The ingenious new Christmas crime novel from Alexandra Benedict, the 'Queen of the Christmas Mystery' ( Financial Times ). When Edie O'Sullivan receives an invitation from an old friend to spend a pre-Christmas break in the picturesque town of Rye, she jumps at the chance to escape - and reconnect. But when she arrives with her wife, Riga, it quickly becomes clear this is no festive getaway. Edie hasn't been invited for comfort, but for help. Four days earlier, her friend's daughter Rebecca - the town crier - received an unusual gift: a handcrafted wooden advent calendar shaped like Rye itself. At first, it seemed like a charming curiosity, part of her public role. Then, on December 1st, a burglary at 1 Church Square. December 2nd, an ABH at 2 Martello Close.

December 3rd, a GBH at 3 Allendale Drive. Each door opened. Each crime escalating. Now Rebecca is certain the calendar is counting down to something far worse - and she's turned to the only person she believes can stop it. With Christmas approaching and the body count rising, Edie must decipher the deadly pattern before the final door is opened.