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A Scrooge Mystery
When everyone's favourite reformed miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, errs from the path of goodness, he starts seeing spirits again - this time of a girl, whose murder he must solve if he is to avoid the dreaded vision of The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
'A WONDERFULLY ATMOSPHERIC TALE TO SAVOUR BY THE FIRE THIS FESTIVE SEASON' My Weekly
Last Christmas, Ebenezer Scrooge was visited by three festive spirits, and the bleak vision of his future has haunted him ever since. He wants to be a good man, and he never wants to see another ghost as long as he lives.
But changing your ways for a day is easy. Changing your ways for ever is a little trickier. Almost a year on, Scrooge is slipping back into bad habits.
When a lucrative business opportunity comes his way, he jumps at the chance to make some quick money . . . to give to the poor, obviously . . .
But then Scrooge sees her. Another ghost, silent and terrifying. Then Bob Cratchit is arrested for the woman's murder, and Scrooge sees only one way to save both his loyal employee and he must solve this crime.
Scrooge's investigation takes him from the heights of business on the Royal Exchange to the depths of London's criminal underworld alongside the formidable Widow Tassell, boot-boy Jem and Tiny Tim. And as Christmas draws closer, Scrooge begins to realise there's more at stake than his own soul.
'A COMPLETELY COMPELLING CHRISTMAS READ' Jonathan Whitelaw
'AN ABSOLUTE CHRISTMAS CRACKER' Fiona Leitch
'A WONDERFULLY ATMOSPHERIC TALE TO SAVOUR BY THE FIRE THIS FESTIVE SEASON' My Weekly
Last Christmas, Ebenezer Scrooge was visited by three festive spirits, and the bleak vision of his future has haunted him ever since. He wants to be a good man, and he never wants to see another ghost as long as he lives.
But changing your ways for a day is easy. Changing your ways for ever is a little trickier. Almost a year on, Scrooge is slipping back into bad habits.
When a lucrative business opportunity comes his way, he jumps at the chance to make some quick money . . . to give to the poor, obviously . . .
But then Scrooge sees her. Another ghost, silent and terrifying. Then Bob Cratchit is arrested for the woman's murder, and Scrooge sees only one way to save both his loyal employee and he must solve this crime.
Scrooge's investigation takes him from the heights of business on the Royal Exchange to the depths of London's criminal underworld alongside the formidable Widow Tassell, boot-boy Jem and Tiny Tim. And as Christmas draws closer, Scrooge begins to realise there's more at stake than his own soul.
'A COMPLETELY COMPELLING CHRISTMAS READ' Jonathan Whitelaw
'AN ABSOLUTE CHRISTMAS CRACKER' Fiona Leitch
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2025
17 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 15, 2025
4 Stars
One Liner: Interesting and a worthy read
Ebenezer Scrooge wants to be remembered as a good man. He sure doesn’t want to see another ghost ever again! However, changing ways is not easy. Almost a year after the previous haunting, Scrooge is slipping. He jumps at a lucrative business opportunity to make some quick money, but then it appears—another ghost asking him to solve her murder.
The story comes in the third-person POV of multiple characters and the first-person POV of a character.
My Thoughts:
Ebenezer Scrooge is one of the most famous fictional characters, remembered during the festive Christmas season. Dickens sure created a character one cannot easily forget. So, when I saw a book that works as a sequel retelling of “A Christmas Carol” but is centered around a mystery, I knew I had to read it.
The writing style (though not overly wordy) retains the charm of the old-world vibe. This makes it easy to experience the atmosphere and the mood, as it transports us to the past.
Of course, there are creative liberties and new characters, but they align with the tone and the plotline. We have ghosts, Christmas, and a main character struggling to retain his reformed ways.
It doesn’t take much time for the mystery to begin, though it takes more time for it to be resolved due to various threads, red herrings, etc. Tiny Tim is a sweet little boy and intelligent, too!
Due to multiple POVs, we see the story from different perspectives. We also get bits and pieces of information from each of them and have to put them together. I could figure out the killer based on instinct and (experience of reading so many mysteries, lol).
The ghosts are really well done. They add depth to the narrative and are integral to the plot. I like how the MC’s reactions/feelings about them change as the story progresses. It feels realistic, and so does the sleuthing.
Though it is a Christmas book, the themes are heavy (bullying, rich vs poor, power dynamics, etc.) and don’t exactly make it a cheerful read. I wouldn’t call it lighthearted, though it has its moments and makes us smile.
The book is a standalone, though I won’t be surprised if it is extended into a short series. Maybe just another couple of books, maybe. Too many would dilute the charm and make it ordinary.
To summarize, A Scrooge Mystery is an interesting and atmospheric mystery set a year after the classical work ends and gives it an all-new dimension. Check it out if you are a fan of the original and enjoy mysteries.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK (Zaffre), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #AScroogeMystery
***
TW:
One Liner: Interesting and a worthy read
Ebenezer Scrooge wants to be remembered as a good man. He sure doesn’t want to see another ghost ever again! However, changing ways is not easy. Almost a year after the previous haunting, Scrooge is slipping. He jumps at a lucrative business opportunity to make some quick money, but then it appears—another ghost asking him to solve her murder.
The story comes in the third-person POV of multiple characters and the first-person POV of a character.
My Thoughts:
Ebenezer Scrooge is one of the most famous fictional characters, remembered during the festive Christmas season. Dickens sure created a character one cannot easily forget. So, when I saw a book that works as a sequel retelling of “A Christmas Carol” but is centered around a mystery, I knew I had to read it.
The writing style (though not overly wordy) retains the charm of the old-world vibe. This makes it easy to experience the atmosphere and the mood, as it transports us to the past.
Of course, there are creative liberties and new characters, but they align with the tone and the plotline. We have ghosts, Christmas, and a main character struggling to retain his reformed ways.
It doesn’t take much time for the mystery to begin, though it takes more time for it to be resolved due to various threads, red herrings, etc. Tiny Tim is a sweet little boy and intelligent, too!
Due to multiple POVs, we see the story from different perspectives. We also get bits and pieces of information from each of them and have to put them together. I could figure out the killer based on instinct and (experience of reading so many mysteries, lol).
The ghosts are really well done. They add depth to the narrative and are integral to the plot. I like how the MC’s reactions/feelings about them change as the story progresses. It feels realistic, and so does the sleuthing.
Though it is a Christmas book, the themes are heavy (bullying, rich vs poor, power dynamics, etc.) and don’t exactly make it a cheerful read. I wouldn’t call it lighthearted, though it has its moments and makes us smile.
The book is a standalone, though I won’t be surprised if it is extended into a short series. Maybe just another couple of books, maybe. Too many would dilute the charm and make it ordinary.
To summarize, A Scrooge Mystery is an interesting and atmospheric mystery set a year after the classical work ends and gives it an all-new dimension. Check it out if you are a fan of the original and enjoy mysteries.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK (Zaffre), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #AScroogeMystery
***
TW:
August 24, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Zaffre for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
As of August 2025, I own 48 copies of A Christmas Carol, including ones published in the mid-1880s (still awaiting that first edition), the Muppet's version, an adaptation involving guinea pigs, and German and Italian translations, so you could say I'm a little protective of it and am a bit iffy when people adapt it or its characters, but I know Andreina is a huge talent so I'm willing to forgive her this time.
This keeps the heart of the original story but adds enough of an extra spark to make it feel new and fresh.
As well as giving us the story from Scrooge's perspective, we also get the odd chapter from the ghost/s perspective, which was an interesting addition.
There's nostalgia there, but it's all wrapped up in a murder mystery, which was an interesting take on the story as it puts the characters in a different light.
Considering how many copies of A Christmas Carol I own, and how many times I've read it, I don't think I've ever given any real though to what happens next, as to whether Scrooge kept his promises or not, but now I've read this, it seems like such an obvious thing to do.
I believe Andreina has written three Christmas books - The 12 Days of Murder, Murder at the Christmas Emporium and now this one, and I've read them all. They remind me a bit of Alexandra Benedict's books, festive offerings with a thrilling edge and I love them all.
I don't know if she is planning any other stories in the Scrooge vein, but I'm intrigued to see. It doesn't necessarily warrant a sequel or a series, and I think you could only go too far without it feeling a bit like a parody, but I'm interested to see what she produces next, Scrooge or otherwise. But I love Christmas books and I love thrillers so she's already on to a winner.
I was a little concerned about this given my aforementioned obsession with the original, but it gave me just enough of everything I wanted and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
As of August 2025, I own 48 copies of A Christmas Carol, including ones published in the mid-1880s (still awaiting that first edition), the Muppet's version, an adaptation involving guinea pigs, and German and Italian translations, so you could say I'm a little protective of it and am a bit iffy when people adapt it or its characters, but I know Andreina is a huge talent so I'm willing to forgive her this time.
This keeps the heart of the original story but adds enough of an extra spark to make it feel new and fresh.
As well as giving us the story from Scrooge's perspective, we also get the odd chapter from the ghost/s perspective, which was an interesting addition.
There's nostalgia there, but it's all wrapped up in a murder mystery, which was an interesting take on the story as it puts the characters in a different light.
Considering how many copies of A Christmas Carol I own, and how many times I've read it, I don't think I've ever given any real though to what happens next, as to whether Scrooge kept his promises or not, but now I've read this, it seems like such an obvious thing to do.
I believe Andreina has written three Christmas books - The 12 Days of Murder, Murder at the Christmas Emporium and now this one, and I've read them all. They remind me a bit of Alexandra Benedict's books, festive offerings with a thrilling edge and I love them all.
I don't know if she is planning any other stories in the Scrooge vein, but I'm intrigued to see. It doesn't necessarily warrant a sequel or a series, and I think you could only go too far without it feeling a bit like a parody, but I'm interested to see what she produces next, Scrooge or otherwise. But I love Christmas books and I love thrillers so she's already on to a winner.
I was a little concerned about this given my aforementioned obsession with the original, but it gave me just enough of everything I wanted and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 27, 2025
Listened on audio & read the physical book. The narration on audio for all the characters was absolutely brilliant. The story itself I found very atmospheric and little bits that take you back to A Christmas Carol ( my favorite festive story ) and I really enjoyed it, the writing style was lovely . The last hour wasn’t full of massive plot twists that shocked me but I’m fine with that and enjoyed it all the same .
October 13, 2025
I loved this! It was so charming. I adored the concept and enjoyed seeing what Ebenezer Scrooge was up to after the previous Christmas with his visits from the three spirits. I adore the cover. It's simple but eye-catching. I thought the book was written well, and it flowed nicely. The writing was pretty true to A Christmas Carol, and it was almost as if Charles Dickens himself wrote this. Well done, Andreina, for staying so true to the original work while making this your own. The setting was Victorian London, as expected, and it was good. The characters are brilliant. I loved how Scrooge was written and developed. Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. See what a reformed, miserable old miser gets up to now.
December 20, 2025
advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review
This was a genuinely enjoyable and surprisingly warm read. The concept alone is a delight — returning to Ebenezer Scrooge after his famous redemption and placing him at the heart of a festive mystery feels both playful and respectful of the original story. What really stood out for me was how convincingly the book captures the spirit of A Christmas Carol while expanding its world in a way that feels natural and earned.
Scrooge is instantly recognisable: kinder, more reflective, but still human and occasionally flawed. His continued struggle to live up to his better self is handled with care and nuance, and it adds real emotional depth to the story. The familiar Dickensian atmosphere is beautifully evoked, with Victorian London brought to life through seasonal detail, supporting characters, and a sense of moral curiosity that echoes the original tale.
The mystery element is engaging and well woven into the narrative, with ghostly touches that feel entirely in keeping with Scrooge’s past experiences. Rather than relying purely on nostalgia, the story builds its own identity, expanding the lore believably and giving Scrooge a meaningful reason to be involved beyond sentimentality. I appreciated how the investigation allowed him to use compassion, observation, and growth rather than brute cleverness alone.
Overall, this is a charming, imaginative continuation that honours Dickens’s creation while confidently telling its own story. It’s festive, thoughtful, and full of heart — a satisfying read for anyone who loves classic retellings, Victorian settings, and Christmas stories with substance.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
This was a genuinely enjoyable and surprisingly warm read. The concept alone is a delight — returning to Ebenezer Scrooge after his famous redemption and placing him at the heart of a festive mystery feels both playful and respectful of the original story. What really stood out for me was how convincingly the book captures the spirit of A Christmas Carol while expanding its world in a way that feels natural and earned.
Scrooge is instantly recognisable: kinder, more reflective, but still human and occasionally flawed. His continued struggle to live up to his better self is handled with care and nuance, and it adds real emotional depth to the story. The familiar Dickensian atmosphere is beautifully evoked, with Victorian London brought to life through seasonal detail, supporting characters, and a sense of moral curiosity that echoes the original tale.
The mystery element is engaging and well woven into the narrative, with ghostly touches that feel entirely in keeping with Scrooge’s past experiences. Rather than relying purely on nostalgia, the story builds its own identity, expanding the lore believably and giving Scrooge a meaningful reason to be involved beyond sentimentality. I appreciated how the investigation allowed him to use compassion, observation, and growth rather than brute cleverness alone.
Overall, this is a charming, imaginative continuation that honours Dickens’s creation while confidently telling its own story. It’s festive, thoughtful, and full of heart — a satisfying read for anyone who loves classic retellings, Victorian settings, and Christmas stories with substance.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
August 13, 2025
This book was such a delightful surprise—equal parts nostalgic, eerie, and heartwarming. Andreina Cordani takes the iconic Ebenezer Scrooge and gives him a fresh twist, placing him in the middle of a murder mystery that’s as festive as it is haunting.
Set nearly a year after his famous Christmas redemption, Scrooge is trying hard to stay on the straight and narrow. He’s throwing parties, decorating his home, and even planning a feast for the poor. But old habits die hard, and when a shady business deal tempts him, things start to unravel. Then comes the ghost—a silent, terrifying figure whose murder Scrooge must solve to avoid another visit from the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
What I loved most was how Cordani balances the cozy charm of Dickensian London with a genuinely gripping mystery. Scrooge is still recognizably himself—gruff, calculating, but trying to be better—and his bond with Tiny Tim adds a lovely emotional layer. The investigation takes him into the darker corners of the city, and the tension builds beautifully as Christmas approaches.
It’s clever, atmospheric, and surprisingly moving. If you enjoy classic characters reimagined with a twist, or just want a festive read with a bit of bite, this one’s worth picking up.
With thanks to Andreina Cordani, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Set nearly a year after his famous Christmas redemption, Scrooge is trying hard to stay on the straight and narrow. He’s throwing parties, decorating his home, and even planning a feast for the poor. But old habits die hard, and when a shady business deal tempts him, things start to unravel. Then comes the ghost—a silent, terrifying figure whose murder Scrooge must solve to avoid another visit from the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
What I loved most was how Cordani balances the cozy charm of Dickensian London with a genuinely gripping mystery. Scrooge is still recognizably himself—gruff, calculating, but trying to be better—and his bond with Tiny Tim adds a lovely emotional layer. The investigation takes him into the darker corners of the city, and the tension builds beautifully as Christmas approaches.
It’s clever, atmospheric, and surprisingly moving. If you enjoy classic characters reimagined with a twist, or just want a festive read with a bit of bite, this one’s worth picking up.
With thanks to Andreina Cordani, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
December 12, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
“He had no further intercourse with spirits…” Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
…As far as he would admit, at least.
What a joy to return to the world Charles Dickens created more than 180 years ago! To be reunited with Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim, and instantly find them as familiar as ever gave me the reassurance that these characters were in safe hands, and that the story that would follows was one which would do them justice.
Picking up almost a year after the events of A Christmas Carol, this story follows Scrooge’s attempts to clear Cratchit’s name and find the true murderer of the spirit who now haunts him. I love a “who done it?” and the author delivers twists and turns to keep you guessing right until the end.
I also enjoyed how the author stayed true to the themes of the original, with poverty, social inequality, and the meaning of the holiday spirit playing a central part to the whole plot.
An enjoyable read, and something different for the festive period.
“He had no further intercourse with spirits…” Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
…As far as he would admit, at least.
What a joy to return to the world Charles Dickens created more than 180 years ago! To be reunited with Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim, and instantly find them as familiar as ever gave me the reassurance that these characters were in safe hands, and that the story that would follows was one which would do them justice.
Picking up almost a year after the events of A Christmas Carol, this story follows Scrooge’s attempts to clear Cratchit’s name and find the true murderer of the spirit who now haunts him. I love a “who done it?” and the author delivers twists and turns to keep you guessing right until the end.
I also enjoyed how the author stayed true to the themes of the original, with poverty, social inequality, and the meaning of the holiday spirit playing a central part to the whole plot.
An enjoyable read, and something different for the festive period.
December 5, 2025
The PERFECT Christmas read. I loved it!! 🎄🔍
Set a year after A Christmas Carol, A Scrooge Mystery reimagines a reformed Ebenezer Scrooge as an unlikely sleuth—still cranky, still haunted (literally), but trying his best to stay on the right side of redemption. When the ghost of a murdered young woman appears, Scrooge is drawn into a dark and twisty case that threatens both his soul and his faithful clerk, Bob Cratchit.
Cordani blends Dickensian charm with a classic murder mystery and it works. The Victorian setting is rich and atmospheric, and the multiple POVs (including spectral ones 👻) add layers of intrigue. I loved how human Scrooge felt—his inner tug-of-war between generosity and self-interest was really compelling. And Tiny Tim! Still breaking hearts, still bringing hope. 💔✨
A festive mystery with a heart—and ghosts galore. Perfect for fans of cosy crime, Dickens retellings, or anyone who likes a little chill with their Christmas cheer.
Set a year after A Christmas Carol, A Scrooge Mystery reimagines a reformed Ebenezer Scrooge as an unlikely sleuth—still cranky, still haunted (literally), but trying his best to stay on the right side of redemption. When the ghost of a murdered young woman appears, Scrooge is drawn into a dark and twisty case that threatens both his soul and his faithful clerk, Bob Cratchit.
Cordani blends Dickensian charm with a classic murder mystery and it works. The Victorian setting is rich and atmospheric, and the multiple POVs (including spectral ones 👻) add layers of intrigue. I loved how human Scrooge felt—his inner tug-of-war between generosity and self-interest was really compelling. And Tiny Tim! Still breaking hearts, still bringing hope. 💔✨
A festive mystery with a heart—and ghosts galore. Perfect for fans of cosy crime, Dickens retellings, or anyone who likes a little chill with their Christmas cheer.
November 25, 2025
I teach A Christmas Carol every year to year 10 for their English Lit GCSE. I love it and I think Dickens is a genius.
So, I am always slightly cautious when it comes to next ‘chapters’ or retellings, but except for a few insignificant details (which only a teacher would pick up on) this book captures the ‘spirit’ of the story.
Scrooge is pulled back into the world of Spirits in a natural and believable way. There are lots of twists and turns and the ending is really gripping.
I found myself caught up emotionally in the plot and the characters were very believable- Scrooge was captured well and it was great to see Tiny Tim - who did not die- playing a key role in the story too.
And a quick shout out… if you are ever in Harrogate, there is an amazing independent bookshop; ‘Imagined Books,’ with enthusiastic, friendly staff, where I bought this book!
So, I am always slightly cautious when it comes to next ‘chapters’ or retellings, but except for a few insignificant details (which only a teacher would pick up on) this book captures the ‘spirit’ of the story.
Scrooge is pulled back into the world of Spirits in a natural and believable way. There are lots of twists and turns and the ending is really gripping.
I found myself caught up emotionally in the plot and the characters were very believable- Scrooge was captured well and it was great to see Tiny Tim - who did not die- playing a key role in the story too.
And a quick shout out… if you are ever in Harrogate, there is an amazing independent bookshop; ‘Imagined Books,’ with enthusiastic, friendly staff, where I bought this book!
December 23, 2025
This has been my favourite festive read this year! The warmth of reading beloved characters such as Tiny Tim and Scrooge but in a new story was just so lovely, despite this being a murder mystery style plot. I adored the writing style and could picture all of these things happening, as the characters were so well plotted to continue on from Dicken’s A Christmas Carol.
This plot was interesting, and I was just so invested. It helps that A Christmas Carol is a favourite of mine, and a story I re-read each Christmas Eve. I did not guess at the ending, but it was written incredibly well and I personally could not find fault in this. Although my heart hurt for some of the things that happened, and finishing this I feel partly gutted and partly so pleased to have something to think of for these characters and their futures. I just absolutely loved it!
This plot was interesting, and I was just so invested. It helps that A Christmas Carol is a favourite of mine, and a story I re-read each Christmas Eve. I did not guess at the ending, but it was written incredibly well and I personally could not find fault in this. Although my heart hurt for some of the things that happened, and finishing this I feel partly gutted and partly so pleased to have something to think of for these characters and their futures. I just absolutely loved it!
October 14, 2025
Ebenezer Scrooge, the reformed man, well almost, he is having trouble keeping to his new image. Bob Crachit is allowed a fire in his office, but the coal is still watched over by Scrooge himself, and he is still interested in making money. But surely the ghosts have gone for good? No, the ghosts have returned and Scrooge finds himself having to investigate a murder, along with help from Tiny Tim, now known as Tim. Will they manage to solve it in time?
A very good follow up on the story of Scrooge, not just a retelling, but an interesting look at how things are turning out one year later.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
A very good follow up on the story of Scrooge, not just a retelling, but an interesting look at how things are turning out one year later.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
December 8, 2025
This was actually excellent. I had high hopes reading the blurb and this totally delivered.
It gave you all the elements you would want, the characters we love, the Victorian setting, a cracking murder mystery and ghosts, plenty of ghosts.
This is set a year after A Christmas Carol's events. The character of Scrooge has a realistic development, he struggles to be as good as he thinks he should be and his arc is really satisfying, he was a great character to follow.
This is set up so that it could be a series and I would absolutely continue with it. If you are a fan of A Christmas Carol this is a must-read.
It gave you all the elements you would want, the characters we love, the Victorian setting, a cracking murder mystery and ghosts, plenty of ghosts.
This is set a year after A Christmas Carol's events. The character of Scrooge has a realistic development, he struggles to be as good as he thinks he should be and his arc is really satisfying, he was a great character to follow.
This is set up so that it could be a series and I would absolutely continue with it. If you are a fan of A Christmas Carol this is a must-read.
December 29, 2025
A year after the events of A Christmas Carol, Scrooge gets haunted again. A wronged young woman is the one to do the haunting and to help her Ebenezer must solve the case of her murder.
This novel does exactly what it says on the tin, so to speak. It's a cozy winter mystery that takes the reader back to the characters of The Carol in a way that matches the tone and mood of Dickens.
Tiny Tim is less perfect angel and more of an adventurous good boy. Unfortunately, some of Scrooge's Carol moral progress is undone to give him a new character arc, but overall this doesn't affect the characterisation too much.
With this book you'll have a very merry Christmas.
This novel does exactly what it says on the tin, so to speak. It's a cozy winter mystery that takes the reader back to the characters of The Carol in a way that matches the tone and mood of Dickens.
Tiny Tim is less perfect angel and more of an adventurous good boy. Unfortunately, some of Scrooge's Carol moral progress is undone to give him a new character arc, but overall this doesn't affect the characterisation too much.
With this book you'll have a very merry Christmas.
December 3, 2025
I listened to this on audiobook format.
I did like this novel and thought it was well written… but… it was overly long and felt a bit too slowly paced at times.
It may come across as a cozy mystery but there’s a bit too much murder and some gore, to nudge it a bit off that genre classification. Not gritty like crime and some thriller novels, though. And yes, lots of Christmas references. You don’t need to be a scholar of Dickens’ work but being somewhat familiar with A Christmas Carol does help when reading this novel.
I did like this novel and thought it was well written… but… it was overly long and felt a bit too slowly paced at times.
It may come across as a cozy mystery but there’s a bit too much murder and some gore, to nudge it a bit off that genre classification. Not gritty like crime and some thriller novels, though. And yes, lots of Christmas references. You don’t need to be a scholar of Dickens’ work but being somewhat familiar with A Christmas Carol does help when reading this novel.
October 28, 2025
I found this at my local library and love a good seasonal book.
It’s not an easy task to rework Dickens. And to continue the story on in a murder mystery is even harder.
I found the multiple POV’s were difficult to follow at first but eventually it all clicks but now I feel like I’d need to go back and connect some dots.
This is definitely not a light-hearted read. There’s three murders, rich vs poor divide and men that just piss you off.
“All men lie and all women pay the price.”
It’s not an easy task to rework Dickens. And to continue the story on in a murder mystery is even harder.
I found the multiple POV’s were difficult to follow at first but eventually it all clicks but now I feel like I’d need to go back and connect some dots.
This is definitely not a light-hearted read. There’s three murders, rich vs poor divide and men that just piss you off.
“All men lie and all women pay the price.”
December 28, 2025
This book was just incredible. The perfect christmas read. It is basically a 'what happened after a christmas carol' but not written in the 19th century, so the language is easy to understand. The characters were all likeable (apart from the villains) and the book did not stray from the original story. This book had everything you could want from a festive cozy murder mystery. This will be a christmas reread for me in the years to come.
December 29, 2025
I found this really difficult to get into, but I always struggle with giving up a book, so I tried to carry on. I found the second half of the book was much easier to read and I began to really enjoy it. I have seen that others have said that they didn’t see the twists coming at the end but I was truly shocked by the murderer’s reveal. I enjoyed it but I wouldn’t give it more than 3.5/5, rounded up to a 4*.
January 11, 2026
An excellent seasonal mystery. A worthy continuation of my favourite Christmas Tale. This book sees Scrooge continuing on his reformation, a man who keeps Christmas Jolly, thinks about others, shares his fortunes. He finds himself investigating the murder of a young woman, ably helped by Tiny Tim and several ghosts. I loved reading this. It had a perfect atmosphere full of seasonal warmth alongside the darkness of Victorian society and the human soul.
December 31, 2025
The third Cordani book during December, they do like a Christmas theme. On the whole very enjoyable, particularly liked the modern ‘traditions’, and thinking, made me smile. Plenty of references to Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ to give context, and possibly to give credence to the narrative. The plot itself was put together well, with a few misdirections (which may have been too obvious).
December 26, 2025
4.5. Really enjoyed the story. Narration good.
January 7, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyable festive murder mystery adding a new twist to the Dicken's classic.
December 26, 2025
Fabulous book - just what I needed to get in the holiday spirit! Scrooge is haunted by some new ghosts - recently deceased people from his hometown. And they won't stop until Scrooge finds their killer. Lots of great twists and turns. The author does a wonderful job of tying everything in with scenes from the original book.
October 10, 2025
I hope this will be the start of a series as I really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews