What better gift for a lover of cosy crime? A festive mystery, A Carol and a Killing by Richard Coles. Curl up in an armchair and read this delightful novella.
Canon Daniel Clement and Detective Inspector Neil Vanloo have been drafted into the Cathedral's choir. The 10th of December 1994 is the day of the Christmas concert in the Cathedral. The choir finishes with the annual Messiah followed by the annual encore, The Twelve Days of Christmas. As usual Clive Langford, the tenor soloist, is to sing the ‘Five Gold Rings’ from the Cathedrals highest balcony. Clive’s rendition of the Five Gold Rings in the last verse, stops midway, there is silence, followed by the thud of his body landing and echoing round the church.
Daniel suspects it wasn't a fall, but a push.
We are introduced to the pettifoggery, gossip, eccentricities and squabbles of the individuals in the choir. With a warm humour a wonderful turn of phrase, we meet Euodia Vivers, Marg Millard, Honoria De Floures, Miss March and Graeme Humphreys. Is one of these the murder? Can Daniel, Neil Vanloo and Daniel's mother, Audrey - solve the mystery and catch the Christmas killer?
Richard Coles writes with wit and empathy. The characterisation is excellent as we ‘know’ the people who inhabit this book.
And don’t forget Cosmo and Hilda, Daniel’s Dachshunds.
