The Twelve Murders of Christmas - by Sarah Dunnakey (Paperback)

About the Book

'Fiendishly clever and highly addictive.' Ian Moore

The perfect Christmas gift for armchair detectives - Agatha Christie meets Murdle.

Book Synopsis

'Fiendishly clever and highly addictive.' Ian Moore

The perfect Christmas gift for armchair detectives - Agatha Christie meets Murdle.

12 murderous mysteries to read.

20 perplexing puzzles to solve.

1 mystifying murder to unravel...

Mastermind Puzzlemaster Sarah Dunnakey cordially invites you to crack the code of who killed Edward Luddenham.

It's the first anniversary of the mysterious death of Edward Luddenham, found dead at his home on the Yorkshire moors one frosty Christmas Eve.

Now nine people gather at his manor house for the reading of the Will. Each has their own motivations for coming: curiosity, duty, unrequited love, desperation, greed.

They have been instructed to bring a "festive mystery story" to share.

But all you need is a pencil.

Safe from the biting cold and the relentless snowfall outside, settle in with your favourite tipple in hand, as the storytelling begins.

Though you'll need to keep your wits about you - for among those present is Edward's killer...

Can you solve the puzzles and unmask the murderer before they strike again?

Agatha Christie meets Murdle with these twelve puzzling whodunnits from renowned professional puzzler Sarah Dunnakey, that will test even the most seasoned of sleuths this Christmas.

Perfect for fans of BBC's Ludwig, Robert Thorogood and Alexandra Benedict.

'Fiendishly clever and highly addictive reading. Perfect for a quiet Christmas corner by the fire.' Ian Moore, author of Death & Croissants

'An inventive combination of gripping read and fiendish puzzles. If you liked BBC's Ludwig, you'll love this.' Paddy Duffy, panellist on Radio 4's Round Britain Quiz

'Wonderfully well crafted and delightfully devilish at every turn - it's Christmas crime with a head scratchingly fantastic twist.' Jonathan Whitelaw, author of Murder in Tinsel Town

'Such a treat - fiendishly clever murder mysteries along with puzzles that will keep you guessing for ages ... I can't think of a better present for everyone you know. Just remember to keep a copy for yourself.' Amanda Lees, author of The Dictionary of Crime

'Very, very clever and like nothing I've ever read before, ' Alex Pine, author of The Killer in the Cold

'A perfect stocking filler this Christmas for anyone who enjoys a good yarn and is an enthusiastic puzzler.' Liz Fielding, author of Murder Under the Mistletoe

'Utterly addictive - never has the phrase "one more chapter before bed" been so literarily appropriate.' G.D. Wright, author of Into the Storm

'A totally unique book, combining great murder mysteries with proper brain-teasers. I loved it, and I'm sure other puzzle fans will too.' Antony Johnston, author of The Dog Sitter Detective

Mystery lovers and puzzle fanatics can't get enough of The Twelve Murders of Christmas:

'Challenging and fun. It's a joyful book and an ideal gift or an emergency boredom break-glass for yourself.' Netgalley review

'Engrossing and enjoyable throughout, with surprises and a brilliantly done build up.' Netgalley review

'An enthralling blend of classic mystery and challenging puzzles that will delight fans of both genres.' Netgalley review

'A lot of fun and definitely recommended.' Netgalley review

'These deliciously dark stories will keep you guessing until the very end.' Netgalley review

Review Quotes

'Fiendishly clever and highly addictive reading. Perfect for a quiet Christmas corner by the fire.' Ian Moore, author of Death & Croissants

'As a TV quiz writer and verifier, Sarah Dunnakey is the best in the business, so it's small wonder this book is such an inventive combination of gripping read and fiendish puzzles. If you liked BBC's Ludwig, you'll love this.' Paddy Duffy, panellist on Radio 4's Round Britain Quiz

'Wonderfully well crafted and delightfully devilish at every turn - it's Christmas crime with a head scratchingly fantastic twist.' Jonathan Whitelaw, author of Murder in Tinsel Town

'Such a treat - fiendishly clever murder mysteries along with puzzles that will keep you guessing for ages ... I can't think of a better present for everyone you know. Just remember to keep a copy for yourself.' Amanda Lees, author of The Dictionary of Crime

'Very, very clever and like nothing I've ever read before, ' Alex Pine, author of The Killer in the Cold

'A perfect stocking filler this Christmas for anyone who enjoys a good yarn and is an enthusiastic puzzler.' Liz Fielding, author of Murder Under the Mistletoe

'Utterly addictive - never has the phrase "one more chapter before bed" been so literarily appropriate.' G.D. Wright, author of Into the Storm

'A totally unique book, combining great murder mysteries with proper brain-teasers. I loved it, and I'm sure other puzzle fans will too.' Antony Johnston, author of The Dog Sitter Detective

About the Author

When she's not writing fiction, Sarah writes and verifies questions and answers for a variety of TV quiz shows including Mastermind, University Challenge and Pointless. She has an honours degree in History and has previously worked as a librarian, an education officer in a Victorian cemetery and an oral history interviewer.

Sarah has won or been shortlisted in several short story competitions and her work has been published in anthologies and broadcast on Radio 4. She won a Northern Writer's Award, from New Writing North for her debut novel The Companion, and the NWA Arvon Award in 2019. She lives in West Yorkshire on the edge of the Pennine Moors. Follow her on X @SarahDeeWrites