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.
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.
Well, perhaps the twist is that the murder was an accident that got covered up as a pre - meditated act. Maybe during a drunken Christmas brawl, someone pushed the victim and they hit their head on a fireplace mantel. But then, the people at the party, fearing they would be blamed, decided to make it look like a murder by staging the scene with a fake weapon and some planted evidence. So the real 'crime' was the cover - up, not the initial accident.
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.
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.
Once upon a Christmas, in a small snowy town, there was a wealthy old man named Mr. Thompson. He was found dead on Christmas Eve in his grand mansion. The police suspected his greedy nephew, who was always asking for money. It turned out the nephew had poisoned Mr. Thompson's Christmas pudding. He thought he would inherit all the money and live a life of luxury.
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.
One idea could be a murder in a small, isolated town where everyone seems to have a secret. The victim is a newcomer who might have uncovered something that threatened the town's hidden past. For example, a long - forgotten crime or an illegal business operation. Another idea is a murder at a high - society party. The guests are all wealthy and powerful, and any one of them could have a motive, like jealousy over a business deal or a love affair. A third idea is a murder in a spooky old mansion. There could be hidden passages and rooms, and the killer uses the layout of the mansion to their advantage to commit the crime and then disappear.