Silent as the Grave — Bill Kitson

Many murders, many centuries; one unspeakable evil... When former investigative reporter and TV correspondent Adam Bailey agrees to spend Christmas at Mulgrave Castle, he knows there is an ulterior motive behind the invitation. His old flame, Harriet, and her husband, Sir Anthony Rowe, want him to investigate the legend of an old family curse said to have claimed several victims amongst Sir Anthony's ancestors. If there is any truth in the tales of inherited insanity, it may be due to strike again. Once the house guests are assembled, heavy snow cuts the castle off from the outside world. When they sit down for breakfast on Christmas morning, none of them is aware that the curse has already claimed a new victim. With no let-up in the weather to enable help to arrive, Adam, aided by Harriet's sister, Eve Samuels, attempts to discover if the death is linked to the mysterious disappearances that have occurred over the centuries. But before long, further violence disrupts their enquiries. However, even those responsible for present-day crimes are powerless to resist the force of a far older evil, and a most unusual killer is at last unmasked.