I grabbed this the moment I saw the title, but I'm sorry to say it didn't meet my hopes. The story is fairly predictable, the writing pedestrian and the characters stock. It's extremely graphic about physical, emotional and sexual abuse, including rape - unexpectedly so, in a Golden Age-inspired 'cosy'. I also bristled at the cringe insert of a nonbinary person with a sapiosexual partner, who earnestly explains their sexuality so the main character can nod acceptingly and think how relatable they are. I did actually rather like the main character, Roz, and her mission through the night with a bag of sweets to her pregnant daughter. Crones, indeed. But, overall, not for me.

My thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

Dark Themes Abound,,
The sleeper train to the Highlands is derailed on Christmas Eve amidst appalling weather conditions. In the midst of the snow, the passengers are trapped and a killer lurks. With a large, although well drawn, cast of characters making a long list of suspects, a typical setting and an intricate plot this is a modernised version of a well used Golden Age theme although distressing and serious themes abound amongst the characters which makes this particular tale rather heavier and much darker than expected. An interesting, although disturbing and unexpected, well written mystery.

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.