Step into an unforgettable mystery where Knives Out meets Downton Abbey in The Murder at World's End, a standalone historical locked-room mystery by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ross Montgomery. Blending witty humor, unforgettable characters, and a brilliantly crafted murder puzzle, this atmospheric novel delivers classic detective fiction with a delightfully modern twist.

Cornwall, England. 1910.

As Halley's Comet streaks across the sky, the eccentric Viscount of Tithe Hall becomes convinced the world is about to end. Determined to survive the coming apocalypse, he orders his sprawling manor sealed from top to bottom—every window, chimney, and keyhole closed before nightfall.

By morning, he's dead.

Locked inside his sealed study, the Viscount has been murdered with his own ancestral crossbow.

Suspicion quickly falls on Stephen Pike, the estate's newly hired under-butler. Freshly released after serving time for a crime he didn't commit, Stephen is the perfect suspect.

His only ally is the last person anyone would expect: Miss Decima Stockingham, the razor-sharp, foul-mouthed eighty-year-old family matriarch who has no patience for fools and an undeniable talent for solving mysteries.

Together, the unlikely pair must navigate hidden passageways, long-buried family secrets, suspicious servants, and dangerous lies before the killer strikes again.

Filled with clever twists, memorable characters, and irresistible British charm, The Murder at World's End is a captivating locked-room mystery that will keep readers guessing until the final page.

The Murder at World's End – A Standalone Historical Locked-Room Mystery

Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Anthony Horowitz, Agatha Christie, Janice Hallett, Stuart Turton, and Only Murders in the Building, this standalone mystery combines classic detective fiction, historical suspense, witty dialogue, and an unforgettable investigative duo.

Product Details

Title: The Murder at World's End

Author: Ross Montgomery

Format: Hardcover

Series: Standalone Novel

Genre:

• Historical Mystery
• Cozy Mystery
• Locked-Room Mystery
• Crime Fiction
• Historical Fiction

Pages: 336

Dimensions: 1.2 x 9.1 x 5.9 inches

Publication Date: January 6, 2026

Features:

• Standalone historical mystery
• Locked-room murder mystery
• Historical fiction set in 1910 England
• Amateur sleuths
• British mystery
• Manor house setting
• Family secrets
• Clever twists
• Atmospheric storytelling
• Book club worthy mystery

Author Biography

Ross Montgomery is a #1 New York Times bestselling author celebrated for crafting imaginative, suspenseful, and character-driven fiction. His novels are known for blending richly atmospheric settings, compelling mysteries, and unforgettable storytelling that appeals to readers of all ages. The Murder at World's End showcases his talent for combining classic detective fiction with humor, historical intrigue, and clever plot twists.