Reading Anne Perry's annual Christmas novella has become a tradition for me. My book club choose it as our December book because we wanted to read something upbeat. Yes, it seems counter intuitive that we would choose a murder mystery, but one feature of Ms. Perry's Christmas books is the hope and strong redemptive quality with which she imbues each story. A Christmas Hope (#349) continues this pattern in satisfying fashion.
Claudine Burroughs is wife to a wealthy Victorian businessman. Her principle role in life as far as Wallace Burroughs is concerned is to see and be seen at the right parties, and to ease the social connections which will lead to his further success with his even wealthier clients. Claudine dutifully plays her part, but her heart and mind are centered on the work she does for the volunteer clinic for prostitutes run by Hester Monk. (Thereby tying this story to the William Monk mystery series.) That is until Claudine attends a pre-Christmas party during which a young prostitute is beaten to death on the back terrace of the host's London house. Who invited the streetwalker there? The three young scions of important and connected families found on the scene swear that Dai Tregarron, noted poet, drunkard and womanizer, is responsible. After all, he's not one of "Them". But as the first one on the scene to render aid, Claudine senses that something is wrong with the young men's stories. Is the wrong person being accused? And can she stand by comfortably and let a miscarriage of justice take place?
Surprising things happen when meek Claudine discovers the courage within herself to prove truth is stronger than the power of societal convention. As bleak as life is for many in London during this period, one person can and does make a difference with the conviction of why we celebrate Christmas behind her. Consider this book a Christmas present to yourself.
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