- Hardcover: 190 pages
- Publisher: Ballantine Books (30 Oct 2007)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0345485823
- ISBN-13: 978-0345485823
- Product Dimensions: 14 x 2.3 x 19.1 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 2,014,090 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Whatever the season, a new novel by bestselling author Anne Perry is always a wonderful gift, but her holiday novels are particularly special treats, and A Christmas Beginning is a deeply felt story of passion and redemption.
Superintendent Runcorn of Scotland Yard is spending Christmas on the wild and beautiful island of Anglesey off the north coast of Wales. On one of his solitary strolls, the lonely bachelor stumbles upon a lifeless body in the village churchyard. The unfortunate victim is quickly identified as Olivia Costain, the local vicar’s younger sister.
In life, Olivia had been a free spirit, full of charm and grace. For Runcorn, she is a haunting reminder of Melisande Ewart, the one woman he’s never been able to forget. Everyone on Anglesey is quick to insist that only a stranger to the island could have committed the heinous crime. But the evidence proves otherwise, and the unpopular work of discovering who among Olivia’s friends and neighbors–and numerous eligible suitors–is a ruthless killer falls to Runcorn. A plebian outsider in the drawing rooms of the snobbish local gentry, Runcorn never dreams that the key that will unlock the secrets of Olivia’s life and death may also, miraculously, open the door to a new future for himself.
Superintendent Runcorn of Scotland Yard is spending Christmas on the wild and beautiful island of Anglesey off the north coast of Wales. On one of his solitary strolls, the lonely bachelor stumbles upon a lifeless body in the village churchyard. The unfortunate victim is quickly identified as Olivia Costain, the local vicar’s younger sister.
In life, Olivia had been a free spirit, full of charm and grace. For Runcorn, she is a haunting reminder of Melisande Ewart, the one woman he’s never been able to forget. Everyone on Anglesey is quick to insist that only a stranger to the island could have committed the heinous crime. But the evidence proves otherwise, and the unpopular work of discovering who among Olivia’s friends and neighbors–and numerous eligible suitors–is a ruthless killer falls to Runcorn. A plebian outsider in the drawing rooms of the snobbish local gentry, Runcorn never dreams that the key that will unlock the secrets of Olivia’s life and death may also, miraculously, open the door to a new future for himself.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
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.
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.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Another Perry novella to take the heat out of the kitchen when the chef is a little stressed. One of the best for me. One has to feel some sympathy for Runcorn, not the most popular of characters in Perry's novels, expecting a sad, lonely Christmas. He watches Melissande, admires her from a distance, loathes her new suitor, keeps faith with her though having no hope. All this angst in a scenic setting amongst blizzards and old-fashioned festive seasons. These short stories hit the right note for this busy season and the reader can immerse herself in the anguish whilst still being available to her family and its demands. It's a non-brainer. Enjoy this super novella, avail yourself of the Christmas spirit and still have dinner on the Christmas table by 2pm. Lovely. More please of the same. Christmas would not be Christmas without a Perry novella.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
An excellent Christmas murder story that keads to romance and leaves scope for a follow up.
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