On Christmas, Everyone Has Their Secret

Ernest Cunningham loves classic detective stories, writes books on how to create in the detective genre, and masters the deductive method clearly better than the local policeman. In a short time, he has managed to solve two high-profile crimes and... make a name for himself.
 
Erin, Cunningham's ex-wife, turns to Ernest for help. She is accused of murdering Lyle Pierce, but she remembers nothing about the act, even though blood from the victim is found on her hands and face. Once, Pierce organized a rehabilitation fund for people suffering from drug addiction and helped them find jobs. Once a talented actor, he left Hollywood after his brother's death and returned to his homelands in Australia to help the unfortunate return to a normal life. Pierce believed that the best remedy for healing was art. Therefore, he built theaters all over Australia and organized performances in which his charges participated.
 
Ernest takes on the investigation and heads to Katoomba, a town located in the Blue Mountains. Around it, a Christmas show by illusionist Ryland Blaze is to take place, who Pierce also once helped get back on his feet. One of the participants in this performance, in Cunningham's opinion, is the murderer. But unraveling this case will not be easy, as everyone has their secret at Christmas.