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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
A charming Victorian mystery. Interesting characters and intriguing mystery. I will share my review soon.
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
A Christmas Revelation by Anne Perry is the sixteenth novel in The Christmas Stories series. Worm lives at the clinic on Portpool Lane thanks to the kindly Claudine Burroughs. Worm is out and about one day when he witnesses a lovely lady get kidnapped by two men. Worm runs back to the clinic and reports the problem to Squeaky Robinson, the clinic’s accountant. Squeaky tries to distract Worm with preparations for Christmas, but he is not to be deterred. The next morning, the pair set out to find where the kidnappers are hiding the woman. They soon find her and learn that she has the situation well in hand. Eloise has plans for bringing the two men to justice for more serious crimes, but she could use their help. With the assistance of Worm and Squeaky, Eloise sets out to bag the criminals and make sure their stockings are filled with coal by local prison warden.
A Christmas Revelation is part of The Christmas Stories series, but it can be read as a standalone (I have not read any other book by this author). I found A Christmas Revelation to be a charming story. Worm is grateful to have a warm, safe place to live plus food in his belly. He has never experienced Christmas before and Squeaky wants to make sure Worm gets the full experience. I enjoy the interactions between Worm and Squeaky. I especially liked the scene where Squeaky was trying to explain Jesus to Worm. When Squeaky could not distract Worm from Eloise’s dilemma, he sets out to help the young lad. Squeaky is familiar with the ways of the street and has connections that can help them. I liked seeing Squeaky and Worm grow closer. I also appreciated that Worm is developing a sense of wrong and right now that he is living at the clinic. A Christmas Revelation contains good writing and steady pacing. I felt the author captured the time period with the language, clothing, buildings, conveyances, and how Christmas is celebrated during that time. I liked the reference to how they needed to obtain a Christmas tree thanks to Queen Victoria’s husband. I did feel the mystery was slightly disappointing and there was a loose thread or two at the end. It is a short book with only 177 pages which makes it the perfect type of book to read on a cold afternoon. A Christmas Revelation is an enticing Victorian Christmas mystery.
A Christmas Revelation is part of The Christmas Stories series, but it can be read as a standalone (I have not read any other book by this author). I found A Christmas Revelation to be a charming story. Worm is grateful to have a warm, safe place to live plus food in his belly. He has never experienced Christmas before and Squeaky wants to make sure Worm gets the full experience. I enjoy the interactions between Worm and Squeaky. I especially liked the scene where Squeaky was trying to explain Jesus to Worm. When Squeaky could not distract Worm from Eloise’s dilemma, he sets out to help the young lad. Squeaky is familiar with the ways of the street and has connections that can help them. I liked seeing Squeaky and Worm grow closer. I also appreciated that Worm is developing a sense of wrong and right now that he is living at the clinic. A Christmas Revelation contains good writing and steady pacing. I felt the author captured the time period with the language, clothing, buildings, conveyances, and how Christmas is celebrated during that time. I liked the reference to how they needed to obtain a Christmas tree thanks to Queen Victoria’s husband. I did feel the mystery was slightly disappointing and there was a loose thread or two at the end. It is a short book with only 177 pages which makes it the perfect type of book to read on a cold afternoon. A Christmas Revelation is an enticing Victorian Christmas mystery.
la_ravenreader's review against another edition
3.0
A tale that takes place during the 1800s in London. It follows Worm, a nine year orphan during Christmas time. While it was an easy fast read, the ending was a bit disappointing.
rosannelortz's review against another edition
3.0
Worm is a street urchin who has never celebrated a real Christmas. Squeaky, the hard-shelled bookkeeper for a women's shelter (and reformed brothel-owner) is determined to change that. Scraping together their meager funds, Squeaky plans roast goose, ribbons, tinsel, and gifts for all who will stay at the shelter on Christmas day.
But as much as Squeaky tries to distract Worm with the upcoming festivities, Worm can't forget the woman with the angelic face that he saw being jostled by two thugs and pulled into a house in a questionable part of town. The men were hurting her--he is sure of it. Determined to offer whatever aid he can, Worm ropes Squeaky into his plan and the two set off across London to save the mysterious woman.
This short story / novella started out interesting but wandered a little from the original theme of Christmas. It felt like it needed more to tie it all together (maybe another 10,000 words?). I have greatly enjoyed Anne Perry's William Monk books and Thomas & Charlotte Pitt series, but this is the first holiday book I have read of hers.
But as much as Squeaky tries to distract Worm with the upcoming festivities, Worm can't forget the woman with the angelic face that he saw being jostled by two thugs and pulled into a house in a questionable part of town. The men were hurting her--he is sure of it. Determined to offer whatever aid he can, Worm ropes Squeaky into his plan and the two set off across London to save the mysterious woman.
This short story / novella started out interesting but wandered a little from the original theme of Christmas. It felt like it needed more to tie it all together (maybe another 10,000 words?). I have greatly enjoyed Anne Perry's William Monk books and Thomas & Charlotte Pitt series, but this is the first holiday book I have read of hers.
bradonlong's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.75
kapago97's review against another edition
3.0
It was an okay read. Not my favorite but entertaining for the short time it took to read it.
bookslayer's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
dmturner's review against another edition
3.0
A pleasant diversion, and a sweet, straightforward little tale that skirts being saccharine; Squeaky is an interesting character nonetheless and the atmosphere is excellent.
wordsmithlynn's review against another edition
3.0
More like 2.5 stars if I’m really honest. I usually thoroughly enjoy Ann Perry’s Christmas tales, but the glacial pace of this one made it hard to get absorbed in the story. The developing friendship between grouchy old Squeaky and young Warren (aka Worm) was enjoyable though. I’ll just have to hope for a return to form by Ms. Perry next year!