MURDER ON CHRISTMAS EVE by Various Authors, edited by CECILY GAYFORD.
'Tis the season to be jolly ... or is it?
Christmas Eve. While the world sleeps, snow falls gently from the sky, presents await under the tree ... and murder is afoot. In this collection of ten classic murder mysteries from the best crime writers in history, death and mayhem take many festive forms, from the inventive to the unexpected.
From a Santa Claus with a grudge to a cat who knows who killed its owner on Christmas Eve, these are stories to enjoy - and be mystified by - in front of a roaring fire, mince pie to hand.
- Back Cover Blurb
Because this is a selection of stories I shan't include the First Sentence or my Memorable Moment. TT
Christmas Eve. While the world sleeps, snow falls gently from the sky, presents await under the tree ... and murder is afoot. In this collection of ten classic murder mysteries from the best crime writers in history, death and mayhem take many festive forms, from the inventive to the unexpected.
From a Santa Claus with a grudge to a cat who knows who killed its owner on Christmas Eve, these are stories to enjoy - and be mystified by - in front of a roaring fire, mince pie to hand.
- Back Cover Blurb
Because this is a selection of stories I shan't include the First Sentence or my Memorable Moment. TT
SOURCE ... Bought at the Church Christmas fayre.
READ FOR A CHALLENGE? ... Yes.
MY THOUGHTS ... A collection of short stories written by various authors ...
some of whom I was familiar with, others of whom I wasn't.
I'm not a particularly big fan of short stories to begin with; they rarely seem to fulfil me and, more often than not, leave me wanting more and, in this respect, this selection was no different.
Disappointing in that not all were actually 'murder' stories (I suppose they were at least set over the festive season) and on the whole largely unmemorable but, an ideal length for a hot chocolate break, a quick, easy read; one story even features a cat so it isn't all bad.
Julian Symons, Michael Innes, Ian Rankin, John Dickson Carr, Val McDermid, G.K. Chesterton, Marjorie Bowen, Lawrence Block, Margery Allingham ...
some of whom I was familiar with, others of whom I wasn't.
I'm not a particularly big fan of short stories to begin with; they rarely seem to fulfil me and, more often than not, leave me wanting more and, in this respect, this selection was no different.
Disappointing in that not all were actually 'murder' stories (I suppose they were at least set over the festive season) and on the whole largely unmemorable but, an ideal length for a hot chocolate break, a quick, easy read; one story even features a cat so it isn't all bad.
11 comments:
Bummer not all the stories were actually about murder. Short stories can definitely be hit or miss!
-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
I love the title of this one. However, I think that it is kind of a cheat that all of the stories do not involve murder. I also often want short stories to be longer then they end up being.
I'm sorry it didn't really live up to your expectations (but then, did you truly expect more since you don't really like short stories?!) At least it met the Christmassy part of your challenge.
I've read (and enjoyed) two short story collections recently and this sounds like one I'd enjoy. as well.
Disappointed that it didn't live up to my expectations of murders. As I said at least they were set over the festive holidays which is more than many 'Christmas' books I've read.
It's not that I necessarily dislike short stories per se so much as I don't often find them rewarding. I guess I'm just greedy. Lol.
Tracy,
I am sorry that the stories of this
collection were not all murder stories.
And I do understand your objections
against short stories.
For my part, I am uncertain if I would
appreciate these stories.
Raven
nice summary. thank you for sharing.
have a great day
The cover looks intriguing. I can understand your feelings about short stories. Sorry the stories in this collection weren't all about murder- seems odd given the title of the book. Thanks for sharing.
~Jess
Love that cover and it sounds like there is some fun along with the murder.
sherry @ fundinmental
I've been seeing all these horror/thriller type Christmas books this year. I'm usually a Christmas romance novella binge-er but I haven't had time to read at all this year but I might go in this direction next year.
Karen @ For What It's Worth
As always a big thank you to all those who have left comments or indeed merely taken the time to stop by Pen and Paper.
Hello Tanza, nice to meet you. Please free to visit any time, the more the merrier.
Oh yeah...we're two of a kind with the short story "affection". I've read a few good ones, but overall they generally don't let me get enough into the story to really deliver. Happy reading on the rest of the challenge!
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