Wednesday, August 7, 2019

The Christmas Card Crime And Other Stories

The Christmas Card Crime and Other Stories

The Christmas Card Crime and Other Stories is the latest anthology from the British Library Crime Classics series that I've sampled, and let me just say- I'm having a blast with these. Now not every story in this collection worked for me- I may have liked maybe half of them, which doesn't sound good, but honestly- even the ones I don't like are such a window into times long past, in terms of crime writing. There is such a variety of stories here- if you're a crime fan you really owe it to yourself to try these. 

These are all Christmas themed, of course, although some more than others. And they vary by length as well- one or two of these are only a few pages long! In fact, my favorite of this bunch was a five pager. You'd think you couldn't get much story in five pages, and in truth I was looking for more- always a good sign- but it hit the spot. And that's the thing too- some of these I read at night before going to sleep, or just late when the house was quiet, and it was a nice way to end the day. 

I'd be remiss too if I didn't mention that cover. These British Library reprints of classic crime stories are using cover art repurposed from vintage travel posters, in many cases, and I'm loving it. I quickly learned from previous editions that the cover art may not necessarily correspond well with the stories within, but they definitely set that vintage tone. It's another element in a very attractive package. 

So if you like crime fiction, especially vintage or classic crime fiction in the mold of Agatha Christie or Dorothy Sayers, you're probably going to be happy with these anthologies. One of the things I've really enjoyed as well is learning more about how vibrant and lively the detective fiction of the past was- there were so many practitioners, and so many stories out there that have languished. It's great to see them making a comeback. 

14 comments:

  1. It's so strange to see a snow covered book in August! Not sure this is my kind of book, but glad you enjoyed it๐Ÿ˜

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  2. Sounds like a fun book. I like that they are different lengths!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  3. I think I'd like to check this one out eventually. Christmas will be here before you know it - yes, you can shoot me for that one!

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  4. I love these British Library Crime Classics. I just finished one myself.

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  5. I'm glad you had a good time with this.

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  6. I don't tend to do so well with anthologies because I need longer to get into each author's writing style, but I do enjoy dipping into classic crime tales every once in a while. In fact I've got an Inspector Appleby novel to read soon :-)

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  7. Not sure about vintage style crime, but then I have never tried it

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  8. Cute snow picture. Mind you the middle building could also be another Overlook Hotel...

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  9. This looks like something I should keep in mind for the HoHoHo Readathon this year. It sounds really cool and I love the cover.

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  10. I love classic crime! And I looked this one up...it has a Carter Dickson short story that I haven't read yet! Carter Dickson/John Dickson Carr is one of my faves, along with Ellery Queen, Rex Stout, and - of course - Dame Agatha!

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  11. I'm not much of a crime reader, but this sounds perfect for someone who loves the genre! It's always good to visit some of the classics. Great review.

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