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The Reverend Bernard Paltoquet Mystery Series #2
Haunted Christmas
HAUNTED CHRISTMAS
The Reverend Bernard Paltoquet and his new friend Dr Robbie MacTavish go on a tour of Europe shortly after the war and encounter a mystery in a Bergen forest.
Just why are the ghosts of two little children haunting a fir tree there and just how can the two friends help uncover the mystery surrounding their deaths?
The following Christmas that very tree turns up in the village hall and the ghosts of the children with it. It seems they will not rest until their murderer has been brought to justice and only Bernard and Robbie can help. But, as luck would have it, a new patient of the doctor, Dorothy Plunkett, turns out to be a clairvoyant, and so they set about solving the mystery together.
It is Christmas 1948: the village hall is celebrating, but the ghosts of two little children are haunting the Christmas tree and their restless spirits cast a cloud over proceedings...
Titles in the Reverend Paltoquet Mystery Series
The Bockhampton Road Murders
Haunted Christmas
The Possession of November Jones
The Witches of Wandsworth
So Long at the Fair
The Man Who Was Death
The Dark Side of the Mirror
The Reverend Bernard Paltoquet and his new friend Dr Robbie MacTavish go on a tour of Europe shortly after the war and encounter a mystery in a Bergen forest.
Just why are the ghosts of two little children haunting a fir tree there and just how can the two friends help uncover the mystery surrounding their deaths?
The following Christmas that very tree turns up in the village hall and the ghosts of the children with it. It seems they will not rest until their murderer has been brought to justice and only Bernard and Robbie can help. But, as luck would have it, a new patient of the doctor, Dorothy Plunkett, turns out to be a clairvoyant, and so they set about solving the mystery together.
It is Christmas 1948: the village hall is celebrating, but the ghosts of two little children are haunting the Christmas tree and their restless spirits cast a cloud over proceedings...
Titles in the Reverend Paltoquet Mystery Series
The Bockhampton Road Murders
Haunted Christmas
The Possession of November Jones
The Witches of Wandsworth
So Long at the Fair
The Man Who Was Death
The Dark Side of the Mirror
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
6 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 18, 2019
HAUNTED CHRISTMAS is Book 2 in the Reverend Bernard Paltoquet Supernatural Mystery Series. Set in 1948-1949 in a post-war Britain of austerity, Rev. Paltoquet is in a new posting as Vicar in a London parish, his first, and immediately becomes fast friends with the local doctor, Robbie McTavish, an Edinburgh native. Robbie proves to be psychic, and on a trip to Bergen, Norway, he uncovers a tragic incident. The Bergen thread is indeed tragic, beginning the story and threading through to the conclusion, so if you are especially sensitive, take note.
HAUNTED CHRISTMAS is rather like a return of Agatha Christie, were she to consider penning Paranormals. I know London does not make for a "village cosy," but still this series is rather similar in structure, setting, and character types.
HAUNTED CHRISTMAS is rather like a return of Agatha Christie, were she to consider penning Paranormals. I know London does not make for a "village cosy," but still this series is rather similar in structure, setting, and character types.
August 31, 2021
I liked this book more than the first one, probably because we get to see how Reverend Paltoquet and Dr. MacTavish become friends. but also because the mystery is more contained and the actions of both of them had a more immediate effect.
I enjoyed the flipping between London and Norway, the obvious language barriers and the ghost story.
I also liked Beth more here and I had a lot of fun with both housekeepers :P But I still find the romantic parts quit silly, sorry.
I enjoyed the flipping between London and Norway, the obvious language barriers and the ghost story.
I also liked Beth more here and I had a lot of fun with both housekeepers :P But I still find the romantic parts quit silly, sorry.
November 22, 2016
In this second novel in a chilling, yet cozy, murder mystery, we are dealing with two countries during the same time frame. The countries are Norway and England, U.K. The year is 1948 to 1949.
In this novel, we are introduced to the main two characters as they are introduced to each other. We have Vicar Bernard (Bernie) Paltoquet as he assumes his first incumbency. We also meet Dr. Robert (Robbie) MacTavish, M.D. The two become instant friends. Their personalities are 3-D and you begin to sense their reactions and emotions through the dialog.
Each gentleman is fortunate to have a housekeeper that 'does' for them. Although, it is widely considered that Mrs. 'Aitch' is by far the best cook! And, Bernie does like to eat.
This book opens with a murder of three in Norway. On a trip that Robbie won, the good doctor finds he has the ability to 'see' ghosts and hear them. A problem being the ghosts are speaking their native language. Vicar Bernie believes his buddy, even though it conflicts with his religious training, as he, himself, recently had an encounter with a devil in training, which he is still coming to grips with.
This story has ghosts, murders, suspense, humor, excellent views of life in post-war England, and a dialog that is stellar. I highly recommend reading the entire series. Each book is complete within it' own, however, read as a series give hidden depths to the tale. Enjoy!
In this novel, we are introduced to the main two characters as they are introduced to each other. We have Vicar Bernard (Bernie) Paltoquet as he assumes his first incumbency. We also meet Dr. Robert (Robbie) MacTavish, M.D. The two become instant friends. Their personalities are 3-D and you begin to sense their reactions and emotions through the dialog.
Each gentleman is fortunate to have a housekeeper that 'does' for them. Although, it is widely considered that Mrs. 'Aitch' is by far the best cook! And, Bernie does like to eat.
This book opens with a murder of three in Norway. On a trip that Robbie won, the good doctor finds he has the ability to 'see' ghosts and hear them. A problem being the ghosts are speaking their native language. Vicar Bernie believes his buddy, even though it conflicts with his religious training, as he, himself, recently had an encounter with a devil in training, which he is still coming to grips with.
This story has ghosts, murders, suspense, humor, excellent views of life in post-war England, and a dialog that is stellar. I highly recommend reading the entire series. Each book is complete within it' own, however, read as a series give hidden depths to the tale. Enjoy!
February 14, 2017
This is a very light read. I believe it has some mistakes in it. I am pretty certain that you could not get a take-away curry in England the 1940s or that the Norwegians take tea and biscuits the same way as the English. I enjoyed the story for what it is (that her cardboard characters, falling in love at the drop of a hat) and would read another of Pat Herbert's books. I am still pondering Bernie's sexual orientation, if any.
February 25, 2015
Quirky fun read
This is the second book in the series, and I chose to read the books out of order, but they are as charming and delightful as one could imagine. The entire time I read the book I had a smirk on my face. To read the last book first and to jump to the second was incredibly rewarding in many ways! Pick up this book. You won't be disappointed.
This is the second book in the series, and I chose to read the books out of order, but they are as charming and delightful as one could imagine. The entire time I read the book I had a smirk on my face. To read the last book first and to jump to the second was incredibly rewarding in many ways! Pick up this book. You won't be disappointed.
February 13, 2015
Enjoying this book series so much.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews