What do you think?
Rate this book
Churchill & Pemberley #3.5
Christmas Calamity at the Vicarage
Alternate Cover Edition can be found here
Celebrate Christmas with Churchill and Pemberley! (and Oswald)
The event of Compton Poppleford's festive season has arrived: the Vicarage Christmas Party. With sherry, mince pies and Christmas carols, the festivities are going well. But events take a turn when the choirmaster is found dead in the parlour. Which of the guests could possibly commit murder at Christmas time?
With everyone detained at the vicarage, elderly sleuths Churchill and Pemberley find themselves in all the wrong places at all the wrong times. Inspector Mappin is certain they’re his suspects and the vicar is convinced too. How can the two old ladies prove their innocence? With the net closing in, the detective duo must find the culprit to avoid spending Christmas in Compton Poppleford's police cells.
Christmas Calamity at the Vicarage is a novella for fans of light-hearted mysteries and sharp-witted elderly sleuths.
Celebrate Christmas with Churchill and Pemberley! (and Oswald)
The event of Compton Poppleford's festive season has arrived: the Vicarage Christmas Party. With sherry, mince pies and Christmas carols, the festivities are going well. But events take a turn when the choirmaster is found dead in the parlour. Which of the guests could possibly commit murder at Christmas time?
With everyone detained at the vicarage, elderly sleuths Churchill and Pemberley find themselves in all the wrong places at all the wrong times. Inspector Mappin is certain they’re his suspects and the vicar is convinced too. How can the two old ladies prove their innocence? With the net closing in, the detective duo must find the culprit to avoid spending Christmas in Compton Poppleford's police cells.
Christmas Calamity at the Vicarage is a novella for fans of light-hearted mysteries and sharp-witted elderly sleuths.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2019
889 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Emily Organ
72 books653 followersEmily Organ is the author of over thirty historical cozy mysteries set in Victorian and 1920s England. Her bestselling series include the Penny Green Victorian Mysteries, the Augusta Peel Mysteries, and her newest Emma Langley Victorian Mysteries, in which a plucky widow teams up with former reporter Penny Green. She also writes the Churchill & Pemberley cozy mysteries, featuring two spirited senior sleuths. Emily’s books combine warmth, wit, and a love of history, inspired by her fascination with London’s past.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
December 8, 2025
Too tedious to be a pastiche , too unfunny to be a parody. I’m not exactly sure what this was and it didn’t suit me at all but it was a quick read .
Hideous overuse of dropped aitches to signify working classness, some weird errors for example ‘ tummy rot ‘ but this could have been a clever malapropism which went over my head. Like slowly drowning in an episode of the Vicar of Dibley - but with a murder. And hidden passages. And foreign royalty. And mince pies. Far too many mince pies.
Hideous overuse of dropped aitches to signify working classness, some weird errors for example ‘ tummy rot ‘ but this could have been a clever malapropism which went over my head. Like slowly drowning in an episode of the Vicar of Dibley - but with a murder. And hidden passages. And foreign royalty. And mince pies. Far too many mince pies.
January 8, 2021
Christmas Calamity at the Vicarage
A very intriguing story of a Christmas murder.
It was a quick read and held my interest the whole time.
Normally I figure out who did it before the middle of the book, but this one kept my interest almost until the very end.
Good read for all ages.
A very intriguing story of a Christmas murder.
It was a quick read and held my interest the whole time.
Normally I figure out who did it before the middle of the book, but this one kept my interest almost until the very end.
Good read for all ages.
December 21, 2020
This book was hilarious!! Never has murder been so delightful. The English wit, mince pies, and mystery were all superb. I’ll be reading this series from the start.
January 4, 2020
I found this to be a fun short Christmas read. The sleuthing pair of Mrs. Churchill and her assistant, Miss Pemberley, make a cute pair. This, being a novella, was a fast read. Mrs. Churchill has no good alibi for the murder of Bob Donkin, the choirmaster, so she is the first choice to be the murderer by Inspector Mappin. Oswald, Miss Pemberley's dog, is constantly in trouble at the vicar's Christmas house party. He makes a mess wherever he goes, and eats or nibbles on quite a few mince pies. Mr. Hurricks is constantly droning on with his presentation of A Christmas Carol. Mrs. Churchill is constantly thwarted in her search for the mountain of mince pies. Who killed the choirmaster and why? Will Mrs. Churchill ever get her hands on a mince pie (or three)? I thought it was great fun!
December 3, 2021
A light Christmas read - I was in the market for a murder mystery and this is an entertaining enough slightly farcical romp.
Mrs Churchill is a rather preposterous character and she, along with her trusty sidekick Miss Pemberley, managed to solve the murder despite figurative and literal wrong turns as they blustered their way through the vicarage Christmas party.
Good bit of fun.
Mrs Churchill is a rather preposterous character and she, along with her trusty sidekick Miss Pemberley, managed to solve the murder despite figurative and literal wrong turns as they blustered their way through the vicarage Christmas party.
Good bit of fun.
January 26, 2020
Lovely quick read
If you are following this series, you will enjoy this short novella . . . and maybe develop a hankering for mince pies.
If you are following this series, you will enjoy this short novella . . . and maybe develop a hankering for mince pies.
December 21, 2020
I had major issues with this story. First, I was unable to ascertain when it was set — the only clue was that it was some years after a war, but even the war was unidentified. Since I am unfamiliar with this series, I thought this might be a useful introduction to it, which it is, but not in the way the author would have liked, since I won't be reading any more of this series. I could not like either of the two main characters (or anyone else!). The plot was unrealistic and simplistic. To me, this was a total waste of time.
January 27, 2021
Another Good Read
kept my attention with some amusing situations that always keep me for wanting more. I read these novels with films in my mind g with Margaret Ruthford playing Mrs Churchill. While the plots are obvious what makes the series so much fun are the character studies and the fun that is had with absolutely ridiculous names. For quick reads to pass the time this series is for you.
kept my attention with some amusing situations that always keep me for wanting more. I read these novels with films in my mind g with Margaret Ruthford playing Mrs Churchill. While the plots are obvious what makes the series so much fun are the character studies and the fun that is had with absolutely ridiculous names. For quick reads to pass the time this series is for you.
December 10, 2020
What a rollicking good read! What better can you ask for in a sleuth -- definitely a combination of Jane Marple, Agatha Raisin and a touch of Hyacinth from "Keeping Up Appearances". Loved the two main characters -- Churchill and Pemberley, not to mention the bumbling detective inspector Mappin. As this is a novella and not one of Organ's full blown mysteries, I will certainly have to find out what other shenanigans Churchill and Pemberley seem to find themselves in!
November 29, 2020
Laugh-out-loud funny!
I loved this short novel and the two old lady detectives. The mystery was good but the characters and situations were priceless. Count me as a new fan.
I loved this short novel and the two old lady detectives. The mystery was good but the characters and situations were priceless. Count me as a new fan.
December 25, 2021
Fun cosy mystery with well-written characters and a plot that moves at a steady pace. I look forward to reading more by this author.
December 31, 2023
This was a tremendously fun read. Pure, hilarious escapism. Full of larger than life characters and a wonderful cosy crime setting.
January 2, 2021
I love these two! Churchill, the main investigator is both infuriatingly familiar and irritatingly consistent in her willfulness, blind obstinance and indefatigable optimism and self interest. However, the more I read, the more I felt like cheering her on as the world tried to dismiss her or squeeze her into shape. I am now a fan, consider the rest of the series sure buys.
December 20, 2020
A very cosy mystery
Loaded with lots of quirky English characters. Light and enjoyable. Perfect on a snowy day with a cup of tea and mini mincemeat pie. Will read more in the series
Loaded with lots of quirky English characters. Light and enjoyable. Perfect on a snowy day with a cup of tea and mini mincemeat pie. Will read more in the series
January 8, 2021
Twisty tale of intrigue
I like these stories as I enjoy this simple period in history. I should have been born then. This tale has an unexpected finale involving a Prussian Princess.
I like these stories as I enjoy this simple period in history. I should have been born then. This tale has an unexpected finale involving a Prussian Princess.
December 27, 2020
Christmas Calamity
An easy read just what is needed at Christmas when the senses are dimmed by too much Christmas food and drink
An easy read just what is needed at Christmas when the senses are dimmed by too much Christmas food and drink
December 4, 2020
Mince pies
It is an interesting quick read. Good characters and a lovely English setting. Keeps the reader wondering who did it until the end.
It is an interesting quick read. Good characters and a lovely English setting. Keeps the reader wondering who did it until the end.
January 4, 2021
A good story.
The Detectives Churchill and Pemberly are solving another murder this one over Christmas. It has the usual humour and is fun to read.
The Detectives Churchill and Pemberly are solving another murder this one over Christmas. It has the usual humour and is fun to read.
December 24, 2020
Cozy Christmas mystery!
A rousing good murder mystery! The characters were funny, and the setting was quaint. Perfect book for the holiday season!
A rousing good murder mystery! The characters were funny, and the setting was quaint. Perfect book for the holiday season!
December 26, 2019
A pretty terrible farce in which the detectives Mrs Churchill and Miss Pemberley ( a mix of Laurel and Hardy and Hyacinth Bucket) blunder around and eventually stumble on a solution ahead of the hissable dolt local policeman Inspector Mappin. Might be amusing on stage.
December 2, 2020
Oh what fun! Love the little old ladies who solve the murder without mussing up their outfits.
December 9, 2019
A Classic Snowy English Village Xmas with a Murder on the soar
A carefully crafted mystery with the author’s usual careful attention to detail. You can smell the mince pies and feel the tension as the traditional village fete at the Vicarage is slammed by a death by stabbing. Our favorite pair of lady detectives are soon implicated by the local police inspector - I won’t spoil the outcome but it’s another great Emily Organ read!
A carefully crafted mystery with the author’s usual careful attention to detail. You can smell the mince pies and feel the tension as the traditional village fete at the Vicarage is slammed by a death by stabbing. Our favorite pair of lady detectives are soon implicated by the local police inspector - I won’t spoil the outcome but it’s another great Emily Organ read!
December 31, 2019
Loved These Old Ladies
This was a fun story and I loved the old ladies. It is great to see older sleuths that come to the rescue! I also loved the dog that ate the mince pies and in fact, the whole pack of characters were endearing. I never guessed the culprit and I like that in a murder mystery cozy. I look forward to reading more by this author.
This was a fun story and I loved the old ladies. It is great to see older sleuths that come to the rescue! I also loved the dog that ate the mince pies and in fact, the whole pack of characters were endearing. I never guessed the culprit and I like that in a murder mystery cozy. I look forward to reading more by this author.
April 1, 2020
Amusing Christmas short
As always Mrs Churchill is busy chasing down the murderer while tracking down a little snack or five! Miss Pemberly trails along, with Oswald at her side creating mayhem, as any good "Woman Friday" does. The only question is will they beat the inept Inspector Mayhew to solve the case?
As always Mrs Churchill is busy chasing down the murderer while tracking down a little snack or five! Miss Pemberly trails along, with Oswald at her side creating mayhem, as any good "Woman Friday" does. The only question is will they beat the inept Inspector Mayhew to solve the case?
August 7, 2020
Christmas Calamity at the Vicarage
I chose this rating because the story and characters were outstanding ...beautifully written and the story was full of a lot of surprises...I would have love to be at that party...they all had such h a lovely time...and you will have a lovely time reading the story💓
I chose this rating because the story and characters were outstanding ...beautifully written and the story was full of a lot of surprises...I would have love to be at that party...they all had such h a lovely time...and you will have a lovely time reading the story💓
August 9, 2020
Witty & entertaining festive novella
All the charm and wit of the novels but about half the length. Not necessary to read the novels to pick this one up, but I'd highly recommend reading the lot.
Great stuff suitable for anyone over about 11 years I guess but perhaps most enjoyable for adult readers.
All the charm and wit of the novels but about half the length. Not necessary to read the novels to pick this one up, but I'd highly recommend reading the lot.
Great stuff suitable for anyone over about 11 years I guess but perhaps most enjoyable for adult readers.
December 2, 2019
Good. Quick. Read.
Wanted a quick mystery read with a holiday slant. Enjoyed reading this one! Will investigate her other stories as well :)
Wanted a quick mystery read with a holiday slant. Enjoyed reading this one! Will investigate her other stories as well :)
December 6, 2019
Always fun
I love these novels. This was an excellent Christmas read: super cute with a great twist. I look forward to every Churchill novel.
I love these novels. This was an excellent Christmas read: super cute with a great twist. I look forward to every Churchill novel.
December 9, 2019
Clever
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters are interesting and the story was unexpected. I would definitely recommend this book!
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters are interesting and the story was unexpected. I would definitely recommend this book!
December 22, 2019
Fun and amusing Christmas short mystery, with plenty of the banter I've come to enjoy between the two protagonists...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews