Mariah Ellison, Charlotte Pitt's grandmother, accepts her longtime friend Winnie's gracious invitation to spend Christmas with her and her husband, Barton, in their picturesque village. But upon arrival, Mariah discovers that Winnie has vanished without a trace, and Barton rudely rescinds the invitation. Once Mariah finds another acquaintance to stay with during the holiday season, she begins investigating Winnie's disappearance. Mariah's uncanny knack for solving mysteries serves her well during her search, which is driven by gossip as icy as the December weather. Did Winnie run off with another man? Was she kidnapped? Has someone harmed her? The speculation leads Mariah all around the village, revealing hidden relationships, old debts of honor, and memories of past loves. Frustratingly, though, she learns more about the townspeople spreading the rumors than she does about Winnie's whereabouts. It is up to Mariah to drown out the noise and get to the bottom of what occurred ... all before Christmas day. With the holiday rapidly approaching, will she succeed in bringing Winnie home in time to celebrate together--or is that too much to hope for?