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29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
more for series fans than anyone else, November 6, 2007
While fans of Anne Perry's Christmas novellas and her William Monk books will enjoy "A Christmas Beginning," honesty compels me to note that mystery lovers looking for a nice, absorbing Christmas read may want to either borrow this novella from the library or else give it a miss. This is not because "A Christmas Beginning" is badly written -- to the contrary -- but this little book is really for the fans, and fans of Perry's Monk books in particular.
Superintendent Runcorn of Scotland Yard has decided to spend Christmas in Wales, on the Isle of Angelsey to be precise. Having just closed a particularly difficult and nasty, and weary of the city, Runcorn has decided to spend Christmas as far away from the city as possible. And really, the beautiful but bleak snow laden island seems to satisfy all his requirements. It is literally the last place Runcorn would expect a violent murder involving one of the gentry to take place. And yet, that is exactly the situation he finds himself in the middle of when he discovers the body of the vicar's beautiful sister in the churchyard. The chief constable would like nothing better than to blame some passing stranger of the crime. But Runcorn knows that only an intimate friend of the murdered girl could have committed the crime. And when Mrs. Melisande Ewart, the young woman, who had, in a previous case (and I'm ashamed to admit I cannot remember which installment this was) captured Runcorn's heart, presses him to help discover the identity of the murderer, Runcorn realises that he has no choice but to comply...
What I liked about "A Christmas Beginning" was that you really got to see another side of the rough, prickly and defensive Runcorn. (Fans of the Monk books will remember him as a character who was, at first, quite antagonistic towards Monk, but in the more recent offering has ended up becoming a friend). In this short story, we see Runcorn coming to grips with his insecurities and acting on his convictions. It marks a new beginning for this character -- hence the apt title -- and works as a promise of things to come. Mystery-wise, though, "A Christmas Beginning" is a tad disappointing, and the ending, in spite of the romantic note, had a rushed feel to it. Which is why, I'd recommend it more for fans of the series, interested in seeing the development of a minor but key character.
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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The lastest Christmas novel is here., November 4, 2007
Superintendent Runcorn of Scotland Yard has several weeks of leave accrued. During the December holidays he decides to spend them on the island of Angelsey off the north coast of Wales.
Shortly after arriving, Runcorn runs into John Barclay and past memories come bursting forward. Runcorn has never been able to forget Barclay's widowed sister, Melisande Ewart. So Runcorn is happy when he spies Melisande at Sunday service. He also meets the local vicar, Arthur Costain. Life is beginning to look rosy once more.
Things take a turn for the worst when Runcorn comes upon the body of the reverend's younger sister. The local constable, Warner, has never dealt with such on the secluded island and asks for Runcorn's help. Runcorn is happy to be of service. But Sir Alan Farady, the chief constable of the county, arrives and is not so keen on the idea, especially since rumor has it that Faraday is soon to become officially engaged to Melisande.
**** A charming tale set during the holiday season for all mystery fans. Though romance may bloom for the superintendent, the focus is mainly on the death of Olivia. Anyone seeking a story with hot romance in the foreground need to look elsewhere. Author Anne Perry runs a clean story for the more serious minded.
It is not wonder to me that this author has become well known for her Christmas tales. They are truly worth reading more than once. ****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Christmas offering from Anne Perry, November 2, 2007
Each year Anne Perry gives us a small offering centering around Christmastime, and features members of her Thomas Pitt series and Monk series.
This year, she features Runcorn, the policeman who used to clash with Monk - We always seen the rough side of Runcorn. He and Monk would clash terribly, but get the job done...They had investigated a murder in London and one brave woman stepped up and helped them - it was some time ago, but Runcorn still remembers her beauty, bearing, and sweetness. He didn't dare think she saw him as more than a policeman.
Runcorn leaves London to celebrate Christmas in Wales - He goes to the local Church and meets the Vicar and his wife, and the vicar's sister. Olivia is a free spirit - for Victorian standards - Runcorn sees the beautiful lady that helped the detectives in London - Melisande Ewart -
and he realizes he loves her - but he isn't in the gentry.
Olivia is found murdered and Runcorn joins in the investigation. During that time, Melisande meets Runcorn every opportunity she can to encourage him to continue his work.
He unravels the mystery of who on a small island in Wales murdered a young lady. He also unravels the mystery of his heart.
It is a good read that turns an unlikeable Runcorn into a three-dimensional man who feels and strives to be the finest he can be -
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