Crime for Christmas (1991), an anthology edited by Richard Dalby, serves up sixteen tales of murder and mayhem for the holiday season. There are mysteries from such well-known authors as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, Ellis Peters and Edgar Wallace as well as writers who may not be as familiar to current readers. Dalby even provides a story by Wilkie Collins that hadn't been reprinted since its first appearance at Christmas in 1852. There is a fair sampling of stories with something for everyone and, like most collections, some will tickle your fancy more than others. Overall, a solid selection of stories. ★★★Here is a run-down of my favorites:
"The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle": Doyle's Christmas offering for Holmes--featuring a hat, a goose, and a most valuable gem.
"An Upright Woman" by H. R. F. Keating: Where four would-be bank robbers break into the home of the bank manger who just happens to live next door to the bank. They plan to dig through the house into the bank's vault. The manager plays hero and gets knocked out. His wife is more than equal to the situation.
"The Ghost's Touch" by Fergus Hume: In which a schemer is caught in his own ghostly trap.
"Red Lily" by Dick Donovan: A man returns from the dead to accuse his "murderer" and claim the Red Lily for his bride.
(Actually finished on 12/3/17)
I looove the The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle!
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