Midge McGowan has spent her life in the property office. It may technically be a civilian position and she may have originally hoped to do more in police, but she has mostly enjoyed her work. She is plainspoken and admits she's overweight. We even get a description of her gouty knee.
It's her last day of work as she is retiring. Even her... friend (she knows that times have changed; it's probably okay to admit their relationship but... it's been a long time) is at the party. And the party is underwhelming, to say the least. At least she gets a retirement present. It's "a haunted Christmas weekend" at Atherton Hall (locally known as the Tin House.)
Midge doesn't like to travel and doesn't like people and seems to have a history with the owner of the Haunted Christmas, John "Jack" Rendell (sp?). Bridie, who is undergoing cancer treatments, is insistent that Midge go. She seems to have a habit of telling Midge what to do.
It seems Midge will be traveling with 4 others, Noah (a podcaster who explores the supernatural), Ronna (no longer Ronna Rx), and a married couple, Dr. and Mrs. Morris. There is also a driver, Harold in addition to owner Jack.
The narrator is fabulous. I really don't think I would have enjoyed the book half so much reading it. There are extracts from Noah's podcast which make a fun addition. The mystery was fairly clued even if I didn't think it was entirely plausible.
Four and a half stars
This edition comes out October 7, 2025
ARC kindly provided by Harper Audio Adult
Opinions are my own
