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A Christmas Gathering: A Novel
A cold case adds an extra chill to the holiday season as bestselling author Anne Perry whisks readers to an elegant home in the English countryside for a Christmas of secrets, soul-searching, and forgiveness.
As beautiful as it may be, their friends' country house is not where Lady Vespasia wishes to spend Christmas with her new husband, Victor Narraway. She'd have preferred a relaxing holiday at home with him--especially as Victor, former head of the London Special Branch, seems to be hiding undercover dealings with the other guests who have gathered at the spacious estate.
As tensions grow, the young and beautiful Iris Watson-Watt becomes the center of several men's focus. Unbeknownst to Vespasia, Iris carries a sensitive package that she must pass to Victor in the hope of unmasking a British traitor. While Victor plots his moves, he is reminded of a similar case from twenty years before, when a young Frenchwoman also carried a clandestine message--one that resulted in her murder, unsolved to this day. Victor has always been tormented by his failure to protect her, and now, with all eyes on Iris, Victor must act fast before history repeats itself.
With the joy of Christmas at risk of being forgotten and Vespasia feeling alone with a distracted husband, Victor must ultimately learn to forgive himself in order to save both his country and the spirit of the holiday.
As beautiful as it may be, their friends' country house is not where Lady Vespasia wishes to spend Christmas with her new husband, Victor Narraway. She'd have preferred a relaxing holiday at home with him--especially as Victor, former head of the London Special Branch, seems to be hiding undercover dealings with the other guests who have gathered at the spacious estate.
As tensions grow, the young and beautiful Iris Watson-Watt becomes the center of several men's focus. Unbeknownst to Vespasia, Iris carries a sensitive package that she must pass to Victor in the hope of unmasking a British traitor. While Victor plots his moves, he is reminded of a similar case from twenty years before, when a young Frenchwoman also carried a clandestine message--one that resulted in her murder, unsolved to this day. Victor has always been tormented by his failure to protect her, and now, with all eyes on Iris, Victor must act fast before history repeats itself.
With the joy of Christmas at risk of being forgotten and Vespasia feeling alone with a distracted husband, Victor must ultimately learn to forgive himself in order to save both his country and the spirit of the holiday.
193 pages, Hardcover
First published November 5, 2019
449 people are currently reading
699 people want to read
About the author
Anne Perry
361 books3,375 followersAnne Perry, born Juliet Hulme in England, lived in Scotland most of her life after serving five years in prison for murder (in New Zealand). A beloved mystery authoress, she is best known for her Thomas Pitt and William Monk series.
Her first novel, "The Cater Street Hangman", was published in 1979. Her works extend to several categories of genre fiction, including historical mysteries. Many of them feature recurring characters, most importantly Thomas Pitt and amnesiac private investigator William Monk, who first appeared in 1990, "The Face Of A Stranger".
Her story "Heroes," from the 1999 anthology Murder And Obsession, won the 2001 Edgar Award For Best Short Story. She was included as an entry in Ben Peek's Twenty-Six Lies / One Truth, a novel exploring the nature of truth in literature.
Series contributed to:
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
. Malice Domestic
. The World's Finest Mystery And Crime Stories
. Transgressions
. The Year's Finest Crime And Mystery Stories
Her first novel, "The Cater Street Hangman", was published in 1979. Her works extend to several categories of genre fiction, including historical mysteries. Many of them feature recurring characters, most importantly Thomas Pitt and amnesiac private investigator William Monk, who first appeared in 1990, "The Face Of A Stranger".
Her story "Heroes," from the 1999 anthology Murder And Obsession, won the 2001 Edgar Award For Best Short Story. She was included as an entry in Ben Peek's Twenty-Six Lies / One Truth, a novel exploring the nature of truth in literature.
Series contributed to:
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
. Malice Domestic
. The World's Finest Mystery And Crime Stories
. Transgressions
. The Year's Finest Crime And Mystery Stories
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
December 25, 2019
Anne Perry returns this year with another installment in her Christmas mysteries with Lady Vespasia and her husband, Victor Perry, who is former head of London Special Branch. As Victor still has ties to Special Branch, he is assigned to receive a clandestine package to weed out a British traitor with misinformation. However, the past rears its head in the mirroring of a similar situation years ago involving Victor and someone else at this country house who wants revenge.
I always look forward to a new Christmas mystery by Anne Perry every year. This one did not disappoint. The intelligence and depth of the characters in addition to the mystery within a mystery always entertain and provide a good mystery fix this time of year.
I always look forward to a new Christmas mystery by Anne Perry every year. This one did not disappoint. The intelligence and depth of the characters in addition to the mystery within a mystery always entertain and provide a good mystery fix this time of year.
October 24, 2019
I look forward to Anne Perry's annual Christmas novella every year. This year was particularly delightful as it featured Lady Vespesia, an aunt of sorts to the Pitts. She is married to Pitts former boss, Narraway. They have traveled to an English estate to spend Christmas but it turns out Narraway has an ulterior motive.
There is an attempted murder and the involvement of state secrets to liven up the house party. The situation brings back sad memories of a botched operation for Narraway. Things move at a fast pace in this short but complete story. This is a nice addition to Perry's Christmas series.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange for a fair review.
There is an attempted murder and the involvement of state secrets to liven up the house party. The situation brings back sad memories of a botched operation for Narraway. Things move at a fast pace in this short but complete story. This is a nice addition to Perry's Christmas series.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange for a fair review.
December 19, 2024
This a good historical mystery set in England during the Christmas season at an English countryside estate. it involves government agents and undercover work with interesting characters and some friction between certain characters and danger to others. This was my first of the series, but I was able to follow along and plan to read more of it. I enjoyed listening to the narrator.
November 23, 2019
What could be more Christmasy than spending the holiday at an English country manor house? But it turns out it's a working vacation for Lady Vespasia's new husband, Lord Victor Narraway, former head of London's Special Branch. Secret plans have been made for the exchange of an important paper but Victor's contact is attacked and nearly killed shortly after the exchange. Is the attacker one of the other guests? Victor is painfully reminded of another such attack early in his career that has remained unsolved. Can he and/or Lady Vespasia solve both crimes before the holiday is over and the guests go their separate ways?
These Victorian Christmas mystery novellas by Anne Perry are a yearly pleasure for me. I was very pleased to be given an arc of this latest one by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks!
These Victorian Christmas mystery novellas by Anne Perry are a yearly pleasure for me. I was very pleased to be given an arc of this latest one by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks!
January 2, 2020
All I can say is the part of the story that bothered me the most is the hidey hole Victor chose to hide the package. As former head of Special Branch you would think he would have found one more secure and not so precarious. It just seemed such a poor choice for him to make.
December 20, 2021
Could have been better to keep my interest, I like all the others in her Christmas series books I’ve read...and will continue to read her yearly books.
January 2, 2020
First Sentence: It was not the Christmas Vespasia had planned.
Vespasia and Narraway had hoped for a quiet Christmas at home. Instead, they are obligated to attend the country estate gathering of Max and Lady Amelia Cavendish. More than a holiday celebration for Narraway, former head of Special Branch, he is there to uncover a traitor.
Perry does an excellent job of introducing one to the characters, as well as providing background on Vespasia's history and relationship with Narraway.
Perry's observations often cause one to pause—"But this visit was duty, and he learned long ago that no happiness was untarnished for long if you had shirked duty in order to take it." A nicely done recounting of Narraway's history reveals the significance of this visit. Most authors would be inclined to depict Narraway as a classic strong male. Perry skillfully avoids that trope and gives us a man with faults and insecurities, and we like him all the more for it.
The relationship between the two principal characters is an interesting one and Perry captures the nuances of it perfectly. The sharpness repartee between Vespasia and Amelia is perfect and reflects Perry's skill with dialogue. She also captures the audacity of status; how those who are "higher" believe it gives them privileges simply because of their rank.
One can't help but love Vespasia as she begins to conduct her own investigation and demands that Victor let her help, and for snapping at him when he dismisses her idea—"But with a woman, it is not the words, it is the message that matters." For those readers who have followed Perry's series for years, this Vespasia seems much sharper in tone. It is rather gratifying.
"A Christmas Gathering" is a good addition to the series of novellas. It's always nice to see her normally secondary characters move into the limelight. The story has a subtle building of tension and while the suspense is well done, it is truly the characters who bring make this book work.
A CHRISTMAS GATHERING – Good
Hist Novella-Vespasia/Narraway-England-early 1900s
Perry, Anne – 17th in series
Ballentine Books – Nov 2019
Vespasia and Narraway had hoped for a quiet Christmas at home. Instead, they are obligated to attend the country estate gathering of Max and Lady Amelia Cavendish. More than a holiday celebration for Narraway, former head of Special Branch, he is there to uncover a traitor.
Perry does an excellent job of introducing one to the characters, as well as providing background on Vespasia's history and relationship with Narraway.
Perry's observations often cause one to pause—"But this visit was duty, and he learned long ago that no happiness was untarnished for long if you had shirked duty in order to take it." A nicely done recounting of Narraway's history reveals the significance of this visit. Most authors would be inclined to depict Narraway as a classic strong male. Perry skillfully avoids that trope and gives us a man with faults and insecurities, and we like him all the more for it.
The relationship between the two principal characters is an interesting one and Perry captures the nuances of it perfectly. The sharpness repartee between Vespasia and Amelia is perfect and reflects Perry's skill with dialogue. She also captures the audacity of status; how those who are "higher" believe it gives them privileges simply because of their rank.
One can't help but love Vespasia as she begins to conduct her own investigation and demands that Victor let her help, and for snapping at him when he dismisses her idea—"But with a woman, it is not the words, it is the message that matters." For those readers who have followed Perry's series for years, this Vespasia seems much sharper in tone. It is rather gratifying.
"A Christmas Gathering" is a good addition to the series of novellas. It's always nice to see her normally secondary characters move into the limelight. The story has a subtle building of tension and while the suspense is well done, it is truly the characters who bring make this book work.
A CHRISTMAS GATHERING – Good
Hist Novella-Vespasia/Narraway-England-early 1900s
Perry, Anne – 17th in series
Ballentine Books – Nov 2019
January 3, 2023
The best thing about this book is the very pretty cover art! I am likely the wrong reader for this genre, but I kept encouraging my self to finish since it's only 200 tiny pages long. It just kept slipping into boring.
November 9, 2019
A quick and easy read which is perfect when you want to take a break from your Christmas preparations.
Lady Vespasia and Victor Narraway are invited to spend Christmas at a beautiful country estate in Kent.
What seems on the outside to be a pleasant holiday with society acquaintances of Vespasia, ends up being a rather rather less pleasant affair. There is a secret backdrop to the house party which pans out in a in a sinister and dangerous way with Victor and Vespasia in the centre of the whole ordeal.
Main characters Lady Vespasia’s and Victor Narraway’s relationship is vividly described, taking ample time to describe the fact that they are newlyweds. I feel Vespasia’s experience helping to solve previous cases shines through in the confident way she deals with events throughout the story.
When choosing to read Anne Perry, I am not expecting the plot to be simple, sweet and uncomplicated. On the contrary, I expect twists and turns throughout, and that is exactly what I got in this story. The Christmas theme was expertly mixed into the crime plot in a way I found very enjoyable. Must say I would even have enjoyed a little bit more Christmas feel, especially in the beginning, but no major issue.
A Christmas Gathering is highly recommend for readers of Anne Perry’s other works and for fans of historical crime fiction in general.
My rating: 4/5 stars
(All opinions in this review are my own)
Lady Vespasia and Victor Narraway are invited to spend Christmas at a beautiful country estate in Kent.
What seems on the outside to be a pleasant holiday with society acquaintances of Vespasia, ends up being a rather rather less pleasant affair. There is a secret backdrop to the house party which pans out in a in a sinister and dangerous way with Victor and Vespasia in the centre of the whole ordeal.
Main characters Lady Vespasia’s and Victor Narraway’s relationship is vividly described, taking ample time to describe the fact that they are newlyweds. I feel Vespasia’s experience helping to solve previous cases shines through in the confident way she deals with events throughout the story.
When choosing to read Anne Perry, I am not expecting the plot to be simple, sweet and uncomplicated. On the contrary, I expect twists and turns throughout, and that is exactly what I got in this story. The Christmas theme was expertly mixed into the crime plot in a way I found very enjoyable. Must say I would even have enjoyed a little bit more Christmas feel, especially in the beginning, but no major issue.
A Christmas Gathering is highly recommend for readers of Anne Perry’s other works and for fans of historical crime fiction in general.
My rating: 4/5 stars
(All opinions in this review are my own)
November 30, 2019
Poorly plotted, written and edited. eg. reuse of same lines; no character development; repetitious. A disappointing effort from such a popular author.
December 21, 2019
Perhaps I needed to read previous Christmas books by this author in order to be more invested in the characters. It was OK, but didn't really feel much like a Christmas story.
November 6, 2019
Every year the author delivers up to fans an engaging and heartwarming side story to one of her series with a Christmas holiday setting for one of her minor characters to shine and solve their own mystery. This year, the author returns to Victor and Vespasia from the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt historical mystery series and couldn't have chosen better in my book. I chose to go back and forth between print and audio versions of the book.
A Christmas Gathering is the seventeenth of the Christmas stories. The story is standalone, but the characters are from one of the author's Victorian era mystery series where they are introduced as well as their meeting, courtship and marriage.
Lady Vespasia is a woman in the winter of her life. An earl's daughter and the most beautiful and striking woman from her early years even to now, she has stunned her family and circle of acquaintance by falling in love with and marrying ruthless and darkly secretive much younger Victor Narraway once the head of Britain's Special Branch. Now, they are suddenly accepting an invitation to a house party after she thought they would spend a quiet Christmas at home together. She doesn't ask what his going on when she sees the hidden expression on Victor's face that tells of a top secret mission that he won't tell her about. But, the house party is made up of mostly people she is acquainted with and soon she notices the tension and feels the atmosphere of what would otherwise be a lavish and traditional English country Christmas.
Victor still can't believe his good fortune that Vespasia didn't spurn his love and married out of her sphere and decidedly beneath her. This makes him feel more vulnerable than he ever has in his life so he won't tell her about the huge deadly mistake he made many years ago and how this mission he is on will be his vindication of the past and maybe give him some answers. Only, someone at this house party seems to know about the new mission and maybe the past is about to repeat itself.
The author couldn't have pleased me more than during the series when she brought these two favorite characters into a Winter romance and now gives them their own mystery to solve together during the Christmas season. This is novella-length so it does move along though it was highly developed and full of much introspection on the part of both characters. I enjoyed contemplating what an older pair would feel marrying late in a age and class difference situation, but it was also fun to see Vespasia using her rapier wit on a bitter woman who took shots at her and when the woman's husband took shots at Victor. The Christmas setting was there, but the focus was on the characters and the mystery.
This was my first time experiencing Jenny Sterlin's narration work and I was impressed by her ability to do older and younger characters, genders, classes, and even match the tone and pace that was just right for this novella. I will definitely be looking for more of her work.
Another lovely historical holiday mystery from a favorite author. I definitely recommend all her series for those who adore historical mysteries and this one in particular for those looking for a historical mystery set during the holidays.
My thanks to Recorded Books as well as Ballantine Books for the opportunity to listen/read this book in exchange for an honest review.
A Christmas Gathering is the seventeenth of the Christmas stories. The story is standalone, but the characters are from one of the author's Victorian era mystery series where they are introduced as well as their meeting, courtship and marriage.
Lady Vespasia is a woman in the winter of her life. An earl's daughter and the most beautiful and striking woman from her early years even to now, she has stunned her family and circle of acquaintance by falling in love with and marrying ruthless and darkly secretive much younger Victor Narraway once the head of Britain's Special Branch. Now, they are suddenly accepting an invitation to a house party after she thought they would spend a quiet Christmas at home together. She doesn't ask what his going on when she sees the hidden expression on Victor's face that tells of a top secret mission that he won't tell her about. But, the house party is made up of mostly people she is acquainted with and soon she notices the tension and feels the atmosphere of what would otherwise be a lavish and traditional English country Christmas.
Victor still can't believe his good fortune that Vespasia didn't spurn his love and married out of her sphere and decidedly beneath her. This makes him feel more vulnerable than he ever has in his life so he won't tell her about the huge deadly mistake he made many years ago and how this mission he is on will be his vindication of the past and maybe give him some answers. Only, someone at this house party seems to know about the new mission and maybe the past is about to repeat itself.
The author couldn't have pleased me more than during the series when she brought these two favorite characters into a Winter romance and now gives them their own mystery to solve together during the Christmas season. This is novella-length so it does move along though it was highly developed and full of much introspection on the part of both characters. I enjoyed contemplating what an older pair would feel marrying late in a age and class difference situation, but it was also fun to see Vespasia using her rapier wit on a bitter woman who took shots at her and when the woman's husband took shots at Victor. The Christmas setting was there, but the focus was on the characters and the mystery.
This was my first time experiencing Jenny Sterlin's narration work and I was impressed by her ability to do older and younger characters, genders, classes, and even match the tone and pace that was just right for this novella. I will definitely be looking for more of her work.
Another lovely historical holiday mystery from a favorite author. I definitely recommend all her series for those who adore historical mysteries and this one in particular for those looking for a historical mystery set during the holidays.
My thanks to Recorded Books as well as Ballantine Books for the opportunity to listen/read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2019
At slightly over 200 pages long this annual Christmas novella from Anne Perry is sure to give her fans exactly the pleasure they have come to expect from her. This was my first time reading anything in this series so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. This is the third Christmas Vespasia and Victor have been married and she would have preferred to spend the time at home instead of at the country estate of Max and Lady Amelia Cavendish. Vespasia knows Victor has some business he needs to take care of but he has not confided in her and she will not ask what it is.
This is a story where Vespasia and Victor keep repeating how much they love and trust each other and then proceed to not share any thoughts and don't act as if they trust each other at all. Almost falling into that dreaded category of "the big misunderstanding" this one is saved because it just isn't long enough to develop that thread fully. Someone has conked one of the guests on the head and an investigation uncovers how deeply hatred is running through this Christmas house party. If you are a fan of the Thomas Pitt series you will have come to know Vespasia, her past and her present so you will probably be very glad to catch up with her during this holiday offering.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books for an e-galley of this novella.
This is a story where Vespasia and Victor keep repeating how much they love and trust each other and then proceed to not share any thoughts and don't act as if they trust each other at all. Almost falling into that dreaded category of "the big misunderstanding" this one is saved because it just isn't long enough to develop that thread fully. Someone has conked one of the guests on the head and an investigation uncovers how deeply hatred is running through this Christmas house party. If you are a fan of the Thomas Pitt series you will have come to know Vespasia, her past and her present so you will probably be very glad to catch up with her during this holiday offering.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books for an e-galley of this novella.
November 25, 2019
Can you guys believe this is my first ever Anne Perry novel? I am shocked that I haven’t read this author before! She has written a ton of mysteries and they all seemed like they would be right up my alley.
But sometimes with well established series, it can be intimidating to just jump in on say book 10 and with Perry’s mystery series, they are all well established and long running.
When this one arrived on my desk for review, I had to do a little research first. Number one, I wanted to read this book because I love the cover and it was more novella length, but I needed to see where it landed in the larger series. It was number 17! I almost passed until I saw that this particular series (the Christmas Stories series) didn’t feature specific reoccurring characters but rather characters from within other series.
So first of all, I just need to say that Perry is an excellent writer! I can see why so many people love her books and why she has had such longstanding series! I didn’t have to read any of the other books to feel comfortable in the story, I mean obviously there were other characters and a backstory but as with a holiday novella, the focus on primarily on the immediate story. I enjoyed solving the mystery right along with the characters and the extra little dose of holiday cheer was refreshing and totally got me in the mood for the holiday season.
I thought it was fun that the couple was an older married couple. So many historical mysteries center around young new couples in their 20s or 30s but I love the angle that Perry took here with a newly married older couple. I loved getting to know this couple even if it was only for a brief novella, they were well drawn and fully developed even for a shorter length novel.
If you love holidays and solving historical mysteries then you should be picking up this book. I’m a completely new reader of Perry and found I was drawn in and delighted in her storytelling abilities. I can’t wait to check out more books by her in the future! Fans of her books, where should I start?
See my full review here
But sometimes with well established series, it can be intimidating to just jump in on say book 10 and with Perry’s mystery series, they are all well established and long running.
When this one arrived on my desk for review, I had to do a little research first. Number one, I wanted to read this book because I love the cover and it was more novella length, but I needed to see where it landed in the larger series. It was number 17! I almost passed until I saw that this particular series (the Christmas Stories series) didn’t feature specific reoccurring characters but rather characters from within other series.
So first of all, I just need to say that Perry is an excellent writer! I can see why so many people love her books and why she has had such longstanding series! I didn’t have to read any of the other books to feel comfortable in the story, I mean obviously there were other characters and a backstory but as with a holiday novella, the focus on primarily on the immediate story. I enjoyed solving the mystery right along with the characters and the extra little dose of holiday cheer was refreshing and totally got me in the mood for the holiday season.
I thought it was fun that the couple was an older married couple. So many historical mysteries center around young new couples in their 20s or 30s but I love the angle that Perry took here with a newly married older couple. I loved getting to know this couple even if it was only for a brief novella, they were well drawn and fully developed even for a shorter length novel.
If you love holidays and solving historical mysteries then you should be picking up this book. I’m a completely new reader of Perry and found I was drawn in and delighted in her storytelling abilities. I can’t wait to check out more books by her in the future! Fans of her books, where should I start?
See my full review here
December 23, 2024
I always love these Christmas stories from Perry & I hadn't read this one yet, so that was a fun holiday treat. This one centers on one of my favorite characters from the Pitt series: Lady Vespasia & her current husband, Victor Narraway. They are invited to a country house party for Christmas, but the retired Narraway has an espionage task to secretly carry out. When there are complications, Vespasia must act to help him succeed.
December 21, 2019
I picked this book up because I was in the mood for a light read with a Christmas twist. I guess if an author churns out one of these a year for a number of years, the stories risk becoming dull and stale. There was no Christmas here, except for one night when the women dressed up and one woman wore green, another wore red, and there were some golden baubles decorating the room. The dialogue was often so confusing and disconnected as to require re-reading several times—still leaving big gaps. Not having followed these characters in past books, I found them very shallowly developed (and, frankly, boring). There was a lot of telling rather than showing (e.g., how important Narraway’s position was in Special Branch operations, how very much he loved Vespasia, how witty and sleuth-like Vespasia has been in her past). Comparing this book to the painstakingly detailed and developed historical fiction of Charles Finch makes me cringe for Perry’s superficiality.
December 9, 2019
3.5/5
A refreshing change from the typical Christmas romance story. This was my first ever of Anne Perry and I dove in without knowing much about her at all. This is from her Christmas book series and A Christmas Gathering is book 17. It felt like an Agatha Christie vibe where it was a murder mystery with clever writing and interesting characters. While it had vibes of AC, it wasn’t developed as deeply and I felt like there were some plot holes and missing character descriptions that would have helped build a better support for the story. However, I didn’t guess the ending and was definitely surprised when the murderer was revealed.
A refreshing change from the typical Christmas romance story. This was my first ever of Anne Perry and I dove in without knowing much about her at all. This is from her Christmas book series and A Christmas Gathering is book 17. It felt like an Agatha Christie vibe where it was a murder mystery with clever writing and interesting characters. While it had vibes of AC, it wasn’t developed as deeply and I felt like there were some plot holes and missing character descriptions that would have helped build a better support for the story. However, I didn’t guess the ending and was definitely surprised when the murderer was revealed.
November 26, 2019
This is a quick read with interesting characters. Promoting it as a Christmas book is misleading since the only references to the holiday are a few descriptions of the decorations in the manor. The story would not have changed if it has been another time of year. The book is a mystery, but not a hard one to solve. Overall, not a book I would be quick to recommend. Much better holiday reads available.
February 5, 2020
RATING: 2.5 STARS
I rated this book a 2.5 stars, rounded up to three, because this was not a bad novella at all. I just felt like I was missing some backstories and it wasn't drawn out much. The latter might be due to the former problem for me. This is why I have to read in order for series! I will go back and try either a standalone novel, or first in the series.
I rated this book a 2.5 stars, rounded up to three, because this was not a bad novella at all. I just felt like I was missing some backstories and it wasn't drawn out much. The latter might be due to the former problem for me. This is why I have to read in order for series! I will go back and try either a standalone novel, or first in the series.
December 1, 2019
It is hard to believe that the Yuletide tradition of enjoying an Anne Perry Christmas-inspired novel is now in its 17th consecutive year. You don’t need to be a regular reader of her various mystery series to enjoy these Christmas treats, but it sure would help. Perry often features secondary or even obscure characters who have appeared in her books as the central figures of her holiday offerings. A CHRISTMAS GATHERING marks the return of Victor Narraway, the former head of London's Special Branch, and his beautiful wife, Vespasia. You may recognize them from the Charlotte & Thomas Pitt novels.
Perry includes this dedication prior to the start of the story: “To all who aspire to give mercy, and to receive it.” Once you’ve turned the last page, you will fully realize and appreciate its importance.
While Victor and Vespasia's previous Christmas in Jerusalem had been unforgettable and life-changing, they opt this year for a quieter celebration at home. However, those plans change when they accept an invitation to the opulent Cavendish residence to enjoy a few days of holiday cheer. The forecast may not call for a white Christmas, but there is a chill in the air with the possibility of light snowfall. This would make things festive and provide a more seasonal coverage to the Cavendish backyard, which includes well-manicured trees, a lovely garden and an orangery for their guests to explore.
However, Victor is attending this small gathering for higher reasons. The purpose of Special Branch is not just defense of homeland but also to prevent potential disasters from happening --- and to do it in a manner so that no one would know there had ever been a threat. Victor must take into his possession a set of submarine blueprints, discreetly doctored, that are to be passed through one of Special Branch’s usual networks in the hopes that it will be taken as genuine. This will allow them to identify a traitor who has been passing secrets to Germany. Which guest will give Victor the blueprints?
Victor has put additional stress on his shoulders with this current mission. He is seeking to right a personal wrong he committed under similar circumstances 20 years ago. Regrettably for Victor, his error led to the death of a young woman named Edith. He wants to make sure that no such mistake occurs this time. Vespasia is aware that her husband has some serious business to take care of; she just does not realize how serious it is.
As expected, Victor is approached in the backyard by a woman he was introduced to as Iris --- part of the youngest couple attending the party. She gets the intended package to him, but there is someone else outside who begins firing at him. Victor gets out of harm’s way, but the shooter takes down Iris with what appears to be a sharp blow to the head that causes a good deal of bleeding. She is brought back to the house unconscious, and there is no way of knowing if she is going to survive the assault.
Vespasia takes things in stride, all the while wondering what the much younger Iris had to do with her husband. Victor confesses to her about the guilt he still carries from that mission two decades ago, and why he must go above and beyond not only to fulfill the current mission but to ensure that Iris survives. Vespasia does whatever she can to oversee the ailing young lady and provide comfort to her husband, James. Meanwhile, both Victor and Vespasia are aware that one or more of the remaining guests --- or even the hosts themselves --- are working with the traitor and will do anything to get their hands on the blueprints that Victor has hidden in his wife's undergarment drawer.
A CHRISTMAS GATHERING is Anne Perry’s most suspenseful holiday mystery to date. Vespasia puts it best when she states: “Christmas is about accepting that we all make mistakes, for which we will be forgiven, but first we must forgive others. And then when the knot slips undone and lets go, we can forgive ourselves as well.” For me, the Christmas season would not be official without this annual tale from Perry, and she may have given her readers the best Yuletide gift yet.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
Perry includes this dedication prior to the start of the story: “To all who aspire to give mercy, and to receive it.” Once you’ve turned the last page, you will fully realize and appreciate its importance.
While Victor and Vespasia's previous Christmas in Jerusalem had been unforgettable and life-changing, they opt this year for a quieter celebration at home. However, those plans change when they accept an invitation to the opulent Cavendish residence to enjoy a few days of holiday cheer. The forecast may not call for a white Christmas, but there is a chill in the air with the possibility of light snowfall. This would make things festive and provide a more seasonal coverage to the Cavendish backyard, which includes well-manicured trees, a lovely garden and an orangery for their guests to explore.
However, Victor is attending this small gathering for higher reasons. The purpose of Special Branch is not just defense of homeland but also to prevent potential disasters from happening --- and to do it in a manner so that no one would know there had ever been a threat. Victor must take into his possession a set of submarine blueprints, discreetly doctored, that are to be passed through one of Special Branch’s usual networks in the hopes that it will be taken as genuine. This will allow them to identify a traitor who has been passing secrets to Germany. Which guest will give Victor the blueprints?
Victor has put additional stress on his shoulders with this current mission. He is seeking to right a personal wrong he committed under similar circumstances 20 years ago. Regrettably for Victor, his error led to the death of a young woman named Edith. He wants to make sure that no such mistake occurs this time. Vespasia is aware that her husband has some serious business to take care of; she just does not realize how serious it is.
As expected, Victor is approached in the backyard by a woman he was introduced to as Iris --- part of the youngest couple attending the party. She gets the intended package to him, but there is someone else outside who begins firing at him. Victor gets out of harm’s way, but the shooter takes down Iris with what appears to be a sharp blow to the head that causes a good deal of bleeding. She is brought back to the house unconscious, and there is no way of knowing if she is going to survive the assault.
Vespasia takes things in stride, all the while wondering what the much younger Iris had to do with her husband. Victor confesses to her about the guilt he still carries from that mission two decades ago, and why he must go above and beyond not only to fulfill the current mission but to ensure that Iris survives. Vespasia does whatever she can to oversee the ailing young lady and provide comfort to her husband, James. Meanwhile, both Victor and Vespasia are aware that one or more of the remaining guests --- or even the hosts themselves --- are working with the traitor and will do anything to get their hands on the blueprints that Victor has hidden in his wife's undergarment drawer.
A CHRISTMAS GATHERING is Anne Perry’s most suspenseful holiday mystery to date. Vespasia puts it best when she states: “Christmas is about accepting that we all make mistakes, for which we will be forgiven, but first we must forgive others. And then when the knot slips undone and lets go, we can forgive ourselves as well.” For me, the Christmas season would not be official without this annual tale from Perry, and she may have given her readers the best Yuletide gift yet.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
November 3, 2019
(3.5 stars)
I’ve only read one other Anne Perry book, the second in the Daniel Pitt series, but it’s already easy for me to recognize her authorship in “A Christmas Gathering,” another cozy mystery with intelligent, witty (and often biting) dialogue and lush descriptions of period English settings and social scenes. In Perry’s latest, Lady Vespasia and her new husband, Lord Narraway, accept an invitation to pass the Christmas holidays at Cavendish Manor, the country estate of Lord Cavendish and his wife, Lady Amelia Cavendish. While Vespasia isn’t enamored of the idea of spending Christmas with an assortment of acquaintances and strangers—as well as, in Lady Amelia, a rival of sorts—she acquiesces because Lord Narraway, former head of Special Branch, seems to have some ulterior motive for attending. But when the secret mission he is there to complete suddenly takes a disastrous turn, and a woman lies near death as a result, it will take the special skills of both Vespasia and Narraway to bring the culprit to justice. This is a light (and short) book—the pace is leisurely, it’s not terribly difficult to solve the mystery, and the ending (like the one in the other Perry book I read) felt a bit rushed and abrupt, but really, the mystery and solution aren’t the point of these books. The real draw is the period setting—curl up under a blanket with a cup of tea (or a glass of sherry) this Christmas season and savor a quick trip into Perry’s beautifully depicted past.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.
I’ve only read one other Anne Perry book, the second in the Daniel Pitt series, but it’s already easy for me to recognize her authorship in “A Christmas Gathering,” another cozy mystery with intelligent, witty (and often biting) dialogue and lush descriptions of period English settings and social scenes. In Perry’s latest, Lady Vespasia and her new husband, Lord Narraway, accept an invitation to pass the Christmas holidays at Cavendish Manor, the country estate of Lord Cavendish and his wife, Lady Amelia Cavendish. While Vespasia isn’t enamored of the idea of spending Christmas with an assortment of acquaintances and strangers—as well as, in Lady Amelia, a rival of sorts—she acquiesces because Lord Narraway, former head of Special Branch, seems to have some ulterior motive for attending. But when the secret mission he is there to complete suddenly takes a disastrous turn, and a woman lies near death as a result, it will take the special skills of both Vespasia and Narraway to bring the culprit to justice. This is a light (and short) book—the pace is leisurely, it’s not terribly difficult to solve the mystery, and the ending (like the one in the other Perry book I read) felt a bit rushed and abrupt, but really, the mystery and solution aren’t the point of these books. The real draw is the period setting—curl up under a blanket with a cup of tea (or a glass of sherry) this Christmas season and savor a quick trip into Perry’s beautifully depicted past.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.
November 1, 2019
Although I enjoyed this story, it referenced some things between our main characters, Lady Vespasia and her husband Victor, with no explanation. Such as their age gap and what transpired the previous Christmas. These things may have happened in previous books in the series, but there should have been a more in-depth explanation regarding these references in order to make it a true stand-alone story.
Although semi-retired, Victor works with the Foreign Office and has been tasked with accepting documents from another operative at a house party in the country. Victor does not share this reason with Vespasia, although she is aware there is more involved than Victor has admitted. She trusts him and feels he will share it when he can.
A young, beautiful woman named Iris is tasked with the transfer of the documents to Victor.
This situation brings up memories and guilt from 20 years before for Victor where he was tasked with protecting another young woman in similar circumstances that resulted in her death. He is adamant that he will not let history repeat itself.
The story follows the house party through the Christmas holiday where Victor and Vespasia rush to solve a mystery while at the same time keeping themselves safe from danger.
All in all this was an enjoyable story, but would recommend reading the previous stories in the series in order to fully enjoy it.
Finally, I would like to thank Ann Perry, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books and NetGalley for gifting me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Although semi-retired, Victor works with the Foreign Office and has been tasked with accepting documents from another operative at a house party in the country. Victor does not share this reason with Vespasia, although she is aware there is more involved than Victor has admitted. She trusts him and feels he will share it when he can.
A young, beautiful woman named Iris is tasked with the transfer of the documents to Victor.
This situation brings up memories and guilt from 20 years before for Victor where he was tasked with protecting another young woman in similar circumstances that resulted in her death. He is adamant that he will not let history repeat itself.
The story follows the house party through the Christmas holiday where Victor and Vespasia rush to solve a mystery while at the same time keeping themselves safe from danger.
All in all this was an enjoyable story, but would recommend reading the previous stories in the series in order to fully enjoy it.
Finally, I would like to thank Ann Perry, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books and NetGalley for gifting me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 20, 2024
A bit of a spy mystery included in a gathering for Christmas, at a country estate. Victoria Narraway, who was head of Special Branch that dealt with all things that concern the government, and its safety, arrives with his bride the beautiful, and knowing Lady Vespasian. She was hoping for a quiet time with her new husband, but it seemed the foreign office had other ideas. Although she is not quite sure what is to take place since her husband has retired, she knows this gathering has a purpose. When tragedy strikes another lady, who is found badly beaten , and unconscious outside the orange grove Victor realizes they have a spy, and possible assassin among them. Together they will follow leads , and clues to the mystery ends. It was very enjoyable. It also dealt with forgiveness. Since her Christmas books deal with some form of danger, I have become used to it not being all full of Christmas joy. The fact that somewhere in her books she highlights a positive change in someone, that represents the meaning of the season for us to learn from. 5 stars.
December 10, 2024
A short cozy Christmas mystery set on a beautiful estate in Victorian England. It was to be a lovely Christmas gathering, full of leisure to enjoy a good book, participate in fun games and scintillating conversation, all in a beautiful setting Soon there is an attempted murder, followed by an actual murder and all of the guests are suspects. Two of the guests are Lady Vespasia and her new husband Victor Narroway and it is her husband who is there as part of his job as head of the Special Branch. Will he solve the crime before there is another murder? Will the guests every feel safe again at this lovely country home? Will Narroway be murdered before he solves the crime? Lots of questions and they are all resolved in less than 200 pages!!
November 24, 2019
Every year, Perry produces a charming and worthwhile Christmas novel, focusing on one or more of her long-running series' characters. This year's entry is exceptional. Our favorite odd couple Lady Vespasia and former head of Special Branch Victor Narraway find themselves caught up in an unhappy and dangerous situation for their second Christmas together as a married couple.
This time the action is at a stately manor house in England, where deceptions, jealousies, past failures, and murder take the stage. Perry, as always, takes time to develop intriguing inner dialogues with Vespasia and Victor, allowing the reader more insight into their characters. Readers will find this a highly satisfying and poignant Christmas story.
This time the action is at a stately manor house in England, where deceptions, jealousies, past failures, and murder take the stage. Perry, as always, takes time to develop intriguing inner dialogues with Vespasia and Victor, allowing the reader more insight into their characters. Readers will find this a highly satisfying and poignant Christmas story.
December 27, 2019
The Christmas novels by Anne Perry are such a huge part of my holiday season-I look forward to receiving the latest installment in my stocking every year. This year especially, since the star of this particular story is one of my favorite characters: Lady Vespasia! She and her husband are attending a Christmas party , but her husband is also there for another reason. Will Victor succeed in his mission this time? Will memories of a previous similar mission gone wrong, interfere? Is Vespasia safe? This is vintage Perry plotting and it's fantastic!
December 18, 2019
Every year I eagerly anticipate the newest addition to this annual tradition, and I am never disappointed. This year's selection centers on one of the characters from her Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series, the Lady Vespasia and her recent husband Victor Narraway. The plot makes use of Victor's history of employment in Special Branch, and a mystery from the past and the present is resolved in a country manor at Christmas time. Nobody writes a Victorian story as well as Anne Perry!
December 26, 2021
Usual Anne Perry Christmas story
It made a pleasant Christmas read, as Perry’s stories usually are. Country manor house, decorated for Christmas, Edwardian manners, aristocracy. Spy stuff too. Perry is good at writing this kind of novel, not quite over the top as some authors in this genre can be. Like Christmas food, however, her Christmas books are sufficient in small doses. The “mystery” ends too sharply and there’s always a moral at the end.
It made a pleasant Christmas read, as Perry’s stories usually are. Country manor house, decorated for Christmas, Edwardian manners, aristocracy. Spy stuff too. Perry is good at writing this kind of novel, not quite over the top as some authors in this genre can be. Like Christmas food, however, her Christmas books are sufficient in small doses. The “mystery” ends too sharply and there’s always a moral at the end.
November 9, 2019
This was an interesting Christmas mystery. It takes place in Victorian England, and the main characters are from another series, which I haven't read any of. I had no trouble following the characters and their story. The mystery was intriguing, and I enjoyed the journey to the conclusion. I was surprised at the way things ended.
October 30, 2019
Anne Perry's annual Christmas novella is always a treat. And this time, you get Victor Narraway, Lady Vespasia, a country house, treason, a cold case murder, and lots of intrigue! Lady Vespasia is none too pleased to be at a house party in the country and none too happy at how distracted her husband Narraway is. What's the deal with Iris Watson-Watt? There's an attempted murder and it turns out that Lady Vespasia is not the only one who isn't happy to be at the Cavendish home. This is a quick read- it zips along- and don't worry if you haven't read other Perry novels. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For fans of English country house mysteries. A good one.
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