Books Like...

In 'The Chalet' by Catherine Cooper, the story unfolds across dual timelines, December 1998 and January 2020, both centered on a luxurious resort in the French Alps. The plot revolves around two brothers who go skiing with their tour guides in 1998, only for one to disappear and never be found. Twenty years later, a group of characters gathers at the same resort, each harboring a secret, as a body is discovered in the snow. The narrative weaves together themes of rivalry, secrets, and revenge, set against the backdrop of a ski trip gone terribly wrong and the chilling consequences that follow.

The author skillfully alternates between the past and present, creating a suspenseful atmosphere with engaging characters and a beautifully described setting. Cooper's writing style effectively builds tension, intertwining multiple storylines and character perspectives to keep the reader guessing about the connection between the timelines and the characters until the very end.

In "Mystery in White" by J. Jefferson Farjeon, a group of train passengers find themselves stranded on Christmas Eve due to heavy snowfall. Seeking shelter, they come across a deserted house with signs of recent activity but no occupants. As they try to uncover the secrets of the house, a murder occurs among them, leading to a suspenseful and spooky tale of intrigue and murder. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists, engaging characters, and a cozy Christmas setting that adds to the overall mystery and suspense of the story.

In 'Death and the Dancing Footman' by Ngaio Marsh, a rich eccentric named Jonathan Royal organizes a house party during a snowstorm, inviting guests who have deep antipathies towards each other. As tensions rise and practical jokes turn sinister, a murder occurs, leaving the guests shocked and without police help until Chief Inspector Roderick Alleyn arrives late in the story. The book delves into the intricate dynamics between the characters, building up to the locked-room mystery with a unique twist, all set against the backdrop of WWII, capturing the essence of a classic cozy mystery with a touch of dark humor and social commentary.

The Sittaford Mystery by Agatha Christie is a standalone novel that follows a group of people snowed in at Sittaford House, where a harmless table turning session turns sinister when a spirit message announces the murder of Captain Trevelyan. The protagonist, Emily Trefusis, sets out to clear her fiancé's name, navigating through red herrings, suspicious characters, and a small English village to uncover the truth behind the murder. The book combines elements of a classic Christie whodunit with a touch of supernatural intrigue, set against the backdrop of a snowy Dartmoor village.

The plot unfolds with a mix of atmosphere, suspense, and engaging characters, showcasing Christie's talent for crafting intricate mysteries with unexpected twists. The narrative style is described as easy to read, with simple prose that belies the complexity of the plot, keeping readers guessing until the end. Despite being a departure from the usual Poirot or Miss Marple stories, The Sittaford Mystery captivates readers with its compelling storyline, strong female protagonist, and a blend of traditional mystery elements with a hint of the paranormal.

In "Shiver" by Allie Reynolds, a group of former snowboarding friends reunite at an isolated ski lodge in the French Alps, where a mysterious death from their past resurfaces, leading to a series of chilling events and revelations. The narrative alternates between the present day and ten years ago, creating a tense atmosphere as secrets are unveiled, suspicions rise, and the characters' connections and tensions come to light. Reynolds' background in snowboarding adds authenticity to the competitive and dangerous world depicted in the novel, while the locked room mystery plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, questioning who to trust and what really happened to Saskia.

'Christine Falls' by Benjamin Black revolves around the character Dr. Quirke, a pathologist in 1950s Dublin, who gets entangled in a mystery surrounding the death of Christine Falls and her missing baby. As Quirke delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit involving baby trafficking, corrupt behavior in the Catholic Church, and dangerous secrets that lead him to Boston. The writing style is described as atmospheric, character-driven, and moody, painting a vivid picture of the shadowy world Quirke navigates.

In "1222" by Anne Holt, a group of passengers are stranded at a snowbound hotel after a train crash in a storm on the Oslo Bergen trainline. The story follows Hanne Wilhelmsen, a retired police officer who is wheelchair-bound, as she reluctantly leads an investigation into a series of murders that occur during their stay. The book pays homage to Agatha Christie's style of murder mysteries, set in modern Norway, with a diverse cast of characters and a locked room mystery reminiscent of classic whodunits.

An English Murder by Cyril Hare is a classic English country house mystery set at Warbeck Hall during Christmas. The story unfolds as a group of guests, including a diverse mix of characters with political affiliations and historical backgrounds, become snowbound in the house. A murder occurs, leading to an investigation led by Dr. Bottwink, a Central European historian, and Sergeant Rogers, a Special Branch Detective. The plot is filled with subtle humor, diverse political views, and an ingenious mystery that keeps the reader engaged till the end.

Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie is a classic locked room mystery set during the holiday season. The story revolves around the wealthy and manipulative Simeon Lee who gathers his dysfunctional family for Christmas, only to be found brutally murdered on Christmas Eve. As the family members and guests become suspects, Hercule Poirot steps in to unravel the mystery using his keen detective skills. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged until the surprising conclusion. Agatha Christie's writing style is praised for its clever plotting, intricate clues, and well-developed characters, making this a must-read for mystery enthusiasts.

'An Unwanted Guest' by Shari Lapena is a classic murder mystery set in a remote mountain lodge during a snowstorm. A group of strangers find themselves trapped with no power or contact with the outside world, as bodies start piling up, suspicion and fear rise among the guests. The plot alternates between characters' perspectives, keeping readers guessing until the end, with a cleverly crafted atmosphere of isolation and tension reminiscent of Agatha Christie's style.