Murder on Christmas Eve, edited by Cecily Gayford, is a another collection of short stories just perfect for this time of year. I love the cat, who caught the murderer (but for a very cat like reason, nothing really mysterious here), and a burglar, who, inspired by Poe, does his thieving in plain site. Be leery of popular products on store shelves. And don't drink any strange tea! (These are not spoilers, honest)!

I have long enjoyed Jennifer Chiaverini's Elm Creek Quilts series, and this stand alone book, Christmas Bells, did not disappoint. Switching between when Longfellow wrote a poem called Christmas Bells (the 1860's) to a present day choir singing I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day there are compelling stories and characters from both eras. The present day story might be a bit more interesting because we know what happened in the past ... but that is just a 'maybe' on my part. ;-)

For a nice holiday mystery read The Twelve Dogs of Christmas, by David Rosenfelt. It's part of his Andy Carpenter Mystery series, so expect some court room scenes. A friend has been arrested for murder and Andy is sure she is innocent. Then a gun if found, in her basement that is linked to a murder some years earlier. There are dogs, of course, and some good twists. Hint: remember what happens right at the very beginning. ;-)

This is the last post for 2017, Happy New Year everyone!

Reading Hermit With Dog