The 9th standalone novel in the Claus Universe.

It started with a present.

A mystery gift appeared under trees one Christmas morning. People around the world received one. These lucky recipients didn't know who gave it to them, but they all received the exact same gift. The makers had inscribed their name in tiny letters: BT and Company. It was months before anyone knew what exactly the gift was for.

Avery Tannenbaum's brother was one of the lucky few. It was her birthday when all the mysterious gifts came to life and a contest was announced. It was also that very same day Avery's grandmother, Nana Rai, passed away.

An eccentric, wealthy woman, Nana Rai left detailed instructions on how to celebrate her passing to be held on Christmas morning, which just so happens to be the same day the contest is set to end. Avery's family travels to a cold and snowy land to honor her grandmother's wishes. And it's here she uncovers the true purpose of mystery gift, and why the makers launched a global contest.

As Nana's celebration nears, Avery follows clues her grandmother left behind. BT and Company are searching for the Toymaker. And Avery knows what they'll do when they find him. She becomes part of her grandmother's plan to stop them. The real mystery isn't where the Toymaker is hiding.

It's why he's hiding in the first place.