In this debut British crime series, a vengeful killer stalks the snowy English village of Kirkby Abbey.  A cryptic Christmas card delivered to DI James Walker indicates there are twelve days until Christmas and there will be twelve murders during that time.  Can DI Walker stop the bloodshed and apprehend the killer before more villagers end up in snowy graves?

James Walker and his wife Annie moved from the fast-paced violent streets of London to the quiet English countryside of Cumbria County.  James was an inspector for Scotland Yard; however, after putting away a major player in an organized crime gang, James and his wife no longer feel safe in London when the man is released.  Annie’s childhood home in Kirkby Abbey provides a safer place to live and start a family.  James’s new job as Detective Inspector in Cumbria County is a slower pace than London and James misses the action.  However, all that changes when James receives a cryptic package on his doorstep promising death to certain residents of the village.

The killer ambushes the first victim with a long-bladed knife and leaves the body to freeze in the snowy landscape.  Shocked at the identity of the victim, James works fast, tracking down suspects and uncovering the secrets in the tiny village.   When a second murder occurs, James realizes there are no coincidences and a ruthless killer is intent on punishing the sinners of the village.  Unfortunately, Annie has her own secrets, and her Uncle Bill is acting strangely during his Christmas visit.  Someone in the village is responsible, but who?

This first in the DI James Walker series is a winner.  Filled with atmosphere and a pervasive, ominous feeling, the story captures the sense of terror as the snow descends on Kirby Abbey trapping the residents in the village with a killer on the loose.  James is a steadfast logical detective interviewing suspects and revealing their secrets.  The mystery unfolds at a nice pace with new revelations and cliffhangers that will keep you reading.  The murders from the victim’s POV are also a nice touch.  THE CHRISTMAS KILLER is an enjoyable holiday escape with the right amount of suspense and mystery to keep you turning the pages while enjoying the seasonal atmosphere of a small English village.