The Merry Christmas Murders
books by Alexandra Benedict
Murder is AFOOT in this brand new murder-mystery series by leading adult crime writer, Alexandra Benedict. Perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time with a puzzle hook for middle grade readers.Every year, six local schools compete to win the Christmas Cup. Last year, the rival school to Brooke Parkin’s school won for the most crackers pulled in a minute! This year, the cup will be judged and awarded to the school with the perfect mince pie. But when a series of murders seemed to be linked to the very mince pies (each with a clue from a letter from the alphabet imprinted in the pastry) the five neuro-divergent children must turn detective and combine their skill sets to find the killer. Can they prevent another death and save their out-of-school club from being shut down forever . . .? The narrative avoids unnecessary complexity, instead focusing on clear storytelling supported by strong character development. This approach makes the book accessible while still offering depth for those who seek it. As a result, it appeals to a broad audience. The book’s descriptive passages serve to enhance rather than dominate the narrative. Settings are portrayed clearly enough to establish atmosphere, yet they never distract from the story’s core focus. This measured use of description supports immersion. The book’s thematic elements are woven seamlessly into the narrative, emerging naturally through character experiences. This integration prevents the story from feeling preachy, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.