Similar in tone to the golden age mysteries, this one has the classic mystery of murders committed in the midst of a snowy expanse where the only footprints belonged to the victim (and it happens twice in this book.) It's told by one Achilles Stock, who takes the place of a new friend (eccentric Owen Burns) at a Christmas party at which he pretends to be engaged to one of the house-party, in order to protect another member from possible harm by a demon or spirit who returns at Yuletide to kill. The story races along quickly with no real fat or side trips, and satisfies those looking for an old fashioned yarn, although the solution to the crimes is a bit of a stretch. The map of the crime scene is a nice throw-back touch, too. Not as good as The Fourth Door, but still enjoyable.

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