I got this softcover at Toadstool Books in its new Nashua location. It's a collection of mystery stories from a variety of authors, set at or near Christmas (though not always featuring that as a key part of the plot). Among my favorites:

"By the Sword" by Selwyn Jepson features a self-deluded fellow who's been hanging around his cousin's country house at Christmas in hopes of (a) wheedling yet more cash from him for yet another attempt at a Sure Thing, and (b) persuading his cousin's wife to run away with him. It's clear to the reader early on that Alfred is wildly misguided as to how Barbara feels towards him, and is in general not the nicest fellow anyway, but it makes a good story to see how he plots his revenge against his unwilling-to-throw-good-money-after-bad cousin. And not to worry - justice is served!

The title story, by Donald Stuart, has a very convoluted plot set in a remote village during a heavy snowstorm; I wasn't fond of the plot itself, but the atmosphere was excellent, just the thing to read during an actual storm while settled cozily indoors with hot drink and warm cats.

"Blind Man's Hood" by Carter Dickson is a ghost story and a murder tale, with some nice twists and a satisfactory resolution.

"Sister Bessie or Your Old Leech" by Cyril Hare has a fellow rebelling against prolonged blackmail, only to find that the person he thought was the blackmailer - and whom he had adroitly managed to get rid of - was the wrong one. But he's sure he knows who it is *now* - or does he?

"Crime at Lark Cottage" by John Bingham features a detective who manages to misdirect a suspect into confessing to a long-unsolved crime.

I left this book outside the farm stand at Brookdale, near a display of very charming birch-log reindeer; hope someone enjoys the book!

[See other recent releases in NH here.]

*** Released for the 2019 December holiday release challenge. ***

*** Released for the 2019 What's In A Name Release Challenge, for the embedded "Chris" in the title. ***