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Christmas Crimes at the Mysterious Bookshop
Thirteen festive crime stories set in New York City’s beloved mystery bookstore
The oldest mystery specialty bookstore in the world, The Mysterious Bookshop, has for most of its forty-five-year history commissioned an original short story as a holiday gift for its customers. Written exclusively for the store and never published elsewhere, the stories were given as a holiday gift to its customers as a thank you for their business, handed out or mailed between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
The prompt for the story requires three that it be set at Christmastime, that it involve a crime of some kind, or the suspicion of one, and that it be set at least partially in the bookstore. And from these loose structural guidelines, diverse tales took flight. The thirteen tales included in this volume are among the finest to be produced in this annual tradition, sure to charm any reader looking for a holiday-themed escape.
Included herein are the ingenious “Snowflake Time” by Laura Lippman; Lyndsay Faye’s tale of vengeance “A Midnight Clear”; the challenging brainteaser, “A Christmas Puzzle,” by Ragnar Jónasson; “Hester’s Gift,” an impossible crime story by Tom Mead; the suspenseful “The Christmas Party” by Jeffery Deaver; Thomas Perry’s hilarious comedy of errors, “Here We Come A-Wassailing;” and other tales appropriate for the season, collected and introduced by Otto Penzler. The result is, objectively speaking, the finest “stocking stuffer” that a mystery fan could hope to find.
The oldest mystery specialty bookstore in the world, The Mysterious Bookshop, has for most of its forty-five-year history commissioned an original short story as a holiday gift for its customers. Written exclusively for the store and never published elsewhere, the stories were given as a holiday gift to its customers as a thank you for their business, handed out or mailed between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
The prompt for the story requires three that it be set at Christmastime, that it involve a crime of some kind, or the suspicion of one, and that it be set at least partially in the bookstore. And from these loose structural guidelines, diverse tales took flight. The thirteen tales included in this volume are among the finest to be produced in this annual tradition, sure to charm any reader looking for a holiday-themed escape.
Included herein are the ingenious “Snowflake Time” by Laura Lippman; Lyndsay Faye’s tale of vengeance “A Midnight Clear”; the challenging brainteaser, “A Christmas Puzzle,” by Ragnar Jónasson; “Hester’s Gift,” an impossible crime story by Tom Mead; the suspenseful “The Christmas Party” by Jeffery Deaver; Thomas Perry’s hilarious comedy of errors, “Here We Come A-Wassailing;” and other tales appropriate for the season, collected and introduced by Otto Penzler. The result is, objectively speaking, the finest “stocking stuffer” that a mystery fan could hope to find.
332 pages, Hardcover
First published October 22, 2024
311 people are currently reading
11068 people want to read
About the author
Otto Penzler
370 books538 followersOtto Penzler is an editor of mystery fiction in the United States, and proprietor of The Mysterious Bookshop in New York City, where he lives.
Otto Penzler founded The Mysteriour Press in 1975 and was the publisher of The Armchair Detective, the Edgar-winning quarterly journal devoted to the study of mystery and suspense fiction, for seventeen years.
Penzler has won two Edgar Awards, for The Encyclopedia of Mystery and Detection in 1977, and The Lineup in 2010. The Mystery Writers of America awarded him the prestigious Ellery Queen Award in 1994, and the Raven--the group's highest non-writing award--in 2003.
Otto Penzler founded The Mysteriour Press in 1975 and was the publisher of The Armchair Detective, the Edgar-winning quarterly journal devoted to the study of mystery and suspense fiction, for seventeen years.
Penzler has won two Edgar Awards, for The Encyclopedia of Mystery and Detection in 1977, and The Lineup in 2010. The Mystery Writers of America awarded him the prestigious Ellery Queen Award in 1994, and the Raven--the group's highest non-writing award--in 2003.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 338 reviews
October 22, 2024
There is NEVER a wrong time to read a book about books-or bookstores!
The oldest mystery specialty bookstore in the world, The Mysterious Bookshop, is an actual place, and Otto Penzler is an actual person.
And, for most of its forty-five-year history, he has commissioned an original short story as a holiday gift for its customers, written exclusively for the store and never published elsewhere. The stories were given out to customers as a holiday gift to thank them for their business, and were either handed out or mailed between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
The prompt for these stories requires three things-that it be set at Christmastime, that it involve a crime of some kind, or the suspicion of one, and that it be set at least partially in the bookstore.
This is a collection of 12 of these short stories, compiled in one book!
Since the Mysterious Bookshop only sells Crime and Mystery books-these aren’t your typical Christmas stories-Hallmark writers need NOT apply. Here is a HINT of what to expect:
Black Christmas by Jason Starr-nothing cozy about this story about “soulmates”.
A Midnight Clear by Lyndsay Faye-In a seedy apartment close to the Mysterious Bookstore, a man mourns a woman.
Wolfe Trap by Loren Estleman-a locked room (locked drawer) mystery.
Secret Santa by Ace Atkins-a “has been” author keeps up the facade of annual book signings at the Mysterious Bookshop on Christmas Eve.
The Gift of the Wiseguy by Rob Hart- a stakeout at the Mysterious Bookshops for an author’s mob father.
Snowflake Time by Laura Lippman-an offensive author’s rant about everything including Goodreads reviews that deduct points for the killing of cats.
The Christmas Party-Jeffrey Deaver-a nurse at an assisted care senior center who really goes the extra mile for her patients.
Here we come A Wassailing by Thomas Perry- Takes “regifting” to a whole new level!
A Christmas Puzzle by Ragnar Johasson-a clerk at the Mysterious Bookshop agrees to help an 80 year old widow solve a puzzle after the shop closes on Christmas Eve.
Hester’s Gift-Tom Mead-an amateur sleuth named Hester Queeg helps Police solve an unusual double murder.
Sergeant Santa by David Gordon-a pickpocket must find a way to return an item!
End Game by Martin Edwards-a ghost story for Christmas that involves “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”.
Who knew a bookstore could be so dangerous?
My favorites were “The Gift of the Wiseguy”, a “Christmas Puzzle” and “Sergeant Santa” (all 4 star) and my only two star story was “Snowflake Time” with most of the others earning 3.5 stars, so I will round up.
AVAILABLE NOW if you like to start shopping early for Christmas Stocking Stuffers!
Thank You to the Mysterious Press for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts.
The oldest mystery specialty bookstore in the world, The Mysterious Bookshop, is an actual place, and Otto Penzler is an actual person.
And, for most of its forty-five-year history, he has commissioned an original short story as a holiday gift for its customers, written exclusively for the store and never published elsewhere. The stories were given out to customers as a holiday gift to thank them for their business, and were either handed out or mailed between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
The prompt for these stories requires three things-that it be set at Christmastime, that it involve a crime of some kind, or the suspicion of one, and that it be set at least partially in the bookstore.
This is a collection of 12 of these short stories, compiled in one book!
Since the Mysterious Bookshop only sells Crime and Mystery books-these aren’t your typical Christmas stories-Hallmark writers need NOT apply. Here is a HINT of what to expect:
Black Christmas by Jason Starr-nothing cozy about this story about “soulmates”.
A Midnight Clear by Lyndsay Faye-In a seedy apartment close to the Mysterious Bookstore, a man mourns a woman.
Wolfe Trap by Loren Estleman-a locked room (locked drawer) mystery.
Secret Santa by Ace Atkins-a “has been” author keeps up the facade of annual book signings at the Mysterious Bookshop on Christmas Eve.
The Gift of the Wiseguy by Rob Hart- a stakeout at the Mysterious Bookshops for an author’s mob father.
Snowflake Time by Laura Lippman-an offensive author’s rant about everything including Goodreads reviews that deduct points for the killing of cats.
The Christmas Party-Jeffrey Deaver-a nurse at an assisted care senior center who really goes the extra mile for her patients.
Here we come A Wassailing by Thomas Perry- Takes “regifting” to a whole new level!
A Christmas Puzzle by Ragnar Johasson-a clerk at the Mysterious Bookshop agrees to help an 80 year old widow solve a puzzle after the shop closes on Christmas Eve.
Hester’s Gift-Tom Mead-an amateur sleuth named Hester Queeg helps Police solve an unusual double murder.
Sergeant Santa by David Gordon-a pickpocket must find a way to return an item!
End Game by Martin Edwards-a ghost story for Christmas that involves “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”.
Who knew a bookstore could be so dangerous?
My favorites were “The Gift of the Wiseguy”, a “Christmas Puzzle” and “Sergeant Santa” (all 4 star) and my only two star story was “Snowflake Time” with most of the others earning 3.5 stars, so I will round up.
AVAILABLE NOW if you like to start shopping early for Christmas Stocking Stuffers!
Thank You to the Mysterious Press for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts.
December 28, 2025
3.5 Mysterious Merry Meyhem Stars rounded up to 4 Festive Christmas Stars in keeping with the generosity of the holiday season.
As a “thank-you” to the loyal patrons of Otto Penzler's NYC mystery book store, The Mysterious Bookshop, he started an annual holiday tradition thirty-one years ago of publishing a small anthology and gifting it to those loyal patrons. He commissioned original stories from some of the finest mystery writers each christmas season. The only criteria for the authors to follow were that the stories be set during the christmas season, involve a mystery, and have some of the action take place at The Mysterious Bookshop. Following is a brief rating and review of the twelve stories contained in the 2024 gift edition.
1. Black Christmas by Jason Starr - 2 stars
Unrequited love featuring the Christmas Cousin of the Grim Reaper.
2. A Midnight Clear by Lindsay Faye – 2 stars
A love triangle is friendishly reduced to an amicable line.
3. Wolfe Trap by Loren D. Estleman - 2.5 stars
Nero Wolfe fan fic.
4. Secret Santa by Ace Atkins – 4 stars
A past-his-prime author of popular thrillers shows up for his annual Christmas Eve book signing event at The Mysterious Bookshop.
5. The Gift of the Wiseguy by Robert Hart – 4 stars
After 20 years an infamous organized crime snitch returns to NYC from his refuge in the witness protection program to hear his son read from his debut novel at The Mysterious Bookshop.
6. Snowflake Time by Laura Lippman – 4 stars
You know you're really a novelist when...
7.The Christmas Party by Jeffery Deaver – 4 stars
An uncle with dementia, a penurious nephew and his wife, an act of holiday mercy.
8. Here We Come A-Wassailing by Thomas Perry – 4.5 stars
Break out that $3,000.00 bottle of christmas cognac!
9. A Christmas Puzzle by Ragnar Jonasson – 3 stars
How can a christmas crossword puzzle lead to murder?
10. Hester's Gift by Tom Mead – 3.5 stars
The hotel version of Strangers on a Train.
11. Sergeant Santa by David Gordon – 4 stars
Delightful holiday pick-pocket farce where the title character is awarded a gold watch for “20 years on the force.”
12. End Game by Martin Edwards – 2 stars
A 4-star opening unfolds splendidly as the story revealing the “real reason” why Wilkie Collins, and a few successors, contracted to write the ending of Charles Dickens' The Mystery of Edwin Drood but failed to live up to the contract. Then the plot takes a disconcerting turn and ends up reading like a 1-star mixed metaphor.
This anthology is a compact quality hardcover featuring a modicum of merry mysteries sandwiched between a few layers of holiday hogwash. Suitable for gift giving by any biblio-santa.
A visit to the Mysterious Bookshop has been added to my bucket list 💛🧚♀️🙋🏼.
As a “thank-you” to the loyal patrons of Otto Penzler's NYC mystery book store, The Mysterious Bookshop, he started an annual holiday tradition thirty-one years ago of publishing a small anthology and gifting it to those loyal patrons. He commissioned original stories from some of the finest mystery writers each christmas season. The only criteria for the authors to follow were that the stories be set during the christmas season, involve a mystery, and have some of the action take place at The Mysterious Bookshop. Following is a brief rating and review of the twelve stories contained in the 2024 gift edition.
1. Black Christmas by Jason Starr - 2 stars
Unrequited love featuring the Christmas Cousin of the Grim Reaper.
2. A Midnight Clear by Lindsay Faye – 2 stars
A love triangle is friendishly reduced to an amicable line.
3. Wolfe Trap by Loren D. Estleman - 2.5 stars
Nero Wolfe fan fic.
4. Secret Santa by Ace Atkins – 4 stars
A past-his-prime author of popular thrillers shows up for his annual Christmas Eve book signing event at The Mysterious Bookshop.
5. The Gift of the Wiseguy by Robert Hart – 4 stars
After 20 years an infamous organized crime snitch returns to NYC from his refuge in the witness protection program to hear his son read from his debut novel at The Mysterious Bookshop.
6. Snowflake Time by Laura Lippman – 4 stars
You know you're really a novelist when...
7.The Christmas Party by Jeffery Deaver – 4 stars
An uncle with dementia, a penurious nephew and his wife, an act of holiday mercy.
8. Here We Come A-Wassailing by Thomas Perry – 4.5 stars
Break out that $3,000.00 bottle of christmas cognac!
9. A Christmas Puzzle by Ragnar Jonasson – 3 stars
How can a christmas crossword puzzle lead to murder?
10. Hester's Gift by Tom Mead – 3.5 stars
The hotel version of Strangers on a Train.
11. Sergeant Santa by David Gordon – 4 stars
Delightful holiday pick-pocket farce where the title character is awarded a gold watch for “20 years on the force.”
12. End Game by Martin Edwards – 2 stars
A 4-star opening unfolds splendidly as the story revealing the “real reason” why Wilkie Collins, and a few successors, contracted to write the ending of Charles Dickens' The Mystery of Edwin Drood but failed to live up to the contract. Then the plot takes a disconcerting turn and ends up reading like a 1-star mixed metaphor.
This anthology is a compact quality hardcover featuring a modicum of merry mysteries sandwiched between a few layers of holiday hogwash. Suitable for gift giving by any biblio-santa.
A visit to the Mysterious Bookshop has been added to my bucket list 💛🧚♀️🙋🏼.
November 21, 2024
The Twelve Crimes of Christmas
A review of The Mysterious Press hardcover (October 22, 2024) released simultaneously with the eBook/audiobook.
[4.1 average of the 12 stories, rounded down to a GR 4]
Like Christmas music in the shopping malls, I had to rush the season and read this anthology collection as soon as I got it in November. As editor Otto Penzler writes in his Introduction, The Mysterious Bookshop in NYC commissions an annual Christmas related story from a prominent crime/mystery fiction writer to be printed in a limited edition of 1,000 pamphlet copies. These are then given away free to its customers during the Holiday season. This collection includes the 12 stories from 2012 to 2023. The previous 17 years of stories were collected in Christmas at The Mysterious Bookshop (2010).
This was a very enjoyable collection overall. Some of the stories do range in silly territory but in the spirit of giving and goodwill, even those can be forgiven. Everything here was in 3 stars and up territory and everyone will have their personal faves. For me the later stories were the 5 stars, especially #12 by Martin Edwards, which would also qualify for Penzler's other commissioned series, the Bibliomysteries.
The following individual story synopses and ratings are lightly edited from my status updates. They provide setups only without ending reveals, so I have not spoiler blocked them.
1. Black Christmas (2012) **** by Jason Starr. You'll wonder at first where is the crime or the mystery here. A drunk is crushing over an apparent ex-lover who has dumped him. A gray haired man is slyly observing him at the Mysterious Bookshop. Then in the final pages it all becomes clear.
2. A Midnight Clear (2013) *** by Lyndsay Faye. I'm hoping not too many of these stories start off with alcoholics. A drunk sets out to kill the man he suspects killed his wife. While lurking in wait, he stops in at the Mysterious Bookshop and browses some Sherlock Holmes tales which he read in his youth. Will that have an impact on what he decides to do next?
3. Wolfe Trap: A Claudius Lyon Mystery (2014) *** by Loren D. Estleman. It is getting a bit silly with this one. In this Nero Wolfe parody, amateur detective Claudius Lyon (who raises tomatoes instead of orchids) is called out to solve the disappearance of money from a locked desk drawer at The Mysterious Bookshop. Otto Penzler makes a cameo appearance and there is a bunch of book banter.
4. Secret Santa (2015) *** by Ace Atkins. A worn out writer of hardboiled novels featuring an unrealistic tough guy anti-hero comes to The Mysterious Bookshop for his annual book release & signing. He plans to kill off his character with this final book, but an overly zealous fan is stalking him with other ideas in mind.
5. The Gift of the Wiseguy (2016) **** by Rob Hart. Eric Calabrese is doing his book release and signing at The Mysterious Bookshop. His non-fiction book, the "White Sheep" is about growing up in a mobster family. But then his mobster father shows up for the signing and he was supposed to be in Witness Protection after dropping the dime on his fellow gangsters. Meanwhile, the cops are listening in.
6. Snowflake Time (2017) **** by Laura Lippman. A newsman makes his career from shaming individuals. He is fired from the Gotham News Network for sexual innuendo. He turns to crime fiction writing. The book is actually ghost written just like his supposed non-fiction books. He is at the release and signing at The Mysterious Bookshop when an apparent enthusiastic fan makes an approach.
7. The Christmas Party (2018) ***** by Jeffery Deaver. John, in his late 70s has been put into senior care by his nephew Martin and his wife Emily. Martin and Emily need money and John has a trust fund. They take a hint from caregiver Carmen that she can help put John out of his misery. As with every Deaver I've ever read, there is a diabolical twist before the ending.
8. Here We Come A-Wassailing (2019) **** by Thomas Perry. The premise here was rather fun, but it was stretched a few steps too far. A rare and very expensive bottle of cognac is gifted and regifted on Christmas Eve. Each recipient takes one drink, tops up the bottle with what they have at hand and reseals the bottle before regifting it. It ends up at The Mysterious Bookshop on Christmas morning.
9. A Christmas Puzzle (2020) ***** by Ragnar Jónasson. An 80-year-old woman approaches a clerk at The Mysterious Bookshop to help her solve a puzzle. It is a book crossword that when completed will provide an acrostic answer. The books are all Christmas mysteries and the clues are the publication years. You would have to enlarge the microscopic puzzle image if you wanted to solve it yourself.
10. Hester's Gift (2022) ***** by Tom Mead. Highsmithian sort of tale where crime fiction fan Hester Queeg attends a crime & mystery writer's convention in Manhattan and witnesses two apparent murders on stage during public speeches and the only weapons found are harmless toy guns. The police are baffled, but Hester figures out the solution.
11. Sergeant Santa (2021) ***** by David Gordon. A family of grifters & pickpockets end up with the badge of a corrupt NYC police sergeant. In order to prevent his pickpocket aunt from being hunted down and arrested, her nephew assumes the identity while flashing the badge and goes around NYC performing good deeds at Christmas and building goodwill for the cop. This was silly but good fun!
12. End Game (2023) ***** by Martin Edwards. This one would also have qualified for the Bibliomysteries series. Various writers are cursed when they try to write an ending to Charles Dickens' final unfinished novel The Mystery of Edwin Drood (1870). The tale is told as if it is a "Ghost Story for Christmas" as per M.R. James. A superb ending for this collection!
A review of The Mysterious Press hardcover (October 22, 2024) released simultaneously with the eBook/audiobook.
[4.1 average of the 12 stories, rounded down to a GR 4]
Like Christmas music in the shopping malls, I had to rush the season and read this anthology collection as soon as I got it in November. As editor Otto Penzler writes in his Introduction, The Mysterious Bookshop in NYC commissions an annual Christmas related story from a prominent crime/mystery fiction writer to be printed in a limited edition of 1,000 pamphlet copies. These are then given away free to its customers during the Holiday season. This collection includes the 12 stories from 2012 to 2023. The previous 17 years of stories were collected in Christmas at The Mysterious Bookshop (2010).
This was a very enjoyable collection overall. Some of the stories do range in silly territory but in the spirit of giving and goodwill, even those can be forgiven. Everything here was in 3 stars and up territory and everyone will have their personal faves. For me the later stories were the 5 stars, especially #12 by Martin Edwards, which would also qualify for Penzler's other commissioned series, the Bibliomysteries.
The following individual story synopses and ratings are lightly edited from my status updates. They provide setups only without ending reveals, so I have not spoiler blocked them.
1. Black Christmas (2012) **** by Jason Starr. You'll wonder at first where is the crime or the mystery here. A drunk is crushing over an apparent ex-lover who has dumped him. A gray haired man is slyly observing him at the Mysterious Bookshop. Then in the final pages it all becomes clear.
2. A Midnight Clear (2013) *** by Lyndsay Faye. I'm hoping not too many of these stories start off with alcoholics. A drunk sets out to kill the man he suspects killed his wife. While lurking in wait, he stops in at the Mysterious Bookshop and browses some Sherlock Holmes tales which he read in his youth. Will that have an impact on what he decides to do next?
3. Wolfe Trap: A Claudius Lyon Mystery (2014) *** by Loren D. Estleman. It is getting a bit silly with this one. In this Nero Wolfe parody, amateur detective Claudius Lyon (who raises tomatoes instead of orchids) is called out to solve the disappearance of money from a locked desk drawer at The Mysterious Bookshop. Otto Penzler makes a cameo appearance and there is a bunch of book banter.
4. Secret Santa (2015) *** by Ace Atkins. A worn out writer of hardboiled novels featuring an unrealistic tough guy anti-hero comes to The Mysterious Bookshop for his annual book release & signing. He plans to kill off his character with this final book, but an overly zealous fan is stalking him with other ideas in mind.
5. The Gift of the Wiseguy (2016) **** by Rob Hart. Eric Calabrese is doing his book release and signing at The Mysterious Bookshop. His non-fiction book, the "White Sheep" is about growing up in a mobster family. But then his mobster father shows up for the signing and he was supposed to be in Witness Protection after dropping the dime on his fellow gangsters. Meanwhile, the cops are listening in.
6. Snowflake Time (2017) **** by Laura Lippman. A newsman makes his career from shaming individuals. He is fired from the Gotham News Network for sexual innuendo. He turns to crime fiction writing. The book is actually ghost written just like his supposed non-fiction books. He is at the release and signing at The Mysterious Bookshop when an apparent enthusiastic fan makes an approach.
7. The Christmas Party (2018) ***** by Jeffery Deaver. John, in his late 70s has been put into senior care by his nephew Martin and his wife Emily. Martin and Emily need money and John has a trust fund. They take a hint from caregiver Carmen that she can help put John out of his misery. As with every Deaver I've ever read, there is a diabolical twist before the ending.
8. Here We Come A-Wassailing (2019) **** by Thomas Perry. The premise here was rather fun, but it was stretched a few steps too far. A rare and very expensive bottle of cognac is gifted and regifted on Christmas Eve. Each recipient takes one drink, tops up the bottle with what they have at hand and reseals the bottle before regifting it. It ends up at The Mysterious Bookshop on Christmas morning.
9. A Christmas Puzzle (2020) ***** by Ragnar Jónasson. An 80-year-old woman approaches a clerk at The Mysterious Bookshop to help her solve a puzzle. It is a book crossword that when completed will provide an acrostic answer. The books are all Christmas mysteries and the clues are the publication years. You would have to enlarge the microscopic puzzle image if you wanted to solve it yourself.
10. Hester's Gift (2022) ***** by Tom Mead. Highsmithian sort of tale where crime fiction fan Hester Queeg attends a crime & mystery writer's convention in Manhattan and witnesses two apparent murders on stage during public speeches and the only weapons found are harmless toy guns. The police are baffled, but Hester figures out the solution.
11. Sergeant Santa (2021) ***** by David Gordon. A family of grifters & pickpockets end up with the badge of a corrupt NYC police sergeant. In order to prevent his pickpocket aunt from being hunted down and arrested, her nephew assumes the identity while flashing the badge and goes around NYC performing good deeds at Christmas and building goodwill for the cop. This was silly but good fun!
12. End Game (2023) ***** by Martin Edwards. This one would also have qualified for the Bibliomysteries series. Various writers are cursed when they try to write an ending to Charles Dickens' final unfinished novel The Mystery of Edwin Drood (1870). The tale is told as if it is a "Ghost Story for Christmas" as per M.R. James. A superb ending for this collection!
September 19, 2024
I received a free copy of, Christmas Crimes at The Mysterious Bookshop, by Otto Penzler, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book has twelve mysteries set in or around The Mysterious Bookshop. This book had so many great short stories I could not pick a favorite.
October 24, 2024
This was a great collection! It has some really strong writers in here. I loved how the Mysterious Bookshop was always involved in the stories it really helped bring the collection together. I really liked the order that the stories were told. The book flowed together really well. I'm happy there were 2 narrators for the audiobook, they both did a fantastic job.
I need to make my way over to NYC to go see the Mysterious Bookshop in person one day!
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for an ALC!! all opinions are my own!
I need to make my way over to NYC to go see the Mysterious Bookshop in person one day!
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for an ALC!! all opinions are my own!
December 23, 2024
Charmed by the idea that there would be such a person as Otto Penzler truly running such a bookshop as the Mysterious Bookshop (and there is - in NYC - and he is) who is cleverly commissioning holiday stories for his people to enjoy. . .could there be a better marketing tool? What writer wouldn't feel all the warm fuzzies for that particular honor? And then aforesaid OP to gather some of them into a book for others to read. . .BRILLIANTLY FESTIVE!
There are 12 notable stories in this collection, and as mysteries go. . one really cannot outline the tale for those mystery readers who begin unpuzzling at the title! So, will leave it with my favorite this year as Snowflake Time (reserving the right to change favorites in subsequent reads).
*A sincere thank you to Otto Penzler, HighBridge Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #ChristmasCrimesatTheMysteriousBookshop #NetGalley
There are 12 notable stories in this collection, and as mysteries go. . one really cannot outline the tale for those mystery readers who begin unpuzzling at the title! So, will leave it with my favorite this year as Snowflake Time (reserving the right to change favorites in subsequent reads).
*A sincere thank you to Otto Penzler, HighBridge Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #ChristmasCrimesatTheMysteriousBookshop #NetGalley
December 1, 2024
Christmas Crimes at the Mysterious Bookshop by Otto Penzler is a collection of short stories with 3 requirements:
1.The stories must take place during the Christmas season
2.Must involve a mystery
3.Some of the action must take place at the Mysterious Bookshop
Fun stories for the season. Enjoy!
1.The stories must take place during the Christmas season
2.Must involve a mystery
3.Some of the action must take place at the Mysterious Bookshop
Fun stories for the season. Enjoy!
December 7, 2024
The first two thirds of the book were written by extremely misogynistic men. The last third were ok stories.
I was super excited about this book after reading the description, but it didn’t live up to the hype. The bookshop could have been incorporated much better. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend this to others.
I was super excited about this book after reading the description, but it didn’t live up to the hype. The bookshop could have been incorporated much better. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend this to others.
dnf
January 24, 2025DNF after two stories
Okay, so there were a ton of red flags in the first story. (Honestly, even just during the introduction to the project I already didn't like the narrator's voice at all, so that didn't help.)
I found the characters and voice in these to be really unpleasant and very unrelatable. It's very heteronormative and gender stereotypes in that 'fellas, we all have to ogle women who aren't our wives, am I right? I'm just a red-blooded male and can't help but be attracted to every woman I see!' sort of way. Where they'd totally have a "man cave" and fill it with all the Hobby Lobby trite sayings as "decor" if they could. But it seemed like they were trying to be the everyman, and not just an absurd asshole caricature you're supposed to find obnoxious as heck.
My poor husband rolled his eyes and had some snarky replies while listening to the audiobook with me.
Maybe the other stories get better, but I kinda believe in putting your best foot forward to hook your readers. And if this is what the other stories have to offer? No, thank you.
Okay, so there were a ton of red flags in the first story. (Honestly, even just during the introduction to the project I already didn't like the narrator's voice at all, so that didn't help.)
I found the characters and voice in these to be really unpleasant and very unrelatable. It's very heteronormative and gender stereotypes in that 'fellas, we all have to ogle women who aren't our wives, am I right? I'm just a red-blooded male and can't help but be attracted to every woman I see!' sort of way. Where they'd totally have a "man cave" and fill it with all the Hobby Lobby trite sayings as "decor" if they could. But it seemed like they were trying to be the everyman, and not just an absurd asshole caricature you're supposed to find obnoxious as heck.
My poor husband rolled his eyes and had some snarky replies while listening to the audiobook with me.
Maybe the other stories get better, but I kinda believe in putting your best foot forward to hook your readers. And if this is what the other stories have to offer? No, thank you.
December 18, 2024
"Christmas Crimes at the Mysterious Bookshop" edited by Otto Penzler, is an anthology of the 12 best short stories collected annually over the last 10 years or so by the Mysterious Bookshop in NYC.
The stories must be set at Christmas with at least part of it in the Mysterious Bookshop, and there must be a crime in the story. The winning stories were annually published and printed in limited quantities for the customers of the store.
These stories are great, and I enjoyed most of them very much!
My favorite four stories are as follows:
"Wolfe Trap", a Claudius Lyon Mystery by Loren D. Estlemen, a locked drawer mystery. This one is great for the writing style!
"Here We Come A-Wassailing" by Thomas Perry about regifting in the extreme.
"A Christmas Puzzle" by Ragnar Jónasson about revenge.
"Sergeant Santa" by David Gordon about a criminal pretending to be a police sergeant and taking care of the bullies in town.
Narrators Jennifer Pickens and Graham Rowat did a great job with these stories!
I gave star ratings (out of 5) to each story, and the total was 48. Divided by 12 gives an average of 4 stars. I didn't have any rated lower than 3 stars
It is an easy collection to read one or a few at a time. I highly recommend this for mystery lovers to enjoy around Christmastime!
Thank you to Netgalley, High Bridge Audio, and Otto Penzler for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
The stories must be set at Christmas with at least part of it in the Mysterious Bookshop, and there must be a crime in the story. The winning stories were annually published and printed in limited quantities for the customers of the store.
These stories are great, and I enjoyed most of them very much!
My favorite four stories are as follows:
"Wolfe Trap", a Claudius Lyon Mystery by Loren D. Estlemen, a locked drawer mystery. This one is great for the writing style!
"Here We Come A-Wassailing" by Thomas Perry about regifting in the extreme.
"A Christmas Puzzle" by Ragnar Jónasson about revenge.
"Sergeant Santa" by David Gordon about a criminal pretending to be a police sergeant and taking care of the bullies in town.
Narrators Jennifer Pickens and Graham Rowat did a great job with these stories!
I gave star ratings (out of 5) to each story, and the total was 48. Divided by 12 gives an average of 4 stars. I didn't have any rated lower than 3 stars
It is an easy collection to read one or a few at a time. I highly recommend this for mystery lovers to enjoy around Christmastime!
Thank you to Netgalley, High Bridge Audio, and Otto Penzler for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
November 7, 2024
If you are looking for Christmas stories that are all fluffy, romance then these are the short stories for you. Some of these crime stories are kind of dark but they are all set at Christmas and involve a bookstore so they are kind of fun too. Read my full review at Girl Who Reads.
December 6, 2024
Really enjoyed this collection of 12 gritty Christmas-related crime stories. My favorites were Black Christmas by Jason Starr, A Midnight Clear by Lyndsay Faye, The Gift of the Wiseguy by Rob Hart, Snowflake Time by Laura Lippman, Here We Come A-Wassailing by Thomas Perry, A Christmas Puzzle by Ragnar Jónasson and End Game by Martin Edwards.
December 15, 2024
Great fun, a nice mix of crime and Christmas sentiment. A higher percentage of good stories than I usually find in an anthology.
December 31, 2024
This collection of short stories was really cute. The only criticism I have is that the stories weren't in order of when they were published, but that's a small thing. I liked this Christmas-themed book. I loved that the stories were short enough to read in one setting but long enough to actually get you immersed in the lives' of the characters. Now, it makes me want to visit the bookstore in real life! Field trip, anyone?
July 24, 2025
Utterly bookish, enthusiastically Christmas, and full of crime. 👏 Some of the stories were a little too gritty and cynical for me, others were somehow perfectly cozy and oddly heartwarming. I'm glad I read this collection.
And I really need to visit the Mysterious Bookshop someday. 💚
And I really need to visit the Mysterious Bookshop someday. 💚
December 25, 2024
This was very fun and festive! Of course some stories are better than others (Hester’s Gift was my favorite) but overall it was a nice collection of holiday mysteries ranging in tone.
November 20, 2024
3.5 rounding up. A really engaging collection of mystery short stories that involve the holidays and the famous Mysterious Bookshop (that really exists in NY). This collection was more my speed with actual mysteries and plenty of murder.
October 24, 2024
❄️❄️❄️❄️
Step into the enchanting world of The Mysterious Bookshop, the oldest mystery specialty bookstore on the planet! At the heart of this literary gem lies an annual tradition that will thrill any book lover: the commissioning of original short stories exclusively for its patrons. Imagine discovering a bookstore with this delightful custom! Sounds like fun.
“The Christmas Crimes at The Mysterious Bookshop” is a collection of these specially crafted tales. Within its pages, you’ll encounter a mix of gripping dark mysteries and clever, humorous takes on crime that will keep you turning the pages. Each story is just the length to draw you in and ignite your imagination. I found the first tale to be quite riveting! While some stories shine brighter than others, each showcases the talent of respected authors, making this anthology a true treasure for mystery and short story enthusiasts.
Thanks to the authors, Otto Penzler and HighBridge Audio, for this gifted audiobook provided through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Step into the enchanting world of The Mysterious Bookshop, the oldest mystery specialty bookstore on the planet! At the heart of this literary gem lies an annual tradition that will thrill any book lover: the commissioning of original short stories exclusively for its patrons. Imagine discovering a bookstore with this delightful custom! Sounds like fun.
“The Christmas Crimes at The Mysterious Bookshop” is a collection of these specially crafted tales. Within its pages, you’ll encounter a mix of gripping dark mysteries and clever, humorous takes on crime that will keep you turning the pages. Each story is just the length to draw you in and ignite your imagination. I found the first tale to be quite riveting! While some stories shine brighter than others, each showcases the talent of respected authors, making this anthology a true treasure for mystery and short story enthusiasts.
Thanks to the authors, Otto Penzler and HighBridge Audio, for this gifted audiobook provided through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
October 22, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for an advance reading copy.
12 short stories by 12 different authors with very different voices. Each story takes place at Christmas time, involves a crime or mystery of sorts and is set at least partially in The Mysterious Bookshop in NYC (the oldest mystery specialty bookstore in the world..a real place!).
This was so much fun to read. A couple of stories were just okay but most were great. Some were a bit dark but some were quite comical and charming. A perfect Christmas read!
12 short stories by 12 different authors with very different voices. Each story takes place at Christmas time, involves a crime or mystery of sorts and is set at least partially in The Mysterious Bookshop in NYC (the oldest mystery specialty bookstore in the world..a real place!).
This was so much fun to read. A couple of stories were just okay but most were great. Some were a bit dark but some were quite comical and charming. A perfect Christmas read!
December 26, 2024
There is a wide variety of different types of stories, but what they all have in common is that part of the story must take place at the Mysterious Bookshop in New York City. Authors include Laura Lippman, Jeffery Deaver, Thomas Perry, Ragnar Jonasson, and others. I can honestly say there wasn't a bad story in the bunch.
December 24, 2024
I am bored by this. Hard to read. Did not finish.
February 7, 2025
The NYC Mysterious Bookshop owner Otto Penzler writes in the introduction that every year his store gives out a holiday short story with a purchase. This year, they collected 10 stories together.
The first two seemed based in adultery and I didn’t know if I wanted to finish, but the rest of the collection wasn’t like them. I was glad I read through them. Several were just delightful.
I think my favorite was Here We Go A-Wassailing by Thomas Perry. It was such a clever story that kept me smiling, about a woman who brings an expensive bottle of cognac that becomes quite the gift.
I love that each of them mentions or takes place in the Mysterious Bookshop and many mention Otto. What a delight for mystery and book lovers!
The first two seemed based in adultery and I didn’t know if I wanted to finish, but the rest of the collection wasn’t like them. I was glad I read through them. Several were just delightful.
I think my favorite was Here We Go A-Wassailing by Thomas Perry. It was such a clever story that kept me smiling, about a woman who brings an expensive bottle of cognac that becomes quite the gift.
I love that each of them mentions or takes place in the Mysterious Bookshop and many mention Otto. What a delight for mystery and book lovers!
December 16, 2024
This was a really fun read! I was pleasantly surprised by how consistent the stories were as well. My favorites were Here We Come A-Wassailing, A Christmas Puzzle, and End Game. This is definitely perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit.
December 23, 2025
DNF! Like some other reviewers have said, the first few stories are particularly atrocious (and I’m not even talking about the crimes, although some definitely aren’t “cozy mysteries”), but I didn’t keep going to read the ones that are “okay”. Would absolutely not recommend to anyone.
January 4, 2025
Loved these stories! Highlights include "Black Christmas" by Jason Starr, "A Midnight Closer" by Lyndsay Faye, and "End Game" by Martin Edwards.
Also I cannot emphasize enough how much I enjoy the design of this edition. It is a delightful little book!
Also I cannot emphasize enough how much I enjoy the design of this edition. It is a delightful little book!
December 17, 2025
This book was just darling. There are cozy mysteries and there's murder mysteries, and everything in between. There is a story in the collection that anyone can enjoy.
November 15, 2024
A solid collection of Christmas bookshop mysteries!
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December 4, 2024My review of this is in my mega-review of Best Christmas Thrillers and Mysteries of 2024
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
December 8, 2024
Did not enjoy this one. The men in most of the stories are so awful I can’t tell if it’s meant to be ironic. One of the guys sees his “soulmate” but mentions how she could lose 20 pounds, and another guy has sexual harassment claims against him and insists they’re all false and mentions how he never finds women interesting. Not the kind of people I want to read about.
The second half of stories were more tolerable, but still didn’t give much of a mystery or Christmas vibe, so overall I wouldn’t recommend this.
The second half of stories were more tolerable, but still didn’t give much of a mystery or Christmas vibe, so overall I wouldn’t recommend this.
January 15, 2025
I am shocked this was recommended so many times and sold out over Christmas. I got about halfway and stopped. Nothing about misogynistic drunk men is cozy or Christmas or interesting. Plus, there’s a freaking typo in a story written in 2011. Really?? No one noticed the difference between “imaging” and “imagining” in 13 years?! God I wish I hadn’t bought this. I’m actually mad about it. The fact that it started with the story it did should have been a huge red flag. 😡 just don’t waste your time.
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