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Emily Castles Mysteries #5
Real Elves
~ REAL ELVES is a short Christmas story ~
In a department store in London, a little girl called Sophie visits Santa’s magical forest with her grandfather. As they emerge from the forest, Sophie’s grandfather reports her missing… but the little girl’s right there. Is she a ghost, a twin, an alien abductee—or is there some simpler explanation? Twenty-six-year-old amateur sleuth Emily Castles has fifteen minutes to figure out the puzzle before the police are called and Christmas is ruined.
This short mystery is a standalone story set in London. It first appeared in the anthology Naughty or Nice in aid of Kids Need to Read. The Emily Castles mysteries can be read in any order.
PRAISE FOR THE EMILY CASTLES MYSTERY SERIES
Helen Smith has created a great little cozy series with the charming Emily Castles. Criminal Element
Emily Castles is one character you cannot help but fall in love with! Julie's Book Reviews
Very funny indeed... There seems to be a winning line on every page. The Bookbag
Helen Smith is a British crime writer who lives in London. Her books have appeared in "best of the year" lists by For Books' Sake, The Cult Den, The Independent, and the Guardian.
This story was first published in the anthology Naughty or Nice in aid of Kids Need to Read.
Readers of M. C. Beaton or Alexander McCall Smith will enjoy discovering a new mystery author.
Buy the paperback and get the ebook free with Kindle Matchbook.
Free to borrow from Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime.
In a department store in London, a little girl called Sophie visits Santa’s magical forest with her grandfather. As they emerge from the forest, Sophie’s grandfather reports her missing… but the little girl’s right there. Is she a ghost, a twin, an alien abductee—or is there some simpler explanation? Twenty-six-year-old amateur sleuth Emily Castles has fifteen minutes to figure out the puzzle before the police are called and Christmas is ruined.
This short mystery is a standalone story set in London. It first appeared in the anthology Naughty or Nice in aid of Kids Need to Read. The Emily Castles mysteries can be read in any order.
PRAISE FOR THE EMILY CASTLES MYSTERY SERIES
Helen Smith has created a great little cozy series with the charming Emily Castles. Criminal Element
Emily Castles is one character you cannot help but fall in love with! Julie's Book Reviews
Very funny indeed... There seems to be a winning line on every page. The Bookbag
Helen Smith is a British crime writer who lives in London. Her books have appeared in "best of the year" lists by For Books' Sake, The Cult Den, The Independent, and the Guardian.
This story was first published in the anthology Naughty or Nice in aid of Kids Need to Read.
Readers of M. C. Beaton or Alexander McCall Smith will enjoy discovering a new mystery author.
Buy the paperback and get the ebook free with Kindle Matchbook.
Free to borrow from Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime.
50 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2014
36 people are currently reading
896 people want to read
About the author
Helen Smith
22 books275 followersSign up for Helen Smith's Book News and receive a FREE Kindle copy of one of Helen Smith's books: http://helensmithbooks.com/freebook
Helen Smith is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, The Crime Writers Association and English PEN. She traveled the world when her daughter was small, doing all sorts of strange jobs to support them both – from cleaning motels to working as a magician's assistant – before returning to live in London where she wrote her first novel. She's the author of Alison Wonderland, Being Light, The Miracle Inspector and the Emily Castles mystery series as well as children's books, poetry and plays.
Helen Smith's books have reached number one on Amazon's bestseller lists in the US, UK, Canada and Germany. Her first book, Alison Wonderland, was one of Amazon Publishing's top five bestselling books when it was launched in the US in 2011. In July 2013, following the publication of Invitation to Die, Helen Smith reached the top spot as "America's most popular mystery author" on Amazon. Her books have been praised in The Times, The Times Literary Supplement, the Guardian, Time Out and Wired.com. They have appeared on "best books of the year" lists in For Books' Sake, The Cult Den, The Independent and the Guardian.
Helen Smith has been invited to read at literary events and festivals in London and New York and points in between – including, most recently, a cruise ship en route to California via the Suez Canal. Her work has been read or performed at the National Theatre, The Royal Festival Hall, the Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood, Amnesty International’s Headquarters, The Edinburgh Festival and The University of London. She’s a Literary Death Match champion and the recipient of an Arts Council of England award. Her work has been optioned by the BBC. She’s amazing! Please buy her books.
"Smith is gin-and-tonic funny." Booklist
Helen Smith is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, The Crime Writers Association and English PEN. She traveled the world when her daughter was small, doing all sorts of strange jobs to support them both – from cleaning motels to working as a magician's assistant – before returning to live in London where she wrote her first novel. She's the author of Alison Wonderland, Being Light, The Miracle Inspector and the Emily Castles mystery series as well as children's books, poetry and plays.
Helen Smith's books have reached number one on Amazon's bestseller lists in the US, UK, Canada and Germany. Her first book, Alison Wonderland, was one of Amazon Publishing's top five bestselling books when it was launched in the US in 2011. In July 2013, following the publication of Invitation to Die, Helen Smith reached the top spot as "America's most popular mystery author" on Amazon. Her books have been praised in The Times, The Times Literary Supplement, the Guardian, Time Out and Wired.com. They have appeared on "best books of the year" lists in For Books' Sake, The Cult Den, The Independent and the Guardian.
Helen Smith has been invited to read at literary events and festivals in London and New York and points in between – including, most recently, a cruise ship en route to California via the Suez Canal. Her work has been read or performed at the National Theatre, The Royal Festival Hall, the Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood, Amnesty International’s Headquarters, The Edinburgh Festival and The University of London. She’s a Literary Death Match champion and the recipient of an Arts Council of England award. Her work has been optioned by the BBC. She’s amazing! Please buy her books.
"Smith is gin-and-tonic funny." Booklist
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 17, 2014
A little bit of holiday magic
Emily Castle is back in this whimsical Christmas short story with seasonal magic, playful humor, and an alarming mystery (but no murder.) This time around Emily is part of the crew working in a London department store’s elaborate enchanted forest Christmas display designed to help children feel the wonder of the holidays, but on their trial run the little girl testing the exhibit goes missing.
Real Elves is just a few short minutes of light yuletide reading intended to give readers a taste of the Emily Castle series, but I think it will be most enjoyed by those of us who are already fans and want more. For new readers I can highly recommend reading one of Emily’s quirky, wit-filled full length books.
I received a Kindle copy of this charming story from the author. Review opinions are mine.
Emily Castle is back in this whimsical Christmas short story with seasonal magic, playful humor, and an alarming mystery (but no murder.) This time around Emily is part of the crew working in a London department store’s elaborate enchanted forest Christmas display designed to help children feel the wonder of the holidays, but on their trial run the little girl testing the exhibit goes missing.
Real Elves is just a few short minutes of light yuletide reading intended to give readers a taste of the Emily Castle series, but I think it will be most enjoyed by those of us who are already fans and want more. For new readers I can highly recommend reading one of Emily’s quirky, wit-filled full length books.
I received a Kindle copy of this charming story from the author. Review opinions are mine.
June 23, 2017
A nice little tale about setting up a Santa's grotto in a wonderland forest within a shopping area. Appropriately there is a harmless mystery but of course it could have been worse, is the theme. Enjoy.
October 11, 2014
What a sweet, cute holiday story. It’s kind of “fantasy” meets “cozy mystery”. Real Elves is a short story which gives readers a chance to re-visit Emily Castles and be drawn into her enchanting, magical holiday. If you’ve never read an Emily Castle book, there are two previous short stories but you don’t need to read them to enjoy this one. However, I think you’ll want to once you read this one. You can read this book in one sitting. In fact, you can read them all in one sitting.
This is a book that leaves you with those warm fuzzy feelings and perfect for Christmas. Helen Smith captured the atmosphere and portrayed the characters to perfection.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is a book that leaves you with those warm fuzzy feelings and perfect for Christmas. Helen Smith captured the atmosphere and portrayed the characters to perfection.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 13, 2016
A Fun delightful read about a Christmas Forest made in the center of a Mall for Adults and Children to walk through together, and Children can sit on Santa;s lap and have a photo taken. When Children come out of the Enchanted Forest they get to chose a special Christmas Ornament or Bauble inside is a message for the Child and they get a present. Emily asks Sophie and Her Grandfather to do a trial run when they come out he says Sophie is missing! But she is standing right next to him! What has happened ?Is it Magic or something more sinister? Emily needs to solve it before the Police arrive!
September 17, 2014
This story is fun and whimsical. I read it in one sitting and enjoyed Sophie's disappearance (poof!) and reappearance (poof!) very much. I have read other Emily Castles Mysteries written by Helen Smith and I enjoyed each and every one. The author has a unique "voice" that will leave you smiling. I have recommended Real Elves to my literary-loving friends. Everyone who loves a light mystery will enjoy this story.
November 6, 2016
This was my first Emily Castles mystery and I've got to admit even I was second guessing myself as to whether Sophie, the missing child who was ~right there~, had been switched for a look-a-like due to some elvish mischief, or not. That's how surprising and well done the mystery is, and *checks kindle* this story is only 50 pages long.
I enjoyed all the characters, especially the grandfather with his "In my time..." type of stories, everything my own grandmother used to tell me about the time when she was young sounded pretty reckless and dangerous too, and yet, in so many ways, a lot more uncomplicated. The enchanted forest descriptions, the fairytale characters, and how the whole thing blends with Santa, the elves, and the kids getting their present of choice was extremely entertaining---to be honest, I want to there too. Maybe next year. ;)
I enjoyed all the characters, especially the grandfather with his "In my time..." type of stories, everything my own grandmother used to tell me about the time when she was young sounded pretty reckless and dangerous too, and yet, in so many ways, a lot more uncomplicated. The enchanted forest descriptions, the fairytale characters, and how the whole thing blends with Santa, the elves, and the kids getting their present of choice was extremely entertaining---to be honest, I want to there too. Maybe next year. ;)
January 19, 2015
I love Emily Castles and I love Christmas so I was thrilled to be sent a copy of this to read. Despite its short length it is a thoroughly amusing (in true Helen Smith style!) but also satisfying Christmas-sy mystery. I didn't guess the ending and I was so glad to find Dr Muriel nestling amongst the pages too! A lovely, curl-up-in-front-of-the fire-and-smile story.
December 23, 2014
This was a really cute story. I haven't read any others in the series, but I will now. The mysterty takes place at a Santa forest in the store. At first, I was wondering about one of characters, but that is dealt with at the end of the story. It is funny and actually quite nice. The use of magic isn't the standard Christmas magic. It makes for a nice change.
January 23, 2015
A nice short mystery story. I read it in one sitting and, to be honest, at first I was a bit confused about my feelings regarding the story. It was the first time that I was reading a short mystery story and I realized that it doesn't have to be a long, super complicated plot to enjoy a bit of suspense. I will read more of the author's book.
December 15, 2014
Cute Holiday story.
This was the first time reading any stories buy Helen Smith. I thought this was a really cute holiday story. Great for the season and to get in the mood. I really think this book can be read by kids as well as adults, just a cute cozy mystery.
This was the first time reading any stories buy Helen Smith. I thought this was a really cute holiday story. Great for the season and to get in the mood. I really think this book can be read by kids as well as adults, just a cute cozy mystery.
December 26, 2015
This is an adorable, short Christmas story. When the magical Santa forest causes a grandfather to misplace his granddaughter can the actors and artists solve the mystery before the police need to be notified?
December 12, 2014
A delightful, whimsical, cozy Christmas mystery, a lovely short read for the holidays. I look forward to reading more of this author's books.
January 11, 2016
A short, light-hearted Christmas "mystery"
December 18, 2017
This is a story of a grandfather who takes his granddaughter to see Santa is a magical forest in a London department store. They go into the forest to see all the wonders of Christmas in there and when they come out the grandfather realizes that the little girl who went in with him isn't the same one that came out.
October 27, 2018
My review for Real Elves
I loved it! An awesome short story! Wonderfully written! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
I loved it! An awesome short story! Wonderfully written! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
September 18, 2014
Real Elves: A Christmas Story by Helen Smith is an Emily Castles mystery. This Christmas story is humorous and I believe intended to create smiles and show that there is magic in the world, just not in the form we think of magic being.
Emily has volunteered to help in the Enchanted Forest at a downtown department store in London. She has helped Miranda in creating the magic forest and thought it was like an elaborate garden. Miranda was using the experience for a class at the University. Her advisor, Dr. Muriel, was on hand the day of the experiment. Volunteers were dressed as Red Riding Hood, woodsmen, centaurs, elves, and, of course, Santa.
Miranda is concerned that something will go wrong and a child will be hurt or something. The discussion went from children being bad to children being good. Miranda wants her forest to be a good experience for the children and their parents. The children and parent would walk through the forest to Santa, pick a gold or silver ornament and exchange it for a gift from Santa. While walking and waiting in line, there were games and things to look at different spots in the forest. The only thing was Miranda wants it tested by a child before opening. None of the people involved has a child old enough to work. Emily remembered her neighbor, Harry. Harry had a 6 year old granddaughter who he didn’t see enough of. It was decided that Emily would talk to Harry about getting Mom’s permission for Sophie to miss a half day the next day and then Harry would bring her downtown to see the Enchanted Forest.
Harry got permission and picked up Sophie at school. They got on the bus and rode downtown. At the Enchanted Forest entrance, Emily, as Red Riding Hood, took her name and put a nametag on Sophie’s coat. Harry and Sophie entered the Enchanted Forest.
What happens while they are in the Forest? What did Sophie ask Santa for? How did Emily solve the puzzle?
This is a great little story that is easy to read and definitely short. I love the ending but am not telling you what happened.
Emily has volunteered to help in the Enchanted Forest at a downtown department store in London. She has helped Miranda in creating the magic forest and thought it was like an elaborate garden. Miranda was using the experience for a class at the University. Her advisor, Dr. Muriel, was on hand the day of the experiment. Volunteers were dressed as Red Riding Hood, woodsmen, centaurs, elves, and, of course, Santa.
Miranda is concerned that something will go wrong and a child will be hurt or something. The discussion went from children being bad to children being good. Miranda wants her forest to be a good experience for the children and their parents. The children and parent would walk through the forest to Santa, pick a gold or silver ornament and exchange it for a gift from Santa. While walking and waiting in line, there were games and things to look at different spots in the forest. The only thing was Miranda wants it tested by a child before opening. None of the people involved has a child old enough to work. Emily remembered her neighbor, Harry. Harry had a 6 year old granddaughter who he didn’t see enough of. It was decided that Emily would talk to Harry about getting Mom’s permission for Sophie to miss a half day the next day and then Harry would bring her downtown to see the Enchanted Forest.
Harry got permission and picked up Sophie at school. They got on the bus and rode downtown. At the Enchanted Forest entrance, Emily, as Red Riding Hood, took her name and put a nametag on Sophie’s coat. Harry and Sophie entered the Enchanted Forest.
What happens while they are in the Forest? What did Sophie ask Santa for? How did Emily solve the puzzle?
This is a great little story that is easy to read and definitely short. I love the ending but am not telling you what happened.
December 26, 2014
My Take:
5 Stars!
A delightful, short holiday story about a Christmas Enchanted Forest made in a the center of a mall for adults and the little kids to walk through together, along with children getting to sit on Santa’s lap while getting a photo taken with him, to boot! As the children come out of this Forest, they get to choose a special christmas ornament or, a bauble (this is the English term for a christmas ornament as this is written by an English author). Inside of this christmas ornament/bauble is a special message for the kids and they get a present! All of this has been made for all to enjoy!
While doing a trial run before the display opens to the public, Miranda, the woman who put all of this together for a project for one of her University classes finds a little girl and her grandfather to go through this as a practice trial-run to make sure it would work without anything going wrong, and that everything was made safe for the children.
The grandfather was elated to do this with his granddaughter because he doesn’t feel he gets to see her enough. During this trial run, as the little girl and her grandfather come out of the Enchanted Forest, the grandfather says his granddaughter is missing! She can’t be! She is standing right next to him! Now there is a mystery that needs to be solved before the police are called and they arrive, and who other than Emily Castle to help solve it!
I received this ebook from the author in exchange to write a review if I wanted to, and yes, I had to as I enjoyed this book very much! It’s a wonderful holiday read, and especially if you like clean, cozy mysteries, this is sure to give you holiday enjoyment you can read in one sitting!
More of the Emily Castle series can be found in Helen Smith’s other full length novels as well! This is a nice introduction to her and her work as a Private Investigator solving cozy mysteries!
5 Stars!
A delightful, short holiday story about a Christmas Enchanted Forest made in a the center of a mall for adults and the little kids to walk through together, along with children getting to sit on Santa’s lap while getting a photo taken with him, to boot! As the children come out of this Forest, they get to choose a special christmas ornament or, a bauble (this is the English term for a christmas ornament as this is written by an English author). Inside of this christmas ornament/bauble is a special message for the kids and they get a present! All of this has been made for all to enjoy!
While doing a trial run before the display opens to the public, Miranda, the woman who put all of this together for a project for one of her University classes finds a little girl and her grandfather to go through this as a practice trial-run to make sure it would work without anything going wrong, and that everything was made safe for the children.
The grandfather was elated to do this with his granddaughter because he doesn’t feel he gets to see her enough. During this trial run, as the little girl and her grandfather come out of the Enchanted Forest, the grandfather says his granddaughter is missing! She can’t be! She is standing right next to him! Now there is a mystery that needs to be solved before the police are called and they arrive, and who other than Emily Castle to help solve it!
I received this ebook from the author in exchange to write a review if I wanted to, and yes, I had to as I enjoyed this book very much! It’s a wonderful holiday read, and especially if you like clean, cozy mysteries, this is sure to give you holiday enjoyment you can read in one sitting!
More of the Emily Castle series can be found in Helen Smith’s other full length novels as well! This is a nice introduction to her and her work as a Private Investigator solving cozy mysteries!
September 22, 2014
I’ve read the previous books starring amateur sleuth Emily Castles (including one novella) and thought this Christmassy short story sounded like fun and appropriate reading material as the colder days start drawing in. It is also nice to read a mystery starring Emily that doesn’t involve a murder or more serious crime and is a more light-hearted read.
Whimsical and festive, the story focuses on an enchanted Christmas forest in a department store and the mysterious disappearance and reappearance of a little girl whilst walking through it with her grandfather. Even though the story is short, a lot of description and atmosphere is evoked and it was good to catch up with Emily again. Another familiar character from the series also makes a cameo appearance, which was entertaining.
I feel like I couldn’t give this book the full five stars as I rarely do for novellas and short stories, but this was well-written and entertaining and deserves four stars for being a satisfying festive mystery. I would concede that if you enjoy this then it is certainly worth checking out the other full-length Emily Castles novels, which I have really enjoyed to date.
**Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this short story in exchange for an honest review.**
Whimsical and festive, the story focuses on an enchanted Christmas forest in a department store and the mysterious disappearance and reappearance of a little girl whilst walking through it with her grandfather. Even though the story is short, a lot of description and atmosphere is evoked and it was good to catch up with Emily again. Another familiar character from the series also makes a cameo appearance, which was entertaining.
I feel like I couldn’t give this book the full five stars as I rarely do for novellas and short stories, but this was well-written and entertaining and deserves four stars for being a satisfying festive mystery. I would concede that if you enjoy this then it is certainly worth checking out the other full-length Emily Castles novels, which I have really enjoyed to date.
**Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this short story in exchange for an honest review.**
December 9, 2014
Review: Helen Smith is such a witty writer. The humour in her books is not deadly obvious, it is subtle and clever and that is what makes her books so enjoyable! This is a lovely festive short story, it will literally take an hour maximum to read ad is perfect for when you've been out in the shops at Christmas time because it sums up what those Santa's grotto sections of department stores are really like.
These books always feature an elements of magic and mysticism and this little offering is no exception but its not so much that it will put you off if you're not a fan of a little bit of make-believe, perfect for this time of year really,. The storyline is well rounded and the characters are interesting.
I expect that the characters would mean a little more if you had read the other Emily Castles books because I'm sure there are some inside jokes in there somewhere. I own the other Emily Castles books but shamefully I haven't read them yet. This definitely encourages me to do so because of the way that this authors writes. This was a refreshing break from some of the other Christmas novellas out there because it is something a little bit different and it is such a quick read, how can you not read it?
These books always feature an elements of magic and mysticism and this little offering is no exception but its not so much that it will put you off if you're not a fan of a little bit of make-believe, perfect for this time of year really,. The storyline is well rounded and the characters are interesting.
I expect that the characters would mean a little more if you had read the other Emily Castles books because I'm sure there are some inside jokes in there somewhere. I own the other Emily Castles books but shamefully I haven't read them yet. This definitely encourages me to do so because of the way that this authors writes. This was a refreshing break from some of the other Christmas novellas out there because it is something a little bit different and it is such a quick read, how can you not read it?
May 21, 2016
This was the first Helen Smith book that I read. The story behind how I came across it is rather interesting, but it's telling could possibly wait. I feel like this book came to me at the perfect time since I had been looking for some cozy and enjoyable short stories.
Real Elves is a short story that can be read as a standalone or as part of the Emily Castles Mystery series of which it is the fifth book. I honestly don't see the point in summarising this short story, as the story in itself is barely a half and hour long read and the summary aptly describes what it is about anyway.
I absolutely enjoy short Christmas stories. I believe all of them are wonderful and warming, and the latter is a feat especially when the weather almost everywhere is cold. Real Elves was no different. Although what I found most interesting about this story was the kind of hazy and subtle mystery surrounding it.
For a few pages short story, Real Elves was very intriguing and quite an enjoyable read. Author Helen Smith's writing is very easy to follow and beautiful in its innocent and charming simplicity. I enjoyed this book, and I would definitely recommend it.
Real Elves is a short story that can be read as a standalone or as part of the Emily Castles Mystery series of which it is the fifth book. I honestly don't see the point in summarising this short story, as the story in itself is barely a half and hour long read and the summary aptly describes what it is about anyway.
I absolutely enjoy short Christmas stories. I believe all of them are wonderful and warming, and the latter is a feat especially when the weather almost everywhere is cold. Real Elves was no different. Although what I found most interesting about this story was the kind of hazy and subtle mystery surrounding it.
For a few pages short story, Real Elves was very intriguing and quite an enjoyable read. Author Helen Smith's writing is very easy to follow and beautiful in its innocent and charming simplicity. I enjoyed this book, and I would definitely recommend it.
September 18, 2014
What a wonderful story-a great introduction to the Emily Castles world. As the book opens, Emily is helping at a Santa's Christmas Forest set up in a department store. When they invite Sophie and her grandfather to take a pre-opening tour to test the display, Sophie goes missing. But she is still standing beside her grandfather. What has happened? Is it magic or something more sinister? Will Emily get to the bottom of it before the police arrive?
This is one of those stories that make readers say "wow, I MUST read every other book this author has written!" It's a cozy mystery in every sense of the genre. Nothing vulgar, no blood, no violence; just a cracking good little mystery with quirky characters and so well written it was as if I was right there with them!
Helen Smith graciously gave me a copy of the book, this review is my own opinion. 5 stars, read this book and the entire series!
This is one of those stories that make readers say "wow, I MUST read every other book this author has written!" It's a cozy mystery in every sense of the genre. Nothing vulgar, no blood, no violence; just a cracking good little mystery with quirky characters and so well written it was as if I was right there with them!
Helen Smith graciously gave me a copy of the book, this review is my own opinion. 5 stars, read this book and the entire series!
December 15, 2014
Real Elves: A Christmas Story (Emily Castles Mysteries Book 5) by Helen Smith is a cozy mystery style short story with a tough of magic.
A little girl named Sophie visits Santa and goes into the magical forest. She has a name tag when she enters the forest but somehow shows up missing. The only problem is that she exits the forest is standing right in front of her grandfather, but he does not recognize her. Enter Emily Castle who figures out what happens before the police are called.
The author did an excellent job of filling in the details in such a small number of words. This is a wonderful example of a well-told short story. It was a cute, short read. One that will make you smile and make you believe in the magic of Christmas.
A little girl named Sophie visits Santa and goes into the magical forest. She has a name tag when she enters the forest but somehow shows up missing. The only problem is that she exits the forest is standing right in front of her grandfather, but he does not recognize her. Enter Emily Castle who figures out what happens before the police are called.
The author did an excellent job of filling in the details in such a small number of words. This is a wonderful example of a well-told short story. It was a cute, short read. One that will make you smile and make you believe in the magic of Christmas.
December 21, 2014
I really have a thing for Christmas stories, but I'm picky and trite, predictable stories really annoy me. So with that off my chest, I want you to know that I loved this story! I've read it a couple of times and plan to read it again before Christmas. The beginning of the story will make you laugh. There's nothing more sacred than the safety of children and to "listen in" on a conversation about a group of "elves" planning how to ensure children's safety in an enchanted Santa's Forest is absolutely a delight. Helen Smith really brought out the child in me as I read this. I love the magic of Christmas and the possibility that real magic really exists just for a moment. I'm adding this story to my yearly Christmas reading.
November 11, 2014
This is a Christmas themed story that is part of Helen Smith’s mystery series. As with the rest of the Emily Castles series, this story fits in the cozy mystery subgenre, but unlike the others, there is no body or murderer to find. Fans of Emily will enjoy this light-hearted short story while those who haven’t discovered her will find this a quick introduction. I enjoy Smith’s books for their wry sense of humor and her unique author’s voice. Real Elves is the perfect Christmas read for mystery lovers.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
November 21, 2015
Don't you just love Christmas stories? Real Elves is a quick read in the Emily Castles cozy mystery series. In it Emily is working at a type of Santa Land with her friend Miranda and Dr. Muriel even makes an appearance. This story is filled with humor and the "mystery" is cute and quickly solved. I love the description of the Santa Land and would love to visit it myself! I definitely recommend this feel good story for your holiday enjoyment!
July 20, 2018
This is another Emily Castles short story. I like the character of Emily. This time she has volunteered to help at Santa's grotto.
I thought this story was very sweet, but after finishing it, it was nagging me that I'd read it before. The ending seemed so familiar. As it turns out, it was similar to a real-life story, so at least I'd solved a mystery as well as Emily.
I thought this story was very sweet, but after finishing it, it was nagging me that I'd read it before. The ending seemed so familiar. As it turns out, it was similar to a real-life story, so at least I'd solved a mystery as well as Emily.
October 13, 2014
Real Elves is a cute little mystery, a little silly maybe, but it has a light-heartedness that fits Christmas. And I would love to visit the Magic Forest, pick a golden apple, and see Santa. It's a short story, only 35 pages or so, so I don't want to give away too much of the plot. I will say that there's no violence and it has a happy ending all around.
February 27, 2016
A charming little book ideal for dark nights, mince pies and a glass of something warming. There are some real laugh out loud moments in this Christmas tale of mistaken identity and a large helping of seasonal magic to bring a smile. Delightful characters are immmediately brought to life in this well written tale.
December 9, 2014
A beautifully festive short story, although at times a little "bizarre" but did enjoy. Managed to finish it in one night! With it being so short I didn't manage to learn much about the characters so it's a real push for me to go on and try the rest of Helen Smith's books!
Story flowed well and was very funny and imaginative.
Reviewed by Ladies Living in Bookland
December 17, 2014
Funny! Heartwarming!
I enjoyed this book very much... I will definitely share with family and friends! I am looking forward to telling my grandson's, Brodie and Jaxon about it...LOL!! But I won't be reading it to them...they'll be reading it to Nana. So thank you and Merry Christmas!!
I enjoyed this book very much... I will definitely share with family and friends! I am looking forward to telling my grandson's, Brodie and Jaxon about it...LOL!! But I won't be reading it to them...they'll be reading it to Nana. So thank you and Merry Christmas!!
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