As Christmas approaches in the Cornish town of Seal Bay, festive cheer fills the air. Morwenna Mutton, the sharp-witted sexagenarian sleuth, is eagerly counting down the days. But when local author Pawly Yelland is discovered dead at a party, a champagne flute in one hand and a mince pie in the other, it seems this Christmas will be anything but merry.

Known for his grudges against several neighbours, Pawly had recently made no secret of his disdain for some of the local crowd — and now, with his death, a long list of suspects emerges. As the police begin narrowing down those with a motive, Morwenna knows she’s the only one who can uncover the truth and restore some yuletide magic to Seal Bay.