Fred Merton and his wife Sheila are a wealthy couple in their 60s, with three grown children, Dan, Catherine and Jenna. On the surface they appear to be a successful, normal upper class family. However, after Easter dinner, someone viciously strangles Sheila and stabs Fred to death in their own home. Suspicion falls on the three children as it emerges that the family was actually quite conflicted and dysfunctional, with Fred using his wealth to control and humiliate his children. As the pressure of the police investigation mounts, very unpleasant aspects of the characters are revealed.

This page-turner reminded me of one of my favourites, Hercule Poirot's Christmas, in which a wealthy tyrant is murdered and his family comes under suspicion. The tension and conflict introduced by Fred's annoying sister Audrey also increases the stakes for everyone involved and adds to the entertainment! Similar to Agnes in The Woman Who Went Overboard, she is the unlikeable, greedy middle-aged woman who is out for herself at any cost.

A highly entertaining read and a definite 5 star.