A CHRISTMAS CAROL MURDER
By Heather Redmond
Kensington Publishing
303 pgs
This is the third book in the unique Charles Dickens
mysteries devised by writer Heather Redmond. In the books, which began with “A
Tale of Two Murders” and was followed by “Grave Expectations,” the author has a
grand time having a young Charles Dickens become involved with murders and then
attempt to solve them with the help of his fiancée, one Kate Hogarth. The added
twist is obvious from the titles in that they revolved around one of the famous
writer’s novels.
“A Christmas Carol Murder,” was our introduction to the series
because although fans of Mr. Dickens, we’ve always had a particular fondness
for arguably his most famous story. In this tale, Charles and Kate are
celebrating the Christmas season by joining several of their friends in
caroling through various London
neighborhoods. When they arrive at the home of one Ebenezer Screws, they have
barely begun to sing a few songs when the body of an elderly gentlemen falls
dead at the feet out of a second story window. He is Mr. Bob Harley, Screws
business partner in their countinghouse. Oh, and wrapped around the dead man’s
throat is a sturdy iron chain. Did he fall out of the window by accident or was
he pushed?
Upon meeting Screws, Dickens is put off by the man. Whereas
it is Kate who feels pity for him and urges Charles to investigate. As he
reluctantly does so, other familiar characters from the classic appear adding
extra fun to the narrative. There’s also an endearing sub-plot wherein Dickens
takes in an orphaned baby boy named Timothy whose mother died in a house fire
where she worked as a maid. Allegations arise that the baby might be the
journalist bastard child. Although false, Dickens is worried such charges will
jeopardize his engagement with Kate, never mind bring about the wrath of her
father, his boss at The Chronicle.
All in all, “A Christmas Carol Murder” is brilliantly delivered and the author’s research into London and its social mores at the time are spot on. What Christmas just around the corner, we can’t think of a more appropriate book for our readers pick up and relish. It truly is a wonderful surprise.
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