In the dead of winter, the Pennine Way is treacherous. As snowstorms hit, hikers have been told to stay away. But not everyone has heeded the warning: a lone walker finds a parcel in the snow, addressed to her. But there’s no festive treat inside. Instead? A severed limb.
DI Tom Stonem is called in to investigate as more gruesome packages appear under the trees. Each is wrapped like a Christmas present, with tags addressed to local residents. Are the intended recipients of these sinister gifts involved in the bloodshed? Or victims of a killer’s cruel game?
As Stonem unwraps the case, the secrets of the forest get ever darker. As December ticks down, it looks like this Christmas, murder is the gift that keeps on giving…
Christmas is supposed to be the time of peace and goodwill but for DI Tom Stonem it’s becoming something much darker and he’s understandably apprehensive when he’s tasked with leading the investigation into a severed foot which was discovered half buried under snow by a hiker walking the Pennine Way – gift-wrapped and bearing a label with her name on it…
Tom is still badly affected by the traumatic investigation into the twisted Christmas list killer a year ago and has been seeing a psychologist on his boss’s orders. It’s not necessary to have read the excellent The Killer’s Christmas List first because The Christmas Tree Killer is a standalone murder mystery but there are significant spoilers so I would recommend reading the series in order if possible.
I was hugely impressed by the characterisation in the first book and Chris Frost continues to ensure the tense, compulsive plot is complemented by his thoughtful, empathetic character development. Tom, in particular, is a likeable, relatable protagonist who is shown throughout to be tormented by both recent and previous events – and often stricken by guilt by his perceived shortcomings in preventing further deaths. He is also a thoughtful, resolute detective who respects his colleagues; as with The Killer’s Christmas List, he has to forge new working relationships here as he is sent to support the small rural force investigating the hacked off limb but at least has one familiar face with him this time as he is accompanied by DS Lauren Rea, who was introduced in the first book. Lauren’s personal life has seen some significant changes over the past year but it becomes apparent that she is confused about her feelings and what she really wants. Her shared sense of humour with Tom brings some warmth and light relief, while the compassionate trust and sparks of chemistry between them adds a further layer of intrigue and suspense to proceedings.
More body parts are found wrapped and addressed to other recipients, and Chris Frost’s vibrant, atmospheric descriptions macabrely juxtapose the seasonal frivolities against the gruesome, complex investigation. As Tom and Lauren uncover the connections between the victims and suspects, the twists and turns keep coming and with each new revelation into their personal or professional lives, it seems that anyone could have a motive to kill. As Christmas Day approaches, this gripping thriller becomes increasingly tense but can Tom cope with the demands placed upon him by the media – and more importantly by himself?
With its addictive, grisly plot and insightful exploration into human behaviour, most notably jealousy, control, self-doubt and guilt, The Christmas Tree Killer is a thrillingly dark read and further confirmation that Chris Frost's books should be on any crime fiction fan’s Christmas reading list. I enjoyed this superb mystery immensely and highly recommend it.
The Christmas Tree Killer is published by Harper North, purchasing links can be found here.
About the Author
Chris Frost grew up in Northern Ireland before settling in Marple, via Lancaster and London.
As Chris McDonald, he is the author of the ‘DI Erika Piper’ series, as well as the ‘Stonebridge Mysteries’. Chris also writes under the name Chris Frost, and the first book by this name, The Killer's Christmas List, was published by HarperNorth in 2023. He is a script writer, husband, father to two beautiful girls, a regular voice on The Blood Brothers Podcast and co-founder of Stockport Noir. He is a fan of 5-a-side football, heavy metal and dogs.
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