BookView Review

Atkinson’s sixth Jackson Brodie novel traps the British PI in the middle of a snowbound country estate, where murder and mayhem unfold against the backdrop of a crumbling family dynasty. What begins as a seemingly straightforward art heist—two stolen paintings tied to the sprawling Burton Makepeace estate—quickly spirals into a tangled web of deceit, obsession, and deadly secrets. The disheveled aristocrats of Burton Makepeace are desperate to keep their dilapidated manor afloat, but their solution—a tasteless murder mystery event designed to attract paying guests—proves ironic as real danger closes in around them.

Caught in the storm, Brodie finds himself investigating not only the stolen paintings but also a missing housekeeper, a restless caretaker, and a newly freed convict prowling the snow-covered moors. Atkinson deftly juggles these overlapping plots, weaving them into a complex narrative where every clue and revelation reverberates through the story like a perfectly placed domino.

Tension simmers beneath the novel’s wit and humor, with each new discovery peeling back layers of family dysfunction and hidden motives. The quirky characters—from the dour dowager Lady Milton to the guilt-ridden vicar—are brought to life with sharp, economical prose that captures both their flaws and humanity. Atkinson balances suspense with social satire, delivering a mystery that’s as much a commentary on class and privilege as it is a twisty, unpredictable whodunit.

With every twist, the stakes rise, and the book’s tight pacing and clever plotting keep the pages turning. Atkinson’s ability to blend psychological insight with gripping suspense shines through, making this a standout addition to the series that will leave readers guessing—and thoroughly satisfied—until the very last page.

***