Christmas Is Murder

"Christmas Is Murder," by Bonita Springs author C. S. Challinor, is an intriguing cozy that takes place at Swanmere Manor in the south of England and introduces Scottish barrister Rex Graves as the protagonist. The novel begins when Mr. Graves is invited to spend the Christmas holiday at Swanmere, a manor turned into a hotel owned and operated by the eccentric Dahlia Smithings, a friend of his mother's.

Shortly before Mr. Graves' arrival, Henry Lawdry, one of the guests, dies unexpectedly. While he's been in ill health for some time, his death is suspicious and is the almond tart he was enjoying moments before his death. Mr. Graves arrives and, because he is a man "of the law," is approached by Charley Perkins, a paramedic on his honeymoon. Mr. Perkins considers Mr. Lawdry's death a possible homicide because he had seen white foam at the corners of the dead man's lips. When cyanide is found in the pantry, Mr. Graves' suspicions and trepidations grow.

Before long another guest, Miriam Greenfield — a leading New York literary agent, has died as the result of falling down slippery steps leading to the cellar. The terror grows, enhanced by

the fact that the

guests and staff are snowbound. No one can leave and both guests and staff begin to look at one another with apprehension.

It's a charming novel, especially since the violence occurs offstage. "Christmas Is Murder" is full of people with interesting characters and clues. For example, the charred remains of a biography of President George W. Bush are found in the fireplace. And the author is interesting — a native of Bloomington, Ind., Ms. Challinor was educated in Scotland and England, which explains how she writes so convincingly of both her setting and her characters.

Ms. Challinor is donating 15 percent of her royalties to Soldiers' Angels, an organization that words to help rehabilitate the war wounded from Afghanistan and Iraq.