As snow covers perfect little Dulwich Village, amateur sleuth Beth Haldane is certain something's amiss. There's a suspicious solicitor, poorly pooches and... a plot to murder?

Beth Haldane is getting ready for a quiet Christmas with her son and their beloved grumpy cat when fellow single mother Nina begs her for help. Something fishy is going on with Mr Potter, the solicitor she works for... business is slow, with the accounts empty. So why does his wife have such an impressive collection of designer dresses?

Unable to resist a puzzle, Beth agrees to cover Nina's job as a receptionist to get a closer look. But just as she finds a mysterious key hidden away in the office, Mrs Potter arrives in floods of tears with terrible news for her husband. Their precious pet, Lancelot the Great Dane, has been found dead in his basket. Mrs Potter suspects a poisoning...

Beth is shocked anyone would harm a beloved family pet, but the Potters are definitely hiding something. When an elderly widow comes to Mr Potter's office pleading for help with her will, Beth starts to suspect foul play... is Mr Potter taking advantage of this sweet old lady? And why is he curiously cool, when his whole family are distraught about Lancelot?

Beth is determined to find what the mysterious key unlocks, discover Mr Potter's secrets and get answers about the local pet-killer before they set their sights on an owner next time. But is Beth getting closer and closer to her own sticky end?

A totally addictive cozy mystery perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, The Thursday Murder Club and T.E. Kinsey.

This book was previously published as Homicide in Herne Hill.

Read what everyone's saying about Alice Castle:

'I am crazy about this series!... The modern Miss Marple... witty and charming... I wish there was more mysteries like this... The perfect blend of a fun cozy feel and a murder mystery that keeps you turning pages late through the night! #WorthIt!... I highly recommend this series... A definite 5+ out of 5 freakin' fantabulous stars!' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿

'A great mix of murder, mystery and humour... a fab read... Draws you in from the very first page and envelops you in a cozy mystery hug that keeps a hold of you right until the end.... I thoroughly enjoyed this book... Highly recommended, five shiny stars.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿

'Edge-of-the-seat, hygge-style crime mystery! I absolutely loved this book... vivid and witty... You really will be chopping and changing your mind as to whodunit several times... you want to find out who the culprit was... yet never want the story to end!' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿

'The perfect novel for those who love cozy crime with a hint of dark and deadly undertones... intriguing... a thoroughly enjoyable read.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿

'I am hooked... kept me grinning... a must-read.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿