The Christmas Murder Game
books by Alexandra Benedict
Twelve clues. Twelve keys. Twelve days of Christmas. But how many will die before Twelfth Night?The annual Christmas Game is afoot at Endgame House, the Armitages' grand family home. This year's prize is to die for--deeds to the house itself--but Lily Armitage has no intention of returning. She hasn't been back to Endgame since her mother died, twenty-one years ago, and she has no intention of claiming the house that haunts her dreams.Until, that is, she receives a letter from her aunt promising that the game's riddles will give her the keys not only to Endgame, but to its darkest secrets, including the identity of her mother's murderer.Now, Lily must compete with her estranged cousins for the twelve days of Christmas. The snow is thick, the phone lines are down, and no one is getting in or out. Lily will have to keep her wits about her, because not everyone is playing fair, and there's no telling how many will die before the winner is declared.Including additional scavenger hunts for the reader, this clever murder mystery is the perfect gift for fans of classic mysteries, festive Christmas books, and armchair detective work. The author demonstrates restraint in storytelling, choosing clarity and intention over excessive embellishment. This focus results in a narrative that feels purposeful and well-crafted. The narrative structure supports logical progression, guiding readers smoothly through the story. Events unfold in a way that feels intuitive, reducing cognitive load and increasing enjoyment. The story benefits from its consistent focus on core themes, avoiding unnecessary distractions. This concentration strengthens the narrative and enhances reader understanding.