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The Winter Visitor
The perfect family Christmas. The perfect murder…
In a snow-covered manor with views of the icy loch, the Weyman family gather for Christmas. A fire is roaring, presents are wrapped and carols play on the radio. And the Weyman brothers each have a fake smile on their faces…
Because George, Ken and Ralph are united by a terrible secret. And they are all desperate to know why their grandmother has summoned them. Playing happy families at Christmas has never been a Weyman tradition… especially after what happened twenty years ago.
Then, out of the whirling storm, a stranger knocks at the door. He has bright blue eyes and an impossible accusation.
George lies. Ken argues. Ralph hides. The secret they’ve kept for so long is about to come out.
But in the morning, the winter visitor is dead, a gold ornament through his heart.
One of them is a killer. Trapped in a storm, huddled by the fire, will they uncover the truth? Or bury it forever?
A brilliantly twisty festive thriller from the bestselling author of The Dinner Guest. Perfect for fans of Alex Pine, Lucy Foley and Lisa Jewell.
See what readers are saying about The Winter Visitor:
‘Truly unputdownable!… had me guessing with each page turner and shocking twist after twist… Simply addictive… a must read!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Wow – what a fantastic read!… I was completely hooked… The twists kept coming, and I never saw the ending until it hit me… impossible to put down… I highly recommend.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘I absolutely devoured it… brilliant… the twists and turns were epic. I loved everything!’ The_brown_eyed_book_reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘The twists and turns were incredible… superb… keeps you riveted until the end. I loved.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Fantastic… excellent and surprising… I was completely captivated… a top-notch read… 5 stars.’ B for Book Review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Left my mouth gaped open in shock more than once… I was most utterly gripped, devouring chapter after chapter like tearing into wrapping paper… those twists. My God, the twists… I was floored… everything I crave in a festive thriller… like unwrapping the best present imaginable.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Awesome… I didn't want to put it down… when you’re choosing your Christmas reads this has to be one of them. Soooo good.
In a snow-covered manor with views of the icy loch, the Weyman family gather for Christmas. A fire is roaring, presents are wrapped and carols play on the radio. And the Weyman brothers each have a fake smile on their faces…
Because George, Ken and Ralph are united by a terrible secret. And they are all desperate to know why their grandmother has summoned them. Playing happy families at Christmas has never been a Weyman tradition… especially after what happened twenty years ago.
Then, out of the whirling storm, a stranger knocks at the door. He has bright blue eyes and an impossible accusation.
George lies. Ken argues. Ralph hides. The secret they’ve kept for so long is about to come out.
But in the morning, the winter visitor is dead, a gold ornament through his heart.
One of them is a killer. Trapped in a storm, huddled by the fire, will they uncover the truth? Or bury it forever?
A brilliantly twisty festive thriller from the bestselling author of The Dinner Guest. Perfect for fans of Alex Pine, Lucy Foley and Lisa Jewell.
See what readers are saying about The Winter Visitor:
‘Truly unputdownable!… had me guessing with each page turner and shocking twist after twist… Simply addictive… a must read!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Wow – what a fantastic read!… I was completely hooked… The twists kept coming, and I never saw the ending until it hit me… impossible to put down… I highly recommend.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘I absolutely devoured it… brilliant… the twists and turns were epic. I loved everything!’ The_brown_eyed_book_reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘The twists and turns were incredible… superb… keeps you riveted until the end. I loved.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Fantastic… excellent and surprising… I was completely captivated… a top-notch read… 5 stars.’ B for Book Review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Left my mouth gaped open in shock more than once… I was most utterly gripped, devouring chapter after chapter like tearing into wrapping paper… those twists. My God, the twists… I was floored… everything I crave in a festive thriller… like unwrapping the best present imaginable.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Awesome… I didn't want to put it down… when you’re choosing your Christmas reads this has to be one of them. Soooo good.
286 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2025
522 people are currently reading
2632 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
September 18, 2025
Looking for a thriller with many twists and turns? This one certainly delivered.
We know from the get go that there are secrets to uncover, and it is revealed through the eyes from several family members that all have their own issues and agendas. You especially feel the stress the three bothers are facing, which keeps the suspense going. There is a dual timeline, where the past zones into what is relevant. And slowly, we get to the heart of the matter. The last chapters are filled with revelation after revelation, and the pace is excellent. No unnecessary sentences, just enough to keep the flow going. My issue was with the mystery guest and what happened afterwards. Maybe it was a tad TOO much going on there, it became a bit OTT.
still, I enjoyed the book and that you never knew what would happen next.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc
We know from the get go that there are secrets to uncover, and it is revealed through the eyes from several family members that all have their own issues and agendas. You especially feel the stress the three bothers are facing, which keeps the suspense going. There is a dual timeline, where the past zones into what is relevant. And slowly, we get to the heart of the matter. The last chapters are filled with revelation after revelation, and the pace is excellent. No unnecessary sentences, just enough to keep the flow going. My issue was with the mystery guest and what happened afterwards. Maybe it was a tad TOO much going on there, it became a bit OTT.
still, I enjoyed the book and that you never knew what would happen next.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc
September 21, 2025
Gripping, mysterious, twist filled, shocking, and chilling. B. P. Walter's The Winter Visitor: A completely gripping and totally unputdownable crime thriller captures that 'trapped' feeling that I love in books! The member of the Weyman family has gathered in a snow-covered manor for Christmas. It is a time of good cheer, festivities, good food, and family or at least that is what the matriarch of the family planned, but for the Weyman family, this Christmas is anything but happy.
As the snow falls and the temperature drops, there is a knock on the door, and a stranger appears with a jaw dropping revelation. The Weyman brothers, George, Ken, and Ralph find themselves reeling and haunted by past deeds, secrets, and lies. Everyone goes to bed with questions swirling in their minds and in the morning, their mysterious guest is found dead. The family is presented with a hard truth - one of them is a killer!
This book built slowly and once it got going it was like a roller coaster ride of twists and turns. Just when I thought I had a handle on things, another twist and revelation was thrown in. I loved not knowing where things were going and loved every second of it. This book saw the family immersed in an uneasy situation, with tension, secrets, and questions weighing them down.
I enjoyed the cold and snowy setting by an icy loch. I could almost feel the chill in the air and the tension in the manor home. B.P. Walter did a fantastic job of keeping the characters and readers on edge as the night and next day progressed. I loved the mystery and the twists which came one after another in the latter part of the book.
Wonderfully written, well thought out, twist filled, and shocking! Whew! What a great mystery thriller!
*I had both the book and the audiobook. The narration of the audiobook was very well done.
Thank you to Bookouture and Bookouture Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
As the snow falls and the temperature drops, there is a knock on the door, and a stranger appears with a jaw dropping revelation. The Weyman brothers, George, Ken, and Ralph find themselves reeling and haunted by past deeds, secrets, and lies. Everyone goes to bed with questions swirling in their minds and in the morning, their mysterious guest is found dead. The family is presented with a hard truth - one of them is a killer!
This book built slowly and once it got going it was like a roller coaster ride of twists and turns. Just when I thought I had a handle on things, another twist and revelation was thrown in. I loved not knowing where things were going and loved every second of it. This book saw the family immersed in an uneasy situation, with tension, secrets, and questions weighing them down.
I enjoyed the cold and snowy setting by an icy loch. I could almost feel the chill in the air and the tension in the manor home. B.P. Walter did a fantastic job of keeping the characters and readers on edge as the night and next day progressed. I loved the mystery and the twists which came one after another in the latter part of the book.
Wonderfully written, well thought out, twist filled, and shocking! Whew! What a great mystery thriller!
*I had both the book and the audiobook. The narration of the audiobook was very well done.
Thank you to Bookouture and Bookouture Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
October 30, 2025
This thriller is gripping and haunting. The dual timeline adds suspense and intrigue to this wintry tale of buried secrets. The narration brought the story to life adding intrigue and drama. The story is full of twists and turns I never saw coming. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for my audiobook.
August 22, 2025
I think B.P Walter is criminally underrated and whilst this was not my favourite novel of his, I thoroughly enjoyed this twisty, domestic mystery.
The story resolves around three brothers, Ralph, Ken and George who are all gathering at their grandmother's Scottish castle for Christmas along with their mother. After a visitor shows up at the door, delivering a secret which brings the family to their knees, chaos ensues, secrets are spilled and a lifetime of family drama comes to the fore.
The use of a dual timeline and multiple POVs here makes for a brilliant novel. We are fed stories from both Christmas 2005 and 2025 as the secret of the mystery visitor is revealed and the family (dysfunctional) dynamics really jump off the page. We all generally have crazy families but you may feel a bit more normal after reading this!
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
The story resolves around three brothers, Ralph, Ken and George who are all gathering at their grandmother's Scottish castle for Christmas along with their mother. After a visitor shows up at the door, delivering a secret which brings the family to their knees, chaos ensues, secrets are spilled and a lifetime of family drama comes to the fore.
The use of a dual timeline and multiple POVs here makes for a brilliant novel. We are fed stories from both Christmas 2005 and 2025 as the secret of the mystery visitor is revealed and the family (dysfunctional) dynamics really jump off the page. We all generally have crazy families but you may feel a bit more normal after reading this!
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
September 18, 2025
If you love a rollercoaster like thriller that you really cannot predict what happens next this one’s for you. While I enjoyed the story well enough it had a bit too much going on for me and rather than keep me invested and draw me further in it was a bit distracting and felt like there was just a bit too much going on.
I don’t think there was a likeable character in the whole book, although I was swaying toward the granny who kicks off the whole story by calling a meeting to tell the family that she plans to disinherit them all because they haven’t been very nice, I think I can get with her thinking.
The dual timeline was well done and intriguing I wanted to know exactly what the brothers were hiding from Christmas 20 years ago, but the murder mystery that played out in the present day chapters just slightly suspended belief.
The narration was well done and without meaning to sound patronising it was refreshing to hear the effort to pronounce Loch properly, but I could actually feel the effort. That’s me being extremely picky I have a bug bare with accents and the Scottish accents here were very well done.
Huge thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
I don’t think there was a likeable character in the whole book, although I was swaying toward the granny who kicks off the whole story by calling a meeting to tell the family that she plans to disinherit them all because they haven’t been very nice, I think I can get with her thinking.
The dual timeline was well done and intriguing I wanted to know exactly what the brothers were hiding from Christmas 20 years ago, but the murder mystery that played out in the present day chapters just slightly suspended belief.
The narration was well done and without meaning to sound patronising it was refreshing to hear the effort to pronounce Loch properly, but I could actually feel the effort. That’s me being extremely picky I have a bug bare with accents and the Scottish accents here were very well done.
Huge thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
October 12, 2025
This was a quick binge listen . A high quality audio well narrated full of interesting twists and turns. Loads of red herrings. The opening made me think the story was going to go a different way. All the characters were interesting and fatally flawed. The plot itself was great a young man turns up and says one of the brothers is his father and his mother is dead recently however this is shocking and the brothers know its not possible. Queue different pov of what happened in the past filtered alongside current events including a very sick gran who wants to disinherit them all as no longer likes what they have become and each brother having his own reasons why they need the money and a mother who after losing her husband is determined to keep the family together no matter what she has to do. This was engaging and gripping . Highly recommended. Thanks netgallery, publisher, author and narrator.
September 26, 2025
This is the kind of book I want to read more of during the holiday season. I need more Christmas time thrillers. I loved that this story had alternating timelines and I enjoyed the parallels. The story kept me interested and kept me guessing. The Winter Visitor has quite a few good twists and turns. I definitely enjoyed Walters writing style and will be checking out more of their titles.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 29, 2025
ALC 4.5 Stars!!
Christmas mystery with deep dark family secrets? Yes please.
This book is about 3 siblings who experience something horrible during one Christmas in their past and have to go on living their lives with the burden of this secret. Some handling it better than others. Then the plot fast forwards to twenty years later where their grandmother is threatening to disinherit them because they turned out to be "unworthy" of her fortune. They all meet up on Christmas to talk about this with their grandmother and the secrets of the past are brought back up.
This book felt like it had a complete full circle from the very beginning opening scene to the shocking epilogue. I actually forgot about how the book started and once it tied back into the ending I was flabbergasted! Not a lot of mysteries I've read have been able to make me feel like that.
I enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere setting and the individual quirky characteristics of all the characters. Granny was my favorite with her unpredictable scheming ways. She always kept me on my toes. I did find that some of the character reveals were a little predictable, however it was still very satisfying watching it all play out. I also found some of the dialogue between the characters to be humorous and it made me laugh out loud at some parts.
I would definitely read more from this author! I found the length of the book to be perfect and nothing felt drawn out or exhaustive. The narrator was also a pleasure to listen to.
I received this book from NetGalley for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Christmas mystery with deep dark family secrets? Yes please.
This book is about 3 siblings who experience something horrible during one Christmas in their past and have to go on living their lives with the burden of this secret. Some handling it better than others. Then the plot fast forwards to twenty years later where their grandmother is threatening to disinherit them because they turned out to be "unworthy" of her fortune. They all meet up on Christmas to talk about this with their grandmother and the secrets of the past are brought back up.
This book felt like it had a complete full circle from the very beginning opening scene to the shocking epilogue. I actually forgot about how the book started and once it tied back into the ending I was flabbergasted! Not a lot of mysteries I've read have been able to make me feel like that.
I enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere setting and the individual quirky characteristics of all the characters. Granny was my favorite with her unpredictable scheming ways. She always kept me on my toes. I did find that some of the character reveals were a little predictable, however it was still very satisfying watching it all play out. I also found some of the dialogue between the characters to be humorous and it made me laugh out loud at some parts.
I would definitely read more from this author! I found the length of the book to be perfect and nothing felt drawn out or exhaustive. The narrator was also a pleasure to listen to.
I received this book from NetGalley for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 22, 2025
Sorry to say this was not what I expected. 😕
Again, I’m probably in the minority here, but it is what it is.
But, three solid stars for me anyway! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 brothers. ✔️
Snooty family with lots of money and privilege… ✔️
And those same boys not being very nice. ✔️
So, maybe I just didn’t like the whole concept and that’s why I didn’t care for it much?
Not sure, but it just didn’t do it for me. And,I REALLY didn’t like any of the characters…. Which is so not the normal for me!!
In any case…. A castle. The snowstorm of the century. The holidays. And…the cast above.
And then, we fast forward 20 years and are in the same kind of situation again! 😮🤔
With the same cast… except that now they’re not young boys any more. They’re Grown Men!
But, they still haven’t grown up!
And, by the end, my jaw was on the floor!
#TheWinterVisitor by @BPWalter and narrated by @OliverJHembrough.
Please keep your eyes 👀 open for this one!!!
*** IT HAS NOT YET BEEN RELEASED!!! Please look for it on Tuesday, 9/23/25! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Again, I’m probably in the minority here, but it is what it is.
But, three solid stars for me anyway! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 brothers. ✔️
Snooty family with lots of money and privilege… ✔️
And those same boys not being very nice. ✔️
So, maybe I just didn’t like the whole concept and that’s why I didn’t care for it much?
Not sure, but it just didn’t do it for me. And,I REALLY didn’t like any of the characters…. Which is so not the normal for me!!
In any case…. A castle. The snowstorm of the century. The holidays. And…the cast above.
And then, we fast forward 20 years and are in the same kind of situation again! 😮🤔
With the same cast… except that now they’re not young boys any more. They’re Grown Men!
But, they still haven’t grown up!
And, by the end, my jaw was on the floor!
#TheWinterVisitor by @BPWalter and narrated by @OliverJHembrough.
Please keep your eyes 👀 open for this one!!!
*** IT HAS NOT YET BEEN RELEASED!!! Please look for it on Tuesday, 9/23/25! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
September 9, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. From the explosive opening, it instantly grabbed my attention and I was intrigued to see how the plot would unfold. It’s a book full of secrets and lies where everyone seems to have an agenda and there is certainly plenty of drama. I just felt it didn’t keep my attention or have me racing to the end. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.
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September 22, 2025Title: The Winter Visitor
Author: B. P. Walter
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Oliver J. Hembrough
Publisher: Bookouture Audio
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: September 23, 2025
My Rating: 2.5 Stars
Pages: 288
Story is told at Christmas time in two periods 2005 and 2025.
This story centers around three brothers, Ralph, Ken and George. The brother has been requested by Gran Eileen to come to her Scottish castle for Christmas along with their mother.
The brothers are desperate to know why their grandmother has summoned them. Getting together for Christmas has never been a Weyman family tradition
They are experiencing a terrible snow storm, when a stranger knocks at the door. He tells grandmother he is her grandson.
Grandmother invites him to stay the night so that in the morning they can have a better understand of what he is trying to say.
Although the story has me curious, I struggle as I have a low tolerance of profanity and these bothers were foul mouthers, mean and unlikeable.
Now one of them is a killer. Trapped in the snow storm, they huddled by the fire, will they secrets they have been hiding be uncover the truth- Or bury it forever?
Since I was promised a big surprised- I hung in there!
Yes the ending was a surprise!
However, I never got to the point of liking it.
Many reviewers love it which always helps me realizes and remember we all have different likes and dislikes!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 23, 2025.
Author: B. P. Walter
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Oliver J. Hembrough
Publisher: Bookouture Audio
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: September 23, 2025
My Rating: 2.5 Stars
Pages: 288
Story is told at Christmas time in two periods 2005 and 2025.
This story centers around three brothers, Ralph, Ken and George. The brother has been requested by Gran Eileen to come to her Scottish castle for Christmas along with their mother.
The brothers are desperate to know why their grandmother has summoned them. Getting together for Christmas has never been a Weyman family tradition
They are experiencing a terrible snow storm, when a stranger knocks at the door. He tells grandmother he is her grandson.
Grandmother invites him to stay the night so that in the morning they can have a better understand of what he is trying to say.
Although the story has me curious, I struggle as I have a low tolerance of profanity and these bothers were foul mouthers, mean and unlikeable.
Now one of them is a killer. Trapped in the snow storm, they huddled by the fire, will they secrets they have been hiding be uncover the truth- Or bury it forever?
Since I was promised a big surprised- I hung in there!
Yes the ending was a surprise!
However, I never got to the point of liking it.
Many reviewers love it which always helps me realizes and remember we all have different likes and dislikes!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 23, 2025.
December 19, 2025
4.8⭐️ 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
The three Weyman brothers are summoned by their grandmother to her Scottish manor at Christmas. A mysterious stranger arrives with a shocking accusation, and by morning he’s been murdered. Trapped by a storm, the family must face buried secrets and figure out who the killer is.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This modern whodunit feels very British. Everyone’s various shades of unlikable, but there's sharp wit, a touch of dark humor, and even a bit of slapstick. I loved that it doesn't take itself too seriously.
The layered storytelling, with multiple POVs and timelines, keeps things moving and makes it an easy, fast read. It's definitely more plot-driven, but there's enough character depth to get a feel for everyone, especially the three brothers who are all pretty awful... yet somehow still lovable.
The reveals and twists are strong, plentiful, and genuinely shocking.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
Let's be honest, Christmas thrillers are usually hit or miss, but this one is a total blast. I had so much fun reading it and even ended up with a bit of a book hangover. Absolutely worth picking up.
🎧 Narrated by Oliver J. Hembrough
📖 Publishes 09•23•25 | 286 pages | 8h 23m
The three Weyman brothers are summoned by their grandmother to her Scottish manor at Christmas. A mysterious stranger arrives with a shocking accusation, and by morning he’s been murdered. Trapped by a storm, the family must face buried secrets and figure out who the killer is.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This modern whodunit feels very British. Everyone’s various shades of unlikable, but there's sharp wit, a touch of dark humor, and even a bit of slapstick. I loved that it doesn't take itself too seriously.
The layered storytelling, with multiple POVs and timelines, keeps things moving and makes it an easy, fast read. It's definitely more plot-driven, but there's enough character depth to get a feel for everyone, especially the three brothers who are all pretty awful... yet somehow still lovable.
The reveals and twists are strong, plentiful, and genuinely shocking.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
Let's be honest, Christmas thrillers are usually hit or miss, but this one is a total blast. I had so much fun reading it and even ended up with a bit of a book hangover. Absolutely worth picking up.
🎧 Narrated by Oliver J. Hembrough
📖 Publishes 09•23•25 | 286 pages | 8h 23m
September 1, 2025
THE WINTER VISITOR BY B.P. WALTER.
Release date set for the 23rd of September 2025.
This Is a really good thriller.
There's Multiple POVs and goes my past to present and easy to follow along with.
It's very twisty and a good book.
This is my first book by this author
Release date set for the 23rd of September 2025.
This Is a really good thriller.
There's Multiple POVs and goes my past to present and easy to follow along with.
It's very twisty and a good book.
This is my first book by this author
September 19, 2025
The Winter Visitor
Is my first book by P B Walter. The narrator Oliver J. Hembrough is a great storyteller I listen on one sitting I couldn't put it down everything that needed to be done was push to the side.
Once you think you have it all figured out WHAM!! Like a roller-coaster with these twists and turns you can't see what's a head of you. A 5 star thiller ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to read a ARC my opinions are only mine own.
Happy Reading
Lisa
Is my first book by P B Walter. The narrator Oliver J. Hembrough is a great storyteller I listen on one sitting I couldn't put it down everything that needed to be done was push to the side.
Once you think you have it all figured out WHAM!! Like a roller-coaster with these twists and turns you can't see what's a head of you. A 5 star thiller ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to read a ARC my opinions are only mine own.
Happy Reading
Lisa
December 6, 2025
The Winter Visitor follows the Weyman family, who gather for Christmas in their snow-covered manor after being summoned by their grandmother. But the Weyman brothers are united by a terrible secret, and when a stranger knocks at the door with an impossible accusation, the secret they’ve kept hidden for so long is about to come out. But in the morning, the winter visitor is dead. One of them is a killer. Trapped in a storm, huddled by the fire, will they uncover the truth? Or bury it for ever?
The Winter Visitor is a perfect festive whodunnit that I absolutely devoured. Told through multiple perspectives and a dual timeline, it masterfully layers mistrust, dread, and tension, making it addictive to read.
The snow-covered manor and icy loch create a chilling, atmospheric setting that becomes integral to the narrative. Combined with the stormy weather, the isolation becomes more psychological, amplifying every suspicion and making each doubt more dangerous. B P Walter skilfully plays on that tension, forcing you to question every character.
The Weyman’s themselves aren’t a particularly likeable family, and as more of their flaws are revealed, it becomes difficult to root for any of them. Yet despite their obvious dysfunction, their fierce loyalty to one another, even at their own expense, is unexpectedly touching. (Also, I have to admit I did feel sorry for Ralph!)
The narrative itself begins as a slow burn, but by the final chapters the plot tightens into a high-tension thriller. The twists are shocking, the emotional stakes escalate, and the ending is as satisfying as it is haunting. This book truly is a a masterclass in crafting a dark, claustrophobic story wrapped in a deceptively cosy festive setting, and it’s one I definitely recommend!
The Winter Visitor is a perfect festive whodunnit that I absolutely devoured. Told through multiple perspectives and a dual timeline, it masterfully layers mistrust, dread, and tension, making it addictive to read.
The snow-covered manor and icy loch create a chilling, atmospheric setting that becomes integral to the narrative. Combined with the stormy weather, the isolation becomes more psychological, amplifying every suspicion and making each doubt more dangerous. B P Walter skilfully plays on that tension, forcing you to question every character.
The Weyman’s themselves aren’t a particularly likeable family, and as more of their flaws are revealed, it becomes difficult to root for any of them. Yet despite their obvious dysfunction, their fierce loyalty to one another, even at their own expense, is unexpectedly touching. (Also, I have to admit I did feel sorry for Ralph!)
The narrative itself begins as a slow burn, but by the final chapters the plot tightens into a high-tension thriller. The twists are shocking, the emotional stakes escalate, and the ending is as satisfying as it is haunting. This book truly is a a masterclass in crafting a dark, claustrophobic story wrapped in a deceptively cosy festive setting, and it’s one I definitely recommend!
September 20, 2025
A wonderfully entertaining story about a family desperate to keep the past buried, even as long-hidden secrets threaten to destroy their future. Twists abound, and the cast is full of deliciously awful characters you can’t wait to see get what they deserve.
It all begins with a body in the loch. Who it is, and why it’s there, remains a mystery until the very end. The narrative moves between Christmas 2005 and twenty years later, following three brothers whose privileged upbringing launched them into lives as a politician, a doctor, and a Hollywood actor and yet none of them are as successful as they’d like you to think. Summoned to their grandmother’s estate after learning they’re about to be disinherited, they gather for what becomes an unforgettable Christmas. When an unexpected guest arrives, history starts to repeat itself, and the family’s darkest truths finally come to light.
Reading this felt like peeling an onion: every layer revealed more intrigue, more betrayal, and more surprises. The grandmother is an absolute delight, stealing scenes with razor-sharp wit and her hilariously matter-of-fact plans for the inheritance. The ending was genuinely shocking and tied things up perfectly, or maybe not entirely.
A clever, layered mystery with just the right amount of humor I highly recommend and will now be looking to read more by this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for an advance copy of this audiobook.
It all begins with a body in the loch. Who it is, and why it’s there, remains a mystery until the very end. The narrative moves between Christmas 2005 and twenty years later, following three brothers whose privileged upbringing launched them into lives as a politician, a doctor, and a Hollywood actor and yet none of them are as successful as they’d like you to think. Summoned to their grandmother’s estate after learning they’re about to be disinherited, they gather for what becomes an unforgettable Christmas. When an unexpected guest arrives, history starts to repeat itself, and the family’s darkest truths finally come to light.
Reading this felt like peeling an onion: every layer revealed more intrigue, more betrayal, and more surprises. The grandmother is an absolute delight, stealing scenes with razor-sharp wit and her hilariously matter-of-fact plans for the inheritance. The ending was genuinely shocking and tied things up perfectly, or maybe not entirely.
A clever, layered mystery with just the right amount of humor I highly recommend and will now be looking to read more by this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for an advance copy of this audiobook.
October 13, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Bookouture for letting me read this as an arc 🫶4.5⭐
Wow, what an absolutely insane ride this book took me on! I was bit confused at the beginning with all of the different POV's, but I feel like I the end it made the book that much better because you got to see how Ralph, Ken, George, Claire, and Eileen each viewed certain situations, filling in holes that were left from the last POV.
So, you have a family of millionaires, a history of suspicious deaths around them, and a lot of unanswered questions.
Nowadays, not a lot of books surprise me, but the twists and turns in this book had my jaw on the floor. I would have never guessed what happened at the end.
Between their father and grandfather's sudden deaths on a boat in the loch behind their castle, Sherie's "death", "Tommy" aka the imposter's death, and then Alexandra's death, I was really questioning how so many people could be murdered in one book 😅
Oh, and did I mention most of this book takes place during Christmas?! Both in 2005 and20 years later in 2025.
I actually liked how the book went back and forth between the years, I feel like it gave the story so much more depth and meaning and suspense.
I really enjoyed this book, and I will definitely be checking out this author's next Christmas novel.
Wow, what an absolutely insane ride this book took me on! I was bit confused at the beginning with all of the different POV's, but I feel like I the end it made the book that much better because you got to see how Ralph, Ken, George, Claire, and Eileen each viewed certain situations, filling in holes that were left from the last POV.
So, you have a family of millionaires, a history of suspicious deaths around them, and a lot of unanswered questions.
Nowadays, not a lot of books surprise me, but the twists and turns in this book had my jaw on the floor. I would have never guessed what happened at the end.
Between their father and grandfather's sudden deaths on a boat in the loch behind their castle, Sherie's "death", "Tommy" aka the imposter's death, and then Alexandra's death, I was really questioning how so many people could be murdered in one book 😅
Oh, and did I mention most of this book takes place during Christmas?! Both in 2005 and20 years later in 2025.
I actually liked how the book went back and forth between the years, I feel like it gave the story so much more depth and meaning and suspense.
I really enjoyed this book, and I will definitely be checking out this author's next Christmas novel.
September 22, 2025
The Winter Visitor by B P Walter
If Clue were a book—holy moly. For a debut, this is pretty solid. A few spots felt a tad rambling, but the way this story unfolded was diabolical.
This family is something else. Secrets, trauma, greed, and loyalty can lead to disastrous scenarios. I love it when a novel has characters that are difficult to like. I think that is a trait of a strong writer, to create and grow a character that readers won’t like.
The first half of this book was more about laying the foundation and providing the backstory. The final half was intense and relatively fast-paced. Several gotcha moments left me shocked.
I enjoyed this story. I enjoyed the alternating perspectives and how the timeline went from past to present. It was done well and helped move the plot along. The descriptions were top-notch, and the truth became a tricky character!
I look forward to reading more from B.P. Walter. There is a twisted career coming our way from this brain.
Publication date: September 23, 2025
Publisher: Bookouture
If Clue were a book—holy moly. For a debut, this is pretty solid. A few spots felt a tad rambling, but the way this story unfolded was diabolical.
This family is something else. Secrets, trauma, greed, and loyalty can lead to disastrous scenarios. I love it when a novel has characters that are difficult to like. I think that is a trait of a strong writer, to create and grow a character that readers won’t like.
The first half of this book was more about laying the foundation and providing the backstory. The final half was intense and relatively fast-paced. Several gotcha moments left me shocked.
I enjoyed this story. I enjoyed the alternating perspectives and how the timeline went from past to present. It was done well and helped move the plot along. The descriptions were top-notch, and the truth became a tricky character!
I look forward to reading more from B.P. Walter. There is a twisted career coming our way from this brain.
Publication date: September 23, 2025
Publisher: Bookouture
September 23, 2025
A Scottish castle √
A raging snowstorm √
Family secrets √
One, no two, possibly three murders √
This story is set in timelines 10 years apart, 2005 and 2025, at Christmas. Three brothers have been living with the consequences of what happened that first Christmas, when Sherie, George's teenage fling, came to visit, under false pretenses, in the middle of a snowstorm. But someone knows their secret. Ten years later, there's another visitor, mid-snowstorm, Christmas day. But he can't be who he says he is, can he? Did I mention there's an inheritance hanging in the balance? Yeah, complicated.
While this book started out slowly, once the twists came, they kept on coming, reminding me again of why I like B.P. Walter. If you like (almost) locked room thrillers, secrets and lies, and twisty endings, read The Winter Visitor!
Thank you to NetGalley, and to Bookouture for taking me along on this blog tour!
A raging snowstorm √
Family secrets √
One, no two, possibly three murders √
This story is set in timelines 10 years apart, 2005 and 2025, at Christmas. Three brothers have been living with the consequences of what happened that first Christmas, when Sherie, George's teenage fling, came to visit, under false pretenses, in the middle of a snowstorm. But someone knows their secret. Ten years later, there's another visitor, mid-snowstorm, Christmas day. But he can't be who he says he is, can he? Did I mention there's an inheritance hanging in the balance? Yeah, complicated.
While this book started out slowly, once the twists came, they kept on coming, reminding me again of why I like B.P. Walter. If you like (almost) locked room thrillers, secrets and lies, and twisty endings, read The Winter Visitor!
Thank you to NetGalley, and to Bookouture for taking me along on this blog tour!
September 21, 2025
I was really looking forward to this book and absolutely loved the atmospheric setting and the Agatha Christie-style premise. The dual timeline kept me engaged, and I was eager to uncover the secret at the heart of the story. However, while the plot had plenty of twists, secrets, and drama, I struggled to connect with the characters - aside from perhaps the grandma, who stood out as the most memorable - with her disowning her own family. The conclusion, unfortunately, felt a little underwhelming and didn’t quite deliver the payoff I was hoping for.
That said, the audiobook narration was excellent and really brought the story to life. Overall, it’s an intriguing tale of lies, hidden agendas, and family drama that will appeal to readers who enjoy slow burn mysteries.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
That said, the audiobook narration was excellent and really brought the story to life. Overall, it’s an intriguing tale of lies, hidden agendas, and family drama that will appeal to readers who enjoy slow burn mysteries.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 23, 2025
This story is about three brothers, Ken, George and Ralph, who are visiting their Grandmother’s Scottish castle for Christmas along with their mother, who learn their about to be removed from their Grandmother’s will. 🏰🎄🌨️
And after a visitor turned up out of the blue who delivered secrets and lies which caused a lifetime of dramas and murders! Thats a twist which I never saw coming!! 🤯
I’ll be looking into more of B P Walter’s books as I’ve heard good things about them! 📚
I would like to say thank you to NetGallery and Bookouture in exchange for my honest review. ♥️
✨ Pub date - 23rd September 2025 ✨
And after a visitor turned up out of the blue who delivered secrets and lies which caused a lifetime of dramas and murders! Thats a twist which I never saw coming!! 🤯
I’ll be looking into more of B P Walter’s books as I’ve heard good things about them! 📚
I would like to say thank you to NetGallery and Bookouture in exchange for my honest review. ♥️
✨ Pub date - 23rd September 2025 ✨
September 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! I read it in a few hours. I enjoyed the premise of this book, it was gripping. The characters I didn’t like as much but the plot and the writing kept me carrying on and I really liked it and had a good time. I enjoyed the dual timeline. It made the book so much more fun to read.
December 25, 2025
I’m torn on whether to give this 3 or 4 stars. It’s a really solid thriller.
Atmospheric snowy setting? ✔️
Unlikeable rich people?✔️
Family drama?✔️
Plot twist?✔️
Fast paced? ✔️
Would definitely recommend!
Atmospheric snowy setting? ✔️
Unlikeable rich people?✔️
Family drama?✔️
Plot twist?✔️
Fast paced? ✔️
Would definitely recommend!
August 30, 2025
ARC provided by Bookouture
Twists all the way to the end!
Twists all the way to the end!
December 20, 2025
I wasn’t sure how much I’d like this when I started, but as I got into it I had a hard time putting it down. So many twists that I didn’t expect. Loved the setting in a castle in the middle of a blizzard. A few loose ends but overall I liked how things were revealed, and I enjoyed the crazy family dynamics!
September 19, 2025
The Winter Visitor started off really strong—the opening had a sharp, tense tone that reminded me of Alice Feeney, and it pulled me in right away. Unfortunately, as the story went on, the plot started to drift and by the end felt a bit outlandish. I also struggled to connect with the characters; their choices and complete disconnection from reality made it hard to stay invested.
Overall, while the premise had promise, the execution fell short for me.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to review this.
Overall, while the premise had promise, the execution fell short for me.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to review this.
August 20, 2025
Once past the initial chapters (which, in my opinion, were a bit slow), the narrative picked up speed. What followed was a dizzying array of twists and turns, each revelation delivering a jolt that left me with genuine narrative whiplash. Beyond the thrilling plot, the novel masterfully illuminated the intricate, often unsettling, dynamics of a family bound by the silent pact of shared secrets, no matter how profound or damaging.
I appreciated how each character, seemingly separated first, was meticulously woven into the fabric of the same sinister underlying truth, creating a sense of dread and inevitability. And as for the climax? The concluding pages landed with such shattering impact. They left my jaw quite literally dropped, reeling from the sheer audacity of it all. The author created quite the stir and I enjoyed it thoroughly!
I appreciated how each character, seemingly separated first, was meticulously woven into the fabric of the same sinister underlying truth, creating a sense of dread and inevitability. And as for the climax? The concluding pages landed with such shattering impact. They left my jaw quite literally dropped, reeling from the sheer audacity of it all. The author created quite the stir and I enjoyed it thoroughly!
September 6, 2025
The cover and blurb immediately caught my attention and drew me in. While I found the first few chapters a little slow, the story quickly picked up and was well worth the wait. Packed with twists and turns, it turned into a truly gripping read. This was my first book by B.P. Walter, but it certainly won’t be my last. An easy, engaging read that I’d definitely recommend!
Thank you to Netgalley for suppling an eARC in return for an honest review!
Thank you to Netgalley for suppling an eARC in return for an honest review!
September 11, 2025
I sincerely thank Bookouture for gifting me an Advanced Reader’s Copy through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Opening The Winter Visitor was more like accepting the iron key to the Weyman family estate. This snow-covered highland castle looms over the frozen icy loch, than it was like accepting a book. From the moment I stepped foot inside its halls I felt like a suffocating fly on the wall, watching the lies unravel, the secrets stir, and the shadows creeping beneath the twinkling glow of Christmas lights. This wasn’t just a festive thriller, it was a Christmas cracker stuffed with dread, the deceit, and deadly revelations that lingered with me long after the epilogue was over, the fire extinguished, and the last page was turned.
There are books you read, and then there are the books that chillingly consume you whole. The Winter Visitor by B. P. Walter wasn’t just a story I read by the roaring fire it was ultimately a storm I stepped into, a frost that clung to my bones, and a secret that left my mouth gaped open in shock more than once. The Weyman family, reunited under one roof. Wrapped gifts, forced smiles, and beneath it all? Secrets twenty years’ worth, buried deep in the frost. From the very first page, I was permanently frozen in my seat, my breath fogging like the icy loch itself. Walter paints the Weyman family Christmas with such addictive atmosphere that I felt claustrophobia settle over me like a heavy weighted wool blanket which was cosy on the surface, but suffocating beneath. George, the womanising politician, Ken, the Hollywood action star, and Ralph, the youngest polished GP. All brothers, all liars, all bound by something so sinister I could almost hear it whispering between the lines.
The brothers return to the estate under the watchful eye of their formidable grandmother. But beneath the festive façade lies tension sharp enough to slice through tinsel. And then he arrives, the stranger. Bright blue eyes, a storm at his back, and an accusation on his lips that threatens to unravel everything. But by morning, he’s dead, One of them did it. But who? And more chilling still, why?
I was most utterly gripped, devouring chapter after chapter like tearing into wrapping paper, never knowing what surprise waited underneath. Walter doesn’t just set a scene, he locks you inside it. The dual timelines from Christmas 2005 and Christmas 2025 were masterfully woven seamlessly between past and present, pulling me back to 2005 before hurling me forward to twenty years later to 2025, each revelation peeling back another layer of this family’s carefully constructed lies.
Each perspective, brothers, mother, and above all the matriarch Eileen Weyman layered the tension thicker and thicker, Walter’s dialogue let me live inside the minds of the Weymans, each more unreliable than the last until I was practically shivering with anticipation. Ah, Eileen. Queen of the house, sharp-tongued, witty, and regal in her authority. She reminded me of women I’ve known, the kind who rule the room with a raised eyebrow and a cutting remark. I adored her. She’s elegant and iron in equal measure, and her dark little quips cut straight through the tension with chilling humour. Her words echoed in my head long after I closed the book: I can deal with death—it’s the living you should be afraid of. She is the Dowager Countess meets Miss Marple with a splash of a grandmother’s no-nonsense wisdom.
“Unless anyone plans to murder me during the night, I shall see you all for breakfast tomorrow morning.”
And those twists. My God, the twists. Just when I thought I had unwrapped the final layer of this Christmas present, Walter pulled another ribbon, another secret, another revelation that left me colder than the icy loch outside the manor’s window. What the author does best is trap you in the storm. Outside, the blizzard rages, but inside, another blizzard brews. Greed, power, tragedy, betrayal, it’s all there, wrapped in ribbons of suspense. Every character feels unreliable, every smile false, every secret a ticking bomb about to detonate. And when the twists came, I was floored.
This book is everything I crave in a festive thriller. The beauty of a white Christmas wrapped around the brutality of truth and murder. Festively frightful, bone-chilling, and brimming with family drama that makes the turkey look tame. It’s witty, it’s sinister, it’s addictive. The Winter Visitor is like unwrapping the best present imaginable layer upon layer of intrigue, until the very last, shocking reveal.
There are books you read, and then there are the books that chillingly consume you whole. The Winter Visitor by B. P. Walter wasn’t just a story I read by the roaring fire it was ultimately a storm I stepped into, a frost that clung to my bones, and a secret that left my mouth gaped open in shock more than once. The Weyman family, reunited under one roof. Wrapped gifts, forced smiles, and beneath it all? Secrets twenty years’ worth, buried deep in the frost. From the very first page, I was permanently frozen in my seat, my breath fogging like the icy loch itself. Walter paints the Weyman family Christmas with such addictive atmosphere that I felt claustrophobia settle over me like a heavy weighted wool blanket which was cosy on the surface, but suffocating beneath. George, the womanising politician, Ken, the Hollywood action star, and Ralph, the youngest polished GP. All brothers, all liars, all bound by something so sinister I could almost hear it whispering between the lines.
The brothers return to the estate under the watchful eye of their formidable grandmother. But beneath the festive façade lies tension sharp enough to slice through tinsel. And then he arrives, the stranger. Bright blue eyes, a storm at his back, and an accusation on his lips that threatens to unravel everything. But by morning, he’s dead, One of them did it. But who? And more chilling still, why?
I was most utterly gripped, devouring chapter after chapter like tearing into wrapping paper, never knowing what surprise waited underneath. Walter doesn’t just set a scene, he locks you inside it. The dual timelines from Christmas 2005 and Christmas 2025 were masterfully woven seamlessly between past and present, pulling me back to 2005 before hurling me forward to twenty years later to 2025, each revelation peeling back another layer of this family’s carefully constructed lies.
Each perspective, brothers, mother, and above all the matriarch Eileen Weyman layered the tension thicker and thicker, Walter’s dialogue let me live inside the minds of the Weymans, each more unreliable than the last until I was practically shivering with anticipation. Ah, Eileen. Queen of the house, sharp-tongued, witty, and regal in her authority. She reminded me of women I’ve known, the kind who rule the room with a raised eyebrow and a cutting remark. I adored her. She’s elegant and iron in equal measure, and her dark little quips cut straight through the tension with chilling humour. Her words echoed in my head long after I closed the book: I can deal with death—it’s the living you should be afraid of. She is the Dowager Countess meets Miss Marple with a splash of a grandmother’s no-nonsense wisdom.
“Unless anyone plans to murder me during the night, I shall see you all for breakfast tomorrow morning.”
And those twists. My God, the twists. Just when I thought I had unwrapped the final layer of this Christmas present, Walter pulled another ribbon, another secret, another revelation that left me colder than the icy loch outside the manor’s window. What the author does best is trap you in the storm. Outside, the blizzard rages, but inside, another blizzard brews. Greed, power, tragedy, betrayal, it’s all there, wrapped in ribbons of suspense. Every character feels unreliable, every smile false, every secret a ticking bomb about to detonate. And when the twists came, I was floored.
This book is everything I crave in a festive thriller. The beauty of a white Christmas wrapped around the brutality of truth and murder. Festively frightful, bone-chilling, and brimming with family drama that makes the turkey look tame. It’s witty, it’s sinister, it’s addictive. The Winter Visitor is like unwrapping the best present imaginable layer upon layer of intrigue, until the very last, shocking reveal.
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