Anne Perry's Christmas Mysteries: Two Holiday Novels

by Anne Perry

Book Overview

Two holiday novels provide the perfect combination of mystery and murder mixed with a generous helping of Yuletide cheer. A CHRISTMAS GUEST When her daughter and son-in-law plan a Christmas vacation to Paris sans hers truly, Grandmama Mariah Ellison travels to the chilly, windswept Romney Marshes to spend the holiday with old friends. But when the body of a fellow guest is found lifeless in bed, Grandmama senses foul play and takes it upon herself...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345496426
• ISBN13: 9780345496423
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Perry's latest Christmas novella

Anne Perry's latest Christmas story. I like that she picks secondary characters from longer books, and tells something else about them or finishes their story, with a Christmas lesson added. Worth reading.

A little unbelievable

Plot was not great rather weak. I am not sure if I will read her works again.

Superb Mystery Writer

Anne Perry is outstanding because there is always a tight plot (as in this case) in her mysteries. This is a wholesome Christmas gift for someone who enjoys the genre.

Anne Perry Christmas Mysteries

First of all, I adore the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series set in the Victorian era so naturally I was eager to read side stories set in that same era that delved deeper into some of the characters in that series. The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 was because I felt that 'A Christmas Guest', while still good, was a bit weak. Given the sour nature that Grandmama Ellison's character has always had in the Pitt series, her character in this book did not feel entirely believable to me as her personality seems to evolve at much too rapid a pace for such a short story (and time frame). In addition, the mystery aspect held little intrigue or suspense and the ending was not too surprising. However, it was still enjoyable. In contrast, I absolutely loved 'A Christmas Secret'. Perry reveals a depth and freshness to the character of Dominic Corde and how much he has matured since his first marriage to Charlotte's sister Sarah. In this story Dominic, along with his new wife Clarice, strive to solve a mystery in a small English village. The country scene at Christmas makes for a lovely setting. The plot is full of intrigue with startling twists and turns and an added dash of spookiness makes this a delicious read that I couldn't put down. I plan to re-read this story again and would highly recommend it to mystery fans. I believe that even those who have never read any of the books in the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series would find this story enjoyable and easy to follow. All in all these two holiday novels are quick reads best savored slowly like hot cocoa on a cold winter's eve.