Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel by Lucy Foley

A perfect addition to the Miss Marples series! Writing in the style of Agatha Christie, Lucy Foley has created a new story for fans of the queen of mystery. Set in the Swiss Alps, this historical tale features a locked room murder with characters isolated during a blizzard.

When a body is found in the gondola and the police are unable to reach the remote hotel, it’s up to the astute elderly Miss Marple to piece together the clues. Red herrings abound, leading the reader to suspect first this character, then another. Using the traditional Christie plot format, clues are subtly revealed with the killer exposed at the end when the sleuth explains their thinking process.

The first half of the book was a slow burn for me as the scene was set and the characters were introduced, and the last half was a fast-paced ride. Each time I thought I had solved the mystery, another twist was thrown into the equation, keeping me guessing. I enjoyed the alternating POVs, hearing how potential killers or victims viewed the situation. As the story enfolded, it became clear that anyone and everyone could be in danger, including characters who weren’t who they appeared to be.

Set in 1950, this post-war story is a classic whodunit, reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s mysteries. A step back to a different era, with everything lovers of Agatha’s books enjoy, it’s an great puzzle to solve with everything you would expect: the closed circle of characters, the isolated setting, the red herrings and twists, a clever sleuth, and the big reveal. A cozy winter mystery, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel is a fitting tribute to Agatha and her legacy of the classic mystery novel.