December 2022 Book of the Month

Category: Library, Monthly Book Reviews, News

The Very Merry Murder Club – Ed. by Serena Patel and Robin Stevens

As opening lines go “Ballerinas are extremely difficult to kill” is particularly intriguing.  So begins the first short story in the festive collection of crime and whodunit stories “The Very Merry Murder Club, which has been edited by Serena Patel and the queen of crime writing for children, Robin Stevens. 

In her introduction, Serena talks about how as a youngster she always loved mysteries but could never see herself as a hero of a story because of the lack of diverse voices in the books she read.  The authors of this collection were chosen to inspire all readers and it includes stories from authors that I know you love because you borrow their books from the library all the time, such as Elle McNicoll, Patrice Lawrence and Sharna Jackson.

I was reminded today of the Icelandic Christmas tradition of Jolabokaflod, or Christmas Book Flood which is the tradition of giving and receiving book on Christmas Eve.  It’s not just about the gift, though, it’s also about reading and this book seems to me to be the perfect book to curl up with, in front of a roaring fire.  Short stories are great if you are an occasional reader rather than an avid reader as you can finish a complete story and get a huge sense of accomplishment in a short space of time.  As Neil Gaiman said, “A short story is the ultimate close-up magic trick – a couple of thousand words to take you around the universe or break your heart.

There are lots of fans a crime fiction amongst you, and if you’ve finished Robins Steven’s Murder Most Unladylike series, this collection might just introduce you to new authors you’ll love just as much.

Suitable for all readers.