Who Killed Father Christmas? edited by Martin Edwards

When I read A Surprise for Christmas last month, I discovered that if you love both mysteries and Christmas you really cannot go wrong with one of the Christmassy short story collections from the British Library Crime Classics series. Reading Who Killed Father Christmas? only confirmed this for me. The collection contains 17 stories spanning from 1911 to as recently as 1995. The stories start strong and end on a high note. Some are heartwarming, others are poignant, all contain a crime set at Christmas. 

“On the Irish Mail” by Garnett Ratcliffe (1931)

Such a fun and snappy story to open the collection. On Christmas Eve, Dick Fenton rushes to catch the mail train from Euston station to make it home to his parents in Dublin by Christmas morning. The train is busy with holiday travellers and partway through the trip one of the five men sharing Dick’s compartment announces he is Detective Sullivan and he’s here to arrest Jim Dawson, he knows he’s here, because he recognises a case that has been reported stolen by a bank worker, so he might as well give himself up. But without a description of the thief it looks like Dick, the priest, the old man, and the affluent businessman, who are sharing the compartment, are all going to be held up for questioning at Holyhead. That is, unless some sort of Christmas miracle occurs!

“The Christmas Thief” by Frank Howel Evans (1911)

Two young men of 16 and 17 years old, who are friends from school and are both down on their luck, walk along the Embankment on Christmas Day and spot a man getting attacked by a couple of roughs. What ensues is a story of espionage and adventure with a heartwarming message at the centre of it.

“The Christmas Spirit” by Anthony Gilbert (1952)

I had high hopes for this one because this is the same writer who is responsible for my favourite story in the A Surprise for Christmas, “Give Me a Ring”, and while this one was much shorter, it did not disappoint. A couple visit a secluded pub in East Anglia over Christmas. From the first, the husband is curious about the pub’s namesake, The Green Girl.

We glanced instinctively through the uncurtained windows; and saw an enchanted world. A moon rode in a sky as smooth as soap; stars prickled, even the snow glowed. I believe if the ghost appeared then no one would have been surprised. (66-67)

“Among Those Present was Santa Claus” by Vincent Cornier (1952)

A retired Scotland Yard inspector is hired to play Santa Claus at a large house in the Cotswolds. John Burnicle suspects he was hired more for his experience at detecting than his acting skills. Lord Betwode has experienced a number of robberies over a period of time, which means it must be someone within the house or a close friend committing the thefts. Inspired by the burglaries, Lord Betwode organises a fake burglary each Christmas to entertain his guests. Interesting choice, Lord Betwode. This one is very fun, a bit unsettling at times, and has a heartwarming conclusion. 

“Gold, Frankincense, and Murder” by Catherine Aird (1995)

Henry Tyler, who works in the Foreign Office in Whitehall, pretends not to be looking forward to spending Christmas with his sister and her family, but secretly he is very much looking forward to it. Too bad he doesn’t get much of a break while he’s there. This one was very fun! It had the feeling of a village Christmas with all the eccentric characters one would expect, and a little murder to keep the holiday interesting. 

Also, how have I not heard of Catherine Aird? She was born in 1930, and stands out among the writers usually contained in these short story collections from the British Library as she is still alive, and still writing detective fiction. If anyone has read any of her books, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!

“Secrets in the Snow” by J. Jefferson Farjeon (1942)

On Christmas Eve, a train gets stuck in a snowdrift and a woman determined to make it to a house party sets off after one of her fellow travellers into the snow. This one was atmospheric, just the right amount of unsettling, with a dash of frivolity and a poignant conclusion that—days later—I’m still thinking about. 

In the introduction to this one, Martin Edwards points out that this one has a similar start to one of the author’s novels, Mystery in White. I’m looking forward to reading that one even more now.

“Who Killed Father Christmas” by Patricia Moyes (1980)

The mother snatched her up, and— with that sixth sense that mothers everywhere seem to develop—interpreted the incoherent screams. "She says that Father Christmas won't talk to her. She says he's asleep." (132)

Yes, he’s asleep. That’s it… Set in the toy department of a large store, the regular Santa Claus is off sick and a replacement has showed up for work. I’m not sure what this says about me, but I was more unsettled by the image of a bunch teddies getting ripped open than by the murder. This one was good, if a bit traumatic for me!

“Death at Christmas” by Glyn Daniel (1959)

Who doesn’t enjoy a Christmas ghost story? I know I do! This one is set on Christmas night at Oxford or Cambridge. In an effort to conceal his identity, the don who is narrating the story won’t tell us which one. An academic setting, a spooky setting, and a woman that once vowed to haunt her husband just might be keeping that promise. I was absolutely captivated by this one. A deliciously unsettling tale!

“Scotland Yard’s Christmas” by John Dickson Carr (1957)

Detective Superintendent Robert Pollard of New Scotland Yard has a tricky case on his mind and his fiancée is none too pleased when he brings his work home—or at least to Toyland. He could at least pretend to enjoy taking her six-year-old nephew to see Santa Claus! But really, how could two people in different parts of London both suddenly vanish from inside a telephone box? No wonder the man was distracted! I was dying to know, too. This one is a delight from start to finish.

“The Bird of Dawning” by Michael Gilbert (1956)

The beginning of this one caught my attention, as it does such a good job of preparing us for a lavish setting.

“Speaking as your solicitor,” said Bohun, “It sounds an impossible assignment. But speaking as a man, it needs no argument to get me down to Vambrill Court for Christmas. Sir Hubert’s reputation as a host has reached even my ears. Wasn’t he the man who said, ‘Turkeys are old-fashioned, but there’s nothing wrong with a well-boiled peacock’?” (169)

Soon we find out that Bohun’s client, politician John Craven, has asked his friend to help him investigate a financial dishonesty within their host’s business. I did not see the conclusion of this one coming at all. Although, I feel that I should have. I’m choosing to believe that is a sign of the author’s genius, and not my lack of! 

There is a poignant part in the story when, after a rich dinner, the host has a moment of reflection. 

He walked across to the window and pulled back the heavy, swinging curtain. Outside the moon was riding in glory. The snow had stopped falling and the frost had laid its iron fingers on the world.

“When I was a boy,” he said, “I could remember each Christmas on is own. Each one was distinct and separate and each had its own glories. Now, I'm afraid they seem to blur and run together. I wonder if I shall remember this one.” (174-75)

Despite the fact that we know a murder is to come,—which will of course make this Christmas memorable—I thought that on its own this is a beautiful moment.

“The Christmas Train” by Will Scott (1933) 

Jeremiah Jones is charismatic and charming, and you aren’t quite sure if he’s going to help you out, fleece you, or both! As the title suggests, this one involves train travel which I’m always a fan of reading about. Jones, is akin to Simon Templar a.k.a. The Saint, a comparison I doubt I would have made myself, making me once again very grateful to Martin Edward’s concise insights that introduce each story. 

“The Grey Monk” by Gerald Verner (1934)

Monk’s Abbey had pretensions to beauty even when seen under the leaden sky of a winter’s afternoon. Built of grey stone it stood and had stood for centuries in two hundred acres of heavily wooded ground, its rugged line softened by the trees that clustered round it. A hundred yards from the main entrance the ruins of the original building were visible—the hint of broken wall, the remains of an arch like a broken question mark… (207)

I love the images in this one. A butler is shot dead at night by the ghostly apparition of a monk. Oh, and of course, the house is full of guests staying for Christmas.  

“Who Suspects the Postman” by Micheal Innes (1958)

A priceless antique vase goes missing at a Christmas party. The dress code is fancy dress, and everyone is a suspect, including the postman. Short, sweet, and vividly described. 

“Herlock Sholmes’ Christmas Case” by Peter Todd (1916)

This Sherlock Holmes spoof was hilariously entertaining, the style was spot on, and was a joy to read. However, I think you would have to be at least slightly familiar with the characters and the trajectory the Sherlock Holmes stories take—even if you had only watched the tv show—to fully appreciate this one. Also, I had to stop reading the character names, because I was stumbling over their wrongness and getting distracted. But! It was worth the effort, as I found it very funny.

“A Present for Ivo” by Ellis Peters (1958-59)

This collection could not have ended on a stronger note. This story is heartwarming and sweet, but also has action and adventure. For school teacher Sara Boyne, this holiday includes gunfights, a car chase, a stolen fourteenth century manuscript, a children’s party, and packages hanging on a tree.

Generally, I gravitate more towards novels than short stories, so I may be a bit biased when I say that this one was my favourite of the collection, as it was also the longest. If you read this collection, you will have to let me know if it was your favourite, too!

I think I can safely say that my new addiction are these Christmassy short story collections from British Library Crime Classics. Finishing this book was bittersweet, because now I don't have any more of them left on my shelves to read. I’m feeling withdrawal symptoms at the moment and wondering if I have any other Christmas books kicking around that will ease the discomfort. I do have another Christmassy British Library Crime Classic left to review though, so stay tuned!

Thank you to British Library Publishing for kindly sending me a copy of Who Killed Father Christmas? for review. As always, all opinions on the book are my own.

Trusted Like the Fox by Sara Woods

 

5 Days of Sara Woods — Day 5

Trusted Like the Fox is the fifth book in Sara Woods’ 48-book Antony Maitland series. This one made me feel a lot of emotions. I know by now you must be sick of hearing me say, ‘this one really is my favourite one in the series’. But, umm… This one really is! 

Dean Street Press Ltd. are republishing the first five books in this series tomorrow, 2 December 2024! To celebrate, I’m posting a review of one book per day leading up to the big day. I’ve already posted reviews of the first four books, Bloody Instructions, Malice Domestic, The Third Encounter, and Error of the Moon. If you haven’t read those posts, you may want to read them first and then come back to this one. In the review for Bloody Instructions, I talk about the author and provide a more in-depth overview of the main series characters.

To give you a bit of background… In the first four books, Antony Maitland was junior barrister to his uncle, Sir Nicholas Harding, Queen’s Counsel of the Inner Temple, London. As well as working alongside his uncle, Antony, and his dependable wife, Jenny, live in a mostly self-contained apartment on the top two floors of Sir Nicholas’s house at Kempenfeldt Square.

In this one, Antony is defending his first big case since taking silk, a few months ago. His client is Michael Godson, who is charged with being Guy Harland, a man who was arrested for the attempted murder of distinguished biologist, Doctor Ronald Fraser, but Harland slipped his fetters while he was being taken into custody. Meaning, he knocked out the arresting officer and hoofed it across country. Godson will also be charged with treason if he is found to be Harland. It is believed Harland is responsible for the deaths of four thousand civilians of a town in occupied Poland when a biological weapon in the form of an untreatable disease was released into the community’s water supply during the Second World War.

As Harland is assumed guilty for both attempted murder, and treason, Antony would have his work cut out for him if he was defending Godson against those charges. But he isn’t. All that Antony is trying to prove is that Godson is not Harland, and this is all simply a case of mistaken identity. That isn’t to say Antony has any very convincing evidence to prove Godson is who he says he is. In fact, Antony’s lack of evidence becomes a bit of theme in this one. So why did Antony accept the brief in the first place? Simply because he believes Godson is telling the truth, when no one else does. The thing is… as the case progresses, Antony begins to wonder if his client is lying to him.

The shafts of dusty sunlight that slanted into the room tantalised with the thought of a different world outside: of a mellow October day gilding St. Paul's dome and the buildings on the north side of Ludgate Hill; striking—more pertinently—an answering gleam from Justice's scales above the Old Bailey. (1)*

This one starts on a Tuesday in October 1962, the first day of the trial. The trial lasts for eight days with a two-day weekend recess on Saturday and Sunday, ending on the day after the verdict. Most of the action takes place in the courtroom, but if that sounds a bit dry to you, I assure you, it isn’t. The case progresses quickly, and you will not find long monologues full of legalese in this book. And if you are not familiar with the British legal system, Sara Woods does a very good job of explaining the progress of the case, without making it appear she is doing so. 

Stringer pushed a note in front of him, “pity we're not defending Harland . . . there's a point there.” He hadn't heard the point, but it roused him to temporary interest in the course of the examination. (71)

There was a certain tedium about a case whose conduct was so circumscribed; there would have been more amusement in really defending the prisoner than in this Harland-Godson quibble. (71)

Antony is clearly bored with the case as it stands and would prefer to have a bit more of a challenge. At the outset, Godson’s witness testimony is the basis of the case for the defence. The jury will either believe Godson’s account of what he was doing in 1942 and the years during the war, or they won’t. He lets his mind wander while the prosecutor is questioning his witnesses and he has the habit of sketching on bits of paper, such as on the back of the note his junior barrister, Derek Stringer, pushed across to him. 

But things do heat up and soon Antony has his work cut out for him.

“It’s going to be a busy week-end, Jenny, I’m afraid. You’ll sit in on our discussions, won’t you, Uncle Nick? I hope you will.”

“Nothing,” said Sir Nicholas, with a sudden reversal of mood, “would keep me away.” But he added, with a sting in his tone that made his nephew grimace at his empty plate: “It will be interesting to watch you dealing with an impossible situation. Interesting and—I am sure, my dear boy!—instructive.” (122-23)

I really enjoyed seeing Antony in the role of junior barrister to his uncle, in the first four books, but it is such a joy to see Antony running the case. You know you have grown attached to characters when you hear they have gotten a promotion and you think, ‘Good for you, Antony! You’ve really earned it.’ Still, it’s lovely that we still get these moments between Antony and Sir Nicholas where they talk shop, butt heads, and bounce ideas off of each other. (All phrases that Sir Nicholas would have some choice words for, I’m sure! Haha!)

But the cosy domestic scenes with Jenny are some of my favourites.

Antony got up, and moved a little stiffly across the room. As always when he was weary, the dull ache in his shoulder added its own burden. He was so used to it by this time that he no longer troubled to tell himself that he was lucky to have come so easily out of the war; in fact, he barely noticed the pain at all until he saw the quick flare of anxiety in Jenny's eyes, and read there the question she would never put into words. He seated himself beside her, and stretched his legs across the hearthrug, and reached out, as though absent-mindedly, for her hand. (149)

There is so much of the plot I had to leave out of this review, because I didn’t want to spoil anything. But I will say that this one keeps you guessing. Is Godson telling the truth? Will Antony be able to pull it off and win the case? Well, you’ll have to read it to find out. 

And I’m telling you, you want to read this one! I mean, read the first four books because they are wonderful. And because I think this is a series that should be read in chronological order so that you can have the context to be able to fully appreciate the characters. Did I mention that all of these books are wonderful?! I cannot wait to reread them. 

I’ve fallen a little bit in love with Antony. He is a good man with ideals that he upholds, no matter the cost. This is probably his fatal flaw, along with his temper, which—by the way—he only seems to loose in circumstances that warrant it. Jenny is a dear woman with a sense of humour and a love of matchmaking. She makes being dependable look like the most precious of traits to have in a partner. And Sir Nicholas is the prickly bachelor who is going to tell you what is what, for your own good. He is awesome. There are also many fully fleshed secondary characters in these books that I haven’t talked about. My lack of attention to them was only for brevity’s sake, I assure you. 

There are so many more things I want to say about these books! I want to convince you that you need this series in your life. That you’re going to love it. That it will be your new favourite. (Because we need a new favourite series now that Elly Griffiths has published the last Dr. Ruth Galloway book!) My only regret is that I didn’t know about the Antony Maitland series sooner. I had not heard of Sara Woods before I found out that Dean Street Press Ltd. was republishing her books. I am so incredibly grateful to them for introducing me to Antony, Jenny, Sir Nicholas, and the wonderful world Sara Woods created in these books.

Thank you to Dean Street Press Ltd. for kindly sending me a copy of Trusted Like the Fox for review. As always, all opinions on the book are my own.

*All page numbers are from the ebook and are not likely to correspond to the paperback edition.