It is December 1884. Sir Russell Morgan, businessman and inventor has completed the building of a fine home on his country estate. Clifftop House is complete with his latest inventions. Electric light bulbs, dumb waiters, working lifts even a dish-washing machine and an electrical garden.
Six months on Sir Russell invites family, eight friends and investors to spend Christmas with him and Lady Russell, his second wife. Most of the staff have been at the house since it was finished.
There is a party on the first night and a footman, Fred, is found dead under the Christmas tree in the study, seemingly electrocuted.
The police classify Fred’s death as accidental misadventure. The inquest also declares it an accident. However, his friend’s Millie the kitchen maid and Ananish the footman, are not so sure. They believe that Fred was murdered, and decide to investigate the crime, as there are questions everywhere.
Who would want to murder Fred?
Did he overhear or see something?
Will there be another murder?
Can the mystery be solved before the killer strikes again?
Christmas Day arrives and so does another body.
The reader is taken through the book by a narrator trying hard to place them in the context of a Jane Austin novel. We are given notes, letters, and fragments of journals to read. If you enjoy the meandering detail of a period-piece, or a Victorian novel - you will enjoy The Christmas Tree Murders. Though for some readers the narrator’s voice, and the frequent bouts of exposition can become tiresome. However, the characterisation is vivid, as the personalities shine through the narrative.
An intriguing story, ideal for reading under the Christmas tree.
