A Corpse in Christmas Close

Book Review: A Corpse in Christmas Close by Michelle Salter 🎄📚

Rating: 4 Stars

I just finished reading A Corpse in Christmas Close by Michelle Salter, and it was quite the delightful ride! As a fan of cozy mysteries, this book ticked all the right boxes for me. Set against the backdrop of a Christmas pantomime in 1923 Winchester, the story revolves around Iris Woodmore, a spirited reporter who finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation when the leading lady of the charity show turns up dead. 🎭🕵️‍♀️

From the moment Iris is assigned to cover the Prince of Wales' visit, things take a dark turn. When the charming prince of the pantomime, played by none other than Freddie Baverstock (the younger brother of a prominent local figure), becomes embroiled in the scandal, Iris can’t help but dive deeper into the murky waters of intrigue. The stakes rise as she confronts an old adversary, and suddenly, her world is filled with potential suspects and hidden agendas. 👑🔍

What I loved about this book is how Salter crafts Iris as a strong female character during a time when women's roles were often confined to the background. This aspect added depth to the narrative and made me root for her even more. The mystery itself is filled with twists and turns, keeping me on my toes right up until the end. I have to admit, though—while the resolution to the murder felt a bit far-fetched, the unexpectedness of it kept me engaged and entertained. 📖✨

One thing I found interesting was that even though this is the fifth book in a series, it was my first experience with Iris and her escapades. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the story at all. Salter does an excellent job of making sure new readers can jump in without feeling lost. 🌟📚

Now, if you’re looking for a book steeped in Christmas cheer, you might be slightly disappointed. The festive elements are mostly limited to the pantomime rehearsal and the time period rather than an abundance of holiday spirit. However, that didn’t detract from my enjoyment; I was too busy trying to untangle the web of mystery! 🎅🔎

In conclusion, A Corpse in Christmas Close is an engaging historical cozy mystery that’s perfect for fans of the genre. Salter’s writing keeps you guessing, and Iris Woodmore is a character I’d love to follow on more adventures. If you're in the mood for a little intrigue mixed with a touch of historical charm, this book should definitely be on your reading list! 📅❤️

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️