A dysfunctional family reunites for the Christmas holiday from hell in this rediscovered festive classic with fangs: 'literary comfort and joy' (Meg Mason, author of Sorrow and Bliss) for fans of Barbara Pym, Elizabeth Taylor and Stella Gibbons.

She had her hand on the strings; the puppets could frolic awhile.

The fire is on, sherry poured, presents wrapped, and claws are being sharpened. In a seaside cottage perched on a cliff, one family reunites for Christmas. While snow falls, a tyrannical widowed matriarch presides over her unruly brood. Her niece tends to her whims, but fantasises about eloping; and as more guests arrive, each bringing their secret truths and dreams, the Christmas tree explodes, a brawl erupts, an escape occurs - and their 'midwinter madness' climaxes ...