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The Appeal #1.5
The Christmas Appeal
Run Time = 3hr 36min
This immersive holiday caper follows the hilarious Fairway Players theater group as they put on a Christmas play—and solve a murder that threatens their production.
The Christmas season has arrived in Lower Lockwood, and the Fairway Players are busy rehearsing their festive holiday production of Jack and the Beanstalk to raise money for a new church roof. But despite the season, goodwill is distinctly lacking among the amateur theater enthusiasts with petty rivalries, a possibly asbestos-filled beanstalk, and some perennially absent players behind the scenes.
Of course, there’s also the matter of the dead body onstage. Who could possibly have had the victim on their naughty list? Join lawyers Femi and Charlotte as they investigate Christmas letters, examine emails, and pore over police transcripts to identify both the victim and killer before the curtain closes on their holiday production—for good.
A charmingly festive novella from the “modern Agatha Christie” (The Sunday Times, London): In Lower Lockwood, a Christmas theater production takes a dark turn when a body is discovered onstage. As rivalries flare and secrets unravel, lawyers Femi and Charlotte race to uncover the killer before the final curtain falls — for good. Read by a full cast of narrators!
This immersive holiday caper follows the hilarious Fairway Players theater group as they put on a Christmas play—and solve a murder that threatens their production.
The Christmas season has arrived in Lower Lockwood, and the Fairway Players are busy rehearsing their festive holiday production of Jack and the Beanstalk to raise money for a new church roof. But despite the season, goodwill is distinctly lacking among the amateur theater enthusiasts with petty rivalries, a possibly asbestos-filled beanstalk, and some perennially absent players behind the scenes.
Of course, there’s also the matter of the dead body onstage. Who could possibly have had the victim on their naughty list? Join lawyers Femi and Charlotte as they investigate Christmas letters, examine emails, and pore over police transcripts to identify both the victim and killer before the curtain closes on their holiday production—for good.
191 pages, Hardcover
First published October 24, 2023
409 people are currently reading
21862 people want to read
About the author
Janice Hallett
13 books2,625 followersJanice Hallett is a former magazine editor, award-winning journalist, and government communications writer. She wrote articles and speeches for, among others, the Cabinet Office, Home Office, and Department for International Development. Her enthusiasm for travel has taken her around the world several times, from Madagascar to the Galapagos, Guatemala to Zimbabwe, Japan, Russia, and South Korea. A playwright and screenwriter, she penned the feminist Shakespearean stage comedy NetherBard and cowrote the feature film Retreat. The Appeal is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,332 reviews
December 2, 2023
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
This was a hilarious holiday mystery novella. I really enjoyed the first book, The Appeal and this one features the same characters. I loved that this was partly an epistolary novel with emails, texts, voicemail and interview transcripts.
It was great getting together with The Fairway players again, what a bunch of characters! Or should I say charactures? This book was like a slap-stick comedy and an excellent pallet cleanser after reading so many sad books recently. I mean if you can't laugh at a dead Santa do really even have a sense of humour?
If you're looking for a good mystery with a sense of community and lots of humour I highly recommend this series. And if Janice Hallett decides to take us back to Lower Lockwood in the future I would definitely be up for another visit.
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
This was a hilarious holiday mystery novella. I really enjoyed the first book, The Appeal and this one features the same characters. I loved that this was partly an epistolary novel with emails, texts, voicemail and interview transcripts.
It was great getting together with The Fairway players again, what a bunch of characters! Or should I say charactures? This book was like a slap-stick comedy and an excellent pallet cleanser after reading so many sad books recently. I mean if you can't laugh at a dead Santa do really even have a sense of humour?
If you're looking for a good mystery with a sense of community and lots of humour I highly recommend this series. And if Janice Hallett decides to take us back to Lower Lockwood in the future I would definitely be up for another visit.
November 7, 2023
Cute Christmas mystery with the same characters from The Appeal.
Lawyers Femi and Charlotte are tasked to "solve" the mystery presented to them in a series of e-mails, voice recordings, text messages, etc. The Fairway Players are preparing a one night only performance of Jack and the Beanstalk to help raise money for the church roof. Many mishaps and issues come up, and there just might be a dead body. Who is it and was a crime committed?
I really enjoyed this installment. The Appeal was a bit too long and drawn out for me, so the length of this one was just right. There weren't so many extraneous people and side messages, it was more concise and straightforward, which I really appreciated. There's a lot of humor and I did laugh out loud a few times, especially with the storylines involving the "sweets" and all of the extra attendees at the performance.
This was an overall fun read and I enjoyed myself quite a bit. You don't need to have read the first book to enjoy and appreciate this one, it's a self contained story, although if you didn't read that one some of the character actions and interactions won't make as much sense.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Lawyers Femi and Charlotte are tasked to "solve" the mystery presented to them in a series of e-mails, voice recordings, text messages, etc. The Fairway Players are preparing a one night only performance of Jack and the Beanstalk to help raise money for the church roof. Many mishaps and issues come up, and there just might be a dead body. Who is it and was a crime committed?
I really enjoyed this installment. The Appeal was a bit too long and drawn out for me, so the length of this one was just right. There weren't so many extraneous people and side messages, it was more concise and straightforward, which I really appreciated. There's a lot of humor and I did laugh out loud a few times, especially with the storylines involving the "sweets" and all of the extra attendees at the performance.
This was an overall fun read and I enjoyed myself quite a bit. You don't need to have read the first book to enjoy and appreciate this one, it's a self contained story, although if you didn't read that one some of the character actions and interactions won't make as much sense.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
December 12, 2024
It's back to the Fairway Players community theatre group from The Appeal. Once again fuddy duddy sounding but ultra smart lawyer Roderick Tanner, JC sends Femi and Charlotte collated correspondence surrounding a mystery with the theatre group from Christmas 2022. This book, like The Appeal is made up entirely of correspondence from the theatre group document events leading up to their pantomime that go as planned.
Although nowhere as compelling as The Appeal, this short sequel is a fun Christmas read that kept me guessing throughout but in the end promised a lot more than it delivered. A 7 out of 12 Three Star for me.
2024 read
Although nowhere as compelling as The Appeal, this short sequel is a fun Christmas read that kept me guessing throughout but in the end promised a lot more than it delivered. A 7 out of 12 Three Star for me.
2024 read
December 9, 2023
3.5⭐
As the story begins, we find lawyers Olufemi (Femi)Hassan and Charlotte Holroyd once again tasked by now-retired Roderick Tanner, KC to peruse a bundle of correspondence between members of The Fairway Players, a community theater group from Lower Lockwood who are again embroiled in a mystery involving one of their own.
The Fairway Players are gearing up for their Christmas production. This time it’s a pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk and the proceeds are meant to go to repairing the church roof. Leadership within the community theater group has changed hands and though much effort is being made toward casting, rehearsals, costumes and of course, set design which includes an old but impressive beanstalk, there is quite a bit of tension between old and new leadership. Opening night is not without mishaps and some not-so-pleasant surprises, including a body in a Santa suit on stage. As the narrative progresses, we follow the investigation in the aftermath of the incident.
The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett is a thoroughly entertaining read. Humor, drama and secrets with a murder mystery at the core make for an engaging story. The narrative flows well and is presented to us through email correspondence, WhatsApp messages, Christmas letters and police transcripts, similar to The Appeal. While I found The Appeal a tad long drawn, given the short length of this book, I thought the structure and format worked well. However, I thought that the “mystery” element should have been introduced earlier in the narrative ( the body is discovered after the halfway mark), which would have made for an even more interesting read.
I would suggest reading The Appeal before approaching this novella for the backstories of the characters and an understanding of past events that are mentioned in the narrative.
Many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novella. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The Christmas Appeal was published (in the United States) on October 24, 2023.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
As the story begins, we find lawyers Olufemi (Femi)Hassan and Charlotte Holroyd once again tasked by now-retired Roderick Tanner, KC to peruse a bundle of correspondence between members of The Fairway Players, a community theater group from Lower Lockwood who are again embroiled in a mystery involving one of their own.
The Fairway Players are gearing up for their Christmas production. This time it’s a pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk and the proceeds are meant to go to repairing the church roof. Leadership within the community theater group has changed hands and though much effort is being made toward casting, rehearsals, costumes and of course, set design which includes an old but impressive beanstalk, there is quite a bit of tension between old and new leadership. Opening night is not without mishaps and some not-so-pleasant surprises, including a body in a Santa suit on stage. As the narrative progresses, we follow the investigation in the aftermath of the incident.
The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett is a thoroughly entertaining read. Humor, drama and secrets with a murder mystery at the core make for an engaging story. The narrative flows well and is presented to us through email correspondence, WhatsApp messages, Christmas letters and police transcripts, similar to The Appeal. While I found The Appeal a tad long drawn, given the short length of this book, I thought the structure and format worked well. However, I thought that the “mystery” element should have been introduced earlier in the narrative ( the body is discovered after the halfway mark), which would have made for an even more interesting read.
I would suggest reading The Appeal before approaching this novella for the backstories of the characters and an understanding of past events that are mentioned in the narrative.
Many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novella. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The Christmas Appeal was published (in the United States) on October 24, 2023.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
October 12, 2023
The Christmas Appeal is the opposite of the typical syrupy Christmas story. Think snarky, snide, sardonic humor. The humor is often snuck in, just the right word or turn of phrase. You need to pay attention to catch it all. I will admit to having several moments of having to go back over something, as in “what did I just read?”
The Fairway Players are back. Preparing for their pantomime of Jack and The Beanstalk. There’s backstabbing and sabotage galore. Also, I was a little thrown by the blurb citing a dead Santa. At the 50% mark, I started wondering if the blurb was for a different book. But sure enough, he eventually shows up.
Once again, the book is composed solely of texts, emails and round-robin letters. Kudos to Hallett for managing to move the story along with just these devices.
This should not be read as a stand-alone. As this is a novella, Hallett has not spent a lot of time providing backstory. But for those of us familiar with the first book, it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon.
My thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for an advance copy of this book.
The Fairway Players are back. Preparing for their pantomime of Jack and The Beanstalk. There’s backstabbing and sabotage galore. Also, I was a little thrown by the blurb citing a dead Santa. At the 50% mark, I started wondering if the blurb was for a different book. But sure enough, he eventually shows up.
Once again, the book is composed solely of texts, emails and round-robin letters. Kudos to Hallett for managing to move the story along with just these devices.
This should not be read as a stand-alone. As this is a novella, Hallett has not spent a lot of time providing backstory. But for those of us familiar with the first book, it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon.
My thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for an advance copy of this book.
August 11, 2023
4.5 rounded up
Mr Roderick Tanner, KC (retired) piques the interest of Femi Hassan and Charlotte Holroyd (The Appeal) in a sequence of documents relating to a case concerning The Fairway Players. Their latest production is a 1978 West End version of Jack and the Beanstalk, directed by Sarah–Jane McDonald, ably assisted by husband, Kevin. What the documents tantalisingly reveal is a panto, like no other as a real pantomime definitely occurs, if not a macabre farce. So, who dunnit? That would be telling.
How Janice Hallet manages to so cleverly. tell a fantastic story via mixed media is beyond me, but she’s nailed it, again. It’s so clever, and in places, so funny that I laugh out loud. The emails between the Fairway players reveal so much, we’ve got masterful manipulation and deliberate undermining as a power struggle is occurring before our very eyes. The undercurrent and subtle and not so subtle attempts at sabotage are at times hilarious. There are some glorious putdowns and irony would you wouldn’t have thought possible via the medium of pantomime, but this is from 1978, so there’s no “woke” “society in that script. The emails/WhatsApp messages also demonstrate how the area has changed with local tensions between the “old“, the posh new development of Hayward Heights and the new affordable housing. Add in rumours abounding and a cast of characters whose personalities are certainly clear to see in their messages, so which ones resemble the goodies and baddies of pantomime for us to hiss, boo, and cheer??
The night of the pantomime is simply mesmerising! We have a debacle over sweets, we have some shenanigans and a shocker two in an ENORMOUS Beanstalk, some dodgy moments on and off stage with the added deliciousness of much malice aforethought. I love the way that Tanner (i.e. the author) keeps us in suspense right to the end, revealing pieces of information at a time, keeping Femi, Charlotte and us guessing right to the somewhat ambivalent end.
This is a brilliant festive (or not, why wait til Christmas?) quick read with many a twist and turn. “Oh no, there isn’t“, “Oh yes, there is“. You’ll definitely need to “look behind you“ and generally all around to see if you can spot the clues …….. Maybe I did, did, did or maybe I didn’t, didn’t, didn’t!
What a fantastic cover too! Does the contents real justice.
Although characters from The Appeal are also in this novella it can very easily be read as a standalone.
Ps. To those of you not familiar with the bonkersness that is pantomime tradition, if you’re in the U.K. or elsewhere in the world where pantomime is still performed, check one out. You’ll probably leave utterly baffled but will have had some laughs along the way.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Serpents Tail/ Viper/Profile books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Mr Roderick Tanner, KC (retired) piques the interest of Femi Hassan and Charlotte Holroyd (The Appeal) in a sequence of documents relating to a case concerning The Fairway Players. Their latest production is a 1978 West End version of Jack and the Beanstalk, directed by Sarah–Jane McDonald, ably assisted by husband, Kevin. What the documents tantalisingly reveal is a panto, like no other as a real pantomime definitely occurs, if not a macabre farce. So, who dunnit? That would be telling.
How Janice Hallet manages to so cleverly. tell a fantastic story via mixed media is beyond me, but she’s nailed it, again. It’s so clever, and in places, so funny that I laugh out loud. The emails between the Fairway players reveal so much, we’ve got masterful manipulation and deliberate undermining as a power struggle is occurring before our very eyes. The undercurrent and subtle and not so subtle attempts at sabotage are at times hilarious. There are some glorious putdowns and irony would you wouldn’t have thought possible via the medium of pantomime, but this is from 1978, so there’s no “woke” “society in that script. The emails/WhatsApp messages also demonstrate how the area has changed with local tensions between the “old“, the posh new development of Hayward Heights and the new affordable housing. Add in rumours abounding and a cast of characters whose personalities are certainly clear to see in their messages, so which ones resemble the goodies and baddies of pantomime for us to hiss, boo, and cheer??
The night of the pantomime is simply mesmerising! We have a debacle over sweets, we have some shenanigans and a shocker two in an ENORMOUS Beanstalk, some dodgy moments on and off stage with the added deliciousness of much malice aforethought. I love the way that Tanner (i.e. the author) keeps us in suspense right to the end, revealing pieces of information at a time, keeping Femi, Charlotte and us guessing right to the somewhat ambivalent end.
This is a brilliant festive (or not, why wait til Christmas?) quick read with many a twist and turn. “Oh no, there isn’t“, “Oh yes, there is“. You’ll definitely need to “look behind you“ and generally all around to see if you can spot the clues …….. Maybe I did, did, did or maybe I didn’t, didn’t, didn’t!
What a fantastic cover too! Does the contents real justice.
Although characters from The Appeal are also in this novella it can very easily be read as a standalone.
Ps. To those of you not familiar with the bonkersness that is pantomime tradition, if you’re in the U.K. or elsewhere in the world where pantomime is still performed, check one out. You’ll probably leave utterly baffled but will have had some laughs along the way.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Serpents Tail/ Viper/Profile books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
December 20, 2024
This was an interesting novella that takes place around Christmas. Beyond this fact, there really are no other Christmas feels to this book. Soooo, if you’re looking for an involved holiday whodunnit, this isn’t quite that.
This novella can be read in one sitting, which made it worth if for me. Multi-email / Multi-text POV format was a new one on me and was a fun little change. I was intrigued long enough and the storyline unfolds in an enjoyably quirky way.
This is not a serious whodunnit but more of a light drama with a murder mystery thrown in 1/2 way through and gets revealed pretty quickly. Cozy vibes. I did have a little trouble at first with the cast of characters but eventually was able to keep everyone straight.
Solid 3.5 for me as it kept me interested but felt a little too confusing and filled with more fluff than clues…
This novella can be read in one sitting, which made it worth if for me. Multi-email / Multi-text POV format was a new one on me and was a fun little change. I was intrigued long enough and the storyline unfolds in an enjoyably quirky way.
This is not a serious whodunnit but more of a light drama with a murder mystery thrown in 1/2 way through and gets revealed pretty quickly. Cozy vibes. I did have a little trouble at first with the cast of characters but eventually was able to keep everyone straight.
Solid 3.5 for me as it kept me interested but felt a little too confusing and filled with more fluff than clues…
September 16, 2023
Santa is dead! Who is responsible? Who put Santa on the naughty list?
First off, the cover is adorable. It has a very nostalgic feel. It reminded me of old Christmas Cards.
The Fairway players are preparing for their production of Jack and the Beanstalk to raise money for the Church roof appeal. But is someone trying to stop their production??? There is talk that the fibreglass beanstalk may be full of asbestos. But the show must go on (or will it?).
This book is told in a unique fashion. It is told through email, whatsapp messages, text messages, etc. This got a little old for me after a while. There were some messages that were hard for me to read on my kindle and had to figure out how to see them better.
Overall, I enjoyed the mystery even though I wasn't the biggest fan of how the book was told. Thankfully, this was a short book. This took me some time to get though (15 days) as I found myself picking up other books as the manner of storytelling wasn't my favorite. I did enjoy the latter part of the book more than the first.
Fans of this type of storytelling will most likely enjoy this book more than I did. I did read The Appeal and that was a 3 star read for me as well.
Good mystery but the manner of storytelling didn't work for me. Most are enjoying this book more than I did, so please read their reviews as well.
Thank you to Atria books and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
First off, the cover is adorable. It has a very nostalgic feel. It reminded me of old Christmas Cards.
The Fairway players are preparing for their production of Jack and the Beanstalk to raise money for the Church roof appeal. But is someone trying to stop their production??? There is talk that the fibreglass beanstalk may be full of asbestos. But the show must go on (or will it?).
This book is told in a unique fashion. It is told through email, whatsapp messages, text messages, etc. This got a little old for me after a while. There were some messages that were hard for me to read on my kindle and had to figure out how to see them better.
Overall, I enjoyed the mystery even though I wasn't the biggest fan of how the book was told. Thankfully, this was a short book. This took me some time to get though (15 days) as I found myself picking up other books as the manner of storytelling wasn't my favorite. I did enjoy the latter part of the book more than the first.
Fans of this type of storytelling will most likely enjoy this book more than I did. I did read The Appeal and that was a 3 star read for me as well.
Good mystery but the manner of storytelling didn't work for me. Most are enjoying this book more than I did, so please read their reviews as well.
Thank you to Atria books and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
October 24, 2023
the setup…
The Fairway Players are back, this time under the direction of Sarah-Jane MacDonald, replacing the Haywards. It’s a Christmas pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk and for those of you outside of the UK, that’s a type of musical comedy stage production designed for family entertainment which was developed in England. Rehearsals are underway but the season isn’t fostering “goodwill to all men” as there’s an effort underway to undermine Sarah-Jane to unseat her as director for future performances. However, things get thorny when a dead body turns up on stage. Lawyers Femi Hassan and Charlotte Holroyd are back to sift through the emails, letters and other communications for now retired senior attorney Roderick Tanner to figure out the victim and killer.
the heart of the story…
I love the epistolary story structure, especially on audio with multiple narrators. The emails are snarky, often passive aggressive and always entertaining. There are so many laugh out loud moments to distract you from figuring out the whodunit but that was secondary to the overall journey. Many of the Players from the first book return, this time with bigger roles and under suspicion. The day of the performance was a really fine piece of writing as multiple disasters were in play but as they say in the business, the show must go on!
the narration…
This felt like a full cast production with the four narrators and all of them managed to embrace their characters so well they came to life. If you like audiobooks, then you’ll love this performance.
the bottom line…
Femi and Charlotte set the stage as the story opens with them tasked with solving the mystery but it quickly transitions to the Players, all in fine form. This turned out to be even better than I had anticipated and it was fun getting back to Lower Lockwood. There’s a sort of twisty element to the conclusion, making this even more of a wonderful listening experience. It was a fine way to start off my holiday reading. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
The Fairway Players are back, this time under the direction of Sarah-Jane MacDonald, replacing the Haywards. It’s a Christmas pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk and for those of you outside of the UK, that’s a type of musical comedy stage production designed for family entertainment which was developed in England. Rehearsals are underway but the season isn’t fostering “goodwill to all men” as there’s an effort underway to undermine Sarah-Jane to unseat her as director for future performances. However, things get thorny when a dead body turns up on stage. Lawyers Femi Hassan and Charlotte Holroyd are back to sift through the emails, letters and other communications for now retired senior attorney Roderick Tanner to figure out the victim and killer.
the heart of the story…
I love the epistolary story structure, especially on audio with multiple narrators. The emails are snarky, often passive aggressive and always entertaining. There are so many laugh out loud moments to distract you from figuring out the whodunit but that was secondary to the overall journey. Many of the Players from the first book return, this time with bigger roles and under suspicion. The day of the performance was a really fine piece of writing as multiple disasters were in play but as they say in the business, the show must go on!
the narration…
This felt like a full cast production with the four narrators and all of them managed to embrace their characters so well they came to life. If you like audiobooks, then you’ll love this performance.
the bottom line…
Femi and Charlotte set the stage as the story opens with them tasked with solving the mystery but it quickly transitions to the Players, all in fine form. This turned out to be even better than I had anticipated and it was fun getting back to Lower Lockwood. There’s a sort of twisty element to the conclusion, making this even more of a wonderful listening experience. It was a fine way to start off my holiday reading. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
October 16, 2023
This was just what I needed after finishing a gritty thriller set in Mumbai. A cozy Christmas country panto mystery written in epistolary style was the perfect palette cleanser. Actually liked this even better than the original publication. Lots of balls in the air and a surprise or two. Is it realistic. Heck, no. Sure was fun to read though.
Thank you to Atria Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Atria Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2023
pan·to·mime
/ˈpan(t)əˌmīm/
BRITISH
a theatrical entertainment, mainly for children, that involves music, topical jokes, and slapstick comedy and is based on a fairy tale or nursery story, usually produced around Christmas.
Americans, the above definition of PANTOMIME is crucial to understanding the plot of Janice Hallett’s The Christmas Appeal.
and…
You must have read The Appeal.
I read recently Hallett’s The Twyford Code and was immediately intrigued by her highly original reliance on of all types of media as text for the book. I did not read her first book, The Appeal, but thought I would enjoy one of her short novellas. I didn’t read the synopsis, but should have been more careful, as it would have been extremely beneficial to have read the book prior to reading the novella.
The Fairway Players theater group are preparing to put on their Christmas pantomime to raise money to repair the church roof. However, things don’t go as planned when a dead body is found on stage and sweets intended for the children are compromised. Through texts, emails, social media platforms, and transcripts, a multi-layered mystery takes shape.
If you read The Appeal and loved it, you will likely enjoy this short mystery. However, as a newbie to these characters, I felt like an outsider looking into a world I didn’t quite understand. The use of media is very clever as always, but distances the reader from getting to know the characters properly, especially in this fast-paced novella. This humorous mystery will likely “appeal” to those who enjoy innovative storytelling and cozy mysteries.
3.5/5 stars rounded down (but would have been rounded up if I had read The Appeal)
Expected publication date: 10/24/23
Thank you to Edelweiss and Atria books for the ARC of The Christmas Appeal in exchange for an honest review.
/ˈpan(t)əˌmīm/
BRITISH
a theatrical entertainment, mainly for children, that involves music, topical jokes, and slapstick comedy and is based on a fairy tale or nursery story, usually produced around Christmas.
Americans, the above definition of PANTOMIME is crucial to understanding the plot of Janice Hallett’s The Christmas Appeal.
and…
You must have read The Appeal.
I read recently Hallett’s The Twyford Code and was immediately intrigued by her highly original reliance on of all types of media as text for the book. I did not read her first book, The Appeal, but thought I would enjoy one of her short novellas. I didn’t read the synopsis, but should have been more careful, as it would have been extremely beneficial to have read the book prior to reading the novella.
The Fairway Players theater group are preparing to put on their Christmas pantomime to raise money to repair the church roof. However, things don’t go as planned when a dead body is found on stage and sweets intended for the children are compromised. Through texts, emails, social media platforms, and transcripts, a multi-layered mystery takes shape.
If you read The Appeal and loved it, you will likely enjoy this short mystery. However, as a newbie to these characters, I felt like an outsider looking into a world I didn’t quite understand. The use of media is very clever as always, but distances the reader from getting to know the characters properly, especially in this fast-paced novella. This humorous mystery will likely “appeal” to those who enjoy innovative storytelling and cozy mysteries.
3.5/5 stars rounded down (but would have been rounded up if I had read The Appeal)
Expected publication date: 10/24/23
Thank you to Edelweiss and Atria books for the ARC of The Christmas Appeal in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2024
Muy diver. Más chisme que misterio, no lo digo como queja sino como dato.
‘La apelación de Navidad’ es el libro perfecto para personas chismosas como yo soy, o bueno, si, también para amantes de los misterios.
En este libro e-pistolar toda la narración se compone de emails, conversaciones de whatsapp y, en determinado momento, transcripciones de interrogatorios de la policía. Esto hace que la lectura sea suuuuper fluída y ligera y de alguna forma, a pesar de que hay un montón de personajes implicados, sepas claramente quién es quién por su forma de escribir. Nunca me había parado a pensar cuánto de nuestra personalidad queda tan claramente evidenciado en nuestro registro por escrito.
El caso es que se acercan las fechas navideñas y la compañía de teatro amateur del pueblecito de Lockwood se prepara para su actuación benéfica anual. Idealmente esto debería ser algo bonito, donde los actores voluntarios disfrutaran y todo el mundo fuera a una. Pues no. La verdad que descubriremos poco a poco como en el grupo hay luchas de poder, tensiones a punto de estallar, secretos que llevan décadas ocultos…
De hecho, tengo que decir que, si esperas una novela de misterio al uso, tendrás que esperar a casi el final del libro para que haya algo que resolver (el crimen que promete la cubierta). La gran parte de la novela se basa en el chisme y en que tu como lector notas que algo se está cociendo, pero no tienes del todo claro qué es.
Como punto extra para quienes les gusta involucrarse al máximo en las novelas policiacas y ser investigador por un día, decir que todos los documentos que se nos presentan, como lectores los recibimos a la vez que dos abogadas a quienes retan a resolver el crimen. Contamos con la misma información y, si ellas pueden resolverlo, tú también.
Una novela que he disfrutado mucho como lo que es, un misterio ligero ambientado en Navidad, con toques de humor, ideas y venidas a mansalva y un crimen que no es protagonista en la trama. Por eso, quizá no lo recomendaría si buscas una novela policiaca al uso o un crimen.
‘La apelación de Navidad’ es el libro perfecto para personas chismosas como yo soy, o bueno, si, también para amantes de los misterios.
En este libro e-pistolar toda la narración se compone de emails, conversaciones de whatsapp y, en determinado momento, transcripciones de interrogatorios de la policía. Esto hace que la lectura sea suuuuper fluída y ligera y de alguna forma, a pesar de que hay un montón de personajes implicados, sepas claramente quién es quién por su forma de escribir. Nunca me había parado a pensar cuánto de nuestra personalidad queda tan claramente evidenciado en nuestro registro por escrito.
El caso es que se acercan las fechas navideñas y la compañía de teatro amateur del pueblecito de Lockwood se prepara para su actuación benéfica anual. Idealmente esto debería ser algo bonito, donde los actores voluntarios disfrutaran y todo el mundo fuera a una. Pues no. La verdad que descubriremos poco a poco como en el grupo hay luchas de poder, tensiones a punto de estallar, secretos que llevan décadas ocultos…
De hecho, tengo que decir que, si esperas una novela de misterio al uso, tendrás que esperar a casi el final del libro para que haya algo que resolver (el crimen que promete la cubierta). La gran parte de la novela se basa en el chisme y en que tu como lector notas que algo se está cociendo, pero no tienes del todo claro qué es.
Como punto extra para quienes les gusta involucrarse al máximo en las novelas policiacas y ser investigador por un día, decir que todos los documentos que se nos presentan, como lectores los recibimos a la vez que dos abogadas a quienes retan a resolver el crimen. Contamos con la misma información y, si ellas pueden resolverlo, tú también.
Una novela que he disfrutado mucho como lo que es, un misterio ligero ambientado en Navidad, con toques de humor, ideas y venidas a mansalva y un crimen que no es protagonista en la trama. Por eso, quizá no lo recomendaría si buscas una novela policiaca al uso o un crimen.
December 17, 2023
In the middle of a busy and stressful holiday season, I was happy to get the chance to sit down with The Christmas Appeal. Wow, the amount of joy this crazy community theater group brought me! I’m pretty sure I had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading.
Clocking in at around 200 pages, The Christmas Appeal is a bit of a mini-sequel to the first book, The Appeal. It’s not completely necessary to read the books in order but you’ll probably get more out of the reading experience if you do. Both novels are epistolary, meaning the entire story is told through emails, text messages, etc..
So much humor. I lived for Celia’s e-mails and frequent OBE usage. The mystery itself is pretty good too although the characters are really the stars of the show. ;)
Thank you Book Club Favorites Insiders for sending me a free copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Clocking in at around 200 pages, The Christmas Appeal is a bit of a mini-sequel to the first book, The Appeal. It’s not completely necessary to read the books in order but you’ll probably get more out of the reading experience if you do. Both novels are epistolary, meaning the entire story is told through emails, text messages, etc..
So much humor. I lived for Celia’s e-mails and frequent OBE usage. The mystery itself is pretty good too although the characters are really the stars of the show. ;)
Thank you Book Club Favorites Insiders for sending me a free copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
October 19, 2023
A short follow-up on The Appeal and it certainly didn't disappoint. It is a much lighter reading than its predecessor and features almost all the previous characters, therefor I would recommend to read The Appeal first.
Around Christmas the Fairway Players are rehearsing Jack and the Beanstalk and everything that could go wrong does, even the corpse of Santa falling out of the beanstalk on stage. It is crazy, funny and exactly what a pantomime should be!
If you are looking for a short and fun read around Christmas, without the usual syrup but some dark humor instead, pick up this book and you will not be disappointed !
A sincere thanks to NetGalley and Serpent's Tail / Viper / Profile Books for an advanced copy in exchange of honest review.
Around Christmas the Fairway Players are rehearsing Jack and the Beanstalk and everything that could go wrong does, even the corpse of Santa falling out of the beanstalk on stage. It is crazy, funny and exactly what a pantomime should be!
If you are looking for a short and fun read around Christmas, without the usual syrup but some dark humor instead, pick up this book and you will not be disappointed !
A sincere thanks to NetGalley and Serpent's Tail / Viper / Profile Books for an advanced copy in exchange of honest review.
January 24, 2024
Picked this up bc I really enjoyed the Appeal, but this just felt kind of superfluous. Meh
December 7, 2023
This was a quick, funny, and light read. We're back with the Fairway Players and surprise; another dead body is found when they put on a play for the community. It's always a hoot to read the backbiting and grudges some of these people have toward each other. Just a cozy mystery that is a good read over the holidays.
Recommended.
Recommended.
December 29, 2023
Santa Claus and the Beanstalk
Combined review of the Simon & Schuster audiobook & the Atria Books hardcover editions (October 24, 2023).
I was only so-so about the first book The Appeal (2021), rating it with 3-stars and reviewing it as Who is Grifting Whom?. I was intrigued enough about the possible tie-ins to Arthur Miller's All My Sons (1947) to seek out the play and review it as Researching 'The Appeal'.
My issue with the first book was that it just seemed so completely improbable that two articling students would be asked to go through so much private correspondence about a case by their mentoring lawyer in search of answers to the 'clues' he provided. It was still inventive enough to keep me reading though.
When I was looking for some themed reads for the holiday season, I noticed that The Christmas Appeal had been recently released. I thought I'd give it a go on audio, but found it hard to follow in that medium, even though the narrators were fine. I switched to the hardcover and ended up enjoying it quite a bit.
You again have to suspend belief and just accept that Roderick Tanner (QC Retired) still has access to all this private correspondence and that lawyers Femi and Charlotte have all this time to spend reading it. As with The Appeal, the new book consists of texts, WhatsApp chats, emails and the occasional letter between the (mostly) same cast of the amateur theatrical group The Fairway Players who are now staging a Christmas pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk, in order to raise funds for a church roof renovation.
For the longest time it is not even evident that any crime has occurred. The correspondence is tracking the efforts of Sarah-Jane and Kevin Macdonald to produce the pantomime while being constantly undermined by rival Celia Halliday, who resents being voted out of the leadership of the theatrical society. The bitchiness is the main focus until the actual night of the performance when a mummified dead body dressed as Santa Claus is revealed to be inside the beanstalk. Did it get there by misadventure or by murder?
I enjoyed The Christmas Appeal primarily for its lighter tone and shorter length. I didn't think it required reading the previous book, although the novella does have aspects which might be considered spoilery if you still plan to read the original novel afterwards. I definitely think that reading a print copy would be preferred over an audio version in both cases. The cast of characters is too large to follow otherwise.
Combined review of the Simon & Schuster audiobook & the Atria Books hardcover editions (October 24, 2023).
I was only so-so about the first book The Appeal (2021), rating it with 3-stars and reviewing it as Who is Grifting Whom?. I was intrigued enough about the possible tie-ins to Arthur Miller's All My Sons (1947) to seek out the play and review it as Researching 'The Appeal'.
My issue with the first book was that it just seemed so completely improbable that two articling students would be asked to go through so much private correspondence about a case by their mentoring lawyer in search of answers to the 'clues' he provided. It was still inventive enough to keep me reading though.
When I was looking for some themed reads for the holiday season, I noticed that The Christmas Appeal had been recently released. I thought I'd give it a go on audio, but found it hard to follow in that medium, even though the narrators were fine. I switched to the hardcover and ended up enjoying it quite a bit.
You again have to suspend belief and just accept that Roderick Tanner (QC Retired) still has access to all this private correspondence and that lawyers Femi and Charlotte have all this time to spend reading it. As with The Appeal, the new book consists of texts, WhatsApp chats, emails and the occasional letter between the (mostly) same cast of the amateur theatrical group The Fairway Players who are now staging a Christmas pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk, in order to raise funds for a church roof renovation.
For the longest time it is not even evident that any crime has occurred. The correspondence is tracking the efforts of Sarah-Jane and Kevin Macdonald to produce the pantomime while being constantly undermined by rival Celia Halliday, who resents being voted out of the leadership of the theatrical society. The bitchiness is the main focus until the actual night of the performance when a mummified dead body dressed as Santa Claus is revealed to be inside the beanstalk. Did it get there by misadventure or by murder?
I enjoyed The Christmas Appeal primarily for its lighter tone and shorter length. I didn't think it required reading the previous book, although the novella does have aspects which might be considered spoilery if you still plan to read the original novel afterwards. I definitely think that reading a print copy would be preferred over an audio version in both cases. The cast of characters is too large to follow otherwise.
August 1, 2023
’Tis very much NOT the season, but I needed a pick-me-up and this was irresistible. Don’t expect the intricacy of The Appeal; this is a relatively simple, charming mystery (again mainly in emails) revisiting some of the same characters, with a few gently funny moments. That said, it was more substantial than the short story I was expecting. Fun!
I received an advance review copy of The Christmas Appeal from the publisher through Edelweiss.
I received an advance review copy of The Christmas Appeal from the publisher through Edelweiss.
August 21, 2023
This was a really fun holiday mystery told in the same world and with the same multi-media style as The Appeal. I particularly liked watching Sarah-Jane and the Hallidays bump heads. There were moments where it got a little cutesy, but given it was a holiday story, I could roll with it, and mostly enjoyed the hijinks
December 18, 2023
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS STORY - HANDS DOWN! (Please note I haven’t actually read that many Christmas novels lol)
I may have found a new favourite murder mystery author - Janice Hallett. I am not entirely sure how it has taken me until. Now to find her murder mystery books but I am so glad I came across this Christmas one just in time for the holiday season.
Firstly - this is not one of her standard books it’s more of a novella or a 0.5 of a book but you wouldn’t know it. It is absolutely packed with detail and I LOVED the writing layout. I think Janice’s use of language and style of writing is one of my favourite things about this book. It isn’t’ t your standard prose, but filled with emails, texts, police interviews and so much more.
I also loved how unique and also funny she made this murder mystery. I had my guesses as to ‘who done it’ but of course,as usual I was wrong lol. Tbf, it was so ingenious and clever I don’t think many people could come up with the correct outcome! I’m not usually an Agatha Christie closed room mystery lover but Janice has managed to bring a new and enjoyable slant to whodunnit in the 21st century. I was engaged throughout, giggling to myself and wanted more…all a good sign of a great read!
If you enjoyed the Richard Osmond books you will no doubt adore these novels. Now that I have found this one I will inevitably be demolishing the rest of the series!
I may have found a new favourite murder mystery author - Janice Hallett. I am not entirely sure how it has taken me until. Now to find her murder mystery books but I am so glad I came across this Christmas one just in time for the holiday season.
Firstly - this is not one of her standard books it’s more of a novella or a 0.5 of a book but you wouldn’t know it. It is absolutely packed with detail and I LOVED the writing layout. I think Janice’s use of language and style of writing is one of my favourite things about this book. It isn’t’ t your standard prose, but filled with emails, texts, police interviews and so much more.
I also loved how unique and also funny she made this murder mystery. I had my guesses as to ‘who done it’ but of course,as usual I was wrong lol. Tbf, it was so ingenious and clever I don’t think many people could come up with the correct outcome! I’m not usually an Agatha Christie closed room mystery lover but Janice has managed to bring a new and enjoyable slant to whodunnit in the 21st century. I was engaged throughout, giggling to myself and wanted more…all a good sign of a great read!
If you enjoyed the Richard Osmond books you will no doubt adore these novels. Now that I have found this one I will inevitably be demolishing the rest of the series!
November 27, 2023
this Christmas mystery novella can be read in one sitting. i didn’t realize it was a side novel based off the characters in THE APPEAL so i didnt have the full backstory of the characters and setting beforehand, but that said, i think it could be read as a standalone.
this was just okay. i was expecting more mystery and a bigger twist? it had ALOT of characters and it’s somewhat of a mystery but you don’t know what is mysterious about it or what people are investigating until the back middle. the ending was kind of lackluster for a mystery.
it was unique—there’s a town putting on a play and people are out to get each other and it’s a power grab and then a body is found and you are trying to figure out 1) who it is and 2) if they were killed and 3) if yes, then by whom?
thrillers with a lot of characters and red herrings typically aren’t my jam, but i read this in one sitting so it was enough to keep my attention during a reading slump! under 200 pages and easy to knock out quickly.
this was just okay. i was expecting more mystery and a bigger twist? it had ALOT of characters and it’s somewhat of a mystery but you don’t know what is mysterious about it or what people are investigating until the back middle. the ending was kind of lackluster for a mystery.
it was unique—there’s a town putting on a play and people are out to get each other and it’s a power grab and then a body is found and you are trying to figure out 1) who it is and 2) if they were killed and 3) if yes, then by whom?
thrillers with a lot of characters and red herrings typically aren’t my jam, but i read this in one sitting so it was enough to keep my attention during a reading slump! under 200 pages and easy to knock out quickly.
November 2, 2023
happy late publication day!
i read and thoroughly enjoyed the appeal last year, so when i saw this in my email i was so EXCITED.
and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
janice hallett’s books are so unique in that they’re mysteries, but they’re mysteries that really make you think. we’re given pieces of correspondence and solve the case alongside two detectives. i don’t think i could ever get tired of this format.
my complaint with the appeal when i read it was that it was too long. too drawn out. i got bored and eventually stopped caring. this one, though, is just over 200 pages and kept me invested the entire time. could it have been a bit longer? sure. but i’m glad it wasn’t 400+ again.
the author said writing this “felt like visiting old friends,” and that’s how i felt reading it as well. it was fun to read about how all the characters from the appeal were doing and what they were up to. the drama in this one was just as entertaining as the first. there were funny remarks and moments throughout that actually made me laugh. i will say there were still almost too many characters to keep track of, but i didn’t feel like that took away from the story.
overall this was a really fun time! it’s different, entertaining, and pretty quick. i read this during summer but if you pick it up closer to christmas the environment might add to the story.
do you have to read the appeal first? i wouldn’t say it’s absolutely necessary but you probably should. there’s mentions of what happens in that book in this one, and you’ll connect with the characters more.
thank you to netgalley + atria books for the arc! all expressed opinions are my own.
i read and thoroughly enjoyed the appeal last year, so when i saw this in my email i was so EXCITED.
and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
janice hallett’s books are so unique in that they’re mysteries, but they’re mysteries that really make you think. we’re given pieces of correspondence and solve the case alongside two detectives. i don’t think i could ever get tired of this format.
my complaint with the appeal when i read it was that it was too long. too drawn out. i got bored and eventually stopped caring. this one, though, is just over 200 pages and kept me invested the entire time. could it have been a bit longer? sure. but i’m glad it wasn’t 400+ again.
the author said writing this “felt like visiting old friends,” and that’s how i felt reading it as well. it was fun to read about how all the characters from the appeal were doing and what they were up to. the drama in this one was just as entertaining as the first. there were funny remarks and moments throughout that actually made me laugh. i will say there were still almost too many characters to keep track of, but i didn’t feel like that took away from the story.
overall this was a really fun time! it’s different, entertaining, and pretty quick. i read this during summer but if you pick it up closer to christmas the environment might add to the story.
do you have to read the appeal first? i wouldn’t say it’s absolutely necessary but you probably should. there’s mentions of what happens in that book in this one, and you’ll connect with the characters more.
thank you to netgalley + atria books for the arc! all expressed opinions are my own.
December 29, 2023
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
3.5 stars
🎭The Christmas Appeal is a companion tale to British author Janice Hallet’s CWA New Blood Dagger award winning novel The Appeal. Returning to the same theatre troupe as her 2021 release, it is time to usher in a tale of secret plots, murder, intrigue and frolic.
🎭I've seen The Christmas Appeal making the rounds on my insta feed in recent weeks, so I decided to splurge on a new audiobook to listen to while doing some Christmas preparations on Christmas Eve. This three-hour audio experience was a rather different one from other festive books I have read this Christmas season. A unique epistolary style cosy mystery, The Christmas Appeal is relayed in the form of emails, texts, police reports, newsletters, and transcripts. I wasn’t expecting this novella format to unfold in this alternative format, especially as I haven’t had the chance to read its predecessor. However, I did appreciate the creative approach to this murder mystery tale. Essentially, this novella revolves around a small-town amateur theatre group who band together to rehearse and perform a pantomime in December. However, in a twist of circumstances, a murder has occurred, and the resulting narrative revolves around the investigation into finding out what happened.
🎭The Christmas Appeal is a fast and undemanding read or listen. The cast are quite an eclectic group, some are fun and genuine, while some are utter snobs, or just downright nasty! There is drama, infighting, blame and pure bitchiness between this bunch, which fills the pages of Hallet’s novella. Even the beanstalk prop has a story to tell. I would have loved more if this wasn’t so short, it is hard to explore the characters to any huge degree with the page limit. It was fun playing sleuth and being involved in the production of a great British tradition. I didn’t predict what had happened, but the on and off-stage escapades were enough to keep me occupied for a few hours while wrapping Xmas presents.
3.5 stars
🎭The Christmas Appeal is a companion tale to British author Janice Hallet’s CWA New Blood Dagger award winning novel The Appeal. Returning to the same theatre troupe as her 2021 release, it is time to usher in a tale of secret plots, murder, intrigue and frolic.
🎭I've seen The Christmas Appeal making the rounds on my insta feed in recent weeks, so I decided to splurge on a new audiobook to listen to while doing some Christmas preparations on Christmas Eve. This three-hour audio experience was a rather different one from other festive books I have read this Christmas season. A unique epistolary style cosy mystery, The Christmas Appeal is relayed in the form of emails, texts, police reports, newsletters, and transcripts. I wasn’t expecting this novella format to unfold in this alternative format, especially as I haven’t had the chance to read its predecessor. However, I did appreciate the creative approach to this murder mystery tale. Essentially, this novella revolves around a small-town amateur theatre group who band together to rehearse and perform a pantomime in December. However, in a twist of circumstances, a murder has occurred, and the resulting narrative revolves around the investigation into finding out what happened.
🎭The Christmas Appeal is a fast and undemanding read or listen. The cast are quite an eclectic group, some are fun and genuine, while some are utter snobs, or just downright nasty! There is drama, infighting, blame and pure bitchiness between this bunch, which fills the pages of Hallet’s novella. Even the beanstalk prop has a story to tell. I would have loved more if this wasn’t so short, it is hard to explore the characters to any huge degree with the page limit. It was fun playing sleuth and being involved in the production of a great British tradition. I didn’t predict what had happened, but the on and off-stage escapades were enough to keep me occupied for a few hours while wrapping Xmas presents.
January 8, 2026
2.5⭐️star rating The Christmas season has arrived in Lower Lockwood, and the Fairway Players are busy rehearsing their festive holiday production of Jack and the Beanstalk to raise money for a new church roof. But despite the season, goodwill is distinctly lacking among the amateur theatre enthusiasts with petty rivalries, a possibly asbestos-filled beanstalk, and some perennially absent players behind the scenes.
I fear this did not deliver the plot was so boring and dull, and I did not care for the plottwist the characters were one dimensional and did not connect to them not a single one was intreasting and had no personality the text email and the multiple povs and i hated the writing style where horrendous and confusing and the mystery was so lackluster that also there was plenty of uneneasesery drama it was boring I should have dnf it but I needed to know how it ended the end was not great the case was closed with no closure
I fear this did not deliver the plot was so boring and dull, and I did not care for the plottwist the characters were one dimensional and did not connect to them not a single one was intreasting and had no personality the text email and the multiple povs and i hated the writing style where horrendous and confusing and the mystery was so lackluster that also there was plenty of uneneasesery drama it was boring I should have dnf it but I needed to know how it ended the end was not great the case was closed with no closure
October 18, 2023
In her afterword Janice Hallett wrote that writing a novella in the world of "The Appeal" was like meeting with old friends again. I share this sentiment – "The Appeal" was one of my favorite crime stories I read this year and reading about The Fairway Players shenanigans once more was simply cozy and comforting, especially since it's a Christmas story.
I was wondering how Hallet would fill the void left by the most vocal and distinctive characters from the original, since many of them are no longer in town (or... are they? ) and moving Sarah-Jane and Celia forward was an excellent move. Their rivalry was used as a ground for witty satire and snarky remarks on small-town minded people. I loved "The Appeal" for it's humor and this installment is still hilarious, despite there being a body (although, once again, readers need to be patient, it doesn't appear until later stage of this story).
I think I might have enjoyed the pacing of the novella more than the previous book - the plot is condensed, with less side intrigues and it's easier to follow all the moves of each individual character. After some consideration, I probably would have enjoyed it better if the stakes were higher (you'll see what I mean if you read it). This one definitely stands closer to "cosy crime" than the original.. Nevertheless it was worth reading and I enjoyed it a lot.
I think it goes without saying that it's not supposed to be read as stand alone?
I must find some time to read other books by Hallett - I wonder if her writing style and using only emails and other piece of evidence to form a plot is sustainable. My working theory is that at some point it would become repetitive and wearisome, but I'd love to be proven wrong.
I was wondering how Hallet would fill the void left by the most vocal and distinctive characters from the original, since many of them are no longer in town (or... are they? ) and moving Sarah-Jane and Celia forward was an excellent move. Their rivalry was used as a ground for witty satire and snarky remarks on small-town minded people. I loved "The Appeal" for it's humor and this installment is still hilarious, despite there being a body (although, once again, readers need to be patient, it doesn't appear until later stage of this story).
I think I might have enjoyed the pacing of the novella more than the previous book - the plot is condensed, with less side intrigues and it's easier to follow all the moves of each individual character. After some consideration, I probably would have enjoyed it better if the stakes were higher (you'll see what I mean if you read it). This one definitely stands closer to "cosy crime" than the original.. Nevertheless it was worth reading and I enjoyed it a lot.
I think it goes without saying that it's not supposed to be read as stand alone?
I must find some time to read other books by Hallett - I wonder if her writing style and using only emails and other piece of evidence to form a plot is sustainable. My working theory is that at some point it would become repetitive and wearisome, but I'd love to be proven wrong.
December 14, 2023
The first twenty percent of this book was full of petty and tiresome e-mails and texts that had me rolling my eyes more times that I can remember. After that, it turned into a hilarious story that made me re-think my initial assessment but at the end the mystery felt disjointed and the ending felt rushed and unfinished.
I like the concept, hell I loved the original The Appeal but the storyline of all her books (yep…read them all) except for The Appeal were missing substance, they needed stronger plots. We need to be looking forward for the next texts and e-mails not dreading that characters are going to bored us to death. I am pausing on reading more of this author’s books. Again, it is not the formula or concept, I like it and find it refreshing and unique but I do not enjoy the flimsy plots. Three stars because the middle of the story was amazingly funny.
I like the concept, hell I loved the original The Appeal but the storyline of all her books (yep…read them all) except for The Appeal were missing substance, they needed stronger plots. We need to be looking forward for the next texts and e-mails not dreading that characters are going to bored us to death. I am pausing on reading more of this author’s books. Again, it is not the formula or concept, I like it and find it refreshing and unique but I do not enjoy the flimsy plots. Three stars because the middle of the story was amazingly funny.
December 17, 2023
Es gibt einen neuen Fall, bei dem die jungen Rechtsanwälte Femi und Charlotte darum gebeten werden, mal drüber zu schauen:
Dabei handelt es sich erneut um die Fairway Players, eine Amateurtheatergruppe, die vor einigen Jahren in ein mysteriöses Spektakel verwickelt waren. Doch diese Zeiten sind vorbei. Mit neuen Vorsitzenden und einem neuen Weihnachtsmärchen im Gepäck versucht die Truppe Spenden für das kaputte Kirchendach zu sammeln. Allerdings sind nicht alle so glücklich mit den Neuerungen in den Reihen der Fairway Players – andere wiederum sind mit der Vergangenheit unzufrieden und möchten auf Teufel komm raus verhindern, dass die Kulisse von vor 30 Jahren wiederverwendet wird. Es brodelt in der ehemals eingeschworenen Theatergruppe. Werden sie es trotzdem schaffen, das Stück rechtzeitig auf die Bühne zu bringen? Als dann noch eine mumifizierte Leiche auftaucht, ist das Weihnachtschaos perfekt.
_______________________
Schon die originale Geschichte in „The Appeal“ hat mir total viel Spaß gemacht, deshalb habe ich mich sehr gefreut, als ich vor ein paar Wochen gesehen habe, dass es eine Weihnachtsnovelle über die Fairway Players geben wird. Gesehen, bestellt, gelesen. Es war toll, nach Lockwood zurückzukehren. Ich mag sowohl die Erzählweise durch verschiedene Akten als auch das Setting mit dem Dorf und der Laientheatergruppe.
Die zwischenmenschlichen Beziehungen zu analysieren ist einfach wahnsinnig entertaining. Bei jeder Figur denkt man: „So eine kenn ich auch!!“.
Ganz toller Weihnachtskrimi, wenn man „The Appeal“ mochte.
Dabei handelt es sich erneut um die Fairway Players, eine Amateurtheatergruppe, die vor einigen Jahren in ein mysteriöses Spektakel verwickelt waren. Doch diese Zeiten sind vorbei. Mit neuen Vorsitzenden und einem neuen Weihnachtsmärchen im Gepäck versucht die Truppe Spenden für das kaputte Kirchendach zu sammeln. Allerdings sind nicht alle so glücklich mit den Neuerungen in den Reihen der Fairway Players – andere wiederum sind mit der Vergangenheit unzufrieden und möchten auf Teufel komm raus verhindern, dass die Kulisse von vor 30 Jahren wiederverwendet wird. Es brodelt in der ehemals eingeschworenen Theatergruppe. Werden sie es trotzdem schaffen, das Stück rechtzeitig auf die Bühne zu bringen? Als dann noch eine mumifizierte Leiche auftaucht, ist das Weihnachtschaos perfekt.
_______________________
Schon die originale Geschichte in „The Appeal“ hat mir total viel Spaß gemacht, deshalb habe ich mich sehr gefreut, als ich vor ein paar Wochen gesehen habe, dass es eine Weihnachtsnovelle über die Fairway Players geben wird. Gesehen, bestellt, gelesen. Es war toll, nach Lockwood zurückzukehren. Ich mag sowohl die Erzählweise durch verschiedene Akten als auch das Setting mit dem Dorf und der Laientheatergruppe.
Die zwischenmenschlichen Beziehungen zu analysieren ist einfach wahnsinnig entertaining. Bei jeder Figur denkt man: „So eine kenn ich auch!!“.
Ganz toller Weihnachtskrimi, wenn man „The Appeal“ mochte.
November 26, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
A modern day Agatha Christie holiday mystery.
I enjoyed this quick read.
A modern day Agatha Christie holiday mystery.
I enjoyed this quick read.
December 20, 2023
If you like cozy mystery in an epistolary form , then you will have a blast with this one, otherwise don’t bother.
Although not necessary, I do recommend reading “The Appeal”, just for the characters.
As like the first book, this was cleverly crafted and it has an excellent sense of humour.
The beginning may not be that engaging for some readers, so if you are going to try it, hold tight as it will get better and become very interesting.
Regardless, this is a very fast read.
The book has only 33k words.
The price for the ebook is simply absurd (Kindle or Kobo Canada are selling for $14.99).
My copy was a hardcover edition borrowed from the public library.
Although not necessary, I do recommend reading “The Appeal”, just for the characters.
As like the first book, this was cleverly crafted and it has an excellent sense of humour.
The beginning may not be that engaging for some readers, so if you are going to try it, hold tight as it will get better and become very interesting.
Regardless, this is a very fast read.
The book has only 33k words.
The price for the ebook is simply absurd (Kindle or Kobo Canada are selling for $14.99).
My copy was a hardcover edition borrowed from the public library.
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