A review by leighannsherwin
A Christmas Escape by Anne Perry

4.0

Another holiday season another Anne Perry novella to read. Always a fairly quick and easy read, although I took a while to get through my reasons have nothing to do with the story. This year we travel to the island of Stromboli, an active volcano. Charles Latterly, brother of Hester from the Monk series (I assume as I've only read one book in that series) takes centre stage. Devastated by the loss of his wife he looks forward to some relaxation time. Also staying on the island are fellow English tourists. Candace Finbar a bright charming teenager, her uncle Roger, a former army colonel, an unhappily married couple and a reclusive, arrogant author known for a wonderful masterpiece novel and nothing else since. The hotel is run by Stefano, who caters to his guests every whim. Charles bonds with Candace and Roger immediately, but there is tension within the group and it isn't long before someone turns up dead, and the volcano starts to erupt actively and dangerously at almost the same time. As the small group heads for safety, Charles is left to wonder if any of them will ever be safe again. Though light on the mystery part, it was too short a story for that, and nothing suggested or made the story feel festive it was a good quick read the characters were interesting, I liked Candace and Charles and hope they make appearances in the Monk series, whenever I get around to reading them.