Children's Writer, Book Reviewer, Teacher, Artist
Waking up on a snowy Sunday morning this December, it seems the perfect opportunity to share my review of Fleur Hitchcock's gripping new MG crime adventure for children. 'Murder at Snowfall' is probably Fleur Hitchcock's best yet. Suspenseful and shocking with a heartfelt core to warm the chills, it's a perfect whodunit to snuggle up with this winter.
I'm a huge fan of Fleur Hitchcock. Every one of her books I have enjoyed immensely. As a reminder here are my reviews of some of her other brilliant books...
'Clifftoppers' mystery-adventure series for younger readers: https://www.chrissoul.co.uk/reviews-20/clifftoppers
'The Boy Who Flew': https://www.chrissoul.co.uk/reviews-2019-4/the-boy-who-flew
'Mouse Heart' (published this year): https://www.chrissoul.co.uk/reviews-2022-33/mouse-heart
'Waiting for Murder: https://www.chrissoul.co.uk/reviews-2021-17/waiting-for-murder
They are all marvellous and they are such a hit with children in my school too who love a good mystery! So to 'Murder at Snowfall'...
When Lucas and Ruby find an abandoned trunk covered in snow, Lucas says there's bound to be a body inside. Ruby laughs but what if he's right? Nervously she starts to open it, and immediately wishes she hadn't. From that moment on, they're drawn into a thrilling mystery, one that they have to solve before the falling snow smothers all trace of wrongdoing...
Fleur Hitchcock consistently writes amazing, short opening chapters that instantly hook the reader into a central mystery from the off. 'Murder at Snowfall' is arguably her most intriguing and gut-wrenching opening yet with a trunk in the snow with a potential body inside. From that, it's impossible not to stop reading. Why is there a body in the trunk in the snow? How does it connect to other mysteries at the local doctor's surgery? Who does the supposed animal tooth necklace belong to left near the scene of the crime? Such questions urge the reader on, while the suspense and peril escalates through break-ins, chases and dangerous situations in treacherous winter conditions that make you want to read through your fingers! Fleur Hitchcock is a master at weaving in clues and tightening the tension throughout, without ever making the writing feel dense or laboured.
But 'Murder at Snowfall' also has a lot of warmth and good humour at its core too. This comes mostly through the main characters of Ruby and Lucas, step-siblings, whose friendship blossoms as they face the mystery and danger together. It's really very sweet and made me yearn to have more adventures with them both. Fleur Hitchcock's books are so gripping, not just because she is a master of crime and suspense, but that she creates very real, authentic characters whose lives we can all relate to. In this story, there are references to Netflix, gaming, 'Hairspray', Costas... With everything so real, the danger feels very real too! And, oh, the climax to this story is certainly nerve-wracking!
If you haven't read a Fleur Hitchcock book yet, why not? You're really missing out!
https://www.waterstones.com/book/murder-at-snowfall/fleur-hitchcock/9781839945908