What better way to revel in the Christmas spirit than a collection of festive short stories by the wonderful Margery Allingham. I am not as familiar with her work as some of our other first class female crime writers and so all four stories were new to me.

The cover 'speaks' of nostalgia and was what first drew me to this book and I wasn't disappointed. The stories range over murder, tradition and superstition with some wonderful quintessentially British characters aiding Albert Campion in two mysteries and one slightly mystical tale while the fourth offering is a visit to a Victorian Christmas in the modern era, which was the 1960's in this instance.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review and loved it. It is a very quick read unless you are disciplined enough to read one story a night, (I wasn't) but that was my only gripe. I recommend it highly as a treat for anyone who finds themselves with a quiet evening, a cosy chair and a drink of something warming over the coming holidays.

Very enjoyable seasonal “selection box” of four Christmas stories from my favourite of the great British women writers of detective fiction.Some may be familiar to Allingham fans, but all show her skill at, and facility for, deft characterisation within the short story form.

Here we have three tales of Albert Campion, two featuring detection and deduction, the other a domestic scene involving his wife, Amanda, and Red Setter, Poins. The remaining story has an amusing take on a Victorian Christmas.

These are sure to put readers into a Christmas mood, with wintry landscapes, and hints of the supernatural. Santa is also around, and there was, to me, a rather comforting and nostalgic feeling of a simpler age.

Highly recommended.