I’ve been a fan of Martin Edwards’s mystery anthologies for years. Who Killed Father Christmas and Other Seasonal Mysteries is the fifth Christmas anthology Edwards has published with the British Library Crime Classics (aka, Poisoned Pen Press). The other four anthologies are Silent Nights, Crimson Snow, The Christmas Card Crime, and A Surprise for Christmas.
I also enjoyed the title story, Patricia Moyes’s “Who Killed Father Christmas” about the murder of a department store Santa. My favorite story in this anthology is “Secrets in the Snow” by J. Jefferson Farjeon. Since it’s snowing now outside my window, the story resonated with me.
Who Killed Father Christmas (2025) blends a number of various Christmas mysteries, some serious, some not. I enjoyed Peter Todd’s clever “Herlock Sholmes’ Christmas Case.” Back in 1976, Mysterious Press published The Adventures of Herlock Sholmes, but this story wasn’t included.
If you’re in the mood for a Christmas mystery anthology, Who Killed Father Christmas and Other Seasonal Mysteries should be at the top of your wish list. GRADE: B
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- Introduction / Martin Edwards — vii
- A Note From the Publisher –xi
- On the Irish Mail / Garnett Radcliffe — 1
- The Christmas Thief / Frank Howel Evans — 16
- The Christmas Spirit / Anthony Gilbert — 50
- Among Those Present Was Santa Claus / Vincent Cornier — 69
- Gold, Frankincense, and Murder / Catherine Aird — 80
- Secrets in the Snow / J. Jefferson Farjeon — 101
- Who Killed Father Christmas? / Patricia Moyes — 123
- Death at Christmas / Glyn Daniel — 137
- Scotland Yard’s Christmas / John Dickson Carr — 152
- The Bird of Dawning / Michael Gilbert — 165
- The Christmas Train / Will Scott — 186
- The Grey Monk / Gerald Verner — 202
- Who Suspects the Postman? / Michael Innes — 214
- Herlock Sholmes’ Christmas Case / Peter Todd — 221
- A Present for Ivo / Ellis Peters — 230
Thanks for the reminder. I just downloaded it from the Cloud Library. I’ve read all his British Library anthologies.
Jeff, you’re ahead of me. I have a shelf of Martin Edwards mystery anthologies waiting to be read…
By coincidence, Lesa’s Book Critiques had a review of the same book today.
Jeff, Great Minds think alike…
I’m not sure how Martin Edwards does what he does or finds the time to do all that he does but he does and does all that he does magnificently. Thank goodness!
Off topic: A package arrived here yesterday from the non-Grinch. Thank you1
Jerry, glad your CHRISTMAS BOX arrived safely. You were on Santa’s NICE List!
So many writers who one filled my days are rare to come across now. Such as Patricia Moyes.
Patti, I liked the Patricia Moyes story and I’ve enjoyed her mystery novels, too!
I’m holding out for the Festivus anthology!
Many thanks for the package! You’re definitely the first one on the OWLHOOT trail this time!
Bob, December is just crazy for us. Diane just returned from her cruise of the Caribbean, next week she hosts her Book Club, and then Patrick and Katie come home for Christmas. And, of course, Diane is hosting the Christmas feast. Then, our wedding Anniversary. All before New York’s Eve! So I had to get QUICK DRAW to you…pronto! Hope you liked the goodies in your box!