Left at Number 17: A Warm, Sharp and Very British Christmas Comedy Novella About Neighbours, Chaos and Second Chances

by James Crookes

From the bestselling author of “Do They Know It’s Christmas Yet?” comes a sharply funny, big-hearted festive novella about neighbours, second chances, and one very expensive Jiffy bag.

If anyone on Laurel Drive dared to feel festive on the first Monday in December, a small red card through the letterbox reminded them there were new Christmas rules.

Dennis at Number 17 — facing his first Christmas as a widower — has “seasonalised” the street’s deliveries into a nightly Parcel tickets, passwords, tea, order. For Dennis, turning Laurel Drive into a system isn’t just efficient; it’s his way of keeping the neighbours looking out for each other.

It almost works — until Christmas Eve, when Michael jumps the queue with a panicked lie about a proposal and discovers the parcel he’s desperate for… isn’t there.

A chancer courier has pocketed a tiny Jiffy.

Dennis (who just wants the world to line up with the doorframe) and Michael (who definitely isn’t proposing) head out to retrieve it.

They find a faltering Mini, a wonky market stall, and a woman who made one bad choice — roughly the size of Dennis’s own, once upon a time.

Back on Laurel Drive, the neighbours keep the Hub moving, Davina the Labrador keeps the peace, and everyone keeps proving that Christmas chaos is easiest survived together.

Perfect for fans

• Richard Curtis

• Nick Hornby

• Beth O’Leary

• Warm, witty British comedy with real heart

Inside you’ll

• A street running Christmas like a system (passwords, queue tickets, tea).

• A missing-parcel road trip.

• A twenty-second voice note that lands exactly where it should.

• Festive chaos, found family, and laughter with a lump in the throat.

• Zero schmaltz. Maximum heart.

About the author

James Crookes is a bestselling comedy author and long-running UK radio presenter/producer, known for twenty years of making people laugh on breakfast radio and for the hit festive novel “Do They Know It’s Christmas Yet?”. He lives in Sheffield with his family, fifteen pairs of reading glasses, and a sincere belief that wine solves at least 40% of modern problems.

172 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2025

Reviews

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read all of James Crookes’ books and found them to be laugh-out-loud funny. This one not so much. The story was okay but got lost in the similes/metaphors/personification on every other line. I would have preferred a bit of sarcastic humour and just plain old storytelling just like his other books. Pretty disappointing and can only give it 3⭐️

If anyone on Laurel Drive dared to feel festive on the first Monday in December, a small red card through the letterbox reminded them there were new Christmas rules.

Dennis at Number 17 — facing his first Christmas as a widower — has turned his driveway into a nightly “Parcel Hub”: queue tickets, passwords, mugs of tea, and a sense of order. For him, running Christmas like a system isn’t just neighbourly; it’s a way to keep people together when life has taken something away.

It almost works… until Christmas Eve, when Michael jumps the queue with a panicked lie about a proposal and discovers the parcel he desperately needs is missing.

A chancer courier has pocketed his tiny padded envelope.

What follows is a night of frosty detours, market-stall mishaps, a faltering Mini with antlers, and one woman who made a bad choice — roughly the size of Dennis’s own, once upon a time.

[Lisa Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, funny, heartfelt Christmas story

I have read the Do They Know its Christmas series of books and I saw this come up on James Crookes Facebook page and thought I'd give it a look.
It really is a lovely book.
It's amazing what can happen with the magic of Christmas. Dennis has organised a delivery depot at his house gor the residents of Laurel Drive. No-one asked him to do it. But every night he stands in his drive with his check list. Everyone queues and waits for their turn. Michael doesn't want to wait, he has a deadline, he needs to collect the turkey, call his boss and land a client. But first he has to get his parcel. What could possibly go wrong? Michael is about to have his most adventurous Christmas eve ever. A story about loved ones who have gone and friendships formed. Plus a naughty fox. One emotional ride.

[Mrs H Greger · Rating 5 out of 5]

great fun rollercoaster short Christmas drama from the author who bought us do they know it's Christmas yet and the following sequels. really enjoyed this, funny, heartwarming fun

[ukkindlecustomer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xmas in Suburbia
Gentle, bittersweet, Xmas disaster that isn't. Full of love and compassion, laugh out loud one minute, heart breaking the next. A timely reminder of the true spirit of Xmas.

[Deborah Bartram · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guy always makes me laugh out loud x lovely characters, great story x

[jackie portman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all the do they know it's Christmas books .... So when James wrote this I ordered it immediately and honestly.... It didn't disappoint. You'll laugh, cry and feel festive. I don't want to give anything away except to say "oh Dennis" 🥹

[Kelly Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from James Crookes.

Another great read from James Crookes.
Thanks for the laughs again.
I look forward to your next one.
Can't wait

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I concur with Joanne. I gave an extra star because I so love his other books and don’t want him to stop writing, just have more of his usual style. I was really looking forward to this as an early Christmas present to myself but I sadly only found it mildly amusing. The other ‘yet’ books made me laugh so much they annoyed my husband (I read in bed and woke him up) but this one was more internal chuckles. If I hadn’t read the other books, I may have liked it more but as I have, this just didn’t hit the usual mark. Still can’t wait for book 4 though.

[Philippa · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Crookes is now the king of heart warming Christmas comedy capers.

Whilst this one did not feature our beloved characters from his previous trilogy it didn’t disappoint. Ended up really caring about these characters and wouldn’t mind to hear from them again.

Some laugh out loud moments but really just about the kindness of every day people

[Charlie Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly confusing but enjoyable read