SuitabookMurder mystery and puzzle-solving
The children investigate deaths associated with alphabet clues imprinted in mince pies, while the mystery uses reveals, red herrings, reversals and twists.
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Book details
Alexandra Benedict - Author
A festive, clue-led murder mystery for readers who enjoy solving puzzles alongside a team. Its emotional centre is a group of five neurodivergent children combining different strengths while trying to protect their out-of-school club.
Book Brief
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Sign in for personalised guidanceA festive, clue-led murder mystery for readers who enjoy solving puzzles alongside a team. Its emotional centre is a group of five neurodivergent children combining different strengths while trying to protect their out-of-school club.
The children investigate deaths associated with alphabet clues imprinted in mince pies, while the mystery uses reveals, red herrings, reversals and twists.
Brooke leads a group of five neurodivergent children, whose stated differences include ADHD, autism, dyslexia and dyscalculia; they combine their skills to investigate.
The children’s investigation is connected to an effort to save their out-of-school club from being shut down.
Murder is the central danger, involving a series of deaths linked to mince pies; the author says darker elements and villainous motives were tempered for middle-grade readers.
This is a grounded book brief while Suitabook strengthens the analysis: the book’s treatment of its main themes is not yet firm enough; some draft conclusions still depend on unresolved evidence.
The Merry Christmas Murders by Alexandra Benedict – The Federation of Children's Book Groups
Limited information
Checked: 20 September 2026.
Limited information
Checked: 20 September 2026.
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