A Surprise for Christmas and Other Seasonal Mysteries is the fourth collection of short stories with a wintry theme published as part of the British Library Crime Classics series. Martin Edwards is once again the editor, providing the introduction and background information for each of the authors included. For me, Edwards’ notes about the authors is an essential part of each piece.
Sometimes, the “surprise for Christmas” comes in the form of a previously unknown author. I hadn’t heard of Catharine Louise Pirkis and her female private investigator, Loveday Brooke. She’s a down-to-earth woman with common sense, and it doesn’t take her long to uncover the person behind a jewelry theft at a country house. There’s Ernest Dudley’s Mr. Craig, another PI, in “The Christmas Eve Ghost”. I did see the ending coming with Victor Canning’s “Dick Whittington’s Cat”, a mystery set in the theater.
It’s not surprising that Ngaio Marsh’s “Death on the Air” featuring Roderick Alleyn was a favorite. Whenever I read one of her stories, I want to go back and read the Roderick Alleyn mysteries. And, I’ve always had a soft spot for John Dickson Carr, writing under that name or as Carter Dickson. “Person or Things Unknown” is a locked room mystery with a historical twist.
There was one mystery that brought a tear to my eye, a perfect one for the season. “The Turn-Around Bell” by Barry Perowne is one of those “just right” stories that ends the book.
As with any collection, some stories are stronger than others. But, the old-fashioned mysteries provide a holiday feel with that Christmas atmosphere. If you enjoy those mysteries, check out A Surprise for Christmas and Other Seasonal Mysteries.
Martin Edwards’ website is https://martinedwardsbooks.com/
A Surprise for Christmas and Other Seasonal Mysteries, edited by Martin Edwards. Sourcebooks/Poisoned Pen Press, 2021. ISBN 9781464214813 (paperback), 305p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I bought a copy of the book.
I have this one on hold. I really enjoy reading his anthologies of these older stories. As for the Pirkis, for a lot of the early (19th C.) writers like her,r the stories were often not about murder, and jewel theft was a very common theme.
I’m looking forward to this one.
There are some excellent stories in this one, and I’m sure you’re much more familiar with some of the authors than I am, Jeff.
Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas and all the best in the year to come. Lesa, thank you for this blog and creating a “home” for book lovers.. I enjoy it immensely and thanks to everyone who posts for adding so many wonderful titles to my piles of tbr.
Jennifer, Thank you. And, thank you to Susan and Rick as well for the kind comments. I love that you’ve all found a comfortable “home” here. Thank you for the gift of those words.
I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday!
I second everything Jennifer says. Wishing all a wonderful holiday and I look forward to catching up through your comments next week. Hoping you all stay healthy🤞
I’m about 2/3 through this and enjoying it very much. I echo the sentiments of Susan and Jennifer. Happy Christmas!