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Boldly stepping into the shadow of the Queen of Crime herself, Agatha Christie, #1 New York Times bestselling author Lucy Foley serves up a stylish, snowbound homage that invites readers back into the orbit of Miss Marple—this time trading St. Mary Mead for the glittering isolation of the Swiss Alps.
Published as an authorized continuation, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel opens by dropping the unassuming detective into the refined elegance of the Grand Alpine Hotel, a remote winter paradise accessible only by a winding mountain railway. With its panoramic views, powdery slopes, and exclusive clientele, the hotel promises a rare, relaxing holiday for Jane Marple.
But when a body turns up, and a fierce blizzard seals everyone inside, the idyll quickly turns into a chilling locked-room puzzle . . .
Foley clearly channeled Christie’s spirit while infusing the story with her own signature style. The setup (which feels similar to Foley’s The Guest List) is deliciously classic—an isolated luxury hotel, a diverse cast of suspicious guests, including a notorious actress, a high-flying politician, a society wife, a reckless friend, and a shrewd doctor, simmering old grudges, and dark secrets hidden beneath the champagne and furs. At the center is Miss Marple herself—quietly observant, knitting away, drawing sharp parallels to village life in St. Mary’s Mead, and displaying that trademark steely moral core beneath her fluffy exterior. It’s a joy to see her in action again, especially with the welcome return of another fan-favorite character who longtime, diehard Christie fans will no doubt be excited to have more time with.
The multiple first-person perspectives drive the narrative with Foley’s trademark precision, building tension as paranoia creeps in alongside the storm. The glamorous yet eerie hotel atmosphere shines brightly; the setting almost becomes a character of its own, amplifying the sense of entrapment and unease. Early chapters deliver strong Christie vibes, with clever nods to other classic mysteries, including an entertaining in-joke about a certain Belgian detective.
That said, the book doesn’t fully replicate the pure golden-age experience. The plot feels somewhat see-through compared to Christie’s masterful misdirection and brilliant dénouements. There’s also a limited real investigative process, which is understandable given the isolation, but the sense of jeopardy remains lightly sketched, with guests still skiing, spa-ing, and even joining a traditional sled race despite a killer being on the loose.
Still, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel succeeds as an entertaining, cozy whodunit. Christie purists may wish for a more intricate, cleverly concealed solution, but Foley’s clear affection for Miss Marple and her world makes this a worthy tribute.
If you enjoy locked-room tales, glamorous isolated settings, and watching a sharp mind quietly connect the dots while everyone else panics, this snowy Alpine escape delivers the goods.
Book Details
Author: Lucy Foley
Series: New Miss Marple #1
Pages: 304 Hardcover)
ISBN: 0063376695
Publisher: William Morrow
Release Date: September 22, 2026
Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor in addition to running TRBS. He is the author of FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” LETHAL RANGE, OUT FOR BLOOD, GONE DARK, and TED BELL’S MONARCH. For more information, follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and BookBub. For even more content and book news, subscribe to The Real Book Spy Substack!