It’s Christmas 1938. Tensions are high across Europe. Everything feels as though it’s about to change.

Nicola Upson takes us to St Michael’s Mount for a Cornish Christmas with a twist. The Dead of Winter almost opens up the fourth wall of fiction and brings in a real life movie star. It definitely adds that touch of Hollywood glamour to an already beautiful part of the country.

It might be set in 1930s Britain, but it certainly has a feel being a 21st century novel. Female characters are strong and not allowed to just sit and just do what the men say. This feels like a breath of fresh air. Sure, our main detective is male, but his female friends are his equals and he completely values their opinions and ideas.

The castle of St Michael’s Mount definitely becomes one of the characters and not just a setting for the murders. Upson has researched the history well and included historical points to add to the plot.

The Dead of Winter is an incredibly easy read but there are some fantastic moments of suspense and I definitely found myself accusing most of the characters of murder at any given point. Some absolute corkers of red herrings.

If you’re choosing your December reads or even your new lockdown reads then I’d recommend The Dead of Winter for you to cosy up with.

Thank you to faber for my review copy. The Dead of Winter is out 5 November 2020. Click to order now.