East End Christmas Cracker

by Dreda Say Mitchell

Tough East Ender Babs is back in a standalone novella

You can’t choose your family. Especially at Christmas

It’s all jingles but no bells this year as East End mum Babs
Miller tries to find somewhere to stage one of her legendary
Christmas parties. But no one’s hiring to Babs this festive season.
Her shindig’s reputation for all-round mayhem has preceded her.
There’s another problem: no one wants Babs’ aging relative,
the notorious Aunt Ruddy, on their premises. She could start
a fight on a desert island.

But Aunt Ruddy won’t be going anywhere this Christmas
because she’s laid up in hospital. Babs begins to suspect that
Ruddy owns something valuable that’s in danger of being stolen.
Babs soon fears the light-fingered thief might be closer to home
than she thinks.

90 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2019

About the author

Her Majesty, The Queen appointed Dreda an MBE in her 2020 New Year’s Honours’ List. Dreda scooped the CWA’s John Creasey Dagger in 2004, the first time a Black British author has received this honour. Dreda and Ryan write across the crime and mystery genre – psychological thrillers, gritty gangland crime and fast-paced action books Spare Room, their first psychological thriller was a #1 UK and US Amazon Bestseller. Dreda is one of twelve acclaimed and bestselling international female writers contributing to a new Miss Marple anthology. Dreda is a passionate campaigner and speaker on social issues and the arts. She has been a frequent guest on television and radio including BBC Breakfast,, Celebrity Pointless and Celebrity Eggheads, The Stephen Nolan Show, Front Row and Woman’s Hour. She has presented Radio 4’s flagship books programme, Open Book. Dreda was named one of Britain’s 50 Remarkable Women by Lady Geek in association with Nokia. She was the 2011 chair of the Theakston Harrogate Crime Fiction Festival. Dreda was born and raised in the East End of London where she continues to live. Dreda’s family are from the beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada and her name is pronounced with a long ‘ee’ sound in the middle.

Reviews

[Sandra]

I love reading about the Miller Family and their antics but Babs made me laugh so much in this book she is determined to find somewhere to hold her Christmas Eve Party alas no one will hire a room to her as all her shindigs end up in a free for all.She is also concerned about Aunt Ruddy an elderly lady with an iffy past but i won't spoil the book.Thank you Dreda Say Mitchell 5*

[kittykat AKA Ms. Tortitude]

3.5

06.11.22 added back after loss of data early October.

| One | 12/01/2022 01:07:50
Jimmy was in full flight with reasons not to attend Babs’ Christmas Eve party, but she wasn’t listening. She was eyeing up an oversized turkey that would be a real treat for her Christmas Day dinner. The bird looked like it had been working out down the gym every day before its final trip to the meat rack. Babs couldn’t help feeling a pang of sadness and remorse that the bird had once been living and breathing just like her, going about its everyday business.
Lol

| One | 12/01/2022 01:08:42
That bloke should be auctioning you babe; you’re a nice plump joint with plenty of fat on her.’
‘Well, I expect you’ve been auctioned a few times in a knocking shop but I doubt anyone made any money out of it…’
Lol

| Five | 12/01/2022 01:36:50
Ruddy flatly denied that she was guilty of the theft. On the tube journey home, she’d sworn blind and crossed her heart she was innocent because she never stole from her own, only from rich people who could afford it. When Stan pointed out the noble lord was worth a mint, Ruddy insisted that wasn’t the point. Her explanation was that the lord had made a pass at her and she’d responded in the only way any respectable woman would. ‘You know what these public schoolboys are like Stan — they’re always after a bit of rough.’
To which Babs’ astonished old man had muttered, ‘I’m not sure they like it that rough…
Lol

[Julia Jones]

Short but sweet

Absolutely love reading about the Miller family antics. This book was another fab Miller family story although it was shorter than the usual Miller family stories. Totally recommend it.

[Rosie Harrison]

Oh my days....I laughed so much. Lovely book full.of East End characters you will just love. Thank you so much Dreda for the laughs...a fab, cheerful Christmas read.

[Ni]

I can't say I like Aunt Ruddy but this short story is quite entertaining.

[Christine Ann]

This is an ok book had some funny parts but thought it was a weak story

[Miriam]

A short but feel good and funny book in the Báb Miller series. Aunty Ruddy (Nora) is in the hospital accusing the poor staff of stealing her things. I don't want to ruin the story for anyone who hasn't read it yet but Babs and Co put together a plan to trick a thief. Hopefully it's not the last we hear of Babs and her family.

[Tracy ann Robinson]

i love this author especially babs and the girls so hope babs be back soon so recommended and funny