I’m a big fan of Lucy Foley, but I’ll admit that I’ve never read an Agatha Christie book, so I may not be the best person to judge how this compares to her original stories. But I absolutely LOVED this book! I really enjoyed getting to know Miss Marple, and while I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect going into this story, I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed it. I also really appreciated that there was no language and no spice.
This was easily one of the most fun whodunit murder mysteries I’ve read in quite a while. I listened to the audiobook, and I absolutely loved the multiple narrators. They really brought the story to life and completely immersed me in this secluded mountain resort in Switzerland.
In typical Foley fashion, we follow several characters, each with their own narrator, distinct voice, and personality. It was easy to keep track of everyone and get to know each character. There was also a decent body count, and just about everyone had a reason to want the victims dead. I loved trying to figure out who was responsible. Interestingly, this book didn’t have Foley’s usual signature style, but I actually appreciated that. It felt like a refreshing change and a wonderful introduction to a new Miss Marple murder mystery.
The story takes place in 1950, and I absolutely loved being transported back in time. The historical setting gave this mystery a certain charm that I don’t often find in modern murder mysteries. And with its secluded mountain resort surrounded by snow, this is the PERFECT book to pick up during the winter months.
The story was easy to follow, the chapters were short, and the pacing was fantastic. I flew through the audiobook in less than 24 hours because I was so hooked. I especially loved the scenes featuring Miss Marple. Those moments had such a cozy mystery feel to them, and I found her character absolutely delightful. After reading this, I’m definitely interested in picking up more Miss Marple mysteries and finally diving into Agatha Christie’s books.
I also loved the locked room mystery and isolated setting. The snowy mountain atmosphere made everything feel even more mysterious, and I could easily picture myself at this resort alongside the characters, trying to piece together all the clues. This story definitely leans more into traditional mystery than thriller territory, but I never found it boring. Not once! It kept my attention from beginning to end. The mystery was clever, entertaining, and had that wonderful classic whodunit feel. While I did find a few things a little predictable, it honestly didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. I had such a great time trying to figure everything out and watching the mystery unfold.
Overall, I absolutely LOVED this wintry, snow-covered murder mystery. It was atmospheric, charming, clever, and just so much FUN to read. I honestly didn’t want it to end! This was such a delightful surprise, and I really hope Lucy Foley writes more Miss Marple mysteries because I would pick up another one in a heartbeat. What an absolute treat! Highly recommend!