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A review by bgg616
Christmas is Murder by Val McDermid
4.0
Val McDermid is one of the best writers of Scottish noir, although her most well known series featuring Tony Hill is set in the north of England. The first story in the collection features Hill, but for me, Hill doesn't have the chance to really "do his thing" in this format. The stories I enjoyed most were the stories of revenge. While catching perpetrators of crimes is satisfying, I particularly like stories of revenge. Several of her stories feature lesbian couples, and/or lesbian protagonists.
Like most short story collections, some are better than others. One of my favorite revenge stories was the final one - Four Calling Birds. In a mining community where the miners have lost their jobs, four women find a way to support their families. Traditionally, the Bingo Hall caller was a man. When he leaves, these women push for the four of them to share the job. As time goes by, changes are proposed. That is when resistance and revenge comes in.
I enjoy Christmas and winter mysteries. I am particularly fond of many of the classic British Christmas mysteries. McDermid is another option for readers who want to expand their repertoire of Christmas mysteries.
Like most short story collections, some are better than others. One of my favorite revenge stories was the final one - Four Calling Birds. In a mining community where the miners have lost their jobs, four women find a way to support their families. Traditionally, the Bingo Hall caller was a man. When he leaves, these women push for the four of them to share the job. As time goes by, changes are proposed. That is when resistance and revenge comes in.
I enjoy Christmas and winter mysteries. I am particularly fond of many of the classic British Christmas mysteries. McDermid is another option for readers who want to expand their repertoire of Christmas mysteries.