It’s nearly Christmas, and passengers holding tickets for the sleeper train out of London are eager to board for their journey. Unfortunately, a worsening blizzard seems to have other plans. While travellers wait for their train’s arrival, a killer sits among them, fully intending to ensure not everyone will make it home for Christmas.

Murder on the Christmas Express is primarily narrated by Roz, a newly retired detective returning to her native Scotland for the birth of her first grandchild. What should be a joyful time of anticipation is overshadowed by a decades-old trauma that has never left Roz’s mind.

When the holiday atmosphere grows tense as tempers run high, Roz tries to keep the peace between social media influencers and reality TV personalities and a group of students with their own dreams of fame and notoriety. A deadly derailment reveals murder—and the body count continues to rise as the stranded train can only wait for rescue.

This locked-room murder mystery is in very capable hands with author Alexandra Benedict. The pacing is strong and sets up the major plot transitions smoothly. Benedict’s characters are relatable and dynamic—it’s easy for readers to identify with them, their possible motives, and their intentions. All in all, this is a captivating Christmas mystery readers will appreciate any time of the year.