A Christmas mystery in a charming English village was a quick fun read. It was nice to read a novel with older characters even though one was despicable.

Mariah Ellison is old, she stopped keeping track of her age before she turned eighty and that was a while back. She’s grandmother to the redoubtable Charlotte Pitt and like Charlotte, she has a gift for solving mysteries, as readers discovered in A Christmas Guest (2004) and A Christmas Return (2017). When readers first met Mrs. Ellison, in the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series, she came across as a staid, conventional, even close-minded, matriarch. But should past practice dictate current behaviors and attitudes? Surely not. Mariah’s age does not prevent her from beginning to consider her world in a fresh way. Old people are too often pigeonholed although certainly not by Anne Perry.

In A Christmas Vanishing, Mariah is confronted with a troublesome mystery. Her longtime friend Sadie has invited Mariah to spend Christmas with her and her husband Barton Alsop in their little village. The invitation comes as a surprise to Mariah since she and Sadie have had their share of “old grudges.” In the past Mariah would have declined the invitation. Why rake over dead coals? But now she is inclined to make the effort.

Mariah had been forced to see herself as others saw her, and it was painful. Not only had she been ill-tempered, but she had been self-absorbed and had frequently seen only the worst in people. She realized now that she had been a coward, too fearful to change—until recently.



She thought back to Sadie’s letter. At first, it had read like a simple invitation to an old friend to visit for Christmas. But when she had read on, she had sensed fear. Even more than that, an undercurrent of despair.

Mariah is very curious to talk to Sadie, to judge her mood for herself, but that’s not to be. After pulling the doorbell of Sadie’s house twice, and about to yank it sharply for the third time, Barton opens the door.

“Yes?” he said sharply. It was a question that suggested not only what do you want? but also who the hell are you?



Mariah was not pleased to have to explain herself. Had Sadie not told him that she was coming?

They stare at each other: it’s a Mexican stand-off. Barton tells Mariah that she can’t stay with him because Sadie isn’t there. He’s incredibly rude, unconcerned about where she goes, even though it’s a wintry afternoon in December. Fortunately, Mariah is acquainted with another family, the Spearses, and she directs her driver to take her there. Annabel Spears is somewhat welcoming, her husband John more so but where is Sadie? Mariah says, “She could be lying in a ditch somewhere!” Annabel poopoos the notion but Mariah is determined to find out what’s happened to her friend. John kindly suggests that Annabel’s unmarried sister Gwendolyn would welcome Mariah’s company, which comes an enormous relief.

A Christmas Vanishing is more than the mystery behind a woman’s disappearance. Every question Mariah asks, every answer she receives, causes her to think about her troubled marriage so many years ago and all the ways she has dealt since with uncomfortable truths: it’s a voyage of self-discovery for her. Why are the villagers so reluctant to acknowledge that Sadie might be injured or in serious trouble? Gwendolyn has a possible answer.

Gwendolyn’s expression became even more serious. “It’s the sort of thing we wouldn’t like to ask. We only want to know other people’s business to talk about it. And if it is something unpleasant, I suppose we don’t want to know at all. In case we have to help.” She winced, as if hearing the criticism in her voice, and promising herself to not to be of this mind.

Home truths indeed. Of course, what really happened gradually emerges. Sadie and her husband quarreled, causing her to run off. But her husband expected her to return home. When Mariah and Oliver Mallard, the owner of the local bookshop, interrogate interview Sadie’s husband three days after Sadie’s disappearance, he can’t disguise his anxiety. Mariah dreads finding Sadie’s body but instead, she uncovers physical evidence that her friend, in Oliver’s words, “is in grave danger.” The next fact tiptoes into spoiler territory—it seems Sadie was a petty blackmailer. Is that what led to her disappearance?

Finding and interpreting Sadie’s actions—and the reactions to them—is akin to peeling an onion. Mariah Ellison is the perfect guide to unraveling the mystery: she is fearless, and she possesses an extraordinary inner courage that enables her to delve into territory many would back away from. I want to go back and read more about the transformation of Mariah Ellison since readers first met her.

A Christmas Vanishing was published posthumously: Anne Perry died on April 10th, 2023, but she leaves a rich legacy of books behind.

BOOK REVIEW ALERT – Review, Recommendation, Rating & Opinion are my own.

This book is the latest holiday-themed mystery by Anne Perry, renowned for her atmospheric historical novels. Set in Victorian England, the story revolves around Lady Vespasia Cumming-Gould, who is drawn into a perplexing mystery just days before Christmas. When a close friend’s husband mysteriously disappears, Lady Vespasia takes it upon herself to uncover the truth, delving into a world of secrets and deceptions.

The plot kicks off with the sudden disappearance of Barton Delacroix, the husband of Lady Vespasia’s close friend, Iris. As Lady Vespasia investigates, she uncovers layers of hidden motives and buried secrets, all while navigating the social intricacies of Victorian high society. The pacing is brisk, with Perry masterfully building tension and suspense, making it difficult to put the book down.

Lady Vespasia shines as the protagonist, her keen intellect and unwavering determination driving the narrative forward. Perry excels in character development, making readers feel invested in the characters’ fates. The supporting cast, including the stoic butler, insightful maid, and the enigmatic figures from Barton’s past, are well-crafted and add depth to the story.

Rating – 4.0/5 Stars
Recommendation – High

Perry’s writing is elegant and evocative, perfectly capturing the essence of the Victorian era. Her descriptive prose paints vivid pictures, and her dialogue is sharp and authentic, reflecting the social norms and manners of the time.

This book is a captivating holiday mystery that combines historical intrigue with the warmth of the Christmas season. Anne Perry’s skillful storytelling and rich character development make this novella a must-read for fans of historical mysteries and Christmas tales alike. It’s a perfect read for a cozy winter evening, offering both suspense and festive cheer.

I sent a note tot eh publisher asking if there were anymore. I really felt the loss in my universe when Anne Perry left this earth.
Her last Christmas book is entertaining, lighter than her usual work in terms of plot but still a good read.

Mariah Ellison, Charlotte Pitt’s grandmother, accepts her longtime friend Sadie’s gracious invitation to spend Christmas with her and her husband, Barton, in their picturesque village. But upon arrival, Mariah discovers that Sadie has vanished without a trace, and Barton rudely rescinds the invitation. Once Mariah finds another acquaintance to stay with during the holiday season, she begins investigating Sadie’s disappearance. Mariah’s uncanny knack for solving mysteries serves her well during her search, which is driven by gossip as icy as the December weather. Did Sadie run off with another man? Was she kidnapped? Has someone harmed her? Frustratingly, Mariah’s questions reveal more about the villagers themselves than about her friend’s whereabouts. Yet in the process of getting to know Sadie’s neighbors, Mariah finds a kind of redemption, as she rediscovers her kinder side, and her ability to love. It is up to Mariah to master her own feelings, drown out the noise, and get to the bottom of what occurred, all before Christmas day. With the holiday rapidly approaching, will she succeed in bringing Sadie home in time for them to celebrate it together—or is that too much to hope for? This was not the most festive of Christmas stories but it was quite the gripping mystery! I will miss these kinds of stories by Anne Perry.

A cozy mystery in which friends look out for each other. Mariah’s uncanny knack for solving mysteries serves her well during her search, which is driven by gossip as icy as the December weather. Did Sadie run off with another man? Was she kidnapped? Has someone harmed her? Frustratingly, Mariah’s questions reveal more about the villagers themselves than about her friend’s whereabouts. Yet in the process of getting to know Sadie’s neighbors, Mariah finds a kind of redemption, as she rediscovers her kinder side, and her ability to love.

Mariah has been invited to her friend's, Sadie, for Christmas. Imagine her surprise when she gets there to find that her friend has disappeared and nobody seems very concerned about. When Sadie's husband refuses to let her stay at his home, she finds a refuge with Gwendolyn. At Gwendolyn's, she finally finds someone as concerned for Sadie as she is. They both begin to investigate and what they discover is shocking, though not as shocking to Mariah. There is gossip, blackmail, and treachery. Will they be able to find Sadie before she succumbs to the freezing temperatures? Will Mariah find the strength to face her past?
Very different from previous holiday stories, but full on interesting characters that I enjoyed meeting.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher to read and review. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

An excellent mystery that not only transported me back through time and kept me guessing, but showed amazing insight and growth in the main character along the way. Highly recommend.

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Enjoyed another of Anne Perry’s Christmas stories. Will miss reading them each year as they always have a delightful story.

A Christmas vanishing by Anne Perry. I was told Anne passed away shortly after writing this and that’s exactly what it reads like. Like a lonely old woman who was bitter and cruel throughout her life, now dying and sorry for all she had done to drive people away from her. Too long for what it is and very repetitious.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this free in exchange for my honest review.

Over several standalone outings, Mariah Ellison, the formidable Grandmama of Charlotte Pitt from Perry’s long-running mystery series, has proved to have her own bona fides for detection. This latest holiday novella, set at the end of the Victorian era, sees Mariah arriving at St. Helens, a small Dorset village, after accepting her old friend Sadie Alsop’s invitation to stay with her over Christmas.

Mariah senses that Sadie is in trouble and needs her help, and her inner alarm is heightened when she arrives on Sadie’s doorstep and is rudely turned away by her husband, Barton. Clearly not expecting her, Barton tells her Sadie has left, and he doesn’t know if she’s ever coming back. Baffled and eventually settling in at the cozy home of Gwendolyn, a kindly older woman who never married, Mariah grows concerned about Sadie’s whereabouts (did she leave willingly, or was she abducted?), a feeling that intensifies after days pass with no answers. Gwendolyn and a caring bookshop owner join Mariah’s unofficial investigation, which uncovers a web of malice that has overtaken St. Helens and threatens to dredge up painful secrets. As Mariah works out who’s responsible, she reflects on the fact that “everyone has a hidden side.”

Characterization is top notch, and the interactions among the diverse villagers reflect Victorian society. As Christmas mysteries go, this story turns darker than most as it delves into human nature’s most sinister aspects. At the same time, the ending grants a feeling of hope, both for the village and Mariah herself. Her abusive marriage had turned her spiteful and bitter, but she’s come to recognize these destructive patterns and consciously works to express unfamiliar emotions like gratitude and compassion.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ -NetGalley ARC

<b>Description:</b>
Mariah Ellison, Charlotte Pitt’s grandmother, accepts her longtime friend Sadie’s gracious invitation to spend Christmas with her and her husband, Barton, in their picturesque village. But upon arrival, Mariah discovers that Sadie has vanished without a trace, and Barton rudely rescinds the invitation. Once Mariah finds another acquaintance to stay with during the holiday season, she begins investigating Sadie’s disappearance. Mariah’s uncanny knack for solving mysteries serves her well during her search, which is driven by gossip as icy as the December weather. Did Sadie run off with another man? Was she kidnapped? Has someone harmed her? Frustratingly, Mariah’s questions reveal more about the villagers themselves than about her friend’s whereabouts. Yet in the process of getting to know Sadie’s neighbors, Mariah finds a kind of redemption, as she rediscovers her kinder side, and her ability to love. It is up to Mariah to master her own feelings, drown out the noise, and get to the bottom of what occurred, all before Christmas day. With the holiday rapidly approaching, will she succeed in bringing Sadie home in time for them to celebrate it together—or is that too much to hope for?

<b>Review:</b>
I did not enjoy this book as much as the other Anne Perry Christmas books I have read, but it did have an interesting plot and a twist that I didn’t guess. The author died earlier this year and I have to wonder if she knew her time on earth was coming to an end because this book revolves around forgiveness and redemption and had a kind of finality to it. May she Rest In Peace.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing, and Ballentine Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for a honest review.

I always enjoy Anne Perry's Christmas books. They are just enough mystery with a twist of holiday spirit. As always this one had me guessing until the end of the story.

It is hard to face the end of a tradition. I have been reading Anne Perry’s Christmas missives as long as she has been writing them. They are usually dark and more troubling than you would expect from a Christmas offering. “A Christmas Vanishing” speaks to harsh remembrances from the past and whether they can be understood, righted, perhaps forgiven. There were many secrets that had been hidden for so many years, covered over with hope that they would never find the light. But then a woman goes missing, old mistakes explode and an octogenarian, with her own secrets, is determined to answer what could be a plea for help, to take “the chance to choose which way to go.

I will miss Anne Perry and her many characters. I want to thank Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this last Christmas novella.

This was my first of Anne Perry's Christmas novellas. It definitely wasn't a typical Christmas read. At the beginning it seemed that our main character was not very likable. But when she discovers that her hostess for the holidays is now missing she begins to look into where and why she's disappeared.

But, overall, I did enjoy this simple story. Character growth occurred and various people were revealed as either better or worse than readers might first expect. I admit that I've liked Anne Perry's full-length novels better, in the past, but this was a nice quick read. At times I felt there was too much redundancy and that the story might be better as a short story, but the final part wrapped up pretty well. I'm a little curious about the other Christmas novellas now, so might have to try another.

I received an advanced reading copy from the publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Given Anne Perry's death earlier this year, I hate to give a negative review to one of her last published books, but I'm afraid "A Christmas Vanishing," the latest and presumably last in her series of Christmas book that feature minor characters from her Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series, was a disappointment. After a promising start--in which Mariah Ellison arrives to spend Christmas in the charming village of St. Helens in Dorset at the invitation of her old friend Sadie Alsop, only to discover that Sadie is inexplicably missing--the novel spends most of its 193 pages slogging along before suddenly and quickly (and a bit unbelievably, in my opinion) wrapping up the mystery in the book's final moments. There are certainly some characters here that I'd have been happy to spend more time with--a genial bookseller named Oliver Mallard and Mariah's old friend Gwendolyn, in particular--but Mariah is a difficult character to warm to and Sadie is even more unlikable, to the point that I really didn't care whether she was found or not. Perhaps Perry would have revised this book before publication had she lived, but I can't help wishing that it was not the last book of her legacy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing me with an ARC of this title in return for my honest review.

Mariah Ellison is looking forward to spending the Christmas holidays with her friend Sadie and her husband, Barton. When she arrives she is surprised to find Sadie missing and her husband rudely dismissing.
After finding a place to stay with another friend ,Mariah sets out to find Sadie. Not only is her husband uncooperative but many of the town folks are curiously quiet. Does this have something to do with her disappearance? Could one of the surprising results be falling in love? Can they accomplish their goal of finding Sadie before Christmas?
This was a fun, captivating holiday story.

I am new to this author, but I don't think I will be reading more. The story was very hard to follow - I kept getting confused on which character was who and how they tied in. I also thought the ending to be quite defeating and not very hesrtwarming, especially for a Christmas story.

I have read many of Anne Perry’s books over the years and love the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series. In her Christmas books, Perry often developed a secondary character into a story, as in this one with octogenarian Mariah Ellison, solving a disappearance. There is an underlying theme of realizing the mistakes you’ve made, forgiving yourself and forgiving others in the holiday spirit.

A Christmas Vanishing by Anne Perry. I had a harder time getting into this Christmas story but it was very well written.