A Christmas Secret: A Novel
Product Description
Just in time for the holidays, Anne Perry gives her fans a marvelous gift: a new yuletide yarn full of light celebration and dark mischief.
Dominic Corde is thrilled to “fill the robe” as substitute vicar in the village of Cottisham, while the Reverend Wynter is away on a three-week Christmas holiday. Glad to escape his dreary London flat and a less-than-satisfying job as church curate, Dominic and his beloved wife, Clarice, set off for what they hope will be a lovely winter getaway.
Upon arrival, in the midst of a frigid, exceptionally snowy season, Dominic and Clarice are welcomed by warm, hospitable neighbors and enchanted by the cozy, inviting vicarage. Everything seems almost too perfect. Dominic’s only concern is how he will be received by the congregation, who hold the Reverend Wynter in such high regard. But as Clarice soon discovers, she and Dominic have much more dire matters to worry about. It turns out that the Reverend Wynt… More >>
Dominic Corde left London, his dreary position as curate, as well as his oppressive superior, to serve as a substitute vicar in Cottisham for three weeks over Christmas. Both Dominic and his wife Clarice love the village, the hospitable residents and the cozy vicarage.
But Dominic has concerns about adequately serving in a position where the Reverend Wynter is highly respected. And Clarice only wants to be the best vicar’s wife that she can be. The couple soon learns that their perceived problems are minor compared to what has happened in the village. It turns out that Reverend Wynter is not on holiday. And what has happened is directly related to the secrets of the people who live in Cottisham.
Secrets must be revealed or the Corde’s could find their very lives in danger.
Anne Perry manages to write a wonderful Christmas story that is both sinister and hopeful. Her characters are vivid and the time and place are so real, you can lose yourself in the story.
Armchair Interviews says: Enjoy A Christmas Secret. It’s a wonderful mystery filled with the spirit of Christmas.
Clarice and Dominic Corde are looking forward to reaching the tiny hamlet of Cottisham to take over as the temporary vicar because Reverend Wynster is taking a much needed vacation over the Christmas holiday. They are instantly charmed by the village and the vicarage which reflect a good, kind and godly man. The Cordes feel as if they have come home and returning to the church in London as a curate under the supervision of the meddlesome Reverend Spindlewood is going to be a big letdown.
The feeling of serenity ends when Clarice finds the vacationing vicar’s family bible, and supplies and winter clothes, things he would want to take on a trip. When she goes to the cellar to get coal, she finds the body of Reverend Wynster. The doctor believes it was an accident but Clarice and Dominic find evidence that points to murder. Both believe the dead clergyman knew someone would kill to keep a secret but since they don’t know the parishioners, they have to rely on instinct, hunches and listen to the meaning behind what certain people say.
Anne Perry has written an excellent mystery and a love story that focuses on a married couple who delight in each other’s company. These are people who one would be proud to call friend because they are honest, dedicated and hardworking folks. A CHRISTMAS SECRET would make an excellent gift for Victorian cozy fans and readers who like the works of this author.
Harriet Klausner
A fast paced mystery read, that does not gets bogged down with a vast array of suspects. As usual with Perry the Victorian atmosphere is brought to life, and various enjoyable Christmas themes are drawn upon for the appropriate atmosphere, reflection, and warmth. The only drawback to this book is that it reveals the identity of the culprit in a previous book, involving the Vicar and his Wife, that I was thinking of buying half way through this book. A enjoyable diversion for the hectic Holiday season.
I should have read the first one, before reading this one. I would have enjoyed it better.
I have been reading each of Anne Perry’s lovely little Christmas novelettes since she began wrting them, and I look forward to each one. It’s a Christmas tradition with me. This story is just as wonderful as each of the others. No one can set a scene like Ms. Perry, and her description of life in a country village at Christmas time actually makes the reader feel that they are there. I really liked Dominic and Clarice Corde. In a few short pages, Ms. Perry manages to bring these two to life as well. The little mystery isn’t very complicated, but it was fun watching Dominic and Clarice solve it. Wonderful!