The Ghost of Grimoire Castle

by Charlotte Frost

Snowed-in at an Alpine castle, a cozy Christmas locked-room mystery unfolds. A sharp female sleuth follows foodie clues and art through candlelit halls. Perfect for fans of cozy Christmas mysteries. On Christmas Eve, journalist Marie is stranded at the grand Grimoire Hotel as a blizzard seals the mountain roads. The old castle hums with ghostly whispers and long-buried secrets. Thirteen eccentric guests. One killer. As the bodies mount, Marie must untangle riddles, rivalries, and a past the hotel would rather keep frozen.

What’s inside• A festive, closed-circle locked-room puzzle
• A clever female sleuth with wit and charm
• Mozart the black cat—quiet, watchful, unforgettable
• Foodie touches, art and culture woven through the case
• Snowbound Alpine atmosphere with a haunted edge

Perfect for readers who love• Agatha Christie–style whodunits with a modern sparkle
• Cosy crime, snowbound mysteries, and eccentric suspects
• Bookish banter, riddles, and mouth-watering details

Whether you’re curling up in December or craving a snow-dusted escape any time of year, The Ghost of Grimoire Castle serves a classic cozy mystery with holiday warmth and a shiver of the supernatural.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

491 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

| A cosy, brain-teasing mystery set to become your new winter favourite |

Charlotte Frost writes atmospheric cozy mysteries that shimmer with a warm festive glow, a hint of the fantastical, and a distinctly poetic voice.

Her debut novel under this pen name, The Ghost of Grimoire Castle, combines theatricality and wit with layered storytelling, weaving together elements of classic detective fiction, cultural allusions, and playful humour.

While entertaining and accessible, her mysteries carry a richness of style and tone that reaches far beyond conventional cosy crime. Originally written in Russian, her works are now being translated into other languages.

Charlotte Frost is only one of her literary identities: she also writes in other genres under different pen names, each with its own distinctive voice and vision.

Now based in Germany after living in several European countries, she combines a career in research and artificial intelligence with a restless curiosity about the world. Her passions are as varied as they are vivid: from reading, travelling, and translating, to yoga, mountain trails, art, and cooking.

This rich diversity of interests informs her literary voice, giving her mysteries their depth, poetry, and distinctive flair.

“If you enjoy the book, adding it to Listopia lists like Best Winter Mysteries really helps other readers find it."

Press & ARC inquiries: charlotte.frost.books [at] gmail.com

Reviews

[APK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I did not expect to adore this book as much as I did. The Ghost of Grimoir Castle completely swept me away — one minute I felt like I was wandering through a grand old literary classic, the next I was giggling at how sharp and modern some of the dialogue was. How Charlotte Frost managed to mix a brooding, snow-covered castle mystery with this sly, self-aware humour is beyond me. It’s like Agatha Christie went on holiday with Oscar Wilde and invited Donna Tartt for dessert.

The setting alone is worth five stars — think roaring fires, echoing corridors, guests trapped by a blizzard, and a cat (Mozart!) with more personality than half the humans. But what really did it for me was the writing. It’s lush without being stuffy, witty without being smug. Sometimes Frost pauses to paint the atmosphere in these poetic, Tolstoy-esque paragraphs… then suddenly, bam — we’re in the middle of a razor-smart exchange that feels totally today. It shouldn’t work, but it does.

The plot vaguely reminded me of Lapena’s An Unwanted Guest and Malaria by Suede D. Goldmann — that same holiday-mystery energy, the snowed-in setting, the humour, and the old-school elegance wrapped around an intricate web of secrets (though here, minus the supernatural twist). It scratches that same itch but with a more literary, tongue-in-cheek flair.

It’s long, yes, but I never felt bored — it’s like being snowed in with your cleverest friend who also happens to tell ghost stories for a living. The literary references are everywhere (half the fun is catching them), and by the end, I closed the book feeling both entertained and oddly enlightened.

If you like mysteries that feel both vintage and fresh, full of wit, weirdness, and heart — this one’s your next cozy obsession—absolute joyride from start to finish.

[Lumi Aalto · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic and a joyride. The writing blew me away! Sometimes slow + poetic, like reading Tolstoy, sometimes fast and witty like a modern mystery. Wow, how can one book do both?? And it worked! I laughed at the silly exaggerations, enjoyed the theatre vibe, and loved how bold the voice is. There are sooo many references, I felt both entertained and a little smarter. By the end I said this is both a classic and a joyride.

[Jessica Jesinghaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modern take on classic cozy mysteries

What do you get when you combine railway travel, a snowy Alpine retreat, an intrepid young journalist, and a closed door murder mystery... all set in the modern, 21st century? A delightful mystery that harkens back to the classics which made me fall in love with the genre in the first place.

Certain aspects of the book's dialogue had a unique cadence & phrasing that made me think English might not be the author's native language, but it was something I got used to quickly and it lent itself well to the book's Old World charm. Partway through the book I learned it had been translated into English. There are some oddities and idiosyncracies in the text I'll chalk up to the translation. For example: two characters are introduced to us readers as cousins but sometimes, in the same sentence even, cousin becomes sister/brother and then back again. In another example the character Josef is sometimes translated as Yosef. If you're extremely detail-oriented (this is me raising my hand) it might bother you, so just remind yourself you're reading a translation and eventually you'll be fine.

There's a delightful cast of characters, replete with a handy-dandy characters list at the book's start. I did reference back to this list quite often in the book's early chapters as there were quite a few folks to keep track of. The titular Grimoire, a castle-turned-hotel, was its own distinct entity which fairly dripped with personality. I found the characters and the general plot rather delightful. But... the book is long and sometimes the narrative and dialogues felt unnecessarily long-winded. For example, we get a seak peek at a murder in the book's prologue but then spend the entire first half of the book meeting the characters and witnessing multiple meals and other banal events in which the hotel's guests interact before getting back around to the events of the prologue. It felt a little tedious. I usually knock a book out in 1-3 days, but this one took me 6 days to complete, with my reading speed typically in direct correlation to how much I loved the book. That's not to say I didn't enjoy Grimoire, because I did, but readers should know they're in for a more dense read with this one.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It was a good mystery where everyone was forced to stay in one place by the weather. It was done well in my opinion. The characters were unique. I like how the author made them so realistic. I loved Mozart the cat. I liked this story so much that I did not realize that it had over 400 pages until I reread the arc description.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step into the shimmering chill of the Alps, where Grimoire Castle stands like a secret at the edge of memory—a place woven with laughter, legends, and the rustle of old ghosts. When a blizzard traps thirteen guests behind its ancient walls on Christmas Eve, you get the feeling the castle itself hungers for stories, secrets, and perhaps a little justice. Into this mix walks Marie, a sharp-witted journalist with a gift for unraveling riddles and hearts alike. As the storm deepens, so do the mysteries: eccentric guests, shadows that flicker just out of reach, and a watchful black cat named Mozart who seems to know more than he lets on.

Charlotte Frost writes with an enchanting lyricism—pages glow with golden candlelight, scents of spiced pastry and pine, and scenes flicker between humor, heart, and that delicious edge of the unknown. The prose is crisp, quick as frost on a windowpane, threaded with culture, culinary delights, and sparkling, quotable dialogue. There’s something deeply immersive here; you don’t just read, you dwell within the castle’s halls, and you hear the ghost of laughter echo down the corridors.

My impression? This wasn’t just a book—it was a retreat from reality. Reading it wrapped me in the warmth of found family and fireside laughter, but also sent a thrill down my spine each time the wind howled outside. The festive ambiance, the intelligence of the puzzle, and the invitation to lose myself in another world were exactly what I needed. The fact that there’s an audiobook available makes it easy to get swept away by the magic, hands-free—perfect for those long winter nights when you want a story to haunt your dreams (in all the best ways).

I received a free copy of this book and am writing a review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

[Olivia Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Rich, wintry, and gloriously overstuffed. Tucked inside the cosy-gothic mood are pages of cultural Easter eggs (ancient China! art! witty asides) and lavish food scenes. It’s a 400+ page read and a few early chapters do linger, but that slow simmer sets the stage. Once it clicks, the pace and stakes climb fast!

The voice shifts: sometimes lyrical and slow, then suddenly quick and sharp, which I found exciting.

The characters are theatrical and delightfully eccentric, the black cat is gorgeous.

This isn’t a one-evening cozy, it’s the kind of immersive winter novel you live inside.
Don't start this book if you#re looking for something fast-paced. It's meant to be savoured slowly. Perfect for those who want to sink into a snow-covered atmosphere - it has that timeless, classic vibe and charm.

I turned the last page happy, hungry, and already wishing for a screen adaptation

[Rocky Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd say it's a cozy mystery with theatrical, festive and slightly absurd humour written with Victorian scope - but set in modern times. That’s what this book offers. It’s not short, it’s not fast, but it is rewarding!!
You step into the castle’s world, meet its eccentric residents, and follow a classic-but-fresh detective thread.
The book offers clever cultural references, it is rich and layered…
Perfect for long winter evenings with magic vibes!

[M. Book reveiwers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ghost of Grimoire Castle by Charlotte Frost is a cozy Christmas mystery set inside an old Alpine castle that turns into a crime scene after a heavy snowstorm. The story follows Marie, a journalist who gets stuck at the Grimoire Hotel when the roads close. At first, the place feels warm with Christmas lights, music, and excited guests, but slowly the mood changes when strange noises, shadows, and old stories about a ghost start to bother everyone. When a guest named Felix is found dead in the snow, Marie understands that someone inside the castle is hiding the truth.

The book explains the mystery in a simple and clear way. There are thirteen guests, each with their own attitude and secrets, and the whole castle becomes a locked room because no one can leave. Marie walks through candlelit halls, talks to the guests, watches their reactions, and slowly connects the clues. The author adds many small details food, art, the black cat Mozart, and quiet moments by the fireplace that make the castle feel alive. As the story continues, the fear grows, and everyone starts to suspect each other.

On a personal level, this book reminded me of the classic mysteries I used to read during winter. The snowy atmosphere, the tension, and the feeling of being stuck with strangers made me connect with Marie’s situation. I liked that she acts naturally observing, doubting, and trying to stay calm even when things get scary. The book kept me engaged because every chapter made me wonder who the real killer was and what secrets the hotel was hiding.

I strongly recommend The Ghost of Grimoire Castle to readers who love cozy crime, locked-room mysteries, Christmas stories, or snowbound settings. It is easy to read, the plot moves quickly, and the mystery stays interesting from beginning to end. This book is a good choice for anyone who wants a light but gripping winter read, with a mix of suspense, holiday charm, and a touch of the supernatural.

[G. W .Bookreviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes place in an old castle hotel where Marie, a journalist, arrives for a Christmas break. She expects peace, but instead, she gets pulled into a strange situation. The castle has a history of ghost sightings, and some guests claim they hear footsteps at night or see shadows near the staircase. The tension becomes real when Felix, one of the guests, turns up dead. With the roads blocked by a snowstorm, nobody can leave, and everyone becomes a suspect.

As the story goes on, Marie tries to put together the pieces. The author shows each guest’s behavior in a clear way. Some guests act nervous, some act too calm, and some try to avoid questions. Marie notices little details someone lying about their past, someone hiding a key, someone disappearing at odd hours. Slowly, a simple holiday turns into a dangerous puzzle.

What I enjoyed most was how the story never tries to confuse the reader. The writing is simple, and the events are easy to follow. The castle setting adds charm and fear at the same time. The ghost angle stays in the background but gives the whole story a creepy touch. Marie’s worry, confusion, and determination feel natural and relatable.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries set in closed places where every person could be hiding something. The Ghost of Grimoire Castle is a good choice for readers who want a clean, simple, and atmospheric mystery. It has suspense, small twists, and strong winter vibes. If you want a book that keeps you guessing without making the plot complicated, this one will work perfectly.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ghost of Grimoire Castle by Charlotte Frost begins with Marie, a journalist, traveling through snowy mountains to spend Christmas at an old castle hotel called the Grimoire. The setting feels calm at first, with warm food, guests chatting, and snow falling outside. But the castle has a strange past, and stories about a ghost soon make everyone uneasy. Marie senses that this holiday will not stay peaceful for long.

Things take a dark turn when a guest named Dr Costa dies, and later Felix is also found dead. Heavy snow blocks the roads, trapping everyone inside the castle. Marie slowly starts noticing odd behavior guests hiding things, rooms being rearranged, and small lies that do not add up. The castle feels less like a holiday place and more like a cage where danger is close.

One of the most interesting parts of the story is the Hamlet play performed by the guests. What looks like fun and distraction actually reflects the real drama happening around them. During the play, strange things happen lights go out, people act nervous, and Felix behaves suspiciously. Marie quietly observes everything, even when others try to laugh and forget the fear.

This book is perfect for readers who like classic mystery feelings, calm storytelling, and a strong final reveal that makes sense. It is a satisfying read that keeps you thinking even after the last page.

[JulieAnn Crane · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a strong, immersive atmosphere that drew me in. The characters had distinct personalities but took most of the book to discern them. Many were introduced in a very short amount of time, making it difficult to keep track or connect early on.

The author clearly has a profound knowledge of literary history, which is quite impressive. However, the book clocks in at over 500 pages, and several scenes felt stuck on irrelevant topics or repeated the same emotional notes. This really dragged the pace and made it difficult to stay engaged.

The writing style leaned heavily into old-time dialogue, which sometimes made it feel more dated than the author may have intended. Even the children tended to speak more like adults, which pulled me out of the story whenever they appeared. Though, maybe some may find that charming.

Overall, while the author has a gift for crafting atmosphere and weaving in literary references, the uneven pacing, outdated tone, and unnecessary length made this a difficult read for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie realizes that someone inside the castle is dangerous. Felix becomes a key figure when Marie learns about his lies and hidden plans. His attempt to escape before the snowstorm and his secret actions reveal that he was involved in something serious. The Hamlet play scene is written beautifully because it shows how people pretend everything is fine. While actors perform on stage, fear and suspicion fill the room. Marie watches carefully, noticing details others ignore. These moments help her understand the truth later.

I recommend The Ghost of Grimoire Castle to readers who love mysteries set in closed locations. The book shows how human greed and fear lead to tragedy. The investigation is clear and logical, and the characters feel real. The winter setting adds depth to the story, making it feel cold and tense. This book is perfect for readers who want a mystery that unfolds slowly and ends with strong answers.

[N. Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie slowly becomes the center of the situation. She watches people closely, notices things they try to hide, and senses when someone is nervous or lying. The author takes time to show the castle its old rooms, long corridors, and cold corners. These details make the setting feel real and add to the pressure. The fear grows through small moments, like someone walking at night or someone giving half answers.

I liked the story keeps everything simple. It does not rely on complicated twists. Instead, it focuses on the people inside the castle and how they react under stress. Marie acts like any normal person would, trying to understand the situation while dealing with fear. The ghost element stays mostly as a background story, giving the castle the right amount of spookiness.I did recommend this book to every readers.

[JM Saner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Christmas mystery offers an enjoyable blend of engaging characters and a festive atmosphere, set in the hills of Europe, in a castle converted into a hotel. The heroine and mystery solver, Marie Legrand, is a well-developed character, and Amadeus Mozart—the castle’s resident black cat—adds a fun touch to the story. I also appreciated Wan Fu, an employee at the castle whose memorable comments, such as “a kingdom of crooked mirrors” and “sinister fermentations,” added personality and humor. Overall, this book provides a light and entertaining holiday mystery with classic whodunit elements. A charming Christmas mystery at Grimoire Castle.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is a refined blend of classic detective fiction and a haunting Gothic atmosphere. Set in the snowbound Grimoire Hotel, the story unfolds in a closed, wintry space where fear, superstition, and reason constantly collide. The protagonist, Marie Legrand, a perceptive and intelligent journalist, guides the reader from ghostly legends to the harsh reality of human crime. Enriched with intertextual references ranging from Wilde, Shakespeare, and Poe to Eastern philosophy, the book is not merely a murder mystery but a thoughtful exploration of perception, truth, and illusion.
There is a small typo on the dedication page, but it should be easy to correct.

[Emilia Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

It deserves a literary award!! I just finished The Ghost of Grimoire Castle - and honestly, wow! As an early reader, it feels like I stumbled on something really special... On one hand, it’s insanely atmospheric and poetic: this mix of mystery, winter, art, wit... On the other hand, it’s so much more than just a detective story. The author is incredibly talented, and I can’t wait for what comes next... I’d actually call it a novel in the fullest sense, not for everyone, but the kind that deserves a literary award! Definitely belongs among the classics!

[Mehmet Çalışkan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ghost of Grimoire Castle by Charlotte Frost is a gripping and cleverly crafted mystery novel set in the snow-covered Grimoire Hotel in the Alps. The story unfolds around journalist Marie Legrand, who becomes stranded at the hotel on Christmas Eve, and the mysterious events that occur there. I appreciated its rich atmosphere, cleverly designed clues, and character depth. I recommend it to readers who enjoy modern detective fiction, stories full of mystery and intrigue, and intricate mind games.

[Rajani Angadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant murder mystery that I read in long time. Story kept me fixated throughout. So many twists and turns unfolding slowly. Every open point is addressed at the end beautifully. German dialect, chinese backdrop add layers to the story. At times I felt one particular incident was revisited a few times from different angles.
Trio investigating murders is narrated wonderfully. Detective character is not so strong despite the profession and experience. Rest of the characters are good, fit in well and add to the mystery.

[Misha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ghost of Grimoire Castle to anyone who wants a mystery that is clear, atmospheric, and easy to read. The book is perfect for readers who like snowbound stories where the location traps everyone together, forcing the truth to come out slowly.

If you enjoy mysteries with steady pacing, a closed environment, and characters who may or may not be telling the truth, this book will keep you engaged. It is a great winter read with enough tension, emotion, and curiosity to hold your attention right until the last reveal.

[Arizona · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ghost of Grimoire Castle follows Marie as she stays at a remote castle hotel during Christmas. The castle is filled with decorations, guests, and laughter, but something feels wrong from the beginning. Stories about a ghost add tension, especially when the weather traps everyone inside. The investigation feels realistic, and the final explanation makes sense. The snowy isolation, the old castle, and the mix of drama and crime make this book memorablelt is a good choice for readers who like classic mystery styles with a clear and satisfying ending.

[Garima Bais · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect cozy mystery for Christmas. I loved Marie as a person, she’s smart, brave, and fun to follow as she tries to solve the murders in the snowy old castle. This mix of mystery, food, and art made it extra special, and Mozart the cat was my favorite character!
The story kept me guessing until the end, and the winter setting felt so real and magical. A great read.

[Leisa Moghaddam · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was long...WAY too long. I got to page 200+ and had to quit. Too many people to remember ( it would help if their names didn't change all the time!). and yes, they all had two different names and it was too much. Book goes on and on about Shakespeare's works and poets. Writers from long ago. I quit.

[Rhonda Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don’t Waste Your Time

This book was way too long for the content presented. The author obviously loves exclamation marks because they were used after over half the sentences in the book. Apparently everything stated was important enough to require exclamation marks.
The use of earth for hearth when referring to a fireplace was very weird too.

[Gabriel Grejtak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gift for my girlfriend, and she couldn’t stop talking about it. She said it feels like Agatha Christie meets a Christmas ghost story. Elegant, a bit spooky, very charming. I got major points for this one.

[Joanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too long. This takes place in the current day (approximately) but is written with old-fashioned, almost Victorian language.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Agatha Christie- like mystery. Clever but long. Glad it’s over.

[Elen Lay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowww I loved this 😍 400+ pages, Christmas vibes + snowed-in castle + eccentric characters - total mood. I binged it for days, loved all the cultural refs, the humor, the FOOD 🍷🍰. By the end I was like yesss this needs a movie adaptation asap!!!