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Secret Staircase Mystery #1.5
The Christmas Caper
Tempest Raj’s next puzzle is wrapped in a festive, Scottish Yuletide package. The Christmas Caper is a locked-room mystery short story from multiple award-winning author Gigi Pandian, and includes two holiday recipes!
A baffling art heist. A mysterious Christmas Market. A thief in the shadows of Edinburgh Castle.
With Secret Staircase Construction taking well-earned time off for the holidays, Tempest Raj travels across the pond, looking forward to a renewed family celebrating Christmas in Scotland. Tempest’s grandmother has even booked an artist’s flat with a stunning view of Edinburgh Castle. But in the city’s snow-covered, historic Old Town, a recent museum art heist has made chilling headlines. No one can figure out how the thief pulled off the crime. When a family friend asks for help, Tempest agrees to look into the impossible theft—before the festive city’s holiday mood darkens and the Christmas lights fade for good.
A baffling art heist. A mysterious Christmas Market. A thief in the shadows of Edinburgh Castle.
With Secret Staircase Construction taking well-earned time off for the holidays, Tempest Raj travels across the pond, looking forward to a renewed family celebrating Christmas in Scotland. Tempest’s grandmother has even booked an artist’s flat with a stunning view of Edinburgh Castle. But in the city’s snow-covered, historic Old Town, a recent museum art heist has made chilling headlines. No one can figure out how the thief pulled off the crime. When a family friend asks for help, Tempest agrees to look into the impossible theft—before the festive city’s holiday mood darkens and the Christmas lights fade for good.
83 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2022
About the author
Gigi Pandian
46 books1,623 followersGigi Pandian is a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning mystery author, breast cancer survivor, and accidental almost-vegan. She's the child of professors from New Mexico and the southern tip of India, and spent her childhood traveling around the world on their research trips. She now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and a gargoyle who watches over the garden.
She writes the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series, the Accidental Alchemist mysteries, and the Secret Staircase Mysteries.
Her debut novel was awarded a Malice Domestic Grant and named a Best of 2012 Debut by Suspense Magazine, her mysteries have been awarded the Agatha, Rose, Lefty, and Derringer awards, and been short-listed for the Edgar.
She writes the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series, the Accidental Alchemist mysteries, and the Secret Staircase Mysteries.
Her debut novel was awarded a Malice Domestic Grant and named a Best of 2012 Debut by Suspense Magazine, her mysteries have been awarded the Agatha, Rose, Lefty, and Derringer awards, and been short-listed for the Edgar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 18, 2022
Tempest Raj and her family are reviving a Christmas tradition this year – Christmas in Scotland. Her grandparents have even booked a flat with a stunning view of Edinburgh Castle. However, a reunion with a family friend present Tempest with a puzzle to solve. The local museum was robbed recently, and no one can figure out how the thieves pulled it off. The friend has a connection to the museum and asks Tempest to see if she can figure out how the thieves pulled it off. Will Tempest’s background as a magician help solve the puzzle?
When I learned about this story, I immediate snagged it to read during December. It was exactly what I expected, a fun, short read. I finished it in under an hour. As a result, the story is a bit straight forward, but that’s not really a complaint. More an observation. While we don’t see all the characters we met in the first book, it was fun catching up with some of them again. The new characters work for the story here. While this does fit between the first and second novels in the series, you don’t have to have read them to enjoy this book. Speaking of enjoying, there are two recipes at the end that sound delicious. If you are looking for a short story to read in December, you’ll be glad you snagged this one.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
When I learned about this story, I immediate snagged it to read during December. It was exactly what I expected, a fun, short read. I finished it in under an hour. As a result, the story is a bit straight forward, but that’s not really a complaint. More an observation. While we don’t see all the characters we met in the first book, it was fun catching up with some of them again. The new characters work for the story here. While this does fit between the first and second novels in the series, you don’t have to have read them to enjoy this book. Speaking of enjoying, there are two recipes at the end that sound delicious. If you are looking for a short story to read in December, you’ll be glad you snagged this one.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
April 2, 2026
This novella takes place in Scotland in December. I want to get on a plane right now to see Edinburgh in all its holiday finery. A really fun mystery too.
December 5, 2022
I thought this story has 83 pages! Actually it had 53 pages of a short story, and recipes and next book’s 1st chapter!!
Well, it was a fun cozy mystery. You can read this as a stand alone if you want. It might be more fun if you read the 1st book in the series.
Well, it was a fun cozy mystery. You can read this as a stand alone if you want. It might be more fun if you read the 1st book in the series.
December 13, 2024
Fun story for this series. It was short and sweet and got me through days off before thanksgiving so I had fun. For obvious reasons not the best in the series but it was a fun christmas read. At this rate it will be the only christmas book I read this year.
October 19, 2022
A nice quick story in between full-length installments. Really, I read it for the setting. The Grassmarket and Royal Mile of Edinburgh 😍
December 11, 2023
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5
Since the team at Secret Staircase Construction is taking some time off to celebrate the holidays, Tempest Raj has chosen to revive a family tradition and celebrate in Scotland. But once there, Tempest learns that the museum near to where she is staying was recently robbed. A painting was stolen, the museum was locked, and no alarms were ever set off.
A family friend, knowing that Tempest, with her illusionist skills, might be able to uncover the whodunnit behind this theft, brings her in, hoping Tempest can solve this locked room mystery.
I really like Pandian's work. She continues to find a gimmick for her mysteries that really works well. I liked her gargoyle series (The Accidental Alchemist books). I liked her Indiana Jones-like series (Jaya Jones). And I'm enjoying her Secret Staircase series.
The Secret Staircase is a relatively new series (in conjunction with a new publisher) for Pandian, though Tempest is a minor character in some of the Jaya Jones stories. With her background in magic, she understands illusions and the art of misdirection. She's clever and can think outside the box (literally).
As with all of Pandian's writing, her characters are tremendously fun. They are unique but not unrealistic and they (Tempest, here) know themselves and use their talents efficiently. This seems like it should go without saying, but so often I've read books in which the main characters don't know themselves.
Now that I've gushed on Gigi Pandian's work, let me note two issues I had with this specific work. First, it's too short. Tempest is a character that deserves more page time than a short story allows. I've quoted before - "The short story is about things people do. The novel is about people who do things" (I attribute this to Theodore Sturgeon who said this at a convention I attended in the 1970's) - and I'd rather read about Tempest doing something than something Tempest did.
But I also have to admit that I was hoping for a stronger Christmas connection rather than something that happens while our protagonist is on Christmas vacation. This could just as easily have been The Midsummer Caper or The Founder's Day Caper - any festive occasion that disrupts city-wide festivities.
This is well worth reading as part of the Tempest Raj Secret Staircase series, but not a great stand-alone story.
Looking for a good book? The Christmas Caper by Gigi Pandian is a brief diversion for character Tempest Raj within the Secret Staircase Mystery series.
Since the team at Secret Staircase Construction is taking some time off to celebrate the holidays, Tempest Raj has chosen to revive a family tradition and celebrate in Scotland. But once there, Tempest learns that the museum near to where she is staying was recently robbed. A painting was stolen, the museum was locked, and no alarms were ever set off.
A family friend, knowing that Tempest, with her illusionist skills, might be able to uncover the whodunnit behind this theft, brings her in, hoping Tempest can solve this locked room mystery.
I really like Pandian's work. She continues to find a gimmick for her mysteries that really works well. I liked her gargoyle series (The Accidental Alchemist books). I liked her Indiana Jones-like series (Jaya Jones). And I'm enjoying her Secret Staircase series.
The Secret Staircase is a relatively new series (in conjunction with a new publisher) for Pandian, though Tempest is a minor character in some of the Jaya Jones stories. With her background in magic, she understands illusions and the art of misdirection. She's clever and can think outside the box (literally).
As with all of Pandian's writing, her characters are tremendously fun. They are unique but not unrealistic and they (Tempest, here) know themselves and use their talents efficiently. This seems like it should go without saying, but so often I've read books in which the main characters don't know themselves.
Now that I've gushed on Gigi Pandian's work, let me note two issues I had with this specific work. First, it's too short. Tempest is a character that deserves more page time than a short story allows. I've quoted before - "The short story is about things people do. The novel is about people who do things" (I attribute this to Theodore Sturgeon who said this at a convention I attended in the 1970's) - and I'd rather read about Tempest doing something than something Tempest did.
But I also have to admit that I was hoping for a stronger Christmas connection rather than something that happens while our protagonist is on Christmas vacation. This could just as easily have been The Midsummer Caper or The Founder's Day Caper - any festive occasion that disrupts city-wide festivities.
This is well worth reading as part of the Tempest Raj Secret Staircase series, but not a great stand-alone story.
Looking for a good book? The Christmas Caper by Gigi Pandian is a brief diversion for character Tempest Raj within the Secret Staircase Mystery series.
January 14, 2024
A CHARMING STORY, AS ALWAYS, AND DELICIOUS RECIPES! What a lovely stand alone short story that can be read any time of the year that you want to escape to magical Scotland and spend a little time in a cold Christmas atmosphere. If you aren't familiar with Gigi Pandian, this will be a great introduction to her wonderful story telling. If You are already a "Pandi-Fan", you know that it is signature Gigi writing and will want to dive right in! Either way, the ending will be a surprise and the characters will remind you of the joy of sharing kindness, even to strangers.
And then there are the yummy recipes at the end!
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my candid opinion, which you just read, but I fell in love with her writing when I was introduced to "The Accidental Alchemist" series and read all of her books even before I was added to her reviewer list. I'm also one who will let an author know that I won't be reviewing, because I just can't get through their book. So when I recommend an author's book, It is a recommendation that comes from the heart.
Gigi is a master of the "Locked Room " cosy, clean and wholesome, mystery that is a great read for any age; a master class in misdirection.
Don't wait -- Buy this book now!.
And then there are the yummy recipes at the end!
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my candid opinion, which you just read, but I fell in love with her writing when I was introduced to "The Accidental Alchemist" series and read all of her books even before I was added to her reviewer list. I'm also one who will let an author know that I won't be reviewing, because I just can't get through their book. So when I recommend an author's book, It is a recommendation that comes from the heart.
Gigi is a master of the "Locked Room " cosy, clean and wholesome, mystery that is a great read for any age; a master class in misdirection.
Don't wait -- Buy this book now!.
November 30, 2025
I really enjoy this series, and somehow I missed this novella along the way. In this book, Tempest and her grandparents, Ash and Morag, have gone to Edinburgh for Christmas. They are renting an apartment from Sabrina, a friend of Morag's. Sabrina is upset and shares what happened with Morag and Tempest. Her dear friend, who is curator of a small museum, had had a valuable painting stolen. Tempest visits the museum and realizes that it couldn't have happened the way he described it. Some strange visitors arrive at the apartment and pique Tempests interest. She is always thinking about the crime, and finally comes up with a theory. Will she find the painting for Sabrina's friend?
This was a short novella, featuring a theft rather than a murder. I enjoyed getting to know the family again and I really like their relationships. Tempest is no longer an illusionist, but working with her father in his "Secret Staircase" business, building secret rooms etc in homes. The crime was one that had the police stumped, but once Tempest began looking at things differently, she was able to put things together. The ending was not what I was expecting, but it fit the story. Not a very detailed story, as it is a novella, but it did contain an interesting mystery.
This was a short novella, featuring a theft rather than a murder. I enjoyed getting to know the family again and I really like their relationships. Tempest is no longer an illusionist, but working with her father in his "Secret Staircase" business, building secret rooms etc in homes. The crime was one that had the police stumped, but once Tempest began looking at things differently, she was able to put things together. The ending was not what I was expecting, but it fit the story. Not a very detailed story, as it is a novella, but it did contain an interesting mystery.
December 15, 2025
Looking for a fun short story in Gigi Pandian's Secret Staircase world? This is it!
Tempest's grandparents, Ash and Morag rent a flat in Edinburgh for the Christmas holiday from an old friend. It is in a building filled with artists near a museum run by the former flame of the building owner. Upon learning of an impossible heist from the museum the day before they arrived, Tempest is intrigued. When asked by Morag's friend to look into it, she of course says yes. After a couple of strange encounters that day and the next, Tempest, using her skill with misdirection solves the case.
I loved the chance for a glimpse of the Raj family's life in Scotland and am intrigued to try both of Ash's recipes included at story's end.
Grab the Kindle copy for a dollar and give yourself the gift of an hour long escape and read this fun story.
Tempest's grandparents, Ash and Morag rent a flat in Edinburgh for the Christmas holiday from an old friend. It is in a building filled with artists near a museum run by the former flame of the building owner. Upon learning of an impossible heist from the museum the day before they arrived, Tempest is intrigued. When asked by Morag's friend to look into it, she of course says yes. After a couple of strange encounters that day and the next, Tempest, using her skill with misdirection solves the case.
I loved the chance for a glimpse of the Raj family's life in Scotland and am intrigued to try both of Ash's recipes included at story's end.
Grab the Kindle copy for a dollar and give yourself the gift of an hour long escape and read this fun story.
July 4, 2023
This novella is a very quick read. Tempest Raj is in Scotland with her grandparents to celebrate Christmas. Their rented flat has an amazing view of Edinburgh Castle but what's more amazing is the number of people trying to get them to leave the flat. Add in a 'locked room' theft from a nearby museum and Tempest's mind can't stop. She follows the route the suspected thief followed, puts her illusionist training to work and figures out the misdirection of the thieves. A light read, a light mystery and a pleasant way to spend an hour in the afternoon.
December 18, 2025
A fun Christmas novella
The.Christmas Caper is a fun Christmas novella in Gigi Pandian's Secret Staircase Mystery series. Tempest Raj and her grandparents are visiting Scotland for Christmas. They hear about a recent unsolved museum heist which intrigues Tempest. There are some odd occurrences among the holiday festivities which keep things interesting! This is book #1.5 in the series. This was a nice quick read perfect for the holidays. #TheChristmasCaper #SecretStaircaseMystery #MinotaurBooks
The.Christmas Caper is a fun Christmas novella in Gigi Pandian's Secret Staircase Mystery series. Tempest Raj and her grandparents are visiting Scotland for Christmas. They hear about a recent unsolved museum heist which intrigues Tempest. There are some odd occurrences among the holiday festivities which keep things interesting! This is book #1.5 in the series. This was a nice quick read perfect for the holidays. #TheChristmasCaper #SecretStaircaseMystery #MinotaurBooks
December 21, 2022
Quick festive read. I didn't like the first book in the series, but this story is quite short (50 pages) and so maybe that helped - there wasn't as much useless or dumb lines. (Although there was a line about "unstoppable smiles" that just feels clunky.)
A painting is stolen - or is it?
A painting is stolen - or is it?
December 30, 2022
Gigi Pandian is on my list of 'immediately get their books' authors. She has three series that are each delightful, fun to read and I learn something new from each one.
This one is from her newest series, Secret Staircase Mystery, and it's a novella. It moves fast and ties up rather quickly. I think this could have been a longer book easily but it was kept spare and got to the point expediently.
I can definitely recommend this novella, series and author.
This one is from her newest series, Secret Staircase Mystery, and it's a novella. It moves fast and ties up rather quickly. I think this could have been a longer book easily but it was kept spare and got to the point expediently.
I can definitely recommend this novella, series and author.
June 13, 2023
Tempest, visiting her grandmother in Scotland, learns of a recent theft at a museum. There were no alarms triggered, no feasible way at all into the building to get the painting that was stolen. Intrigued, Tempest looks into the theft to help her grandmother's friend who owns the museum.
This was kinda boring, but a short read.
This was kinda boring, but a short read.
July 8, 2023
A little too similar to The Lost Gargoyle of Paris, which
December 24, 2023
Short story
Tempest and her grandparents go to Scotland to celebrate a traditional holiday. There are several different things going on in this story. The museum next door is robbed before they arrive. A typical locked room story. How did the thief get away undetected. I loved the ending.
Tempest and her grandparents go to Scotland to celebrate a traditional holiday. There are several different things going on in this story. The museum next door is robbed before they arrive. A typical locked room story. How did the thief get away undetected. I loved the ending.
November 2, 2022
This was an enjoyable locked room mystery novella that takes place at Christmas time in Edinburgh, Scotland. It’s part of the Secret Staircase Mystery series. Tempest Raj is told about an impossible art heist and it gets her mind working on how it was accomplished and who did it.
November 14, 2022
Short story with a Christmas theme featuring Tempest Raj. While enjoying Christmastime in Edinburgh, Tempest solves the mystery of a stolen painting.
Very short but a decent mystery. Made me want to travel to Edinburgh for the Christmas markets!
Very short but a decent mystery. Made me want to travel to Edinburgh for the Christmas markets!
Read
November 14, 2023A very short story. I'm recording this so I don't download it again--as I have been doing lately--forgetting I have read something before. Setting in Edinburgh is fun. Solution to painting theft was contrived.
December 28, 2025
Loved this short story! Tempest and her grandparents are in Scotland (her dad will arrive in the next day or so), and Tempest is asked to solve an art heist from the museum. Clues are scattered throughout the story, but the author keeps you guessing until the big reveal. Super fun book.
October 22, 2022
Another locked room mystery.
As usual, it's the art of distraction that makes it all work.
Great fun.
Pandian knows what she's doing.
As usual, it's the art of distraction that makes it all work.
Great fun.
Pandian knows what she's doing.
November 9, 2022
Always clever and a good read.
November 19, 2022
I loved this story.
December 27, 2022
This was a fun story! The reveal felt like a big jump for Tempest in the short story format, but it was still fun.
March 13, 2023
Christmas in Scotland
I loved the setting and the Christmas Market! I would have liked a little more investigation, but that’s expected with a short story.
I loved the setting and the Christmas Market! I would have liked a little more investigation, but that’s expected with a short story.
May 29, 2023
2.5 stars
November 27, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
December 7, 2023
My review for The Christmas Caper
I absolutely loved it! An amazing tale! I love the characters! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
I absolutely loved it! An amazing tale! I love the characters! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
December 21, 2023
What a great quick read, especially on the shortest day of the year. The Secret Staircase Mysteries are a great series. Can't wait until number three comes out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews