The murders often seem to be related to the holiday in some way. It could be that the victim was killed because of a Christmas - related secret or a valuable Christmas gift that was the motive. Also, the characters' relationships are often complex, with family members coming together for Christmas and old grudges or new tensions arising that could be linked to the murder.
One common plot in a Christmas murder mystery story could be related to a family inheritance. The murderer might be a relative who wants to get their hands on the family fortune. They plan the murder during the Christmas gathering when the family is all together. They could use a Christmas ornament as a weapon and make it look like an accident.
Well, in a murder mystery Christmas story, there could be a lot of elements. Maybe it's set in a grand old mansion during a Christmas party. The victim could be a wealthy relative who has a lot of secrets. The suspects might include the jealous cousin, the butler who has a mysterious past, and the business partner who stands to gain a lot from the victim's death. The detective, perhaps a local police officer or a private investigator passing through town, has to figure out who did it by looking at the clues like a strange note found near the body, a broken Christmas ornament that might be a sign of a struggle, and the fact that the lights went out at the exact time of the murder.
One great christmas murder mystery novel is 'The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding' by Agatha Christie. It has all the elements of a classic mystery set during the Christmas season.
The 'Christmas at The Grange' by Jessica Fellowes is also a wonderful choice. It combines the charm of the Christmas season with a complex murder mystery plot that keeps you guessing until the end. There are many twists and turns, and the characters are well - developed, making it an engaging read.
The killer could be the local shopkeeper. He had a grudge against the victim because the victim was spreading rumors about his store not having good Christmas deals. So, he planned the murder during the Christmas shopping season.
The contrast between the joyous Christmas season and the dark act of murder is also a typical theme. The bright lights, presents, and celebration provide a sharp contrast to the grim nature of the crime. For example, in many such novels, the murderer may strike during a Christmas party or while the family is opening presents. It adds an element of shock and irony to the story.
One of the best is 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson. The mysteries are complex and the deductive reasoning is fascinating.
Another great one is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines a complex murder mystery with elements of financial intrigue and a really interesting protagonist, Lisbeth Salander. The story unfolds in a small Swedish town and involves a decades - old disappearance that is full of dark secrets.
One of the best is 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. It's a classic with a group of people trapped on an island and being killed one by one in a very mysterious way. Another great one is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex plot full of twists and turns. Also, 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is very popular. The story is about a missing woman and the secrets that unfold as the search goes on.