Former police detective Michael McLaren is looking forward to spending Christmas at his grandfather's ancient Hall. Not only because it will be his first holiday with his grandfather and uncle, but also with his lady love, Melanie.

Everything seems perfect for the Scottish Highland getaway. Even Mother Nature is contributing snow, adding a festive and romantic overtone to the gathering. But McLaren's holiday plan gets snowed under when a dead man is discovered outside his grandfather's house—in circumstances similar to an older murder. And it's not long before McLaren is asked to look into the previous death.

The victim was a drummer in a local pipe band. He also drummed at the Christmas market, where his body was found on a snowy, cold evening. The man found dead at the door of his grandfather's house also played in a pipe band. Are the two murders connected? Or did their jobs at the bank have to do with their deaths?

Can McLaren wrap up the cases in time to unwrap Christmas gifts with Melanie? It's a race against the calendar and weather if he wants the Day—and his future with her—to be merry and bright.