Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife by Martin Edwards (Goodreads Author)

Amy Caudill‘s review

Feb 23, 2026

This cozy mystery embodies the genre perfectly with a setting of a remote village in Northern England, beset by a snow storm that traps inhabitants and visitors alike while a killer, or killers whittle the numbers down one at a time. (After recent weather in my own region, I feel I can sympathize with the characters, since the unusually large amounts of snow we’ve had this year certainly have made travel inconvenient.)

The village of Midwinter, an oasis of healing and self-reflection for paying guests, has decided to host a murder mystery game, inviting a slew of professional writers, agents, publicists, etc., all who have suffered setbacks to their careers. The caveat; a fabulous prize to the winner, as well as luxury accommodation for participants over the Christmas season. Those who accept the invitation are all looking for a fresh start, a chance to better their lives. What they find instead, is intrigue, drama, and of course murder.

The first victim is a pod caster who turned his investigative instincts onto Midwinter itself, following the death of a guest several years prior. Why was he invited in the first place if he was suspected of having an ulterior motive for attending? And which of the other guests might he have confided in?

The second victim is the newcomer of the staff, someone who supposedly has no prior connections to the events of the prior murder or to the staff and guests. What could possibly be the motive for her death? The remaining players are both anxious and afraid to join forces, not trusting anyone.

Ultimately, the same person who first solves the fictional game uncovers part of the truth of the real murders, only to survive an attempt on his own life. In the best tradition of the whodunit, he plans a reveal for all interested parties, but who will survive long enough for it to be carried out?

This quirky story provides a number of red herrings, and several noteworthy characters, before ending with a twist that was unexpected and mostly believable. I admit I solved it a few chapters from the end, though I was mostly engrossed until that point. I enjoyed the story but not as much as I might have hoped, thus my rating of 3 stars. However, any reader looking for a lite cozy mystery with a Christmas setting should give it a chance.