A review by b00kw0rms0fthew0rldunite
The Christmas Stocking Murders by Denzil Meyrick

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Denzil Meyrick is at it again with another delightful romp starring Inspector Frank Grasby.

Grasby is such a good character, funny, endearing and unfortunate in the way that he sometimes bumbles his way through. Certainly not a hero who does no wrong but a definitely human character who finds himself coming through the most extraordinary of circumstances and adventures. 

I like the way Frank narrates his own story. Under the guise of reading back his own journal/memoirs he tells his story with wit and an insight (Believe me Dear Gentle Reader) that if this were a film or TV show would be breaking the fourth wall!

The other characters are fun, Juggers is a mystery to me and most certainly tortures poor Grasby with his willingly negative ideas about what he is up to. As for Grasby's father and his companion... I'm glad this wasn't a visual medium!

A great book to read if you are fond of a Christmas tale, misunderstandings leading to hilarity, and some challenging puzzles for your Grey matter. It even features a mention of Ms Christie's own beloved character, Mr Parrot! ;)

Thanks to Netgalley, Random House UK and Denzil Meyrick for an opportunity to read this book. The opinions expressed are my own.