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Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel
Not yet published
Expected 22 Sep 26High in the Swiss Alps, accessible only by a single, winding railway, stands the luxurious Grand Alpine Hotel. With glorious mountain views and exclusive access to powdery slopes, it draws guests from far and wide.
The notorious actress.
The high-flying politician.
The society wife.
The reckless friend.
The shrewd doctor.
But not everyone is here for a winter holiday.
Beneath the champagne and furs, dark histories simmer; old grudges emerge like cracks in the ice.
And someone is watching from the shadows. A polite, unassuming woman with an extraordinary mind: Miss Marple.
When a body is found and a blizzard cuts off all escape, only Miss Marple can connect the clues before the killer strikes again. Because it isn’t a question of who has a motive, but who’s next…
The notorious actress.
The high-flying politician.
The society wife.
The reckless friend.
The shrewd doctor.
But not everyone is here for a winter holiday.
Beneath the champagne and furs, dark histories simmer; old grudges emerge like cracks in the ice.
And someone is watching from the shadows. A polite, unassuming woman with an extraordinary mind: Miss Marple.
When a body is found and a blizzard cuts off all escape, only Miss Marple can connect the clues before the killer strikes again. Because it isn’t a question of who has a motive, but who’s next…
384 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 22, 2026
About the author
Lucy Foley
35 books39.9k followersHello and welcome to my Goodreads page! I’m the author of the new Miss Marple novel, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel. My previous books have included my murder mysteries: The Midnight Feast, The Paris Apartment, The Guest List and The Hunting Party — as well as the historical novels The Book of Lost and Found, The Invitation and Last Letter from Istanbul.
I came to writing through a love of reading — I previously worked with books as a fiction editor, a literary agent’s assistant, a bookseller and a literary scout!
Inspired by trips to the West Country and local folklore I began plotting my latest novel, The Midnight Feast. A midsummer heatwave, a setting with a past, a reunion that takes a dark turn. And so The Midnight Feast came to life.
Thanks to brilliant readers around the world, my novels have sold over five million copies, and been translated into multiple languages. I’m also a No 1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller. A life-long Agatha Christie fan, I also contributed to Marple, a collection of short stories featuring the legendary detective.
Follow me on social media at:
Instagram @lucyfoleyauthor
Facebook @LucyFoleyAuthor
Twitter/X @lucyfoleytweets
I came to writing through a love of reading — I previously worked with books as a fiction editor, a literary agent’s assistant, a bookseller and a literary scout!
Inspired by trips to the West Country and local folklore I began plotting my latest novel, The Midnight Feast. A midsummer heatwave, a setting with a past, a reunion that takes a dark turn. And so The Midnight Feast came to life.
Thanks to brilliant readers around the world, my novels have sold over five million copies, and been translated into multiple languages. I’m also a No 1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller. A life-long Agatha Christie fan, I also contributed to Marple, a collection of short stories featuring the legendary detective.
Follow me on social media at:
Instagram @lucyfoleyauthor
Facebook @LucyFoleyAuthor
Twitter/X @lucyfoleytweets
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
June 2, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up
It’s 1950 and Miss Jane Marple, her friend Mrs. Dolly Bantry and her ladies companion Diana Glass are aboard the Grand Alpine Express which is wending its way up the mountain to the esteemed hotel at the top. Is just as well that eagle eyed Jane Marple is a resident as the lift attendant of the gondola finds a body in it two days later… Who is the unlucky victim? As the weather worsens and the residents are stuck, Miss Marple has one tricky case to decipher.
In terms of capturing the Queen of Crime’s novels, Lucy Foley has 100% nailed it, I almost forget I’m not reading an original Christie, so huge kudos to the author for that. There’s every ingredient here for instance, it’s as if the characters have stepped straight from the 1950’s and from Agatha’s pen. There’s our eagle eyed knitter in Jane Marple who rarely misses a trick, there’s a Hollywood star, a war hero and his young wife as well as some mysterious nuns! It’s quite surreal in places which I love and there are dashes of humour.
It’s told from several perspectives just like the originals and that serves to deepen the mystery and has me casting my eye over all in order to spot any errors that they may make. Naturally, we have a “ locked room” in this case a rather grand hotel perched on a mountain with all exits closed by one means or another. The language that is used, the manners, the attitudes of society, the social mores, even down to the drinks consumed and so on, all amounts to a good bit of nostalgia from a very different age.
The plot line is classic Christie, it’s told at a brisk pace although it does slow towards the end as things start to slot into place and some good twists. The atmosphere of the snowy conditions, the smart hotel and its chilly surrounds are captured to perfection and make a great backdrop for the rising body count.
Overall, what a treat. I absolutely credit Agatha Christie with giving me a lifelong love of the mystery thriller genre and Lucy Foley has reinforced where that passion comes from. Thank you.
There’s a terrific cover too!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, HarperFiction for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
It’s 1950 and Miss Jane Marple, her friend Mrs. Dolly Bantry and her ladies companion Diana Glass are aboard the Grand Alpine Express which is wending its way up the mountain to the esteemed hotel at the top. Is just as well that eagle eyed Jane Marple is a resident as the lift attendant of the gondola finds a body in it two days later… Who is the unlucky victim? As the weather worsens and the residents are stuck, Miss Marple has one tricky case to decipher.
In terms of capturing the Queen of Crime’s novels, Lucy Foley has 100% nailed it, I almost forget I’m not reading an original Christie, so huge kudos to the author for that. There’s every ingredient here for instance, it’s as if the characters have stepped straight from the 1950’s and from Agatha’s pen. There’s our eagle eyed knitter in Jane Marple who rarely misses a trick, there’s a Hollywood star, a war hero and his young wife as well as some mysterious nuns! It’s quite surreal in places which I love and there are dashes of humour.
It’s told from several perspectives just like the originals and that serves to deepen the mystery and has me casting my eye over all in order to spot any errors that they may make. Naturally, we have a “ locked room” in this case a rather grand hotel perched on a mountain with all exits closed by one means or another. The language that is used, the manners, the attitudes of society, the social mores, even down to the drinks consumed and so on, all amounts to a good bit of nostalgia from a very different age.
The plot line is classic Christie, it’s told at a brisk pace although it does slow towards the end as things start to slot into place and some good twists. The atmosphere of the snowy conditions, the smart hotel and its chilly surrounds are captured to perfection and make a great backdrop for the rising body count.
Overall, what a treat. I absolutely credit Agatha Christie with giving me a lifelong love of the mystery thriller genre and Lucy Foley has reinforced where that passion comes from. Thank you.
There’s a terrific cover too!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, HarperFiction for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
future-releases
May 26, 2025I’m not sure how to feel about this. Very curious how it’ll turn out!
Want to Read
March 20, 2025"50 years since Agatha Christie’s last Marple novel, Sleeping Murder, was published, Christie devotee and thriller author, Lucy Foley, reimagines the most famous fictional female detective of all time in a brand new mystery…"
ahh, i'm so excited & nervous at the same time
ahh, i'm so excited & nervous at the same time
March 23, 2026
Lucy Foley must add clairvoyant to her resume, since she very clearly channeled Agatha Christie herself while writing Murder at The Grand Alpine Hotel. This book is a glittering, snowbound puzzle box of secrets, scandal, and simmering tension, where every guest feels like a suspect and no one is quite what they seem. Foley leans all the way into her signature multiple POV, tangled spiderweb storytelling, weaving together perspectives with razor-sharp precision until the truth feels both shocking and inevitable. The isolated luxury of the Swiss Alps, the creeping paranoia of a blizzard trapping everyone inside, and the deliciously classic presence of Miss Marple create a perfect blend of modern thriller and golden-age homage. This one is icy, intricate, and impossible to put down.
Want to Read
April 28, 2026Pre-read 2026: Huh?? Agatha Christie x Lucy Foley?? How did this come to be? I'm intrigued.
April 17, 2026
This was such an exciting read - it certainly made my train trip run smoother!
This book came with me on a mini holiday and I have fond memories of venturing solo into coffee shops and reading a few chapters with my sweet treat and coffee of the day. I’ve always been more of a Poirot girl but I do love Miss Marple and her sharp mind.
Normally split perspectives are hit or miss for me but it worked so well here. I enjoyed reading the POV of each character and slowly building up more of the story as we went along. The atmosphere was heavy and suspenseful, with a feel of trepidation and uncertainty in the air. It was chilling and super entertaining.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
This book came with me on a mini holiday and I have fond memories of venturing solo into coffee shops and reading a few chapters with my sweet treat and coffee of the day. I’ve always been more of a Poirot girl but I do love Miss Marple and her sharp mind.
Normally split perspectives are hit or miss for me but it worked so well here. I enjoyed reading the POV of each character and slowly building up more of the story as we went along. The atmosphere was heavy and suspenseful, with a feel of trepidation and uncertainty in the air. It was chilling and super entertaining.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
May 10, 2026
I’d never read any of Lucy Foley’s other work, and requested this ARC from Netgalley (and publisher Harper Collins UK) simply because of the Agatha Christie branding and my curiosity to see what a contemporary author might do with Miss Marple.
It’s 1950 (ish?) and Miss Marple is accompanying her friend Mrs Bantry to a swish Swiss hotel. It seems unlikely that two elderly ladies would make such a trip in the middle of winter—it’s hardly going to be good for their rheumatism, is it? But still, that’s the set-up, and Mrs Bantry has a paid companion to take care of things, a young woman called Diana Glass.
At the hotel, they encounter a cast of characters, including a young war hero Tory MP and his wife, a Hollywood actress, some nuns, an old wartime friend of the MP, and various other sorts who may be background characters or something more sinister.
Diana Glass is one of the main point of view characters, and narrates a lot of chapters from her position as a sort-of outsider. Not really wealthy enough to mix with this crowd, younger than her travelling companions, and carrying some sadness inside her. Other narrators include the MP’s wife Catherine Narracott, Sylvia Sinclair, the actress, and Bruno Crane—the MP’s brother-in-arms from the War.
There are four privileged viewpoints, though I feel like adding that Diana Glass’s chapters do tend to be longer than the others. Miss Marple, as she tends to do (e.g. in A Pocket Full of Rye), is mainly there in the background until she does her thing.
I found the first half of this a bit of a drag. I would say it picks up around the 80% mark, and then it rolls easily to its conclusion fairly entertainingly. Part of the drag is that I don’t think the multiple narrators technique really works here. There are stylistic differences, so you can just about tell the difference between them as you’re reading, but I kept coming back to that narratology question: who narrates, and from where?
I just wasn’t entirely convinced.
As to the Marple element, it felt that Miss Marple was phoning in her lines from other novels, or from the many television adaptations there have been. As a radio aficionado, I of course kept hearing June Whitfield’s voice.
As to the murder mystery, I did guess that one of the characters wasn’t what they seemed to be, and I also guessed what they really were. As to the rest of it, it was quite clever, but it didn’t quite gel for me. It felt sketchy and distant at times, and I never quite engaged with it—until the last 20% or so, at least.
[I should also add that the Kindle version of the ARC that I was reading had a missing chapter heading at a crucial point. A point which made the Marple solution to the mystery seem more confused than it was. I checked the PDF version in the Netgalley app, and the heading was there, so it was just in the Kindle edition, which is a shame. I went back and forth several times, trying to identify the precise point at which a different POV character would intervene.]
It’s 1950 (ish?) and Miss Marple is accompanying her friend Mrs Bantry to a swish Swiss hotel. It seems unlikely that two elderly ladies would make such a trip in the middle of winter—it’s hardly going to be good for their rheumatism, is it? But still, that’s the set-up, and Mrs Bantry has a paid companion to take care of things, a young woman called Diana Glass.
At the hotel, they encounter a cast of characters, including a young war hero Tory MP and his wife, a Hollywood actress, some nuns, an old wartime friend of the MP, and various other sorts who may be background characters or something more sinister.
Diana Glass is one of the main point of view characters, and narrates a lot of chapters from her position as a sort-of outsider. Not really wealthy enough to mix with this crowd, younger than her travelling companions, and carrying some sadness inside her. Other narrators include the MP’s wife Catherine Narracott, Sylvia Sinclair, the actress, and Bruno Crane—the MP’s brother-in-arms from the War.
There are four privileged viewpoints, though I feel like adding that Diana Glass’s chapters do tend to be longer than the others. Miss Marple, as she tends to do (e.g. in A Pocket Full of Rye), is mainly there in the background until she does her thing.
I found the first half of this a bit of a drag. I would say it picks up around the 80% mark, and then it rolls easily to its conclusion fairly entertainingly. Part of the drag is that I don’t think the multiple narrators technique really works here. There are stylistic differences, so you can just about tell the difference between them as you’re reading, but I kept coming back to that narratology question: who narrates, and from where?
I just wasn’t entirely convinced.
As to the Marple element, it felt that Miss Marple was phoning in her lines from other novels, or from the many television adaptations there have been. As a radio aficionado, I of course kept hearing June Whitfield’s voice.
As to the murder mystery, I did guess that one of the characters wasn’t what they seemed to be, and I also guessed what they really were. As to the rest of it, it was quite clever, but it didn’t quite gel for me. It felt sketchy and distant at times, and I never quite engaged with it—until the last 20% or so, at least.
[I should also add that the Kindle version of the ARC that I was reading had a missing chapter heading at a crucial point. A point which made the Marple solution to the mystery seem more confused than it was. I checked the PDF version in the Netgalley app, and the heading was there, so it was just in the Kindle edition, which is a shame. I went back and forth several times, trying to identify the precise point at which a different POV character would intervene.]
May 5, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley, Harper Collins and Lucy Foley for the ARC of Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel in exchange for an honest review.
Here we join Miss Marple, Mrs. Bantry and their companion Diana on their snowy holiday to the Grand Alpine Hotel. Enjoying the views, mountains and relaxation until a murder and snow storm rocks the guests and forces our trio to investigate.
I confess this is my first Miss Marple adventure so I really went into this book blind with little to no expectations.
I am a big fan of Lucy Foleys other works, she really has a knack for whodunits, which I’m sure she picked up from master Agatha Christie. I have mentioned in previous reviews they I really enjoy the way Lucy executes her books with clear characters and their title/role in the chapter header which makes it easy to follow along. This is the way this novel is told and while reading a Miss Marple book, it had a distinct Lucy Foley feeling.
I enjoyed the location of their novel as I always love a secluded location for a murder mystery and can see the certain charm this book would have for others. However in saying this, I really struggled to engage with this book as it took me a while to fully get into.
The pacing in this book really confused me as I was gearing up for a murder and mystery to be solved but I believe the murder didn’t actually take place until the 40% mark and afterwards it felt like a full sprint to the finish which removed the suspense normally present in Lucy’s books.
I was also quite disappointed to discover we didn’t get Miss Marple POV in any chapters. Again as someone new to a Miss Marple book I’m unsure if this is normal but I felt her presence lacking in an adventure supposedly centring around her and her abilities to solve mysteries. And I think because she was so lacking the AHA moment when she pieces everything together had no substance.
I think underwhelmed is the best way to describe this book for me. I truly believe there are readers who will truly love reentering the world of Miss. Marple and this book will be a hit with them but for me I rather prefer Lucy Foleys original characters and work.
Here we join Miss Marple, Mrs. Bantry and their companion Diana on their snowy holiday to the Grand Alpine Hotel. Enjoying the views, mountains and relaxation until a murder and snow storm rocks the guests and forces our trio to investigate.
I confess this is my first Miss Marple adventure so I really went into this book blind with little to no expectations.
I am a big fan of Lucy Foleys other works, she really has a knack for whodunits, which I’m sure she picked up from master Agatha Christie. I have mentioned in previous reviews they I really enjoy the way Lucy executes her books with clear characters and their title/role in the chapter header which makes it easy to follow along. This is the way this novel is told and while reading a Miss Marple book, it had a distinct Lucy Foley feeling.
I enjoyed the location of their novel as I always love a secluded location for a murder mystery and can see the certain charm this book would have for others. However in saying this, I really struggled to engage with this book as it took me a while to fully get into.
The pacing in this book really confused me as I was gearing up for a murder and mystery to be solved but I believe the murder didn’t actually take place until the 40% mark and afterwards it felt like a full sprint to the finish which removed the suspense normally present in Lucy’s books.
I was also quite disappointed to discover we didn’t get Miss Marple POV in any chapters. Again as someone new to a Miss Marple book I’m unsure if this is normal but I felt her presence lacking in an adventure supposedly centring around her and her abilities to solve mysteries. And I think because she was so lacking the AHA moment when she pieces everything together had no substance.
I think underwhelmed is the best way to describe this book for me. I truly believe there are readers who will truly love reentering the world of Miss. Marple and this book will be a hit with them but for me I rather prefer Lucy Foleys original characters and work.
May 17, 2026
In a previous book of Lucy Foley’s, I said it felt like an Agatha Christie, so I was not surprised to see that she has written a new Miss Marple. I thought it was really well done, it was a little shorter than new suspense novels (like it should be), fast paced, you suspect everyone at some point, but I was still not expecting the ending
April 28, 2026
I need more immediately. Flawless.
If you told me Agatha Christie herself wrote this I wouldn’t bat an eyelid. It is perfect word for word. The setting, the characters, the twists & turns. The mannerisms of Ms Marple.
Absolutely stunning. Please write more
If you told me Agatha Christie herself wrote this I wouldn’t bat an eyelid. It is perfect word for word. The setting, the characters, the twists & turns. The mannerisms of Ms Marple.
Absolutely stunning. Please write more
April 20, 2026
3.5*
It’ll never be Agatha herself but it was very Lucy Foley with an Agatha twist and I am here for it. Thought I knew where it was going but I was delightfully wrong.
It’ll never be Agatha herself but it was very Lucy Foley with an Agatha twist and I am here for it. Thought I knew where it was going but I was delightfully wrong.
April 10, 2026
As a big Agatha Christie fan I was delighted to get an advance review copy of this book but definitely approached it with some trepidation! I have to say, though, that I was pleasantly surprised. I felt the author had the tone right for Marple and had produced a story that had all the trademarks of Christie. I could tell that she herself must also be a big Christie fan.
The story itself hung together well and I didn’t spot the twist, which was pleasing. All in all, a really enjoyable read!
The story itself hung together well and I didn’t spot the twist, which was pleasing. All in all, a really enjoyable read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I heard that Lucy Foley was writing a brand-new adventure for the legendary Miss Marple, my inner mystery nerd immediately started doing happy cartwheels across the living room. A modern thriller author tackling one of the most beloved detectives created by Agatha Christie?
Oh yes. I was absolutely ready for this literary experiment.
And I have to say it right away: Lucy Foley absolutely nailed it.
This book feels like stepping into a time machine and landing straight inside a classic Christie mystery—but with a fresh spark that makes it irresistible for modern readers. It reads like a loving tribute to Christie’s legacy, capturing the tone, the structure, and that delightful “everyone in the room is suspicious” energy that makes a proper whodunit so addictive.
The story takes us to the glamorous Grand Alpine Hotel, perched high in the Swiss Alps like the perfect postcard destination. Snow-covered mountains, elegant guests in furs and evening wear, champagne flowing, gossip drifting through the hallways… and of course the tiny little problem that someone in this luxurious paradise might be a murderer.
A blizzard isolates the hotel. Escape becomes impossible. Secrets start leaking out faster than champagne corks. And somewhere among the guests lurks a killer.
Basically, the setup is locked-room mystery heaven.
The guest list itself is deliciously suspicious. We have Catherine Narracott, the polished society wife who seems to glide through the hotel with perfect elegance. Her husband Anthony is an ambitious politician twice her age whose polished image hides more than a few cracks. Then there’s Bruno Crane—Anthony’s former wartime companion—who seems a little too startled to run into Catherine here, which immediately made my suspicious-reader radar start blinking like a Christmas tree.
And let’s not forget Sylvia Sinclair, the dazzling film star who just happens to share a rather complicated past with Anthony. Yes, that kind of past.
In other words, everyone arrives at this glamorous alpine retreat with luggage… and also emotional baggage the size of a glacier.
But the real joy of the novel is watching Miss Marple quietly observe everything while appearing to do absolutely nothing. She’s accompanied by her dear friend Mrs. Bantry and the wonderfully overwhelmed Diana Glass, who quickly realizes that being anywhere near Miss Marple means every small detail might suddenly become extremely important.
Miss Marple doesn’t storm into the investigation. She doesn’t wave clues around dramatically. Instead she does what she always does best: she watches people.
And if you’ve read enough classic mysteries, you already know that the sweet little lady with the knitting needles is probably the most dangerous mind in the building.
What I loved most about this book is how perfectly it captures the spirit of Christie’s storytelling. The pacing, the character dynamics, the slow unveiling of secrets, the carefully placed clues—it all feels wonderfully familiar in the best possible way.
At times I genuinely felt like I was reading a newly discovered Christie novel that had been tucked away in some dusty literary vault for decades.
And the setting? Absolutely perfect. The Swiss Alps add a cinematic atmosphere to the story. Snowstorms, isolated hotels, glamorous guests with hidden motives—it’s the exact kind of setting that makes a mystery reader grab snacks, settle into a cozy chair, and prepare for an evening of suspicious glances and dramatic revelations.
So yes, I happily poured myself a drink, grabbed my reading snacks, and settled in to enjoy the ride while trying (and failing) to outsmart Miss Marple.
Because let’s be honest: nobody outsmarts Miss Marple.
Overall, this was an absolute delight—a clever, atmospheric mystery that honors the traditions of classic detective fiction while introducing this iconic sleuth to a new generation of readers.
If you love traditional whodunits, glamorous settings, scandalous secrets, and brilliant elderly detectives who quietly solve crimes while everyone else is busy panicking… this one will make you ridiculously happy.
I’m giving this one five delightfully snowy mystery stars and hoping this is only the beginning of more adventures.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for sharing this delicious mystery from one of my auto-approved thriller authors who captured the perfect Christie-an vibe in exchange for my honest review. I truly appreciated the opportunity to read it. 📚❄️🔎
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Oh yes. I was absolutely ready for this literary experiment.
And I have to say it right away: Lucy Foley absolutely nailed it.
This book feels like stepping into a time machine and landing straight inside a classic Christie mystery—but with a fresh spark that makes it irresistible for modern readers. It reads like a loving tribute to Christie’s legacy, capturing the tone, the structure, and that delightful “everyone in the room is suspicious” energy that makes a proper whodunit so addictive.
The story takes us to the glamorous Grand Alpine Hotel, perched high in the Swiss Alps like the perfect postcard destination. Snow-covered mountains, elegant guests in furs and evening wear, champagne flowing, gossip drifting through the hallways… and of course the tiny little problem that someone in this luxurious paradise might be a murderer.
A blizzard isolates the hotel. Escape becomes impossible. Secrets start leaking out faster than champagne corks. And somewhere among the guests lurks a killer.
Basically, the setup is locked-room mystery heaven.
The guest list itself is deliciously suspicious. We have Catherine Narracott, the polished society wife who seems to glide through the hotel with perfect elegance. Her husband Anthony is an ambitious politician twice her age whose polished image hides more than a few cracks. Then there’s Bruno Crane—Anthony’s former wartime companion—who seems a little too startled to run into Catherine here, which immediately made my suspicious-reader radar start blinking like a Christmas tree.
And let’s not forget Sylvia Sinclair, the dazzling film star who just happens to share a rather complicated past with Anthony. Yes, that kind of past.
In other words, everyone arrives at this glamorous alpine retreat with luggage… and also emotional baggage the size of a glacier.
But the real joy of the novel is watching Miss Marple quietly observe everything while appearing to do absolutely nothing. She’s accompanied by her dear friend Mrs. Bantry and the wonderfully overwhelmed Diana Glass, who quickly realizes that being anywhere near Miss Marple means every small detail might suddenly become extremely important.
Miss Marple doesn’t storm into the investigation. She doesn’t wave clues around dramatically. Instead she does what she always does best: she watches people.
And if you’ve read enough classic mysteries, you already know that the sweet little lady with the knitting needles is probably the most dangerous mind in the building.
What I loved most about this book is how perfectly it captures the spirit of Christie’s storytelling. The pacing, the character dynamics, the slow unveiling of secrets, the carefully placed clues—it all feels wonderfully familiar in the best possible way.
At times I genuinely felt like I was reading a newly discovered Christie novel that had been tucked away in some dusty literary vault for decades.
And the setting? Absolutely perfect. The Swiss Alps add a cinematic atmosphere to the story. Snowstorms, isolated hotels, glamorous guests with hidden motives—it’s the exact kind of setting that makes a mystery reader grab snacks, settle into a cozy chair, and prepare for an evening of suspicious glances and dramatic revelations.
So yes, I happily poured myself a drink, grabbed my reading snacks, and settled in to enjoy the ride while trying (and failing) to outsmart Miss Marple.
Because let’s be honest: nobody outsmarts Miss Marple.
Overall, this was an absolute delight—a clever, atmospheric mystery that honors the traditions of classic detective fiction while introducing this iconic sleuth to a new generation of readers.
If you love traditional whodunits, glamorous settings, scandalous secrets, and brilliant elderly detectives who quietly solve crimes while everyone else is busy panicking… this one will make you ridiculously happy.
I’m giving this one five delightfully snowy mystery stars and hoping this is only the beginning of more adventures.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for sharing this delicious mystery from one of my auto-approved thriller authors who captured the perfect Christie-an vibe in exchange for my honest review. I truly appreciated the opportunity to read it. 📚❄️🔎
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the ARC of this title.
I am a big Agatha Christie fan, but I have not really delved much into the 'new' Christie novels penned by other authors that have been released in recent years. When I saw that Lucy Foley was writing one, though, I knew I had to give it a go. I was curious how Foley's signature style would translate to a Christie setting, but I was also keen to see her usual interest in themes of class and interpersonal trauma manifested in Miss Marple, where, while there is clear social satire present, it tends to be somewhat more subtle or understated.
Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel is the story of several guests staying in a Swiss hotel. The cast of characters features a ladies' companion, a future leader of the Conservative Party and his wife, the politician's rather 'rough' and unconventional old friend, an ageing Hollywood starlet, a medical student, an inspector, and, of course, our favourite old pussy, Miss Marple, and her friend Mrs Bantry, who featured in The Body in the Library. The idyllic frozen holiday is disturbed by a body, and the police are delayed. Can Miss Marple solve the murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel?
I was curious whether this would end up feeling more like a Foley book or more like a Christie one. I think Foley did a good job of trying to adapt her style to the more conventional whodunnit structure, as a lot of her books often involve not even knowing who the murder victim is until the climax, let alone the murderer. There were definitely some moments that reminded you this wasn't Christie, namely two characters being introduced mid-coitus, which had me clutching my pearls before laughing at myself for such a reaction. However, Foley didn't fall into the trap I was worried she might. She didn't make Miss Marple one of her POV characters. In fact, I think she mostly got Marple right. She didn't overuse her; Marple usually doesn't take up much page time in her stories, and she didn't just write a Murder She Wrote parody as if Jessica Fletcher and Miss Marple are the same character.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. There were things that I think didn't quite worked. I think if Foley had wanted to use her signature POV style, she should have given more characters POV chapters, as by only having four, the pool of murderers was pretty small. The non-POV original characters didn't stick in the mind enough to actually be contenders. I thought the ending was a little weak, and the narrative relied on some narrowly focused POV chapters in order to hide the murderer, but that comes with the territory.
I enjoyed the book and was able to suspend my disbelief enough, but I don't think it was the best Lucy Foley book I've read.
I am a big Agatha Christie fan, but I have not really delved much into the 'new' Christie novels penned by other authors that have been released in recent years. When I saw that Lucy Foley was writing one, though, I knew I had to give it a go. I was curious how Foley's signature style would translate to a Christie setting, but I was also keen to see her usual interest in themes of class and interpersonal trauma manifested in Miss Marple, where, while there is clear social satire present, it tends to be somewhat more subtle or understated.
Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel is the story of several guests staying in a Swiss hotel. The cast of characters features a ladies' companion, a future leader of the Conservative Party and his wife, the politician's rather 'rough' and unconventional old friend, an ageing Hollywood starlet, a medical student, an inspector, and, of course, our favourite old pussy, Miss Marple, and her friend Mrs Bantry, who featured in The Body in the Library. The idyllic frozen holiday is disturbed by a body, and the police are delayed. Can Miss Marple solve the murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel?
I was curious whether this would end up feeling more like a Foley book or more like a Christie one. I think Foley did a good job of trying to adapt her style to the more conventional whodunnit structure, as a lot of her books often involve not even knowing who the murder victim is until the climax, let alone the murderer. There were definitely some moments that reminded you this wasn't Christie, namely two characters being introduced mid-coitus, which had me clutching my pearls before laughing at myself for such a reaction. However, Foley didn't fall into the trap I was worried she might. She didn't make Miss Marple one of her POV characters. In fact, I think she mostly got Marple right. She didn't overuse her; Marple usually doesn't take up much page time in her stories, and she didn't just write a Murder She Wrote parody as if Jessica Fletcher and Miss Marple are the same character.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. There were things that I think didn't quite worked. I think if Foley had wanted to use her signature POV style, she should have given more characters POV chapters, as by only having four, the pool of murderers was pretty small. The non-POV original characters didn't stick in the mind enough to actually be contenders. I thought the ending was a little weak, and the narrative relied on some narrowly focused POV chapters in order to hide the murderer, but that comes with the territory.
I enjoyed the book and was able to suspend my disbelief enough, but I don't think it was the best Lucy Foley book I've read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I discovered Agatha Christie in my teens and am now approaching fifty. While I have enjoyed most of her books and reread many of them, I always loved the Miss Marple novels most. So I was both intrigued and a little nervous to see this new adventure for Mr Rafiel’s “Nemesis”.
It is 1950 and Miss Marple is holidaying at a luxury Swiss hotel with the recently widowed Dolly Bantry and Diana Glass, the latter’s secretary and all‑round assistant. They are joined by a British MP and his wife, the MP’s rough‑edged friend, a Hollywood starlet, and a group of nuns. However, the holiday takes a sinister turn when Conservative MP and potential Prime Minister Anthony Narracott is found dead. Suddenly, exacerbated by an isolating snowfall, the Grand Alpine becomes a claustrophobic nightmare as it becomes clear that a murderer is on the loose — and then a second death occurs.
Unlike Christie’s Miss Marple stories, Lucy Foley crafts her narrative through alternating first‑person points of view. Initially, I questioned this decision and did struggle a little at the start. However, it does work, and I particularly enjoyed the alternating voices, all of which are distinct — especially Gladys and Sylvia.
Foley does not attempt to imitate Christie, which is a blessing. At her best, Christie is unbeaten. However, Lucy Foley clearly admires the Queen of Crime and her source material. The novel feels and reads like Marple — not just because of the knitting and the pale blue eyes. Miss Marple’s voice, conveyed through the observations of the other guests, is consistent with the canon, and I very much enjoyed this new entry.
The plot is well crafted and Foley plays fair: there are clues and red herrings aplenty. Readers are given ample opportunity to solve the mystery, which I only managed close to the end.
My main criticism is the slow start, which may be a consequence of the multiple points of view.
Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel is set after Sleeping Murder and before — or possibly just after — A Murder Is Announced. I hope this novel proves to be a gateway for new readers to discover Christie’s original Miss Marple stories, and I very much hope that Lucy Foley is given the opportunity to provide us with further adventures.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC.
It is 1950 and Miss Marple is holidaying at a luxury Swiss hotel with the recently widowed Dolly Bantry and Diana Glass, the latter’s secretary and all‑round assistant. They are joined by a British MP and his wife, the MP’s rough‑edged friend, a Hollywood starlet, and a group of nuns. However, the holiday takes a sinister turn when Conservative MP and potential Prime Minister Anthony Narracott is found dead. Suddenly, exacerbated by an isolating snowfall, the Grand Alpine becomes a claustrophobic nightmare as it becomes clear that a murderer is on the loose — and then a second death occurs.
Unlike Christie’s Miss Marple stories, Lucy Foley crafts her narrative through alternating first‑person points of view. Initially, I questioned this decision and did struggle a little at the start. However, it does work, and I particularly enjoyed the alternating voices, all of which are distinct — especially Gladys and Sylvia.
Foley does not attempt to imitate Christie, which is a blessing. At her best, Christie is unbeaten. However, Lucy Foley clearly admires the Queen of Crime and her source material. The novel feels and reads like Marple — not just because of the knitting and the pale blue eyes. Miss Marple’s voice, conveyed through the observations of the other guests, is consistent with the canon, and I very much enjoyed this new entry.
The plot is well crafted and Foley plays fair: there are clues and red herrings aplenty. Readers are given ample opportunity to solve the mystery, which I only managed close to the end.
My main criticism is the slow start, which may be a consequence of the multiple points of view.
Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel is set after Sleeping Murder and before — or possibly just after — A Murder Is Announced. I hope this novel proves to be a gateway for new readers to discover Christie’s original Miss Marple stories, and I very much hope that Lucy Foley is given the opportunity to provide us with further adventures.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I truly thought this was a spring release - oops! I guess this is the start of something? Contemporary thriller authors revisiting Miss Marple? Or maybe it’s just a one-off? (wasn’t there a thing a few years ago with a bunch of contemporary romance authors reimagining Jane Austen novels?) Either way, I like Lucy Foley, and I’m always a fan of Christie-esque stories, in spite of having read shockingly little actual Christie! There’s a fun short story collection called Marple that came out a few years ago that features the character in a whole bunch of different stories, written by contemporary authors - I forget if the stories themselves are contemporary or not…
This story is set in 1950, at the titular Grand Alpine Hotel. Marple is the traveling companion of a widow named Mrs. Banksby, whose own traveling companion Diane, is one of our narrators. The hotel features a whole cast of quirky characters - the washed up starlet, the “perfect” wife of a terrible politician, said politician’s shady business partner, a guy who may or may not be a doctor, and another who may or may not be a detective. A body turns up, there’s a huge snow storm and no one can leave, then *another* body turns up…and Miss Marple is there to make shrewd observations about all of it. Having never read any of the original Marples, I have no idea how typical this is of one of her stories - is she usually the narrator, or just in the background as she is here? (though she is the one who solves the mystery of course)
Without giving too much away, it’s a fun story, the characters are interestingly quirky without falling into parody, and it moves along a fairly quick clip (that’s always been my hesitation with some of the more classic mystery stories - they tend to be slow in a way modern audiences no longer have patience with). The ending is satisfying without being cliched, and the mystery unravels in a way that makes sense, and doesn’t hinge on information the reader never had (another pet peeve of mine!).
This story is set in 1950, at the titular Grand Alpine Hotel. Marple is the traveling companion of a widow named Mrs. Banksby, whose own traveling companion Diane, is one of our narrators. The hotel features a whole cast of quirky characters - the washed up starlet, the “perfect” wife of a terrible politician, said politician’s shady business partner, a guy who may or may not be a doctor, and another who may or may not be a detective. A body turns up, there’s a huge snow storm and no one can leave, then *another* body turns up…and Miss Marple is there to make shrewd observations about all of it. Having never read any of the original Marples, I have no idea how typical this is of one of her stories - is she usually the narrator, or just in the background as she is here? (though she is the one who solves the mystery of course)
Without giving too much away, it’s a fun story, the characters are interestingly quirky without falling into parody, and it moves along a fairly quick clip (that’s always been my hesitation with some of the more classic mystery stories - they tend to be slow in a way modern audiences no longer have patience with). The ending is satisfying without being cliched, and the mystery unravels in a way that makes sense, and doesn’t hinge on information the reader never had (another pet peeve of mine!).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel is an absolute treat — a snowy, old‑world mystery wrapped in Lucy Foley’s modern flair and anchored by the timeless charm of Miss Marple herself. There’s something wonderfully comforting about seeing her step into the refined luxury of a Swiss alpine hotel, only for that tranquillity to fracture the moment a body is discovered and a storm seals everyone in.
Foley captures the spirit of Christie without ever feeling imitative. Miss Marple is exactly as she should be: observant, underestimated, quietly sharp. Watching her move through the hotel’s elegant lounges and frosted balconies, collecting small details others overlook, feels like slipping back into a familiar rhythm — but with a fresh, contemporary edge.
The setting is deliciously atmospheric. The Grand Alpine Hotel is all polished wood, glittering chandeliers, and sweeping mountain views, yet there’s a subtle tension beneath the glamour. As the snowstorm closes in, the walls seem to tighten, and every guest becomes a potential suspect. Foley leans into that classic locked‑room energy, giving the story a cozy yet claustrophobic feel that suits Miss Marple perfectly.
What I loved most is how the mystery unfolds with such ease. Clues are scattered with a light hand, motives simmer quietly, and Miss Marple’s gentle, incisive presence guides everything forward. It’s a story that honours the original spirit while offering something new — a wintery, elegant puzzle that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Charming, atmospheric, and wonderfully clever, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel is a delightful return for the world’s most beloved amateur detective. A perfect fireside read for anyone who loves classic mysteries with a modern sparkle.
With thanks to Lucy Foley, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Foley captures the spirit of Christie without ever feeling imitative. Miss Marple is exactly as she should be: observant, underestimated, quietly sharp. Watching her move through the hotel’s elegant lounges and frosted balconies, collecting small details others overlook, feels like slipping back into a familiar rhythm — but with a fresh, contemporary edge.
The setting is deliciously atmospheric. The Grand Alpine Hotel is all polished wood, glittering chandeliers, and sweeping mountain views, yet there’s a subtle tension beneath the glamour. As the snowstorm closes in, the walls seem to tighten, and every guest becomes a potential suspect. Foley leans into that classic locked‑room energy, giving the story a cozy yet claustrophobic feel that suits Miss Marple perfectly.
What I loved most is how the mystery unfolds with such ease. Clues are scattered with a light hand, motives simmer quietly, and Miss Marple’s gentle, incisive presence guides everything forward. It’s a story that honours the original spirit while offering something new — a wintery, elegant puzzle that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Charming, atmospheric, and wonderfully clever, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel is a delightful return for the world’s most beloved amateur detective. A perfect fireside read for anyone who loves classic mysteries with a modern sparkle.
With thanks to Lucy Foley, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
May 25, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
Hats off to Lucy Foley for a job extremely well done in picking up where Agatha Christie left off! 👏
Set in a ski resort in the Swiss Alps, this is a classic retro whodunnit with a locked-room-type mystery trope.
Now, quick caveat: I have never read an Agatha Christie novel let alone a Miss Marple one, specifically. That said, I have watched a couple of the films and have a feel for whodunnit formula and a little of Miss Marple’s personality. However, starting this book made me wish I’d read a couple at least, purely so that I could compare (or would that have ruined the revival of Miss Marple that I believe the author was able to achieve?!)
The setting was both atmospheric and retro/nostalgic, set in 1950, very much in the wake of post-world war II Europe.
I would say, however, that although the story hit the ground running with a gripping first chapter, the remaining storyline was slow to get into the action. Nearly 50% of the book was spent setting the scene and introducing characters and backgrounds before the murder mystery begins, although I suppose this is more in keeping with old school whodunits.
Overall, I was a little underwhelmed/ had mixed feelings about it. I have to give the author credit where credit is due on seemingly portraying Miss Marple and Christie’s whodunnits generally so well, but I personally just prefer something more fast paced. This is therefore not a reflection of the story or of the writing (which was outstanding!) but more a case that this is not my preferred type of mystery/crime novel, being more of a classic whodunnit. Anyone who is a fan of the miss Marple original series would love it!
Many thanks to Lucy Foley, Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this eARC.
Hats off to Lucy Foley for a job extremely well done in picking up where Agatha Christie left off! 👏
Set in a ski resort in the Swiss Alps, this is a classic retro whodunnit with a locked-room-type mystery trope.
Now, quick caveat: I have never read an Agatha Christie novel let alone a Miss Marple one, specifically. That said, I have watched a couple of the films and have a feel for whodunnit formula and a little of Miss Marple’s personality. However, starting this book made me wish I’d read a couple at least, purely so that I could compare (or would that have ruined the revival of Miss Marple that I believe the author was able to achieve?!)
The setting was both atmospheric and retro/nostalgic, set in 1950, very much in the wake of post-world war II Europe.
I would say, however, that although the story hit the ground running with a gripping first chapter, the remaining storyline was slow to get into the action. Nearly 50% of the book was spent setting the scene and introducing characters and backgrounds before the murder mystery begins, although I suppose this is more in keeping with old school whodunits.
Overall, I was a little underwhelmed/ had mixed feelings about it. I have to give the author credit where credit is due on seemingly portraying Miss Marple and Christie’s whodunnits generally so well, but I personally just prefer something more fast paced. This is therefore not a reflection of the story or of the writing (which was outstanding!) but more a case that this is not my preferred type of mystery/crime novel, being more of a classic whodunnit. Anyone who is a fan of the miss Marple original series would love it!
Many thanks to Lucy Foley, Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lucy Foley, one of my favourite authors, plus Agatha Christie, who has created so many of my favourite characters, AND it's a Miss Marple - this ticks ALL the boxes.
It was very different from what I expected. There are multiple POVs but, surprisingly, none of them are Miss Marple. At first, the choice of characters felt strange but it becomes clear why each was carefully chosen. Another slightly odd thing was that there wasn't a murder until 41% of the way through the book!
It's the kind of book that I want to re-read as I thought I caught a lot of the clues but I think reading whilst knowing the ending would reveal more. I read (and watch) a LOT of whodunit stories and a bugbear of mine is if you can't guess the ending as a reader. For example, the detective reveals something that they looked up off-page/off-screen that blows the whole case. There were a lot of mic-drop moments where Miss Marple would suddenly drop a theory that turned out to be correct but seemed (to me) to be out of the blue. My only small criticism!
Otherwise, the book had everything you look fit in a murder mystery. Red herrings, clues in plain sight, shocking revelations and a host of interesting characters.
I love the way that Lucy Foley writes crime books and this was brilliant. If you had never read/watched Miss Marple, the inclusion of Marple's travel group would probably seem a bit strange and contrived but I enjoyed the inclusion of those characters. And if you haven't read/watched Miss Marple mysteries, I suggest you go and do it now!
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc, I'm happy to share my honest review.
It was very different from what I expected. There are multiple POVs but, surprisingly, none of them are Miss Marple. At first, the choice of characters felt strange but it becomes clear why each was carefully chosen. Another slightly odd thing was that there wasn't a murder until 41% of the way through the book!
It's the kind of book that I want to re-read as I thought I caught a lot of the clues but I think reading whilst knowing the ending would reveal more. I read (and watch) a LOT of whodunit stories and a bugbear of mine is if you can't guess the ending as a reader. For example, the detective reveals something that they looked up off-page/off-screen that blows the whole case. There were a lot of mic-drop moments where Miss Marple would suddenly drop a theory that turned out to be correct but seemed (to me) to be out of the blue. My only small criticism!
Otherwise, the book had everything you look fit in a murder mystery. Red herrings, clues in plain sight, shocking revelations and a host of interesting characters.
I love the way that Lucy Foley writes crime books and this was brilliant. If you had never read/watched Miss Marple, the inclusion of Marple's travel group would probably seem a bit strange and contrived but I enjoyed the inclusion of those characters. And if you haven't read/watched Miss Marple mysteries, I suggest you go and do it now!
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc, I'm happy to share my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a fun read and Foley clearly has an affection for Miss Marple which shows beautifully - her comparisons with people from St Mary's Mead, her fluffy knitting and her steely moral character are all present and correct. It's also lovely to be back in the company of Dolly Bantry again. All the same, this doesn't really have the vibe of a Christie mystery: the plot is pretty see-through (whereas Christie always managed to distract our eyes and pull off brilliant dénouements) and the various 1st person narratives (none from either Mrs Bantry or Jane Marple) are all a bit stereotypical as well as feminist-leaning in a way that Christie's stories were not.
It's also the case that there isn't really an investigation for Jane Marple to interfere with: there are murders but no real investigative process, not least because - of course! - the alpine hotel is cut off from the world for days. And a sense of jeopardy is barely sketched in with a reminder occasionally by guests that a killer is on the loose, but it doesn't stop anyone from skiing, going to the spa and even participating in a traditional sled race. I liked in-joke of the hotel manager with his extravagant moustache, and there are some nods to other classic Christies, even close to a quotation at one stage which proves a red herring.
Perfect as a switch-off read for Christie fans but we'd need a far more complicated and clever plot to file this alongside the grande dame herself.
Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC via NetGalley
It's also the case that there isn't really an investigation for Jane Marple to interfere with: there are murders but no real investigative process, not least because - of course! - the alpine hotel is cut off from the world for days. And a sense of jeopardy is barely sketched in with a reminder occasionally by guests that a killer is on the loose, but it doesn't stop anyone from skiing, going to the spa and even participating in a traditional sled race. I liked in-joke of the hotel manager with his extravagant moustache, and there are some nods to other classic Christies, even close to a quotation at one stage which proves a red herring.
Perfect as a switch-off read for Christie fans but we'd need a far more complicated and clever plot to file this alongside the grande dame herself.
Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC via NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As an new authorized Miss Marple novel, this is the first full length publication in 50 years.
The setting, a snowed-in luxury hotel is described beautifully and totally perfect for the plot. Unusual however, as apart from A Caribbean Mystery, and the short story anthology in 2022 by contemporary authors, Miss Marple rarely travels further than St. Mary Mead.
Agatha Christie’s novels are primarily narrated in the third-person, this tale is in first person, back and forward by several key characters but not Miss Marple herself.
There are also far more examples of pop culture and real-world references in this novel to firmly establish its time period for the reader than I felt necessary.
But once I had put aside that it was not going to feel like I had picked up a previously unread Christie, I settled in and enjoyed the unfolding story. Secrets, lies, and a dishonest politician leading to murder motivated by money, and the covering up of past secrets. And, as ever, the case is finally unravelled through the quiet, unwavering discernment and intelligence of Miss Jane Marple.
Having previously read earlier novels by Lucy Foley, I am looking forward to further fresh tales of this beloved character.
I also learnt a word I cannot remember having used before - rime, a specific type of frost. It forms when supercooled water droplets in fog freeze on contact, creating a rough, white, icy coating.
Harper Collins provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The setting, a snowed-in luxury hotel is described beautifully and totally perfect for the plot. Unusual however, as apart from A Caribbean Mystery, and the short story anthology in 2022 by contemporary authors, Miss Marple rarely travels further than St. Mary Mead.
Agatha Christie’s novels are primarily narrated in the third-person, this tale is in first person, back and forward by several key characters but not Miss Marple herself.
There are also far more examples of pop culture and real-world references in this novel to firmly establish its time period for the reader than I felt necessary.
But once I had put aside that it was not going to feel like I had picked up a previously unread Christie, I settled in and enjoyed the unfolding story. Secrets, lies, and a dishonest politician leading to murder motivated by money, and the covering up of past secrets. And, as ever, the case is finally unravelled through the quiet, unwavering discernment and intelligence of Miss Jane Marple.
Having previously read earlier novels by Lucy Foley, I am looking forward to further fresh tales of this beloved character.
I also learnt a word I cannot remember having used before - rime, a specific type of frost. It forms when supercooled water droplets in fog freeze on contact, creating a rough, white, icy coating.
Harper Collins provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lucy Foley's take on Miss Marple is so convincing that I feel sure Agatha Christie would be impressed. She has really dived into the nitty gritty of Jane Marple's character, the way she is forever watching and comparing incidents to things that have happened previously. I was both charmed and irritated by her as I was when I read the original books many years ago.
The setting for this mystery is the Grand Alpine Hotel, recently reopened and now cut off from everywhere first by snow and then by damage done to the cog railway that brings visitors up the mountain. The plot is classic cosy crime with several individuals harbouring secrets that means anyone of them could have committed the evil deeds. Happily, the most dislikable characters are dispatched early in the story leaving the others to struggle about wondering what is going on. Jane Marple, is of course, one step ahead of them though, having noticed several peculiarities that are cleverly planted and them skimmed over by the reader.
The 1950's setting in a grand hotel with endless cocktails, uncrowded ski slopes, furs and American actresses provides and excellent background for the plot. The writing is very readable and captures the tone of Agatha Christie very well.
This is an entertaining cosy crime, not dark or overly heavy, with several good twists which I didn't see coming. I read this on holiday and very much enjoyed it.
With thanks to Netgalley, the author and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for an early copy in return for an honest review.
The setting for this mystery is the Grand Alpine Hotel, recently reopened and now cut off from everywhere first by snow and then by damage done to the cog railway that brings visitors up the mountain. The plot is classic cosy crime with several individuals harbouring secrets that means anyone of them could have committed the evil deeds. Happily, the most dislikable characters are dispatched early in the story leaving the others to struggle about wondering what is going on. Jane Marple, is of course, one step ahead of them though, having noticed several peculiarities that are cleverly planted and them skimmed over by the reader.
The 1950's setting in a grand hotel with endless cocktails, uncrowded ski slopes, furs and American actresses provides and excellent background for the plot. The writing is very readable and captures the tone of Agatha Christie very well.
This is an entertaining cosy crime, not dark or overly heavy, with several good twists which I didn't see coming. I read this on holiday and very much enjoyed it.
With thanks to Netgalley, the author and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for an early copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This book was a big surprise for me. To be honest i had never read an Agatha Christie book but I had read several of Lucy Foley's books and enjoy the author very much. There was a bit of a learning curve figuring out Ms. Marple was pretty much Angela Lansbury from Murder She Wrote. I enjoyed the different perspectives in the book, I did wish there had been at least one or two chapters devoted to other characters to get their perspectives but honestly the brevity she kept each perspective in a single scenario or timeframe was welcomed. Instead of taking what should be a quick descriptive 3 or 4 page dialogue and dragging it out to 10+ pages made it such a quick read and hard to put down because you see the next chapter is only two pages and the next one is then 4. The longest may have been 10 pages throughout the whole book and it was very welcomed.
I loved the personalities of the characters, though some were very heavily influenced ala Sylvia Sinclair pretty much being Marilyn Monroe (who she calls out in the book) down to Sylvia having an ex-husband who was a baseball player. It didn't take anything away from the story in fact made it easier to visualize but maybe didn't need to be so heavy handed in some aspects.
Overall a fast, light, fun read. As a fan of Murder Mysteries there is nothing ground breaking here, I had most of the puzzle solved before the reveal but doesn't mean there isn't intrigue or somethings I wasn't wrong about but a fun and quick read that will sit proudly on my shelf.
I loved the personalities of the characters, though some were very heavily influenced ala Sylvia Sinclair pretty much being Marilyn Monroe (who she calls out in the book) down to Sylvia having an ex-husband who was a baseball player. It didn't take anything away from the story in fact made it easier to visualize but maybe didn't need to be so heavy handed in some aspects.
Overall a fast, light, fun read. As a fan of Murder Mysteries there is nothing ground breaking here, I had most of the puzzle solved before the reveal but doesn't mean there isn't intrigue or somethings I wasn't wrong about but a fun and quick read that will sit proudly on my shelf.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I honestly can’t imagine the pressure of trying to write a brand-new Miss Marple story. Stepping into Agatha Christie’s shoes is not something I’d ever volunteer for.
So fair play to Lucy Foley for taking it on, and, more importantly, making it work!
We’re in 1950, high in the Swiss Alps, where Miss Marple arrives at a luxury hotel alongside Dolly Bantry and her companion, Diana Glass. From there, we’re introduced to a small but very carefully drawn cast, with the story told through multiple perspectives, meaning we observe Miss Marple from the outside, just as Christie often wrote her.
We have Catherine, the dutiful politician’s wife, trapped in a miserable marriage; Sylvia, the fading Hollywood star desperate to hold onto relevance; Diana, quietly withdrawn and carrying her own pain; and Bruno Crane, whose connection to it all slowly unfolds.
The setting does a lot of the heavy lifting here, too. A glamorous hotel, a snowstorm cutting everyone off, and a group of guests who all seem to be hiding something. It’s classic murder mystery territory.
Speaking of the murder, it takes a while to arrive, and that’s very much the point. The first half carefully lays the groundwork, building characters, tensions, and relationships that all become crucial later on.
It's a great book that really captures the essence of Agatha Christie, which is no mean feat, and I would happily recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel by Lucy Foley in exchange for my honest opinion.
So fair play to Lucy Foley for taking it on, and, more importantly, making it work!
We’re in 1950, high in the Swiss Alps, where Miss Marple arrives at a luxury hotel alongside Dolly Bantry and her companion, Diana Glass. From there, we’re introduced to a small but very carefully drawn cast, with the story told through multiple perspectives, meaning we observe Miss Marple from the outside, just as Christie often wrote her.
We have Catherine, the dutiful politician’s wife, trapped in a miserable marriage; Sylvia, the fading Hollywood star desperate to hold onto relevance; Diana, quietly withdrawn and carrying her own pain; and Bruno Crane, whose connection to it all slowly unfolds.
The setting does a lot of the heavy lifting here, too. A glamorous hotel, a snowstorm cutting everyone off, and a group of guests who all seem to be hiding something. It’s classic murder mystery territory.
Speaking of the murder, it takes a while to arrive, and that’s very much the point. The first half carefully lays the groundwork, building characters, tensions, and relationships that all become crucial later on.
It's a great book that really captures the essence of Agatha Christie, which is no mean feat, and I would happily recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel by Lucy Foley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
WOW I can thoroughly recommend Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel (Kindle Edition) a locked-room whodunit thriller by Lucy Foley as it was so exciting.
Lucy Foley has interwined Agatha Christie's, Miss Jane Marple, set in 1950 into her own perspective throughout. The story unfolds at the luxurious Grand Alpine Hotel in the Swiss Alps, where Miss Marple is accompanied by Dolly Bantry a long time companion and Mrs Bantry's assistant, Diana Glass.
A guest gets into a ski gondola alive but on arriving at the top of the moutain is found to be dead. A snowstorm adds to the angst of the hotel manager and guests as the police cannot get through the storm and there is also a wolf in sheep's clothing still lurking inside the hotel.
There are many suspects, which consist of, Anthony Narracott a respected politician, Catherine Narracott his wife, Bruno Crane, an unsavoury friend of Anthony Narracott, Sylvia Sinclair, an aging actress who still has charm and also an adultress, Charlie Levitt, a beguiling trainee doctor and a duo of nuns.
I loved the following description Mrs Bantry recites "Its rather like being in a snow globe held in the grip of an angry giant." Miss Marple reminds me so much of Hercule Poirot in many ways as she deduces all her observations into revealing the perpetrator.
I also adore the way Lucy Foley describes the elements, beauty, harshness, isolation, colours. I felt I could feel the icy coldness, the flakes of snow falling down and the terror of the next victim.
Lucy Foley has interwined Agatha Christie's, Miss Jane Marple, set in 1950 into her own perspective throughout. The story unfolds at the luxurious Grand Alpine Hotel in the Swiss Alps, where Miss Marple is accompanied by Dolly Bantry a long time companion and Mrs Bantry's assistant, Diana Glass.
A guest gets into a ski gondola alive but on arriving at the top of the moutain is found to be dead. A snowstorm adds to the angst of the hotel manager and guests as the police cannot get through the storm and there is also a wolf in sheep's clothing still lurking inside the hotel.
There are many suspects, which consist of, Anthony Narracott a respected politician, Catherine Narracott his wife, Bruno Crane, an unsavoury friend of Anthony Narracott, Sylvia Sinclair, an aging actress who still has charm and also an adultress, Charlie Levitt, a beguiling trainee doctor and a duo of nuns.
I loved the following description Mrs Bantry recites "Its rather like being in a snow globe held in the grip of an angry giant." Miss Marple reminds me so much of Hercule Poirot in many ways as she deduces all her observations into revealing the perpetrator.
I also adore the way Lucy Foley describes the elements, beauty, harshness, isolation, colours. I felt I could feel the icy coldness, the flakes of snow falling down and the terror of the next victim.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advance review copy (ARC) from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
I enjoyed Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel, Lucy Foley's new Miss Marple mystery. I was quickly drawn into the story and found myself invested in the mystery from the start. I particularly liked the multiple points of view, with chapters told through the voices of characters such as The Help, The Wife, The Star, and The Friend. This added different perspectives and helped build the intrigue throughout the novel.
The mountain hotel setting in the Swiss Alps was atmospheric and added to the appeal of the story. The characters were interesting, and I enjoyed seeing them develop as the mystery unfolded. There were plenty of twists and unexpected developments, as you would hope for in a classic murder mystery, and I was satisfied with the ending.
Up to around the 65% mark, I was thoroughly engaged, but after that, I felt the pacing slowed somewhat. I reached a point where I was less interested in the journey and more eager to discover what had actually happened. While this affected my enjoyment slightly, it didn't detract from what was otherwise an entertaining and well-crafted mystery.
I would recommend this book to Miss Marple fans and murder mystery readers in general. The engaging cast, intriguing setting, and satisfying resolution make it a worthwhile read, even though I personally found the latter part of the novel a little slower than I would have liked.
I enjoyed Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel, Lucy Foley's new Miss Marple mystery. I was quickly drawn into the story and found myself invested in the mystery from the start. I particularly liked the multiple points of view, with chapters told through the voices of characters such as The Help, The Wife, The Star, and The Friend. This added different perspectives and helped build the intrigue throughout the novel.
The mountain hotel setting in the Swiss Alps was atmospheric and added to the appeal of the story. The characters were interesting, and I enjoyed seeing them develop as the mystery unfolded. There were plenty of twists and unexpected developments, as you would hope for in a classic murder mystery, and I was satisfied with the ending.
Up to around the 65% mark, I was thoroughly engaged, but after that, I felt the pacing slowed somewhat. I reached a point where I was less interested in the journey and more eager to discover what had actually happened. While this affected my enjoyment slightly, it didn't detract from what was otherwise an entertaining and well-crafted mystery.
I would recommend this book to Miss Marple fans and murder mystery readers in general. The engaging cast, intriguing setting, and satisfying resolution make it a worthwhile read, even though I personally found the latter part of the novel a little slower than I would have liked.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel by Lucy Foley
A new novel featuring Miss Marple piqued my interest immediately and this novel did not disappoint. I was interested to see how Lucy Foley would manage a Christie setting having read the Christiesque novels by Anthony Horowitz and Sophie Hannah.
The story is all about guests who are staying at an exclusive hotel in the Swiss Alps. There are the usual social tensions which one would expect in an Agatha Christie novel. We have an interesting range of society:- a future leader of the Conservative Party and his wife, a ladies companion, an ageing starlet, a French police inspector, a medical student, the politician’s unlikely friend from the past and of course Miss Marple and her friend Dolly Bantry.
The Swiss holiday is interrupted by the appearance of a dead body and as the snow has continued to fall and the train line is blocked the police are delayed. So it falls to Miss Marple to solve the mystery. Apart from the introduction of more sexual interactions this felt like Miss Marple as written by Agatha Christie. Miss Marple is almost exactly as she should be; sharp-eyed, undervalued and quietly questioning everyone to elicit the truth.
The setting was beautifully evoked and the glamour of the Swiss hotel suited the book perfectly. I will be recommending this book to my various book groups.
Thank you to Lucy Foley, HarperCollins and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
A new novel featuring Miss Marple piqued my interest immediately and this novel did not disappoint. I was interested to see how Lucy Foley would manage a Christie setting having read the Christiesque novels by Anthony Horowitz and Sophie Hannah.
The story is all about guests who are staying at an exclusive hotel in the Swiss Alps. There are the usual social tensions which one would expect in an Agatha Christie novel. We have an interesting range of society:- a future leader of the Conservative Party and his wife, a ladies companion, an ageing starlet, a French police inspector, a medical student, the politician’s unlikely friend from the past and of course Miss Marple and her friend Dolly Bantry.
The Swiss holiday is interrupted by the appearance of a dead body and as the snow has continued to fall and the train line is blocked the police are delayed. So it falls to Miss Marple to solve the mystery. Apart from the introduction of more sexual interactions this felt like Miss Marple as written by Agatha Christie. Miss Marple is almost exactly as she should be; sharp-eyed, undervalued and quietly questioning everyone to elicit the truth.
The setting was beautifully evoked and the glamour of the Swiss hotel suited the book perfectly. I will be recommending this book to my various book groups.
Thank you to Lucy Foley, HarperCollins and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5* Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel - Lucy Foley. A superb new Marple tale, 50 years after her last outing at Christie’s hand.
A grandiose MP and his society wife, a Hollywood starlet, a host of the well-heeled, Mrs Bantry and her friend Miss Marple; assemble at the top of a Swiss mountain in a luxurious resort. Some are there for the skiing, others for the spa and a couple for the toboggan run. Yes others are there for much more nefarious reasons, to double-cross, to claim what they think belongs to them and potentially to get their revenge.
It’s only a matter of time before one of the guests meets a grisly demise and the guests find themselves stranded. Can the killer be found before more bodies pile up.
Wow Lucy Foley. What a fantastic addition to the ‘after Agatha’ cannon. The characters and setting are everything the great woman would have contrived and the plot has more twists and turns than the Cresta Run. In places a little slow, this is otherwise fantastic fun and a true love-letter to the Queen of Crime Fiction and one of her most loved characters. It will keep you guessing until the end as each red herring slowly fizzles out and the freezing mountain mist slowly clears.
A must read for everyone. A special immersive experience for fans of Christie and Marple. This is going to be a smash hit!
Thanks to Harper Collins and Netgalley for an ARC.
A grandiose MP and his society wife, a Hollywood starlet, a host of the well-heeled, Mrs Bantry and her friend Miss Marple; assemble at the top of a Swiss mountain in a luxurious resort. Some are there for the skiing, others for the spa and a couple for the toboggan run. Yes others are there for much more nefarious reasons, to double-cross, to claim what they think belongs to them and potentially to get their revenge.
It’s only a matter of time before one of the guests meets a grisly demise and the guests find themselves stranded. Can the killer be found before more bodies pile up.
Wow Lucy Foley. What a fantastic addition to the ‘after Agatha’ cannon. The characters and setting are everything the great woman would have contrived and the plot has more twists and turns than the Cresta Run. In places a little slow, this is otherwise fantastic fun and a true love-letter to the Queen of Crime Fiction and one of her most loved characters. It will keep you guessing until the end as each red herring slowly fizzles out and the freezing mountain mist slowly clears.
A must read for everyone. A special immersive experience for fans of Christie and Marple. This is going to be a smash hit!
Thanks to Harper Collins and Netgalley for an ARC.
June 10, 2026
Lucy Foley is an author that I have mixed feelings about. But she has outdone herself with Murder at the Grand Alphine Hotel a new Miss Marle novel.
Set in the 1950’s in the Swiss Alps, Miss Marple is accompanied by Ms Bantry and her help Diana Glass to the Grand Alphine hotel and the only way in and out is the Gondola train. The three women have come for a winter break.
When a body of one of the guest’s politician Anthony Narracott is found. They call for the Police. But due to a snowstorm it will take them for the storm to end before someone arrives. Miss Marple and co start their investigation to decipher which guest is the killer before they find out an escape.
For any fans of Agatha Christe, they will not be disappointed. This is an atmospheric read in her style of writing. I think this is a fantastic read and a great page turner and felt a bit nostalgic of her writing. I loved the characters and the mystery behind it. I couldn’t stop turning the pages quick enough. For me and this is not a bad thing. I expected more of the character of Miss Marple character in it. for me there wasn’t enough but that didn’t spoil it for me It was just an observation. Well done Miss Foley. 5 stars from me.
Set in the 1950’s in the Swiss Alps, Miss Marple is accompanied by Ms Bantry and her help Diana Glass to the Grand Alphine hotel and the only way in and out is the Gondola train. The three women have come for a winter break.
When a body of one of the guest’s politician Anthony Narracott is found. They call for the Police. But due to a snowstorm it will take them for the storm to end before someone arrives. Miss Marple and co start their investigation to decipher which guest is the killer before they find out an escape.
For any fans of Agatha Christe, they will not be disappointed. This is an atmospheric read in her style of writing. I think this is a fantastic read and a great page turner and felt a bit nostalgic of her writing. I loved the characters and the mystery behind it. I couldn’t stop turning the pages quick enough. For me and this is not a bad thing. I expected more of the character of Miss Marple character in it. for me there wasn’t enough but that didn’t spoil it for me It was just an observation. Well done Miss Foley. 5 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
High in the Swiss Alps, accessible only by a single, winding railway, stands the luxurious Grand Alpine Hotel. With glorious mountain views and exclusive access to powdery slopes, it draws guests from far and wide. But not everyone is here for a winter holiday.
Beneath the champagne and furs, dark histories simmer; old grudges emerge like cracks in the ice. And someone is watching from the shadows. A polite, unassuming woman with an extraordinary mind: Miss Marple.
When a body is found and a blizzard cuts off all escape, only Miss Marple can connect the clues before the killer strikes again. Because it isn’t a question of who has a motive, but who’s next…
An excellent new story and I could see Joan Hickson every time Miss Marple was mentioned. A real olde-worlde vibe and a great cast of characters, I enjoyed every page including all the red herrings and Jane Marple's wonderful deductions. A huge "well done" to Lucy Foley and a huge thank you for allowing me to enjoy my favourite Christie character again.
My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, HarperFiction for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Beneath the champagne and furs, dark histories simmer; old grudges emerge like cracks in the ice. And someone is watching from the shadows. A polite, unassuming woman with an extraordinary mind: Miss Marple.
When a body is found and a blizzard cuts off all escape, only Miss Marple can connect the clues before the killer strikes again. Because it isn’t a question of who has a motive, but who’s next…
An excellent new story and I could see Joan Hickson every time Miss Marple was mentioned. A real olde-worlde vibe and a great cast of characters, I enjoyed every page including all the red herrings and Jane Marple's wonderful deductions. A huge "well done" to Lucy Foley and a huge thank you for allowing me to enjoy my favourite Christie character again.
My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, HarperFiction for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
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