On a frost-bright morning in the English countryside, the bells of St. Petroc's should be marking the quarters-until a ringer is found at the foot of the church tower after practice. With only six keyholders and a method chalked on the board, the village whispers accident. Dame Ethel Merriweather-retired headmistress, bell-ringing captain, and expert in the geometry of small places-hears something else: a pattern. As carols warm the nave and the meadows glitter with ice, Ethel follows the music of clues: a missing stairwell bulb wrapped in choir glitter, a bent brass banner tip, a single red silk thread, and a bell composition that points to IX-the nine on the clock face-and a secret tucked behind it since wartime. The closer she draws to the tower's heart, the more the village's comforts-crumpets, hymn sheets, cocoa, and kindness-hide motives sharpened by pride, debt, and love. With a steady course on the ropes and a sharper one in her mind, Ethel must untangle a locked-stair mystery without disturbing the peace she's sworn to keep. Snow falls, candles burn, and the bells prepare to ring true again-if she can bring the truth down safely from the dark. - Cozy British village setting-Cotswold flavor, winter ambiance, gentle humor - Amateur sleuth you'll root for-wise, warm, and formidable - Clean, page-turning whodunit-no gore, rich clues, fair play - Church bells, carols, and a clock-tower secret that sings Perfect for readers who love classic, comforting mysteries with real puzzles, vivid atmosphere, and a satisfying ring at the end.