I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.  All opinions are my own.

A Christmas celebration turns deadly as a killer is trapped in a holiday storm in author Alice Fitzpatrick’s “A Cruel Cold.”

THE SYNOPSIS

An intriguing mystery which explores how childhood lies can compel someone to seek revenge for a lifetime of deception and betrayal.

Christmas is only a few days away, and Kate Galway has been looking forward to spending some mother-daughter time with her barrister daughter, Alex, on the isolated Welsh island where Kate grew up. But Kate is forced to adjust her plans when Alex arrives accompanied by her father, Detective Chief Inspector James Hewitt, Kate’s ex-husband. The island’s matriarch, Sophie Sutherland, is eager to reunite with her old beau, Teddy Bartell, who shows up with an entourage of relations, including his son, the son’s abrasive second wife, and her twin brother. Everyone joins in the Christmas celebrations at the pub, but the party comes to an abrupt end when someone ingests a lethal dose of cyanide. A winter storm has shut down access to the mainland, trapping the killer on the island. With no forensics and minimal support from the mainland police, Kate, James, and Alex must rely on old-fashioned detective work to track down the murderer before they strike again.

For fans of Agatha Christie’s isolated settings mysteries, A Cruel Cold and a hot cup of tea is the perfect way to spend an evening.

THE REVIEW

This is a compelling, engaging murder-mystery-meets-crime-thriller novel. The juxtaposition of the island’s cozy, intimate setting and the shocking realities of the murder investigation instantly draws readers into the narrative. Readers who love mystery and suspense will love the Christmas setting, which is perfect for the upcoming holiday season.

The classic setup of a group of people trapped after a shocking murder by a sudden storm raises the tension and elevates the heated atmosphere, as it involves not only the murder itself, but also the shocking secrets and betrayals that fester within the group. The character development is where the story really takes off, especially as the protagonists have a heartfelt connection yet remain strained by past mistakes. Each clue these investigators uncover deepens the killer’s backstory when it is finally revealed and keeps readers on the edge of their seats as the story progresses.

THE VERDICT

Compelling, entertaining, and thrilling, A CRUEL COLD BY ALICE FITZPATRICK is a must-read murder mystery meets crime thriller novel. Touching upon some of the best intimate, cozy yet shocking murder mystery stories of classics like Agatha Christie and more modern films like the Knives Out franchise, this narrative is filled with twists and turns that will both entertain and shock readers as they relate to and become immersed in the lives of these very realistic and emotionally driven characters. If you haven’t yet, please be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alice Fitzpatrick has contributed short stories to literary magazines and anthologies and is a fearless champion of singing, cats, all things Welsh, and the Oxford comma. Her summers spent with her Welsh family in Pembrokeshire inspired the creation of the Meredith Island Mysteries which include Secrets in the Water and A Dark Death. A Dark Death, the second book in the series, was a finalist for the Crime Writers of Canada award for best traditional mystery in 2026. The traditional mystery appeals to her keen interest in what makes seemingly ordinary people commit murder. Alice lives in Toronto but dreams of a cottage on the Welsh coast. To learn more about Alice and her writing, please visit her website at www.alicefitzpatrick.com/