Christmas / Winter - December 2018

[Liz, Moderator]

So time to settle down to a Christmas or Winter read for the festive season. I need to have a bit of a think for this one...

[Liz, Moderator]

Just scrolled through my to read list and, as ever, there's loads I've been wanting to try!

I think Winter's Tale is going to be too long, as I'm currently a few books short of my GR reading challenge, but Ice, Snowdrops and Winter by Ali Smith, all look possible contenders. I just have to check what I can get from the library. What will you be reading?

[Abigail]

I'm reading two Christmas murder mysteries in other groups: Envious Casca by Georgette Heyer and Murder for Christmas by Francis Duncan. That will be more than enough Christmas for me!

[Peter]

I'm going to read 'The Hogfather' by Terry Pratchett, a jolly story where Santa is kidnapped and his place is taken by Death!

[Penny]

I've been thinking of reading an Ali Smith book so I think I will join you, Liz, in reading Winter. I too need a couple of more books to end the year.

[Anna]

I've recently finished Stir-up Sunday I think I finished it on the actual 'Stir-Up Sunday'. A little bit of spookiness in a Christmas story.

[Liz, Moderator]

My copy of Snowdrops has become available at the library. I should be starting it very soon...

[Rachel]

Peter wrote: "I'm going to read 'The Hogfather' by Terry Pratchett, a jolly story where Santa is kidnapped and his place is taken by Death!"

Me too just found a copy I was given ages ago on my bookshelf. Have you seen the TV adaptation?

[Peter]

I have completed The Hogfather and also read Ali Smith's Winter. Two very different but enjoyable books. Thanks to Liz and Penny for pointing me in the direction of Ali Smith.
In reply to Rachel, I haven't seen the TV adaptation of Hogfather, but have noticed it is on Sky 1 on Friday so have set it to record.

[Kate, Moderator]

Just about to start reading The Great Christmas Knit Off Should be fun. :)

[Liz, Moderator]

Peter wrote: "I have completed The Hogfather and also read Ali Smith's Winter. Two very different but enjoyable books. Thanks to Liz and Penny for pointing me in the direction of Ali Smith.
In reply to Rachel, ..."

My copy of Winter has arrived from the library, but I have still to finish my current read: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - nothing to do with Christmas or winter, but I've been gradually making my way through the series, on my son's insistence...

I finished Snowdrops a few days ago. It was short-listed for the Booker, a few years ago and has mixed reviews, but I came down in favour. Yes, the characters are unlikeable and the pace is gradual, but I thought it was a highly effective tale of moral corruption and betrayal.

[Em]

I’m reading Winter by Ali Smith too!

[Rachel]

Is it best to read Autumn before Winter ?

[Liz, Moderator]

Rachel wrote: "Is it best to read Autumn before Winter ?"

Well, I'm launching in without having read the first one...

[Mercia]

I watched the David Suchet version of Hercules Poirot's Christmas and then read my long neglected ebook by Agatha Christie Hercule Poirot's Christmas.

[Bill]

I finally found a Xmas / holiday season book so I can complete this challenge. A nice short mystery; Wrapped Up In Crosswords by Nero Blanc