The Finishing Stroke by Ellery Queen

A Detective Story

Set against the backdrop of a snowy New England estate during the festive Christmas season, this intricate mystery unfolds as a group of guests gather for a holiday party, only to be ensnared in a web of deception and murder. The protagonist, a keen detective, is drawn into a complex puzzle when a series of cryptic messages and a chilling murder disrupt the celebrations. As the tension mounts, secrets are unveiled, and the detective must untangle the clues to reveal the killer's identity before another life is claimed. The narrative weaves suspense with clever twists, keeping readers guessing until the final revelation.