Killer by Candlelight: an absolutely gripping British cozy murder mystery full of twists -- Lis Howell, Paperback

Fifty guests, trapped in a snow-bound mansion. Most came here to sing. One is hiding a burning desire for vengeance . . .

Gervase Scott-Broughton is hosting a singing masterclass at Caldfell Hall, high in the snow-dusted Cumbrian Hills. Talented vocalists flock to his door - along with podcaster Suzy Spencer, who's hoping for an enjoyable weekend of cantatas and canapés.

But lessons soon come to a grinding halt, when the choir's bullying director is found dead in the recording studio. Surrounded by flickering candles and a pool of his own blood. Even by candlelight, Suzy knows she's looking at murder.

Now her friend's husband is mysteriously missing. Has the killer struck again? Or maybe Suzy's friend doesn't know her hubby as well as she thinks she does . . .

As a bitter blizzard rages outside, Suzy must unravel the deafening crescendo of secrets, egos and bitter rivalries. Before the killer returns for a chilling encore.

Discover a pitch-perfect village mystery that strikes all the right notes. Fans of LJ Ross, Rhys Bowen, Richard Osman, Jeanne M. Dams, Frances Evesham and Margaret Mayhew are sure to be enchanted.

READERS ADORE THE SUZY SPENCER MYSTERIES:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Loved it! A gripping read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat.' Ginger Book Geek

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I couldn't put this book down. There were so many twists and turns to the story it just kept you enthralled the whole time.' Mabbsy

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Thoroughly enjoyable. Read in one day!' Liz

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This was an excellent read - with many twists and turns whilst holding on to a very interesting storyline.' KtMac

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The plot is intriguing and highly original, the characters fascinating and believable. At the end of each chapter I said, OK, just one more chapter - and then the day was gone.' Bryan

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I loved the characters, the crime solving and finding out who done it at the end was really unexpected. Brilliant story.' Kelly

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Keeps the reader guessing right until the very end.' A reader in the UK

THE DETECTIVES

Suzy Spencer

After her husband runs off with his PA, part-time TV producer Suzy is left to bring up their children alone in quiet, rural Tarnfield. Despite only moving there for Nick's work, she's actually grown to like the pace of village life, and has thrown herself into volunteering with the church.

Robert Clark

After the death of his beloved wife Mary, Robert finds himself at a loose end, alone with his grief. He wants any opportunity to distract himself from the painful memories.

THE SETTING

Beautiful, quiet and secluded, Tarnfield is a charming Cumbrian village where everyone knows everybody's business. The local gossip is like a soap opera - except that the drama has been running for at least fifty years. The church plays a huge part in village life, but traditions are being upended by the new vicar and his fondness for playing the guitar during sermons.

Author: Lis Howell
Publisher: Joffe Books Ltd
Published: 05/24/2025
Pages: 290
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.64lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.00w x 0.65d
ISBN: 9781805731160