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Another Little Christmas Murder
A classic country house mystery republished for the first time in nearly seventy years. Perfect for fans of Murder at the Old Vicarage and Partners in Crime.When Dilys Hughes finds herself snowbound in the middle of a bleak and lonely stretch of Yorkshire, she has no option but to accept help from passing motorist Inigo Brown, who is on his way to visit his uncle. Arriving at his uncle's remote country house, Wintry Wold, the couple encounters a less than warm welcome from Inigo's new young aunt, Theresa. Why is she reluctant to let Inigo see his uncle, and is he really as ill as they are told? As the snowstorm brings more stranded strangers to their door, Dilys starts to realise that all is not as it seems at Wintry Wold. When the morning brings news of the death of Inigo's uncle, Dilys sets out to investigate - was it a natural death, or was it murder?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1947
40 people are currently reading
719 people want to read
About the author
Lorna Nicholl Morgan
3 books9 followersLorna Nicholl Morgan was an English writer who published four mystery novels in the 1940s. Her work has been compared to that of Margery Allingham and Dorothy Sayers.
Lorna Nicholl Morgan was born in New Malden, London, on 20 August 1913, the youngest of five sisters. Her father worked as a legal draftsman. In 1954, at the age of 41, she emigrated to the United States, leaving her previous home in London to sail unaccompanied on the S.S. Ryndam from Southampton to New York. On the ship's passenger list, she was described as a novelist.
Morgan was the author of four mystery novels:
Murder in Devils' Hollow (1944, World's Work)
Talking of Murder (1945, Harrap)
The Death Box (1946, Macdonald & Co.)
Another Little Murder (1947, Macdonald & Co.)
According to Social Security records, she died on 15 November 1993.
During December 2014, British booksellers reported a resurgence of interest in novels from the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, attributed to the British Library's successful reprinting of Mystery in White by Joseph Jefferson Farjeon. More Christmas-themed murder mysteries from the Golden Age were reprinted over the following years, including Morgan's Another Little Murder, which was rechristened Another Little Christmas Murder by its new publishers, Sphere Books, to emphasise its festive setting. Under this title, the book has received mixed reviews, with some readers criticising its link to Christmas as tenuous, and others enjoying its "intricately plotted" nature and describing it as a "classic".
Either way, the commercial performance of Another Little Christmas Murder was such that the publishers decided to reprint The Death Box less than a year later, advertising the fact that it was from the same author on the front cover.
Lorna Nicholl Morgan was born in New Malden, London, on 20 August 1913, the youngest of five sisters. Her father worked as a legal draftsman. In 1954, at the age of 41, she emigrated to the United States, leaving her previous home in London to sail unaccompanied on the S.S. Ryndam from Southampton to New York. On the ship's passenger list, she was described as a novelist.
Morgan was the author of four mystery novels:
Murder in Devils' Hollow (1944, World's Work)
Talking of Murder (1945, Harrap)
The Death Box (1946, Macdonald & Co.)
Another Little Murder (1947, Macdonald & Co.)
According to Social Security records, she died on 15 November 1993.
During December 2014, British booksellers reported a resurgence of interest in novels from the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, attributed to the British Library's successful reprinting of Mystery in White by Joseph Jefferson Farjeon. More Christmas-themed murder mysteries from the Golden Age were reprinted over the following years, including Morgan's Another Little Murder, which was rechristened Another Little Christmas Murder by its new publishers, Sphere Books, to emphasise its festive setting. Under this title, the book has received mixed reviews, with some readers criticising its link to Christmas as tenuous, and others enjoying its "intricately plotted" nature and describing it as a "classic".
Either way, the commercial performance of Another Little Christmas Murder was such that the publishers decided to reprint The Death Box less than a year later, advertising the fact that it was from the same author on the front cover.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
November 25, 2019
3.5 stars-- the standout in this book is the main character, Dylis, followed by the overall lightness of touch in the authorial voice. There's also some *surprising* elements that come in as a part of the resolution that were interesting to say the least. I would definitely read more from this author, but the muddleness of the action towards the end kept it from being a full 4 stars for me. Overall, a solid Christmas-y mystery
December 21, 2022
I don't know what I was expecting when I picked up this book but this was not it. I think I was anticipating another An English Murder or run of the mill British Library Crime Classic that would under deliver.
But I was pleasantly surprised with this country house mystery where the occupants of a large manor house are stranded by a combination of a deluge of snow and car problems.
I first pictured the main character, Dilys Hughes, to be an elderly Miss Marple type. I was soon disabused of this notion but finding her age to be much younger than I initially thought. She also had a more assertive, take action style than I was anticipating, which was refreshing and not at all off putting, even given the time period in which this book was written.
While the mystery in this book was much more solveable than that of Hercule Poirot's Christmas, I found myself not despising the characters in this book as much as in Christie's book. Although some of the characters were unlikeable in this book, they weren't as loathsome and their motivations weren't as one dimensional and apparent as they were in Hercule Poirot's Christmas.
There was a sense of humor than ran throughout this book that gave it a sense of levity and a je ne sais quoi that other mysteries written at the same time as this one were lacking. I found myself alternately smirking or chuckling, which I don't often do with golden age crime books.
I am sad to find out that this brilliant and talented author only published 3 more books in her repertoire.
But I was pleasantly surprised with this country house mystery where the occupants of a large manor house are stranded by a combination of a deluge of snow and car problems.
I first pictured the main character, Dilys Hughes, to be an elderly Miss Marple type. I was soon disabused of this notion but finding her age to be much younger than I initially thought. She also had a more assertive, take action style than I was anticipating, which was refreshing and not at all off putting, even given the time period in which this book was written.
While the mystery in this book was much more solveable than that of Hercule Poirot's Christmas, I found myself not despising the characters in this book as much as in Christie's book. Although some of the characters were unlikeable in this book, they weren't as loathsome and their motivations weren't as one dimensional and apparent as they were in Hercule Poirot's Christmas.
There was a sense of humor than ran throughout this book that gave it a sense of levity and a je ne sais quoi that other mysteries written at the same time as this one were lacking. I found myself alternately smirking or chuckling, which I don't often do with golden age crime books.
I am sad to find out that this brilliant and talented author only published 3 more books in her repertoire.
December 3, 2017
A classic country house mystery republished for the first time in nearly seventy years. Perfect for fans of Murder at the Old Vicarage and Partners in Crime.
When Dilys Hughes finds herself snowbound in the middle of a bleak and lonely stretch of Yorkshire, she has no option but to accept help from passing motorist Inigo Brown, who is on his way to visit his uncle. Arriving at his uncle's remote country house, Wintry Wold, the couple encounters a less than warm welcome from Inigo's new young aunt, Theresa. Why is she reluctant to let Inigo see his uncle, and is he really as ill as they are told? As the snowstorm brings more stranded strangers to their door, Dilys starts to realise that all is not as it seems at Wintry Wold. When the morning brings news of the death of Inigo's uncle, Dilys sets out to investigate - was it a natural death, or was it murder?
Another review alerted me to the fact that this is not a Christmas mystery, since the original title was simply Another Little Murder before the modern publisher added the word Christmas. Proof that you can’t trust anyone. So, this is a cheat and I want my money back! Nah, it would’ve actually been a charming enough little mystery and I wouldn’t even have noticed the absence of the Christmas theme since the setting is sufficiently wintry with lots of snow.
There are other problems however.
This book reminded me of Jefferson Farjeon’s Mystery In White – both begin really promisingly before quickly losing steam due to annoying characters and a nonsensical plot.
Dilys is a charming and feisty young heroine while Inigo is a bit goofy, but they make for a fun couple. I really loved the playful banter between the two main characters in the first chapter which unfortunately later gave way to less interesting conversations between the numerous guests of the house. The plot almost comes to a standstill here as Dilys is forced to take over some household duties due to the lack of servants and more and more strangers arrive at the house, all people who have also got struck in a snowdrift. It takes sheer ages for the mystery plot to materialize and even when it does eventually it is not very exciting.
There are also some logical issues to consider. It is constantly snowing outside, even the word blizzard gets mentioned. Now considering that this book is set pre-World War II it is difficult to imagine people just driving around on the blocked roads in their little vintage cars. So how on earth do they even make it to the house which after all is in the middle of nowhere?
Verdict: Not a great mystery, but if you are suffering from an acute lack of snow, this might be the right cure.
When Dilys Hughes finds herself snowbound in the middle of a bleak and lonely stretch of Yorkshire, she has no option but to accept help from passing motorist Inigo Brown, who is on his way to visit his uncle. Arriving at his uncle's remote country house, Wintry Wold, the couple encounters a less than warm welcome from Inigo's new young aunt, Theresa. Why is she reluctant to let Inigo see his uncle, and is he really as ill as they are told? As the snowstorm brings more stranded strangers to their door, Dilys starts to realise that all is not as it seems at Wintry Wold. When the morning brings news of the death of Inigo's uncle, Dilys sets out to investigate - was it a natural death, or was it murder?
Another review alerted me to the fact that this is not a Christmas mystery, since the original title was simply Another Little Murder before the modern publisher added the word Christmas. Proof that you can’t trust anyone. So, this is a cheat and I want my money back! Nah, it would’ve actually been a charming enough little mystery and I wouldn’t even have noticed the absence of the Christmas theme since the setting is sufficiently wintry with lots of snow.
There are other problems however.
This book reminded me of Jefferson Farjeon’s Mystery In White – both begin really promisingly before quickly losing steam due to annoying characters and a nonsensical plot.
Dilys is a charming and feisty young heroine while Inigo is a bit goofy, but they make for a fun couple. I really loved the playful banter between the two main characters in the first chapter which unfortunately later gave way to less interesting conversations between the numerous guests of the house. The plot almost comes to a standstill here as Dilys is forced to take over some household duties due to the lack of servants and more and more strangers arrive at the house, all people who have also got struck in a snowdrift. It takes sheer ages for the mystery plot to materialize and even when it does eventually it is not very exciting.
There are also some logical issues to consider. It is constantly snowing outside, even the word blizzard gets mentioned. Now considering that this book is set pre-World War II it is difficult to imagine people just driving around on the blocked roads in their little vintage cars. So how on earth do they even make it to the house which after all is in the middle of nowhere?
Verdict: Not a great mystery, but if you are suffering from an acute lack of snow, this might be the right cure.
December 15, 2021
As many other reviewers have pointed out, this is not a Christmas mystery although there is a lot of snow. It has been cynically retitled by the publisher in a bid to get the Christmas sales market. As a collector of old golden age mystery books I find this especially aggravating as you can easily pick up a title thinking it is one you don't have in your collection only to find that you do, but under a different title!
I thought this began really well, the snowy scene was beautifully set and there is a nice humorous narrative but it descended into a rather chaotic and unbelievable tale. Still worth a read though for golden age aficionados.
I thought this began really well, the snowy scene was beautifully set and there is a nice humorous narrative but it descended into a rather chaotic and unbelievable tale. Still worth a read though for golden age aficionados.
December 28, 2019
Il Natale non c'entra molto, ma neve ce n'è in abbondanza. La trama gialla non stupisce, tuttavia la narrazione è gradevole, personaggi e situazioni scorrono in puro stile british.
December 17, 2019
'Tis the season for me to get my fix of murder mysteries at Christmas so this seemed like it'd fit the bill. The title promised I'd be getting "Another Little Christmas Murder" mystery but alas, this isn't it, people. Christmas is mentioned twice here once to say it's weeks away and at the end when the two main characters are headed to her family's home for Christmas. What this story does have is snow. Lots of snow. A hellacious storm descends on Wintry Wold in Yorkshire and that's really the hook here to what is at its core a country house murder mystery.
Now usually, I love a country house murder mystery but that wasn't what I signed up for when I chose this. Not happy. Also to the not so great side of the ledger, this was terribly slow. It takes place over about two days but the first half is quite a slog and chatty so it's not until almost 56% in that the real investigation to who has done the murder and why get underway. The end was done well and was swift in the tidy tie-up. Our main characters Dylis and Inigo ended the story just where I'd hoped and expected they would which was nice because they were the best of the characters presented (they saved the whole thing).
I'd recommend this as a country house mystery but don't believe the title, it's a lie and will only lead to disappointment or annoyance if you're looking for a Christmas murder mystery. Be advised.
Now usually, I love a country house murder mystery but that wasn't what I signed up for when I chose this. Not happy. Also to the not so great side of the ledger, this was terribly slow. It takes place over about two days but the first half is quite a slog and chatty so it's not until almost 56% in that the real investigation to who has done the murder and why get underway. The end was done well and was swift in the tidy tie-up. Our main characters Dylis and Inigo ended the story just where I'd hoped and expected they would which was nice because they were the best of the characters presented (they saved the whole thing).
I'd recommend this as a country house mystery but don't believe the title, it's a lie and will only lead to disappointment or annoyance if you're looking for a Christmas murder mystery. Be advised.
December 11, 2020
A fun light hearted read about murder! One thing that bugs me (actually two) is the title 1) It's not set at Christmas and 2) there is only one murder! So how is it ANOTHER little Christmas Murder.
That being said, a creaky old house, people trapped because of snow and murder all add up to a perfect December read! A nice jolly read.
That being said, a creaky old house, people trapped because of snow and murder all add up to a perfect December read! A nice jolly read.
December 25, 2023
The heavy winter weather in Yorkshire is forcing people to take shelter where they can find it. One of those people is Dilys Hughes, a commercial traveler and co-owner of a patent medicine company who finds herself at Wintry Wold, a dilapidated country house after her car skids off of the road. Once there she is told by the young wife of the house’s owner that he is too ill to show himself, yet later that night she meets a man evidently in good health. This makes the news of his death she receives the next morning something of a shock, and one that raises Dilys’s suspicions. Was it murder? Were any of the assortment of unexpected guests involved? And did it have anything to do with the unstated reason why he summoned his nephew to Wintry Wold before his death?
As the author of just four novels, Laura Nicholls Morgan is not one of the better-known names of the classic era of British crime fiction. This is a shame if this novel is representative of her work, as she offers something a little different from the standard premise of the country house mystery. Her protagonist is a particularly unusual character for the time: a professional woman who stumbles into the scenario, yet never seems lost or helpless for it. It especially helps that the people accumulating at Wintry Wold are a mysterious mix of individuals with roles that only become clear as the plot unfolds. While there isn’t much in there to justify the use of “Christmas” in the retitled work, if it brings more readers to this enjoyable tale, which is one of the more distinctive examples of the genre.
As the author of just four novels, Laura Nicholls Morgan is not one of the better-known names of the classic era of British crime fiction. This is a shame if this novel is representative of her work, as she offers something a little different from the standard premise of the country house mystery. Her protagonist is a particularly unusual character for the time: a professional woman who stumbles into the scenario, yet never seems lost or helpless for it. It especially helps that the people accumulating at Wintry Wold are a mysterious mix of individuals with roles that only become clear as the plot unfolds. While there isn’t much in there to justify the use of “Christmas” in the retitled work, if it brings more readers to this enjoyable tale, which is one of the more distinctive examples of the genre.
December 10, 2016
This is a bit naughty. The publishers have actually changed the name of this book, and inserted the word Christmas into its original title. Otherwise this has nothing to do with the festive season. That being said it is set in winter and involves a group of people being cut off because of a snow storm (very Murder on the Orient Express). If you ignore the breach of trading standards this is actually quite a decent story.
November 27, 2018
When Dilys Hughes' car breaks down on a lonely, snowbound stretch of the Yorkshire moors she is puzzled as to what to do, especially as her car has skidded and is precariously placed on the edge of a huge drop. Fortunately a knight in shining armour by the name of Inigo Brown comes along. He is on the way to visit his uncle at his remote country house, appropriately named Wintry Wold, and after much discussion he invites Dilys to go with him, particularly as his uncle's invitation stresses that he has to bring a friend along with him. Thus begins this suspenseful tale of mystery.
Once they arrive at Wintry Wold they meet with a less than friendly reception from Inigo's uncle's new young wife, Theresa, who is reluctant to let Inigo see his relative as she says that he is too ill to have visitors at that time. She states that he needs constant attention and that either herself or the butler Ledgrove must constantly be with him, day and night.
The storm worsens and it brings a number of disparate strangers to the house, all of whom have become stranded on the surrounding roads as the storm worsens considerably and all of whom are welcomed by Inigo's aunt. Between them all they make an effort to be sociable but they regularly squabble amongst themselves and sometimes prove obnoxious to Inigo and Dilys, who are suspicious of their intentions. Indeed, Dilys is prompted to say, 'It's all very odd. In fact, everything about this place seems odd to me.'
Much nastiness prevails among the guests and when Inigo's uncle is found dead in his bed, supposedly of natural causes, Dilys decides that some investigation is necessary. Initially Inigo is not too certain of this course of action as, once the storm abates a little, the police and a doctor, who Inigo expects to be able to pronounce the cause of death, are sent for.
Policemen and a doctor duly arrive, in the meantime some of the guests go missing, tempers become frayed and the tension rises. But by a lot of hard work the situation is calmed down before guilty parties and their motives are revealed allowing Dilys and Inigo, who have become firm friends, to continue on their journey and enjoy Christmas.
There is a decided Agatha Christie feel to 'Another Little Christmas Murder', which is one of the better Christmas tales of mystery and suspense.
Once they arrive at Wintry Wold they meet with a less than friendly reception from Inigo's uncle's new young wife, Theresa, who is reluctant to let Inigo see his relative as she says that he is too ill to have visitors at that time. She states that he needs constant attention and that either herself or the butler Ledgrove must constantly be with him, day and night.
The storm worsens and it brings a number of disparate strangers to the house, all of whom have become stranded on the surrounding roads as the storm worsens considerably and all of whom are welcomed by Inigo's aunt. Between them all they make an effort to be sociable but they regularly squabble amongst themselves and sometimes prove obnoxious to Inigo and Dilys, who are suspicious of their intentions. Indeed, Dilys is prompted to say, 'It's all very odd. In fact, everything about this place seems odd to me.'
Much nastiness prevails among the guests and when Inigo's uncle is found dead in his bed, supposedly of natural causes, Dilys decides that some investigation is necessary. Initially Inigo is not too certain of this course of action as, once the storm abates a little, the police and a doctor, who Inigo expects to be able to pronounce the cause of death, are sent for.
Policemen and a doctor duly arrive, in the meantime some of the guests go missing, tempers become frayed and the tension rises. But by a lot of hard work the situation is calmed down before guilty parties and their motives are revealed allowing Dilys and Inigo, who have become firm friends, to continue on their journey and enjoy Christmas.
There is a decided Agatha Christie feel to 'Another Little Christmas Murder', which is one of the better Christmas tales of mystery and suspense.
December 11, 2022
Another Little Christmas Murder by Lorna Nicholl Morgan - ok
The next of my own bookish advent calendar(*) this one is vintage/golden age crime. Written in 1947 the funniest thing about it, for me, was the amount of smoking. Whilst I'm old enough to remember smoking being an everyday part of life, this was just ubiquitous.
Anyway, the story...Dylis Hughes is a travelling saleswoman currently driving through Yorkshire in the run up to Christmas. The snow gets heavier and her car finally gives up the ghost and skids off the road into a ditch in the middle of nowhere. While she's trying to decide which way to walk in search of help, another car appears and offers help. This is Inigo Brown, on his way to his uncle's country house for Christmas.
They arrive at the house to find an odd situation. His aunt is not what they expected, his uncle is extremely ill in bed and not to be disturbed, there are all sorts of random people also stranded and some very strange servants.
The uncle dies overnight and whilst folk are surprised, it wasn't totally unexpected and everyone accepts their loss....but Dylis suspects otherwise and is determined to investigate.
There was a lot going on in this book and while there was always an underlying feeling about 'whodonit' the why's and wherefore's did not become clear until the end. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure there were enough clues to actually work it out as the reader. Nonetheless, very readable.
(*) every year I collect interesting looking Christmas themed books, wrap them up and then pick them at random during December. I never know what I'm going to get and I have some sweet treats wrapped for non-book days. Works for me!
#review
The next of my own bookish advent calendar(*) this one is vintage/golden age crime. Written in 1947 the funniest thing about it, for me, was the amount of smoking. Whilst I'm old enough to remember smoking being an everyday part of life, this was just ubiquitous.
Anyway, the story...Dylis Hughes is a travelling saleswoman currently driving through Yorkshire in the run up to Christmas. The snow gets heavier and her car finally gives up the ghost and skids off the road into a ditch in the middle of nowhere. While she's trying to decide which way to walk in search of help, another car appears and offers help. This is Inigo Brown, on his way to his uncle's country house for Christmas.
They arrive at the house to find an odd situation. His aunt is not what they expected, his uncle is extremely ill in bed and not to be disturbed, there are all sorts of random people also stranded and some very strange servants.
The uncle dies overnight and whilst folk are surprised, it wasn't totally unexpected and everyone accepts their loss....but Dylis suspects otherwise and is determined to investigate.
There was a lot going on in this book and while there was always an underlying feeling about 'whodonit' the why's and wherefore's did not become clear until the end. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure there were enough clues to actually work it out as the reader. Nonetheless, very readable.
(*) every year I collect interesting looking Christmas themed books, wrap them up and then pick them at random during December. I never know what I'm going to get and I have some sweet treats wrapped for non-book days. Works for me!
#review
December 27, 2020
Déjà, ça ne se passe pas pentoute à Noël, bien que ça se passe en décembre pendant une tempête de neige où une gang de personnes sont snowed in dans une maison frette, mais ça reste différent, faque rendu là, je comprends juste pas pourquoi y'a "Christmas" dans le titre. Après, ça devient une histoire de gang avec une poursuite, et donc rendue à ce point, le livre m'a complètement perdue (déjà qu'il n'y avait plus grand chose qui me tenait). Dylis est une héroïne sympathique, je l'aimais bien, mais c'était juste pas assez pour racheter la médiocrité du roman.
December 21, 2020
Un giallo che mi ha tenuta incollata alle pagine, non tanto per la storia (forse un pochino prevedibile), quanto invece per l'atmosfera: la neve, una casa enorme e piena di rumori a notte fonda, sconosciuti bloccati insieme per il mal tempo e un cadavere.
Ingredienti perfetti per una bella lettura da brividi pre-natalizi.
Ingredienti perfetti per una bella lettura da brividi pre-natalizi.
May 29, 2017
I was attracted to this book because of the cover and the title*, which goes to show just how shallow I am! At the time, the ebook version was a little bit expensive (it has since come down in price) so I borrowed a copy from the library. Because I was so keen to start reading it, I also downloaded a sample to my Kindle, and was initially disappointed because the first six pages were a long description of the heroine driving through snowy Yorkshire. I thought I'd made a horrible mistake! But when my library copy arrived I gave it another go, and became completely hooked!
The story is a typical cosy murder mystery. It was written in 1947 and it would be easy to make comparisons with Agatha Christie, but their writing styles are completely different. (Christie's stories are more fast-paced, with fiendishly clever plots). But I liked the inter-action between Morgan's characters and they were different to the usual retired colonel/vicar/spinster types. For a start, our heroine (Dilys) is a commercial traveller - a partner in a firm of manufacturing chemists. Determined to reach her next stop by nightfall, she drives through the hills of Yorkshire and gets stuck in a snowstorm. She is quite pragmatic about it (something I loved about this character!) but ends up being rescued by Inigo Brown, who is on his way to stay with his uncle at Wintry Wold. Such is the snowstorm, they are soon joined by many others, much to the indignation of Inigo's new, young, and very glamorous Aunt Theresa.
Although the story starts off a bit waffly, once it gets going there is lots of witty dialogue, particularly between Dilys and Inigo, and even a hint of a romance. The potential suspects are introduced gradually, so the reader can get a real sense of who is who, and Dilys is a very likeable, almost modern heroine. I was well on the way to giving the book 5 stars, but towards the end it became a bit farce-like, with lots of 'mysterious' goings-on in the middle of the night, the heroine stalking the corridors with a poker, and cars being sabotaged. Although one strand of the mystery was easy to guess at, the identity of the murderer took me completely by surprise.
If you love vintage murder mysteries, you will enjoy Another Little Christmas Murder, and I would have loved to have seen Dilys in more stories.
*One niggle: there was no mention of Christmas until the epilogue, when one character mentions going to 'spend Christmas' with their family!
The story is a typical cosy murder mystery. It was written in 1947 and it would be easy to make comparisons with Agatha Christie, but their writing styles are completely different. (Christie's stories are more fast-paced, with fiendishly clever plots). But I liked the inter-action between Morgan's characters and they were different to the usual retired colonel/vicar/spinster types. For a start, our heroine (Dilys) is a commercial traveller - a partner in a firm of manufacturing chemists. Determined to reach her next stop by nightfall, she drives through the hills of Yorkshire and gets stuck in a snowstorm. She is quite pragmatic about it (something I loved about this character!) but ends up being rescued by Inigo Brown, who is on his way to stay with his uncle at Wintry Wold. Such is the snowstorm, they are soon joined by many others, much to the indignation of Inigo's new, young, and very glamorous Aunt Theresa.
Although the story starts off a bit waffly, once it gets going there is lots of witty dialogue, particularly between Dilys and Inigo, and even a hint of a romance. The potential suspects are introduced gradually, so the reader can get a real sense of who is who, and Dilys is a very likeable, almost modern heroine. I was well on the way to giving the book 5 stars, but towards the end it became a bit farce-like, with lots of 'mysterious' goings-on in the middle of the night, the heroine stalking the corridors with a poker, and cars being sabotaged. Although one strand of the mystery was easy to guess at, the identity of the murderer took me completely by surprise.
If you love vintage murder mysteries, you will enjoy Another Little Christmas Murder, and I would have loved to have seen Dilys in more stories.
*One niggle: there was no mention of Christmas until the epilogue, when one character mentions going to 'spend Christmas' with their family!
December 23, 2017
(Four stars because it is just so readable - but more likely 3.5 stars)
I walked right into the little deceit that the publishers of this book have practised against those of us with a liking for Christmas murder mysteries. First published in 1947 as Another Little Murder – this novel was re-issued by Sphere in 2016 sporting a new title Another Little Christmas Murder. The setting is winter, – Yorkshire and there are piles and piles of snow (snow unlike any we actually get in England anymore) – but it isn’t quite Christmas yet (It seems as if it’s about two weeks or so away). The only references to Christmas is on a couple of occasions when characters suggest that if the snow doesn’t thaw soon, they’ll be stuck there till Christmas. I understand the deceit – but I think it is a little bit of a cynical marketing ploy – and that annoyed me a bit.
Happily, I enjoyed the novel, not the most ingenious mystery in the world – elements of it are more psychological thriller than whodunnit – but very readable. It’s a perfect winter read – with many of the ingredients we love in a Christmas mystery. A rambling, draughty house deep in the English countryside, cut off from any local amenities by deep snow. Gathered together, several mismatched strangers, a man dies, another appears to have gone missing. All good, Golden age style escapist stuff – and I absolutely gobbled it up.
When commercial traveller, Dylis Hughes finds herself snowbound on a lonely stretch of Yorkshire road, she gratefully accepts the help of a complete stranger. Passing motorist, Inigo Brown is on his way to visit his uncle, and so Dylis leaves her car where it is and with her sample case of remedies and potions – from the chemist firm in which she also has a share – accompanies Inigo to his Uncle’s house. Inigo’s uncle’s house is Wintry Wold, where he lives with a couple of peculiar male servants and his new much younger wife – who Inigo has never met.
Full review: https://heavenali.wordpress.com/2017/...
I walked right into the little deceit that the publishers of this book have practised against those of us with a liking for Christmas murder mysteries. First published in 1947 as Another Little Murder – this novel was re-issued by Sphere in 2016 sporting a new title Another Little Christmas Murder. The setting is winter, – Yorkshire and there are piles and piles of snow (snow unlike any we actually get in England anymore) – but it isn’t quite Christmas yet (It seems as if it’s about two weeks or so away). The only references to Christmas is on a couple of occasions when characters suggest that if the snow doesn’t thaw soon, they’ll be stuck there till Christmas. I understand the deceit – but I think it is a little bit of a cynical marketing ploy – and that annoyed me a bit.
Happily, I enjoyed the novel, not the most ingenious mystery in the world – elements of it are more psychological thriller than whodunnit – but very readable. It’s a perfect winter read – with many of the ingredients we love in a Christmas mystery. A rambling, draughty house deep in the English countryside, cut off from any local amenities by deep snow. Gathered together, several mismatched strangers, a man dies, another appears to have gone missing. All good, Golden age style escapist stuff – and I absolutely gobbled it up.
When commercial traveller, Dylis Hughes finds herself snowbound on a lonely stretch of Yorkshire road, she gratefully accepts the help of a complete stranger. Passing motorist, Inigo Brown is on his way to visit his uncle, and so Dylis leaves her car where it is and with her sample case of remedies and potions – from the chemist firm in which she also has a share – accompanies Inigo to his Uncle’s house. Inigo’s uncle’s house is Wintry Wold, where he lives with a couple of peculiar male servants and his new much younger wife – who Inigo has never met.
Full review: https://heavenali.wordpress.com/2017/...
December 28, 2022
First thing's first... A LOT of reviews say this shouldn't have been re-released as a Christmas book. I can easily overlook this.
Agreed, there is little mention of Christmas, if any. But the setting is so beautifully described, a cold house, cold weather, tonnes of snow...
A perfect read for over the Christmas period!
🎄☃️❄️
Next... The book being written in the 1940s, it's very old fashioned in it's view of men and women's roles in society. It's not shy in covering plenty of situations where the men are doing the heavy jobs and the women are either stuck in the house or walking around daintily. Except our main character Dylis, who's more than happy and capable of doing ANY role the story covers! 🦸♀️
The descriptions of the characters & their plights being stuck in the house is so wonderfully played out. Very Agatha Christie esque. Would make excellent Christmas TV if any of the stations would dramatise! 🙂
Just loved the excitement of the characters being stuck in such a scary house!
Finally, the ending.... Unfortunately it felt very rushed and unbelievable for me. Whether that's the way 1940s storytelling worked, or just the way things were in the 40s, but I couldn't buy into the last 3 chapters.
Apart from that, a very enjoyable read for Christmas! A strong 4 stars from me⭐⭐⭐⭐
Agreed, there is little mention of Christmas, if any. But the setting is so beautifully described, a cold house, cold weather, tonnes of snow...
A perfect read for over the Christmas period!
🎄☃️❄️
Next... The book being written in the 1940s, it's very old fashioned in it's view of men and women's roles in society. It's not shy in covering plenty of situations where the men are doing the heavy jobs and the women are either stuck in the house or walking around daintily. Except our main character Dylis, who's more than happy and capable of doing ANY role the story covers! 🦸♀️
The descriptions of the characters & their plights being stuck in the house is so wonderfully played out. Very Agatha Christie esque. Would make excellent Christmas TV if any of the stations would dramatise! 🙂
Just loved the excitement of the characters being stuck in such a scary house!
Finally, the ending.... Unfortunately it felt very rushed and unbelievable for me. Whether that's the way 1940s storytelling worked, or just the way things were in the 40s, but I couldn't buy into the last 3 chapters.
Apart from that, a very enjoyable read for Christmas! A strong 4 stars from me⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 23, 2020
Well, firstly, this book isn't actually set at Christmas, which is a bit irksome. It is very wintery though - with a classic snowed in country house theme, with a whole heap of unexpected visitors, and an unexpected death.
Despite the Christmas faux-pas, I really enjoyed this book. A fast paced, light hearted and witty read that primarily follows the young female commercial traveller Dilys Hughes - a plucky young thing in the great traditions of the Golden Age.
The mystery itself wasn't sensational, and I thought the ending a little odd, but I really enjoyed the character development and scene setting - a perfect mix of wintery, creepy sneaking around and fun. Festive, but not Christmas.
Despite the Christmas faux-pas, I really enjoyed this book. A fast paced, light hearted and witty read that primarily follows the young female commercial traveller Dilys Hughes - a plucky young thing in the great traditions of the Golden Age.
The mystery itself wasn't sensational, and I thought the ending a little odd, but I really enjoyed the character development and scene setting - a perfect mix of wintery, creepy sneaking around and fun. Festive, but not Christmas.
December 24, 2020
Subito prima di Natale una tempesta di neve investe lo Yorkshire impedendo di potersi muovere lungo le strade.
Una giovane donna, agente di commercio, si troverà quindi costretta ad accettare l'offerta di aiuto di un giovane incontrato per caso, accompagnandolo a visitare uno zio che non vedeva da tempo e che lo aveva raccomandato di andarlo a trovare al più presto.
In una casa fredda e piena di spifferi si raduneranno personaggi bizzarri e improbabili per un giallo brillante, ben scritto, che vi farà scorrere attraverso le pagine con velocità perchè vorrete sapere che cosa sia accaduto e perchè.
Se amate Agatha Christie le atmosfere di questo libro vi incanteranno
Una giovane donna, agente di commercio, si troverà quindi costretta ad accettare l'offerta di aiuto di un giovane incontrato per caso, accompagnandolo a visitare uno zio che non vedeva da tempo e che lo aveva raccomandato di andarlo a trovare al più presto.
In una casa fredda e piena di spifferi si raduneranno personaggi bizzarri e improbabili per un giallo brillante, ben scritto, che vi farà scorrere attraverso le pagine con velocità perchè vorrete sapere che cosa sia accaduto e perchè.
Se amate Agatha Christie le atmosfere di questo libro vi incanteranno
December 31, 2019
Altro libro delle mie letture per la serie gialli natalizi di quest'anno.
Parte bene, come un giallo classico: ambientazione nella neve, personaggi raggruppati in un luogo chiuso, il morto a sorpresa, la casa 'misteriosa'. Ma finisce come un hard boiled, fra scazzottate, 'pupe del gangster' e inseguimenti.
Non ci sono indizi veri e propri, solo un elemento che mi faceva pensare "perché è lì, perché lo tirano sempre in ballo?". Ma non c'era nessun appiglio per capire e rispondere a queste domande.
Voto finale 3 stiracchiato.
Parte bene, come un giallo classico: ambientazione nella neve, personaggi raggruppati in un luogo chiuso, il morto a sorpresa, la casa 'misteriosa'. Ma finisce come un hard boiled, fra scazzottate, 'pupe del gangster' e inseguimenti.
Non ci sono indizi veri e propri, solo un elemento che mi faceva pensare "perché è lì, perché lo tirano sempre in ballo?". Ma non c'era nessun appiglio per capire e rispondere a queste domande.
Voto finale 3 stiracchiato.
December 23, 2024
2,5 un giallo molto piacevole, dall'ambientazione molto suggestiva (una casa vecchia e scricchiolante sepolta dalla neve nella campagna inglese) che però secondo me perde un po' di ritmo sul finale , forse troppo appesantito dai troppi personaggi.
December 25, 2018
An enjoyable mystery that had nothing to do with Christmas but was very wintry.
December 17, 2025
took me foreevveerrr to read 😭 christmas is mentioned like twice? it’s just snowing?? and also the whole murder could have been discussed in like half the time, it was just blab blab blab. over it
December 20, 2020
Another little murder - with lots of snow but no Christmas , very Narnian . I was misled by the title but really rather loved Dilys , business woman and intrepid driver who becomes stuck in snow and ends up embroiled in a murder at the strangest country house you can imagine.
There are characters aplenty including a butler who is anything but ,some lovely gangster types , and a man steadily drinking himself to death. Interested? You should be. For me the interplay between Dilys and the fragrant and diminutive ( read teeny tiny ) Theresa was a joy to read.
The ending was a tad contrived but it was a pleasant read and casually evoked a very different time. Lovely escapist reading , which I appreciate at the moment.
There are characters aplenty including a butler who is anything but ,some lovely gangster types , and a man steadily drinking himself to death. Interested? You should be. For me the interplay between Dilys and the fragrant and diminutive ( read teeny tiny ) Theresa was a joy to read.
The ending was a tad contrived but it was a pleasant read and casually evoked a very different time. Lovely escapist reading , which I appreciate at the moment.
December 19, 2019
E’ nel bel mezzo di una bufera di neve che Dylis, una giovane e brillante agente di commercio, si rende conto di aver imboccato la strada sbagliata per giungere alla sua destinazione. Al calare della sera, quando ormai si è rassegnata a passare la notte in auto, Dylis viene raggiunta dal provvidenziale passaggio di Inigo Brown, un giovane che gestisce un hotel in Svizzera ma si trova nello Yorkshire in visita a un anziano zio.
Dylis si lascia convincere a passare la notte nella grande casa di Mr Brown ma quando i due arrivano nella tenuta di Wintry Wold scoprono che lo zio Warner Brown è in camera sua, gravemente malato, e ad accoglierli trovano, oltre alla nuova giovane moglie dello zio Warner, l’enigmatica Theresa, un vecchio amico dello zio completamente ubriaco, due ambigui domestici, il valletto di Mr Brown e un misterioso furgone per traslochi i cui occupanti sono rimasti bloccati dalla neve.
Nel corso della serata, si uniranno a questo strano gruppo anche altri stravaganti personaggi: un ricco magnate con idee salutistiche astruse che viaggia accompagnate dal suo domestico e da un giornalista che sta facendo un servizio su di lui.
Dopo la cena Dylis viene accompagnata nella sua stanza ma il suo sonno viene disturbato da un rumore costante; esplorando la villa alla ricerca della provenienza del rumore, Dylis entra proprio nella camera di Mr Brown, che sta picchiando sul pavimento per richiamare il suo valletto Ledgrove che sembra sparito nel nulla. Dylis si rende ben presto conto che le condizioni di salute di Brown non sono così gravi come Theresa aveva voluto far credere; al termine della breve, ma lucidissima, conversazione, Warner chiede di vedere subito suo nipote per parlargli di una cosa importante. Dylis non può accontentarlo, non sapendo in quale camera Inigo stia dormendo, e faticosamente si rimette a letto; la mattina successiva, Dylis scopre con sgomento che quella fattale da Mr Brown la notte precedente è stata probabilmente la sua ultima richiesta, perché Theresa annuncia a tutti la sopraggiunta morte del marito.
Mentre Ledgrove è scomparso, ufficialmente per andare in città a chiamare il dottore nonostante le proibitive condizioni metereologiche, il gruppo di visitatori si allarga ancora. Tutti sembrano avere qualcosa da nascondere, l’orario della morte non torna e ben presto Dylis convince Inigo che suo zio Warner non sia morto per cause naturali ma sia stato ucciso e che il responsabile sia naturalmente ancora tra di loro.
Un mistery dall’ambientazione affascinante: una grande casa padronale nelle campagne inglesi, circondata dalla neve, dalla quale nessuno può allontanarsi. La descrizione dei numerosi personaggi è in costante evoluzione, lasciando percepire fin dall’inizio che abbiano tutti qualcosa da nascondere senza però svelare il mistero fino alla fine.
Anche la vita stessa dell’autrice è avvolta nel mistero: di lei si sa solo che ha scritto quattro romanzi tra il 1944 e il 1947; sinceramente, se non lo avessi saputo, avrei ipotizzato che questo libro fosse stato scritto in epoca molto più recente.
Non ho capito il perché del “Natale” nel titolo (presente anche nella versione originale): all’interno del libro non c’è alcun riferimento al Natale, se non nell’epilogo che è però slegato dalla vicenda.
Dylis si lascia convincere a passare la notte nella grande casa di Mr Brown ma quando i due arrivano nella tenuta di Wintry Wold scoprono che lo zio Warner Brown è in camera sua, gravemente malato, e ad accoglierli trovano, oltre alla nuova giovane moglie dello zio Warner, l’enigmatica Theresa, un vecchio amico dello zio completamente ubriaco, due ambigui domestici, il valletto di Mr Brown e un misterioso furgone per traslochi i cui occupanti sono rimasti bloccati dalla neve.
Nel corso della serata, si uniranno a questo strano gruppo anche altri stravaganti personaggi: un ricco magnate con idee salutistiche astruse che viaggia accompagnate dal suo domestico e da un giornalista che sta facendo un servizio su di lui.
Dopo la cena Dylis viene accompagnata nella sua stanza ma il suo sonno viene disturbato da un rumore costante; esplorando la villa alla ricerca della provenienza del rumore, Dylis entra proprio nella camera di Mr Brown, che sta picchiando sul pavimento per richiamare il suo valletto Ledgrove che sembra sparito nel nulla. Dylis si rende ben presto conto che le condizioni di salute di Brown non sono così gravi come Theresa aveva voluto far credere; al termine della breve, ma lucidissima, conversazione, Warner chiede di vedere subito suo nipote per parlargli di una cosa importante. Dylis non può accontentarlo, non sapendo in quale camera Inigo stia dormendo, e faticosamente si rimette a letto; la mattina successiva, Dylis scopre con sgomento che quella fattale da Mr Brown la notte precedente è stata probabilmente la sua ultima richiesta, perché Theresa annuncia a tutti la sopraggiunta morte del marito.
Mentre Ledgrove è scomparso, ufficialmente per andare in città a chiamare il dottore nonostante le proibitive condizioni metereologiche, il gruppo di visitatori si allarga ancora. Tutti sembrano avere qualcosa da nascondere, l’orario della morte non torna e ben presto Dylis convince Inigo che suo zio Warner non sia morto per cause naturali ma sia stato ucciso e che il responsabile sia naturalmente ancora tra di loro.
Un mistery dall’ambientazione affascinante: una grande casa padronale nelle campagne inglesi, circondata dalla neve, dalla quale nessuno può allontanarsi. La descrizione dei numerosi personaggi è in costante evoluzione, lasciando percepire fin dall’inizio che abbiano tutti qualcosa da nascondere senza però svelare il mistero fino alla fine.
Anche la vita stessa dell’autrice è avvolta nel mistero: di lei si sa solo che ha scritto quattro romanzi tra il 1944 e il 1947; sinceramente, se non lo avessi saputo, avrei ipotizzato che questo libro fosse stato scritto in epoca molto più recente.
Non ho capito il perché del “Natale” nel titolo (presente anche nella versione originale): all’interno del libro non c’è alcun riferimento al Natale, se non nell’epilogo che è però slegato dalla vicenda.
October 21, 2017
This was great fun. It’s a period piece written pre-post WW2, and is a classic mystery set in a large rambling house in the wilds of no-where, with all of the characters marooned due to deep snow. It’s an easy read, but with absolutely wonderful language redolent of the period. The mystery was really second rate to be honest, but I wasn’t reading it for that. If you like period works, and/or black and white movies you’ll certainly enjoy this. One point worth mentioning is that is has nothing to do with Christmas at all, it’s just set in November or December time.
July 11, 2019
Of it's time. Quite a pure example of genre. An isolated house cut off by snow, a death and things that go bump in the night. No gore. Little tension. Female protagonist and female baddie. Lots of class references. No Christmas just winter. A nonsense reveal of Mr Big at the end. Don't think there were clues laid to enable readers to detect for themselves. A slight read or a gentle read depending on your tastes. Makes interesting social history read on gender.
February 5, 2020
RATING: 2.5 STARS
Another Little Christmas Murder caught my eye on the library website and I was excited to read a mystery written in 1947. Please note that this is not a true Christmas novel as I don't even remember the holiday being mentioned. It was snowing, I believe, so maybe a winter murder is a better titles. I just didn't get into the characters and story, and sort of skimmed through the latter chapters to see what happens.
Another Little Christmas Murder caught my eye on the library website and I was excited to read a mystery written in 1947. Please note that this is not a true Christmas novel as I don't even remember the holiday being mentioned. It was snowing, I believe, so maybe a winter murder is a better titles. I just didn't get into the characters and story, and sort of skimmed through the latter chapters to see what happens.
December 24, 2018
This is a winter, pre-Christmas murder story as others have pointed out.
The set-up is good and the main characters, Dilys and Inigo are interesting. Some of the verbal fencing between Dilys and Theresa is fun. However, it rather degenerates into a pretty average "snowbound in a run-down country mansion with mysterious strangers"-type tale.
Mildly disappointing.
The set-up is good and the main characters, Dilys and Inigo are interesting. Some of the verbal fencing between Dilys and Theresa is fun. However, it rather degenerates into a pretty average "snowbound in a run-down country mansion with mysterious strangers"-type tale.
Mildly disappointing.
March 24, 2020
Ho un debole per questo tipo di ambientazioni: casa sperduta nella neve, ospiti bloccati, omicidio e indagini in loco...purtroppo però solo questo; personaggi ben pensati, ma caratterizzati in maniera impalpabile, trama interessante, ma dal finale banale, assenza di fair play e un senso di amaro in bocca alla fine della lettura.
Peccato, perchè prometteva bene.
Peccato, perchè prometteva bene.
December 13, 2016
Oh dear!!
I expected a nice cosy Christmas read and I was thoroughly disappointed with this book. Truly awful plot, annoying characters and totally unsatisfactory ending.......I will not attempt to read another of her books.
I expected a nice cosy Christmas read and I was thoroughly disappointed with this book. Truly awful plot, annoying characters and totally unsatisfactory ending.......I will not attempt to read another of her books.
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