The Christmas Jigsaw Murders

In The Christmas Jigsaw Murders, Alexandra Benedict weaves a gripping tale of mystery and suspense set against the festive backdrop of the holiday season. The story begins on 19th December, when puzzle setter Edie O’Sullivan receives an enigmatic jigsaw box containing six pieces that portray a chilling crime scene. Accompanying this puzzling gift is a cryptic message warning that multiple lives will be lost by midnight on Christmas Eve unless Edie can solve the puzzle.

The Plot

Determined to uncover the truth, Edie enlists the help of her nephew, DI Sean Brand-O’Sullivan. Together, they embark on a perilous investigation that plunges them into a web of danger and intrigue. As the duo deciphers the clues, the stakes escalate dramatically when a man is discovered near death, clutching a jigsaw piece in his hand. As the body count rises and Sean, fearing Edie might be in danger, shuts her out of the investigation, she knows that only she has the knowledge to put the killer's puzzle together before midnight on Christmas Eve.

Themes and Writing Style

Benedict’s writing is characterised by its atmospheric detail and psychological depth, capturing the tension and urgency of the unfolding mystery. Themes of family, loyalty, and the darker sides of human nature intertwine as Edie and Sean race against time, as Edie works to finally lay her past to rest.

Similar Reads

• The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
• The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
• A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George

Benedict’s intriguing puzzle and the suspenseful narrative will appeal to fans of cosy mysteries and those who enjoy a clever twist on the traditional whodunit.