Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife by Martin Edwards review

About The Book

Book: Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife
Author: Martin Edwards
Standalone or Series: Standalone
Publisher: Head of Zeus
Publication Date (UK): 11th September 2025

My Review

Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife is the first Christmas novel from CWA Diamond Dagger–winner Martin Edwards, best known for his Harry Devlin, Lake District Mysteries and Rachel Savernake series.

Six individuals, all with ties to crime writing, are invited to the remote Yorkshire village of Midwinter by its mysterious trust to solve a fictional murder mystery. Meanwhile, a snow storm is approaching that threatens to cut the village off entirely.

As a reader, you’re invited to play detective alongside the characters and trust me, it isn’t a walk in the park! At the end, there’s a satisfying Cluefinder section, inspired by classic Golden Age mysteries, so you can check whether you really picked up on all the clues along the way.I would say not to be fooled by the festive setting as I found this one deceptively tricky. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy layered puzzles and a genuinely challenging case. I loved the inventive formatting, with diary entries, maps and puzzles scattered throughout, but found there were a lot of characters and much going on beneath the surface.

I would say not to be fooled by the festive setting as I found this one deceptively tricky. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy layered puzzles and a genuinely challenging case. I loved the inventive formatting, with diary entries, maps and puzzles scattered throughout, but found there were a lot of characters and much going on beneath the surface.

Thanks to Head of Zeus for sending me a proof and including me on the tour.