Murder at Wintertide by Fleur Hitchcock

My introduction to Fleur Hitchcock’s books came in 2013 when my friend Dom was doing some freelance publicity work for Nosy Crow. He rightly thought that Dear Scarlett would be my kind of book, and sent me a review copy. At that time I was reviewing children’s books for The Scotsman and included it in one of my round-ups. (I was delighted to see a quote from that review on the Nosy Crow website.)

Fleur writes wonderfully atmospheric murder mysteries which I am always eager to read. I kept Murder at Wintertide to be my last review of the year – probably! – and it’s been worth the wait. Set in Lyme Regis, it’s a blended family story about celebrating Christmas and getting to know relations old and new. Until it isn’t.

George and his Dad have travelled to the house, Wintertide, that his Grandpa has rented on the sea-front for a family Christmas gathering. They’ve left behind George’s Step-Mum, whose baby is due early in the new year, for a few days as they arrive early to celebrate Grandpa’s birthday. Also there is Queenie, Grandpa’s new wife, and her daughter and grandchildren. And on his way is Uncle Edwin, always exciting and fun.

But things don’t start off well: Edwin is delayed by snow as he travels from Heathrow, George is intimidated by Isla, his step-cousin (or something; relationships are complicated!), and then a body is found washed up on the beach in front of the house. George is convinced that he saw someone fall from the cliffs above, but no-one seems to believe him. Except, it turns out, the ferociously clever and confident Isla.

The thing about murder mysteries is that you can’t really say much about the plot for fear of inadvertently giving something away. So, suffice it to say that George and Isla are drawn into the mystery, following clues that lead to danger and an answer they’d never have expected.

As well as an exciting, fast-paced plot, Murder at Wintertide has a strong cast of characters whose relationships are handled well, changing and developing as the book goes on. And the setting is perfectly realised physically and emotionally. Reading it I was there by the sea feeling happy, confused, devastated, incredulous – and part of a warm extended family group. Thank you Fleur Hitchcock!