Fiction Book of the Month: The Christmas Jigsaw Murders by Alexandra Benedict

On 19th of December, renowned puzzle setter, loner and Christmas sceptic Edie O’Sullivan finds a hand-delivered present on her doorstep. Unwrapping it, she finds a jigsaw box and, inside, six jigsaw pieces. When fitted together, the pieces show part of a crime scene – blood-spattered black and white tiles and part of an outlined body. Included in the parcel is a message: ‘Four, maybe more, people will be dead by midnight on Christmas Eve, unless you can put all the pieces together and stop me.’ It’s signed, Rest In Pieces.

Edie contacts her nephew, DI Sean Brand-O’Sullivan, and together they work to solve the clues. But when a man is found near death with a jigsaw piece in his hand, Sean fears that Edie might be in danger and shuts her out of the investigation. As the body count rises, however, Edie knows that only she has the knowledge to put together the killer’s murderous puzzle.

Only by fitting all the pieces together will Edie be able to stop a killer – and finally lay her past to rest.

Non Fiction Book of the Month: Fifty Things To Do In The Snow by Richard Skrein

Icy inspiration for playing, exploring and surviving in the snow. Don’t be put off by the cold – get out there and be dazzled by the wonder of winter. With fifty projects for having fun and staying safe in the snow, you’ll never be short of ideas.

Fifty Things to Do in the Snow is a playful and informative winter survival kit. Camp craft and forest school expert Richard Skrein teaches you not only to observe and admire the beauty and wonder of snow, but also how to survive in it.

His projects range from practical tips on building igloos, making sledges and winter camping, to reflective, mindful ideas for observation of snowflakes, spotting winter trees and pine cones, and forest bathing adapted for winter.

Filled with accompanying illustrations from artist Maria Nilsson, this latest title in the Fifty Things series will help you make the most of nature’s bountiful gifts throughout the thrilling seasons of cold and dark.

  • Ruth