MR Campion's Christmas - (Albert Campion Mystery) by Mike Ripley

Book Synopsis

The Campions are snowed in at Christmas, but just when they think it can't get any colder, their holidays take an even chillier turn.

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"A refreshingly surprise-packed entry in an always excellent series" Publishers Weekly Starred Review

1962, Norfolk. Boxing Day looks set to be a quiet affair for the Campions when they are snowed in at their remote farmhouse, Carterers - until a charabanc full of 'pilgrims' travelling from London to the Shrine of Our Lady in nearby Walsingham crashes into their imposing granite gateposts and the family unexpectedly find themselves playing host to the eccentric passengers.

But any lingering festive cheer is in short supply when a shocking discovery is made the following day, while a terrifying twist reveals that some of the guests are not who they seem. Which - if any - can they trust? Suddenly hostage to events, the Campions are drawn into a fiendish web of espionage as the Cold War comes chillingly close to home.

Review Quotes

An enjoyable seasonal
feast of a story and a good finale for the series-- "Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine"

[A] lively adventure -- "Kirkus Reviews"

Outstanding . . . A joy to read-- "Booklist"

A refreshingly surprise-packed entry in an always excellent series-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review"

The plot thickens in utterly unexpected ways-- "Kirkus Reviews on Mr Campion's Memory"

A highly satisfying showdown-- "Kirkus Reviews on Mr Campion's Coven"

Charming, clever, and witty . . . Another delightful entry-- "Booklist on Mr Campion's Mosaic"

Clever, witty, and packed with intriguing characters, period ambiance, and unexpected twists-- "Booklist on Mr Campion's Memory"

Excellent . . . This dead-on pastiche will satisfy newcomers and series devotees alike-- "Publishers Weekly on Mr Campion's Memory"

Exceptional . . . Both old and new Campion fans will hope for many more exploits-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Mr Campion's Coven"

Like the others in this addictive series, Mr Campion's Mosaic is a cunning mix of silliness and wit-- "The Times on Mr Campion's Mosaic"

One of Campion's most waggish adventures-- "Kirkus Reviews on Mr Campion's Mosaic"

Ripley again marries a crafty plotline with a persuasive evocation of Allingham's style and characterizations. Fans of the originals will be delighted-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Mr Campion's Wings"

Ripley's brilliant inventiveness demonstrates that golden age characters and tropes can still work for contemporary fair-play fans-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Mr Campion's Mosaic"