In these past few weeks (mid November to the first week of December) I’ve probably read more books than I have in the entire year. Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration but only just.
For some reason my book reading slumps always disappear as we come into the colder, darker weather. I crave cosy, I crave country houses, I crave a snowy landscape and I crave a juicy murder to solve. As I said on Instagram to a friend yesterday, who doesn’t enjoy a cosy festive murder whilst sat in front of the fire and drinking hot chocolate?
I have a number of Christmas books in my reading pile, many of which are now in front of me on my Christmas themed desk with fairy lights and candles twinkling around them.
But there are three which definitely stand out. One of which I’ve finished (since recording the video below) and throughly enjoyed. One which I’ve read two out of the four short stories and enjoyed so far. And one which I have yet to dip into but will be doing so shortly.
The three books in question are:
The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict. This is a country house murder set in modern times. The main character is Lily who left Endgame House when she was a child after her mother died twenty-one years ago. She hasn’t returned since - until her Aunt asks her to return for the annual Christmas game. The winner of the game will win the deeds to the house. Lily has no interest in the deeds but her aunt convinces her to attend by telling her the clues will also inform Lily of what happened to her mother all those years ago…
The hardback is beautiful which you can see in more detail in the video below.
The Mistletoe Murder & Other Stories by PD James. This is a collection of four (longish) short stories by crime writer PD James. There’s a country house murder, an illicit affair and two cases for James’ detective Dalgliesh. I really enjoyed the first story, felt uncomfortable and unsettled with the second (in an enjoyable way) and I’m looking forward to tucking onto the last two.
Midwinter Murder by Agatha Christie. Another gorgeous hardback this is another collection of short stories by the queen of cosy crime fiction. I don’t think I need say more, really, other than all your favourite characters appear: Miss Marple, Poirot and Tommy & Tuppence. Take a look at the video below to see the stunning cover and endpapers.
