Xmas Thrillers: The Greatest Holiday Mysteries in One Volume


Book Description

In 'Xmas Thrillers: The Greatest Holiday Mysteries in One Volume', the spirit of Christmas takes a thrilling twist as it weaves through the corridors of mystery and suspense. This anthology is a masterful collection that spans a wide range of literary styles, from the classic Victorian gothic to the cunning puzzles of the golden age of detective fiction. Highlighting remarkable diversity within its pages, it amalgamates the works of some of the most influential authors in the genre. The anthology stands out not only for the significance of its individual pieces but also for its coherent exploration of the darker, more enigmatic aspects of the festive season, offering readers a unique blend of yuletide cheer and chilling intrigue. The contributing authors and editors bring to the collection a rich tapestry of backgrounds, ranging from the venerable maestros of the Victorian era to the pioneering spirits of the early twentieth century. Each author's contribution is a testament to the vibrancy and complexity of the time periods and cultural movements they represent, collectively painting a multifaceted portrayal of Christmas. The fusion of historical, cultural, and literary insights provided by these varied voices offers a profound exploration of the holiday's complexities, presenting a multifarious perspective that enriches the reader's understanding of the anthologys central theme. 'Xmas Thrillers: The Greatest Holiday Mysteries in One Volume' is an indispensable read for those looking to immerse themselves in the depth and breadth of Christmas-themed literary artistry. It invites readers to explore a multitude of perspectives, styles, and themes, all while engaging in a dialogue with some of the most iconic figures in literature. For the enthusiast of mysteries and the lover of holiday stories alike, this collection offers a unique educational value, promising insights and entertainment that cut across the conventional boundaries of the genre. This anthology is not just a book; it's an experience, perfect for anyone eager to explore the intricate interplay between joy, mystery, and the enduring spirit of Christmas.




Xmas Thrillers: The Greatest Holiday Mysteries in One Volume


Book Description

This meticulously edited collection includes some of the finest Christmas mysteries to keep you company for the entire holiday season! From puzzling detective cases to hair raising ghost tales, this collection has it all... Choose your pick and Merry Mysterious Christmas to everyone! The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle (Arthur Conan Doyle) The Flying Stars (G. K. Chesterton) Percival Bland's Proxy (R. Austin Freeman) A Christmas Capture (Fred M. White) McAllister's Christmas (Arthur Cheney Train) The Mystery of Room Five (Fred M White) A Policeman's Business (Edgar Wallace) Stuffing (Edgar Wallace) Mr Wray's Cash Box (Wilkie Collins) The Adventure of the Second Swag (Robert Barr) A Chaparral Christmas Gift (O. Henry) A Christmas Tragedy (Emmuska Orczy) What the Shepherd Saw (Thomas Hardy) The Silver Hatchet (Arthur Conan Doyle) Markheim (Robert Louis Stevenson) The Wolves of Cernogratz (Saki) Mustapha (Sabine Baring-Gould) The Christmas Banquet (Nathaniel Hawthorne) The Haunted Man (Charles Dickens) The Ghost's Touch (Fergus Hume) Glámr (Sabine Baring-Gould) The Ghosts at Grantley (Leonard Kip) A Terrible Christmas Eve (Lucie E. Jackson) Ghosts and Family Legends (Catherine Crowe) Thurlow's Christmas Story (John Kendrick Bangs) The Abbot's Ghost (Louisa M. Alcott) Old Applejoy's Ghost (Frank R. Stockton) Wolverden Tower (Grant Allen) The Christmas-Eve Vigil (James Bowker) The Box with the Iron Clamps (Florence Marryat) Joseph (Katherine Rickford) The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton (Charles Dickens) The Ghost of Christmas Eve (J. M. Barrie) The Dead Sexton (Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu) Uncle Cornelius His Story (George MacDonald) The Grave by the Handpost (Thomas Hardy) Number Ninety (Bithia Mary Croker) At Chrighton Abbey (Mary Elizabeth Braddon) The Black Bag Left on a Door-Step (Catherine L. Pirkis) Between the Lights (E. F. Benson) Transition (Algernon Blackwood) The Kit-Bag (Algernon Blackwood)…




The Big Book of Christmas Mysteries


Book Description

The Edgar Award-winning editor collects sixty of his all-time favorite holiday crime stories—from Arthur Conan Doyle and Thomas Hardy, to Sara Paretsky and Ed McBain. • “Anyone who cares about the best mystery writing of the past century and beyond would be lucky to receive this thick volume during the holidays." —The Washington Post This collection touches on all aspects of the holiday season, and all types of mysteries. They are suspenseful, funny, frightening, and poignant. Included are puzzles by Mary Higgins Clark, Isaac Asimov, and Ngaio Marsh; uncanny tales in the tradition of A Christmas Carol by Peter Lovesey and Max Allan Collins; O. Henry-like stories by Stanley Ellin and Joseph Shearing, stories by pulp icons John D. MacDonald and Damon Runyon; comic gems from Donald E. Westlake and John Mortimer; and many, many more. Almost any kind of mystery you’re in the mood for--suspense, pure detection, humor, cozy, private eye, or police procedural—can be found in these pages. FEATURING: - Unscrupulous Santas - Crimes of Christmases Past and Present - Festive felonies - Deadly puddings - Misdemeanors under the mistletoe - Christmas cases for classic characters including Sherlock Holmes, Brother Cadfael, Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot, Ellery Queen, Rumpole of the Bailey, Inspector Morse, Inspector Ghote, A.J. Raffles, and Nero Wolfe.




CHRISTMAS MYSTERIES - 20 Thriller Classics in One Volume


Book Description

CHRISTMAS MYSTERIES - 20 Thriller Classics in One Volume presents an eclectic collection that intertwines the festive spirit of Christmas with the intrigue and suspense of mystery literature. This anthology spans a broad spectrum of literary styles, from the gothic and supernatural to detective fiction and psychological thrillers, reflecting the diverse ways in which the theme of mystery can intersect with holiday cheer. The collection stands as a testament to the versatile narrative power of Christmas, incorporating works that range from eerie ghost stories to ingenious tales of deduction, each shedding light on the darker corners of the holiday season. The authors contributing to this anthology are luminaries of 19th and early 20th century literature, each with their own unique contribution to the genres of mystery and suspense. Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Wilkie Collins, among others, offer stories that not only highlight their mastery of narrative tension but also reflect the historical and cultural climates of their respective eras. These stories, while diverse, collectively explore themes of redemption, revelation, and the ever-present contrast between light and shadow during the holiday season, thus providing a rich tapestry of cultural and literary insights. CHRISTMAS MYSTERIES invites readers to explore the multifaceted traditions of the holiday season through a lens of mystery and suspense. It promises a journey through the varied landscapes of human emotion and cultural celebration, making it a valuable addition to any literary collection. The anthology serves not only as an engaging compendium of thrilling tales but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the ways in which mystery and the yuletide spirit converge to reveal profound truths about humanity and society. This volume is recommended for those eager to delve into the intersection of festive joy and the tantalizing allure of the unknown.




A Snowflake at Midnight: A Historical Fantasy Romance


Book Description

Enjoy this story by historical fantasy romance author Anne Renwick where you'll unravel mysteries and defy conventions in a world where danger lurks around every corner. You’ll find forbidden romance, evil villains and mad science in these gaslamp and steampunk romances... A rare manuscript. A midnight promise. A man who would steal them both away. Pressured by looming deadlines and an annoying patron, Evie Brown, academic librarian, struggles to find joy this Christmas holiday. Worse, her sick father is ready to abandon treatments and surrender to fate - a decision she refuses to accept. Delving into a medieval manuscript, she searches for answers in the distant past. For the woman who has stolen his heart, only a perfect proposal will do. Ash Lockwood, botanist, has transformed the rooftop greenhouse into a tropical fairyland. But when Evie begs him to help her harvest mistletoe at midnight, they venture down a different garden path - unaware that danger circles close. When their plans implode and a murderer threatens their lives, only invention and teamwork will save them. STEP INTO THE ELEMENTAL WEB! A Snowflake at Midnight is the fourth story in the Elemental Web Tales, although all books in the Elemental Web (Chronicles, Tales & Stories) can be read as standalones. For fans of steampunk and gaslamp fantasy romance like SL Prater, AJ Lancaster and Jacquelyn Benson, this is a STEAMY romance with a guaranteed happily ever after for women in STEM and the men who are their match.




A Killer's Christmas in Wales


Book Description

With A Killer's Christmas in Wales, Elizabeth J. Duncan delivers a delightful holiday-themed mystery. As the townsfolk of the Welsh valley town of Llanelen settle in for the snowiest winter in twenty-five years, an American stranger arrives. Harry Saunders charms the ladies, one of them in particular: Evelyn Lloyd, the town's former postmistress, who was left comfortably off after the death of her husband. After Mrs. Lloyd invests a good deal of money with him, Harry goes missing, as does her money. His body is soon discovered outside the walls of Conwy Castle, and Mrs. Lloyd is implicated in the murder. Although Penny Brannigan and her business partner, Victoria Hopkirk, are busy overseeing the grand opening of their new spa, that doesn't stop Mrs. Lloyd from desperately seeking Penny's help to prove her innocence. It's quite possible that Harry made other enemies while in Llanelen and Penny's investigation unfolds while she juggles her work at the spa, her growing relationship with Detective Inspector Davies, and the Christmas window competition that she signed up to judge.




The 19th Christmas


Book Description

In this #1 New York Times bestseller, the Women's Murder Club gets ready for a quiet Christmas—until a mysterious killer decides to terrorize the city. As the holidays approach, Detective Lindsay Boxer and her friends in the Women's Murder Club have much to celebrate. Crime is down. The medical examiner's office is quiet. Even the courts are showing some Christmas spirit. And the news cycle is so slow that journalist Cindy Thomas is on assignment to tell a story about the true meaning of the season for San Francisco. Then a fearsome criminal known only as "Loman" seizes control of the headlines. Solving crimes never happens on schedule, but as this criminal mastermind unleashes credible threats by the hour, the month of December is upended for the Women's Murder Club. Avoiding tragedy is the only holiday miracle they seek.




Eleven Pipers Piping


Book Description

The annual Burns dinner at Thornford Regis is an occasion for bagpipes, haggis and scotch. It ends up an occasion for tragedy when Will Moir, one of the pipers, is found alone, in a tower, dead of an apparent heart attack. Father Tom Christmas, the vicar of the town, is privy to all of the secrets of its inhabitants, and is one of the first to find out that Will Moir was poisoned. The town's suspicions go in many directions, and Christmas soon learns secrets that have been kept for generations--illicit trysts, even murders--the ramifications of which may have fallen onto poor Will Moir. Brimming with wit, laced with genuine surprise and featuring one of the most memorable (and unlikely) detectives in the cozy genre today, Eleven Pipers Piping mines the rich history of a small town to solve its most stunning crime.




Merry Christmas, Alex Cross


Book Description

On Christmas Eve, Alex Cross must risk everything to solve a mystery and stop a hostage situation from spiraling out of control. It's Christmas Eve and Detective Alex Cross has been called out to catch someone who's robbing his church's poor box. That mission behind him, Alex returns home to celebrate with Bree, Nana, and his children. The tree decorating is barely underway before his phone rings again: a horrific hostage situation is quickly spiraling out of control. Away from his own family on the most precious of days, Alex calls upon every ounce of his training, creativity, and daring to save another family. Alex risks everything-and he may not make it back alive on this most sacred of family days. Alex Cross is a hero for our time, and never more so than in this story of family, action, and the deepest moral choices. Merry Christmas, Alex Cross is a holiday classic for thriller fans everywhere.




FERGUS HUME - The Ultimate Mystery Collection: 21 Thriller Novels in One Volume


Book Description

Fergus Hume's 'The Ultimate Mystery Collection' is a literary treasure trove comprising 21 gripping thriller novels consolidated into a single volume. Known for his well-structured plots and skillful use of suspense, Hume captivates readers with a diverse range of mysteries that cater to all tastes. Set in various locations and time periods, Hume's narratives are rich in detail and character development, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final revelation. His writing style is marked by a keen sense of observation and a knack for crafting intricate puzzles, making each novel a satisfying and engaging read. Hume's works are a testament to the enduring popularity of the mystery genre and continue to enthral readers with their timeless appeal. A prolific and influential author during the Golden Age of detective fiction, Fergus Hume's extensive body of work has solidified his reputation as a master storyteller. Drawing inspiration from real-life events and his own experiences, Hume's novels offer a unique perspective on crime and human nature. His understanding of the genre and his ability to innovate within its conventions make 'The Ultimate Mystery Collection' a must-read for fans of thrilling and well-crafted detective fiction. Whether you are a seasoned mystery enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Hume's collection promises hours of entertainment and intrigue, making it a valuable addition to any reader's bookshelf.