<p><strong>The retired Army Intelligence Officer Alexander de Bruin is on holiday with his wife family and army friends at a beautiful manor house in the west of Ireland. He's hoping for a quiet uneventful Christmas break.</strong></p><p></p><p>But on December 27th a body is found.</p><p></p><p>With a sudden storm cutting off Loughfarraig House from the outside world de Bruin must take charge of the investigation. When Superintendent Muldoon finally arrives the case has grown far more complicated: a dysfunctional family a long-lost daughter a suspicious change to a will a life not well lived-and two more murders.</p>