The Four Queens of Crime by Rosanne Limoncelli

 

First Line: Detective Chief Inspector Lilian Wyles stood behind her father as he sat in his wheelchair, facing the front window of their second floor sitting room in their home on the eastside of London.

It's 1938, and the four women the media have named "The Four Queens of Crime" (Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, and Margery Allingham) have all agreed to attend a charity event at Sir Henry Heathcote's Hursley House. The elite of London society are there, and it's a brilliant success... until the next morning when Sir Henry is found dead in the library.

Now a fifth queen of crime, Detective Chief Inspector Lilian Wyles (the first woman to serve as a ranking officer in the CID at Scotland Yard) makes an appearance. Accompanied by DCI Richard Davidson, it is Wyles' task to sort through all the guests for potential suspects, and she thinks she has just the right sort of people to help her: the Four Queens of Crime.

~

In Rosanne Limoncelli's Preface, she introduces the real-life people she is portraying fictionally. I was already familiar with the four best-selling crime writers of their day-- Christie, Sayers, Marsh, and Allingham-- but I'd never heard of DCI Lilian Wyles, and I enjoyed watching these five characters work with each other. Wyles had a particularly difficult time of it because her male counterpart thought the four writers would have absolutely nothing worthwhile to add to the investigation. The five women had to learn how to work around him.

The mystery revolved around a typical British aristocratic family in a large country house just before the start of World War II. Although the whodunit was rather easily deduced, the upstairs-downstairs tension worked well. Those who are familiar with the four authors' books will also find amusing moments along the way, as in Agatha Christie getting the germ of an idea for And Then There Were None.

All in all, The Four Queens of Crime was a pleasant way to spend a few hours, but I really didn't find it to be a standout.

The Four Queens of Crime by Rosanne Limoncelli

eISBN: 9798892420617

Crooked Lane Books © 2025

eBook, 320 pages

Historical Mystery

Rating: C+

Source: Net Galley 

A Trace of Poison by Colleen Cambridge

 

First Lines: "I just don't see any way around it. He's simply got to be done away with," said a hushed voice.

 

The village of Listleigh has the perfect residents to raise awareness of the local writers' group's Murder Fête: Agatha Christie and her husband who live at Mallowan Hall. In quite a coup, four members of the Detection Club have agreed to attend the fête, give talks, sign books, and judge a writing contest, the winner of which will win a valuable international publishing contract. All the proceeds of this fête will go to replacing the roof of the local orphanage.

With people like G.K. Chesterton and Dorothy L. Sayers wandering the house and grounds, it's no wonder that housekeeper Phyllida Bright pays no special attention to voices discussing murder under her window... until the local priest is murdered with a poisoned drink at that evening's cocktail party.

Everything points to the head of the writers' group being the intended target of the poisoned drink, and since he is almost universally detested, Phyllida finds that her suspect list is quite long indeed. When another person dies, Agatha Christie's indomitable housekeeper knows that she has to work fast to find the killer.

~

I'm really enjoying this historical mystery series written by Colleen (Gleason) Cambridge. Not only does it have a plot that would make Dame Agatha proud, but historian Cambridge really gives readers a strong feel for the period and all that it entails being the housekeeper of a large country home. 

Phyllida Bright is a stern taskmistress, but she is liked and respected by the staff of Mallowan Hall, and since she and Agatha Christie served together during the Great War, she has a special relationship with her employer. Phyllida is extremely opinionated and, in A Trace of Poison, seems to have a thing about mustaches, but to each her own. The chauffeur, Bradford, and his puppy really get up her nose, and I love how Bradford enjoys getting a rise out of her every chance he can get. Yes, the sparks are flying between these two, but I sincerely hope that Cambridge doesn't light the fire, at least for a while. 

All detectives worth their salt have "resources" to help them with their investigations. Sherlock Holmes has the Baker Street Irregulars, and Phyllida Bright has her "downstairs" contacts-- all the housekeepers, cooks, maids, and footmen who work in the surrounding houses. She needs all the help they can give her because this is one magnificently convoluted crime. 

All the historical figures in A Trace of Poison are 99% set dressing. They say very little and have even less to do with the actual plot, but it's great just to imagine them spending a weekend with Agatha Christie and her husband in their country house. If there's anything I've found to be a bit tiresome in the (so far) two books in this series it's the long, drawn-out summoning of the suspects and all the explanations given during the reveal at story's end. It just takes too bloomin' long. Phyllida, I know you love Hercule Poirot; does he take as long to amaze us with his brilliance? If he does, you really don't have to be a slavish imitator, you know!

A Trace of Poison by Colleen Cambridge

eISBN: 9781496732491

Kensington Books © 2022

eBook, 304 pages

 

Historical Mystery, #2 Phyllida Bright mystery

Rating: B

Source: Net Galley

Murder at Mallowan Hall by Colleen Cambridge

 

First Line: Phyllida Bright had seen her share of bodies during the Great War, so when she discovered the dead man sprawled on the floor, it didn't even occur to her to scream.

 

Housekeeper Phyllida Bright manages Mallowan Hall with the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove. Tucked away in the Devonshire countryside, Mallowan Hall combines the best of English country house tradition with the modern conveniences of 1930, but it isn't your typical English estate. It is the home of archaeologist Max Mallowan and his wife, famous mystery novelist Agatha Christie. 

Phyllida met Christie during their service in World War I, and she is as much friend as employee. A devotee of the mystery genre, Phyllida has yet to find a man as fascinating in real life as Christie's fictional Hercule Poirot. But even though she's familiar with murder as a topic of conversation, she's unprepared for the sight of a dead body on the library floor.

It soon becomes clear that the victim arrived under false pretenses during a weekend house party. Phyllida now has her hands full with demanding guests, hordes of reporters, and an anxious staff, and when another body is discovered, there's only one thing for her to do: take a page from Poirot's casebook to deduce which of Mallowan Hall's guests is the killer.

~

Author Colleen Cambridge's Murder at Mallowan Hall is an inspired bit of fun that kept me smiling and thinking throughout. Why wouldn't Agatha Christie have a mystery-solving housekeeper and why wouldn't that housekeeper be as interesting as Phyllida Bright? Although Christie herself only makes the occasional brief appearance, with the cast Cambridge has created she's pretty much surplus to requirements. 

Former war nurse Phyllida Bright leads the way. She's no-nonsense, likes to wear unhousekeeper-like light-colored floral prints, and has the sort of eye-catching hair that Mr. Dobble the butler thinks should be kept under a cap at all times. She loves her cats, Stilton and Rye, and positively hates dogs, but I won't hold that against her. She's never met a man who meets Hercule Poirot's high standards, and she enjoys the occasional tea and chats with Agatha. All in all, she seems a very straightforward character capable not only of serious deduction but also of making readers laugh. But... why does Phyllida Bright avoid the spotlight and being photographed? I'm looking forward to future books to see how this little tidbit is developed.

 

The interplay between Phyllida and the other staff like stuffy Mr. Dobble and Bradford the new chauffeur is light and fun, and one of the things I enjoyed the most in this multi-layered mystery is the fact that I really got a good feel for the running of a country house and all the myriad duties Phyllida had to oversee every day. Tops in the shocking tidbit category was the fact that the lower servants like the scullery maids had to run out in all weathers to use the outhouse while the upper servants, the owners, and the owners' guests all got to take advantage of the indoor plumbing.  It's never fun being at the bottom of the totem pole.

If you're in the mood for a fun, intriguing mystery filled with engaging characters, by all means, pick up a copy of Murder at Mallowan Hall. Afterwards, I have a feeling that you'll be waiting for the next book in the series just like me.

Murder at Mallowan Hall by Colleen Cambridge

eISBN: 9781496732460

Kensington Books © 2021

eBook, 304 pages

 

Historical Mystery, #1 Phyllida Bright mystery

Rating: B+

Source: Net Galley

Death at Greenway by Lori Rader-Day

 

First Line: 3 September 1939. The mistress of the house was at work on the mayonnaise when the kitchen wireless began to speak of war.

 

A terrible mistake at a London hospital has left Bridey Kelly's dream of becoming a nurse in tatters. Her only chance of redemption is to take a position in the countryside caring for children evacuated to safety from London. 

 

Greenway House is beautiful; filled with curios that must not be touched, rooms that are off-limits, and a generous library. Bridey can't overcome the feeling that it's also filled with secrets. In particular, her fellow nurse, Gigi, is unlike any nurse Bridey has ever seen, and she spends more time shirking her duties than helping Bridey take care of ten children under the age of five. 

 

When a body washes ashore near the house, Bridey not only realizes that she's seen the victim before but the man's death was not an accident. He was murdered. The death has an effect on the suspicious villagers as well as the inhabitants of Greenway House. Bridey even begins reading Mrs. Christie's books in the library to find clues as to how to find out what happened.

 

~

 

Death at Greenway is an evocation of time and place, a character study, more than a mystery. The story does have multiple points of view, but it is mainly told by Bridey Kelly, the young woman with a tragic past who only wants to save lives. Greenway House may belong to Agatha Christie, and her presence is indeed felt in her holiday home, but she is very seldom seen in residence. This story has nothing to do with her and everything to do with the house's other inhabitants. 

 

Greenway House is shrouded in mystery. So many of the people Bridey comes in contact with seem to be hiding something. Gigi, with her lacy knickers and long polished fingernails, is like no nurse Bridey has ever seen, and it's maddening how she gets away with doing very little work and sneaking out of the house at night. The more readers come in contact with the characters, the more the suspense and unease build. It's quickly learned that being away from the bombs falling nightly in London does not mean these people are safe. As the days, weeks, and months pass, think location, location, location, and some of the puzzle pieces may start falling into place. 

 

There are some wonderful scenes in Death at Greenway, some of them heartbreaking. Mrs. Arbuthnot telling off a suspicious villager. The Wrens with their signal flags. Cecilia Poole and little Sam. And the acknowledgments and notes at the back are not to be missed. Does  Bridey ever find out just what was going on around Greenway House? Yes, but the journey she takes to overcome her past is often more interesting than the mystery. Lori Rader-Day's characters will be inhabiting the dark, furtive corners of my mind for some time to come.

Death at Greenway by Lori Rader-Day

eISBN: 9780062938053

William Morrow © 2021

eBook, 448 pages

 

Historical Mystery, Standalone

Rating: B+

Source: Net Galley

A Six Pack of Christie

I've found that I like to dabble in Agatha Christie's short story collection from time to time, usually after I've read a spate of books with "too much middle" as Barbara Peters would say. Having experienced that, it was time to join the Queen of Crime, and I read six of her short stories, written in 1924 and 1925. The following are short "impressions" that I had about each one.

~

Philomel Cottage
A nice little gem from the Queen of Crime. Alix has had a drab life, but things begin to look up when she inherits a little money. Then her long-time boyfriend gets cold feet. Out of the blue, Alix falls head over heels for Gerald Martin, marries him, and buys the perfect Philomel Cottage to move into. She begins to worry when she is plagued by a recurring dream that shows her former boyfriend standing over her husband's dead body. What follows has the trademark Christie misdirection that didn't lead me very far down the garden path, but I enjoyed it all the same. (B+)

The Mystery of the Blue Jar
I loved this one! Jack Hartington is a twenty-four-year-old golf fanatic whose job interferes with lowering his handicap. He gets up very early every morning to get in a few rounds of golf, but when he starts hearing a woman's voice shouting murder and calling for help, he begins to panic. Is he going mad? No one else hears it! He definitely needs assistance. This is one of those stories that you really can't say anything about in order not to give anything away; however, it is one of the few things written by Christie that I've read so far which made me crow with delight when I turned the last page. (A+)

Jane in Search of  a Job
Jane Cleveland applies for, and gets, a job that pays a very large sum of money for a few days work as a double for a grand duchess whose life is in danger. Jane keeps telling herself that there must be a catch, but she can't afford to pass up the money. Your enjoyment of the story will hinge on how much you like the twist at the end. Me? I was moderately amused. Wasn't it P.T. Barnum who said there's a sucker born every minute? Poor Jane Cleveland... (B-)

The Mystery of the Spanish Shawl
Anthony Eastwood has the perfect title for a mystery: "The Mystery of the Second Cucumber." Problem is, he simply can't follow up his perfect title with the perfect plot. That might change now that he's recuperating from a phone call and its aftermath. Christie certainly has fun with the gullible, but I found this offering to be a bit run-of-the-mill. (C+)

The Red Signal
Here Dame Agatha gets to play with seances, unrequited love, otherworldly messages of danger, and murder. Unfortunately, I didn't find this to be one of her best. (D+)

The Witness for the Prosecution
A short story from a master that has a nice little twist at the end. Is Leonard Vole innocent or guilty of murdering a rich old woman? This story makes me think of a Shakespeare quote: "What's in a name?" Christie basically gives it away with the names she uses for the alleged murderer and his wife. (A)

I Saw Him Die by Andrew Wilson

First Line: I made my way down the grand central staircase, preparing myself to meet a murderer and his-- or her-- potential victim.

Shortly before her second marriage, bestselling novelist and part-time undercover sleuth Agatha Christie decides to take a holiday for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Alas, it is not meant to be. When her friend John Davison begs her to help him protect a retired British agent-turned-hotelier, she reluctantly agrees.

The two travel to Dallach Lodge, a beautiful estate on the Isle of Skye where they blend in with the other guests. After spending an evening with them, Agatha thinks it highly unlikely that any of them are capable of harming anyone; however, early the next morning, the hotel owner is found dead. It appears to be a hunting accident, but as Agatha investigates, she quickly finds out that each one of the guests has a reason for wanting the man dead.

Having never read any of the previous books in the series, I have to be honest. The major reason why I chose to read I Saw Him Die was its setting on the Isle of Skye, someplace I'm quite familiar with. Of course, Agatha Christie was the secondary reason. I had to see how author Andrew Wilson treated this icon of crime fiction.

What I found was an excellent read for mystery lovers who prefer a finely crafted plot over characterization. Believe me, the plot is excellent. I have not read extensively in Christie's oeuvre, but I have watched many television adaptations of her work. If a relative novice such as I can recognize several allusions to Christie's books, I Saw Him Die will be a feast for readers who have more familiarity.

I think two of my favorite things about this book were the significance of the title and the afterword in which Wilson explains how the plot fits into the real Agatha Christie's life. Yes, there are a lot of things to like in I Saw Him Die, but it never really engaged my complete interest, and other character-driven readers might have the same reaction. Told in the first person, Agatha's voice never really drew me into the story; therefore, I doubt that I will continue with the series. But remember-- just because this book wasn't a good fit for me doesn't mean it won't be a good fit for you. Love Dame Agatha? Then I think you should definitely read I Saw Him Die.

I Saw Him Die by Andrew Wilson

eISBN: 9781501197574

Atria Books © 2020

eBook, 397 pages

Historical Mystery, #4 Agatha Christie Detective mystery

Rating: B

Source: Net Galley

Parker Pyne Investigates by Agatha Christie

Ad placed in the newspaper by Parker Pyne:

"ARE YOU HAPPY? IF NOT, CONSULT MR. PARKER PYNE, 17 RICHMOND STREET."

After reading two of Agatha Christie's short stories featuring the very unconventional private investigator, Parker Pyne, I knew I had to read more, so when I came across this collection, I grabbed it.

Pyne relies upon his thirty-five years in a government office compiling statistics to help him solve any case that's presented to him. Some of the short stories revolve around people who respond to his advertisement in The Times, but Pyne also travels to more exotic climes, such as Jordan, Syria, and Iran and finds himself solving puzzles in those countries as well.

When it comes to solving mysteries relying solely upon his observations of human nature, he has only one equal: Miss Marple herself, although the elderly lady never managed to get paid for all her troubles and Pyne does.

The stories see appearances by two characters seen elsewhere in Christie's fiction: the novelist Ariadne Oliver and Miss Lemon the secretary. (Now I'm curious as to whether Lemon worked for Pyne first before moving on to Hercule Poirot or vice versa.) When in London, Pyne helps those responding to his ad, and I love seeing how he puts his solutions together using a select few actors and other specialists whom he knows. When he's faced with mysteries while traveling abroad, they are more normal investigations. (Naturally, since the people he employs are not traveling with him.)

With the exception of twice when Christie's racism was clearly shown, I found this collection of stories to be delightful, and I'm certainly glad that I've persisted in sampling writing from the Golden Age of Mysteries.

Parker Pyne Investigates by Agatha Christie

ASIN: B007XIC4DS

HarperCollins © 2010

Originally published 1932-1939.

eBook, 273 pages

Short Story Collection

Rating: A

Source: Purchased from Amazon. 

The Case of the Middle-Aged Wife by Agatha Christie

First Line: Four grunts, an indignant voice asking why nobody could leave a hat alone, a slammed door, and Mr. Packington had departed to catch the eight forty-five to the city.

In this short story by Agatha Christie, Maria Packington thinks her husband is having an affair, and in an attempt to put some pizzazz back into her marriage, she responds to a newspaper ad from Mr. Parker Pyne, who promises to provide solutions to unhappiness. It's not long at all before Maria's life undergoes a profound transformation.

I don't often review individual short stories on my blog, but I enjoyed this Parker Pyne story so much that I just had to say something about it.

Parker Pyne spent thirty-five years in a government office compiling statistics, and he's turned all that knowledge into a rather delightful business aimed at making people happy. He is a keen observer and has a vast understanding of human psychology, and with the help of a few assistants, it seems that he can work miracles. The delight for me is that the way Pyne conducts his business makes him almost appear to be a magician and the way he plans, organizes, and conducts his solutions reminds me of one of my favorite movies, George Roy Hill's The Sting. An added bonus in the story is the appearance of Miss Lemon as Pyne's secretary. Any Christie fan will be able to tell you that Miss Lemon is better known as Hercule Poirot's personal assistant.

It seems to me that Parker Pyne and Miss Marple have quite a lot in common. They are both keen observers and have a vast knowledge of human nature. The only real difference between them is that Pyne gets paid for his skills. I enjoyed this story so much that I bought an entire collection of Parker Pyne short stories, and I'll be letting you know what I think of them in the near future.

"The Case of the Middle-Aged Wife" by Agatha Christie

eISBN: 9780062212580

HarperCollins © 2012

Originally published in 1932.

eBook, 27 pages

Short Story, Parker Pyne

Rating: A

Source: Purchased from Amazon.


 

I Have Agatha Christie Covered!

On my latest prowl through crime fiction book covers, I suddenly wondered what I would run across if I checked the titles of someone who did his/her writing many decades ago. Those books would have gone through many different printings, and each generation would have a different idea of how to make something established look new and fresh.

But I didn't want to do something similar to the post I did for Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. No, I decided to choose one Agatha Christie title and take a look at more recent US and UK edition covers for that title. No cover stroll through the decades.

I chose Christie's 4:50 from Paddington, probably because I'd been in and out of London train stations last September, and I recently concluded my Poirot television watching binge. 

Before we go any further, here's the original first edition cover of the book to the right. Nothing special, is it? In fact it made me think of today's trend of bold colors and bold fonts taking over from graphics. Everything old becomes new again, eh?

Here's another little piece of trivia for you:

When this book was first published in the US, its title was What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw. I think I prefer the British timetable title. How about you?

Now it's time to compare those two book covers. Let's go!

One of the things I like about Christie's books is that they feature her signature. I probably wouldn't think it was such a great thing if her signature was illegible, however!

I think I could tell which was the US cover and which the UK without being told. That lavender cover tells us that Christie is "The Queen of Mystery," and that the book is "A Miss Marple Mystery." Not a peep about that on the UK cover. Why? Because if you're British, you shouldn't need to be told. (This would be on par with US covers shouting to everyone how great Stephen King is. They don't. Americans already know this.)

Lavender is an interesting color choice for a cover. Come to think of it though, I've always equated it with old ladies, so it would be appropriate for a Miss Marple mystery. Other than that, the only thing to say about the US cover is that it seems to focus on the timekeeping aspect of the book and its title.

While there is a timekeeping aspect to the UK cover as well, it's off to the side. Taking center stage are the tracks and the oncoming train. Hands down, this is my favorite of the two covers-- from color choice to font choice to word placement to graphics. It also makes me want to get off the tracks because that train is coming straight for me! If I were walking past these two books in a bookshop, the UK cover is the one that would catch my eye.

What about you? Which cover catches (and pleases) your eye the most? US? UK? Neither one? Inquiring minds would love to know!

New Holiday Mysteries to Get You in the Mood

I know it's not even Halloween yet, but then I've never been much for trick or treat. Besides, if you like to read certain types of books at certain times of the year, it's always better to plan ahead.

That's exactly what I'm trying to do here. Today there are five brand-new Christmas-themed mysteries hitting the shelves, and I'd like to give you the lo-down so you can get your hands on the ones you want.

When the holiday season arrives, I'm going to be able to curl up on the daybed by the fireplace surrounded by Christmas trees, armed with a couple of black bottom cupcakes, a cup of hot chocolate laced with a bit of peppermint schnapps, and my holiday mystery of choice. Join me, won't you?

Title: Twelve Drummers Drumming
Author: C.C. Benison
ISBN: 9780385344456
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Hardcover, 384 pages

Synopsis: "Introducing Father Tom Christmas, the wise, warmhearted new vicar of a picturesque English village that seems to be a haven of peace. But appearances can be very deceiving. . . .

Thornford Regis has never been lovelier: larks on the wing, lilacs in bloom, and the May Fayre in full swing. But inside the empty village hall, the huge Japanese o-daiko drum that’s featured in the festivities has been viciously sliced open—and curled up inside is the bludgeoned body of Sybella Parry, the beautiful nineteen-year-old daughter of the choir director.

That she was too young to die, everyone agrees. But did Sybella’s apparent affinity for Goth and the black arts, and her rumored drug use, attract a shady element that led to her distressing demise?

Father Tom Christmas, still haunted by the tragedy that has left him a widower and his nine-year-old daughter motherless, soon realizes that this idyllic village is not the refuge he’d hoped for. He also comes to a disturbing conclusion: Sybella’s killer must be one of his parishioners. No one is above suspicion—not Sebastian John, Father Tom’s deeply reserved verger, nor Mitsuko Drewe, a local artist, nor irritable Colonel Northmore, survivor of a World War II prison camp. One by one, infidelity, theft, and intrigue are exposed. And over all, like an approaching storm, hangs the long-unsolved mystery of a sudden disappearance, one that brought Father Tom to a picture-perfect place to live—or die.

Smart, funny, edgy, and packing a terrific emotional charge, Twelve Drummers Drumming is a brilliant launch for C. C. Benison’s series starring Father Tom Christmas, an appealing new detective on the mystery scene."

Title: When Elves Attack
Author: Tim Dorsey
ISBN: 9780062092847
Publisher: William Morrow
Hardcover, 208 pages

Synopsis: "I’m dreaming of a Serge Christmas . . .
Palm trees with twinkle lights . . .
Santa’s big belly protruding over a neon Speedo . . . 

It’s ho, ho, ho time in this hilarious and wacky Florida holiday tale, featuring bighearted psychopath Serge Storms and his sidekick, Coleman. Like Santa, Serge knows who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. Few can give with the generosity and creativity of Serge, and as December 24 rolls around, he is filling up the Serge sleigh with an unforgettable bag of presents. 

But before that, it’s all a big free-range Christmas office party, where Serge will be spreading his special cheer. And there’s that last-minute go-for-broke spree at the mall (just beware of those attacking elves—they bite). While you’re there, skip the lame photo on Santa’s lap—Serge will give you a lap ride you’ll never forget. As for that addled elf Coleman, there’s nothing like a white Christmas. Let it snow! 

So grab a six-pack, spike the eggnog, and hit the dunes on the beach as Serge and Coleman roast some nuts on an open fire and prove that reindeer really do know how to fly!"

Title: Hercule Poirot's Christmas
Author: Agatha Christie
ISBN: 9780062074010
Publisher: Harper Paperbacks Reissue
Paperback, 288 pages

Synopsis: "Christmas Eve, and the Lee family’s reunion is shattered by a deafening crash of furniture and a high-pitched wailing scream. Upstairs, the tyrannical Simeon Lee lies dead in a pool of blood, his throat slashed. 

When Hercule Poirot offers to assist, he finds an atmosphere not of mourning but of mutual suspicion. It seems everyone had their own reason to hate the old man. . . ."

Title: A Christmas Homecoming
Author: Anne Perry
ISBN: 9780345524638
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Hardcover, 224 pages

Synopsis: "In A Christmas Homecoming, a familiar face from the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt novels—Charlotte’s mother, Caroline—travels with her young husband, Joshua Fielding, and his theatrical troupe to Whitby, the Yorkshire fishing village where Dracula the vampire first touched English soil in the sensational novel named after him. Joshua has arranged to produce a stage adaptation of Dracula by the daughter of Whitby millionaire Charles Netheridge during the Christmas holiday, but after the disastrous first read-through of her amateurish script, only the fact that the company is depending on Netheridge’s financial backing for their spring tour keeps them at work.

As tempers flare and wind and snow swirl around Netheridge’s lonely hilltop mansion, a black-cloaked stranger emerges from the storm—an eerily opportune arrival, for this enigmatic figure, one Anton Ballin, turns out to be a theatrical genius. At the same time, a brooding evil makes itself felt. Instead of the theatrical triumph that Netheridge desired for his daughter, there is murder—shocking and terrifying.

Anne Perry’s ninth Christmas novel keeps us poised on a razor’s edge of suspense, hypnotized by a story in which the heartwarming power of goodness is challenged by the seductive power of inner darkness. In the end, A Christmas Homecoming lifts the spirit and rejoices the heart."

Title: A Killer's Christmas in Wales
Author: Elizabeth J. Duncan
ISBN: 9780312622831
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Hardcover, 288 pages

Synopsis: "As the townsfolk of the Welsh valley town of Llanelen settle in for the snowiest winter in twenty-five years, an American stranger arrives. Harry Saunders charms the ladies, one of them in particular: Evelyn Lloyd, the town’s former postmistress, who was left comfortably off after the death of her husband. After Mrs. Lloyd invests a good deal of money with him, Harry goes missing, as does her money. His body is soon discovered outside the walls of Conwy Castle, and Mrs. Lloyd is implicated in the murder.

Although Penny Brannigan and her business partner, Victoria Hopkirk, are busy overseeing the grand opening of their new spa, that doesn’t stop Mrs. Lloyd from desperately seeking Penny’s help to prove her innocence. It’s quite possible that Harry made other enemies while in Llanelen and Penny’s investigation unfolds while she juggles her work at the spa, her growing relationship with Detective Inspector Davies, and the Christmas window competition that she signed up to judge.

With A Killer's Christmas in Wales, Elizabeth J. Duncan delivers a delightful holiday-themed mystery."


I don't know which one of these I want to curl up with first-- how about you?

Pssst... want some peppermint schnapps in that mug of hot chocolate?