Bestselling author Peter Swanson has a large portfolio of thrillers, but this is his first attempt at a Christmas-themed novella.
In 1989, American student Ashley Smith, studying in London, is invited by classmate Emma Chapman to spend the holidays at Emma’s family’s Cotswold home. Ashley, who has no remaining family, agrees and is soon mesmerized by the grand Cotswold manor and the family’s lavish Christmas decorations and meals. She quickly becomes infatuated by Emma’s handsome brother, Adam. But Ashley becomes weary as she discovers that Adam is being investigated by local police over the murder of a local girl, and there is also a dangerous man haunting the forest path just outside the family home. Thirty years later, the events of what transpired that week in the Cotswold are recounted in Ashley’s diary, and unforeseen twists are masterfully revealed.
Swanson has created an enticing storyline that is the perfect recipe for a delicious Christmas thriller. Unfortunately, the story has several flaws, especially in the writing of the loyalties between the siblings and the plausibility of the characters’ motives.
Narrator Esther Wane delivers a strong performance in both American and British accents, and she will have you cleverly confused until surprise twists are revealed. Being less than a three-hour listen with an entertaining storyline, this is one you should definitely consider for your Christmas list!