Mistletoe Murder: and other storiesBy P.D. James
Alfred A. Knopf, 2016. 152 pages. Mystery
Four previously uncollected stories from one of the great mystery writers of our time--swift, cunning Murder Mysteries (two of which feature the young Adam Dalgliesh) that together, to borrow the author's own word, add up to a delightful "entertainment."Each of these stories is as playful as it is ingeniously plotted, the author's sly humor as evident as her hallmark narrative elegance and shrewd understanding of some of the most complex--not to say the most damning--aspects of human nature.
I have not read James' Dalgleish mysteries, but I was impressed by the story and research that she displayed in "Death Comes to Pemberley". Though there are only four stories in this collection, each was distinct and intriguing. One of the stories is quite disturbing and spooked me for quite a few hours after reading it. I recommend this little volume, its especially good for reading during the holidays, which doesn't afford as much time for a longer novel.
If you like Mistletoe Murder, you might also like:
Penguin Book of Murder Mysteries By Michael Sims
Penguin Classics, 2023. 323 pages. Mystery
For The Penguin Book of Murder Mysteries , writer and anthologist Michael Sims did not summon the usual suspects. He sought the unfamiliar, the unjustly forgotten, and little-known gems by writers from outside the genre. This historical tour of one of our most popular literary categories includes stories never-before reprinted, features rebellious early "lady detectives", and spotlights former stars of the crime field. For twenty-first century connoisseurs of crime, The Penguin Books of Murder Mysteries celebrates how the nineteenth century added a fierce modern twist to the ancient theme of bloody murder.
A Surprise for Christmas and other seasonal mysteries By Martin Edwards
Poisoned Pen Press, 2021. 305 pages. Mystery
MGB
