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Le curieux Noël de Mrs Ellison
Dans l'Angleterre victorienne, l'épais manteau de neige qui recouvre les petits villages à Noël ne parvient pas toujours à étouffer les échos de scandales et de meurtres passés...
La grand-mère de Charlotte Pitt, Mariah Ellison, se retrouve à enquêter sur un crime du passé : l'esprit d'investigation est un don de famille !
Quand Mariah Ellison reçoit un sinistre cadeau de Noël, un boulet de canon, sur le pas de sa porte, elle se rappelle un meurtre, il y a vingt ans, qui a brisé l'une de ses plus fortes amitiés. Comprenant que cette vieille affaire semble refaire surface, elle se rend dans le Surrey, dans l'espoir de se réconcilier avec son amie, et de résoudre enfin le meurtre qui les a séparées.
Mais les collines pittoresques du Surrey cachent bien des secrets, et des révélations choquantes pourraient rendre le Noël de Mrs Ellison tout à fait surprenant.
La grand-mère de Charlotte Pitt, Mariah Ellison, se retrouve à enquêter sur un crime du passé : l'esprit d'investigation est un don de famille !
Quand Mariah Ellison reçoit un sinistre cadeau de Noël, un boulet de canon, sur le pas de sa porte, elle se rappelle un meurtre, il y a vingt ans, qui a brisé l'une de ses plus fortes amitiés. Comprenant que cette vieille affaire semble refaire surface, elle se rend dans le Surrey, dans l'espoir de se réconcilier avec son amie, et de résoudre enfin le meurtre qui les a séparées.
Mais les collines pittoresques du Surrey cachent bien des secrets, et des révélations choquantes pourraient rendre le Noël de Mrs Ellison tout à fait surprenant.
160 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2017
430 people are currently reading
1339 people want to read
About the author
Anne Perry
360 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 323 reviews
December 16, 2017
This is a nice little Christmas-flavoured novella!
I have read many of Anne Perry's "Charlotte and Thomas Pitt" series as well as the "William Monk" series - as many as I could considering the libraries I went to did not have all of them. I intend to fill in as many of those gaps as I can in the coming year.
This story features Charlotte Pitt's grandmother and it's not really necessary to have read previous novels to enjoy it. Her background comes through vividly in this novella, as well as her relationship to the other two main characters who she visits to help them through a time of big trouble and possible danger.
Although she is now over 80, Charlotte's grandmother is feisty and strong-minded as well as strong-willed. She is determined to help her old friends no matter what.
The end is definitely sentimental and I know some folks will poke at it, but you know what? If you can't be sentimental and teary-eyed during Christmas, when can you?
I have read many of Anne Perry's "Charlotte and Thomas Pitt" series as well as the "William Monk" series - as many as I could considering the libraries I went to did not have all of them. I intend to fill in as many of those gaps as I can in the coming year.
This story features Charlotte Pitt's grandmother and it's not really necessary to have read previous novels to enjoy it. Her background comes through vividly in this novella, as well as her relationship to the other two main characters who she visits to help them through a time of big trouble and possible danger.
Although she is now over 80, Charlotte's grandmother is feisty and strong-minded as well as strong-willed. She is determined to help her old friends no matter what.
The end is definitely sentimental and I know some folks will poke at it, but you know what? If you can't be sentimental and teary-eyed during Christmas, when can you?
November 6, 2017
Anne Perry is a novelist whose books I’ve been wanting to read for ages, I hear she is a master at the historical thriller, however I feel that this was not the book to begin with.
This is not a whodunnit, unfortunately, as I assumed it would be. It is the story of Mariah, an elderly woman, who returns to her hometown to assist an old friend in solving two twenty year old murders. I believe this is a continuation of a family story and therefore I did not have the background or the understanding of the character development.
There was quite a bit of repetition in the dialogue and the Christmas theme didn’t particularly work well with this story in my opinion.
I’m going to start at the beginning with The Face of a Stranger (one of these days!) and I look forward to what appears to be an exciting series. This one was just not for me. 2.5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley, Anne Perry and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is not a whodunnit, unfortunately, as I assumed it would be. It is the story of Mariah, an elderly woman, who returns to her hometown to assist an old friend in solving two twenty year old murders. I believe this is a continuation of a family story and therefore I did not have the background or the understanding of the character development.
There was quite a bit of repetition in the dialogue and the Christmas theme didn’t particularly work well with this story in my opinion.
I’m going to start at the beginning with The Face of a Stranger (one of these days!) and I look forward to what appears to be an exciting series. This one was just not for me. 2.5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley, Anne Perry and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2021
A nice & quick yearly Anne Perry Christmas read (under 1 day).
I have read all of Anne Perry's books in her "Christmas Stories" series, this year she is back on track with a very good one after last year. All of her previous "Christmas Stories" have been B+ to me or definitely "A".
The plot is not difficult to determine. As usual this series is a mystery series more than a "Christmas" story series....uncovering a murderer.
Peter Wesley (grandson - 30) sends Mariah Ellison (his grandmother's old friend - Rowena Wesley) a "surprise" Christmas gift. A cannonball covered with pudding from the town of Harslmere?
Twenty years ago Dr. Owen Durward was accused of rapping/killing Christina Abbott(14). Peter's grandfather, Cullen Wesley (lawyer) had doubts with many others in Harslmere. Cullen said he would not defend Owen in the "criminal case". Then before the trial begins, Cullen was killed by a "Christmas" cannonball & bookcase falling on him. Owen knew he was flirting with his wife. Owen was found "not guilty" in Christina's murder due to "circumstantial evident".
Owen came back to Harslmere, 20 years later to clear his name of the 2 murders (Christina Abbott & Cullen Wesley). Once you are found Not Guilty for a "murder" you cannot be tried for the same crime. Owen should never have come back? Is he really guilty?
A change rating adjusted to description’s - 1/2020 - to 5 stars
I have read all of Anne Perry's books in her "Christmas Stories" series, this year she is back on track with a very good one after last year. All of her previous "Christmas Stories" have been B+ to me or definitely "A".
The plot is not difficult to determine. As usual this series is a mystery series more than a "Christmas" story series....uncovering a murderer.
Peter Wesley (grandson - 30) sends Mariah Ellison (his grandmother's old friend - Rowena Wesley) a "surprise" Christmas gift. A cannonball covered with pudding from the town of Harslmere?
Twenty years ago Dr. Owen Durward was accused of rapping/killing Christina Abbott(14). Peter's grandfather, Cullen Wesley (lawyer) had doubts with many others in Harslmere. Cullen said he would not defend Owen in the "criminal case". Then before the trial begins, Cullen was killed by a "Christmas" cannonball & bookcase falling on him. Owen knew he was flirting with his wife. Owen was found "not guilty" in Christina's murder due to "circumstantial evident".
Owen came back to Harslmere, 20 years later to clear his name of the 2 murders (Christina Abbott & Cullen Wesley). Once you are found Not Guilty for a "murder" you cannot be tried for the same crime. Owen should never have come back? Is he really guilty?
LEGAL NOTE OF INTEREST TO ALL OF US
"The defendant may appeal a guilty verdict, but the government may not appeal if a defendant is found Not Guilty. Either side in a criminal case may appeal with respect to the sentence that is imposed after a guilty verdict."
Owen's sentence was Not Guilty.
If you are found Not Guilty would you risk going back to being found Guilty? I wouldn't.
A change rating adjusted to description’s - 1/2020 - to 5 stars
October 15, 2018
"A Christmas Return" by internationally best selling author Anne Perry is the fifteenth in her Christmas novella series and is a Victorian crime mystery. I've never read anything before by this author so I was looking forward to reading this.
Although this wasn't Christmassy enough for me - rather just set at Christmas time -this is still a perfect little tale to unwind with after the annual heavy Christmas dinner. These novellas are very quick reads that don't require loads of concentration but leaves you with a cozy, fuzzy feeling and although I would say they are much more suited to an older audience due to the quickness of the read, younger readers will enjoy too and as long as you aren't expecting a traditional police procedural or blood and guts this will be an engaging and entertaining story. Perfect for stocking fillers too and aptly themed.
I liked the main character Mariah Ellison, she was a typical stoic Victorian lady but with a fierce determination for justice and following her throughout the story to the rather humorous conclusion was a joy.
I'd happily recommend this author and I do intend to read more of these fun novellas in the future.
3 stars
Although this wasn't Christmassy enough for me - rather just set at Christmas time -this is still a perfect little tale to unwind with after the annual heavy Christmas dinner. These novellas are very quick reads that don't require loads of concentration but leaves you with a cozy, fuzzy feeling and although I would say they are much more suited to an older audience due to the quickness of the read, younger readers will enjoy too and as long as you aren't expecting a traditional police procedural or blood and guts this will be an engaging and entertaining story. Perfect for stocking fillers too and aptly themed.
I liked the main character Mariah Ellison, she was a typical stoic Victorian lady but with a fierce determination for justice and following her throughout the story to the rather humorous conclusion was a joy.
I'd happily recommend this author and I do intend to read more of these fun novellas in the future.
3 stars
August 24, 2017
Mariah Ellison, a toasty-tempered grandmother, is on the loose. Her old friend was murdered twenty years before, and now the man he was defending in court is trying to defame Cullen's name. Not if Mariah can help it! She works with Peter, Cullen's grandson, to solve the twenty-year cold case in time for Christmas and to clear her old friend's name.
I found the story interesting and engaging throughout. Mariah is a likable woman, and so strong that it's almost pathetic to hear her speak of her bad marriage. Peter is a frank, enjoyable young man, determined to do what he can for the grandparents he loved so well. The two work together very well. Does the bad guy have a chance?
Thanks to the publishers for a review copy. A favorable rating was not required.
I found the story interesting and engaging throughout. Mariah is a likable woman, and so strong that it's almost pathetic to hear her speak of her bad marriage. Peter is a frank, enjoyable young man, determined to do what he can for the grandparents he loved so well. The two work together very well. Does the bad guy have a chance?
Thanks to the publishers for a review copy. A favorable rating was not required.
December 8, 2017
I've enjoyed several of these Christmas novellas based on the characters in Anne Perry's long-running mystery series. In this year's edition, Charlotte Pitt's grandmother, Mariah Ellison, is called upon to solve a twenty-year-old murder and clear her friend's name. The mystery is intriguing and there's just enough Christmas in the story to make it a fun read during the holiday season.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for granting me access to an arc of this book for an honest review. Merry Christmas!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for granting me access to an arc of this book for an honest review. Merry Christmas!
December 31, 2019
This novella truly rates 5 Stars since a miracle truly occurred for me this holiday season. I actually have changed from disliking Mariah Ellison immensely to actually admiring her. In a previous novella A Christmas Guest Mariah had sort of an epiphany after meeting Maude Barrington a woman who inspired Mariah to reevaluate her attitudes toward people and her life. I enjoyed that tale very much but figured that as soon as Mariah returned home she would revert to her old ways and habits. But alas! In this novel we discover she has indeed changed and takes upon a mission to clear an old friend's name and help solve a cold case.
December 7, 2019
Cozy and interesting! I felt like it was more the aftermath of a murder than the murder mystery itself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2017
It was not at all what I was expecting. It was cozy. There were no gory details or hard-boiled detectives. It just wasn’t as Christmassy as I was expecting. Partly, the back story was very heavy; and for me, that outweighed any Christmas spirit. It struck me as being more as an attempt to encourage abused women to stand up for themselves than a mystery book.
I liked the heroine. She is a fun cranky choice for a detective, and I hope she has many more adventures.
Perry did an excellent job of tying it all together at the end, but there was a lot of repetition throughout the whole book. It is really important to the solution of the mystery know and understand the heroines life story, but for so short a book it takes up a lot of the story.
Considering the nature of the crime and the detective’s backstory, it was very delicately written. There was one curse word.
I think I’ll be reading more from this author.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine. No favorable review was required, and these are my honest opinions.
I liked the heroine. She is a fun cranky choice for a detective, and I hope she has many more adventures.
Perry did an excellent job of tying it all together at the end, but there was a lot of repetition throughout the whole book. It is really important to the solution of the mystery know and understand the heroines life story, but for so short a book it takes up a lot of the story.
Considering the nature of the crime and the detective’s backstory, it was very delicately written. There was one curse word.
I think I’ll be reading more from this author.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine. No favorable review was required, and these are my honest opinions.
September 18, 2017
3.5 stars
Anne Perry writes this series of short Christmas novels every year. This one features Charlotte Pitt's grandmother, Mariah, who lives with Charlotte's sister, Emily. She is an unpleasant person and this book reveals the reason why. She is working on herself to become pleasant which is a nice Christmas thing to do. She answers the plea of an old friend's grandson to come help them an unravel a mystery.
It's not much of a mystery but Mariah does get it straightened out and the Christmas spirit prevails. It might be the perfect antidote for the Christmas season. It's just something to keep you warm and fuzzy.
Anne Perry writes this series of short Christmas novels every year. This one features Charlotte Pitt's grandmother, Mariah, who lives with Charlotte's sister, Emily. She is an unpleasant person and this book reveals the reason why. She is working on herself to become pleasant which is a nice Christmas thing to do. She answers the plea of an old friend's grandson to come help them an unravel a mystery.
It's not much of a mystery but Mariah does get it straightened out and the Christmas spirit prevails. It might be the perfect antidote for the Christmas season. It's just something to keep you warm and fuzzy.
February 4, 2020
A Christmas Return is about friendship, loyalty and trust. Mariah Ellison had Christmas with her family when she received a parcel. However, the contents of the package made Mariah remember a murder that happens twenty years ago and destroy a friendship. Mariah decided to go home to Haslemere and try to find the killer. Also, Mariah hopes to restore her friendship with the wife of the murder victim. The readers of A Christmas Return will continue to follow Mariah to see if she solve this murder.
A Christmas Return another fantastic book by Anne Perry. A Christmas Return is a lovely Christmas holiday read that allowed me to lose a couple of hours. I like the way Anne Perry described The setting of A Christmas Return and how it complements the plot of this book was done well by Anne Perry. I love the portrayal of the characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. A Christmas Return is well written and researched by Anne Perry.
The readers of A Christmas Return will learn about living in an English Village. Also, readers of A Christmas Return will realise the importance of friendship and forgiveness.
I recommend this book.
A Christmas Return another fantastic book by Anne Perry. A Christmas Return is a lovely Christmas holiday read that allowed me to lose a couple of hours. I like the way Anne Perry described The setting of A Christmas Return and how it complements the plot of this book was done well by Anne Perry. I love the portrayal of the characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. A Christmas Return is well written and researched by Anne Perry.
The readers of A Christmas Return will learn about living in an English Village. Also, readers of A Christmas Return will realise the importance of friendship and forgiveness.
I recommend this book.
November 1, 2017
Series: Stand Alone
Publication Date: 11/7/17
This lovely novella is loosely related to the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series. Thomas nor Charlotte makes an appearance in this novella, but they are mentioned. It definitely made me realize that I am woefully behind in that series. Evidently, a lot of family changes have transpired since I last read one of the books in the series. I’m thinking I need to go catch up!
The only real relationship this novel has to Christmas is that it is set at Christmas time. However, it is also a novel of justice, growth, self-knowledge, and renewal. The main characters were good friends twenty years ago when a tragic death tore them apart. Can that friendship be renewed and can a twenty-year-old murder be solved? Seeing Mariah’s growth, understanding and self-forgiveness is a delight.
Mariah Ellison is Charlotte Pitt’s paternal grandmother. She has always been a curmudgeon – well, not just a curmudgeon because she was mean, spiteful and hateful. In this novella, we learn about her early life and basically what made her who she is today. It is nice to see that a genuinely nice and caring person appears to be emerging.
Twenty years ago, in a small English village, a fourteen-year-old girl was abducted, raped, tortured and murdered. Mariah’s friend, Cullen, an honest, ethical lawyer was set to represent the accused, Dr. Durward. Then, after a visit to another village a number of miles away, Cullen told the defendant he could no longer represent him. The next day, Cullen was murdered, and rumors were spread about his wife, Rowena, having murdered him. Dr. Durward was later tried and found not guilty of the girl’s murder and nothing ever happened with the murder of Mariah’s friend.
Today, that defendant is back in town stirring up trouble for Rowena and her grandson, Peter and also impugning Cullen’s name. Peter sends a desperate message to Mariah for help and the next day she’s on a train determined to help however she can – and to mend a torn friendship with Rowena. The last Mariah saw Peter, he was only ten years old. He has now grown into a man who remembers her with great affection and respect.
Mariah and Peter work hard to solve the murder and bring the killer to justice. Mariah’s unique understanding of someone who is as dark as this murderer allows them to take avenue’s that would not normally have been looked into. There is a short time to be able to find the killer and bring him to justice. Can they do it? If the murderer is really Dr. Durward, he cannot be tried again, so what can they do?
This is an entertaining short read and if you have read the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt books, you will greatly appreciate Mariah’s metamorphosis. She’s still a work in progress, but she’s growing every day.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 11/7/17
This lovely novella is loosely related to the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series. Thomas nor Charlotte makes an appearance in this novella, but they are mentioned. It definitely made me realize that I am woefully behind in that series. Evidently, a lot of family changes have transpired since I last read one of the books in the series. I’m thinking I need to go catch up!
The only real relationship this novel has to Christmas is that it is set at Christmas time. However, it is also a novel of justice, growth, self-knowledge, and renewal. The main characters were good friends twenty years ago when a tragic death tore them apart. Can that friendship be renewed and can a twenty-year-old murder be solved? Seeing Mariah’s growth, understanding and self-forgiveness is a delight.
Mariah Ellison is Charlotte Pitt’s paternal grandmother. She has always been a curmudgeon – well, not just a curmudgeon because she was mean, spiteful and hateful. In this novella, we learn about her early life and basically what made her who she is today. It is nice to see that a genuinely nice and caring person appears to be emerging.
Twenty years ago, in a small English village, a fourteen-year-old girl was abducted, raped, tortured and murdered. Mariah’s friend, Cullen, an honest, ethical lawyer was set to represent the accused, Dr. Durward. Then, after a visit to another village a number of miles away, Cullen told the defendant he could no longer represent him. The next day, Cullen was murdered, and rumors were spread about his wife, Rowena, having murdered him. Dr. Durward was later tried and found not guilty of the girl’s murder and nothing ever happened with the murder of Mariah’s friend.
Today, that defendant is back in town stirring up trouble for Rowena and her grandson, Peter and also impugning Cullen’s name. Peter sends a desperate message to Mariah for help and the next day she’s on a train determined to help however she can – and to mend a torn friendship with Rowena. The last Mariah saw Peter, he was only ten years old. He has now grown into a man who remembers her with great affection and respect.
Mariah and Peter work hard to solve the murder and bring the killer to justice. Mariah’s unique understanding of someone who is as dark as this murderer allows them to take avenue’s that would not normally have been looked into. There is a short time to be able to find the killer and bring him to justice. Can they do it? If the murderer is really Dr. Durward, he cannot be tried again, so what can they do?
This is an entertaining short read and if you have read the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt books, you will greatly appreciate Mariah’s metamorphosis. She’s still a work in progress, but she’s growing every day.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
November 12, 2017
It's like a Christmas tradition now for me to grab the latest release in Anne Perry's Christmas Stories series. Each year for the last fifteen years, the author has gifted her fans with a Christmas themed mystery for a minor character from one of her Victorian era detective series (Thomas Pitt or William Monk series) to solve.
This year, it's Thomas Pitt's irascible grandmother in law, Mariah Ellison who gets to help bring justice for many when she travels back to an old friend's house and twenty years into the past to dig up the truth. The hunt for the truth dredges up dreadful memories from her own past that she must shake out and deal with so she can do what she does best- stubbornly bully her way to the answers.
As with most of Perry's work, the past is meticulously drawn and the social issues of the day addressed alongside the mystery. Mariah was a physically and sexually abused wife and had no recourse in her day because women were considered legal chattel to their husbands. Other women in the story are threatened with loss of reputation based on a whiff of scandal perpetrated by the villain.
The mystery is not difficult in the sense of trouble figuring out the culprit so much as gathering the evidence that will finally deal him his just desserts. Mariah was quite the crusader for justice and she does not let her own feelings or fears get in her way of confronting the rapist and killer. I did find myself a tad disappointed because the story had to be condensed, and unlike the longer series, the reader isn't given much of the killer's background or some of the explanation behind his crimes. There also could have been a bit more closure between Mariah and those she came to help as well.
But that said, this was an engaging story of murder, revenge, and justice for the Yuletide. Fans of historical mysteries should take a look at either of the author's long running series.
I rec'd this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
This year, it's Thomas Pitt's irascible grandmother in law, Mariah Ellison who gets to help bring justice for many when she travels back to an old friend's house and twenty years into the past to dig up the truth. The hunt for the truth dredges up dreadful memories from her own past that she must shake out and deal with so she can do what she does best- stubbornly bully her way to the answers.
As with most of Perry's work, the past is meticulously drawn and the social issues of the day addressed alongside the mystery. Mariah was a physically and sexually abused wife and had no recourse in her day because women were considered legal chattel to their husbands. Other women in the story are threatened with loss of reputation based on a whiff of scandal perpetrated by the villain.
The mystery is not difficult in the sense of trouble figuring out the culprit so much as gathering the evidence that will finally deal him his just desserts. Mariah was quite the crusader for justice and she does not let her own feelings or fears get in her way of confronting the rapist and killer. I did find myself a tad disappointed because the story had to be condensed, and unlike the longer series, the reader isn't given much of the killer's background or some of the explanation behind his crimes. There also could have been a bit more closure between Mariah and those she came to help as well.
But that said, this was an engaging story of murder, revenge, and justice for the Yuletide. Fans of historical mysteries should take a look at either of the author's long running series.
I rec'd this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2018
During the 1896 Christmas season, elderly widow Mariah Ellison finds herself alone and lonely. When she receives an unusual package and letter, she knows that she must try to discover the truth about a decades old unsolved murder case before a friend’s reputation is irreparably ruined.
Thank you to Goodreads first reads, Ballantine Books (an imprint of Random House), and author Anne Perry for the opportunity to read the ARC of this mystery novel.
Thank you to Goodreads first reads, Ballantine Books (an imprint of Random House), and author Anne Perry for the opportunity to read the ARC of this mystery novel.
October 15, 2018
Even though this is the fifteenth novella in the festive series, having not read any other books in the series, it definitely reads as a stand alone. Not only is it my first book I've read in the series but also the first book I've read by the author.
This was a relatively quick and quaint read. Even though only a novella, I fast became a fan of Mariah's character. She reminded me a bit of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. Quite stern yet lovable.
I loved the era the story is set in as well as the investigation. It's not a dark crime read by any means but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable. If you are looking for a more lighter crime fiction read set at a festive time of the year, then this is a perfect little read.
A Christmas Return is nice little read that was easy to get into and had me captivated with the wonderful era it's set in. I think if you love you Agatha Christie style mysteries then this is an author whose books you should definitely give a go.
My thanks to Headline for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
This was a relatively quick and quaint read. Even though only a novella, I fast became a fan of Mariah's character. She reminded me a bit of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. Quite stern yet lovable.
I loved the era the story is set in as well as the investigation. It's not a dark crime read by any means but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable. If you are looking for a more lighter crime fiction read set at a festive time of the year, then this is a perfect little read.
A Christmas Return is nice little read that was easy to get into and had me captivated with the wonderful era it's set in. I think if you love you Agatha Christie style mysteries then this is an author whose books you should definitely give a go.
My thanks to Headline for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
January 5, 2018
First Sentence: Christmas was just over a week away.
Mariah Ellison, grandmother to Charlotte Pitt, receives a package containing a reminder of a long-ago unsolved murder. Once friends with the victim’s wife, Mariah decides to travel to Surry to reconcile with her friend and, by teaming up with her friend’s grandson Peter, see if they can solve the 20-year-old crime.
Anne Perry has the voice of a true storyteller—“She stood up and walked to the outer door of her rooms, and all the way to the front hallway of the main house. … The walls were decorated with paintings of aristocrats from earlier centuries. In Mariah’s opinion it was a good place to put them, far better than in one of the rooms where people actually spent time, and would be obliged to look at them.” She is also good at including small observations along the way—“It made her see the poison of gossip.”
Even if one isn’t familiar with Mariah from the Pitt series of books, it is interesting to finally learn about her background and that which had originally made her so bitter and hard. And knowing it, who could blame her. But a common theme Perry uses is that of forgiveness and redemption, and that’s true here as well as we see a transformed Mariah trying to bring about those things for her friend.
Peter is a delightful character. He is perfectly portrayed with both the audacity and loyalty of one his age.
“The Christmas Return” is a treat with Mariah being a true heroine who wins the day with inner strength, and by unconventional means.
THE CHRISTMAS RETURN (His Mys-Mariah Ellison-Surrey, England-1800s) – G+
Perry, Anne – 15th Christmas Novella
Ballentine Books – Nov 2017
Mariah Ellison, grandmother to Charlotte Pitt, receives a package containing a reminder of a long-ago unsolved murder. Once friends with the victim’s wife, Mariah decides to travel to Surry to reconcile with her friend and, by teaming up with her friend’s grandson Peter, see if they can solve the 20-year-old crime.
Anne Perry has the voice of a true storyteller—“She stood up and walked to the outer door of her rooms, and all the way to the front hallway of the main house. … The walls were decorated with paintings of aristocrats from earlier centuries. In Mariah’s opinion it was a good place to put them, far better than in one of the rooms where people actually spent time, and would be obliged to look at them.” She is also good at including small observations along the way—“It made her see the poison of gossip.”
Even if one isn’t familiar with Mariah from the Pitt series of books, it is interesting to finally learn about her background and that which had originally made her so bitter and hard. And knowing it, who could blame her. But a common theme Perry uses is that of forgiveness and redemption, and that’s true here as well as we see a transformed Mariah trying to bring about those things for her friend.
Peter is a delightful character. He is perfectly portrayed with both the audacity and loyalty of one his age.
“The Christmas Return” is a treat with Mariah being a true heroine who wins the day with inner strength, and by unconventional means.
THE CHRISTMAS RETURN (His Mys-Mariah Ellison-Surrey, England-1800s) – G+
Perry, Anne – 15th Christmas Novella
Ballentine Books – Nov 2017
November 21, 2017
If you're looking for a light Christmas cozy, skip this one. There's not a cheery thought to be had. Sure, the setting is at Christmas, but the story is about a sexual predator who escaped punishment years before. He's back in town and making life miserable for the wife of the lawyer who died before defending him at trial.
The main character is Charlotte Pitt's grandmother. If you're an Anne Perry reader, you know that she has a whole series based on Charlotte and Thomas Pitt. In this case Charlotte's grandmother goes to a a friend to help defend her from this man who's making her life miserable.
There are no gory details about the attacks on the children, but it's enough to definitely take the shine off any holiday thoughts. I found it difficult to get through. There was a lot of repetition and I found the whole thing rather depressing.
The main character is Charlotte Pitt's grandmother. If you're an Anne Perry reader, you know that she has a whole series based on Charlotte and Thomas Pitt. In this case Charlotte's grandmother goes to a a friend to help defend her from this man who's making her life miserable.
There are no gory details about the attacks on the children, but it's enough to definitely take the shine off any holiday thoughts. I found it difficult to get through. There was a lot of repetition and I found the whole thing rather depressing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2017
Hmmm. I usually enjoy a good Victorian mystery.
And the characters themselves were quite interesting.
But ... lacking. It was just lacking. I think I maybe would rather have waited until next year and had the story fully fleshed out. I was lost a good portion of the time. Not enough details to support some of the plot.
So not my favorite Anne Perry. If it had been my first one I don't know that I would have picked up another and that would be a bummer.
And the characters themselves were quite interesting.
But ... lacking. It was just lacking. I think I maybe would rather have waited until next year and had the story fully fleshed out. I was lost a good portion of the time. Not enough details to support some of the plot.
So not my favorite Anne Perry. If it had been my first one I don't know that I would have picked up another and that would be a bummer.
December 2, 2018
A Christmas mystery by a new to me author. The main character Mariah is in her eighties and has a lot of spunk.
December 12, 2017
5 stars for the beautiful cover but only 3 stars for the novella.
December 13, 2024
A quick predictable read, but cozy for Christmas. Also enjoyed the writing and themes of empowerment
November 17, 2017
With the Christmas season approaching, Charlotte Pitt's grandmother, Mariah Ellison, is at the home of her other granddaughter, Charlotte's sister Emily, with none of Emily's family in residence. They're traveling for the holiday. Mariah has mixed feelings about spending the holiday alone except for Emily's servants, but has no plans to do anything to change that.
Then a most unusual package arrives. It's improbably heavy, especially when it's revealed to be a Christmas pudding. Or at least, it looks like a Christmas pudding. It proves to be about an inch or so of cake around a small, decorative cannonball. Then in the later post that day, she also receives a Christmas card with a message from an old friend's grandson. He sent her the cannonball, and he wants her to come help with an impending family crisis, the long-delayed fallout from an unsolved murder twenty years ago.
Mariah Ellison has long been a grumpy, cantankerous woman, not easy to get along with. Nevertheless, she once had a close friendship with Rowena Wesley and her husband, attorney Cullen Wesley. Then a shocking murder of a young girl occurred, and Cullen was preparing to defend the accused killer, Dr. Owen Derwood.
And then suddenly he wasn't defending Derwood. With no explanation, he announced that he could no longer handle the case. Days later, he was dead himself. A bookcase fell over, and he was struck in the head by that decorative cannonball. Derwood was acquitted anyway, and left town. Rumors swirled that instead of Cullen's death being an accident, Rowena might have killed him, in jealousy over his supposed interest in Mariah. The two friends have not met since.
Now Derwood has returned to town, apparently intending to clear his name--which will mean proving the vile rumors about Cullen, Rowena, and Mariah. Rowena's grandson, Peter Wesley, wants Mariah's help in fighting back--which will mean finding, and proving, the truth of what really happened.
As with all of Perry's Christmas novellas, this is a contained story, in a contained location with a small cast of characters. Also like the other Christmas stories, it's an opportunity for a minor character who gets short shrift in the main series novels to take center stage and get some growth and character development. This is Mariah Ellison's second Christmas outing, and I'm starting to like her quite a bit.
Recommended.
I bought this audiobook.
Then a most unusual package arrives. It's improbably heavy, especially when it's revealed to be a Christmas pudding. Or at least, it looks like a Christmas pudding. It proves to be about an inch or so of cake around a small, decorative cannonball. Then in the later post that day, she also receives a Christmas card with a message from an old friend's grandson. He sent her the cannonball, and he wants her to come help with an impending family crisis, the long-delayed fallout from an unsolved murder twenty years ago.
Mariah Ellison has long been a grumpy, cantankerous woman, not easy to get along with. Nevertheless, she once had a close friendship with Rowena Wesley and her husband, attorney Cullen Wesley. Then a shocking murder of a young girl occurred, and Cullen was preparing to defend the accused killer, Dr. Owen Derwood.
And then suddenly he wasn't defending Derwood. With no explanation, he announced that he could no longer handle the case. Days later, he was dead himself. A bookcase fell over, and he was struck in the head by that decorative cannonball. Derwood was acquitted anyway, and left town. Rumors swirled that instead of Cullen's death being an accident, Rowena might have killed him, in jealousy over his supposed interest in Mariah. The two friends have not met since.
Now Derwood has returned to town, apparently intending to clear his name--which will mean proving the vile rumors about Cullen, Rowena, and Mariah. Rowena's grandson, Peter Wesley, wants Mariah's help in fighting back--which will mean finding, and proving, the truth of what really happened.
As with all of Perry's Christmas novellas, this is a contained story, in a contained location with a small cast of characters. Also like the other Christmas stories, it's an opportunity for a minor character who gets short shrift in the main series novels to take center stage and get some growth and character development. This is Mariah Ellison's second Christmas outing, and I'm starting to like her quite a bit.
Recommended.
I bought this audiobook.
November 7, 2017
A past Christmas tragedy wakes.
Never disappointing, Perry pens a mystery novella that keeps you wondering. An unusual Christmas present, the wretched reminder of a tragic past and a cry for help, catapults Mariah Ellison, (Charlotte Pitt's grandmother), into a situation that has her drawing on all the fortitude she can muster. Mariah Ellison finds herself facing her own dark past memories as she comes to the aid of a friend.
A dark wound of twenty years ago is reopened and Mariah is called to aid a friend in need.
Twenty years ago Mariah's friend, Cullen Wesley died under strange circumstances just after he'd withdrawn as the attorney for a man accused of the rape and murder of a child.
Subsequently, his ex client Owen Durward was acquitted.
Now Durward has returned to the village of 'Haslemere, bent on clearing his reputation.' He has taken aim at Cullen's wife Rowena, spreading rumours that perhaps she killed her husband.
As the poison spreads Rowena is being shunned by the villagers.
Her grandson Peter Wesley calls on Mariah to help clear Rowensa name.
Mariah is prepared for battle, but where to start? Can they find out the truth of twenty years ago?
A tightly woven mystery that raises all sorts of questions.
A NetGalley ARC
Never disappointing, Perry pens a mystery novella that keeps you wondering. An unusual Christmas present, the wretched reminder of a tragic past and a cry for help, catapults Mariah Ellison, (Charlotte Pitt's grandmother), into a situation that has her drawing on all the fortitude she can muster. Mariah Ellison finds herself facing her own dark past memories as she comes to the aid of a friend.
A dark wound of twenty years ago is reopened and Mariah is called to aid a friend in need.
Twenty years ago Mariah's friend, Cullen Wesley died under strange circumstances just after he'd withdrawn as the attorney for a man accused of the rape and murder of a child.
Subsequently, his ex client Owen Durward was acquitted.
Now Durward has returned to the village of 'Haslemere, bent on clearing his reputation.' He has taken aim at Cullen's wife Rowena, spreading rumours that perhaps she killed her husband.
As the poison spreads Rowena is being shunned by the villagers.
Her grandson Peter Wesley calls on Mariah to help clear Rowensa name.
Mariah is prepared for battle, but where to start? Can they find out the truth of twenty years ago?
A tightly woven mystery that raises all sorts of questions.
A NetGalley ARC
December 22, 2017
This installment of Anne Perry's Christmas story focuses on Charlotte and Emily's grandmother Mariah Ellison. Looking forward to Christmas on her own she receives a bizarre gift in the mail an ornamental cannonball. To her though it brings back a dark time 20 years earlier. A note to from a young man explains he and his grandmother Rowena need her help to lay old ghosts to rest at long last. Mariah arrives and is soon in the midst of digging up an old case that Rowena's husband Cullen had been working on. Owen Durward was accused of raping a and murdering a young girl and Cullen was the lawyer defending him. However he soon cpwithdraws his support of Durward and shortly after is found dead hit in the head by the cannonball. Now the man has returned to clear his name and slander others in the process. This is one of the better Christmas stories and actually felt festive. A great read to put someone in the festive spirit.
January 30, 2023
Yes I’m off against on my Christmas fiction genre for December. This was a decent book but not what I expected as it was more of solving a murder than the squishy mushy novels I like to get me into the Christmas mood of years gone by. For me it’s still hard not being in my homeland Scotland but my family make it special here even if I don’t have snow or dark evenings and Christmas lights all over our main streets. That was Christmas for me so thx mum for those great memories never to be forgotten. Think of all those people flooded out of there homes here and other horrors going on in the world and I have nothing to complain about so I’ll just lose myself in another Christmassy book 🎄with added snow scenes ☃️❄️
December 3, 2017
Holy balls this book was dreadfully boring. It's only 176 pages and it was like driving the struggle bus with no wheels and the engine on fire. I was bored, my soul was bored, my essence was bored, my cat was bored. There was no life or personality in this book.
Not even sure why it had Christmas in the title since it was devoid of any holiday cheer...hell it was devoid of any cheer.
It was a vortex that sucked the joy right out of Christmas.
I didn't care about any of the characters or the story and I enjoy myself a good murder mystery.
Ugh, just no. Nope. Nada. He naw to the naw naw naw to the hell naw.
Not even sure why it had Christmas in the title since it was devoid of any holiday cheer...hell it was devoid of any cheer.
It was a vortex that sucked the joy right out of Christmas.
I didn't care about any of the characters or the story and I enjoy myself a good murder mystery.
Ugh, just no. Nope. Nada. He naw to the naw naw naw to the hell naw.
December 27, 2019
Déçue de ce livre que je m'étais gardée en lecture de Noël.
Ça se lit très rapidement mais clairement, l'enquête n'avance pas... Ça tourne en rond, l'auteure revient sans cesse sur les mêmes éléments comme si le lecteur oubliait ce qu'il venait de lire toutes les 5 pages. On arrive aux 100 pages et toujours rien de vraiment consistant à se mettre sous la dent concernant cette enquête. On arrive à la fin et on reste vraiment sur notre faim. Et le thème de Noël n'a pas d'intérêt dans cette aventure policière...
Ça se lit très rapidement mais clairement, l'enquête n'avance pas... Ça tourne en rond, l'auteure revient sans cesse sur les mêmes éléments comme si le lecteur oubliait ce qu'il venait de lire toutes les 5 pages. On arrive aux 100 pages et toujours rien de vraiment consistant à se mettre sous la dent concernant cette enquête. On arrive à la fin et on reste vraiment sur notre faim. Et le thème de Noël n'a pas d'intérêt dans cette aventure policière...
November 30, 2017
An appropriate title! Unlike last year's (metaphorical?) story I couldn't understand, this an excellent return to Perry's typical cozy Christmas novella. It's a pleasure seeing the unlikeable Mariah Ellison, continue to become more complex, believeable character. In this, her second Christmas novella, she becomes even more likeable. Thank you, Anne Perry!
December 13, 2017
Book was slow and seemed to go over the same points multiple times. Choice of characters were good..elderly lady and 30 year old friend made an interesting story. Liked they took an unusual character and turned him into main suspect ( town physician was unlikely suspect). I love reading Christmas novellas during the holidays!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2017
Christmas Courage
What a lovely read. About Christmas, but not mistletoe and holly. This is truly a tale of rebirth, joy and the spirit of love. And, all very proper with concern for strategy and appearance. Another gem from Anne Perry.
What a lovely read. About Christmas, but not mistletoe and holly. This is truly a tale of rebirth, joy and the spirit of love. And, all very proper with concern for strategy and appearance. Another gem from Anne Perry.
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