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Campion at Christmas: 4 Holiday Stories
Perhaps it’ll start being Christmas now you’re here…
And who better to spend a cosy Christmas with than ingenious and affable investigator, Albert Campion.
Featuring two classic Campion mysteries and two special holiday tales, this short story collection from Queen of Crime, Margery Allingham, is the perfect Christmas treat for any Golden Age Crime enthusiast. Filled with traditional British charm, snow covered crime scenes, and just a touch of Christmas magic, these festive stories are perfect for the season.
This collection includes ‘On Christmas Day in the Morning’ (1963), ‘Happy Christmas’ (1962), ‘The Case of the Man with the Sack’ (1937), and ‘Word in Season: A Story for Christmas’ (1965).
Reviews for Margery Allingham:
'Margery Allingham stands out like a shining light. And she has another quality, not usually associated with crime stories, elegance' – Agatha Christie
'My very favourite of the four Queens of Crime is Allingham' – J. K. Rowling
'Always of the elect, Margery Allingham now towers above them' – The Observer
And who better to spend a cosy Christmas with than ingenious and affable investigator, Albert Campion.
Featuring two classic Campion mysteries and two special holiday tales, this short story collection from Queen of Crime, Margery Allingham, is the perfect Christmas treat for any Golden Age Crime enthusiast. Filled with traditional British charm, snow covered crime scenes, and just a touch of Christmas magic, these festive stories are perfect for the season.
This collection includes ‘On Christmas Day in the Morning’ (1963), ‘Happy Christmas’ (1962), ‘The Case of the Man with the Sack’ (1937), and ‘Word in Season: A Story for Christmas’ (1965).
Reviews for Margery Allingham:
'Margery Allingham stands out like a shining light. And she has another quality, not usually associated with crime stories, elegance' – Agatha Christie
'My very favourite of the four Queens of Crime is Allingham' – J. K. Rowling
'Always of the elect, Margery Allingham now towers above them' – The Observer
52 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2018
195 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Margery Allingham
245 books605 followersAka Maxwell March.
Margery Louise Allingham was born in Ealing, London in 1904 to a family of writers. Her father, Herbert John Allingham, was editor of The Christian Globe and The New London Journal, while her mother wrote stories for women's magazines as Emmie Allingham. Margery's aunt, Maud Hughes, also ran a magazine. Margery earned her first fee at the age of eight, for a story printed in her aunt's magazine.
Soon after Margery's birth, the family left London for Essex. She returned to London in 1920 to attend the Regent Street Polytechnic (now the University of Westminster), and met her future husband, Philip Youngman Carter. They married in 1928. He was her collaborator and designed the cover jackets for many of her books.
Margery's breakthrough came 1929 with the publication of her second novel, The Crime at Black Dudley . The novel introduced Albert Campion, although only as a minor character. After pressure from her American publishers, Margery brought Campion back for Mystery Mile and continued to use Campion as a character throughout her career.
After a battle with breast cancer, Margery died in 1966. Her husband finished her last novel, A Cargo of Eagles at her request, and published it in 1968.
Also wrote as: Maxwell March
Margery Louise Allingham was born in Ealing, London in 1904 to a family of writers. Her father, Herbert John Allingham, was editor of The Christian Globe and The New London Journal, while her mother wrote stories for women's magazines as Emmie Allingham. Margery's aunt, Maud Hughes, also ran a magazine. Margery earned her first fee at the age of eight, for a story printed in her aunt's magazine.
Soon after Margery's birth, the family left London for Essex. She returned to London in 1920 to attend the Regent Street Polytechnic (now the University of Westminster), and met her future husband, Philip Youngman Carter. They married in 1928. He was her collaborator and designed the cover jackets for many of her books.
Margery's breakthrough came 1929 with the publication of her second novel, The Crime at Black Dudley . The novel introduced Albert Campion, although only as a minor character. After pressure from her American publishers, Margery brought Campion back for Mystery Mile and continued to use Campion as a character throughout her career.
After a battle with breast cancer, Margery died in 1966. Her husband finished her last novel, A Cargo of Eagles at her request, and published it in 1968.
Also wrote as: Maxwell March
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 12, 2018
You can’t like Michael Edward’s writing and not have an appreciation for the golden age of crime.
Margaret Allingham is a treasured figure in this period; that one reads and criticises her work with caution looking for self-preservation or the hope to remain credible in your reviewing of crime fiction.
Campion at Christmas is a collection of 4 short stories about how her famous detective spent this seasonal period, as a guest of others or in his own home.
These are not over-plotted gems rich on complex matters but simple tales that capture the spirit of Christmas from sending cards, buying gifts, decorations and relationships.
There’s a wealth of historical value here to digest aa we gaze upon a servant heavy society and recall a less commercial time. There is a joy and those simple truths to consider away from social media.
Of the stories contained in this book. I enjoyed the first which has a puzzle to solve and the final one which reflects the Christmas message. Peace on Earth.
Of the others I would have to re-read the second as I lost it’s direction and story values and in the third it seemed all a little predictable to fully engage my mind.
I like Campion and the easy characters depicted but beware this is set within a different world even though television is mentioned. A time of mistletoe, when kisses were sought and when animals were lovingly considered to be granted the power of speech on Christmas Eve.
Objectively, and not listening to my dog’s opinion, I think I will commit to reading more in the hope of falling under the author’s spell.
Margaret Allingham is a treasured figure in this period; that one reads and criticises her work with caution looking for self-preservation or the hope to remain credible in your reviewing of crime fiction.
Campion at Christmas is a collection of 4 short stories about how her famous detective spent this seasonal period, as a guest of others or in his own home.
These are not over-plotted gems rich on complex matters but simple tales that capture the spirit of Christmas from sending cards, buying gifts, decorations and relationships.
There’s a wealth of historical value here to digest aa we gaze upon a servant heavy society and recall a less commercial time. There is a joy and those simple truths to consider away from social media.
Of the stories contained in this book. I enjoyed the first which has a puzzle to solve and the final one which reflects the Christmas message. Peace on Earth.
Of the others I would have to re-read the second as I lost it’s direction and story values and in the third it seemed all a little predictable to fully engage my mind.
I like Campion and the easy characters depicted but beware this is set within a different world even though television is mentioned. A time of mistletoe, when kisses were sought and when animals were lovingly considered to be granted the power of speech on Christmas Eve.
Objectively, and not listening to my dog’s opinion, I think I will commit to reading more in the hope of falling under the author’s spell.
December 27, 2018
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
Campion was my favorite of the Masterpiece Mystery Series and I am looking forward to reading these Christmas stories by Margery Allingham. Maybe someday I'll tackle the original Campion Series.
The 4 short stories are delightful and the magic of a different time in a different country shows through. I love the way Margery Allingham can create these places that, while contemporary to her, are a bit nostalgic to the rest of us.
Campion was my favorite of the Masterpiece Mystery Series and I am looking forward to reading these Christmas stories by Margery Allingham. Maybe someday I'll tackle the original Campion Series.
The 4 short stories are delightful and the magic of a different time in a different country shows through. I love the way Margery Allingham can create these places that, while contemporary to her, are a bit nostalgic to the rest of us.
December 7, 2018
I enjoyed reading these four short stories, but they were so lacking in the essential Campion personality that I don't feel I've added anything to my previous knowledge of "him". Coming in at less than 75 pages total, well, that's not going to give you any indication of who this character really is if you haven't met him already in a longer story.
On Christmas Day in the Morning
Copyright 1963
first published in Great Britain in The Mysterious Mr. Campion, 1963
features Albert Campion
Happy Christmas
Copyright 1962
first published in Great Britain in Woman's Own magazine, 1962
no Campion appearance
The Man With the Sack
Copyright 1937
first published in Great Britain in The Allingham Minibus, 1973
features Albert Campion
Word in Season: A Story for Christmas
Copyright 1965
first published in Great Britain in Mr. Campion's Lady, 1965
features Albert and Amanda Campion (plus Poins, the Red Setter)
If you consider yourself a fan of the writings of Margery Allingham, and I do, even the smallest nugget featuring Albert Campion will please you. I liked these stories for that very reason.
Thank you to NetGalley and Agora Books for an eGalley of this collection.
On Christmas Day in the Morning
Copyright 1963
first published in Great Britain in The Mysterious Mr. Campion, 1963
features Albert Campion
Happy Christmas
Copyright 1962
first published in Great Britain in Woman's Own magazine, 1962
no Campion appearance
The Man With the Sack
Copyright 1937
first published in Great Britain in The Allingham Minibus, 1973
features Albert Campion
Word in Season: A Story for Christmas
Copyright 1965
first published in Great Britain in Mr. Campion's Lady, 1965
features Albert and Amanda Campion (plus Poins, the Red Setter)
If you consider yourself a fan of the writings of Margery Allingham, and I do, even the smallest nugget featuring Albert Campion will please you. I liked these stories for that very reason.
Thank you to NetGalley and Agora Books for an eGalley of this collection.
December 23, 2022
'Campion At Christmas' is a collection of four, unrelated, Albert Campion stories set at Christmas. At fifty-four pages, it's a slim volume and the stories in it are slight but pleasing. Think of them as two Lebkuchen and two mince pies rather than as a festive feast. Read at Christmas, they add to the charm of the season.
'On Christmas Day In The Morning' (1963) finds Albert Campion drinking in the company of the Chief Constable, with whom he has just had a Christmas lunch, The two of them decide to take a postprandial perambulation to look at the site where a postman has been killed by a car that morning. The puzzling thing is that he continued delivering Christmas cards for an improbably long time after being struck, thus making it hard to establish who he was struck by.
What struck me about this story was the juxtaposition of poverty and privilege, Christmas spent alone and Christmas as part of a huge house party and the quiet acceptance of the gap. Campion's insight quickly cuts through the confusion. In doing so, it compounded the sadness of the postman's Christmas death with the sadness of a lonely old woman's Christmas life and it left me in doubt about whether Campion was touched by either.
'Happy Christmas' (1962) has Christmas in it but no Albert Campion. Instead, we get a tale of a young couple who love everything Victorian except the Victorian old lady who lives upstairs, who the young wife has taken umbrage with. Unexpected events result in the Victorian lady joining them in lieu of their intended guests and then babysitting for them so the can go out for an evening. In the end, the old lady goes above and beyond and saves the day when the end of the evening threatens to end in violence.
I liked that the modern (1960s) 'we love everything Victorian' couple were unable to see their Victorian neighbour clearly enough to make her real to them. The humour at the couple's expense is gentle and almost charming. The story as a whole left me more puzzled than pleased. I felt as if I'd swallowed a spoonful of yoghurt when I'd been expecting ice cream.
'The Case Of The Man With The Sack' (1937) is the most mainstream, Albert Campion in his prime, story in the book. Albert accepts a last-minute invitation from the daughter of the house, to rescue her from tedious company by coming to stay for Christmas and meet the, not entirely acceptable to her parents, new love of her life. What follows is a classic country house Christmas mystery, powered by theft rather than by murder and solved with ease and insouciant good humour by Campion
This was fun. The mystery wasn't too hard to solve but I enjoyed watching Campion putting it all together and setting it to rights, all without involving the police. Beneath the story, you could see the veneer of the privileged life of the aristocracy starting to crack under the strain of financial difficulty and social change. The master of the house is unable to find a way to have a conversation with guests who no nothing of hunting, shooting or fishing. The lady of the house is finding pragmatic, covert ways to shore up the lifestyle her husband takes for granted. The daughter of the house is gaily focused on following her heart. The family weaknesses of the family are cast in a sympathetic light by the vulgarity of their nouveau riche guests. It struck me that Campion was as much at a distance from the family as the guests and though he liked one and disliked the other he didn't belong to either.
'Word In Season: a story for Christmas' (1965) took me by surprise. It's written from the point of view of Poins, Campion's Red Setter. It is Christmas Eve and all is not well in the Campion household. Campion has inadvertently created chaos and his wife, having dealt with the mess, has retreated to her room where she can be heard banging things about. Poins, meanwhile, is trying to decide whether to use the privilege, granted to animals in the hour before midnight on Christmas Eve, to use his voice to speak to Albert and comfort him.
This is a charming tale and one that finally gave me a picture of Campion as a human being and not just an emotionally distant but insightful, socially connected but aloof solver of puzzles. It took seeing him through a dog's eyes to enlist my empathy, which, in a way, is what the story is all about.
'On Christmas Day In The Morning' (1963) finds Albert Campion drinking in the company of the Chief Constable, with whom he has just had a Christmas lunch, The two of them decide to take a postprandial perambulation to look at the site where a postman has been killed by a car that morning. The puzzling thing is that he continued delivering Christmas cards for an improbably long time after being struck, thus making it hard to establish who he was struck by.
What struck me about this story was the juxtaposition of poverty and privilege, Christmas spent alone and Christmas as part of a huge house party and the quiet acceptance of the gap. Campion's insight quickly cuts through the confusion. In doing so, it compounded the sadness of the postman's Christmas death with the sadness of a lonely old woman's Christmas life and it left me in doubt about whether Campion was touched by either.
'Happy Christmas' (1962) has Christmas in it but no Albert Campion. Instead, we get a tale of a young couple who love everything Victorian except the Victorian old lady who lives upstairs, who the young wife has taken umbrage with. Unexpected events result in the Victorian lady joining them in lieu of their intended guests and then babysitting for them so the can go out for an evening. In the end, the old lady goes above and beyond and saves the day when the end of the evening threatens to end in violence.
I liked that the modern (1960s) 'we love everything Victorian' couple were unable to see their Victorian neighbour clearly enough to make her real to them. The humour at the couple's expense is gentle and almost charming. The story as a whole left me more puzzled than pleased. I felt as if I'd swallowed a spoonful of yoghurt when I'd been expecting ice cream.
'The Case Of The Man With The Sack' (1937) is the most mainstream, Albert Campion in his prime, story in the book. Albert accepts a last-minute invitation from the daughter of the house, to rescue her from tedious company by coming to stay for Christmas and meet the, not entirely acceptable to her parents, new love of her life. What follows is a classic country house Christmas mystery, powered by theft rather than by murder and solved with ease and insouciant good humour by Campion
This was fun. The mystery wasn't too hard to solve but I enjoyed watching Campion putting it all together and setting it to rights, all without involving the police. Beneath the story, you could see the veneer of the privileged life of the aristocracy starting to crack under the strain of financial difficulty and social change. The master of the house is unable to find a way to have a conversation with guests who no nothing of hunting, shooting or fishing. The lady of the house is finding pragmatic, covert ways to shore up the lifestyle her husband takes for granted. The daughter of the house is gaily focused on following her heart. The family weaknesses of the family are cast in a sympathetic light by the vulgarity of their nouveau riche guests. It struck me that Campion was as much at a distance from the family as the guests and though he liked one and disliked the other he didn't belong to either.
'Word In Season: a story for Christmas' (1965) took me by surprise. It's written from the point of view of Poins, Campion's Red Setter. It is Christmas Eve and all is not well in the Campion household. Campion has inadvertently created chaos and his wife, having dealt with the mess, has retreated to her room where she can be heard banging things about. Poins, meanwhile, is trying to decide whether to use the privilege, granted to animals in the hour before midnight on Christmas Eve, to use his voice to speak to Albert and comfort him.
This is a charming tale and one that finally gave me a picture of Campion as a human being and not just an emotionally distant but insightful, socially connected but aloof solver of puzzles. It took seeing him through a dog's eyes to enlist my empathy, which, in a way, is what the story is all about.
December 10, 2018
I shall always be a fan of Margery Allingham and this book is no different. Yes, it may be not the best of all of the Campion stories, but I enjoyed hanging out with him again and these little tales were perfect for that.
December 19, 2018
Four short Christmas stories, two are detective stories, the last one is a slice of domestic life for the Campion's and I have no idea what the second story was supposed to be.
What is this thing about dogs can speak in the final hour of Christmas Eve? Is this a thing? I've never heard it before and I'm not quite sure what to make of it. It's mentioned more than once in these stories and I wish it wasn't.
The two detective stories were well thought out and full of characters - perfect cosy Christmas reads. The first one is quite sad too, I really felt for the lonely old lady.
The second story is a bit odd, though it made a bit more sense when I saw that it was originally published in a Woman's Own Magazine in the '60s. It felt out of place here.
The last story made me laugh, it has the funniest married couple scene I've read for a while.
Campion knows when to take a hit.
Overall, it's a nice little book to sit down with for an afternoon but I wish it were longer, or that they were all detective stories. Though for just £2 on Amazon at the moment it's not bad value.
I received a free copy in return for an honest review.
What is this thing about dogs can speak in the final hour of Christmas Eve? Is this a thing? I've never heard it before and I'm not quite sure what to make of it. It's mentioned more than once in these stories and I wish it wasn't.
The two detective stories were well thought out and full of characters - perfect cosy Christmas reads. The first one is quite sad too, I really felt for the lonely old lady.
The second story is a bit odd, though it made a bit more sense when I saw that it was originally published in a Woman's Own Magazine in the '60s. It felt out of place here.
The last story made me laugh, it has the funniest married couple scene I've read for a while.
"I take back everything except cackhanded."
"I concede cackhanded."
Campion knows when to take a hit.
Overall, it's a nice little book to sit down with for an afternoon but I wish it were longer, or that they were all detective stories. Though for just £2 on Amazon at the moment it's not bad value.
I received a free copy in return for an honest review.
December 21, 2018
Four individual short holiday themed stories showcase Allingham's creative versatility. Homey seasonal settings of crackling fires and frosty weather, murder, mysteries, and ending with a fantasy offer variety of choice in this collection. We discover more insights of Campion in these choice tasters. As originally written and published in the British 30s and 60s, the stories offer uniquely evocative insights of the era in dialogue, dress, action, and settings.
Find a variety of seasonal reading delights in ~
On Christmas Day in the Morning
Happy Christmas
The Case of the Man with the Sack
Word in Season
Find a variety of seasonal reading delights in ~
On Christmas Day in the Morning
Happy Christmas
The Case of the Man with the Sack
Word in Season
December 5, 2018
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Margery Allingham is often compared to Agatha Christie and as someone who likes cosy mysteries more than the more violent contemporary crime novels, this sounded like the perfect thing to read this time of the year.
This is only 63 pages so each of the four stories, though particularly the last, were very short. However the last one was my favourite of the collection. One, it was the most warming and Christmassy, and secondly it felt like the perfect length for the story which cannot be said for the others.
Overall I will definitely be exploring more of this author's work and I think that this is the perfect book for a cold winter's evening.
Margery Allingham is often compared to Agatha Christie and as someone who likes cosy mysteries more than the more violent contemporary crime novels, this sounded like the perfect thing to read this time of the year.
This is only 63 pages so each of the four stories, though particularly the last, were very short. However the last one was my favourite of the collection. One, it was the most warming and Christmassy, and secondly it felt like the perfect length for the story which cannot be said for the others.
Overall I will definitely be exploring more of this author's work and I think that this is the perfect book for a cold winter's evening.
December 31, 2021
My last post of 2021 is about my last read of 2021. Before joining bookstagram, I didn't have the faintest idea about seasonal reads. But this year I did read a lot of festive themed books in December. As a sucker for cozy mysteries, I was only too happy to read Christmas cozy mysteries.
Margery Allingham, another Queen of crime has Whipped up for delectable Christmas stories featuring Albert Campion, the gentleman sleuth who features in many of her novels and short stories. Margery Allingham has a witty knack for describing her characters vividly. Each story is unique and filled with charm and the vibe of the golden age of crime fiction. All four stories have a common theme of Christmas and superstitions. Two are stories of detection and two are domestic scenes around Christmas.
"On Christmas Day in the Morning" is a short story that follows Campion's wit and perceptiveness in solving a crime that baffled the police. "Happy Christmas" is not a mystery as such but a story with eccentric characters and a quirky plot but filled with festive cheer.
In, "The Case of the Man with the Sack", Campion invited by his friend to spend Christmas prevents a crime from happening thus saving his friend's lover and family from disgrace. The last story "Word in Season: A Story for Christmas" is a scene in which Campion and his wife Amanda reconcile after a squabble over a house wiring gone wrong, while his red setter gave them company on Christmas eve.
This is an amusing and cozy anthology that I highly recommend for a quick and pleasant festive read especially for fans of cozy mysteries and golden age detective fiction.
Margery Allingham, another Queen of crime has Whipped up for delectable Christmas stories featuring Albert Campion, the gentleman sleuth who features in many of her novels and short stories. Margery Allingham has a witty knack for describing her characters vividly. Each story is unique and filled with charm and the vibe of the golden age of crime fiction. All four stories have a common theme of Christmas and superstitions. Two are stories of detection and two are domestic scenes around Christmas.
"On Christmas Day in the Morning" is a short story that follows Campion's wit and perceptiveness in solving a crime that baffled the police. "Happy Christmas" is not a mystery as such but a story with eccentric characters and a quirky plot but filled with festive cheer.
In, "The Case of the Man with the Sack", Campion invited by his friend to spend Christmas prevents a crime from happening thus saving his friend's lover and family from disgrace. The last story "Word in Season: A Story for Christmas" is a scene in which Campion and his wife Amanda reconcile after a squabble over a house wiring gone wrong, while his red setter gave them company on Christmas eve.
This is an amusing and cozy anthology that I highly recommend for a quick and pleasant festive read especially for fans of cozy mysteries and golden age detective fiction.
December 8, 2018
These four stories are a lot of fun. They are very short, beautifully crafted, amusing and clever. Each one hinges on a single concept - a tradition (or superstition if you prefer), a false assumption, or a con. While the tone is wry, sometimes cynical, it is never smug or cruel. Campion is kind, accepting of humanity’s absurdities, idiocy and self-seeking. He exposes it, sees through it - without drawing attention to it or asserting his own capabilities. The writing, like Campion, is self-effacing, making its point from creativity rather than didacticism.
Each story is what it should be - a gem, faceted, sparking and bringing joy.
A lovely Christmas read
Each story is what it should be - a gem, faceted, sparking and bringing joy.
A lovely Christmas read
April 18, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not especially familiar with the Campion series so I was pleased to have the chance to read these festive short stories as an introduction to him. Only three of the four stories actually feature Albert Campion, but this wasn't too disappointing. The stories are all short, making this ideal for anybody wanting a quick, festive read.
The stories were entertaining, but I thought they were a little too short to get a feel for the characters or the writing style and therefore they are more suited to those who are already familiar with the Campion series.
I'm not especially familiar with the Campion series so I was pleased to have the chance to read these festive short stories as an introduction to him. Only three of the four stories actually feature Albert Campion, but this wasn't too disappointing. The stories are all short, making this ideal for anybody wanting a quick, festive read.
The stories were entertaining, but I thought they were a little too short to get a feel for the characters or the writing style and therefore they are more suited to those who are already familiar with the Campion series.
December 3, 2018
What better way to revel in the Christmas spirit than a collection of festive short stories by the wonderful Margery Allingham. I am not as familiar with her work as some of our other first class female crime writers and so all four stories were new to me.
The cover 'speaks' of nostalgia and was what first drew me to this book and I wasn't disappointed. The stories range over murder, tradition and superstition with some wonderful quintessentially British characters aiding Albert Campion in two mysteries and one slightly mystical tale while the fourth offering is a visit to a Victorian Christmas in the modern era, which was the 1960's in this instance.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review and loved it. It is a very quick read unless you are disciplined enough to read one story a night, (I wasn't) but that was my only gripe. I recommend it highly as a treat for anyone who finds themselves with a quiet evening, a cosy chair and a drink of something warming over the coming holidays.
The cover 'speaks' of nostalgia and was what first drew me to this book and I wasn't disappointed. The stories range over murder, tradition and superstition with some wonderful quintessentially British characters aiding Albert Campion in two mysteries and one slightly mystical tale while the fourth offering is a visit to a Victorian Christmas in the modern era, which was the 1960's in this instance.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review and loved it. It is a very quick read unless you are disciplined enough to read one story a night, (I wasn't) but that was my only gripe. I recommend it highly as a treat for anyone who finds themselves with a quiet evening, a cosy chair and a drink of something warming over the coming holidays.
December 10, 2018
This collection brings together four short stories starring Albert Campion. Despite my deep and abiding love for all things Campion, this collection was disappointing. The stories were too short and lacked the real personality of Albert Campion, the Golden Age puzzle solver.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 8, 2019
It was true, the younger man had admitted, the pale eyes sleepy behind his horn-rimmed spectacles, that, however good the organisation, the festival was never quite the same after six-and-a-half...
December 17, 2021
Ironically, the gem of this short collection by one of the Queens of Crime, featuring her series detective, is not a mystery story at all. "Word in Season" is a very short, entirely delightful story featuring a dog and the most charming take on an old Christmas legend (and Campion too). I highly recommend reading it to put a smile on your face. That story gets five stars; the others a modest three.
Of the other three stories in this mini-collection, "On Christmas Day in the Morning" and "The Case of the Man With the Sack" are modestly good Christmas mysteries and the third, "Happy Christmas," is a non-Campion, non-mystery story with possibly a vague sort of twist to it? I don't know why the editors didn't include two other Campion holiday mysteries, "The Case is Altered" and "The Snapdragon and the CID," which I read in The Return of Mr Campion ("Word in Season" is also in that collection); it seems like they would have made this volume more complete; but oh well.
Of the other three stories in this mini-collection, "On Christmas Day in the Morning" and "The Case of the Man With the Sack" are modestly good Christmas mysteries and the third, "Happy Christmas," is a non-Campion, non-mystery story with possibly a vague sort of twist to it? I don't know why the editors didn't include two other Campion holiday mysteries, "The Case is Altered" and "The Snapdragon and the CID," which I read in The Return of Mr Campion ("Word in Season" is also in that collection); it seems like they would have made this volume more complete; but oh well.
December 9, 2018
There are four enjoyable Allingham Christmas short stories. The first is"On Christmas Day in the Morning". Campion is eating with the Chief Constable when the superintendent arrives to say that the postman had been killed by a car. The postman was riding his bicycle. There were no skid marks, but a little further on a police car had stopped a stolen car with drunk occupants. The only problem was that mail had been delivered to an old woman about a quarter mile further along the road. Campion goes with the Constable to visit the woman and figures out what has happened.
In the second story, "Happy Christmas", and young couple find their friends weren't coming for Christmas at the last minute. They invite the elderly woman in the apartment upstairs to join them and end up having a lovely Victorian Christmas.
The third story is "The Case of the Man with the Sack". Campion is invited by his friend Sheila to come for Christmas. On his way, Campion sees a man he saw sent to prison for robbery. At the house party is a wealthy couple (she made a big point of her diamonds all the time) with their son who gets upset when Sheila's friend is given the job of Santa Claus. When Campion takes a break to go to his room, he sees Santa Claus with a big bag . When he asks Santa what's in his bag, the man runs. Campion finds a clock he had seen earlier in the bag and realizes it was the man on the train. He goes back to the party; and when the guest claims her insured diamonds have been stolen and blames Sheila's friend, Campion shows up the real culprit.
The last story is "Word in Season". Campion's wife, Amanda, was annoyed when he had put a nail through the house-wiring when hanging the mistletoe. He is kept company by his setter until his wife returns to the room, and all is happy again.
In the second story, "Happy Christmas", and young couple find their friends weren't coming for Christmas at the last minute. They invite the elderly woman in the apartment upstairs to join them and end up having a lovely Victorian Christmas.
The third story is "The Case of the Man with the Sack". Campion is invited by his friend Sheila to come for Christmas. On his way, Campion sees a man he saw sent to prison for robbery. At the house party is a wealthy couple (she made a big point of her diamonds all the time) with their son who gets upset when Sheila's friend is given the job of Santa Claus. When Campion takes a break to go to his room, he sees Santa Claus with a big bag . When he asks Santa what's in his bag, the man runs. Campion finds a clock he had seen earlier in the bag and realizes it was the man on the train. He goes back to the party; and when the guest claims her insured diamonds have been stolen and blames Sheila's friend, Campion shows up the real culprit.
The last story is "Word in Season". Campion's wife, Amanda, was annoyed when he had put a nail through the house-wiring when hanging the mistletoe. He is kept company by his setter until his wife returns to the room, and all is happy again.
December 8, 2018
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Campion at Christmas is a re-format and re-release of a quartet of short stories by Margery Allingham. Originally published as The Mysterious Mr. Campion in 1963, this release published 23 Nov, 2018 by Agora is a trim 64 pages and would make a lovely stocking stuffer for any ebook fans on the holiday list.
The four included vignettes are sweetly nostalgic. I have read most (all?) of the Campion canon and was unfamiliar with these.
Three of the 4 included stories are Campion stories and the last is an ironic short story more or less in the style of O. Henry.
On Christmas Day in the Morning
Happy Christmas
The Case of the Man With the Sack
Word in Season
I especially enjoyed the last of the 4, "Word in Season" and for me it felt the most 'Campion-like' of the stories. Even though there was some magical realism tossed in, Campion reacted just as I would have imagined he would.
A lovely read and I enjoyed it very much!
Four bright holiday stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Campion at Christmas is a re-format and re-release of a quartet of short stories by Margery Allingham. Originally published as The Mysterious Mr. Campion in 1963, this release published 23 Nov, 2018 by Agora is a trim 64 pages and would make a lovely stocking stuffer for any ebook fans on the holiday list.
The four included vignettes are sweetly nostalgic. I have read most (all?) of the Campion canon and was unfamiliar with these.
Three of the 4 included stories are Campion stories and the last is an ironic short story more or less in the style of O. Henry.
On Christmas Day in the Morning
Happy Christmas
The Case of the Man With the Sack
Word in Season
I especially enjoyed the last of the 4, "Word in Season" and for me it felt the most 'Campion-like' of the stories. Even though there was some magical realism tossed in, Campion reacted just as I would have imagined he would.
A lovely read and I enjoyed it very much!
Four bright holiday stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
December 2, 2018
Very enjoyable seasonal “selection box” of four Christmas stories from my favourite of the great British women writers of detective fiction.Some may be familiar to Allingham fans, but all show her skill at, and facility for, deft characterisation within the short story form.
Here we have three tales of Albert Campion, two featuring detection and deduction, the other a domestic scene involving his wife, Amanda, and Red Setter, Poins. The remaining story has an amusing take on a Victorian Christmas.
These are sure to put readers into a Christmas mood, with wintry landscapes, and hints of the supernatural. Santa is also around, and there was, to me, a rather comforting and nostalgic feeling of a simpler age.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and Agora Books for the digital review copy.
Here we have three tales of Albert Campion, two featuring detection and deduction, the other a domestic scene involving his wife, Amanda, and Red Setter, Poins. The remaining story has an amusing take on a Victorian Christmas.
These are sure to put readers into a Christmas mood, with wintry landscapes, and hints of the supernatural. Santa is also around, and there was, to me, a rather comforting and nostalgic feeling of a simpler age.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and Agora Books for the digital review copy.
January 8, 2019
Very short collection [approximately 75 pages] of Holiday themed stories featuring Allingham's Albert Campion in only three of the four short stories so title is a bit deceptive. I was already familiar with two of the stories from previous anthologies and enjoyed rereading both, especially "The Case of the Man with the Sack" which was my introduction to Campion. The story "Happy Christmas" has nothing to do with crime but is a tale of a newly wedded couple obsessed with the Victorian era who celebrate a true Victorian Christmas by inviting an elderly widow to serve as advisor. The last story "Word in Season" stars Campion's dog Poins who provides just the tonic for his master to successfully navigate a little marital disharmony during Christmas Eve. Collection was good seasonal read with just the right amount of whimsy.
December 5, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley for eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Campion at Christmas is a mini collection of Christmas-related stories by Margery Allingham, one of my favorite (and somewhat underrated) Golden Era mystery writers. Three of the four stories feature Albert Campion, gentleman detective, and are in the "cozy mystery" genre.
I enjoyed the gentle pace of the stories and the charm of a bygone era, and this mini collection serves as a welcome treat after the hustle and bustle of family, friends and food.
Campion at Christmas is a mini collection of Christmas-related stories by Margery Allingham, one of my favorite (and somewhat underrated) Golden Era mystery writers. Three of the four stories feature Albert Campion, gentleman detective, and are in the "cozy mystery" genre.
I enjoyed the gentle pace of the stories and the charm of a bygone era, and this mini collection serves as a welcome treat after the hustle and bustle of family, friends and food.
December 12, 2018
This is a wonderful little short story collection by an author I haven't heard of before (for shame!), it's a really quick read because, short stories, and it gave me a taster of the writing and of the characters in the Campion series.
As these are all set at Christmas it's given me a little bit of push to get into the spirit of the season.
Have a couple more stories to read by this author now so will be getting to them soon.
*Huge thanks to Margery Allingham, Agora Books and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
As these are all set at Christmas it's given me a little bit of push to get into the spirit of the season.
Have a couple more stories to read by this author now so will be getting to them soon.
*Huge thanks to Margery Allingham, Agora Books and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
December 28, 2018
I am a fan of Albert Campion and his manservant Lugg, so I was a little disappointed to find that only three of the four stories featured Campion and no real appearance from Lugg at all. The fourth story was a rather strange account of a family in the 1960s pretending to spend a Christmas in Victorian times. It was rather quaint and described some old customs and traditions but didn't really fit with the other stories. The three other stories were told in true Campion style and were entertaining as always.
December 19, 2019
Four Lovely Tales of Christmas!
While Allingham is best known for her marvelous creation Albert Campion, this Christmas collection demonstrates her outright brilliance as a storyteller. Each tale is as complete as any much wordier narrative, as Allingham’s gifted use of language creates vibrantly detailed vignettes of Christmas cheer. Even the publishers have done their part, by determining an order of the stories that subtly imitates the rise and fall of Christmas Day. Best enjoyed in a comfy couch, with a favorite blanket and a beautifully crafted cup of tea.
While Allingham is best known for her marvelous creation Albert Campion, this Christmas collection demonstrates her outright brilliance as a storyteller. Each tale is as complete as any much wordier narrative, as Allingham’s gifted use of language creates vibrantly detailed vignettes of Christmas cheer. Even the publishers have done their part, by determining an order of the stories that subtly imitates the rise and fall of Christmas Day. Best enjoyed in a comfy couch, with a favorite blanket and a beautifully crafted cup of tea.
April 5, 2020
The collection of short stories by Margery Allingham was a quick, easy and mostly fun read. The two mysteries featuring Albert Campion were my favorites. A story involving him and his elderly dog at the last hour of Christmas Eve when animals are supposed to be able to talk was amusing. The other story was, to my mind, a bit bizarre and I really didn't care for it much.
Overall, I would recommend to someone looking to catch a bit of Christmas spirit (no matter the time of year).
My thanks to NetGallery and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Overall, I would recommend to someone looking to catch a bit of Christmas spirit (no matter the time of year).
My thanks to NetGallery and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 5, 2018
Margery Allingham is one of the Queen of Mysteries and this collection of Christmas short stories was delightful.
Not all of them are mystery themed but they are all lovely and enjoyable.
I can say they aged well and are full of humour and Christmas spirit.
They made crave for more and wish to start one of her novel.
A wonderful Christmas treat.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Agora Books and Netgalley for this ARC
Not all of them are mystery themed but they are all lovely and enjoyable.
I can say they aged well and are full of humour and Christmas spirit.
They made crave for more and wish to start one of her novel.
A wonderful Christmas treat.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Agora Books and Netgalley for this ARC
December 13, 2018
By today’s standards these four stories do seem rather weak and dated . In my younger days I was a great Margery Allingham fan so I approached these with anticipation but I was disappointed. They will be of great interest to anyone who enjoys the history of the crime novel. They show just how far the genre has advanced in the last fifty plus years and how much society has changed, as well as our expectations. Very light, quick reading.
January 3, 2019
Gentle mind puzzles
If you wish to read of Christmases past and puzzles that are neither violent or bloody then these are for you. Similar in style to Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers they speak of a more gentile way of life with servants and roaring fires but with a detective who is neither police or a PI but who solves crimes as if by accident. Pulling the solution out of the air so to speak. Lovely to reread some of the first crime books I ever read.
If you wish to read of Christmases past and puzzles that are neither violent or bloody then these are for you. Similar in style to Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers they speak of a more gentile way of life with servants and roaring fires but with a detective who is neither police or a PI but who solves crimes as if by accident. Pulling the solution out of the air so to speak. Lovely to reread some of the first crime books I ever read.
June 17, 2020
4 seasonal short stories from Margery Allingham’s collection. 2 of which are Albert Campion pieces.
An enjoyable short read. It is always good to catch up with old friends like Albert at any time of the year.
Ideal for curling up with in front of a roaring log fire and a mug of coco on a cold winters evening.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Published by Agora Books.
https://wordpress.com/post/finalchapt...
An enjoyable short read. It is always good to catch up with old friends like Albert at any time of the year.
Ideal for curling up with in front of a roaring log fire and a mug of coco on a cold winters evening.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Published by Agora Books.
https://wordpress.com/post/finalchapt...
December 6, 2018
A sweet little collection for Campion fans - perfect stocking stuffer or house-gift for the Golden Age fan. The second story made absolutely no sense to me but, in true Allingham fashion, it evoked a mood crisply and efficiently. A definite recommend.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2018
This is a very short book, with 4 stories, whilst I am a great fan of Margaret Allingham's Campion books, this really didn't do I for me. With only two stories that passed as mysteries, it was quickly read.
Having said that, it is a book of the era and represents the style and type of fiction of the times.
Having said that, it is a book of the era and represents the style and type of fiction of the times.
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