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DI Emma Christie Crime Thriller #5
The Christmas Market Murders
The Christmas Market should be Chester's busiest—and happiest—time of year. Beneath the glow of thousands of fairy lights, traders welcome visitors from across the country, the mulled wine flows, and the city's ancient streets come alive with festive cheer.
Then a man dressed as Santa Claus is found brutally murdered before the market opens.
Detective Inspector Emma Christie and her team are called in to lead a high-profile investigation. When a second body is discovered, the pressure intensifies from senior officers, politicians and a terrified public. As Christie digs deeper, she uncovers a web of corruption, blackmail and long-buried secrets linking the victims. Every suspect has something to hide. Every interview exposes another lie.
With Chester's spectacular Winter Watch Parade just days away and thousands expected to line the city's historic streets, Christie is running out of time. Because the killer isn't finished—and the next victim could already be among the crowds.
Set against the striking backdrop of Chester's historic Rows, Roman walls and glittering Christmas Market, The Chester Christmas Market Murders is a gripping British crime thriller, perfect for readers of Peter James, Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths, where every festive smile hides a secret—and anyone could be next.
Then a man dressed as Santa Claus is found brutally murdered before the market opens.
Detective Inspector Emma Christie and her team are called in to lead a high-profile investigation. When a second body is discovered, the pressure intensifies from senior officers, politicians and a terrified public. As Christie digs deeper, she uncovers a web of corruption, blackmail and long-buried secrets linking the victims. Every suspect has something to hide. Every interview exposes another lie.
With Chester's spectacular Winter Watch Parade just days away and thousands expected to line the city's historic streets, Christie is running out of time. Because the killer isn't finished—and the next victim could already be among the crowds.
Set against the striking backdrop of Chester's historic Rows, Roman walls and glittering Christmas Market, The Chester Christmas Market Murders is a gripping British crime thriller, perfect for readers of Peter James, Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths, where every festive smile hides a secret—and anyone could be next.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2026
About the author
M.J. Lee
72 books460 followersMartin has spent most of his adult life writing in one form or another.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 11, 2026
Really enjoyed this one although the end was a little bit rushed .
October 31, 2026
a good read
Not too scary, enjoyed this even though the topic is a bit Ick. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Not too scary, enjoyed this even though the topic is a bit Ick. Looking forward to the next in the series.
October 14, 2026
Outstanding!
A quick paced read, I simply could not put it down. I have read the preceding books in this series and enjoyed each of them but this was my favorite thus far!
A quick paced read, I simply could not put it down. I have read the preceding books in this series and enjoyed each of them but this was my favorite thus far!
September 27, 2026
3.5 stars a good story but I felt there were several hackneyed themes around the edges that were trotted out and spoiled it - not eating, bullying from senior officers and Emma always carrying the can, the two female DCs always fighting over who does what. Shame we didn’t get to see the final arrest too. There were quite a few mistakes - Emma instead of Anna for example.
I like the stories but they’re not as good as Ridpath.
I like the stories but they’re not as good as Ridpath.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews