking of which, if I had a criticism it would be that I found the final clue a bit disappointing (a cypher type puzzle) whereas I don't know, I suppose I was expecting the clues collected to point to the killer à la Poirot. 4.5 stars (rounded up).
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Avon Books UK, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Wow, this was something different! I absolutely loved working out the puzzles & the clues & some of them were real brain teasers & you'll definitely need to keep a pen & paper handy. The individual stories were also great & I particularly enjoyed the one about the man disappearing into thin air from the underground tunnels & the one about the young man who inherits his estranged uncle's mansion. I actually managed to work out the guilty party before the final clue. Speaking of which, if I had a criticism it would be that I found the final clue a bit disappointing (a cypher type puzzle) whereas I don't know, I suppose I was expecting the clues collected to point to the killer à la Poirot. 4.5 stars (rounded up).
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Avon Books UK, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
November 20, 2024
The 12 Murders Of Christmas by Sarah Dunnakey.
🎄Blurb-
It is a time-honoured tradition that in the shadowy nights before Christmas, people gather together by the flicker of candlelight to play parlour games and, later, to share the dark and twisted tales of Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie and more.
Now, there’s a new storyteller in town, bringing you twelve new festive tales – but this time, with a twist.
At the end of each story, you will receive another clue – but can you solve the mystery in time for Christmas
💜 Review -
This was such a fun book. I love mystery/crime novels and puzzle books and this had both so I knew that I would love it. As you read the stories, you solve puzzles that gives you clues along the way and if you get them right you have one more puzzle at the end of the book that tells you who done the murder. I absolutely loved this book, it would make a great Christmas present. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
❤️ Thank you to Random Things Tours, the publisher, Avon books and the author, Sarah Dunnakey for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
🎄The 12 Murders Of Christmas is released on 7th November.
🎄Blurb-
It is a time-honoured tradition that in the shadowy nights before Christmas, people gather together by the flicker of candlelight to play parlour games and, later, to share the dark and twisted tales of Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie and more.
Now, there’s a new storyteller in town, bringing you twelve new festive tales – but this time, with a twist.
At the end of each story, you will receive another clue – but can you solve the mystery in time for Christmas
💜 Review -
This was such a fun book. I love mystery/crime novels and puzzle books and this had both so I knew that I would love it. As you read the stories, you solve puzzles that gives you clues along the way and if you get them right you have one more puzzle at the end of the book that tells you who done the murder. I absolutely loved this book, it would make a great Christmas present. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
❤️ Thank you to Random Things Tours, the publisher, Avon books and the author, Sarah Dunnakey for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
🎄The 12 Murders Of Christmas is released on 7th November.
December 18, 2024
Dnf at 50%. I tried. I really did and thought it would be so fun with puzzles. It was not. The book had a lot of spelling errors as well like saying “then” instead of “them” ex: “was one of then wearing a scream mask?” Oof. It was so hard to follow being stories within a story and I couldn’t keep it all straight. The puzzles gave me grade school flashbacks of “if bus a is traveling at 57 miles and hour and bus b is traveling at 15 miles and hour…. Ugh! My first DNF this year. Bummer!
November 8, 2024
The Twelve Murders of Christmas has an intriguing premise; nine people are gathering at the home of Edward Luddenham, on the the first anniversary of his mysterious death. Now each guest is tasked with telling a murderous tale, aka a “festive mystery story” to their fellow guests. At the end of each of these stories, is a series of puzzles and if you can solve the puzzle correctly then you will gather a series of clues to help you solve the overall mystery.
While I enjoyed each of the puzzles, I found myself becoming bored with the dual narrative. - back and forth between the present of Christmas and the mystery stories. The constant movement made the storyline feel very interrupted for me, and I lost interest in the murder of Edward. Though I had solved the clues, I wasn't interested in reading the story to determine who had killed him, only to see if I had solved the overall puzzles.
Great premise as I said but too long.
While I enjoyed each of the puzzles, I found myself becoming bored with the dual narrative. - back and forth between the present of Christmas and the mystery stories. The constant movement made the storyline feel very interrupted for me, and I lost interest in the murder of Edward. Though I had solved the clues, I wasn't interested in reading the story to determine who had killed him, only to see if I had solved the overall puzzles.
Great premise as I said but too long.
November 18, 2024
I don't know if anyone else will quite understand my absolute joy at getting hold of this book!
I am completely and utterly obsessed with murder mysteries and am always trying to make my own theories whilst reading (not that I always succeed....but still!)
So to discover that this book contained not one....not two.....but 12 mini mysteries within the one whole AND that we were actively invited to work through each story and solve the clues along the way.
Did I go a bit crazy with my pad and pen? - hmm! Yes I did!
So the main storyline was exciting and intriguing. 9 guests are invited to Edward's manor house on the anniversary of his death.
It's time to read the will and within it, Edward has set out a few house rules for the duration of the guests' visit.
This immediately held my interest and had my brain working overtime - why these particular guests - what did they have in common - how did they know Edward - or each other for that matter!
It was brilliant working through each of the stories and learning more and more about the characters.
At the end of each story we were then given a few puzzles to work through which would (when put together) create the final mystery for us to solve.
I read this over a few days and liked that I could read a story and solve the puzzles and then come away from it ready to start the next one afresh the next day - but I have to admit to getting a bit impatient and reading more than one each day.
It was pretty addictive.
The writing style was nice and easy to read and the puzzles were tricky, without being too fiendish.
I also loved that there were also answers in the back of the book ....just in case.....
This reminded me of Ludwig (that we just finished watching), Knives Out and a couple of other Christmas murder mysteries that I've read over the years - but I really liked that this was unique and loved the interactive elements.
This would make a great gift for anyone who loves reading mysteries and/or anyone who loves doing puzzles - I'm even going to pass this on to my boys who aren't big readers - but I'm convinced that they'll also love the interactive elements and that each story is manageable , so they can read it over time.
A great read and really hope that the author creates more like this!
I am completely and utterly obsessed with murder mysteries and am always trying to make my own theories whilst reading (not that I always succeed....but still!)
So to discover that this book contained not one....not two.....but 12 mini mysteries within the one whole AND that we were actively invited to work through each story and solve the clues along the way.
Did I go a bit crazy with my pad and pen? - hmm! Yes I did!
So the main storyline was exciting and intriguing. 9 guests are invited to Edward's manor house on the anniversary of his death.
It's time to read the will and within it, Edward has set out a few house rules for the duration of the guests' visit.
This immediately held my interest and had my brain working overtime - why these particular guests - what did they have in common - how did they know Edward - or each other for that matter!
It was brilliant working through each of the stories and learning more and more about the characters.
At the end of each story we were then given a few puzzles to work through which would (when put together) create the final mystery for us to solve.
I read this over a few days and liked that I could read a story and solve the puzzles and then come away from it ready to start the next one afresh the next day - but I have to admit to getting a bit impatient and reading more than one each day.
It was pretty addictive.
The writing style was nice and easy to read and the puzzles were tricky, without being too fiendish.
I also loved that there were also answers in the back of the book ....just in case.....
This reminded me of Ludwig (that we just finished watching), Knives Out and a couple of other Christmas murder mysteries that I've read over the years - but I really liked that this was unique and loved the interactive elements.
This would make a great gift for anyone who loves reading mysteries and/or anyone who loves doing puzzles - I'm even going to pass this on to my boys who aren't big readers - but I'm convinced that they'll also love the interactive elements and that each story is manageable , so they can read it over time.
A great read and really hope that the author creates more like this!
November 27, 2024
I don't really know why, but I had a hard time finishing this book. I was attracted to it immediately because it seemed to have so many things I like--puzzles, mysteries, a holiday setting, etc. But I couldn't seem to ever get into the swing of it. I don't think that it works for me personally to have the bulk of the novel be the characters telling stories. I found this structure to be somewhat confusing (so many names to remember), and it didn't help that as an American I'm used to single quotes being inside double quotes rather than the reverse. All that said, the book is well-written and the puzzles are extremely well-done. I appreciate the opportunity to give the book a try. It just wasn't for me. Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley!
January 6, 2025
It’s Christmas Eve and guests have gathered to remember Edward a year after his mysterious death. Everyone has been asked to bring a puzzle with them for everyone else to solve. The only issue is that one of them also killed Edward.
This was a fun concept with a festive theme from an accomplished puzzle setter turned author. Although the story isn’t very twisty, the puzzles are fun and definitely kept me guessing. A couple required very lateral thinking to solve them.
All in all, some good puzzles and something a bit different!
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in return for an honest review.
This was a fun concept with a festive theme from an accomplished puzzle setter turned author. Although the story isn’t very twisty, the puzzles are fun and definitely kept me guessing. A couple required very lateral thinking to solve them.
All in all, some good puzzles and something a bit different!
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in return for an honest review.
December 23, 2025
The stories within this story were great. The puzzles at the end of each chapter not so much. The idea seemed fun and interesting since I love puzzles. The novel is also very British which I love, but some of the people, places and pop culture are localized enough to not make sense to me. You don’t need to complete the puzzles to figure it out in the end. The book itself was well written. Characters were interesting. Great read.
January 19, 2025
Good fun and a great story!!
November 7, 2024
Nine people are invited to Edward Luddenham’s Manor House for pre-Christmas festivities.
However, Edward has been dead for a year, and the invitation came from his lawyer.
The letter specifies certain rules: the guests have to get along; they have to stay for the period between the 19th-24th December if they wish to receive anything from the will; and they must share a murder mystery story with each other.
The last will and testament of Edward’s will be read on the 24th of December, marking a full year of his death.
However, among the guests, there is Edward’s killer…
Wow! I loved this book!
I was immediately sucked into the mystery of why the guests were invited to Edward’s house in the first place. What was their link to Edward/ each other? Was there even a link?
I adored the book’s layout: each time a guest shares their story, a puzzle follows. They take many forms, including anagrams and ciphers. There is also a single word clue, which is needed to solve the final puzzle at the end of the book.
I love my puzzles and I must admit that I struggled with some of them. They certainly made me think!
Overall, it’s a fabulous book combining a murder mystery and puzzles. I definitely recommend it.
However, Edward has been dead for a year, and the invitation came from his lawyer.
The letter specifies certain rules: the guests have to get along; they have to stay for the period between the 19th-24th December if they wish to receive anything from the will; and they must share a murder mystery story with each other.
The last will and testament of Edward’s will be read on the 24th of December, marking a full year of his death.
However, among the guests, there is Edward’s killer…
Wow! I loved this book!
I was immediately sucked into the mystery of why the guests were invited to Edward’s house in the first place. What was their link to Edward/ each other? Was there even a link?
I adored the book’s layout: each time a guest shares their story, a puzzle follows. They take many forms, including anagrams and ciphers. There is also a single word clue, which is needed to solve the final puzzle at the end of the book.
I love my puzzles and I must admit that I struggled with some of them. They certainly made me think!
Overall, it’s a fabulous book combining a murder mystery and puzzles. I definitely recommend it.
January 11, 2025
It's been a year since Edward's death, but his murderer is still on the loose. This Christmas, he has invited a selection of people back to his house to uncover his murderer. But can you solve the puzzles to solve the crime?
This novel had a great concept. I liked that it was interactive for the reader; we needed to solve the puzzles to complete the novel. However, I found the pace disjointed as each chapter had an individual story that changed the pace of the main narrative.
This was a struggle for me in places, but one you can easily dip in and out of.
This novel had a great concept. I liked that it was interactive for the reader; we needed to solve the puzzles to complete the novel. However, I found the pace disjointed as each chapter had an individual story that changed the pace of the main narrative.
This was a struggle for me in places, but one you can easily dip in and out of.
December 8, 2024
It's the first anniversary of the mysterious death of Edward Luddenham. Nine people gather at his manor house for the reading of his will. They all have their own motivations for going. They have each been instructed to bring a festive mystery story to share.
I really enjoyed being able to take part in this story. As the main story unfolded their own stories gave a few things away. The puzzles at the end of each story were fun (although there were a few goose eggs thrown in).
I really enjoyed being able to take part in this story. As the main story unfolded their own stories gave a few things away. The puzzles at the end of each story were fun (although there were a few goose eggs thrown in).
December 20, 2024
Essentially a bunch of average short stories with some gems hidden amongst them, surrounded by a somewhat dry main story which only really got juicy in the last chapter when all the actual secrets came out. The puzzles were a nice touch in between chapters and to ultimately figure out the big mystery, but even some of them were far fetched.
Overall, a decent and unique experience but one I won’t be repeating in a while 😂
Overall, a decent and unique experience but one I won’t be repeating in a while 😂
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January 18, 2025Unique and incredibly well written, The 12 Murders Of Christmas is in equal parts a murder yarn, a mystery story and a book of puzzles. Bring a pencil and make sure it’s sharp because it is utterly addictive – never has the phrase ‘one more chapter before bed’ been so literarily appropriate.
January 10, 2025
I enjoyed the stories. I could do some of the puzzles at the end of each of them but others were impossibly hard without a knowledge of science.
December 5, 2025
This is a very fun book for murder mystery enthusiasts, with some incredibly varied and invariably clever puzzles for the reader to solve along the way. I wasn’t familiar with Sarah Dunnakey’s work before reading this, but even just the first few chapters leave no doubt that she has an impressive handle on every kind of puzzle (be it cryptic, mathematical or ciphers). There’s something in here to suit all tastes!
Although this book is framed by one overarching murder mystery, that very much takes a backseat to focus instead on the series of short stories - each told by one of the nine guests, the housekeeper and even a dog…! - which are each a murder mystery in themselves, with accompanying puzzles at the end for the reader to solve. I loved this idea, and it made it very easy to dip in and out of for very short reading periods, but it sadly left me feeling uninvested in the main murder mystery which felt very sidelined.
There was no real time written in to consider that larger mystery (or to care more deeply about the characters & their potential motives) until the final, very rushed chapter. It almost felt like we were supposed to solve that mystery only via the accumulated puzzle clues (using code breaking to reveal a message telling you who the killer is, rather than deducing it yourself like I would for any other murder mystery), which I was quite disappointed by. At least to me, the ‘whodunnit’ clues didn’t feel sufficient to let you solve it on your own without some degree of guesswork (if you decided to simply ignore the puzzle elements) - but perhaps I wasn’t observant enough and the author simply outwitted me (I mean that sincerely!). I am also a sucker for a parlour room denouement (à la Poirot), so was disappointed to only get half of that at the end of this book.
The array of short stories incorporated an impressive range of themes, genres & storytelling styles, each very well delineated by both the author and the *incredible* audiobook narrator, Kristin Atherton. For me, though, not all of the stories were strong enough to hold my interest. I really enjoyed some of them - especially A Slippery Slope, The Masked Carol Singer, Some Like It Hot and The Lads of Christmas - but I struggled to stay engaged with some of the others, particularly the dog POV (but maybe I’m just not in enough of a whimsical mood just now?). I do think others will have a different experience though, and the variety of themes in the stories means there’s probably something for everyone here!
Overall, I did enjoy this book, and highly recommend it for those murder mystery fans who are looking more for a series of puzzles (like Murdle) and some short stories to breeze through, rather than a longer mystery novel.
I will now include a list of Content Warnings for those who find forewarning of potentially sensitive topics helpful. So fair warning to STOP READING HERE TO AVOID MINOR SPOILERS!!
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Content Warnings:
Although this book is framed by one overarching murder mystery, that very much takes a backseat to focus instead on the series of short stories - each told by one of the nine guests, the housekeeper and even a dog…! - which are each a murder mystery in themselves, with accompanying puzzles at the end for the reader to solve. I loved this idea, and it made it very easy to dip in and out of for very short reading periods, but it sadly left me feeling uninvested in the main murder mystery which felt very sidelined.
There was no real time written in to consider that larger mystery (or to care more deeply about the characters & their potential motives) until the final, very rushed chapter. It almost felt like we were supposed to solve that mystery only via the accumulated puzzle clues (using code breaking to reveal a message telling you who the killer is, rather than deducing it yourself like I would for any other murder mystery), which I was quite disappointed by. At least to me, the ‘whodunnit’ clues didn’t feel sufficient to let you solve it on your own without some degree of guesswork (if you decided to simply ignore the puzzle elements) - but perhaps I wasn’t observant enough and the author simply outwitted me (I mean that sincerely!). I am also a sucker for a parlour room denouement (à la Poirot), so was disappointed to only get half of that at the end of this book.
The array of short stories incorporated an impressive range of themes, genres & storytelling styles, each very well delineated by both the author and the *incredible* audiobook narrator, Kristin Atherton. For me, though, not all of the stories were strong enough to hold my interest. I really enjoyed some of them - especially A Slippery Slope, The Masked Carol Singer, Some Like It Hot and The Lads of Christmas - but I struggled to stay engaged with some of the others, particularly the dog POV (but maybe I’m just not in enough of a whimsical mood just now?). I do think others will have a different experience though, and the variety of themes in the stories means there’s probably something for everyone here!
Overall, I did enjoy this book, and highly recommend it for those murder mystery fans who are looking more for a series of puzzles (like Murdle) and some short stories to breeze through, rather than a longer mystery novel.
I will now include a list of Content Warnings for those who find forewarning of potentially sensitive topics helpful. So fair warning to STOP READING HERE TO AVOID MINOR SPOILERS!!
——————-
Content Warnings:
October 27, 2024
This book was a lot of fun. Not only do we get a whole host of murder mysteries to puzzle over, we literally get puzzles to puzzle over too. PLenty of them in fact, so if you love to ponder over an anagram, if Logic Problem puzzle books were your favourite go to for whiling away a few hours, if you believe you are a genius at mathematics, or if you simply believe that you can out Poirot Poirot, then this could well be the book for you.
Sarah Dunnakey has created a wonderful mix of characters who all gather at Bracestone House at the bequest of the late Edward Luddenham. The reason - on paper at least - is to attend the reading of Edward's will. The real reason? Why to unmask Edward's killer of course. Now, it stands to reason that the killer will be one of the people attending this event, but who, of the many suspects placed before us, would it be? Well, to find out we have to navigate a series of short stories as it were, each ending in a series of puzzles, one of which will give a clue to the greatest mystery of them all - whodunnit.
With such a wide variety of characters, we are treated to a mixture of mysteries too. From tales of vengeance, to tales of greed, there is a little bit of everything for everyone, and a chance for us to flex out Detective muscles trying to outpace the story in terms of determining what each one might reveal. I really enjoyed these various fireside tales, each one giving a taste of something slightly different, like the many varied courses Bracestone House's housekeeper treated the guests to each night. If you like a good short story collection, then the book is worth reading for them alone.
For me, the real bonus, was the various puzzles that festoon the book at the end of each of the short stories. They vary in type, and often complexity, and it really did allow me to challenge my mental agility, as well as often my observational skills, something I can only benefit from as I age, right? This is the kind of book I can see keeping people amused around a fireside at Christmas, or even in the run up as it is easy to break down the book into a chapter, or story, a night, with one set of puzzles a day to lead you towards the big reveal. Will you be able to guess whodunnit ahead of the final set of clues? maybe, maybe not. Did I get the identity of the killer correct? Well, that's between me and my conscience isn't it? I'm certainly not going to reveal it to anyone reading this.
'Puzzle' based crime books are having a real boon right now, and I am loving it. A lot of fun and definitely recommended.
Sarah Dunnakey has created a wonderful mix of characters who all gather at Bracestone House at the bequest of the late Edward Luddenham. The reason - on paper at least - is to attend the reading of Edward's will. The real reason? Why to unmask Edward's killer of course. Now, it stands to reason that the killer will be one of the people attending this event, but who, of the many suspects placed before us, would it be? Well, to find out we have to navigate a series of short stories as it were, each ending in a series of puzzles, one of which will give a clue to the greatest mystery of them all - whodunnit.
With such a wide variety of characters, we are treated to a mixture of mysteries too. From tales of vengeance, to tales of greed, there is a little bit of everything for everyone, and a chance for us to flex out Detective muscles trying to outpace the story in terms of determining what each one might reveal. I really enjoyed these various fireside tales, each one giving a taste of something slightly different, like the many varied courses Bracestone House's housekeeper treated the guests to each night. If you like a good short story collection, then the book is worth reading for them alone.
For me, the real bonus, was the various puzzles that festoon the book at the end of each of the short stories. They vary in type, and often complexity, and it really did allow me to challenge my mental agility, as well as often my observational skills, something I can only benefit from as I age, right? This is the kind of book I can see keeping people amused around a fireside at Christmas, or even in the run up as it is easy to break down the book into a chapter, or story, a night, with one set of puzzles a day to lead you towards the big reveal. Will you be able to guess whodunnit ahead of the final set of clues? maybe, maybe not. Did I get the identity of the killer correct? Well, that's between me and my conscience isn't it? I'm certainly not going to reveal it to anyone reading this.
'Puzzle' based crime books are having a real boon right now, and I am loving it. A lot of fun and definitely recommended.
December 15, 2025
This book is a wonderfully clever mix of mystery, puzzles, and murder. Nine people are invited to Braceton House on the atmospheric North Yorkshire Moors, where they will stay from the 19th to the 24th of December. During their festive gathering, each guest must share a story filled with mystery and murder. At the end of it all, the will of the late Edward Luddenham, who died exactly one year earlier, will be read, and his murderer finally revealed.
The story unfolds through a series of short stories, one from each character, and at the end of every chapter there are puzzles to solve. By collecting all the answers throughout the book, you should be able to uncover the identity of the murderer yourself. It’s a really fun and interactive concept that makes you feel part of the mystery rather than just a reader.
I love puzzles, and while some of these were definitely challenging and pushed me well outside my comfort zone, that was part of the appeal. I’m fine with anagrams and crosswords, but some of the puzzles really made me think. I was so caught up in the reading that I didn’t always stop to work them out properly, but I can absolutely see how satisfying it would be for dedicated puzzlers.
The short stories themselves are a mixed bag, but many were engaging and cleverly done, and the festive mystery atmosphere worked really well. This is an ideal book for readers who enjoy short stories, brain teasers, and classic whodunits with a twist. I enjoyed it more as I went along and can easily imagine many mystery fans loving every minute of it.
And if you do get stuck, the answers are provided at the back of the book, along with the final reveal of who killed Edward, though no peeking until you’ve finished! Will you be able to solve the mystery before the book tells you the answer?
The story unfolds through a series of short stories, one from each character, and at the end of every chapter there are puzzles to solve. By collecting all the answers throughout the book, you should be able to uncover the identity of the murderer yourself. It’s a really fun and interactive concept that makes you feel part of the mystery rather than just a reader.
I love puzzles, and while some of these were definitely challenging and pushed me well outside my comfort zone, that was part of the appeal. I’m fine with anagrams and crosswords, but some of the puzzles really made me think. I was so caught up in the reading that I didn’t always stop to work them out properly, but I can absolutely see how satisfying it would be for dedicated puzzlers.
The short stories themselves are a mixed bag, but many were engaging and cleverly done, and the festive mystery atmosphere worked really well. This is an ideal book for readers who enjoy short stories, brain teasers, and classic whodunits with a twist. I enjoyed it more as I went along and can easily imagine many mystery fans loving every minute of it.
And if you do get stuck, the answers are provided at the back of the book, along with the final reveal of who killed Edward, though no peeking until you’ve finished! Will you be able to solve the mystery before the book tells you the answer?
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