Mistletoe Murder: and other stories

Mistletoe Murder: and other stories

By P.D. James

Alfred A. Knopf, 2016. 152 pages. Mystery

Four previously uncollected stories from one of the great mystery writers of our time--swift, cunning murder mysteries (two of which feature the young Adam Dalgliesh) that together, to borrow the author's own word, add up to a delightful "entertainment."Each of these stories is as playful as it is ingeniously plotted, the author's sly humor as evident as her hallmark narrative elegance and shrewd understanding of some of the most complex--not to say the most damning--aspects of human nature.

I have not read James' Dalgleish mysteries, but I was impressed by the story and research that she displayed in "Death Comes to Pemberley". Though there are only four stories in this collection, each was distinct and intriguing. One of the stories is quite disturbing and spooked me for quite a few hours after reading it. I recommend this little volume, its especially good for reading during the holidays, which doesn't afford as much time for a longer novel. 

If you like Mistletoe Murder, you might also like: 

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A Surprise for Christmas and other seasonal mysteries

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A Postman murdered while delivering cards on Christmas morning. A Christmas pine growing over a forgotten homicide. A Yuletide heist gone horribly wrong. When there's as much murder as magic in the air and the facts seem to point to the impossible, it's up to the detective's trained eye to unwrap the clues and neatly tie together an explanation (preferably with a bow on top). Martin Edwards has once again gathered the best of these seasonal stories into a stellar anthology brimming with rare tales, fresh as fallen snow, and classics from the likes of Julian Symons, Margery Allingham, Anthony Gilbert and Cyril Hare. A most welcome surprise indeed, and perfect to be shared between super-sleuths by the fire on a cold winter's night.

MGB