What do you think?
Rate this book
Anne Perry's Christmas Crimes: A Christmas Homecoming / A Christmas Garland
’Tis the season for a pair of Christmas novels that add a dash of murder to the Yuletide spirit.
“Perry’s Victorian-era holiday mysteries [are] an annual treat.” — The Wall Street Journal
A CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING
“Could have been devised by Agatha Christie . . . [Anne Perry is] a modern master.” —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Charlotte Pitt’s mother, Caroline, is spending the holiday with her young husband, Joshua Fielding, in Whitby, the fishing village where Dracula first touches English soil in Bram Stoker’s sensational novel. Joshua has arranged to produce a stage adaptation of Dracula, written by the daughter of millionaire Charles Netheridge, but tempers flare after a disastrous first read-through of the script. As wind and snow swirl around Netheridge’s lonely hilltop mansion, a black-cloaked stranger emerges from the storm. At the same time, a brooding evil makes itself felt, and instead of theatrical triumph, there is murder—shocking and terrifying.
A CHRISTMAS GARLAND
“In Anne Perry’s gifted hands, the puzzle plays out brilliantly.” —Greensboro News & Record
The year is 1857, soon after the violent Siege of Cawnpore, and India is in the midst of rebellion. In the British garrison, a guard is killed, a prisoner escapes, and a luckless medical orderly named John Tallis is arrested as an accomplice simply because he was the only soldier unaccounted for when the crimes were committed. Though chosen to defend Tallis, young Lieutenant Victor Narraway is not encouraged to try very hard. His superiors merely want a show trial. But inspired by a simple Christmas garland, and his own stubborn faith in justice, Narraway is determined to figure out the truth, despite the appalling odds. In an alien world haunted by massacre, he is the accused man’s only hope.
“Perry’s Victorian-era holiday mysteries [are] an annual treat.” — The Wall Street Journal
A CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING
“Could have been devised by Agatha Christie . . . [Anne Perry is] a modern master.” —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Charlotte Pitt’s mother, Caroline, is spending the holiday with her young husband, Joshua Fielding, in Whitby, the fishing village where Dracula first touches English soil in Bram Stoker’s sensational novel. Joshua has arranged to produce a stage adaptation of Dracula, written by the daughter of millionaire Charles Netheridge, but tempers flare after a disastrous first read-through of the script. As wind and snow swirl around Netheridge’s lonely hilltop mansion, a black-cloaked stranger emerges from the storm. At the same time, a brooding evil makes itself felt, and instead of theatrical triumph, there is murder—shocking and terrifying.
A CHRISTMAS GARLAND
“In Anne Perry’s gifted hands, the puzzle plays out brilliantly.” —Greensboro News & Record
The year is 1857, soon after the violent Siege of Cawnpore, and India is in the midst of rebellion. In the British garrison, a guard is killed, a prisoner escapes, and a luckless medical orderly named John Tallis is arrested as an accomplice simply because he was the only soldier unaccounted for when the crimes were committed. Though chosen to defend Tallis, young Lieutenant Victor Narraway is not encouraged to try very hard. His superiors merely want a show trial. But inspired by a simple Christmas garland, and his own stubborn faith in justice, Narraway is determined to figure out the truth, despite the appalling odds. In an alien world haunted by massacre, he is the accused man’s only hope.
410 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2014
59 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Anne Perry
360 books3,375 followersAnne Perry, born Juliet Hulme in England, lived in Scotland most of her life after serving five years in prison for murder (in New Zealand). A beloved mystery authoress, she is best known for her Thomas Pitt and William Monk series.
Her first novel, "The Cater Street Hangman", was published in 1979. Her works extend to several categories of genre fiction, including historical mysteries. Many of them feature recurring characters, most importantly Thomas Pitt and amnesiac private investigator William Monk, who first appeared in 1990, "The Face Of A Stranger".
Her story "Heroes," from the 1999 anthology Murder And Obsession, won the 2001 Edgar Award For Best Short Story. She was included as an entry in Ben Peek's Twenty-Six Lies / One Truth, a novel exploring the nature of truth in literature.
Series contributed to:
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
. Malice Domestic
. The World's Finest Mystery And Crime Stories
. Transgressions
. The Year's Finest Crime And Mystery Stories
Her first novel, "The Cater Street Hangman", was published in 1979. Her works extend to several categories of genre fiction, including historical mysteries. Many of them feature recurring characters, most importantly Thomas Pitt and amnesiac private investigator William Monk, who first appeared in 1990, "The Face Of A Stranger".
Her story "Heroes," from the 1999 anthology Murder And Obsession, won the 2001 Edgar Award For Best Short Story. She was included as an entry in Ben Peek's Twenty-Six Lies / One Truth, a novel exploring the nature of truth in literature.
Series contributed to:
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
. Malice Domestic
. The World's Finest Mystery And Crime Stories
. Transgressions
. The Year's Finest Crime And Mystery Stories
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 24, 2019
In need to find Christmas stories that would actually get me into the Christmas mood I borrowed this book from my mother, hoping that it would be better than The Chimes by Charles Dickens (this would be the first time I admit that a classic is not as good as a contemporary story), which made me feel strangely odd. I began to read with mixed feelings.
I really wasn't quite sure what to expect. This book as a whole was over 400 pages long, containing two stories that could not be completely called "short" stories, yet while reading the first story, A Christmas Homecoming I couldn't shake the impression that the author wanted to make the story longer, include more depth for the characters, include more details and make the plot in general much more intriguing.
Instead the reader was left with a good overall story and an intense desire to read more. Sometimes that is a good thing, but for this story it did not do it justice at all.
Having said that, the story and the murder mystery part was compelling and intriguing enough to make for an entertaining reading experience.
The second story in this book was sadly too lost in the jargon of military politics to hold my interest for very long at a time. The element of the traditional Christmas story seemed forced. It did not hold my interest and I have to confess that I cannot even remember the outcome of this story.
But again, the murder mystery part of the story was well enough executed to keep me reading. I found that the author's talent to write murder mysteries well exceeds her skill to write Christmas stories, which is not necessarily a bad thing.
Overall, it this collection of two rather longer "short stories" was entertaining enough and triggered my interest in the author's other works. I will definitely return this book to my mother for her to read during this year's Christmas season.
ElliotScribbles
I really wasn't quite sure what to expect. This book as a whole was over 400 pages long, containing two stories that could not be completely called "short" stories, yet while reading the first story, A Christmas Homecoming I couldn't shake the impression that the author wanted to make the story longer, include more depth for the characters, include more details and make the plot in general much more intriguing.
Instead the reader was left with a good overall story and an intense desire to read more. Sometimes that is a good thing, but for this story it did not do it justice at all.
Having said that, the story and the murder mystery part was compelling and intriguing enough to make for an entertaining reading experience.
The second story in this book was sadly too lost in the jargon of military politics to hold my interest for very long at a time. The element of the traditional Christmas story seemed forced. It did not hold my interest and I have to confess that I cannot even remember the outcome of this story.
But again, the murder mystery part of the story was well enough executed to keep me reading. I found that the author's talent to write murder mysteries well exceeds her skill to write Christmas stories, which is not necessarily a bad thing.
Overall, it this collection of two rather longer "short stories" was entertaining enough and triggered my interest in the author's other works. I will definitely return this book to my mother for her to read during this year's Christmas season.
ElliotScribbles
December 14, 2024
I have been reading Anne Perry’s novels for years. I really enjoyed this one, and I think it is one of her best. There are two holiday mysteries in the book. In spite of the turmoil, as a result of the crimes, there are uplifting and heartfelt moments because of the holiday season. In the end, justice prevails!
December 20, 2017
Coyer Winter Switch
This book has two nice stories. my favorite was the first which was about an acting troupe brougt to entertain a Lord and his family. the Lord's young daughter has written a treatment of Dracula and so the troupe spend several days reworking and rehearsing it. Then one night a stranger shows up at the home and then is soon dead. A nice mystery element and nice christmas elements are in both storis.
This book has two nice stories. my favorite was the first which was about an acting troupe brougt to entertain a Lord and his family. the Lord's young daughter has written a treatment of Dracula and so the troupe spend several days reworking and rehearsing it. Then one night a stranger shows up at the home and then is soon dead. A nice mystery element and nice christmas elements are in both storis.
January 16, 2023
Anne Perry is a master of writing into her novels a Christmas message while exploring the lives of secondary characters within her main stories set in Victorian London. This book features a collection of 2 Christmas novels: A Christmas Homecoming and A Christmas Garland.
The first novel, A Christmas Homecoming, examines Charlotte Pitt’s mother, Caroline and her actor husband Josh’s life. Josh is commissioned to perform a stage adaptation of Dracula during Christmas with his acting troop at the home of his wealthy theater benefactor. The trouble begins immediately when the play that Josh needs to perform was written by his benefactor’s daughter and needs to be totally revamped to make it performance worthy even for the benefactor’s friends. A mysterious man arrives during a treacherous snowstorm and helps Josh revamp the play. The man is murdered while the houseguests are trapped at the mansion for Christmas. Caroline embarks on her own quest to discover who murdered the man. This is a very intriguing look into London society, and the strict marital guidelines expected during Victorian times. The role of an actor and magnitude required to put on a performance is explored in detail throughout the story providing the reader a great deal of information about the theater. The mystery at Christmas was an added bonus!
The second novel, A Christmas Garland, examines the early life of Victor Narraway while he was stationed as an army lawyer during the war in 1857 in India. Narraway must prove the innocence of a military doctor named John Tallis before he is hanged. A great deal of insight into the justice system in India is provided as well as a horrific look at the devastation of war. Can Victor Narraway prove the doctor’s innocence and discover who committed the crimes?
The first novel, A Christmas Homecoming, examines Charlotte Pitt’s mother, Caroline and her actor husband Josh’s life. Josh is commissioned to perform a stage adaptation of Dracula during Christmas with his acting troop at the home of his wealthy theater benefactor. The trouble begins immediately when the play that Josh needs to perform was written by his benefactor’s daughter and needs to be totally revamped to make it performance worthy even for the benefactor’s friends. A mysterious man arrives during a treacherous snowstorm and helps Josh revamp the play. The man is murdered while the houseguests are trapped at the mansion for Christmas. Caroline embarks on her own quest to discover who murdered the man. This is a very intriguing look into London society, and the strict marital guidelines expected during Victorian times. The role of an actor and magnitude required to put on a performance is explored in detail throughout the story providing the reader a great deal of information about the theater. The mystery at Christmas was an added bonus!
The second novel, A Christmas Garland, examines the early life of Victor Narraway while he was stationed as an army lawyer during the war in 1857 in India. Narraway must prove the innocence of a military doctor named John Tallis before he is hanged. A great deal of insight into the justice system in India is provided as well as a horrific look at the devastation of war. Can Victor Narraway prove the doctor’s innocence and discover who committed the crimes?
December 16, 2022
This book had two historical Christmas stories that were mysteries.
A Christmas Homecoming - An acting troupe goes to the Netheridge mansion where Charles Netheridge’s daughter, Alice, wrote a play based on Dracula that she wants them to perform. The troupe is hopeful that the play will possibly be able to be performed for more people in London, but unfortunately it is not well written. The actors try to practice performing the play while there’s a raging snowstorm that never seems to end. When the actors are thinking this play is never going to happen since it’s so bad, a stranger comes to the mansion. Anton Ballin’s carriage broke down and he needs shelter from the storm. He is welcomed, and he actually comes up with many good ideas to make the play much better. Just as the play seems to be coming together, he’s murdered. With a son-in-law who is a policeman, Caroline, the wife of the troupe leader Joshua, does some investigating and asks the right questions. One of the actors murdered Anton for revenge. Anton was actually an actor in disguise. Once the snow thaws the police will be able to come out.
A Christmas Garland - This story takes place in India where a mutiny and bloodshed has taken place. There was an escaped prisoner, a guard had been killed, and a man who only because no alibi could tell his whereabouts, was accused of helping the escaped prisoner. Lt. Narraway is asked to speak in the defense of this man, Corp. John Tallis, a medical orderly. It seems like an open and shut case. The only reason a trial is taking place is to show there’s some honor and fairness in the justice system. Narraway knows Tallis is innocent, but can’t think of what to do, questioning everyone that he could and hearing the same things over and over. But reading over testimony, a slight error is found and that leads to Narraway thinking of another scenario with the escaped prisoner that doesn’t need Tallis to be involved.
These stories were the strangest Christmas tales I’ve ever read. I don’t even know why the author wanted to claim they were Christmas stories. They took place around Christmastime, which was about the only thing Christmas about them. But maybe that was the point…life goes on, murders, wars, killings, mutinies, and unhappiness occur whether it’s Christmas or not.
A Christmas Homecoming - An acting troupe goes to the Netheridge mansion where Charles Netheridge’s daughter, Alice, wrote a play based on Dracula that she wants them to perform. The troupe is hopeful that the play will possibly be able to be performed for more people in London, but unfortunately it is not well written. The actors try to practice performing the play while there’s a raging snowstorm that never seems to end. When the actors are thinking this play is never going to happen since it’s so bad, a stranger comes to the mansion. Anton Ballin’s carriage broke down and he needs shelter from the storm. He is welcomed, and he actually comes up with many good ideas to make the play much better. Just as the play seems to be coming together, he’s murdered. With a son-in-law who is a policeman, Caroline, the wife of the troupe leader Joshua, does some investigating and asks the right questions. One of the actors murdered Anton for revenge. Anton was actually an actor in disguise. Once the snow thaws the police will be able to come out.
A Christmas Garland - This story takes place in India where a mutiny and bloodshed has taken place. There was an escaped prisoner, a guard had been killed, and a man who only because no alibi could tell his whereabouts, was accused of helping the escaped prisoner. Lt. Narraway is asked to speak in the defense of this man, Corp. John Tallis, a medical orderly. It seems like an open and shut case. The only reason a trial is taking place is to show there’s some honor and fairness in the justice system. Narraway knows Tallis is innocent, but can’t think of what to do, questioning everyone that he could and hearing the same things over and over. But reading over testimony, a slight error is found and that leads to Narraway thinking of another scenario with the escaped prisoner that doesn’t need Tallis to be involved.
These stories were the strangest Christmas tales I’ve ever read. I don’t even know why the author wanted to claim they were Christmas stories. They took place around Christmastime, which was about the only thing Christmas about them. But maybe that was the point…life goes on, murders, wars, killings, mutinies, and unhappiness occur whether it’s Christmas or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2020
I agree with a previous reader's review. Both stories were interesting but Not very Christmasy unless you look at it as sometimes your current situation takes away the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in your normal way. The first story has a theatre troupe staying on an estate of a wealthy financier and preparing to perform a play of the estate's owner. The play needs a little work and an unexpected guest appears and helps improve the performance. Unfortunately, just days before the performance a murder happens and the murderer must be one of the household inhabitants as they have been snowed in due to a heavy winter storm. The who dun it has an interesting twist. The play was supposed to take place on Boxer's Day which is the only real connection to Christmas.
The second story is set in India where a soldier is on trial for a murder he states he didn't commit. But the preliminary review rules out everyone else but him. Or does it? The officer selected to represent his case has just a few days to prepare his defense. A young child and a game they play helps him with his defense arguments. Christmas is mentioned several times throughout the plot but is not the main focus of the story
The second story is set in India where a soldier is on trial for a murder he states he didn't commit. But the preliminary review rules out everyone else but him. Or does it? The officer selected to represent his case has just a few days to prepare his defense. A young child and a game they play helps him with his defense arguments. Christmas is mentioned several times throughout the plot but is not the main focus of the story
August 22, 2022
Ĵoshua Fielding and his wife, along with the entire acting troop, arrive at the home of a distinguished gentleman who is willing to fund the production of upcoming plays.
The condition is that they must put on the play that his daughter has written. They try a run through on the play, which they decide needs a lot of work.
Another gentleman arrives when his carriage goes into a snowbank in a heavy winter storm. seeking refuge from the storm.
He assists the play writer with his opinions and once the play is almost perfect, Mrs Fielding trips over something in the downstairs hallway and discovers that it is the gentleman who sought shelter from the storm.
Since no one else has arrived, it boils down to one of the people in the play or staff.
Mrs. Fielding is determined to figure out who the murderer is before the police arrive.
Very good read.
The condition is that they must put on the play that his daughter has written. They try a run through on the play, which they decide needs a lot of work.
Another gentleman arrives when his carriage goes into a snowbank in a heavy winter storm. seeking refuge from the storm.
He assists the play writer with his opinions and once the play is almost perfect, Mrs Fielding trips over something in the downstairs hallway and discovers that it is the gentleman who sought shelter from the storm.
Since no one else has arrived, it boils down to one of the people in the play or staff.
Mrs. Fielding is determined to figure out who the murderer is before the police arrive.
Very good read.
December 2, 2022
excellent mystery!!!
These stories give insight into familiar characters from the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt mysteries and are tru Anne Perry tales, you are kept guessing until the end.
These stories give insight into familiar characters from the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt mysteries and are tru Anne Perry tales, you are kept guessing until the end.
December 23, 2019
I would really like to say 3.5 for this one. The mysteries were good, but not so Christmasy.
December 13, 2020
I finished A Christmas Homecoming. Will leave the second story for another year.
January 2, 2022
1857 India. Sad. Gruesome. x-rated for true violence of culture, year before mutiny, Sikh rebels? See review in double book.
December 5, 2023
I enjoyed the first story better than the second (though both are well written). Clever twist at the end of the second story (no spoilers).
December 24, 2025
Enjoyed the twists and turns of a Victorian Christmas mystery.
December 30, 2021
1. Caro ~40 wife to Josh ~20, ponders evil, inlaw to DI Pitt. Troupe rehearses Dracula by Alice. Anton adds changes. Typo 12.1 get a ^ get 12.3 as if she were
2 India 1857. Lt Narroway 20 has 2 days to defend med aide of jail break, murder. He waffles. Typo 4.15 mutinysn ^ mutiny in
2 India 1857. Lt Narroway 20 has 2 days to defend med aide of jail break, murder. He waffles. Typo 4.15 mutinysn ^ mutiny in
January 23, 2015
These two shorter mysteries in one book allow you to become more acquainted with some of the supporting characters in Perry's Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series. Enjoyable!
April 17, 2017
Couldn't get through it.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews