Ryan has always found solace in the chill of winter and the warmth of festive traditions, but this Christmas, a sinister shadow looms over the holiday cheer. As the streets of Northumberland are adorned with twinkling lights and the scent of mulled wine wafts through the air, the peace is shattered by a shocking crime that disrupts the community's joyful celebrations. Against a backdrop of snow-dusted landscapes and bustling Christmas markets, DCI Ryan is drawn into a web of secrets that intertwines the lives of the townspeople. Each encounter reveals a deeper layer of deception, forcing him to confront the ghosts of his past while unraveling the truth hidden beneath the festive façade. The stakes rise as he realizes that beneath the holiday spirit lies a dark conspiracy that threatens not only his career but the lives of those he holds dear. With his unwavering resolve and keen intuition, Ryan assembles his trusted team, each member grappling with their own personal dilemmas as they delve into the investigation. The themes of redemption, trust, and the complexities of human relationships resonate throughout the narrative, making every twist and turn feel intensely personal. As the countdown to Christmas progresses, the clock ticks louder, and the pressure mounts to uncover the perpetrator before more lives are irrevocably changed. This gripping mystery not only compels readers to piece together the clues alongside Ryan but also invites them to reflect on the true meaning of the season. With memorable characters, heart-pounding suspense, and a richly atmospheric setting, the story explores how love and loyalty can flourish even in the darkest of times. Just when Ryan thinks he has the case figured out, a shocking revelation forces him to question everything he believed to be true. Can he untangle the threads of betrayal in time to save the ones he loves, or will this be a Christmas he will never forget for all the wrong reasons?
Number of pages:
288