Classic Crime to Keep You Cosy on a Snow Day

We woke up to the most wonderful sight in London today: Snow. Everywhere.

Even though it’s already melted into a slushy mess, all we needed to get us in the snow-day mood was that first glimpse. And there’s nothing like some cold weather and a flurry of snowflakes to make you daydream about curling up next to your fire place with a good crime book. So, here’s our list of winter-themed Classic Crime that’s going to keep us cosy this snow day. Read along with us if you wish.

1. The Corpse in the Snowman by Nicholas Blake

In middle of a cold snap, with snow swirling round the imposing Easterham Manor, Nigel and Georgia Strangeways enter the warmth of the Victorian estate. But upon their arrival, the couple quickly learn that all is not as cosy as it seems. A room is haunted, a cat is possessed and, eventually, a dead body is found hidden within a snowman. The Corpse in the Snowman is a (very) dark twist on the classic snow-day activity of building a snowman, but, hey, we promised you classic crime not a fun Frozen spin-off.

2. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Rather than being trapped in your house, why not get trapped on a train in the middle of Croatia? One of Agatha Christie’s most famous murder mysteries, Murder on the Orient Express sticks you in a snowdrift where there’s absolutely no escape from the murderer in your midst. It’s cold, it’s a bit claustrophobic, but it’ll get you in the snowy murder-mystery mood straight away.

3. Mystery in White by J. Jefferson Farjeon

If you really love the steam train in a snowstorm combination, we have another recommendation that is sure to delight: Mystery in White. Heavy snowfall — which one Amazon reviewer describes as ‘unrealistic volumes’, i.e. the perfect amount for any winter tale —  brings a train to a halt outside a small village and gathers a group of strangers together in an empty house where they must work together to solve a murder. It’s full of twists and turns and sets a scene so evocative that you can practically feel the roaring fireplaces emanating from the book.

4. Murder in the Snow by Gladys Mitchell

Journey to the cosy Cotswolds in Murder in the Snow, where detective and psychiatrist extraordinaire Mrs Bradley has decided to spend a peaceful Christmas with her nephew. It doesn’t take long for a bit of mayhem to appear, though, as odd happenings begin in the surrounding woods and villagers start receiving threatening letters. Just as the snow starts to fall, a body is found and, of course, Mrs Bradley is the only one who can crack the code. Nothing like a good ol’ country murder to fuel your fire on a snowy day.

5. Crimson Snow: Winter Mysteries edited by Martin Edwards

And if one story just isn’t enough, why not try an entire collection of mysteries set in wintertime. Crimson Snow gives you strangely behaved Santas, Christmas drama, foul carolers and, naturally, a whole load of mystery. Let the likes of Margery Allingham, Josephine Bell, Victor Gunn and more give you an excuse not to leave your house, or bed, all day.

As always, thank you for reading, and be sure to tweet us @AgoraBooksLDN with your favourite book to curl up with on a snow day!