Hi guys 👋🏻
Here is my second book review for blogmas. I have been trying my best to read as many Christmas books as I can throughout the season, and I thought I would review a couple for you.
Let’s take a look!
📚 Book Information
Title: The Christmas Clue
Author: Nicola Upson
Genre: Mystery/Detective
Pages: 192 pages
Publication Date: 9 September 2025
Series: Stand alone book
🕯️ Why I Picked It Up
I walked past the display in my local waterstones and I just thought it looked so festive. It also sounded like a cool and unique festive read, a far cry from the usual romances.
🎁 Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Christmas Eve, 1943. Anthony and Elva Pratt arrive in a snowy English village to run a murder mystery game – and instead discover a real murder.
The Pratts had planned for festive cheer, despite the wartime shortages: with Elva’s map of the hotel and Anthony’s prop weapons to use as clues, the guests in their parlour game would move through the rooms to figure out whodunnit.
But when Anthony discovers the cook’s sister Miss Silver beaten to death, they instead find themselves investigating a shockingly real crime. The hotel manager Mr Browning is trying to keep the peace but the guests are agitated, Colonel Colman is about to take over the hotel for the war effort – and the mysterious Mrs Threadgold hasn’t been seen at all.
In games, there’s only one victim – but this is real life. Can the Pratts puzzle out this Christmas mystery before it’s too late?
❄️ What Could Have Been Better
I actually don’t know to be honest. I loved the Cluedo inspiration, the appearance of the real creators of Cluedo, the mystery element, the quaint setting, the Agatha Christie vibes. It did exactly what it said on the tin.
🎅 Christmas Spirit Rating
🎄🎄🎄.5 / 5 Christmas Trees
🧣 Who Would Enjoy This Book?
Fans of Cluedo, Fans of Agatha Christie and a well written murder mystery.
🎁 Final Thoughts
This was a great festive whodunit perfect for those who enjoy the board game Cluedo and love a good old traditional murder mystery. I love the different elements of Cluedo included in this story, featuring thr original makers of Cluedo. That was my favourite childhood board game and I loved this murder mystery written in amongst it.
4 days until Christmas!
Until Next Time,
Roseanne 🙂
Roseanne Byford 