The Merry Christmas Murders

by Alexandra Benedict

Murder is AFOOT in this brand new murder-mystery series by leading adult crime writer, Alexandra Benedict. Perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time with a puzzle hook for middle grade readers.

Every year, six local schools compete to win the Christmas Cup. Last year, the rival school to Brooke Parkin’s school won for the most crackers pulled in a minute! This year, the cup will be judged and awarded to the school with the perfect mince pie. But when a series of murders seemed to be linked to the very mince pies (each with a clue from a letter from the alphabet imprinted in the pastry) the five neuro-divergent children must turn detective and combine their skill sets to find the killer. Can they prevent another death and save their out-of-school club from being shut down forever . . .?

Genres: Christmas, Mystery, Young Adult, Fiction, Crime, Audiobook, Childrens

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2025

About the author

Also writes under A.K. Benedict.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, The Merry Christmas Murders, by Alexandra Benedict, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The school with the best mince pie will win the Christmas Cup. The school children are so excited until the murders happen. So people want to win at any cost. This was a good mystery.

[angelpompom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it but the ending kinda just slapped together.

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

" I've made a connection but need your help to join it all up. We're like fairy lights, you see. Every one needs one of the bulbs to be working together for the lights to work." - the Neurokind club.

Over the last few years, Alexandra Benedict has written some fiendishly festive crime reads for the adult market now she turns her attention to the 9-12 age reading group - The Merry Christmas Murders.

Brooke Parkin is starting a new school just before Christmas - that's a challenge in itself but Brooke is neurodivergent- autistic, anxious and has ADHD. She is always supported by Buoy -her dog. One arriving at Wood Dean school, she is invited to join the Neurokind club - a place for other neurodivergent children to meet together.

Competitions and festive events commence - the highlight being an inter-school Christmas recipe competition; but before it arrives there is tragedy- murders are committed - poisoned mince pies.

Brooke and her new friends (using all of their unique talents) Robyn, Kellan, Mikey and Nisha are determined to track down the killer.

Clues are peppered through the book ( I didn't identify the murderer!) and the children piece together the puzzle.

Fast, fun, and entertaining but as important is the quintet- their skills, talents and challenges placed at the centre of the story showing a story of understanding and friendship in a challenging world for neurodivergent young people.

Alexandra Benedict explains that many of Brooke's experiences are baed on her own experiences.

A festive treat - a gift, great class read or just a book to enjoy over the Christmas period for 9-12 year group.

It would be great to see a sequel in the future .

Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children's Books and Netgalley for the advance copy

Quote:

"If you've met one neurodivergent person, you've met one neurodivergent person- everyone's experiences are varied, varying and valid."

[Read Love Irie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Neurokind Club! 🥹

[Mel Alonso · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute, very sweet book, minus the murders. The mystery was well developed and credible for the target audience. I loved the neurodivergence rep.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://sarahreads4.wordpress.com/202...

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE MERRY CHRISTMAS MURDERS is a fun, Christmassy murder mystery for children.

This is Alexandra Benedict's first novel for children and it's following in the footsteps of her highly successful Christmassy murder mysteries for adult. As well as the overall mystery, there are a few additional puzzles scattered along the way, which was a nice touch. Plus there are points where the book asks the reader to stop and decide who they think is behind it and why. I liked that it encouraged the reader to take part in the story.

It is very Christmassy, from the murder weapon (poisoned mince pies) to the various end of term Christmas events that play into the story line. It is very much a celebration of people coming together for Christmas and the fun that the festive season can bring.

I loved the neurodiverse representation in this book. Often there's only one ND character in a book but here we have a whole club, which was just so nice. It's so important to show that there is no one kind of ND - or one kind of any specific diagnosis - and that's what this book does.

This is the first book in a series. I'm not sure if the others are going to be seasonal (either Christmas or another time of year) but it should be another fun mystery some time next year!

[Marloes D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Het is rond Kerstmis als Brooke naar een nieuwe school gaat. Ze is autistisch en daarom heeft ze een hulphond en oorbeschermers. Op naar nieuwe school is echter een club voor kinderen met´neurodiversiteit´ en hier ervaart ze voor het eerst begrip en vriendschap. De school is echter verwikkeld in een jaarlijkse kerstwedstrijd met een paar andere scholen en zowel onder de leerlingen als het personeel lopen de spanningen hoog op! De kinderen van de club zetten hun bijzondere talenten in om de moorden op te lossen.

Spanning: een whodunnit waarin de lezer actief wordt uitgenodigd om mee te denken. Ook zitten er puzzels in maar je kan het boek lezen zonder daaraan mee te doen.

Plot: het rammelt een beetje maar het gaat er dan ook om dat de kinderen het samen op kunnen lossen.

Doelgroep: kinderen uit de hogere klassen van de basisschool - dus aan mij was het eigenlijk niet besteed.

Personages: Brooke is goed uitgewerkt.

[Jan Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first two books - The Christmas Jigsaw murders and Murder on the Christmas Express so I eagerly looked forward to this year’s offering. I was disappointed with this book as it’s really aimed at YA - but doesn’t really mention this - and is about neurodivergent kids solving a murder. But it didn’t feel consistent to me (Have ND’s in the family). It’s literally set in a school and to be honest I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first two books. I can see the author was trying something different but it didn’t work for me.

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

… other than 11yos using therapy speak it was alright.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

Oh I love Alexandra's books. I have read her previous adult festival murder mystery books and have her next one on pre-order. She is an absolute go-to for crime novels - and for me, Christmas is 365 days of the year, so the fact that this is a festive thriller is instantly a five star for me.

She always has little puzzles in her books, finding song titles in the story or things like that. That works well in this first book because it's for children. There are three puzzles in this; you don't have to do them, they won't affect the reading of the story, but they're a bit of fun, especially for younger readers who don't normally enjoy reading. (And on a side note, I figured out the puzzle that involved some mince pies).

I love the representation of neurodiversity in this book, and anxiety. It can be hard to get mental health or neurodiversity into a book without making it OTT or unrealistic or stereotypical. Alexandra has been very sensitive about it and hopefully it'll relate to any young readers also going through difficult times.

It's so quick and easy to read. I mean I know I'm 3x the recommended reading age, but I read it in a couple of hours, it's so much fun. I think it would be a good book to read to children at bedtime, maybe one chapter a night in the runup to Christmas.

Obviously it is very different to her other festive thrillers because this one is for children, but you can still very clearly hear her voice in it. It's still very much her book.

[Eilidh Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect cosy middle grade mystery that I just could not stop reading. The characters were so fun to read about and it felt like another great diverse middle grade book that we really need more of.

The Merry Christmas Murders follows Brooke who has recently started at a new school where each year a competition takes place with five other schools to win the Christmas Cup but when a series of murders seem to be linked to mice pies Brooke and her new neurodivergent friends team up to try and use their skills to find the killer.

Something I think is so important is middle grade books that features neurodivergent characters in a positive way which is something that this book really does exceed at, the neurokind club features such a diverse group of kids and they felt like real kids rather than characters who had just been written to be neurodiverse. I also loved how much the story emphasised how two people with the same diagnosis aren’t necessarily impacted the same way or need the same help.

The mystery had me so invested throughout the story too. I was expecting to enjoy it but not be all that hooked, however I was definitely wrong, there were times reading this that I definitely reacted to what was going on and I just could not stop reading which I did love. I also think that it was really well developed throughout the book that really makes me want to read more from Alexandra Benedict and I do hope that this is a series, because I would love more well developed mysteries being solved by these characters.

The characters were something else that I loved in this book. One thing that felt really special was how wonderful a lot of the teachers were. They felt really supportive and inclusive towards all the characters which was so nice to read compared to what a lot of neurodivergent people experience at school. Brooke was a character I really liked reading about throughout the book and connected to at many points, Buoy was also such a great addition to the story. Brooke’s new friends were also such good friends and while they did all mistakes they apologised and ended the story as fantastic supportive friends that I loved to see. I definitely do wish I could keep reading more and more about them.

I am so glad that I ended up reading this one because it was such a fun festive mystery that I definitely want to get a copy of for my shelves. I will be reading more from Alexandra Benedict and recommending this one to many people both because of the festive mystery and great neurodivergent cast.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Uk Childrens for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Polly Perks · Rating 3 out of 5]

advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review

A cheerfully festive whodunit with all the hallmarks of cosy crime, tailored beautifully for younger readers. The Merry Christmas Murders is the kind of mystery that invites curiosity rather than intimidation — clue-led, charmingly paced, and wrapped in a Christmassy glow of mince pies, school spirit, and deductive play.

What really sets this apart is how inclusive it is around neurodiversity. The young sleuths of the Neurokind Club bring ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia and more into the heart of the story, and their different ways of thinking are written as genuine investigative superpowers — not hurdles to overcome. It’s refreshing, empowering, and quietly educational in the best possible way, showing young readers that there isn’t just one “correct” way to solve a puzzle or crack a case.

I read it with one very particular reader in mind — my husband, a primary school teacher — and before I’d even reached the end, I was already convinced this was a classroom winner. I’ve recommended that he look into it for his class, because it has exactly the ingredients that spark enthusiasm: teamwork, clever clues, big feelings, and the thrill of figuring things out together.

Adult readers may find the tone a touch gentler than traditional cosy crime, but this isn’t for us — it’s cosy crime training wheels, and it delivers brilliantly. A charming and thoughtful series opener that will likely create a whole new generation of mystery fans.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s UK for the advance copy — this one is sure to light up the readers it was written for.

[Alice magical library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was very interesting and incredibly interactive, which was very unique and new to me!

Out of all the things that Brooke Parkin had thought would happen on the first day of starting her new school, she probably wasn’t expecting a murder to take place. When more strange things and another murder happens, she soon starts to turn to her new friends at her new club to turn into detectives…

I loved this book! I loved how all of the main characters were neurodivergent, and I feel like we need more Murder Mysteries with neurodivergent main characters in them, as this was just brilliant. It felt so good to see myself represented in one of my favourite genres, and one of the most amazing aspects of this was how interactive this was! There were bonus puzzles if you wanted to do them, and after every so few chapters, there would be a suspect list that you could feel in so you can keep track of your thoughts which I thought was so clever! I really like how this book was written, and I did not want to put it down. I really hope to read more of Alexandra’s work in the future!

[Brian Stabler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandra Benedict is treating us. After a year with no Christmas crime, she's back with two and her second, The Merry Christmas Murders, is her first for children!

Starting at a new school is never easy, but it's even harder mid-year and when, like central character Brooke Parkin, you're neurodivergent, but she's soon made to feel welcome by the school's Neurokind group: Robyn, Kellan, Mikey and Nisha. It's just a pity that the head's not that welcoming, but on her first full day he mysteriously dies after eating a mince pie and the group resolve to solve the mystery. 

The Merry Christmas Murders is clearly aimed at a much younger audience than myself, but it's packed with such likeable characters and has such strong depictions of those within the neurodivergent community that it's hard to put down. It's also interesting to read that many of the depictions of neurodivergence are based on Alexandra Benedict's personal experience.

Thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Children's UK and the author for an advance copy.

[FaithfulReviewer (Jacqueline) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Simon and Schuster UK Children's, the author and NetGalley for a DRC in return for an honest review

I have been an avid follower of Alexandra Benedict since I picked up a pre-loved copy of Murder on the Christmas Express a couple of years ago and I've been hooked ever since. Each year we are treated to another festive mystery but this year we have been treated to a double dose. One of those festive offerings is this time aimed at children, featuring characters with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia. This book will appeal to both neuro-typical and neuro-divergent children and adults alike. It is so important for ND children to be able to see themselves represented in literature but also for NT children to learn more about their ND classmates. The author herself is Autistic and has said the main character, Brooke, is based on her own experiences.

As always with Alexandra Benedict's books there are extra puzzles hidden within the pages for the reader to decipher. The answers are in the back of the book. The author also writes crime and speculative fiction under the name A.K. Benedict.

I would definitely like to see more mysteries featuring Brooke Parkin and the rest of the Neurokind club.

#TheMerryChristmasMurders #NetGalley

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Merry Christmas Murders is a delightful and heartfelt YA mystery that stood out for its thoughtful representation and engaging cast of characters. What I appreciated most was that all of the main characters are neurodivergent, and they are written with care, warmth, and individuality. Their perspectives felt authentic and relatable, making it easy to connect with each of them in different ways.
Beyond the representation, the mystery itself is well-paced and accessible, striking a nice balance between tension and a cozy, festive atmosphere. The holiday setting adds charm without overwhelming the story, and the character dynamics give the narrative emotional depth alongside the puzzle.
Overall, this was a book I genuinely loved. It’s an excellent YA mystery that combines inclusivity, heart, and an engaging plot, making it both entertaining and meaningful—especially for readers who don’t often see themselves reflected so clearly on the page.

[Morticia_is_Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brooke has just moved to a new town, after her parents split up. The start of the book is her trip around the new school with her emotional support dog, Buoy. She's very anxious about the new school, really doesn't want to go and the headteacher is not exactly welcoming to her or Buoy.

Things take a turn for the better when Brooke discovers a small club for neurodivergent kids. She's made very welcome there and that welcome changes her mind about starting school: she's actually looking forward to it.

However, when she arrives at school the next morning, it's to find the unfriendly headteacher has been murdered. Can Brooke and her friends at the Neurokind club solve the murder?

The book tackles the problems that neurodivergent kids can face in schools really sympathetically. It's a great book to show other kids how it can feel and to show neurodivergent kids they aren't alone.

[Christine LaBatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke is anxious to be starting a new school as someone who is autistic and has ADHD. When she is touring though, she finds a group of other students in a club called NeuroKind and immediately feels at home. Things take a turn though when the head of school is murdered by a mince pie. Brooke and her friends decide to find the culprit.

I thought this was a delightful mystery! It had all the pacing of a good adult mystery but with middle grade protagonists. I loved the representation of neurodivergence with Brooke and her friends. I also thought the drama between friends (slight and not a huge plot point) was great for a middle grade audience. It also didn't take away from my enjoyment of reading this as an adult. I'm really curious to see if this becomes a series! If so, I'd definitely keep up with it.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jess King · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant light-hearted Christmas themed thriller book!

I think that the neurodivergent representation in this book was done really well... Definitely portrayed well as the author themselves are neurodivergent... But as they said in the book, if you meet one ND individual, you've only met one ND individual!

The ND kids were what really made this book stand out, and the way they used their different skillsets and ways they see the world to solve the murder mystery!

As someone who frequently reads thriller books, I enjoyed this one, despite the target audience being for middle schoolers. I think it would be perfect for this age range, but for me it was a great "popcorn thriller" I suppose but still thoroughly enjoyable!

[Nat Eveleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

This is this authors first work at a children's murder mystery, and it was brilliant. The school the murders happen in is part of a competition which involves many schools about who can make the best mince pie. Until people start dying from mince pies.

This was a really fun read, if you ignore the murder elements. It is ideal for children of a slightly older age, The story is so well written, and has many fun and happy bits in it. I love the characters, and especially the way the author put in neurodiverse children, of which the group of friends each had different needs. I hope there is more to come in this series of books.

[Martin Southard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandra Benedict, well known for her festive crime novels for adults, makes a brilliant leap into children’s fiction for 8–12 year olds with The Merry Christmas Murders. Brooke and the Neurokind Club bring humour, heart, and clever problem-solving to the story, each child’s unique perspective celebrated as a strength. Fans of Benedict’s adult mysteries will recognise her knack for twists and festive fun, now perfectly pitched for younger readers. With mince pies, competitions, and a cosy school setting, it’s an engaging, inclusive, and genuinely entertaining Christmas mystery that children—and adults reading over their shoulder—will adore.

Many thanks to Simon & Schuster UK and NetGalley for providing this advanced copy

[Pulp_Fiction_Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandra Benedict specialises in Christmas mysteries but the difference with this one is it's her first that's middle-grade! I loved that our merry band of protagonists were all neuro-divergent and the author portrayed them fantastically with real heart and understanding of the array of varying diagnoses. I was also a fan of the mystery aspect of this. There were little breadcrumbs scattered throughout that made the reveal make sense and the highest compliment I can give is that I didn't solve it (which is a rarity with adult reads nevermind a children's whodunnit). Something I was very happy to see that is always incorporated into her adult works too is the optional added puzzle element, I always find it a fun festive bonus

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable festive mystery, set in an educational environment, where a school competition around mince pies becomes more of a situation where someone ends up as mincemeat, so to speak...

Now, 5 neurodivergent students must put their unusual talents to use to unravel this mystery. Benedict really delivers with this story, in the process also educating us about those who perceive life through a different lens.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Theediscerning · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book that certainly concentrates just as much, if not more, on neurodivergency representation as in putting together a junior murder mystery. It's down to the SEND students at a Brighton secondary school, including nervous new girl, Brooke, when the head teacher is murdered by poisoned mince pie. And it's a good job they're there to solve it, for the guilty character is just not in the story nearly enough to be identified, and very few child readers will be getting this right at all. A bit of a cheat, all told.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

What a wonderful middle grade murder mystery! I loved the NeutoKind club members and how they took Brooke in straight away. It’s not often you read about neurodiversity this much.
Due to it being an arc, there were a few editing issues that confused me whilst reading (headteachers name changed from Ed to Ian and back again), but it wasn’t enough to stop me really enjoying this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Zoe E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun christmas read.
I'm loving reading Alexandra's books so was looking forward to this one. And even though it's a children's book I still enjoyed it. And can pass is down to my little bookworm.
Full of mystery, and I loved that the children were investigating themselves.
The representation of neurodiversity in this was excellent.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so engaging and heartwarming, I read it in one sitting!
The characters are so fun and felt so real, and the murder mystery was overall well plotted and satisfying.
I will say, the writing was sometimes a little too “on the nose”, but overall it worked for this story.
A great, Christmassy time :)
I hope it becomes a series!!

[Charlie Sharpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun Christmas crime book for kids. I always enjoy Alexandra Benedict’s books, especially her Christmas ones, and so had to read this. It’s fast flowing and captivating - I’m pleased to say I predicted one of the killers correctly.

[Connie Stein]

3.5 stars