Christmas Eve, 1932. Winterset Hall is preparing for its traditional pudding ceremony when Sir Oswald Lethbridge collapses at the table, poisoned by cyanide hidden in his slice of Christmas pudding. The murder is ingenious, the method sophisticated, and everyone present had motive.
Village Constable Harry Webb is called to investigate, bringing with him Edmund Vale, a cataloguer who's been working in the Hall's library. What the family doesn't know is that Harry and Edmund share more than a professional relationship-they've been in love for years, carefully hiding their feelings in an era when their relationship is criminal.
As they investigate, they discover Sir Oswald planned to legitimize his illegitimate son, born from a decades-long love affair with an Indian woman. The scandal would have divided the inheritance, destroyed the family's reputation, and changed everything. Someone killed to prevent it.
The suspects are many: Charles, the cold eldest son who stands to lose the most. Eleanor, whose religious convictions made her pray for divine intervention. Julian, the youngest, cut off financially and bitter. Lady Beatrice, who values family reputation above all else. Even the loyal housekeeper Mrs. Maynard had reason to want the will prevented.
But as Harry and Edmund close in on the truth, they face a new danger. The solicitor Aldridge has discovered their secret and threatens exposure unless they steer the investigation toward the servants. Their choice is impossible: frame an innocent woman or face prosecution under Section 11-imprisonment, hard labor, and the destruction of everything they've built.
In the snow-bound isolation of Winterset Hall, Harry and Edmund must solve a murder, protect an innocent man marked for death by his own half-brother, and decide if justice is worth sacrificing their safety. The investigation will test their courage, their love, and their determination to do what's right even when the cost is everything.
A Crown in the Pudding is a classic country house mystery set in 1930s England, featuring a clever murder puzzle, authentic period atmosphere, and a tender romance between two men who must hide their love while refusing to compromise their principles. Perfect for fans of historical mysteries with LGBTQ+ representation and slow-burn romance.
