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If you’re looking for a book to read that isn’t going to have you so tense you’re stiff but will keep you somewhat on your toes and definitely put a little smirk on your face, then I would recommend The Christmas Killer. If you go into this book with the right expectations, I’m sure that you’ll enjoy it like I did. How many more bodies will be found before the killer is caught? Is this connected to the reason they left London? Is there somewhere in their new home town who has taken issue with him and/or his family? In a village as quiet as Kirkby Abbey, the possibility of a serial killer is so outlandish it’s laughable … until the bodies start to pile up, one by one. In the run up to Christmas, James is pushed to find the killer, but must simultaneously deal with personal revelations and the onset of one of the worst snowstorms England has seen in years.
Despite my criticisms, this is a good candidate for a Christmas read. Aside from the obvious, it is not too gory or gritty to make you feel uncomfortable at such a festive time of year. Indeed, it almost felt like a cosy mystery because I could not fathom any danger and was not gripped by the plot development. Instead, it was a gentle read that eventually provided dead bodies and, finally, a killer at the end. The book has the usual cast of village characters: The friendly publican, the spinster school ma'am, the priest and the ostracised 'other'. From these and others suspicions abound. There were times I was convinced that I knew the identity of the Christmas Killer and was wrong, other times I, with hindsight, got it right, but dissuaded myself. I have read many thrillers this year, and I must say that this was one I definitely enjoyed, and admittedly even more so because its a Christmas thriller. There’s just something about holiday stories, whether it be a cozy romance or a suspenseful thriller, that makes it that much more fun and enjoyable to read. Author Alex Pine has successfully captured the essence of that cozy feeling of Christmas in a small town and, with such descriptive detail, makes readers want to live there to experience it for themselves. Pine’s career in journalism and television production in addition to his childhood summers spent in the Lake District no doubt contributes to his success as a writer. Pine’s storyline has all the essential ingredients for a great mystery - means, motive and opportunity – and doesn’t focus on sordid details, but rather allows his protagonist to focus on the detective work. I look forward to my next read about DI Walker. A village crime thriller, in the vein of The Midsomer Murders, it will keep you guessing right until the end.
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Small village cut off from the rest of the world by snow. Close knit community and a serial killer who decided to make this Christmas period extra special by performing his own version of 12 Days of Christmas. James was such a vivid main character. I absolutely felt his mounting anxiety as the investigation dragged on and I enjoyed seeing the story through his eyes. Overall, I was impressed at the meat of this book and I would recommend it as a “light” murder mystery read. There were some issues on the periphery of the book that needed work, such as some of the language being a bit stilted, and tightening up of the plot in one or two places, but overall, I think Alex Pine has crafted a good whodunnit mystery that is atmospheric and enjoyable. I will definitely be looking out for more of his work in the future! With the reason behind DI leaving London being constantly pushed to the forefront of the narrative.
The Christmas Killer was so fun to read just as the weather was turning cooler! In this holiday thriller, Detective James Walker, a London transplant to the sleepy village of Kirkby Alley, is taunted by a serial killer who promises to kill twelve people over the course of twelve days in a gruesome spin on The Twelve Days of Christmas. To top it off, the village is in the midst of a massive snowstorm, cutting it off from the rest of the world.With each murder James and Annie learn more about each victim's life, and how intertwined with each they were - this reminded me of the Miss Marple books.
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