The Christmas Mystery

Detective Luc Moncrief #2

by James Patterson

Have yourself a scary little Christmas.

In the heart of the holiday season, priceless paintings have vanished from a Park Avenue murder scene. Now, dashing French detective Luc Moncrief must become a quick study in the art of the steal--before a coldblooded killer paints the town red. Merry Christmas, Detective.

BookShots
LIGHTNING-FAST STORIES BY JAMES PATTERSON
Novels you can devour in a few hours Impossible to stop reading All original content from James Patterson

Genres: Mystery, Christmas, Fiction, Audiobook, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Holiday

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2016

About the author

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JIMMY Patterson Books
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James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 1 out of 5]

What did I just read? There was a series of conflicts that all seemed to get resolved about 3 pages later...and lots of shopping. Should I have spoiler tagged that?

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this follow-up BookShot, Patterson and DiLallo bring Detective Luc Moncrief back to work alongside Katherine "K." Burke on the streets of New York. While their assignments vary, from undercover shoppers in Bloomingdale's to stakeouts waiting for the next "chalk drop" in the dingy streets of the city, Moncrief and Burke are always ready for a new adventure. News comes down the line that there is an art gallery that has been stiffing its patrons, selling them knock-offs at prices for which the original masterpieces might sell. Moncrief uses his connections in the art world to peer deeper into this, with Burke happy to play along, doing so more effectively than anyone might imagine. When one of New York's finest, Ramona Driver Dunlop (Baby D to her fans), is murdered, Moncrief and Burke begin investigating, soon learning that she, too, has been a victim of forgers. While the case plays out, Moncrief receives a call from Paris with some sad news. In an attempt to support him, and on the insistence that they both take some time off after the murder investigation, Burke accompanies Moncrief to Paris. There, much is made of the news and Moncrief tries to unwrap the mystery of his feelings for K. Burke in the City of Love. Could Burke and Moncrief have Christmas chemistry? A BookShot that rebounds, at least partially, from the previous let-down in the series. This is a quick read and should keep any reader occupied long enough to digest such a large and festive meal before breaking out the sweets.

As with any BookShot, there is a gamble and a balance in trying to make it all work. Patterson and DiLallo offer up a decent story, though it is a little light on the mystery and drama, while plunging a little deeper into the personal sentiments of Detective Luc Moncrief. I found the crime-based portion of the story to be somewhat predictable and less than captivating, though perhaps this was a cover the authors had for eating up page counts before delving into the Paris angle and final BookShot in the series. I am curious to see how things will resolve themselves, on both sides of the Pond, and to see if this mini-series can end with a bang rather than a dreary collection of angst-filled sentiments by Moncrief towards Burke. Perhaps I am too used to the quick pace of a Patterson mystery, but this set of characters seems locked into something bridled, even in their banter with one another. There are moments of excitement, for sure, but it is as if Patterson and DiLallo are holding back, from what I have seen in each of them previously. One can hope that the pep is back, for this team has churned out some successful stories before.

Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and DiLallo for soldiering on, though I can only hope you have something riveting to complete the BookShot trilogy. Moncrief has potential and seems to have some NYPD tendencies. Show them off or ship him back!

Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two NYPD detectives; K. Burke and Luc Moncrief were assigned for undercover work at Bloomingdales. I thought it was okay at first, but the characters grew on me!

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5★s

Detective K. Burke and Detective Luc Moncrief were in New York and on the trail of murder, missing paintings and mystery. After the death of a high society woman in highly suspicious circumstances, K. Burke noticed the paintings that had been on the wall had gone. When it turned out that this wasn’t the first time it had happened, links began to appear.

As the investigation took them to Paris, the intrigue deepened… but what would they find as the city of love prepared for Christmas?

The Christmas Mystery wasn’t one of the best of the BookShots novellas by James Patterson that I’ve read. Insipid and with very little mystery, it also seemed like the author was trying to show Detective Luc Moncrief in the same light as Hercule Poirot. A weak imitation in my opinion.

[(NurseLisa) Square Granny from Ohio · Rating 3 out of 5]

finished this days ago & go got it already...lol...not a bad story, just not special. rather meh, imho.

[Sandra Castro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book leans hard into holiday charm: snow, small-town energy, Christmas traditions, and a mystery meant to be light rather than sinister. The setup promises cozy intrigue with a festive backdrop, aiming for comfort more than tension.

The mystery unfolds at an easy, almost leisurely pace. Clues are sprinkled in gently, conversations drive most of the plot, and the stakes remain low throughout. The holiday atmosphere is clearly the main focus: decorations, seasonal routines, and warm interactions take precedence over suspense.

While the premise is pleasant, the mystery itself never fully grips. The twists are mild, the investigation straightforward, and the resolution comes without much emotional or intellectual payoff. Characters are likable enough, but they stay on the surface, making it hard to feel deeply invested in the outcome.

Overall, "The Christmas Mystery" is an inoffensive, cozy seasonal read that works if you want something soft and festive with zero stress. It’s comforting, but predictable, and doesn’t leave much of an impression once it’s over.

[Chanel Lindsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this one as much as previous bookshots. This one is the second 'Detective Luc Moncrief' read and I'm hoping the third is better.

"In the heart of the holiday season, priceless paintings have vanished from a Park Avenue murder scene. Now, French detective Luc Moncrief must become a quick study in the art of the steal - before a cold blooded killer paints the town red"

This one had the potential to be have a storyline but in my opinion, failed. Although I like the main character, I felt the storyline was rushed and this let it down for me. I don't normally have high expectations for short stories, but previous bookshots from James Patterson prove that he can write them well so was disappointed by this one. Worth a read just for the main characters storyline.

[Richard Dominguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Bookshots read. It was ok but it seemed to lack the excitement of a full fledged novel. I did enjoy it, the characters were interesting. The crime that the first half of the book is about wasn't special in any way, nor was the solution.
I did think though that from chapter 27 to the end the story got much more interesting and I was really impressed with the development of Burke and Moncrief. For me the second half was very good and I believe I will read another Bookshot because of it.

[Helen Drake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I enjoy the main characters, Luc Moncrief and his partner Detective K. Burke, the plot was disjointed. There was a murder and art forgery ring. The case was solved although not in as satisfactory manner as the first book in this series.

After solving the case, Luc and Katherine Burke go to Paris after Luc's father dies. He expects there was something wrong with this death. He is correct.

The friendship and partnership of Luc and K Burke continue to grow.

I think Patterson tried to do too much in such a short book. I'm hoping the next installment is better!

[Mayda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This bookshot takes Detectives Moncrief and Burke from art forgery to murder. Much happens in this quick read, meant for action without a lot of detail. The reader is treated to more personal aspects of the detectives and less police procedure.

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art of Survival

The danger is real for Luc Moncrief as he colors outside the lines of police procedure (again). I liked this a lot more than book one as Moncrief and K.Burke continue their partnership that shows signs of potentially developing into something deeper.

I liked the case that this followed but it's what happened after the case wrapped that I enjoyed the most. Hearing about his childhood and learning more about his family makes him more endearing.

I was happy to listen to Jean Brassard. I really like his French accent. 💘

Story: 4 stars
Narration: 3.5 stars

[Nique · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book shot it was an ok quick read. The question I have was after he solved the case why did we have another 40 pages of just relationship stuff will this be useful in a future book? It was just strange

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Mystery

This has become one of my favorite series. I love the chemistry between Luc and Burke and the natural friendship. I hope this series stays exactly how it is.

[gwen_is_ reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

    Still reeling after the death of his lover, Luc is determined to loose himself in his detective work- his way.  Whether it's nabbing punk shoplifters, finding the missing art from a high profile murder scene, or even discovering if it's real art of a fake, he's down for all of it and dragging his by-the-book partner along for the ride. 
          As things die down on the case front, his family calls him home.  He and K go to France to lay his father to rest.  While they did not have a great relationship, it was the right thing to do.  Once there, Moncrief realizes that there is far more to his father's death than he thought- one more mystery to solve. 
          I will admit, I am still on the fence here about our French detective and his gut instincts.  I like K Burke.  I do like Luc more and more the further in the series I get, so I have high hopes.  For now, though, I have issues with the character development. 
       As far as the adult content goes, the murder was pretty gruesome and there is language.  That's about it, so I give it a four.

[Stephanie ((Strazzybooks)) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title is half misleading - there is definitely a lot of Christmas festivities, but not much of a mystery. The 'mystery' lasts the first half of the book and is not all that mysterious or interesting. The entire second half is character development between Moncrief and his partner, Detective Burke. I didn't read the first Montcrief book, but I really did enjoy the Paris and New York Christmas aspects of this and the characters. A fun and quick holiday read, if you're not looking for much substance or suspense.

[Cherie Gilmore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cawpile rating 3.4

This is book number 2 in a book shot series. I’ve previously read book number 3, however I don’t remember the main character or plot. Book shots generally have a fast moving plot, this one just missed a bit of drama or excitement.

[Dann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Incredibly underwhelming, The Christmas Mystery isn’t very engaging or all that well-written. The story follows New York City detective Luc Moncrief as he and his partner investigate the murder of a wealthy socialite and its connection to an art forgery ring. Unfortunately Moncrief isn’t that compelling of a character; in fact he comes off as rather elitist and snooty (and of course he’s French). And this becomes exponentially problematic, as the narrative is written in first person from Moncrief’s point of view. Even the plot isn’t that interesting, partially because Moncrief is never interested or excited by the case or its developments. One of the weakest of James Patterson’s BookShots, The Christmas Mystery has no passion or intrigue to it.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to read a second Luc Moncrief novel so soon. After reading French Kiss, I felt he was a wonderful new detective to follow. But Christmas Mystery changed my point-of-view. The actual mystery ended around page 90-something but Bookshots go to nearly page 140. So Patterson had to add a short story mystery and a possible romance. Also, if you, James Patterson, mention a character from the previous Moncrief Bookshot, please give a brief description of the relationship of the character. Not a single word was expressed. If there is a future Luc Moncrief book, I hope it is based on his job and not his purchases.

[Janis · Rating 1 out of 5]

There isn’t much of a mystery here. It’s easily solved about halfway through the book. The rest of the book is character development (I guess) for characters not well enough developed for me to care about.
I got really tired of reading about how much he misses his deceased lover. It was mentioned over & over & over & over. There’s lots of description of shopping & eating. I got tired of that too.
Maybe I would feel differently if I had read the first book, but I hadn’t. I wish I hadn’t read the second book either.

[Christine (Tina) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm waffling between 2 & 3 stars on this one. I like the characters - characters, according to a Patterson fan friend, who are newly introduced in the Bookshot works. However, I felt like there was solely a limited point to this story - background slightly revealed & buildup to a budding relationship. Should be interesting to see where the storyline goes in the future.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I found this book very disjointed. It felt like 3 books in one, and it's a "Bookshots" book which is basically a novella. First Moncrief and his partner solve an art crime, then they solve Moncrief's fathers murder, then they buy jewelry?

I've read other "Bookshots" and they were much better. I wouldn't bother with this one.

[Art Ellsworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This "Bookshots" book was the first time I've read anything by James Patterson. I liked it, very "Christmassy"! Sadly, it left me wanting more! However, I know some folks who are more than capable of steering me towards my next Patterson novel!

[Melenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't really know what to say about this book... I enjoyed it; although, I wish I would have read it rather that listening to it.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like Detective Moncrief in the first book and found him arrogant. I did in this one too, at the beginning, but then he began to grow on me, especially his relationship with K Burke.

[Michele A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Luc Moncrief is back with his partner Katherine "K" Burke. They go undercover to try and help with shoplifters in the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Then are given an assignment to find out who is selling forgeries of paintings and duping wealthy clients. A murder of a New York City former debutante also points to her having been in possession of forged paintings. Luc then follows his instincts and begins to piece together what was going on. K Burke and Luc did butt heads quite a bit and both of them seemed set in their ways. Luc then goes out on a limb to try and solve the case and unexpectedly finds himself the recipient of a much needed save. Luc then gets sad personal news that entails he and K head to Paris. The book was quick, flowed well and did come to a satisfying conclusion. I just missed a true connection between the characters and found myself wondering at how much chemistry I was supposed to see between them because I saw almost none.

[Yvette LeBlanc · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually liked this little bookshot; a short detective novella, during Christmas time, with two main characters that I enjoyed being with.

[Darinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 2nd book in the Detective Luc Moncrief series. This BookShot is a quick read that basically has two stories. The first story is about Luc and his partner working an art forgery case. The second story is about Luc and his partner traveling to Paris to attend his father's funeral. The mystery is short and not well-developed. I like Luc more in this book than the first one though.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one didn't draw me in like the other Bookshots I have read.... it was ok. Just found out that this is number 2 in a three bookshots series.... will start the series from the beginning. Maybe it will make more sense.....

[Patti Rak · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I’m just too nice to give it a one.

[pam carnrite · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read

I really enjoyed this novel it was a fairly quick read. The characters were good together. I would recommend to any James Patterson gan