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Dickens Junction Mystery #01
The Christmas Carol Murders
It’s the holiday season in Dickens Junction, Oregon. Local bookstore owner, Simon Alastair, is getting ready for the community’s annual celebration of Charles Dickens’well-known story. But when a mysterious stranger shows up in the Junction and is murdered hours later, Simon begins to suspect that his little community has been targeted for destruction by a shadowy organization.
With the support of Zach, a dashing young magazine reporter, Simon decides to investigate the crime himself. When a second murder follows, Simon must confront the worst question of all: which of his friends and business associates is a ruthless murderer?
The Christmas Carol Murders is the first of an exciting new cozy mystery series combining the atmosphere of a classic Agatha Christie puzzle, the deft touch of Charlotte MacLeod, a hint of Oscar Wilde’s humor, and the literary spirit of the great Charles Dickens
With the support of Zach, a dashing young magazine reporter, Simon decides to investigate the crime himself. When a second murder follows, Simon must confront the worst question of all: which of his friends and business associates is a ruthless murderer?
The Christmas Carol Murders is the first of an exciting new cozy mystery series combining the atmosphere of a classic Agatha Christie puzzle, the deft touch of Charlotte MacLeod, a hint of Oscar Wilde’s humor, and the literary spirit of the great Charles Dickens
267 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2012
24 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Lord
2 books6 followersI have been a Dickens fanatic since I read Our Mutual Friend at age fourteen; I also love classic cozy mysteries. A native of Astoria, Oregon, I now live in Portland with my partner of twenty years and our Devon Rex, who bears a strong resemblance to Simon's Miss Tox.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 27, 2015
Rating: 3.5* of five
The Publisher Says: It’s the holiday season in Dickens Junction, Oregon. Local bookstore owner, Simon Alastair, is getting ready for the community’s annual celebration of Charles Dickens’well-known story. But when a mysterious stranger shows up in the Junction and is murdered hours later, Simon begins to suspect that his little community has been targeted for destruction by a shadowy organization.
With the support of Zach, a dashing young magazine reporter, Simon decides to investigate the crime himself. When a second murder follows, Simon must confront the worst question of all: which of his friends and business associates is a ruthless murderer?
The Christmas Carol Murders is the first of an exciting new cozy mystery series combining the atmosphere of a classic Agatha Christie puzzle, the deft touch of Charlotte MacLeod, a hint of Oscar Wilde’s humor, and the literary spirit of the great Charles Dickens.
My Review: Oh ha ha ha...one of y'all sadists played a joke on me and landed me up with the first two of these books while I was helplessly hostage to the kindness of book-readin' strangers for my fix. Ha ha. "Let's see what gives out first, his spleen from overuse or his desperation for any and all reading material over two pages in length," my tormentor chuckled evilly. No, seriously, I know the individual in question's nefarious ways, there was chuckling, there was mustachio-twirling leering, all topped off by a wicked, wicked polishing of the fingernails. On a blackboard.
So here I am reading away on the subject of Dickens. Which, I am pleased to report and surprised to learn, is a damn sight more pleasant than reading his actual works is. The usual cozy-series buttons are here to be pushed, with a charming amateur sleuth feeling that he is best placed and probably better suited to looking into the various traumas and disasters Lord heaps on the characters. There is the chosen-family heart string pulling. There is a congregation of pleasant and unpleasant suspects, and the entire community is stunned by The Big Reveal of the criminal's identity, including me.
A satisfying read indeed. It's a self-published first novel, with all the ooopsies and boo-boos that entails in spelling and in phrase-making. I overlooked these as the compensation for doing so was enough to make me feel good about the trade-off: Simon the sleuth is gay, in his middle years, and meets a dreamy young muffin with whom he decides to begin a relationship. It was rushed, very rushed indeed for a man portrayed as cautious and meticulous in all other ways. It's all handled as no big deal that Simon's got a male lover, instead the focus falls on how good it is to see Simon back in form and dating after his last very long term relationship ends.
That's how it ought to be, and it was worth a whole star on my rating. The book is an appealing, amusing way to spend three or four hours in the company of good people. Buy it, read it, and savor those warm fuzzies.
The Publisher Says: It’s the holiday season in Dickens Junction, Oregon. Local bookstore owner, Simon Alastair, is getting ready for the community’s annual celebration of Charles Dickens’well-known story. But when a mysterious stranger shows up in the Junction and is murdered hours later, Simon begins to suspect that his little community has been targeted for destruction by a shadowy organization.
With the support of Zach, a dashing young magazine reporter, Simon decides to investigate the crime himself. When a second murder follows, Simon must confront the worst question of all: which of his friends and business associates is a ruthless murderer?
The Christmas Carol Murders is the first of an exciting new cozy mystery series combining the atmosphere of a classic Agatha Christie puzzle, the deft touch of Charlotte MacLeod, a hint of Oscar Wilde’s humor, and the literary spirit of the great Charles Dickens.
My Review: Oh ha ha ha...one of y'all sadists played a joke on me and landed me up with the first two of these books while I was helplessly hostage to the kindness of book-readin' strangers for my fix. Ha ha. "Let's see what gives out first, his spleen from overuse or his desperation for any and all reading material over two pages in length," my tormentor chuckled evilly. No, seriously, I know the individual in question's nefarious ways, there was chuckling, there was mustachio-twirling leering, all topped off by a wicked, wicked polishing of the fingernails. On a blackboard.
So here I am reading away on the subject of Dickens. Which, I am pleased to report and surprised to learn, is a damn sight more pleasant than reading his actual works is. The usual cozy-series buttons are here to be pushed, with a charming amateur sleuth feeling that he is best placed and probably better suited to looking into the various traumas and disasters Lord heaps on the characters. There is the chosen-family heart string pulling. There is a congregation of pleasant and unpleasant suspects, and the entire community is stunned by The Big Reveal of the criminal's identity, including me.
A satisfying read indeed. It's a self-published first novel, with all the ooopsies and boo-boos that entails in spelling and in phrase-making. I overlooked these as the compensation for doing so was enough to make me feel good about the trade-off: Simon the sleuth is gay, in his middle years, and meets a dreamy young muffin with whom he decides to begin a relationship. It was rushed, very rushed indeed for a man portrayed as cautious and meticulous in all other ways. It's all handled as no big deal that Simon's got a male lover, instead the focus falls on how good it is to see Simon back in form and dating after his last very long term relationship ends.
That's how it ought to be, and it was worth a whole star on my rating. The book is an appealing, amusing way to spend three or four hours in the company of good people. Buy it, read it, and savor those warm fuzzies.
December 17, 2016
I found this book delightful. It's a cozy mystery, but more of a mystery. It takes place in the town of Dickens Junction where the people want to keep what they consider Dickens' values. All of the shops are named from the characters of Dickens' books. The events take place at Christmas time although I would not say this is a "Christmas cozy" as it works for anytime of the year. Simon is the amateur detective who is looking to solve the murders of three people. He also has a little romance starting which adds to the enjoyment of the book, although I wouldn't call this a romantic mystery. I love all the events the town schedules to celebrate Christmas. Great characterization and the fact that the mystery kept me questioning right to the end made this a fun read.
September 19, 2012
I liked the premise of this one, a town founded on the charitable principles of author, Charles Dickens. All the businesses around Dickens Junction, Oregon, are named after Dickens characters and the major events in town are based upon Dickens books. So, just before the Christmas Carol tableaux is held, a recent arrival in town is found murdered followed by another murder but this time of a local townsperson and then one more murder occurs. Yikes! Enough already!
What could possibly be the motive? The only thing the reader knows is that the first victim is an employee of Marley Enterprises and that he has been trying to tempt local businesses into selling their property for huge sums of money. Is the reader to surmise being paid more than a property is worth could possibly incite murderous instincts? It seems so because no other motives were apparent. No hints of any kind were presented and no credible suspects were visible. Never mind the reason and ridiculous manner of death for the second victim.
Hmmmm . .....
As a cozy aficionado, this is not acceptable. I prefer the author to play fair with the reader and offer up several motives and or suspects and then develop the plot from there. In the final Agatha Christie-like denouement, the main character, local bookstore owner, Simon, gathers the town inhabitants and unmasks the murderer after his own investigation. No one could possibly have guessed who this was nor did the author present any hints as to the reason why this happened until the finale. Not, so not a fan of the killer coming out of left field with motives not even previously hinted at!
The plot thread of objectivism and repeated reference to Ayn Rand's philosophy as opposed to Dickens's philosophy left me feeling that the author was trying to be too clever for his own good. In my humble opinion, the author's time would have been better spent with developing more of the mystery plot with less emphasis on gay romance and contrasting beliefs. Sorry, but this one earns a solid 2* from me.
Disclosure: A review copy of the book was provided by MindBuck Media in exchange for my honest opinion.
What could possibly be the motive? The only thing the reader knows is that the first victim is an employee of Marley Enterprises and that he has been trying to tempt local businesses into selling their property for huge sums of money. Is the reader to surmise being paid more than a property is worth could possibly incite murderous instincts? It seems so because no other motives were apparent. No hints of any kind were presented and no credible suspects were visible. Never mind the reason and ridiculous manner of death for the second victim.
Hmmmm . .....
As a cozy aficionado, this is not acceptable. I prefer the author to play fair with the reader and offer up several motives and or suspects and then develop the plot from there. In the final Agatha Christie-like denouement, the main character, local bookstore owner, Simon, gathers the town inhabitants and unmasks the murderer after his own investigation. No one could possibly have guessed who this was nor did the author present any hints as to the reason why this happened until the finale. Not, so not a fan of the killer coming out of left field with motives not even previously hinted at!
The plot thread of objectivism and repeated reference to Ayn Rand's philosophy as opposed to Dickens's philosophy left me feeling that the author was trying to be too clever for his own good. In my humble opinion, the author's time would have been better spent with developing more of the mystery plot with less emphasis on gay romance and contrasting beliefs. Sorry, but this one earns a solid 2* from me.
Disclosure: A review copy of the book was provided by MindBuck Media in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 9, 2017
This was fun! A wonderful Dickens-themed cozy mystery, and the bad guys are Objectivists!
October 11, 2012
Originally posted on my blog Guiltless Reading. Please pop over for a visit, more reviews and lots of bookishness!
Charles Dickens and Ayn Rand. Christmas and murders. Have a merry one!
The book in one sentence: A battle of between two schools of thought - Charles Dickens vs. Ayn Rand - results in a string of murders in a quaint literary town.
My two cents: This is a murder mystery decked out Dickens style with a huge dose of literary-ness!
I enjoyed it and since this is just the first book in a series of mysteries revolving around the imaginary town of Dickens Junction and some rather eccentric characters, I am definitely going to be on the lookout for the succeeding books!
The plot: The town is in the throes of preparing for the yearly Christmas festivities, Dickens-style of course, which attract tourists -- when a stranger makes his rounds with the various business owners, trying to get them to sell their properties for exorbitant (and tempting) sums. But majority want keep the Dickens traditions and sense of community alive, but with tourism slowing down and many businesses struggling to keep afloat ... it makes one wonder, who would be pushed to the rather gruesome and public display of this murdered stranger?
The police come into the picture and whereabouts and motives are revealed. But who are all these people under that quaint picture of traditionalism and old-fashionedness? Are they really who they claim to be?
More murders happen -- each more gruesome and left with some signature Christmas aplomb - and the town is in a state of chaos. But Simon Alistair -- whose family practically established the town -- is bent on finding out who is behind these murders to keep the town's values intact.
***
Lord definitely painted Dickens Junction right -- the coziness, the literary-ness (read: Pip's Pages for the local bookstore) and just plain old fashioned and traditional. There are also tons of references to literary characters and the writings of both Dickens and Ayn Rand are central to the plot too. (I probably would've better appreciated this book if I had read more Dickens or Rand as I am betting that there are some sneaky little things put in there for fans).
But wait, there's a twist as the characters are decidedly contemporary! Simon seems spends more time going googly-eyed over a hunky writer who comes in to write feature articles about this Dickens town. There's a side story of a man who Chippendale dances at a nearby club to raise money for his upcoming wedding. Come to think of it, there were quite a few mentions of alternative lifestyles -- maybe its a bit much in just one book?
The mystery side is what really killed it for me. I love a good gruesome murder and the sleuthing entailed in order to bring a murderer to justice. But Simon's detective work didn't really impress me -- ok, he chatted with his friends and got a few nuggets, but there were no a-ha moments. Nada. Plus the dots never connected for me -- that's what I really missed: being in on the sleuthing and then slowly making my own conclusions (whether right or wrong). The murderer is pretty much handed to the reader on a silver platter ... with no resistance from anyone. With the natures of the murders being pretty spectacular, how can the murderer not have more drama?
I really wanted to like this -- like over-the-top love it. I think I fell in love with the concept of prematurely hence setting up my expectations waaay up there. Reread the latter part of the synopsis and whose heart wouldn't jump at the mention of mystery mavens Agatha Christie and Charlotte MacLeod, Oscar Wilde and Charles Dickens in one breath ... it's got to be great, right? Yes, to a certain degree, so I really hope that the rest of the books in this series have a bit more meat as a mystery.
Verdict: A cozy Christmas mystery that will get your literary side psyched but your mystery craving dulled, unfortunately. A nice quick read to cozy up on the couch for the weekend.
I received a copy of the Advanced Reading Copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
-------
I wanted it to be better being a mystery fan. Nope. It was just ok - good reading for a cold fall afternoon. Full review coming soon.
Charles Dickens and Ayn Rand. Christmas and murders. Have a merry one!
The book in one sentence: A battle of between two schools of thought - Charles Dickens vs. Ayn Rand - results in a string of murders in a quaint literary town.
My two cents: This is a murder mystery decked out Dickens style with a huge dose of literary-ness!
I enjoyed it and since this is just the first book in a series of mysteries revolving around the imaginary town of Dickens Junction and some rather eccentric characters, I am definitely going to be on the lookout for the succeeding books!
The plot: The town is in the throes of preparing for the yearly Christmas festivities, Dickens-style of course, which attract tourists -- when a stranger makes his rounds with the various business owners, trying to get them to sell their properties for exorbitant (and tempting) sums. But majority want keep the Dickens traditions and sense of community alive, but with tourism slowing down and many businesses struggling to keep afloat ... it makes one wonder, who would be pushed to the rather gruesome and public display of this murdered stranger?
The police come into the picture and whereabouts and motives are revealed. But who are all these people under that quaint picture of traditionalism and old-fashionedness? Are they really who they claim to be?
More murders happen -- each more gruesome and left with some signature Christmas aplomb - and the town is in a state of chaos. But Simon Alistair -- whose family practically established the town -- is bent on finding out who is behind these murders to keep the town's values intact.
***
Lord definitely painted Dickens Junction right -- the coziness, the literary-ness (read: Pip's Pages for the local bookstore) and just plain old fashioned and traditional. There are also tons of references to literary characters and the writings of both Dickens and Ayn Rand are central to the plot too. (I probably would've better appreciated this book if I had read more Dickens or Rand as I am betting that there are some sneaky little things put in there for fans).
But wait, there's a twist as the characters are decidedly contemporary! Simon seems spends more time going googly-eyed over a hunky writer who comes in to write feature articles about this Dickens town. There's a side story of a man who Chippendale dances at a nearby club to raise money for his upcoming wedding. Come to think of it, there were quite a few mentions of alternative lifestyles -- maybe its a bit much in just one book?
The mystery side is what really killed it for me. I love a good gruesome murder and the sleuthing entailed in order to bring a murderer to justice. But Simon's detective work didn't really impress me -- ok, he chatted with his friends and got a few nuggets, but there were no a-ha moments. Nada. Plus the dots never connected for me -- that's what I really missed: being in on the sleuthing and then slowly making my own conclusions (whether right or wrong). The murderer is pretty much handed to the reader on a silver platter ... with no resistance from anyone. With the natures of the murders being pretty spectacular, how can the murderer not have more drama?
I really wanted to like this -- like over-the-top love it. I think I fell in love with the concept of prematurely hence setting up my expectations waaay up there. Reread the latter part of the synopsis and whose heart wouldn't jump at the mention of mystery mavens Agatha Christie and Charlotte MacLeod, Oscar Wilde and Charles Dickens in one breath ... it's got to be great, right? Yes, to a certain degree, so I really hope that the rest of the books in this series have a bit more meat as a mystery.
Verdict: A cozy Christmas mystery that will get your literary side psyched but your mystery craving dulled, unfortunately. A nice quick read to cozy up on the couch for the weekend.
I received a copy of the Advanced Reading Copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
-------
I wanted it to be better being a mystery fan. Nope. It was just ok - good reading for a cold fall afternoon. Full review coming soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2012
First Line: No one was dead: to begin with.
Like everywhere else in the country Dickens Junction, Oregon, was hit hard by the economic crisis. Everyone is hoping that there will be lots of shoppers spending lots of money this Christmas season. Some business owners have already given up and left; others are hanging on by a thread.
The only exception to the rule is Simon Alastair, owner of the bookstore Pip's Pages. His great-grandfather and grandfather were timber barons and built the small town of Dickens Junction, basing it on many of the principles found in the writings of Charles Dickens. Although far from being a millionaire, Simon is comfortably well off and able to afford to stock his bookstore with only the titles of books he's read. (He admits that he doesn't much care for contemporary fiction, so don't beat a path to the door of Pip's Pages expecting to find a signed copy of Fifty Shades of Grey.)
The holiday season is a special time of year in Dickens Junction, and Simon ponders three things as he walks over to take part in the annual Christmas tableaux: (1) the stranger who's been visiting all the businesses on the square, (2) the sudden run on Ayn Rand titles in his shop, and (3) Zach, a handsome magazine reporter who's just come to town. The tableaux come to a screeching halt when the stranger is found dead-- hidden underneath a costume right in front of Simon.
Since the killer almost has to be one of Simon's friends and acquaintances, Zach decides to stay and persuades Simon to go around interviewing everyone to see who has an alibi and who doesn't. Simon doesn't need much encouragement: he cares deeply for the town and the people who live there, and he doesn't want harm to come to either. When a second murder occurs, it becomes even more important to find the killer before anyone else dies.
The Christmas Carol Murders is a good, solid beginning to the Dickens Junction mystery series. Simon is an interesting character who seems content to stay in his beloved small town rather than move out to create a life for himself in a city. This behavior has already cost him two long-term relationships, and it's also made him extremely leery of beginning anything with Zach. Simon often trades literary quips with his friend, George, and it's one of the highlights of the book--as are Simon's eccentric methods of running a bookstore.
The rest of Simon's friends and fellow business owners are a fine cast to draw from in future books, but I did find two or three things that blunted my enjoyment of the story. This, for all intents and purposes, is a cozy mystery, but the second murder is so gruesome that I became a bit queasy as I read the scene. (And I do have a strong stomach.) This is so unusual in a genre known for its offstage violence and lack of graphic depictions of blood and gore that it startled me.
The other two things that proved distracting for me both concerned the author's wealth of description. For the first quarter of the book almost every male character has his teeth described in some fashion. (Yes, I kept track.) It made me wonder if there were dentists in the author's family tree. Fortunately the toothsome portraits didn't continue throughout the book.
The other thing that proved distracting for me (and it may very well be a personal quirk of mine) concerned how each character was described when he or she made an appearance: age, build, coloring, detailed clothing inventory, type of makeup, how it was applied (or lack thereof)... it was just too much. Had the BBC's What Not to Wear come to Oregon's version of Cabot Cove? All this did was pull me away from a very good mystery.
Yes indeed, the mystery is a very good one with a surprising reveal at the end, and despite being distracted several times in this first book, I look forward to seeing what happens next in Dickens Junction-- and what happens to the characters living there.
Like everywhere else in the country Dickens Junction, Oregon, was hit hard by the economic crisis. Everyone is hoping that there will be lots of shoppers spending lots of money this Christmas season. Some business owners have already given up and left; others are hanging on by a thread.
The only exception to the rule is Simon Alastair, owner of the bookstore Pip's Pages. His great-grandfather and grandfather were timber barons and built the small town of Dickens Junction, basing it on many of the principles found in the writings of Charles Dickens. Although far from being a millionaire, Simon is comfortably well off and able to afford to stock his bookstore with only the titles of books he's read. (He admits that he doesn't much care for contemporary fiction, so don't beat a path to the door of Pip's Pages expecting to find a signed copy of Fifty Shades of Grey.)
The holiday season is a special time of year in Dickens Junction, and Simon ponders three things as he walks over to take part in the annual Christmas tableaux: (1) the stranger who's been visiting all the businesses on the square, (2) the sudden run on Ayn Rand titles in his shop, and (3) Zach, a handsome magazine reporter who's just come to town. The tableaux come to a screeching halt when the stranger is found dead-- hidden underneath a costume right in front of Simon.
Since the killer almost has to be one of Simon's friends and acquaintances, Zach decides to stay and persuades Simon to go around interviewing everyone to see who has an alibi and who doesn't. Simon doesn't need much encouragement: he cares deeply for the town and the people who live there, and he doesn't want harm to come to either. When a second murder occurs, it becomes even more important to find the killer before anyone else dies.
The Christmas Carol Murders is a good, solid beginning to the Dickens Junction mystery series. Simon is an interesting character who seems content to stay in his beloved small town rather than move out to create a life for himself in a city. This behavior has already cost him two long-term relationships, and it's also made him extremely leery of beginning anything with Zach. Simon often trades literary quips with his friend, George, and it's one of the highlights of the book--as are Simon's eccentric methods of running a bookstore.
The rest of Simon's friends and fellow business owners are a fine cast to draw from in future books, but I did find two or three things that blunted my enjoyment of the story. This, for all intents and purposes, is a cozy mystery, but the second murder is so gruesome that I became a bit queasy as I read the scene. (And I do have a strong stomach.) This is so unusual in a genre known for its offstage violence and lack of graphic depictions of blood and gore that it startled me.
The other two things that proved distracting for me both concerned the author's wealth of description. For the first quarter of the book almost every male character has his teeth described in some fashion. (Yes, I kept track.) It made me wonder if there were dentists in the author's family tree. Fortunately the toothsome portraits didn't continue throughout the book.
The other thing that proved distracting for me (and it may very well be a personal quirk of mine) concerned how each character was described when he or she made an appearance: age, build, coloring, detailed clothing inventory, type of makeup, how it was applied (or lack thereof)... it was just too much. Had the BBC's What Not to Wear come to Oregon's version of Cabot Cove? All this did was pull me away from a very good mystery.
Yes indeed, the mystery is a very good one with a surprising reveal at the end, and despite being distracted several times in this first book, I look forward to seeing what happens next in Dickens Junction-- and what happens to the characters living there.
December 21, 2012
In this storywe are introduced to Simon Alastair, who is the proprietor of a bookstore in the hamlet of Dickens Junction, near the Oregon coast. The town was founded by his grandfather as a tribute to Charles Dickens and the ideals he espoused in his literary works. Naturally, in the town center there is a statue of the author, and most of the businesses in the square have either Dickensian motifs or are named after one or another of the characters that Dickens brought to life. Simon's store is called Pip's Pages, the local inn is Bleak House and of course there is an Old Curiosity Shop.
Dickens Junction comes to life at Christmas, when there are several events that attract the tourists; the first of which is a series of tableaux commemorating selected scenes from A Christmas Carol. Many of the merchants in the square participate, but of late they have been pestered by a newcomer to town, Mervin Roark, who is representing a group called Marley's Enterprises. He is offering exorbitant amounts of money for the property in the environs of the square. He refuses to tell anyone what the purpose behind the purchases is. But Dickens Junction, like many places, is suffering greatly from the recession––or, as the merchants refer to it euphemistically, an economic downturn. Many could find security with this monetary offering. Before he has been in the town long he is dead, murdered in a Marleyesque fashion. Jacob Marley, who was Scrooge's business partner, is known to be as dead as a doornail. Roark is killed by a doornail. And his body is discovered at the Christmas Carol staging.
The next event is a competition for the best Dickensian village reconstruction, but this too is marred by the grotesque discovery of another body. The discussions about motive swing widely from the idea that someone who wants to preserve the village's way of life is on a rampage, to the notion that Marley Enterprises group has a subversive intent to do as much damage as possible. Simon feels that he is well placed to do some sleuthing on his hometown's behalf.
On the surface the story is about a murderous Christmas, there is an underlying comparison between the collectivist philosophy of some of Rand's books and the idea of a social conscience that Dickens espoused. Who should be first? The group or the individual? I came out on the side that it is the time of year for the lion to lie down with the lamb.
The story has a romantic subplot that is engaging. I did have to Google the definitions of certain fashion terms that Simon knew much better than I. There were the peplum jacket, the sock monkey PJ's and, finally, kitten heels. I didn't know cats had any.
Dickens Junction comes to life at Christmas, when there are several events that attract the tourists; the first of which is a series of tableaux commemorating selected scenes from A Christmas Carol. Many of the merchants in the square participate, but of late they have been pestered by a newcomer to town, Mervin Roark, who is representing a group called Marley's Enterprises. He is offering exorbitant amounts of money for the property in the environs of the square. He refuses to tell anyone what the purpose behind the purchases is. But Dickens Junction, like many places, is suffering greatly from the recession––or, as the merchants refer to it euphemistically, an economic downturn. Many could find security with this monetary offering. Before he has been in the town long he is dead, murdered in a Marleyesque fashion. Jacob Marley, who was Scrooge's business partner, is known to be as dead as a doornail. Roark is killed by a doornail. And his body is discovered at the Christmas Carol staging.
The next event is a competition for the best Dickensian village reconstruction, but this too is marred by the grotesque discovery of another body. The discussions about motive swing widely from the idea that someone who wants to preserve the village's way of life is on a rampage, to the notion that Marley Enterprises group has a subversive intent to do as much damage as possible. Simon feels that he is well placed to do some sleuthing on his hometown's behalf.
On the surface the story is about a murderous Christmas, there is an underlying comparison between the collectivist philosophy of some of Rand's books and the idea of a social conscience that Dickens espoused. Who should be first? The group or the individual? I came out on the side that it is the time of year for the lion to lie down with the lamb.
The story has a romantic subplot that is engaging. I did have to Google the definitions of certain fashion terms that Simon knew much better than I. There were the peplum jacket, the sock monkey PJ's and, finally, kitten heels. I didn't know cats had any.
August 26, 2012
Everyone in Dickens Junction is gearing up for Christmas.
Zach Benjamin works as a reporter for the magazine, Rainbows. He is in town to write about Dickens Junction. Mervin Roark is the owner of Mervin Enterprises. He is interested in purchasing property in Dickens Junction. Some people are not interested in selling. Mervin has pissed off several people with his bully tactics but who did he piss off enough to want to murder him?
The Christmas Carol Murders reminded me some of author, Gail Fraser’s Lumby series. With some of the nutty characters and the town. It made for a fun read. However, it did take be a while to get into this book in the beginning. Also, I felt like the writing was simple in a way. Not that I don’t like simple but sometimes, especially when it comes to a murder mystery, I do want some element of surprise. It felt like the conversations between the characters was simple. Like for example, I don’t really care what the description of the characters are or what they are wearing but my focus is on the murder. It was like when one person would have an idea the next one would run with it. So in this aspect I was not a fan of this book but again, I did enjoy the background of the location. The Christmas Carol Murders is a nice, cozy murder mystery.
Zach Benjamin works as a reporter for the magazine, Rainbows. He is in town to write about Dickens Junction. Mervin Roark is the owner of Mervin Enterprises. He is interested in purchasing property in Dickens Junction. Some people are not interested in selling. Mervin has pissed off several people with his bully tactics but who did he piss off enough to want to murder him?
The Christmas Carol Murders reminded me some of author, Gail Fraser’s Lumby series. With some of the nutty characters and the town. It made for a fun read. However, it did take be a while to get into this book in the beginning. Also, I felt like the writing was simple in a way. Not that I don’t like simple but sometimes, especially when it comes to a murder mystery, I do want some element of surprise. It felt like the conversations between the characters was simple. Like for example, I don’t really care what the description of the characters are or what they are wearing but my focus is on the murder. It was like when one person would have an idea the next one would run with it. So in this aspect I was not a fan of this book but again, I did enjoy the background of the location. The Christmas Carol Murders is a nice, cozy murder mystery.
December 18, 2012
Eww - I couldn't stand this story. Way too many characters and so much slop in between. Maybe would be better as a 'made-for-tv' holiday movie. Yuck.
November 24, 2019
I met Christopher Lord this past September, and he mentioned he was an author. I asked of what he wrote. When he said murder mysteries, I was in. I am so delighted to have found his work. The Christmas Carol Murders was fast paced, and I was in the dark as to who the murderer was until Simon revealed the person at the end of the book. I was startled to read that a long time resident of Dickens Junction and a personal friend of Mr. Alastair was the culprit of both murders.
Mr. Lord’s descriptions of the shops, citizens, and food were an enhancement to the book. I love his George Bascomb character. I often found myself laughing out loud at this character’s comments in the book. I also like the fact that if words or sayings were unfamiliar to me, I was challenged to investigate, so I could understand the flow of the story better. I look forward to reading his second book in the Dickens Junction Mystery series.
Mr. Lord’s descriptions of the shops, citizens, and food were an enhancement to the book. I love his George Bascomb character. I often found myself laughing out loud at this character’s comments in the book. I also like the fact that if words or sayings were unfamiliar to me, I was challenged to investigate, so I could understand the flow of the story better. I look forward to reading his second book in the Dickens Junction Mystery series.
December 15, 2020
This was a delightful mystery! The world of Dickens Junction was well crafted and just quirky enough without going overboard. Lord's knowledge of Dickens really shines through makes for a wonderful backdrop to the mystery. I really came to care about these characters more and more as the story progressed. I can't wait to read the follow-up!
July 19, 2019
Fun
I wish I had a better knowledge of Dickens. Having said that there are many parts of this book that are hilarious and I found it enjoyable. I especially loved the Ayn Rand comments.
I wish I had a better knowledge of Dickens. Having said that there are many parts of this book that are hilarious and I found it enjoyable. I especially loved the Ayn Rand comments.
January 3, 2022
The writing isn’t bad but the story is so unbelievable and the murderer came out of left field.
February 17, 2014
Reviewed by Robin
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Most often I choose my books by what genre they are in or what type of storyline. A while back a mass e-mail was sent out with a list of books we could review. Within that e-mail, there was a list of books (yes, with descriptions) that needed to be read. I looked down the list going on title alone. I really didn’t read the blurb. I chose The Christmas Carol Murders and quite frankly I am glad that I did.
In 1985, a rather funny movie came out, with a really wonderful cast of characters, by the name of Clue. As I read this book, I found myself thinking of that movie. A book all its own, but with hints of that movie and, later, the game – making me want to pull out my own worn copy of said game and play. I just may do that later.
Finding ourselves in the midst of the holiday season in Dickens Junction, we find Simon Alastair getting ready for the annual production. Within the story, we find that someone is trying to buy up all the property to change the quaint little town (straight out of a Dickens novel) into something else. Some of the property has been sold and others have been approached by a mysterious stranger (Mr. Roark who works for Marley Enterprises) that comes to town only to find himself the first murder victim in this story. Whoever is after the town is willing to pay more than what the property is worth, which I think would make it awfully hard not to say no.
I found that the well thought out and rounded characters (I mean each and every one) helped in making this story seem real in the reader’s mind. Simon finds himself in the middle of whatever is happening or about to happen. He turns into an amateur sleuth, where I think he is rather good in a bumbling kind of way, which only makes him that much more endearing. He is the one that had me saying on many occasions saying, “Col. Muster in the library with a rope” or “Ms. Scarlett in the kitchen with a knife.”
Simon not only ventures out to find out what is happening in his town,but he starts to fall for a handsome magazine writer named Zach Benjamin, who happens into town to write a story for a gay magazine. Simon is afraid of pursuing a relationship for fear of being hurt, as he was in the past. Simon’s good friend, George, comes to town and helps him with the murders and his new relationship. While the underlying flirting is going on along with life in a small town…more murders are committed along with an attack on Simon.
With so much going on, the town seems to think that they should halt all of the holiday festivities.
So now you’re invited to come to the Christmas ball in Dickens Junction to find out what is in store for the town. You’ll get to see everyone dressed in their favorite Dickens characters; you may even get to become an amateur sleuth like Simon and help him to solve the murders.
I found this to be a rather delightful story filled with loveable characters that just might be one of your neighbors or someone in your own town. Mr. Lord does a wonderful job of bringing this story to life in an old fashioned kind of way with a modern day twist. It was a very refreshing, fast paced story that dealt with the sweetness of letting go, grabbing ahold of love and seeing what new adventure it takes you on. The murders were tastefully done, reminding me of the older sleuth movies and books, weaving the tale of murder so well that it had me guessing to the very end. There were a few words that had me running to a dictionary, but they were minor,and I was able to figure them out in the context of the sentence they were just ones not frequently used.
Mr. Lord writes with passion, pulling you into the story, not letting you go until the end, leaving you wanting more. I say he has a hit on his hands. Anyone who loves Clue, Agatha Christie, Murder She Wrote, Charles Dickens’, small towns mysteries and old fashioned romance will find them falling in love with Mr. Lord’s stories.
I suggest you find your own copy of The Christmas Carol Murders, so you too can enjoy the romance of Simon and Zach, sleuthing with Simon to see if Grace, Charity, Viola, Mimsie Tricket, the Neff’s, the mayor, or maybe even Simon committed those murders. So to be cliché I will add, in the words of Tiny Tim, “God Bless us, God Bless us every one.”
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Most often I choose my books by what genre they are in or what type of storyline. A while back a mass e-mail was sent out with a list of books we could review. Within that e-mail, there was a list of books (yes, with descriptions) that needed to be read. I looked down the list going on title alone. I really didn’t read the blurb. I chose The Christmas Carol Murders and quite frankly I am glad that I did.
In 1985, a rather funny movie came out, with a really wonderful cast of characters, by the name of Clue. As I read this book, I found myself thinking of that movie. A book all its own, but with hints of that movie and, later, the game – making me want to pull out my own worn copy of said game and play. I just may do that later.
Finding ourselves in the midst of the holiday season in Dickens Junction, we find Simon Alastair getting ready for the annual production. Within the story, we find that someone is trying to buy up all the property to change the quaint little town (straight out of a Dickens novel) into something else. Some of the property has been sold and others have been approached by a mysterious stranger (Mr. Roark who works for Marley Enterprises) that comes to town only to find himself the first murder victim in this story. Whoever is after the town is willing to pay more than what the property is worth, which I think would make it awfully hard not to say no.
I found that the well thought out and rounded characters (I mean each and every one) helped in making this story seem real in the reader’s mind. Simon finds himself in the middle of whatever is happening or about to happen. He turns into an amateur sleuth, where I think he is rather good in a bumbling kind of way, which only makes him that much more endearing. He is the one that had me saying on many occasions saying, “Col. Muster in the library with a rope” or “Ms. Scarlett in the kitchen with a knife.”
Simon not only ventures out to find out what is happening in his town,but he starts to fall for a handsome magazine writer named Zach Benjamin, who happens into town to write a story for a gay magazine. Simon is afraid of pursuing a relationship for fear of being hurt, as he was in the past. Simon’s good friend, George, comes to town and helps him with the murders and his new relationship. While the underlying flirting is going on along with life in a small town…more murders are committed along with an attack on Simon.
With so much going on, the town seems to think that they should halt all of the holiday festivities.
So now you’re invited to come to the Christmas ball in Dickens Junction to find out what is in store for the town. You’ll get to see everyone dressed in their favorite Dickens characters; you may even get to become an amateur sleuth like Simon and help him to solve the murders.
I found this to be a rather delightful story filled with loveable characters that just might be one of your neighbors or someone in your own town. Mr. Lord does a wonderful job of bringing this story to life in an old fashioned kind of way with a modern day twist. It was a very refreshing, fast paced story that dealt with the sweetness of letting go, grabbing ahold of love and seeing what new adventure it takes you on. The murders were tastefully done, reminding me of the older sleuth movies and books, weaving the tale of murder so well that it had me guessing to the very end. There were a few words that had me running to a dictionary, but they were minor,and I was able to figure them out in the context of the sentence they were just ones not frequently used.
Mr. Lord writes with passion, pulling you into the story, not letting you go until the end, leaving you wanting more. I say he has a hit on his hands. Anyone who loves Clue, Agatha Christie, Murder She Wrote, Charles Dickens’, small towns mysteries and old fashioned romance will find them falling in love with Mr. Lord’s stories.
I suggest you find your own copy of The Christmas Carol Murders, so you too can enjoy the romance of Simon and Zach, sleuthing with Simon to see if Grace, Charity, Viola, Mimsie Tricket, the Neff’s, the mayor, or maybe even Simon committed those murders. So to be cliché I will add, in the words of Tiny Tim, “God Bless us, God Bless us every one.”
October 19, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
November 2, 2012
Dickens Junction is a town near Astoria, Oregon, dedicated to the spirit of the author after whom it was named. So Bleak House is a popular bed-and-breakfast. Micawber’s Investments went under in the recent financial crisis. The town’s economy at least partly depends upon its appeal to tourists.
Simon Alastair is the somewhat wealthy scion of the founders of the town. He’s also the gay owner of Pip’s Pages, a bookstore stocked only with books he’s read and can therefore recommend to his customers.
When I learned that his last two partners left him to live in a larger metropolitan area, I could only think what fools they must’ve been. I would’ve remained a Junxonian.
On the day deep in the holiday season when the residents of the town present their annual tableaux in Dickens Square depicting various scenes from A Christmas Carol, two strangers show up. One is Zach Benjamin, a “model-handsome” reporter for Rainbows, a monthly gay and lesbian travel magazine, on an assignment to write a story about the charms of Dickens Junction.
When Simon asks him to stay at his house, Gad’s Hill Place, his friends, the town’s leading citizens, soon wonder if Simon and Zach are lovers. Simon is reluctant, though, to begin a relationship only to have the lure of big-city life end it once again and leave him alone with his hurt.
The other newcomer is the sinister Mervin Roark of Marley Enterprises. He goes about offering extravagant sums of money to all the owners of the Dickens Square commercial properties except Simon. If they should refuse to sell, he hints, Marley Enterprises will ruin them. Simon and his friends can’t help but wonder if somebody wishes to take over the town and destroy it and their quaintly Dickensian way of life.
When, that same day, the murders begin, Zach convinces Simon he must discover who is committing them. Simon knows the townspeople better than the sheriff’s investigator does. He also has the most to lose if the villain in this story bulldozes Dickens Junction and replaces it with something radically different.
I greatly enjoyed reading this cozy mystery pitting “Atlas Shrugged versus A Christmas Carol. Rand versus Dickens. Buyers versus sellers. Community versus selfishness.”
The Christmas Carol Murders is Christopher Lord’s first novel in a series of Dickens Junction mysteries. I’ll rush to read his second. I’d like to return to Dickens Junction as soon as Mr. Lord makes it possible for me to do so. The next witty conversation involving the exquisitely tasteful Simon, Zach, and Simon’s friend George Bascomb will alone be worth the price of admission.
(As originally reviewed on Rainbow Book Reviews. Please visit http://www.rainbowbookreviews.com for other reviews that may be of interest.)
Simon Alastair is the somewhat wealthy scion of the founders of the town. He’s also the gay owner of Pip’s Pages, a bookstore stocked only with books he’s read and can therefore recommend to his customers.
When I learned that his last two partners left him to live in a larger metropolitan area, I could only think what fools they must’ve been. I would’ve remained a Junxonian.
On the day deep in the holiday season when the residents of the town present their annual tableaux in Dickens Square depicting various scenes from A Christmas Carol, two strangers show up. One is Zach Benjamin, a “model-handsome” reporter for Rainbows, a monthly gay and lesbian travel magazine, on an assignment to write a story about the charms of Dickens Junction.
When Simon asks him to stay at his house, Gad’s Hill Place, his friends, the town’s leading citizens, soon wonder if Simon and Zach are lovers. Simon is reluctant, though, to begin a relationship only to have the lure of big-city life end it once again and leave him alone with his hurt.
The other newcomer is the sinister Mervin Roark of Marley Enterprises. He goes about offering extravagant sums of money to all the owners of the Dickens Square commercial properties except Simon. If they should refuse to sell, he hints, Marley Enterprises will ruin them. Simon and his friends can’t help but wonder if somebody wishes to take over the town and destroy it and their quaintly Dickensian way of life.
When, that same day, the murders begin, Zach convinces Simon he must discover who is committing them. Simon knows the townspeople better than the sheriff’s investigator does. He also has the most to lose if the villain in this story bulldozes Dickens Junction and replaces it with something radically different.
I greatly enjoyed reading this cozy mystery pitting “Atlas Shrugged versus A Christmas Carol. Rand versus Dickens. Buyers versus sellers. Community versus selfishness.”
The Christmas Carol Murders is Christopher Lord’s first novel in a series of Dickens Junction mysteries. I’ll rush to read his second. I’d like to return to Dickens Junction as soon as Mr. Lord makes it possible for me to do so. The next witty conversation involving the exquisitely tasteful Simon, Zach, and Simon’s friend George Bascomb will alone be worth the price of admission.
(As originally reviewed on Rainbow Book Reviews. Please visit http://www.rainbowbookreviews.com for other reviews that may be of interest.)
January 16, 2016
Dicken's Square was built in 1950 as the central civic attraction of the newly incorporated Dicken's Junction. It has a pedestrian areas lined with shops, a central fountain and a statue that was suppose to be Charles Dickens. It was later learned that Dickens hated memorials and wanted to be remembered for his work only so the statue was modified with an ability to change the head at different times of the year. Dickens novels were stories of social commentary. In a New York address, he expressed his belief that, "Virtue shows quite as well in rags and patches as she does in purple and fine linen".* Dicken's Junction was set to follow his beliefs especially those of a charitable nature.
It is ten days before Christmas, the perfect time for a visit to this fine town as they have many events planned for the holiday season. Simon Alastair owns Pip's Pages, a bookstore where he only stocks books he has read himself. A mysterious stranger comes in looking for a book by Ayn Rand which Simon quickly finds for him and then he learns the man represents Marley Enterprises. A company that wants to purchase all the square's properties. Simon knows this means trouble but the man has left his store before he can get any details. When the man is later found murdered Simon knows he must investigate himself to get the whole story. A story that will lead him somewhere he doesn't want to go.
Dollycas's Thoughts
Ayn Rand's beliefs and those of Charles Dickens could not be further apart. We are seeing this up close and personal now with the Presidential Campaigns today. Paul Ryan wants to emulate Ayn Rand on some of her principle beliefs while Barack Obama is more like Dickens. Rand opposes taxation as she considers it theft but she advocated the legalize abortion. Dickens brought us Scrooge, the rich capitalist and showed him how to be more charitable. Romney is like a modern day Scrooge without the later redemption, wanting to get rid of vital social programs. That makes this story a very timely read not only for the holiday season but as a look at these two very different schools of thought.
Beyond the differing philosophies Lord has created a mystery much like Agatha Christie. His protagonist has the "aha moment" when all the clues fall together. He then calls a meeting of the interested parties to reveal the guilty party.
The characters are interesting and diverse. The dialogue is sharp. The setting sounds like a wonderful place to visit. A little Dickens mixed with murder and mayhem. Let's get the holiday started right.
It is ten days before Christmas, the perfect time for a visit to this fine town as they have many events planned for the holiday season. Simon Alastair owns Pip's Pages, a bookstore where he only stocks books he has read himself. A mysterious stranger comes in looking for a book by Ayn Rand which Simon quickly finds for him and then he learns the man represents Marley Enterprises. A company that wants to purchase all the square's properties. Simon knows this means trouble but the man has left his store before he can get any details. When the man is later found murdered Simon knows he must investigate himself to get the whole story. A story that will lead him somewhere he doesn't want to go.
Dollycas's Thoughts
Ayn Rand's beliefs and those of Charles Dickens could not be further apart. We are seeing this up close and personal now with the Presidential Campaigns today. Paul Ryan wants to emulate Ayn Rand on some of her principle beliefs while Barack Obama is more like Dickens. Rand opposes taxation as she considers it theft but she advocated the legalize abortion. Dickens brought us Scrooge, the rich capitalist and showed him how to be more charitable. Romney is like a modern day Scrooge without the later redemption, wanting to get rid of vital social programs. That makes this story a very timely read not only for the holiday season but as a look at these two very different schools of thought.
Beyond the differing philosophies Lord has created a mystery much like Agatha Christie. His protagonist has the "aha moment" when all the clues fall together. He then calls a meeting of the interested parties to reveal the guilty party.
The characters are interesting and diverse. The dialogue is sharp. The setting sounds like a wonderful place to visit. A little Dickens mixed with murder and mayhem. Let's get the holiday started right.
August 11, 2013
This book set high expectations for itself from the beginning. It claimed to be Agatha Christie, Charlotte MacLeod, Oscar Wilde and Charles Dickens all rolled up into one. I can’t fairly judge its comparison to Oscar or Charlotte, seeing as I've never read any of their works. While this book had some hints of throughout, I can’t say that it was really a “classic Agatha Christie puzzle”. The ending, where the main character Simon Alastair reveals who he believes to be the killer, certainly did remind me of Dame Christie, as well as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes.
While the spirit of this book wasn't totally Dickens-esque, it was definitely filled with references to Charles Dickens. The setting, Dickens Junction, Oregon, feels like it could be the setting for A Christmas Carol. I enjoyed the quaint, small-town feel of Dickens Junction, from the town square with its perfectly named shops to the holiday festivities. Several illustrations are included, which helped me to get into the Christmas Carol mindset. This traditional atmosphere also provided a bit of a culture clash when compared to all of the gay and lesbian characters in the book. The relationship between Simon and outsider Zach becomes a bit distracting at points. There were times where the book focused too heavily on their budding romance for my tastes, and I wish there would have been a little more focus on the investigation.
One of the main themes throughout the book is Ayn Rand. Having never read any of her books, I got a bit lost when she was mentioned. One side seemed to have an immense distaste for her, while the other idolized her. I had to do research on her and her books, and I still feel like I lost a bit of the story. Hopefully any future books will stray away from the Ayn Rand-hating, and focus on something that more readers might be familiar with.
Overall, I would rate this book at a 3 (on the goodreads scale). I liked the book, and I definitely think that it would be a good holiday read. Aside from having to do a bit of Rand research, the rest of the book was easy reading. I was pleased that I could not figure out who the murderer was until Simon revealed it in the end, and I enjoyed his explanation of the events. It reminded me very much of the ending of a Marple or Poirot.
*I received an ARC of this book for free in exchange for my honest review
While the spirit of this book wasn't totally Dickens-esque, it was definitely filled with references to Charles Dickens. The setting, Dickens Junction, Oregon, feels like it could be the setting for A Christmas Carol. I enjoyed the quaint, small-town feel of Dickens Junction, from the town square with its perfectly named shops to the holiday festivities. Several illustrations are included, which helped me to get into the Christmas Carol mindset. This traditional atmosphere also provided a bit of a culture clash when compared to all of the gay and lesbian characters in the book. The relationship between Simon and outsider Zach becomes a bit distracting at points. There were times where the book focused too heavily on their budding romance for my tastes, and I wish there would have been a little more focus on the investigation.
One of the main themes throughout the book is Ayn Rand. Having never read any of her books, I got a bit lost when she was mentioned. One side seemed to have an immense distaste for her, while the other idolized her. I had to do research on her and her books, and I still feel like I lost a bit of the story. Hopefully any future books will stray away from the Ayn Rand-hating, and focus on something that more readers might be familiar with.
Overall, I would rate this book at a 3 (on the goodreads scale). I liked the book, and I definitely think that it would be a good holiday read. Aside from having to do a bit of Rand research, the rest of the book was easy reading. I was pleased that I could not figure out who the murderer was until Simon revealed it in the end, and I enjoyed his explanation of the events. It reminded me very much of the ending of a Marple or Poirot.
*I received an ARC of this book for free in exchange for my honest review
September 26, 2012
Murder mysteries are getting a lot more interesting. They have always offered up corpses and eccentric characters. But they are now offering literary conceits of clashing philosophies. Think Matthew Pearl.
Christopher Lord's first novel (The Christmas Carol Murders) offers some of the same literary devices -- to good effect.
The Christmas Carol Murders is based in the fictional Oregon village of Dickens Junction. A community founded on the charitable principles of Charles Dickens.
Just as the community is preparing for its annual Christmas celebration of Dickens's tale of Christian charity, a stranger shows up causing tension in the village. Within hours, he is the first victim of a serial killer.
The stranger turns out to be the agent of a corporation based on Objectivism -- the philosophy propounded by novelist Ayn Rand. And, of course, there will be no room for Charles Dickens in the world if Objectivism -- where charity is considered to be a vice.
Local bookstore owner Simon Alastair sets out to solve the murders while trying to discover why Objectivists have targeted his quaint village. Pitted against him is Dagny Clack, the CEO of a corporation based on Objectivism.
Setting up a slap down between Charles Dickens and Ayn Rand is a natural choice. Their life philosophies are poles apart. Even though I suspect there are as many people who admire Rand's paean to individualism, but reject her atheistic self-centered philosophy as there are people who admire Dickens's sentimentality, but reject the Christian foundation of his philosophy.
But, this is a murder mystery. And, even though, the Dickens-Rand philosophical spat is extremely one-sided, the future of Dickens Junction drives a tale that keeps the reader's attention chapter after chapter. And with just enough misdirection to make the novel's climax interesting.
Lord has an interesting layered writing style. The story line is obviously designed to be a story unfolding in the world we inhabit. But, it easily could be a Cartesian construct taking place only in Simon Alastair's mind.
Either way, it is a good read.
Christopher Lord's first novel (The Christmas Carol Murders) offers some of the same literary devices -- to good effect.
The Christmas Carol Murders is based in the fictional Oregon village of Dickens Junction. A community founded on the charitable principles of Charles Dickens.
Just as the community is preparing for its annual Christmas celebration of Dickens's tale of Christian charity, a stranger shows up causing tension in the village. Within hours, he is the first victim of a serial killer.
The stranger turns out to be the agent of a corporation based on Objectivism -- the philosophy propounded by novelist Ayn Rand. And, of course, there will be no room for Charles Dickens in the world if Objectivism -- where charity is considered to be a vice.
Local bookstore owner Simon Alastair sets out to solve the murders while trying to discover why Objectivists have targeted his quaint village. Pitted against him is Dagny Clack, the CEO of a corporation based on Objectivism.
Setting up a slap down between Charles Dickens and Ayn Rand is a natural choice. Their life philosophies are poles apart. Even though I suspect there are as many people who admire Rand's paean to individualism, but reject her atheistic self-centered philosophy as there are people who admire Dickens's sentimentality, but reject the Christian foundation of his philosophy.
But, this is a murder mystery. And, even though, the Dickens-Rand philosophical spat is extremely one-sided, the future of Dickens Junction drives a tale that keeps the reader's attention chapter after chapter. And with just enough misdirection to make the novel's climax interesting.
Lord has an interesting layered writing style. The story line is obviously designed to be a story unfolding in the world we inhabit. But, it easily could be a Cartesian construct taking place only in Simon Alastair's mind.
Either way, it is a good read.
October 13, 2013
Also reviewed on my blog: http://www.mysterysequels.com/the-chr...
When I was approached by the author’s PR company MindBuck Media with a request to review Christopher Lord’s two books (The Christmas Carol Murders and The Edwin Drood Murders) I had absolutely no idea what the novels were about, except that they are both cozies. I said yes, afterall, no real bookworm will say no to receiving a free book…or two (btw this was my first freebie asked to review, everything before was either bought or traded with other bookreaders).
As I’ve finished reading The Tenth Saint the night before, I picked up The Christmas Carol Murders and started reading it with no bias about the book at all. I didn't even check out the Goodreads reviews, so my mind would be completely empty to what I’d be picking up. Now having finished it just last night, the cozy mystery is still fresh in my mind, so here are my impressions after a night’s sleep over it.
First of all I need to mention something because I know there are people who care about these things: the book is a cozy mystery involving a gay guy. There. I've said it. So if you’re bothered about this aspect, just don’t read further – although I think you’d be cheating yourself out of a really great new cozy series if do you so.
The Christmas Carol Murders is the first book by Christopher Lord and to be honest, I was expecting a bit of a choppy writing (as it happens with many new authors). Not so here. The words were flowing easily in my mind and I really enjoyed the fluidity of it all. I can only imagine the second book (that I will be picking up tonight) to be even better than this.
When I was approached by the author’s PR company MindBuck Media with a request to review Christopher Lord’s two books (The Christmas Carol Murders and The Edwin Drood Murders) I had absolutely no idea what the novels were about, except that they are both cozies. I said yes, afterall, no real bookworm will say no to receiving a free book…or two (btw this was my first freebie asked to review, everything before was either bought or traded with other bookreaders).
As I’ve finished reading The Tenth Saint the night before, I picked up The Christmas Carol Murders and started reading it with no bias about the book at all. I didn't even check out the Goodreads reviews, so my mind would be completely empty to what I’d be picking up. Now having finished it just last night, the cozy mystery is still fresh in my mind, so here are my impressions after a night’s sleep over it.
First of all I need to mention something because I know there are people who care about these things: the book is a cozy mystery involving a gay guy. There. I've said it. So if you’re bothered about this aspect, just don’t read further – although I think you’d be cheating yourself out of a really great new cozy series if do you so.
The Christmas Carol Murders is the first book by Christopher Lord and to be honest, I was expecting a bit of a choppy writing (as it happens with many new authors). Not so here. The words were flowing easily in my mind and I really enjoyed the fluidity of it all. I can only imagine the second book (that I will be picking up tonight) to be even better than this.
July 8, 2015
Dickens Junction is a small town supposed to be founded on the principles and values of Charles Dickens. I do not know what these principles and values are. Do these include a liberal attitude to homosexuality and male striptease?
The main character Simon is a gay who keeps a male lover in his house. He has the habit of sexually appraising males he sees. There is also a lesbian couple. A resident, in order to raise money, participates in a "male erotic dance". All these activities raise no eyebrows and are treated as matter-of-fact by others. A very liberal community, indeed!
Let us consider the mystery aspect. In this regard, I consider the second book "The Edwin Drood Murders" (though I had some problem with its solution) as much, much better than this one. I regard this book as mediocre.
First, the number of characters is too large. It is confusing and difficult to place them all in the mind. A pen and paper are required to jot down the names and the various places they were supposed to be present at different times.
There are no proper clues. The only clue which enables Simon to infer the identity of the murderer is a pair of contradictory statements by two persons on different dates. With so many characters who make so many statements, it is not possible for a reader to isolate these two statements and realize their significance. A good mystery writer will never hide clues in this manner.
The motive for the first murder is based on facts which are not known to the reader till the solution is revealed. Hence this book cannot be treated as a fair-play mystery.
The main character Simon is a gay who keeps a male lover in his house. He has the habit of sexually appraising males he sees. There is also a lesbian couple. A resident, in order to raise money, participates in a "male erotic dance". All these activities raise no eyebrows and are treated as matter-of-fact by others. A very liberal community, indeed!
Let us consider the mystery aspect. In this regard, I consider the second book "The Edwin Drood Murders" (though I had some problem with its solution) as much, much better than this one. I regard this book as mediocre.
First, the number of characters is too large. It is confusing and difficult to place them all in the mind. A pen and paper are required to jot down the names and the various places they were supposed to be present at different times.
There are no proper clues. The only clue which enables Simon to infer the identity of the murderer is a pair of contradictory statements by two persons on different dates. With so many characters who make so many statements, it is not possible for a reader to isolate these two statements and realize their significance. A good mystery writer will never hide clues in this manner.
The motive for the first murder is based on facts which are not known to the reader till the solution is revealed. Hence this book cannot be treated as a fair-play mystery.
December 18, 2012
It’s Christmas time in Dickens Junction, Oregon but all is not as peaceful as you would think. As the citizens of Dickens Junction prepare for their annual Christmas celebration, a stranger visits their small, quiet town. Not long after he shows up, the stranger is murdered. The local bookstore owner, Simon Alastair, fears for the safety of his small hometown and conducts his own investigation.
Simon’s fears mount as another murder occurs and he begins to suspect his friends and business associates. Things get a bit dicey, but Simon is determined to figure out exactly what is happening in his town.
Christopher Lord creates the perfect backdrop for a Christmas mystery – a Charles Dickens town in the present time. This book had the feel of an old Agatha Christie book with a traditional story filled with eccentric characters. Each one is crafted to perfection and Lord’s description of the town puts the reader right in the middle of a Charles Dickens novel. It is a unique premise that I found enchanting. I truly felt as if I was standing right with all the townspeople of Dickens Junction. The story was fast-pacedf and perfect for this time of year.
It’s the first book in the series and I’m looking forward to reading the next one!
FTC Disclosure: Mindbuck Media provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Simon’s fears mount as another murder occurs and he begins to suspect his friends and business associates. Things get a bit dicey, but Simon is determined to figure out exactly what is happening in his town.
Christopher Lord creates the perfect backdrop for a Christmas mystery – a Charles Dickens town in the present time. This book had the feel of an old Agatha Christie book with a traditional story filled with eccentric characters. Each one is crafted to perfection and Lord’s description of the town puts the reader right in the middle of a Charles Dickens novel. It is a unique premise that I found enchanting. I truly felt as if I was standing right with all the townspeople of Dickens Junction. The story was fast-pacedf and perfect for this time of year.
It’s the first book in the series and I’m looking forward to reading the next one!
FTC Disclosure: Mindbuck Media provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 30, 2013
Simon Alistair ist ein Nachfahre der Gründer von "Dickens Junction", einem kleinen Ort in Oregon, der sich dem Gedenken an Charles Dickens verschrieben hat. Er selbst besitzt einen Buchladen, der ausschließlich Bücher führt, die er selbst gelesen hat. Als wohlhabender Erbe ist er nicht auf die Einkünfte aus dem Laden angewiesen, weswegen er sich diese Extravaganz leisten kann. Abgesehen davon scheint sein Lebensinhalt darin zu bestehen, dafür zu sorgen, dass der einzigartige Charakter von Dickens Junction erhalten bleibt. Als während der alljährlichen Aufführung des "Weihnachtsliedes" auf dem Dorfplatz plötzlich eine Leiche auftaucht und alle Bewohner zu Verdächtigen werden, sieht sich Simon gezwungen, selbst zu ermitteln und Dickens Junction zu retten.
Dieser kleine "cozy-Krimi" liest sich gut weg, wobei mir das Setting ein wenig sehr gewollt vorkam. Dennoch fühlte ich mich wohl in diesem kleinen skurillen Örtchen mit den vielen Verweisen auf Dickens (von dem ich jetzt endlich mal mehr lesen sollte!) und die Protagonisten sind sehr liebevoll ausgedacht. Zunächst gewöhnungsbedürftig fand ich die schwule Liebesgeschichte zwischen Simon und Zach, was dank der geschmackvollen Darstellung aber schnell kein Thema mehr war.
Die Krimihandlung hat mich etwas enttäuscht. Einige Ungereimtheiten und ein eher schwaches Ende lassen mich zweifeln, ob es sich lohnt, an dieser Serie dran zu bleiben.
Dieser kleine "cozy-Krimi" liest sich gut weg, wobei mir das Setting ein wenig sehr gewollt vorkam. Dennoch fühlte ich mich wohl in diesem kleinen skurillen Örtchen mit den vielen Verweisen auf Dickens (von dem ich jetzt endlich mal mehr lesen sollte!) und die Protagonisten sind sehr liebevoll ausgedacht. Zunächst gewöhnungsbedürftig fand ich die schwule Liebesgeschichte zwischen Simon und Zach, was dank der geschmackvollen Darstellung aber schnell kein Thema mehr war.
Die Krimihandlung hat mich etwas enttäuscht. Einige Ungereimtheiten und ein eher schwaches Ende lassen mich zweifeln, ob es sich lohnt, an dieser Serie dran zu bleiben.
July 8, 2013
Just in time for the holidays comes a wonderful cozy mystery, the first in a new series. Placed in the fictional town of Dicken's Junction, the town is gearing up to celebrate the holidays Dicken's style!
With a small cast of characters in this charming little town, comes a journalist to document their holiday festivities. Unfortunately, the party is cut short for him as he's the first one to be killed, but at no means, the last. Simon Alistair is determined to find out who is behind the gruesome death, but his investigation skills just aren't quite fast enough as more people are killed.
Did I figure out who it was before it was revealed? Definitely not. I win some and lose some, and Lord has done an impeccable job of leaving the clues, but my mind couldn't follow them. I was pleasantly surprised with the end result and really look forward to the next in this series.
August 28, 2014
I love reading cozy mysteries. I especially love reading books where the main character owns a book store. So with that going for it, I started reading The Christmas Carol Murders. I liked the concept of a town devoted to Dickens, and trying to preserve their way of life. The book had lots of quirky characters, and I enjoyed Simon and his relationship with his new boyfriend, Zach.
Unfortunately for me, this book didn't have the "cozy" feel I was hoping for. It is hard to put my finger on it exactly. Maybe the deaths were a little too gruesome and well planned, I don't know. This book seems half way between a cozy mystery and a regular mystery thriller book. It was pretty good, and I will probably read the next in the series, if only to see if I like it better.
Unfortunately for me, this book didn't have the "cozy" feel I was hoping for. It is hard to put my finger on it exactly. Maybe the deaths were a little too gruesome and well planned, I don't know. This book seems half way between a cozy mystery and a regular mystery thriller book. It was pretty good, and I will probably read the next in the series, if only to see if I like it better.
January 13, 2013
Simon Alastair owns the bookstore in Dickens Junction, a town designed by his ancestors to be a celebration of the values in the famed author's books--and quite a tourist draw, too. But the economy is hurting everyone but Simon, who has kept his inherited money. So Roark, an emissary of an out-of-town company, is a threat when he comes to town to try to buy stores around the quaint town square. As the town deals with its usual Christmas celebrations, and as Simon falls for a travel writer who probably won't be staying around after the New Year, bodies start to turn up. Even worse is the new knowledge of what the company has in mind for the stories it's purchased.
July 5, 2014
I can't say that I was overly impressed with this one. The theme of the book was intriguing and some of the names of stores were clever, but the characters and plot fell flat. I doubt anyone who only sells books they've read would stay in business very long. Simon, the gay bookstore owner, spent way too much time oogling every male in his line of vision and describing ad nauseum what everyone wore. Clues were sparse. The story would be greatly improved with more depth to the characters and plot and less excruciating detail about nothing.
December 19, 2012
I love reading Christmas books at this time of the year. When I read about this book and could not get it in Canada, I ordered it from the States. The idea sounded so awesome- a town devoted to all things Dickens and a mystery thrown in. Concept great, execution not so much. I did finish it just to see whodunit, but would definitely not recommend anyone pick it up. Definitely did not put me in the Christmas mood.
December 11, 2013
I enjoy reading books with a Christmas/winter theme through the month of December and picked this mystery up as a free kindle download from Amazon. The idea sounded cute--that the town of Dickens Junction, Oregon is completely devoted to all things Dickens. But along comes a company called Marley Enterprises which would like to take over the town and devote it to the objectivism principles of Ayn Rand instead. And the grisly murders begin. Too far out there and silly for me.
February 25, 2014
I have this strict rule that if a book does not capture my interest by page 50, I take it back to the library. There are too many good books to read, why waste my time on something boring. Back this one went - UNREAD.
Oddly, considering the Charles Dickens connection in this book, the only exception I make to my 50 page rule is Charles Dickens - he has not even introduced all the characters by page 50. With him I go to page 150, by which time I am always hooked.
Oddly, considering the Charles Dickens connection in this book, the only exception I make to my 50 page rule is Charles Dickens - he has not even introduced all the characters by page 50. With him I go to page 150, by which time I am always hooked.
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