Every year around this time, I start reading (and re-reading) holiday themed mysteries. It gets me into the spirit of things, and it simply makes me happy.
This year, I admit to starting my reading early. I think with all the COVID related poop that’s happened (and happening) we all need a laugh and a smile, don’t you? I know I did.
First, I bring you my collection of holiday short stories featuring my characters: Frankie Chandler, the Harlow Brothers, Evan Miller, and even the Wilder Women. I’d forgotten how much I like Roxanne Wilder and her family of nuts, but then being the straight man surrounded by crazies has always made me laugh.
I hope you find these as fun (and funny) as I do.
This mystery is deliciously twisted. The chapters switch between the killer’s point-of-view and third person, so you see what’s happening as well as the killer’s perspective. And since the killer is clearly loco, hearing their version is a riot. I highly recommend this read.
This is an old-fashioned mystery deftly written by the fabulous Georgette Heyer. A varied cast of characters and a clever murder method make this a fun brain teaser.
This next one is a short story from Rex Stout’s And Four to Go. Also included are an Easter and 4th of July story, in case you want to get a jump on those holidays. Stout’s Archie Goodwin never fails to entertain me, especially when he and Wolfe are at odds, as they are in “Christmas Pary”.
Okay. This one’s confusing. When I searched for the cover, I found this is called Hercule Poirot’s Christmas. However, I have the book club new release edition and it’s called Murder for Christmas. So, as long as your book says it’s by Agatha Christie, you should be good. One of her more clever murders, though they’re ALL good.
There are more. I hope to get to them later. When you’re looking, don’t forget short stories like “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle” with Sherlock Homes, “The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding” with Hercule Poirot. (Lots of Adventures.)
Do you have a favorite holiday mystery? Let me know. I’m looking for new reads.
