Between a missing mermaid, a dead Santa, and a muddled mutt intent on causing trouble, this is shaping up to be one Christmas I'd like to forget.

When the annual mermaid parade is missing its central figure, Glynda tasks me and Beezley to track the oversized fish and get her back home where she belongs. The job isn't welcome but the cash is, especially when a confused chihuahua decides to tear up half my wardrobe.

The case soon leads us on a wild fish chase, with a short stop in a pub for much appreciated refreshments. With a few tangled threads to follow, I'm sure we'll be sorted in time to indulge in the silly season's activities to our heart's content.

But a false trail leads us straight into danger. An old foe raises his ugly head and we're soon in deep, deep trouble. If a muddled mutt can't save the day, it might be our chestnuts roasting on an open fire.