Death at the Village Christmas Fair by Debbie Young, a Review

 

Yet another book that fulfills my mystery trifecta – Christmas, a cozy mystery, and an English location (Cotswolds) — I quite enjoyed Death at the Village Christmas Fair by Debbie Young. It is the third in the series of Cotswold Curiosity Shop Mysteries. Reading it in July didn’t dim its festive magic; the Santa Run and bustling Christmas Fair in Little Pride wrapped me in that warm holiday glow I love. The Cotswolds setting felt like a dream, making me yearn to revisit those charming villages. Coming from a family of knitters, crocheters, seamstresses, and button collectors, the story’s focus on a button-adorned scarf hit so close to home. I could almost feel myself rummaging through my grandmother’s button tin, each one sparking memories, just like Alice’s mum’s nostalgic biscuit tin of buttons did for me.

 I found Alice Carroll, the Curiosity Shop owner and amateur sleuth, so relatable, though I’ll admit her naivety annoyed me a bit at times. Still, her heart and determination won me over, and I loved how her romance with Robert Praed felt real rather than cloying. The mystery, involving a murdered Santa and a stolen scarf with a valuable netsuke button, was straightforward but fun, perfect for when I’m craving cozy vibes over a tricky plot. Learning about netsuke was a delightful surprise, like finding a hidden gem in my family’s crafting stash.

 This book’s charm lies in its blend of humor, heart, and holiday spirit. Alice’s mum, with her quick knitting and witty remarks, felt like she could join my family’s crafting circle. Little Pride itself is so vivid it’s practically a character, making me long for that village life, murders aside. While the mystery isn’t the twistiest, it is the kind of story that feels like a warm blanket. As a Debbie Young fan, I’m torn between her Sophie Sayers series and this one, but Death at the Village Christmas Fair is a new favorite. For now, I wholeheartedly suggest this to anyone craving a festive, cozy escape, especially if you love Christmas and a good button jar memory.

You can order your copy here.

 Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Carol for Mrs. Dickens by Rebecca Connolly

 

A Carol for Mrs. Dickens is a super cozy take on the classic Christmas vibe, putting Catherine Dickens, Charles Dickens’ wife, front and center instead of old Scrooge. It’s 1851, and Catherine’s feeling wiped out from juggling eight kids (with another on the way), throwing epic holiday parties, and keeping up with her husband’s over-the-top Christmas obsession. A magical sprig of holly sends her on a trip down memory lane, helping her rediscover why she used to love the season. It’s got that warm, Dickensian Christmas glow, but feels fresh with its focus on Catherine’s personal journey.

 The writing pulls you right into Victorian London, think twinkling lights, bustling markets, and all the holiday feels. Catherine’s memory-hopping adventures are vivid and heartfelt, making you root for her to find her spark again. That said, the story drags a bit in spots, and I wished it dug deeper into why Catherine’s so down instead of leaning on the whole “count your blessings” angle. A little more focus on her struggles and a stronger wrap-up would’ve made her journey hit even harder.

Still, this book’s a total holiday gem. It’s warm, touching, and perfect for curling up with on a winter night. It skips the ghosts of A Christmas Carol but keeps the heart, showing how small moments of love and connection can bring back the magic. If you’re picking one Christmas read this season, A Carol for Mrs. Dickens is a solid bet for something sweet and meaningful without being too heavy. 

 You can order a copy here.

 

Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.