The Christmas Card Crime and Other Stories
Edited by Martin Edwards
It’s fast becoming a tradition around the Ramblings to spend the end of December with some wonderful Christmas Crime from the wonderful British Library Crime Classics, and 2018 is no exception! Last year Ann Meredith’s “Portrait of a Murderer” marked 50 books being published by the BL in the series; in 2016 I read and loved the “Crimson Snow” collection; this year’s festive treat is the third superb collection of seasonal short stories curated by the redoubtable Martin Edwards, and needless to say it’s a pure joy.
The book features eleven stories, some short, some long, but all very clever and twisty. All are set in or around Christmas and are arranged chronologically, ranging in time from Baroness Orczy up to the more modern tales of Julian Symons and taking in such luminaries as Carter Dickson, Francis Durbridge and John Bude. What’s so good about the BL collections, apart from the fact they’re sheer enjoyment, is that they’re also the perfect way to get to know new authors and in some cases their serial characters. For example, I’ve not read any of Baroness Orczy’s ‘Lady Molly’ stories, so the one included here was an ideal introduction (on the evidence of which I’d like to read more!) Similarly, despite having several E.C.R. Lorac books lurking on Mount TBR, I haven’t actually read them yet, and the story here has whetted my appetite.
McBride, the philosopher, was the host of the great man; and he felt bound to interfere, partly from the sense of hospitality, partly because he always likes to be desperately just. (Nobody, it has been said, has seen more points of view than McBride, or adopted less.)
The style of story is wonderfully varied too. There are traditional, country-house style mysteries; tales that veer towards ghost story territory; locked room mysteries; light-hearted jaunts; thrillers; and so much more. It’s always hard to pick favourites in any excellent collection, so I won’t; but I will mention that the Lorac was very cleverly constructed; the Carter Dickson brilliant and chilling; the Knox had a wonderful twist (as well as including a nod to Agatha Christie by naming one of the characters Westmacott); and the Symons was a most unexpected and wonderful exposition of how a seemingly perfect crime plan can go completely awry.
I regularly sing the praises of the BL on the Ramblings, and for good reason; the Crime Classics have to be lauded for bringing so many unjustly neglected authors and books back into the public eye. I always find I can’t go wrong with one of their books, and their Christmas collections are no exception. Highly recommended seasonal reading! 🙂
Dec 23, 2018 @ 07:55:35
Well, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a little vintage crime. This sounds like an excellent collection, suitably seasonal with a variety of styles.
Dec 23, 2018 @ 08:31:49
Absolutely! Golden Age crime and Christmas are somehow inextricably linked for me! This is a particularly good anthology and there isn’t a dud in the collection.
Dec 23, 2018 @ 09:04:13
This sounds good. I have their Mystery in White by J Jefferson Farjeon sitting in my TBR so I might be joining you in reading a British Library crime classic over the season. I’ve also read the first couple of stories in Christie’s Adventure of the Christmas Pudding over the last few days so I can definitely see the appeal of matching golden age crime with the festive period.
Dec 23, 2018 @ 13:10:19
Yeah, Golden Age crime seems to go very well with this season. Plus it’s my go to when I want to relax or switch off a bit mentally. This one is definitely a great Christmas read!
Dec 23, 2018 @ 15:23:05
This is on my Christmas list 🙂 I was very specific in my letter to Santa regarding which Crime Classics I wanted so I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.
Dec 23, 2018 @ 15:43:00
Excellent! Fingers crossed that Santa is paying attention!
Dec 23, 2018 @ 15:37:20
What a festive joy! I’ve got some BLCCs in the TBR, now is definitely the time to dust them off!
Dec 23, 2018 @ 15:42:41
It is! Perfect reading for this time of year!
Dec 23, 2018 @ 16:47:18
That has made me so envious! I must start my own collection of BLCC and get ready for next christmas!
Dec 23, 2018 @ 20:10:41
They’re worth amassing, though worryingly are starting to take over a bookshelf in one of the Offspring’s former room…..
Dec 23, 2018 @ 17:31:02
Oh these sound fabulous. I had spotted this one recently when in Waterstone’s and debated getting it for when I had finished ACOB but resisted the urge. I have an ECR Lorac tbr which I am looking forward to trying.
Dec 23, 2018 @ 20:09:58
It’s a great read, Ali, and I’m keen to read some of the Loracs too now. 😀
Dec 23, 2018 @ 21:21:22
This looks fun. All the best for a lovely Christmas and great 2019!!! Yikes! 2019!!
Dec 23, 2018 @ 21:54:30
I know! Where do the years go? Festive good wishes to you too – have a wonderful one!
Dec 24, 2018 @ 10:25:29
Thank you.
Dec 23, 2018 @ 22:19:34
Happy Christmas, to you and your family, Karen ! I’d read Harriet’s review of the CCC and it’s on my wishlist. This year I ordered Murder in the Snow: a Cotswold Christmas Mystery, by Margaret Mitchell (published by Vintage, though, not BLCC). I hope it will be good too !
Dec 24, 2018 @ 08:03:37
Thank you Izzy, and to you and yours too! This is such a great read – hope Murder in the Snow is suitably atmospheric and enjoyable too!
Jan 25, 2019 @ 06:33:12