What do you think?
Rate this book
A Christmas Vanishing
Charlotte Pitt’s clever grandmother investigates the sudden disappearance of her dear friend in this chilling holiday whodunit by New York Times bestselling author Anne Perry.
Mariah Ellison, Charlotte Pitt’s grandmother, accepts her longtime friend Sadie’s gracious invitation to spend Christmas with her and her husband, Barton, in their picturesque village. But upon arrival, Mariah discovers that Sadie has vanished without a trace, and Barton rudely rescinds the invitation. Once Mariah finds another acquaintance to stay with during the holiday season, she begins investigating Sadie’s disappearance.
Mariah’s uncanny knack for solving mysteries serves her well during her search, which is driven by gossip as icy as the December weather. Did Sadie run off with another man? Was she kidnapped? Has someone harmed her? Frustratingly, Mariah’s questions reveal more about the villagers themselves than about her friend’s whereabouts. Yet in the process of getting to know Sadie’s neighbors, Mariah finds a kind of redemption, as she rediscovers her kinder side, and her ability to love.
It is up to Mariah to master her own feelings, drown out the noise, and get to the bottom of what occurred, all before Christmas day. With the holiday rapidly approaching, will she succeed in bringing Sadie home in time for them to celebrate it together—or is that too much to hope for?
Mariah Ellison, Charlotte Pitt’s grandmother, accepts her longtime friend Sadie’s gracious invitation to spend Christmas with her and her husband, Barton, in their picturesque village. But upon arrival, Mariah discovers that Sadie has vanished without a trace, and Barton rudely rescinds the invitation. Once Mariah finds another acquaintance to stay with during the holiday season, she begins investigating Sadie’s disappearance.
Mariah’s uncanny knack for solving mysteries serves her well during her search, which is driven by gossip as icy as the December weather. Did Sadie run off with another man? Was she kidnapped? Has someone harmed her? Frustratingly, Mariah’s questions reveal more about the villagers themselves than about her friend’s whereabouts. Yet in the process of getting to know Sadie’s neighbors, Mariah finds a kind of redemption, as she rediscovers her kinder side, and her ability to love.
It is up to Mariah to master her own feelings, drown out the noise, and get to the bottom of what occurred, all before Christmas day. With the holiday rapidly approaching, will she succeed in bringing Sadie home in time for them to celebrate it together—or is that too much to hope for?
190 pages, Hardcover
First published November 7, 2023
109 people are currently reading
4900 people want to read
About the author
Anne Perry
362 books3,378 followersAnne Perry, born Juliet Hulme in England, lived in Scotland most of her life after serving five years in prison for murder (in New Zealand). A beloved mystery authoress, she is best known for her Thomas Pitt and William Monk series.
Her first novel, "The Cater Street Hangman", was published in 1979. Her works extend to several categories of genre fiction, including historical mysteries. Many of them feature recurring characters, most importantly Thomas Pitt and amnesiac private investigator William Monk, who first appeared in 1990, "The Face Of A Stranger".
Her story "Heroes," from the 1999 anthology Murder And Obsession, won the 2001 Edgar Award For Best Short Story. She was included as an entry in Ben Peek's Twenty-Six Lies / One Truth, a novel exploring the nature of truth in literature.
Series contributed to:
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
. Malice Domestic
. The World's Finest Mystery And Crime Stories
. Transgressions
. The Year's Finest Crime And Mystery Stories
Her first novel, "The Cater Street Hangman", was published in 1979. Her works extend to several categories of genre fiction, including historical mysteries. Many of them feature recurring characters, most importantly Thomas Pitt and amnesiac private investigator William Monk, who first appeared in 1990, "The Face Of A Stranger".
Her story "Heroes," from the 1999 anthology Murder And Obsession, won the 2001 Edgar Award For Best Short Story. She was included as an entry in Ben Peek's Twenty-Six Lies / One Truth, a novel exploring the nature of truth in literature.
Series contributed to:
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
. Malice Domestic
. The World's Finest Mystery And Crime Stories
. Transgressions
. The Year's Finest Crime And Mystery Stories
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
August 27, 2024
Christmas in July
Anytime an older white woman solves crimes in a tiny village, I want her to be Miss Marple. She never is.
The grammar and sentence structure is strange, and I'm not sure it's due to the fact that residents of this village are aged. Sadie invites Mariah to visit after 20+ years of not speaking. Weird, but not the weirdest premise. However, when Mariah arrives, Sadie is missing. Sadie's husband seems suspicious.
But then we get to the crux of the matter. The entire town is suspicious. Why? Turns out little old Sadie is not so innocent after all. At this point, I stopped caring whether she would be found or not. In fact, in this instance, isn't it better to let her just get hers? I obviously don't feel a lot of sympathy here.
This is a very quick hour long read if you need something to up your reading challenge.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books
Anytime an older white woman solves crimes in a tiny village, I want her to be Miss Marple. She never is.
The grammar and sentence structure is strange, and I'm not sure it's due to the fact that residents of this village are aged. Sadie invites Mariah to visit after 20+ years of not speaking. Weird, but not the weirdest premise. However, when Mariah arrives, Sadie is missing. Sadie's husband seems suspicious.
But then we get to the crux of the matter. The entire town is suspicious. Why? Turns out little old Sadie is not so innocent after all. At this point, I stopped caring whether she would be found or not. In fact, in this instance, isn't it better to let her just get hers? I obviously don't feel a lot of sympathy here.
This is a very quick hour long read if you need something to up your reading challenge.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books
January 31, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️ -NetGalley ARC
Description:
Mariah Ellison, Charlotte Pitt’s grandmother, accepts her longtime friend Sadie’s gracious invitation to spend Christmas with her and her husband, Barton, in their picturesque village. But upon arrival, Mariah discovers that Sadie has vanished without a trace, and Barton rudely rescinds the invitation. Once Mariah finds another acquaintance to stay with during the holiday season, she begins investigating Sadie’s disappearance. Mariah’s uncanny knack for solving mysteries serves her well during her search, which is driven by gossip as icy as the December weather. Did Sadie run off with another man? Was she kidnapped? Has someone harmed her? Frustratingly, Mariah’s questions reveal more about the villagers themselves than about her friend’s whereabouts. Yet in the process of getting to know Sadie’s neighbors, Mariah finds a kind of redemption, as she rediscovers her kinder side, and her ability to love. It is up to Mariah to master her own feelings, drown out the noise, and get to the bottom of what occurred, all before Christmas day. With the holiday rapidly approaching, will she succeed in bringing Sadie home in time for them to celebrate it together—or is that too much to hope for?
Review:
I did not enjoy this book as much as I have enjoyed other Anne Perry Christmas books, but it did have an interesting plot and a twist that I didn’t guess. The author died earlier this year and I have to wonder if she knew her time on earth was coming to an end because this book revolves around forgiveness, redemption, and putting the past behind you and enjoying what life you have left. It had a kind of finality to it. May She Rest In Peace.
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing, and Ballentine Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for a honest review.
Description:
Mariah Ellison, Charlotte Pitt’s grandmother, accepts her longtime friend Sadie’s gracious invitation to spend Christmas with her and her husband, Barton, in their picturesque village. But upon arrival, Mariah discovers that Sadie has vanished without a trace, and Barton rudely rescinds the invitation. Once Mariah finds another acquaintance to stay with during the holiday season, she begins investigating Sadie’s disappearance. Mariah’s uncanny knack for solving mysteries serves her well during her search, which is driven by gossip as icy as the December weather. Did Sadie run off with another man? Was she kidnapped? Has someone harmed her? Frustratingly, Mariah’s questions reveal more about the villagers themselves than about her friend’s whereabouts. Yet in the process of getting to know Sadie’s neighbors, Mariah finds a kind of redemption, as she rediscovers her kinder side, and her ability to love. It is up to Mariah to master her own feelings, drown out the noise, and get to the bottom of what occurred, all before Christmas day. With the holiday rapidly approaching, will she succeed in bringing Sadie home in time for them to celebrate it together—or is that too much to hope for?
Review:
I did not enjoy this book as much as I have enjoyed other Anne Perry Christmas books, but it did have an interesting plot and a twist that I didn’t guess. The author died earlier this year and I have to wonder if she knew her time on earth was coming to an end because this book revolves around forgiveness, redemption, and putting the past behind you and enjoying what life you have left. It had a kind of finality to it. May She Rest In Peace.
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing, and Ballentine Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for a honest review.
October 6, 2023
Many thanks to both Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of A Christmas Vanishing. The expected publication date is November 7, 2023.
Mariah Ellison is shocked to discover that her friend, Sadie Alsop has disappeared. Why would she have invited Mariah to visit over the Christmas holidays and then vanish in thin air?? Has Sadie run away? Has she been kidnapped? Has someone harmed her? And how long can she survive if she has no shelter from the bitterly cold weather?
I guess I expected a bit more joy in this Christmas novella. It felt a little dreary to me, until the end. I really enjoyed the only other Christmas novella I'd read by this author (A Christmas Legacy) so I was positive I would love A Christmas Vanishing, as well. This one had a message of responsibility and redemption, as well as life lessons ... but it felt a wee bit too dreary to me.
Mariah Ellison is shocked to discover that her friend, Sadie Alsop has disappeared. Why would she have invited Mariah to visit over the Christmas holidays and then vanish in thin air?? Has Sadie run away? Has she been kidnapped? Has someone harmed her? And how long can she survive if she has no shelter from the bitterly cold weather?
I guess I expected a bit more joy in this Christmas novella. It felt a little dreary to me, until the end. I really enjoyed the only other Christmas novella I'd read by this author (A Christmas Legacy) so I was positive I would love A Christmas Vanishing, as well. This one had a message of responsibility and redemption, as well as life lessons ... but it felt a wee bit too dreary to me.
November 2, 2023
This book caught my eye when I was searching for one of this year's Christmas books to read. Once I read the description I thought I would like this one - and I did.
Description:
Charlotte Pitt’s clever grandmother investigates the sudden disappearance of her dear friend in this chilling holiday whodunit by New York Times bestselling author Anne Perry.
Mariah Ellison, Charlotte Pitt’s grandmother, accepts her longtime friend Sadie’s gracious invitation to spend Christmas with her and her husband, Barton, in their picturesque village. But upon arrival, Mariah discovers that Sadie has vanished without a trace, and Barton rudely rescinds the invitation. Once Mariah finds another acquaintance to stay with during the holiday season, she begins investigating Sadie’s disappearance.
Mariah’s uncanny knack for solving mysteries serves her well during her search, which is driven by gossip as icy as the December weather. Did Sadie run off with another man? Was she kidnapped? Has someone harmed her? Frustratingly, Mariah’s questions reveal more about the villagers themselves than about her friend’s whereabouts. Yet in the process of getting to know Sadie’s neighbors, Mariah finds a kind of redemption, as she rediscovers her kinder side, and her ability to love.
It is up to Mariah to master her own feelings, drown out the noise, and get to the bottom of what occurred, all before Christmas day. With the holiday rapidly approaching, will she succeed in bringing Sadie home in time for them to celebrate it together—or is that too much to hope for?
My Thoughts:
I can't imagine being invited to spend Christmas with a friend, travelling there with my suitcase, and finding my friend had disappeared and her husband has no intention of letting me stay. Such a strange situation - where would you go - and more importantly, what in the world happened to the friend? This book was a quick read and was interesting. Apparently Sadie had a whole secret life that her friend, Mariah knew nothing about. Such a surprise to her to find out some of the things Sadie has done in the town. This book deals with hope and forgiveness. If you are looking for a good, short mystery, this one fits the bill.
Anne Perry passed away in 2023, so this may very well be her last book. She will be missed in the world of mystery writing.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published November 7, 2023.
Description:
Charlotte Pitt’s clever grandmother investigates the sudden disappearance of her dear friend in this chilling holiday whodunit by New York Times bestselling author Anne Perry.
Mariah Ellison, Charlotte Pitt’s grandmother, accepts her longtime friend Sadie’s gracious invitation to spend Christmas with her and her husband, Barton, in their picturesque village. But upon arrival, Mariah discovers that Sadie has vanished without a trace, and Barton rudely rescinds the invitation. Once Mariah finds another acquaintance to stay with during the holiday season, she begins investigating Sadie’s disappearance.
Mariah’s uncanny knack for solving mysteries serves her well during her search, which is driven by gossip as icy as the December weather. Did Sadie run off with another man? Was she kidnapped? Has someone harmed her? Frustratingly, Mariah’s questions reveal more about the villagers themselves than about her friend’s whereabouts. Yet in the process of getting to know Sadie’s neighbors, Mariah finds a kind of redemption, as she rediscovers her kinder side, and her ability to love.
It is up to Mariah to master her own feelings, drown out the noise, and get to the bottom of what occurred, all before Christmas day. With the holiday rapidly approaching, will she succeed in bringing Sadie home in time for them to celebrate it together—or is that too much to hope for?
My Thoughts:
I can't imagine being invited to spend Christmas with a friend, travelling there with my suitcase, and finding my friend had disappeared and her husband has no intention of letting me stay. Such a strange situation - where would you go - and more importantly, what in the world happened to the friend? This book was a quick read and was interesting. Apparently Sadie had a whole secret life that her friend, Mariah knew nothing about. Such a surprise to her to find out some of the things Sadie has done in the town. This book deals with hope and forgiveness. If you are looking for a good, short mystery, this one fits the bill.
Anne Perry passed away in 2023, so this may very well be her last book. She will be missed in the world of mystery writing.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published November 7, 2023.
November 12, 2023
*3.5 stars rounded up.
A holiday tradition! I started buying these Victorian Christmas novellas many years ago as a gift for my mother and we enjoyed sharing the stories. I believe there are 21 of them now. In this latest one, an elderly woman named Mariah Ellison is invited to travel from her home in London to St Helens in Dorset to spend Christmas with an old friend named Sadie Alsop. When she arrives, the husband Barton says his wife isn't at home and it wouldn't be appropriate to let Mariah in. She eventually finds shelter with Gwendolyn, another old acquaintance in the village, and the two of them try to figure out what has happened to Sadie.
Although the plot seemed a bit repetitive, the mystery is quite intriguing and I found Mariah to be a strong character. In keeping with the holiday season, the theme that everyone makes mistakes but can be forgiven seemed quite appropriate.
Sadly I've just learned that Ms Perry passed away in April of this year so most likely this holiday tradition will have come to an end. Her stories will be missed.
I received an arc of this new Christmas novella from the author and publisher via NetGalley. Many thanks! My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
A holiday tradition! I started buying these Victorian Christmas novellas many years ago as a gift for my mother and we enjoyed sharing the stories. I believe there are 21 of them now. In this latest one, an elderly woman named Mariah Ellison is invited to travel from her home in London to St Helens in Dorset to spend Christmas with an old friend named Sadie Alsop. When she arrives, the husband Barton says his wife isn't at home and it wouldn't be appropriate to let Mariah in. She eventually finds shelter with Gwendolyn, another old acquaintance in the village, and the two of them try to figure out what has happened to Sadie.
Although the plot seemed a bit repetitive, the mystery is quite intriguing and I found Mariah to be a strong character. In keeping with the holiday season, the theme that everyone makes mistakes but can be forgiven seemed quite appropriate.
Sadly I've just learned that Ms Perry passed away in April of this year so most likely this holiday tradition will have come to an end. Her stories will be missed.
I received an arc of this new Christmas novella from the author and publisher via NetGalley. Many thanks! My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
October 18, 2023
Past mistakes color the present!
Octogenarian Mariah Ellison (grandmother to Charlotte Pitt) travels to the village of St. Helens in Dorset at the request of an old friend Sadie Alsop, whom she hasn’t spoken to for twenty years. Time to put the past aside.
Mariah arrives only to find Sadie is missing! Sadie’s husband Barton refuses to put Mariah up.
Sadie’s sister Annabelle agrees to take her in. It’s puzzling! No-one has seen Sadie for a couple of days. Yet none of the villagers seem concerned.
Mariah has a bad feeling. Barton seems to think Sadie’s done an Agatha Christie type vanishing and will turn up in her own time. Mariah however is not convinced as Sadie has obviously made all the preparations for her visit. Where can Sadie be?
Distressingly, it seems Sadie has not forgone her habit of finding out people’s secrets and then using that information to her advantage. Could this play a part in her disappearance?
Cajoling the villagers to action, to actively search for Sadie, takes some doing, particularly as darker motives come to light.
Reflections by Mariah on the life she has led add a certain poignancy to the tale. An unexpected meeting will lead to changes, and to hope for her future.
Possibly the last Christmas story from a fascinating author (unless there’s others in her files) who died this year is as always, unexpected and surprising.
Perry’s passing, and subsequent loss to the world of mystery writing will be felt by all her fans. Vale Anne Perry! (2023)
A Random House-Ballantine ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Octogenarian Mariah Ellison (grandmother to Charlotte Pitt) travels to the village of St. Helens in Dorset at the request of an old friend Sadie Alsop, whom she hasn’t spoken to for twenty years. Time to put the past aside.
Mariah arrives only to find Sadie is missing! Sadie’s husband Barton refuses to put Mariah up.
Sadie’s sister Annabelle agrees to take her in. It’s puzzling! No-one has seen Sadie for a couple of days. Yet none of the villagers seem concerned.
Mariah has a bad feeling. Barton seems to think Sadie’s done an Agatha Christie type vanishing and will turn up in her own time. Mariah however is not convinced as Sadie has obviously made all the preparations for her visit. Where can Sadie be?
Distressingly, it seems Sadie has not forgone her habit of finding out people’s secrets and then using that information to her advantage. Could this play a part in her disappearance?
Cajoling the villagers to action, to actively search for Sadie, takes some doing, particularly as darker motives come to light.
Reflections by Mariah on the life she has led add a certain poignancy to the tale. An unexpected meeting will lead to changes, and to hope for her future.
Possibly the last Christmas story from a fascinating author (unless there’s others in her files) who died this year is as always, unexpected and surprising.
Perry’s passing, and subsequent loss to the world of mystery writing will be felt by all her fans. Vale Anne Perry! (2023)
A Random House-Ballantine ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
December 1, 2023
Mariah, Charlotte Pitt's grandmother, is invited to stay with a friend for Christmas, but when she arrives the friend is missing and her invitation is rescinded. Finding other lodgings, Mariah begins to look into the disappearance of her friend Sophie, and many secrets begin to rise to the surface.
This is a fine mystery, but did not transport me to the Christmas season. It's also fairly slow-moving for a novella. The mystery, the secrets, and the characters are all interesting, and I liked 80-year-old Mariah very much. This is a good, but not a great, mystery. The theme of forgiveness is very strong throughout the book.
I received a free copy of this book from Random House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
This is a fine mystery, but did not transport me to the Christmas season. It's also fairly slow-moving for a novella. The mystery, the secrets, and the characters are all interesting, and I liked 80-year-old Mariah very much. This is a good, but not a great, mystery. The theme of forgiveness is very strong throughout the book.
I received a free copy of this book from Random House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
December 21, 2023
I just love Anne Perry's books, though I've only read the last 3 years Christmas books I can see I have quite a few to catch up on.
Her books just have a different feel to them than many of the other mystery books I've read.
The books have a vintage feel to them, taking place during a slower time when neighbors had to meet up with each other to solve a disappearance.
Mariah Ellison is delighted to visit her longtime friend Sadie and her husband Barton, in their picturesque village. After arriving, expecting to be invited right in by Sadie, she's rudely told by Barton, Sadie has disappeared, and she can't come in. She takes things into her own hands by talking to their neighbors trying to investigate the vanishing. As the gossip accumulates all have something to say about Sadie, some not too nice. Some miss her. One common thread shows up in the conversations, Sadie is not quite the person Mariah thought she was. Coming together the neighbors discover things about themselves. Despite the seriousness of the situation Mariah discovers a well of emotions including forgiveness, redemption and restoration.
With Christmas drawing ever closer will there be closure with joy ringing out or will uncertain times continue into the new year? I look forward to being transported back in time again to a slower time as I read more of her books.
Pub Date 07 Nov 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Her books just have a different feel to them than many of the other mystery books I've read.
The books have a vintage feel to them, taking place during a slower time when neighbors had to meet up with each other to solve a disappearance.
Mariah Ellison is delighted to visit her longtime friend Sadie and her husband Barton, in their picturesque village. After arriving, expecting to be invited right in by Sadie, she's rudely told by Barton, Sadie has disappeared, and she can't come in. She takes things into her own hands by talking to their neighbors trying to investigate the vanishing. As the gossip accumulates all have something to say about Sadie, some not too nice. Some miss her. One common thread shows up in the conversations, Sadie is not quite the person Mariah thought she was. Coming together the neighbors discover things about themselves. Despite the seriousness of the situation Mariah discovers a well of emotions including forgiveness, redemption and restoration.
With Christmas drawing ever closer will there be closure with joy ringing out or will uncertain times continue into the new year? I look forward to being transported back in time again to a slower time as I read more of her books.
Pub Date 07 Nov 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
October 28, 2023
When I chose to add this to my holiday reading list, I didn’t know that while it is a standalone, it’s also somewhat of a spinoff from Anne Perry’s Thomas & Charlotte Pitt series. The MC in this story, Mariah, is Charlotte’s grandmother. This story is also an installment in Perry’s standalone Christmas collection that includes friends and/or relatives from many of the characters in several of Perry’s other series.
The book summary lays out pretty much the whole storyline in this 193pg novella. What the book summary doesn’t reveal is that Mariah was a battered and abused wife; she’s an angry and bitter widow now, who is ashamed of the secrets she hid of the kind of life she lived. While Perry doesn’t come right out and say it there are sooo many personal reflections and memories from Mariah, it’s pretty obvious that her late husband was an emotional, verbal, physical and sexual abuser. It isn’t until well into the second half that it is confirmed what Mariah’s husband and marriage was like.
Most of the story revolves around Mariah and Gwendolyn and another resident, Oliver, investigating what happened to Sadie. Gwendolyn is a resident who takes Mariah in when Sadie’s husband rescinds the invitation that his missing wife extended to Mariah to spend Christmas together in Sadie’s home and Oliver is the town book dealer and restorer. During their investigation, they discover why Sadie is missing and who is responsible for her disappearance.
This story exhibits the dangers of people’s long held secrets becoming exposed and the power we expend trying to keep our secrets and the power we give away to those who enjoy exposing other’s secrets. I want to thank NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group and Ballantine Books for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #RandomHousePublishingGroup #BallantineBooks #AChristmasVanishing
The book summary lays out pretty much the whole storyline in this 193pg novella. What the book summary doesn’t reveal is that Mariah was a battered and abused wife; she’s an angry and bitter widow now, who is ashamed of the secrets she hid of the kind of life she lived. While Perry doesn’t come right out and say it there are sooo many personal reflections and memories from Mariah, it’s pretty obvious that her late husband was an emotional, verbal, physical and sexual abuser. It isn’t until well into the second half that it is confirmed what Mariah’s husband and marriage was like.
Most of the story revolves around Mariah and Gwendolyn and another resident, Oliver, investigating what happened to Sadie. Gwendolyn is a resident who takes Mariah in when Sadie’s husband rescinds the invitation that his missing wife extended to Mariah to spend Christmas together in Sadie’s home and Oliver is the town book dealer and restorer. During their investigation, they discover why Sadie is missing and who is responsible for her disappearance.
This story exhibits the dangers of people’s long held secrets becoming exposed and the power we expend trying to keep our secrets and the power we give away to those who enjoy exposing other’s secrets. I want to thank NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group and Ballantine Books for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #RandomHousePublishingGroup #BallantineBooks #AChristmasVanishing
December 19, 2023
In this most recent of Anne Perry’s historical Christmas mysteries featuring prominent side characters from her regular Charlotte and Thomas Pitt or William Monk series, the spotlight lands on Mariah Ellison, Charlotte Pitt’s starched up, steely-eyed cranky grandmother who sapped the light and joy from a room just with her presence all through the series. But, this is Christmas and a lonely Mariah has determined to change this late in life. Her turning over a new leaf coincides with an invitation to visit a village and friend where she spent some of her younger, married years.
Like she has before, Anne Perry crafted a character who was not all or only one way, but held nuances of dark and light that made her real as a fictional character can be. Mariah was not a favorite character for me and was something of a tartar so I was fascinated to see how Anne Perry took me from disliking her to applauding her for inner strength and new found courage to change.
Much of A Christmas Vanishing is introspective. Mariah is trying to find her friend, Sadie, but also finding herself after decades of growing into a bitter, hateful woman because of the abuse she took privately at the hand of her husband. Mariah struggles against letting her old bad habits reign in her life, but is making great efforts even while she renews an old acquaintance and forges a friendship as they look for Sadie and she meets a man who becomes a fast friend and partner in the search.
The mystery does eventually take the forefront and it was a sad affair with spikes of suspense. The end is a softer, heartwarming village Christmas and forgiveness and new chances at the heart. Much of the story is strongly developed character-wise and plotting with a bit of late-Victorian era Christmas backdrop, but there is repetition in some of the inner monologue that did slow the pace down at times.
All in all, this standalone long-novella Christmas mystery hit the spot and I can recommend the series to those who want holiday flavor to their historical mystery.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer Dec 13th.
Like she has before, Anne Perry crafted a character who was not all or only one way, but held nuances of dark and light that made her real as a fictional character can be. Mariah was not a favorite character for me and was something of a tartar so I was fascinated to see how Anne Perry took me from disliking her to applauding her for inner strength and new found courage to change.
Much of A Christmas Vanishing is introspective. Mariah is trying to find her friend, Sadie, but also finding herself after decades of growing into a bitter, hateful woman because of the abuse she took privately at the hand of her husband. Mariah struggles against letting her old bad habits reign in her life, but is making great efforts even while she renews an old acquaintance and forges a friendship as they look for Sadie and she meets a man who becomes a fast friend and partner in the search.
The mystery does eventually take the forefront and it was a sad affair with spikes of suspense. The end is a softer, heartwarming village Christmas and forgiveness and new chances at the heart. Much of the story is strongly developed character-wise and plotting with a bit of late-Victorian era Christmas backdrop, but there is repetition in some of the inner monologue that did slow the pace down at times.
All in all, this standalone long-novella Christmas mystery hit the spot and I can recommend the series to those who want holiday flavor to their historical mystery.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer Dec 13th.
October 30, 2023
Anne Perry’s holiday novellas are known for taking minor characters from her regular series and allowing them to take the lead in a Christmas mystery. This story features Mariah Ellison, the grandmother of Charlotte Pitt, from the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series. (Both Charlotte and Thomas are mentioned in the story, but don’t make an appearance.) Mariah gets a request from an old friend she hasn’t seen in years, so she decides to travel from London to the small village of St. Helens for Christmas. Mariah is in for an unpleasant surprise when she arrives at her friend Sadie’s home. She decides to stay in St. Helens anyway and with the help of another friend, investigates a strange mystery.
The cover of this book has a lovely wintry cover and the book includes themes of friendship, redemption, and second chances. However, even though it takes place at Christmastime, I wouldn't call this a Christmas story. I wish it had included information about Christmas traditions at the time the story takes place, which is near the end of England’s Victorian era. That would have added so much to the historical setting and helped brighten an often gloomy story.
It is interesting following Mariah’s investigation, and as she questions various residents of St. Helens, seeing her realize there is more to people than meets the eye. I was only somewhat surprised when all the details of the mystery came to light. However, I enjoyed the character growth of Mariah who admitted she had become bitter and hateful because of things she experienced in her life. As the story progresses, Mariah becomes forgiving and open to second chances for others, as well as to new beginnings in her own life. The story ends on a high note of hopefulness for several of the characters at the end of the story which helps make up for some of the darkness at the beginning. I would rate this book 3.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Ballantine. My review is voluntary and unbiased. This review will also appear on the Smitten Review Site and Blog.
The cover of this book has a lovely wintry cover and the book includes themes of friendship, redemption, and second chances. However, even though it takes place at Christmastime, I wouldn't call this a Christmas story. I wish it had included information about Christmas traditions at the time the story takes place, which is near the end of England’s Victorian era. That would have added so much to the historical setting and helped brighten an often gloomy story.
It is interesting following Mariah’s investigation, and as she questions various residents of St. Helens, seeing her realize there is more to people than meets the eye. I was only somewhat surprised when all the details of the mystery came to light. However, I enjoyed the character growth of Mariah who admitted she had become bitter and hateful because of things she experienced in her life. As the story progresses, Mariah becomes forgiving and open to second chances for others, as well as to new beginnings in her own life. The story ends on a high note of hopefulness for several of the characters at the end of the story which helps make up for some of the darkness at the beginning. I would rate this book 3.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Ballantine. My review is voluntary and unbiased. This review will also appear on the Smitten Review Site and Blog.
February 3, 2024
A Christmas vanishing by Anne Perry. I was told Anne passed away shortly after writing this and that’s exactly what it reads like. Like a lonely old woman who was bitter and cruel throughout her life, now dying and sorry for all she had done to drive people away from her. Too long for what it is and very repetitious.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this free in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this free in exchange for my honest review.
October 9, 2023
I always feel as if Anne Perry's annual Christmas story is a gift to her readers. A CHRISTMAS VANISHING finds our intrepid investigator searching for her friend. A shorter, quick read for me but always well worth my reading time.
November 6, 2023
The literary world had a huge loss earlier this year when beloved author Anne Perry passed away. I absolutely love her Elena Standish and Daniel Pitt series, and I've been collecting the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt books to binge read, along with the William Monk series. I've come to look forward to her Christmas stories and was thrilled with the opportunity to read A Christmas Vanishing. Reading this was bittersweet; unless Ms. Perry left behind some unpublished novels, this must be her last book. I'm broken-hearted, but this lovely Christmas story was very special to me; I found it quite uplifting.
Mariah Ellison, Charlotte Pitt's grandmother, has an invitation from her old friend Sadie Alsop to spend Christmas with her and her husband Barton in St. Helens in Dorset. When the octogenarian arrives, however, she is shocked to learn that Sadie has disappeared without a trace! If that's not horrible enough, Barton rudely tells Mariah to find somewhere else to stay. Another acquaintance, sweet Gwendolyn, invites her to stay at her home. Mariah begins to investigate Sadie's disappearance. There's all sorts of gossip about Sadie. Was she kidnapped? Murdered? Has she run off with another man? Mariah learns more about the villagers and their secrets rather than Sadie's whereabouts. With the help of Gwendolyn and Oliver Mallard, the owner of a bookshop, will they find Sadie before it's too late?
When first introduced to Mariah Ellison, she had a rather off-putting personality. How can I enjoy a book if I don't care for the main character? Ah, but then information begins to emerge that makes her easier to understand. She has things in her past that she's ashamed and embarrassed about. She's gruff and doesn't have a lot of patience with foolishness. I was horrified to learn that she once had an abusive, perverted husband; she had no one to turn to at that time. Mariah hadn't seen Sadie for twenty years, and she looked forward to getting that friendship back. However, the more she investigated, the more she wondered if she ever truly knew Sadie. Gwendolyn and Oliver assisted Mariah in solving the mystery. It was most interesting when secrets of the neighbors began to come out! It was a wonderful mystery, with the clock ticking down to Christmas and the odds of finding Sadie dwindling. The main joy in this story, however, was the redemption of Mariah. She was able to start putting her past behind behind her. She rediscovered the kindness she had brushed away. And maybe, just maybe, she's beginning to love again. It ended up being such a beautiful, uplifting tale. Ms. Perry reminds us of the wonder, joy and miracles of Christmas. It was a wonderful parting gift to her readers, and a beautiful legacy.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Mariah Ellison, Charlotte Pitt's grandmother, has an invitation from her old friend Sadie Alsop to spend Christmas with her and her husband Barton in St. Helens in Dorset. When the octogenarian arrives, however, she is shocked to learn that Sadie has disappeared without a trace! If that's not horrible enough, Barton rudely tells Mariah to find somewhere else to stay. Another acquaintance, sweet Gwendolyn, invites her to stay at her home. Mariah begins to investigate Sadie's disappearance. There's all sorts of gossip about Sadie. Was she kidnapped? Murdered? Has she run off with another man? Mariah learns more about the villagers and their secrets rather than Sadie's whereabouts. With the help of Gwendolyn and Oliver Mallard, the owner of a bookshop, will they find Sadie before it's too late?
When first introduced to Mariah Ellison, she had a rather off-putting personality. How can I enjoy a book if I don't care for the main character? Ah, but then information begins to emerge that makes her easier to understand. She has things in her past that she's ashamed and embarrassed about. She's gruff and doesn't have a lot of patience with foolishness. I was horrified to learn that she once had an abusive, perverted husband; she had no one to turn to at that time. Mariah hadn't seen Sadie for twenty years, and she looked forward to getting that friendship back. However, the more she investigated, the more she wondered if she ever truly knew Sadie. Gwendolyn and Oliver assisted Mariah in solving the mystery. It was most interesting when secrets of the neighbors began to come out! It was a wonderful mystery, with the clock ticking down to Christmas and the odds of finding Sadie dwindling. The main joy in this story, however, was the redemption of Mariah. She was able to start putting her past behind behind her. She rediscovered the kindness she had brushed away. And maybe, just maybe, she's beginning to love again. It ended up being such a beautiful, uplifting tale. Ms. Perry reminds us of the wonder, joy and miracles of Christmas. It was a wonderful parting gift to her readers, and a beautiful legacy.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
December 15, 2025
It was so good to read a book about Christmas with an entirely different theme. This is also a feel good read but with a mystery involved that kept you guessing up until the last few pages. I have read this author a few times in the past and she never fails to deliver a decent book.
This one took me straight back home to the small town I grew up in where everyone knew everyone and everything about them …almost. It’s the case in this book as one person holds a lot of secrets about the villagers. She uses these secrets for her own gain until it literally comes back to bite her. A good cosy crime mystery.
This one took me straight back home to the small town I grew up in where everyone knew everyone and everything about them …almost. It’s the case in this book as one person holds a lot of secrets about the villagers. She uses these secrets for her own gain until it literally comes back to bite her. A good cosy crime mystery.
December 9, 2024
These are always so much fun giving a normally minor character a chance to be the star. I liked getting this inside look at Mariah, so we have a better understanding of why she was the way she was. I feel like she truly will get a happily ever after here.
December 10, 2023
And so ends the annual Christmas novellas of Anne Perry. As I read this one I realized how many memorable times in my life happened while I read these books. Whether it was during the Saturday night silent book clubs my mom and I had when I still lived at home, or during a flight and long shuttle ride to attend my grandmother's 90th birthday or escaping first the worry about my mother's surgery that turned to shock and grief when she didn't make it. I turned to A Christmas Escape which I started before she left for the surgery and it took me nearly a month to finish it, but the pages of that book offered me a temporary escape from a nightmare even if I could only read a page or two at a time. Now with the recent death of Anne Perry this tradition has come to an end and I'm kind of sad about it. In this book we follow Mariah, grandmother of Charlotte Pitt (can't remember the sisters name). She is invited to visit a friend, Sadie over Christmas. When she arrives Sadie is gone and her husband all but slams the door in her face. She's then shuffled off to another home before finding a place to stay with Gwendolyn. She soon begins to investigate her missing friend and begins to uncover some dark sinister things along the way. It seems Sadie isn't the kind hearted friend she thought. Along the way Mariah makes friends and falls in love with the quaint village. I think this was a fairly strong ending to this Christmas series. While it didn't feel Christmassy the descriptions throughout definitely left you feeling as cold as the characters did and you could imagine yourself slipping along the icy roads with them. I found myself puzzled by Sadie's disappearance and wondering just what happened to her. Did she run away? If she did how could she stay hidden in a small village without someone noticing? Was she taken? If so by who and how? It's no simple task kidnapping a grown woman although the fact it gets dark so early in winter probably helped. I might add Mariah seems awfully active and agile for a woman in her 80s. I barely have that stamina in my 40s. Anyway this was pretty good and I was glad as the Christmas books are hit and miss and I'm glad the last new book of Anne Perry was for me at least quite enjoyable.
July 22, 2023
I have read a great many Anne Perry books and have enjoyed all her series. The Christmas series are generally novellas of about 200 pages, as is the case with A Christmas Vanishing. This novella is a quick easy read, but do not for a moment think of it as unimportant. Perry never chooses topics that are unimportant.
In A Christmas Vanishing, Perry uses a group of older characters to illustrate the need for forgiveness, hope, and betrayal. The secrets of the past are secrets that most people prefer to keep hidden, but with the disappearance of Mariah's friend, Sadie, Mariah quickly learns how gossip can destroy friendships and lives. Since Mariah is the grandmother of Charlotte Pitt, readers familiar with Perry's series with understand that Mariah will not stop searching until she solves the mystery of Sadie's disappearance. Mariah listens carefully, grasps the importance of what is not being said, and can quickly fill in the blanks. The characters in A Christmas Vanishing are complex and multi-layered. Perry knows her characters and is quite capable of of writing the sorts of details that hold the readers attention.
A Christmas Vanishing was an enjoyable read. I am so sad that Perry has died, and unless there are some forthcoming novels in the pipeline, I won't have the opportunity to read more of her novels. I want to thank Ballantine Books for providing this ARC for me to read and review. The above comments are my honest thoughts. Thank you also to NetGalley for making the downloading of novels so easy for readers.
In A Christmas Vanishing, Perry uses a group of older characters to illustrate the need for forgiveness, hope, and betrayal. The secrets of the past are secrets that most people prefer to keep hidden, but with the disappearance of Mariah's friend, Sadie, Mariah quickly learns how gossip can destroy friendships and lives. Since Mariah is the grandmother of Charlotte Pitt, readers familiar with Perry's series with understand that Mariah will not stop searching until she solves the mystery of Sadie's disappearance. Mariah listens carefully, grasps the importance of what is not being said, and can quickly fill in the blanks. The characters in A Christmas Vanishing are complex and multi-layered. Perry knows her characters and is quite capable of of writing the sorts of details that hold the readers attention.
A Christmas Vanishing was an enjoyable read. I am so sad that Perry has died, and unless there are some forthcoming novels in the pipeline, I won't have the opportunity to read more of her novels. I want to thank Ballantine Books for providing this ARC for me to read and review. The above comments are my honest thoughts. Thank you also to NetGalley for making the downloading of novels so easy for readers.
July 27, 2023
I received a free copy of, A Christmas Vanishing, by Anne Perry, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Mariah Ellison accepts her friends Sadies invitation for Christmas, but when she gets there Sadie is missing and her husband Barton, does not let her stay. Mariah has to find her friend Sadie. I found this book to bit weird but good.
January 4, 2024
I picked this book off the "new books" shelf in the library because of the beautiful holiday themed cover. This was my first Anne Perry read and I was surprised to learn that she wrote 20+ Christmas stories, as well as a few detective series. From the cover, I was expecting a Hallmark movie-like story, but was surprised to find the mystery and sleuthing of octogenarian Mariah to find her friend Sadie who disappeared a few days before Christmas. Other than the timing being near Christmas, the holiday was not front and center; it could have taken place any time in the cold, dreary winter. While I liked the general themes of redemption, self reflection, forgiveness, and hope, overall the mystery was okay (not great or twisty), the dialogue was a bit stilted, and Mariah's interactions with the towns people sometimes unrealistic. Thus 3 stars.
January 29, 2024
Since the author has passed, there wont be any more of her annual Christmas novellas, which is sad.
This one was about the cruelty of gossip as opposed to the grace of forgiveness. The main character, Mariah, is an 80 year old woman in the twilight years of the reign of Queen Victoria. She is invited to spend Christmas with an old acquaintance, Sadie, who lives in a small country village outside of London.
When arrives at her friend‘s home, Sadie is missing and no one has a sense of urgency to find her. Mariah does, however, and she digs into the village secrets to find out what happened to Sadie.
Full of inspirational and philosophical introspection, this story is easily read in an hour or two. Clean read.
This one was about the cruelty of gossip as opposed to the grace of forgiveness. The main character, Mariah, is an 80 year old woman in the twilight years of the reign of Queen Victoria. She is invited to spend Christmas with an old acquaintance, Sadie, who lives in a small country village outside of London.
When arrives at her friend‘s home, Sadie is missing and no one has a sense of urgency to find her. Mariah does, however, and she digs into the village secrets to find out what happened to Sadie.
Full of inspirational and philosophical introspection, this story is easily read in an hour or two. Clean read.
December 15, 2025
This was okish. It seemed repetitive. Also I couldn't sort out ages and timelines.
October 19, 2023
Mariah Ellison is invited to spend Christmas with Sadie, an old acquaintance, in a small village outside of London. But when she arrives Sadie is missing. And when she asks around no one seems concerned about the missing woman. For such a picturesque cover I wasn’t expecting a sad tale of betrayal, secrets and forgiveness.
I am new to this prolific author who created Monk and other detective characters. Mariah is the grandmother of Charlotte Pitt who leads over 30 mystery novels set in Victorian, England. Anne Perry died earlier this year but as I am assuming she wrote this book. (I couldn’t find anything that hinted that she didn’t.) She has a tradition of doing Christmas mysteries.
As a new reader I was thrown at first because I wasn’t sure of the year or time period. Clues were trains and horses. Once I got past that, this was a pretty basic talk to people, and figure out who has the motive type of mystery. It was okay but it wouldn’t immediately send me out to read the large backlog of books from the author.
I am new to this prolific author who created Monk and other detective characters. Mariah is the grandmother of Charlotte Pitt who leads over 30 mystery novels set in Victorian, England. Anne Perry died earlier this year but as I am assuming she wrote this book. (I couldn’t find anything that hinted that she didn’t.) She has a tradition of doing Christmas mysteries.
As a new reader I was thrown at first because I wasn’t sure of the year or time period. Clues were trains and horses. Once I got past that, this was a pretty basic talk to people, and figure out who has the motive type of mystery. It was okay but it wouldn’t immediately send me out to read the large backlog of books from the author.
December 19, 2023
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Library, NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I've always enjoyed the books by this author and for a few years I have been devouring the Christmas series. I listened to first few through Audible plus, and found more at the library. I'm not quite finished but the books are unrelated to each other and mostly not heavily connected to the various series. A Christmas Vanishing is related to the Charlotte & Thomas Pitt series, as the main character is Mariah, Charlotte's grandmother.
All of the Christmas stories are a bit shorter, about a half book size but longer than what I consider a novella (under 100 pages). Regardless, the development of the world and characters is exquisite. I felt the characters as real people and their emotions connected to me. I could smell and taste the food, feel the fabrics cottons, wools and silk fabrics of items, and the chill of the winter air.
Mariah goes to visit a friend she hasn't seen in 20 years in a town where she knows various people. Her friend, Sadie, isn't there when she arrives. Mariah is worried and with the help of the friend who offers her lodging spur the moment, and a few others in town, she investigates to try to find Sadie. In the process, they try to figure out why as well as who. Did she go away on her own to put herself in the spotlight? Is she hiding because she is afraid of someone? Did she meet up with a friend / lover willingly? Or has she been abducted for some reason?
Mariah and her new friends talk to people and learn what they can. During the process though, Mariah works to show the kinder side of herself because she has changed over the years also. She struggles a bit with her temper, but is really quite fair and thoughtful.
A Christmas Vanishing was a lovely, comfortable read because it was so well written and interesting. I recommend it and all the Christmas stories I have read. I'm sad since I am afraid this is the last one.
Review copy was received from Library, NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I've always enjoyed the books by this author and for a few years I have been devouring the Christmas series. I listened to first few through Audible plus, and found more at the library. I'm not quite finished but the books are unrelated to each other and mostly not heavily connected to the various series. A Christmas Vanishing is related to the Charlotte & Thomas Pitt series, as the main character is Mariah, Charlotte's grandmother.
All of the Christmas stories are a bit shorter, about a half book size but longer than what I consider a novella (under 100 pages). Regardless, the development of the world and characters is exquisite. I felt the characters as real people and their emotions connected to me. I could smell and taste the food, feel the fabrics cottons, wools and silk fabrics of items, and the chill of the winter air.
Mariah goes to visit a friend she hasn't seen in 20 years in a town where she knows various people. Her friend, Sadie, isn't there when she arrives. Mariah is worried and with the help of the friend who offers her lodging spur the moment, and a few others in town, she investigates to try to find Sadie. In the process, they try to figure out why as well as who. Did she go away on her own to put herself in the spotlight? Is she hiding because she is afraid of someone? Did she meet up with a friend / lover willingly? Or has she been abducted for some reason?
Mariah and her new friends talk to people and learn what they can. During the process though, Mariah works to show the kinder side of herself because she has changed over the years also. She struggles a bit with her temper, but is really quite fair and thoughtful.
A Christmas Vanishing was a lovely, comfortable read because it was so well written and interesting. I recommend it and all the Christmas stories I have read. I'm sad since I am afraid this is the last one.
December 21, 2023
I love these annual Christmas novellas from Anne Perry. Usually, this one included, the only thing they have to do with Christmas is that they happen then but good stories nonetheless.
November 9, 2023
A Christmas Vanishing is the twenty-first book in The Christmas Stories series.
Mariah Ellison accepts an invitation from Sadie, a friend she has not seen in many years. After taking the train she arrives at her destination only to find that Sadie is not at home. Sadie's husband is very abrupt and not welcoming at all.
Mariah stays with another friend while waiting for Sadie to return, but after several days it becomes obvious that something is very wrong, a search begins to find Sadie and why she disappeared. With Christmas just a few days away and the weather turning colder Mariah will have to gather the townsfolk to put aside their anger and find Sadie before it is too late.
This was an interesting Christmas story. I found it odd at first but as the story progressed, I started to enjoy the mystery. At first it felt as if Mariah was imagining the worst for no reason. But soon it revealed that she really did have an insight into the mystery of Sadie's disappearance.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
Mariah Ellison accepts an invitation from Sadie, a friend she has not seen in many years. After taking the train she arrives at her destination only to find that Sadie is not at home. Sadie's husband is very abrupt and not welcoming at all.
Mariah stays with another friend while waiting for Sadie to return, but after several days it becomes obvious that something is very wrong, a search begins to find Sadie and why she disappeared. With Christmas just a few days away and the weather turning colder Mariah will have to gather the townsfolk to put aside their anger and find Sadie before it is too late.
This was an interesting Christmas story. I found it odd at first but as the story progressed, I started to enjoy the mystery. At first it felt as if Mariah was imagining the worst for no reason. But soon it revealed that she really did have an insight into the mystery of Sadie's disappearance.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
December 7, 2023
I am so sorry that this is Anne Perry’s final Christmas book. I have enjoyed each and every one of them over the years. I found this one especially good. Of course, I have been reading some clinkers of Christmas books! But even if I hadn’t, I would have loved the characters, setting and story of this little book. It is about acceptance of one’s own faults, and forgiveness of others’. Set in a small English village, I could almost feel the crunch of snow under Mariah’s boots and taste the scones with clotted cream. And I definitely heard the peal of the church bells!
December 8, 2023
This wasn’t among my favourite books in the series in terms of plot, but it still felt special, as it will most likely be the last, since the author sadly passed away earlier this year. Maybe I read too much into it now, with hindsight, but I couldn’t help but think that the author might have put a little bit of herself in the main character, a woman in her 80’s looking back on her life and what she learned from it. Fortunately, there are still a few older titles in the series I haven’t read yet, so I can still enjoy Victorian Christmas mysteries for a few more years.
August 20, 2023
A frustrating little story. Mariah Ellison goes to visit her friend Sadie, whom is missing and no one seems to care. The women are older (in their 80's), yet haven't seen each other in some time. Apparently Mariah had visited enough that townspeople remembered her and one takes her in. Mariah decides that something is wrong, Sadie must have been kidnapped or murdered and sets out to find who did it and why. The police are notified, no one else is concerned but her. Weirdly enough, everyone she encounters bares their soul to her, Sadie is found and it's a Christmas "sets the world right" type of ending. Not really a favorite, would probably recommend skipping unless you were reading every book Ms Perry had written.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2023
In a small English town in the countryside unusual things are happening. A woman, Mariah Ellison, from London, is invited to an old friends home for the upcoming Christmas holiday. When Mariah arrives; her friend is missing and the husband knows nothing of her invitation to the house. Troubled, Mariah finds a place to stay and begins to look for clues leading to the events that lead to the disappearance of her friend. Along the way Mariah begins to learn things about herself and her friend that she doesn't like. Mariah decides to change her ways and hopes that she can find her friend in time.
This is a wonderfully crafted story that happens in the days leading up the Christmas. The story is woven into an intricate tale about criminal activity, self-awareness, kidnapping, and good sleuthing by an 80 year-old woman and a new friend.
This is a wonderfully crafted story that happens in the days leading up the Christmas. The story is woven into an intricate tale about criminal activity, self-awareness, kidnapping, and good sleuthing by an 80 year-old woman and a new friend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews