The Winter Ball

Buckingham #8

by Anton du Beke

1942, London

In the darkest times, hope lights the way...

As the snow falls on Berkeley Square, the staff at the Buckingham Hotel are busy preparing for the arrival of American soldiers. 'King of the Ballroom' Raymond de Guise is rallying the performers for the forthcoming Winter Ball, with a familiar face returning to surprise the guests.

As rumours circulate that the Royal Party will be in attendance on the night, tensions begin to rise on and off the dancefloor as shocking secrets are revealed. Raymond has always been a keeper of secrets, most especially his own. Unbeknownst to his friends and family, he has returned from the frontline to the ballroom to feed information from high society to the British government...

As the festive season approaches, he is given his most dangerous assignment yet, welcoming three American officials into his home with the knowledge that one is a traitor. As the Christmas baubles glitter, he must discover who has treachery in his heart before it is too late.

Will Raymond be able to protect his home and his country? Or will this be the time he finally loses what he loves the most?

The Winter Ball is a sweeping wartime saga, filled with drama, intrigue, dance and romance from the star of Strictly Come Dancing, Anton Du Beke.

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2025

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 8 in the Buckingham Hotel series and so fair to say am ‘into’ these books, was good to have the characters back and although took me a week to read was timely to read when had time over Christmas as was set at Christmas!

As such I would say loyalty to the series got me through thr messy start to the story and then I foxtrotted and tangoed onto the ‘grand finale’ which proved exciting and as atmospheric as the last 7 books

Look forward to Book 9

[Samantha Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dazzling is one word for this book.
I was hooked to the very start and the ending was amazing.
What a surprise.
I hope there is more to come for the series.

[Hayden Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awh another book from this series, another easy comfort read. Sometimes I prefer an easy read over a hard thinking one. A similar story to the last and an easy to work out twist, however still enjoyable. It started a little slow but knowing the characters it felt nice to step back into the 1940s. Looking forward to the next one at the end of the year.

[Agata · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fantastic book in the Buckingham series. As always, the story is filled with glamour, dance and the sparkling world of music. As a big fan, I’ve enjoyed reading more about my favourite characters and follow their steps through the war torn London.

Great read, easy and engaging narrative from the King of Ballroom.

[Christine Ecclestone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written

Another intriguing book by Anton Du Beke. Irresistibly leading the reader through its pages. Raymond , Nancy and Vivienne are friends that encompass all who follow them

[Louise Wendel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and this book did not disappoint! Definitely worth a read!

[Annette Hewlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice read, wondering whether there’s going to be another in the series. Definitely difficult to explain your way out of this one

[Krini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely to meet up with all the main characters again just loved this book

[Brenda]

Great story as all Antons books about the Buckingham are.

[Sue K · Rating 5 out of 5]

yet another fantastic read. loving all the characters. Looking forward to Anton's next release.