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Murder at Snowfall
When Lucas and Ruby find an abandoned trunk covered in snow, Lucas says there’s bound to be a body inside. Ruby laughs but what if he’s right? Nervously she starts to open it, and immediately wishes she hadn’t. From that moment on, they’re drawn into a thrilling mystery, one that they have to solve before the falling snow smothers all trace of wrongdoing…
272 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2022
15 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Fleur Hitchcock
24 books81 followersBorn in Chobham, by an airfield, and raised in Winchester on the banks of the River Itchen, Fleur Hitchcock grew up as the youngest child of three. When she was eight, she wrote a story about an alien and a jelly. It was called THE ALIEN AND THE JELLY and filled four exercise books. She grew up a little, went away to school near Farnham, studied English in Wales, and, for the next twenty years, sold Applied Art in the city of Bath. When her younger child was seven, she embarked on the Writing for Young People MA at Bath Spa and graduated with a distinction. Now living outside Bath, between parenting and writing, Fleur Hitchcock works with her husband (a toy maker), looks after other people's gardens and grows vegetables.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 24, 2023
This author is on the way to becoming a favorite. Wow! After finishing their last wintery book, I picked up the next winter-y one I had by them. Loved this 1 so much too! Soooo good! When Lucas & Ruby find an abandoned trunk covered in snow, Lucas says there's bound to be a body inside. Ruby laughs but what if he's right? Nervously she starts to open it, & immediately wishes she hadn't. From that moment on, they're drawn into a thrilling mystery, 1 that they have to solve before the falling snow smothers all trace of wrongdoing... Another atmospheric suspenseful gripping murder mystery, full of family & friendship. There's even the theme of a blended family in this 1, & I loved the amazing stepdad, & our MC Ruby's relationship with her stepbrother Lucas growing into a real sibling relationship through their dangerous sleuthing adventure. The author keeps you guessing with the cast of suspects, keeps the atmosphere high with the snowy weather & the animals at this huge estate & more with vivid writing. Flew through this one too. Highly recommend. Another BEAUTIFUL cover by Robert Ball as well.💜
September 10, 2022
Can't beat a thrilling Murder Mystery!
An afternoon well spent racing through the snow & furiously turning the pages of the latest trademark Hitchcock Whodunit - Fleur really is the Queen of Middle Grade Murder Mystery!
When Lucas and Ruby find an abandoned trunk in a layby covered in snow, Lucas says there’s bound to be a body inside. Ruby laughs but what if he’s right? Nervously she starts to open it, and immediately wishes she hadn’t...
The step-siblings uncover the identity of the deceased & a small object Ruby recovered from the layby - initially dismissed by the police - reveals its significance. As the teens get closer to solving the mystery, the murderer is determined to silence them. A perilous chain of events occur, all under the cover of heavy snowfall - but can it cover up the truth...?
Out on the 3rd November, this is the perfect read to cosy up with when temperatures plummet. In her signature style, Fleur throws us more than a red herring or two that will keep you guessing right until the final chapter. As always, I was utterly gripped.
An afternoon well spent racing through the snow & furiously turning the pages of the latest trademark Hitchcock Whodunit - Fleur really is the Queen of Middle Grade Murder Mystery!
When Lucas and Ruby find an abandoned trunk in a layby covered in snow, Lucas says there’s bound to be a body inside. Ruby laughs but what if he’s right? Nervously she starts to open it, and immediately wishes she hadn’t...
The step-siblings uncover the identity of the deceased & a small object Ruby recovered from the layby - initially dismissed by the police - reveals its significance. As the teens get closer to solving the mystery, the murderer is determined to silence them. A perilous chain of events occur, all under the cover of heavy snowfall - but can it cover up the truth...?
Out on the 3rd November, this is the perfect read to cosy up with when temperatures plummet. In her signature style, Fleur throws us more than a red herring or two that will keep you guessing right until the final chapter. As always, I was utterly gripped.
October 12, 2022
I Just Love A Winter themed Murder Mystery & This did Not Disappoint, I Would 100% want to Purchase this Book & Read it Again!
(Thanks to Net Galley, Fleur Hitchcock & Noisy Crow for this Book!)
(Thanks to Net Galley, Fleur Hitchcock & Noisy Crow for this Book!)
January 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this mystery. Main character Ruby (who seems around 13 or 14 - I don't recall seeing her age specified) and her recently-acquired older step-brother Lucas find themselves involved in a murder mystery when they discover a body in a cabinet dumped beside a road. This was an action-packed read with lots of unexpected elements (a wedding! lions! graffiti!).
The burgeoning friendship between Ruby and Lucas was a particular highlight. Having now read two books by Fleur Hitchcock (the other was Murder in Midwinter), I feel she has a special talent for writing both the teen girl voice and authentic-feeling teen boy characters!
The burgeoning friendship between Ruby and Lucas was a particular highlight. Having now read two books by Fleur Hitchcock (the other was Murder in Midwinter), I feel she has a special talent for writing both the teen girl voice and authentic-feeling teen boy characters!
January 17, 2025
Love Fleur Hitchcock books - fun, entertaining murder mysteries with a darker undertone but pitched perfectly. So enjoyable to read.
November 8, 2022
Lucas and Ruby are gripped by a terrifying mystery from the moment theyfind an abandoned trunk covered in snow and open it to make a macabre discovery. Could it be linked to the fire at the surgery where Ruby's mum works and the disappearance of Dr Price? As Ruby and Lucas become closer and closer to the solution, dangers multiply - someone is trying to silence them...
This is another gripping and masterly crafted murder mystery from Fleur Hitchcock. The story is set on the background of the everyday life of Ruby and her 'Step' Lucas, struggling to form a family as sister and brother, their school life, the Christmas show they are both cast in. The whole book is both chilling as the dreadful murder and warm and fuzzy as Ruby's reconstructed family. Loved, loved, loved!!
This is another gripping and masterly crafted murder mystery from Fleur Hitchcock. The story is set on the background of the everyday life of Ruby and her 'Step' Lucas, struggling to form a family as sister and brother, their school life, the Christmas show they are both cast in. The whole book is both chilling as the dreadful murder and warm and fuzzy as Ruby's reconstructed family. Loved, loved, loved!!
October 2, 2022
Lovely murder mystery set around Christmas time. It’s an easy read than will keep you turning the pages to find out who the killer is.
Ruby and her step brother Lucas find a chest walking home, when they open it and find a body. The police don’t listen to them about finding a gold tooth so they start investigating.
Loved the characters, loved the setting and loved the plot. Fleur Hitchcock really knows how to write a mystery to keep you engaged. Looking forward to introducing her books to my children when they are older. 5 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy for an honest review.
Ruby and her step brother Lucas find a chest walking home, when they open it and find a body. The police don’t listen to them about finding a gold tooth so they start investigating.
Loved the characters, loved the setting and loved the plot. Fleur Hitchcock really knows how to write a mystery to keep you engaged. Looking forward to introducing her books to my children when they are older. 5 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy for an honest review.
January 23, 2024
Ruby and her new stepbrother Lucas are cutting through a field to get home faster one snowy night when Lucas dares Ruby to open a box. Ruby does and discovers a body. It turns out to be the doctor her mom works for who has been missing for a few days. But who could have murdered him? And why has the murderer broken into not only the surgery office, but also their house and one of the other office staff's houses? As Ruby and Lucas learn things from their mom/stepmom and her co-workers, they start to make connections and realize they may know who the murderer is.
I like that Ruby and Lucas are both in the theater production of Hairspray at school and that songs from the musical come up regularly. Ruby isn't sure what to make of her new stepbrother, but they bond through the investigation and Lucas needing help with his role in the musical. (I found it very fun to think of British schoolchildren singing "Good Morning Baltimore".) Christmas is coming up in the story, with winter break just days away and Ruby spends some of the book trying to figure out Christmas presents for family members. The time setting helped lend a nice atmosphere to the story. I felt like the plot was well written and Hitchcock kept me guessing as to who done it. I'm going to have to look up more of Hitchcock's mysteries for middle grade.
Notes on content:
Language: One or two minor swears if I remember right.
Sexual content: None
Violence: The murder happened off page, and the kids only see the body in a bag so the gore is kept minimal. At one point Ruby is being shot at and is in a very dangerous situation in a pen with lions and wolves.
Ethnic diversity: Ruby's stepdad is from Spain. She and her mom are White British.
GBLTQ+ content: One of Ruby's mom's co-workers gets married in the story and the family briefly meets her adult son and his boyfriend at the wedding.
Other: Someone is embezzling funds from the surgery.
I like that Ruby and Lucas are both in the theater production of Hairspray at school and that songs from the musical come up regularly. Ruby isn't sure what to make of her new stepbrother, but they bond through the investigation and Lucas needing help with his role in the musical. (I found it very fun to think of British schoolchildren singing "Good Morning Baltimore".) Christmas is coming up in the story, with winter break just days away and Ruby spends some of the book trying to figure out Christmas presents for family members. The time setting helped lend a nice atmosphere to the story. I felt like the plot was well written and Hitchcock kept me guessing as to who done it. I'm going to have to look up more of Hitchcock's mysteries for middle grade.
Notes on content:
Language: One or two minor swears if I remember right.
Sexual content: None
Violence: The murder happened off page, and the kids only see the body in a bag so the gore is kept minimal. At one point Ruby is being shot at and is in a very dangerous situation in a pen with lions and wolves.
Ethnic diversity: Ruby's stepdad is from Spain. She and her mom are White British.
GBLTQ+ content: One of Ruby's mom's co-workers gets married in the story and the family briefly meets her adult son and his boyfriend at the wedding.
Other: Someone is embezzling funds from the surgery.
October 17, 2022
Ruby and Lucas don't have too much to worry about – the pre-Christmas school show of Hairspray they're both in, that's about it. They're getting along as well as first-time step-siblings can get, and looking forward to the wedding party of Ruby's mother's work colleague at the town surgery. But that's before the GP there goes missing, the place gets trashed – and first one member of staff then the other get their houses turned over. Long before they suffer the same ignominy, they're intrigued how a much-loved doctor could disappear, and why and how someone seems to be after something he left behind.
This was a lively enough drama for the target readers – a crime book not shying away from the fact it features a murder, when it seems beyond so many similar volumes to admit what they contain. That said, this is perfectly bloodless, and even when the drama veers away to give peril to its two leads it remains peril of the mildest kind. It's also a little OTT, and ultimately isn't realistic enough for people outside the intended readership. But the real market for this will have success with it – characters are strong, it's an engaging set-up, and the snowy landscape makes this a good seasonal pick. Four stars for those readers, then – even if for me personally this didn't quite deserve that.
This was a lively enough drama for the target readers – a crime book not shying away from the fact it features a murder, when it seems beyond so many similar volumes to admit what they contain. That said, this is perfectly bloodless, and even when the drama veers away to give peril to its two leads it remains peril of the mildest kind. It's also a little OTT, and ultimately isn't realistic enough for people outside the intended readership. But the real market for this will have success with it – characters are strong, it's an engaging set-up, and the snowy landscape makes this a good seasonal pick. Four stars for those readers, then – even if for me personally this didn't quite deserve that.
March 22, 2024
My mission for Middle Grade March was to try out some new authors, and one who really had me interested was Fleur Hitchcock.
I chose Murder at Snowfall, and I wasn't disappointed...what a great read this was!
When Ruby and her stepbrother Lucas open an abandoned box at the side of the road, their discovery starts a chain reaction of sinister events and leaves them with a mystery to solve.
Set against a backdrop of winter night's, heavy snowfall and a Christmas Market, the pair find themselves combining their skills and pitting their wits against some very sinister suspects, all whilst trying to prove their findings to their doubting parents.
This story is a real rollercoaster ride. Fleur has a really natural, chatty style. Her plot moves along at a rapid pace and totally keeps you hooked...I couldn"t put this book down.
Through her clever descriptions, you can easily picture the characters and relate to them, imagine the scenes, and feel the cold in each different wintry situation that Ruby and Lucas find themselves in.
If you are looking for an exciting read that captures your imagination and takes you on a murder mystery adventure then this book is definitely for you!
5 out of 5 stars from me!!
I chose Murder at Snowfall, and I wasn't disappointed...what a great read this was!
When Ruby and her stepbrother Lucas open an abandoned box at the side of the road, their discovery starts a chain reaction of sinister events and leaves them with a mystery to solve.
Set against a backdrop of winter night's, heavy snowfall and a Christmas Market, the pair find themselves combining their skills and pitting their wits against some very sinister suspects, all whilst trying to prove their findings to their doubting parents.
This story is a real rollercoaster ride. Fleur has a really natural, chatty style. Her plot moves along at a rapid pace and totally keeps you hooked...I couldn"t put this book down.
Through her clever descriptions, you can easily picture the characters and relate to them, imagine the scenes, and feel the cold in each different wintry situation that Ruby and Lucas find themselves in.
If you are looking for an exciting read that captures your imagination and takes you on a murder mystery adventure then this book is definitely for you!
5 out of 5 stars from me!!
October 12, 2022
Whew! What a ride. I wasn't expecting that when I picked up a nice wintery middle grade reader.
The cover had me thinking this was a fantasy story - maybe the big house in the background? - but it's completely real world. Ruby and Lucas are dealing with a stepfamily situation when they're also caught up in a mystery involving a missing doctor, some embezzled money and a small piece of owl graffiti.
Every part of the story came together at one point or another - even throwaway moments and tiny things become important, which is really clever. I liked that the mystery didn't take away from the step family part of the story - it's a real part of life for a lot of children, while I hope none of the readers will ever be caught up in a murder mystery! It's great for children to see characters going through the same thing as they are.
I did figure out the villian before the kids did, but only just! I really enjoyed this fantastic adventure story, and I can't wait to be able to share it with other readers.
The cover had me thinking this was a fantasy story - maybe the big house in the background? - but it's completely real world. Ruby and Lucas are dealing with a stepfamily situation when they're also caught up in a mystery involving a missing doctor, some embezzled money and a small piece of owl graffiti.
Every part of the story came together at one point or another - even throwaway moments and tiny things become important, which is really clever. I liked that the mystery didn't take away from the step family part of the story - it's a real part of life for a lot of children, while I hope none of the readers will ever be caught up in a murder mystery! It's great for children to see characters going through the same thing as they are.
I did figure out the villian before the kids did, but only just! I really enjoyed this fantastic adventure story, and I can't wait to be able to share it with other readers.
November 8, 2022
I read Mouseheart in the summer thanks to an advance copy from Nosy Crow and it was brilliant so when this came up on here I was quick to request!
It is everything you could possibly want! It has a family that is still blending together, a terrifying discovery and an intriguing story to get to a conclusion with a major twist.
Ruby has lived with her mum in Bath for years by themselves. Until Mum meets Paolo, who Ruby really likes but Paolo comes complete with Lucas, her new older stepbrother, Ruby is not so sure about him! He seems to spend a lot of time playing computer games. But for some reason he puts himself forward for the school performance of Hairspray. He is terrible at dancing, and doesn't know the words to his songs. When they are late after rehearsals one day he dares Ruby to open a large box in a layby. There is the gruesome discovery! But who is the body and what do Mum's friends have to do with it?
I only realised who the murderer is just as the twist of the story happens. Much as happens in Mouseheart the twist and clues throughout keep you guessing who the "bad character" is.
The family is easy to like and to feel part of. The setting in Bath is just lovely, I even know most of the places mentioned (and the Christmas Market) because my daughter went to Uni there.
I would definitely like to get this for school.
It is everything you could possibly want! It has a family that is still blending together, a terrifying discovery and an intriguing story to get to a conclusion with a major twist.
Ruby has lived with her mum in Bath for years by themselves. Until Mum meets Paolo, who Ruby really likes but Paolo comes complete with Lucas, her new older stepbrother, Ruby is not so sure about him! He seems to spend a lot of time playing computer games. But for some reason he puts himself forward for the school performance of Hairspray. He is terrible at dancing, and doesn't know the words to his songs. When they are late after rehearsals one day he dares Ruby to open a large box in a layby. There is the gruesome discovery! But who is the body and what do Mum's friends have to do with it?
I only realised who the murderer is just as the twist of the story happens. Much as happens in Mouseheart the twist and clues throughout keep you guessing who the "bad character" is.
The family is easy to like and to feel part of. The setting in Bath is just lovely, I even know most of the places mentioned (and the Christmas Market) because my daughter went to Uni there.
I would definitely like to get this for school.
October 24, 2022
Just as well that it is half term as the grandchildren demanded that we started to read this as soon as it arrived. My youngest granddaughter said that Fleur Hitchcock - is a genius writer. They all enjoyed the book (aged 6- 16) and indeed I did too. A great murder mystery suitable to reading to a large range of ages (but never condescending to the younger children). As good if not better than her previous books. We loved it.
March 27, 2023
I demolished this in (almost) one sitting. This is the first of Fleur’s books that I’ve read and I’m going to go back for more. Ruby, our main character, I believe is in all the books but this stands happily on its own.
I thought Ruby and all of the characters were fabulous, and the storyline kept me on my toes all the way through. A nail biter from start to finish…and I mean, all the way to the finish!!
Absolutely brilliant!
I thought Ruby and all of the characters were fabulous, and the storyline kept me on my toes all the way through. A nail biter from start to finish…and I mean, all the way to the finish!!
Absolutely brilliant!
August 10, 2025
I know this book was aimed at younger readers than I, but it felt that there was key information missing between chapters. I'm not sure if this is part of a series or a one off. The overall story was good and the elements of a murder mystery and thriller were all there but somethings didn't quite mesh in my opinion.
Having said that I would recommend this to younger readers as a way to get into the mystery genre.
Having said that I would recommend this to younger readers as a way to get into the mystery genre.
January 8, 2023
This was a really fast-paced, exciting murder mystery story for older children. It is a bit gruesome when they find the body, so this wouldn't be suitable for younger children. But even as an adult, I was left wondering what exactly had happened. The plot unfolds at a good pace, so this book is a real page-turner.
February 16, 2023
When a local doctor goes missing and random burglaries start taking place, Ruby and Lucas become embroiled in a murder mystery that sees them racing against time to find out whodunnit.
This is a great middle grade mystery with lots of plot twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
Will definitely look for more books from Fleur Hitchcock to add to my class bookshelf.
This is a great middle grade mystery with lots of plot twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
Will definitely look for more books from Fleur Hitchcock to add to my class bookshelf.
October 6, 2022
I have always like mystery and crime fiction even as a young reader and this is the sort of book that I would love as a middle grade reader. It was full of mystery and an absolutely compelling read. I loved it
December 13, 2022
There are some great authors writing murder mysteries for children and young people and Fleur Hitchcock is one of the best. Ruby and her step brother, Lucas, get on the case when the authorities and their grownups are on the wrong track following - murder, robbery and attacks - will the teens solve the case before the murderer catches up with them 😍📖😍
January 13, 2023
A crime novel for children with an actual murder, Lucas and and Ruby find a trunk on their way home from school... with a body inside. They are determined to get to the bottom of strange events at their mums place of work. Is it all linked?
August 22, 2023
My daughter read it and loved it so much she asked me to give it a read. Was very exciting and kept me reading past my bedtime.
Aimed at young readers between 9 and 11 however any one over this age would enjoy being a detective and working out this great little who done it.
Aimed at young readers between 9 and 11 however any one over this age would enjoy being a detective and working out this great little who done it.
June 22, 2022
Yet another atmospheric mystery thriller by Fleur Hitchcock. One of her best yet.
October 20, 2022
Gripping mystery adventure. Also, a bit more grown up which I really liked. Huge thanks to the publisher for this ARC.
November 15, 2022
A fast-paced murder mystery involving two step-siblings whose relationship grows and becomes closer as they work together to solve a crime. Full of fun and age-appropriate peril!
December 29, 2022
A bit of slow start but is still a good read and I really enjoyed the plot
February 11, 2023
OMG I literally didn't see it coming! What a read! Can't wait for this to be in my classroom as a requested book from a student!
March 25, 2023
Murder mysterys are normally not my thing, however I make an exception for this one! The Christmas theming has really made it more interesting for me. Thank you for my arc.
April 19, 2023
it was amazing that's pretty much all I did was read that book it was so engaging
> Tilly
> Tilly
May 14, 2023
Excellent: exciting and well written.
July 2, 2023
Amazing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews