Title:

The Mistletoe Murder and Other Stories

Author:

P.D. James

Release Date:

October 6, 2016

Format:

Hardcover

Genre:

Mystery

Sub-Genre:

Christmas, Short Stories

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Read-A-Likes:

Summary: The newly appointed Sgt. Dalgliesh is drawn into a case that is “pure Agatha Christie.” . . . A “pedantic, respectable, censorious” clerk’s secret taste for pornography is only the first reason he finds for not coming forward as a witness to a murder . . . A best-selling crime novelist describes the crime she herself was involved in fifty years earlier . . . Dalgliesh’s godfather implores him to reinvestigate a notorious murder that might ease the godfather’s mind about an inheritance, but which will reveal a truth that even the supremely upstanding Adam Dalgliesh will keep to himself. 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. A treat for P. D. James’s legions of fans and anyone who enjoys the pleasures of a masterfully wrought whodunit.-From Goodreads

What I Liked:  I enjoyed every story in this collection, and loved how James managed to write such compelling mysteries in such a small page count. I was amazed that two of the stories had twists that weren’t revealed until the end and that she was able to keep me guessing until the final word.  Even the stories that didn’t involve a twist were entertaining. And having never read a story featuring her famous detective Adam Dalgliesh, this collection makes me want to read them! 

What I Didn’t Like: Even though this is billed as a Christmas-themed mystery collection, other than the mystery taking place on or around Christmas day, there wasn’t much about this book that screamed Christmas!  

Who Should Read It: Fans of P.D. James will like this book of 4 previously unpublished short stories. Fans of Agatha Christie will also have much to enjoy here.

Review Wrap Up:  An enjoyable collection of short-stories, these mysteries kept me guessing. A superb blend of eerie and who-dun-it and perfect for a cozy night in with some hot cocoa!