Scan barcode
the_sunken_library's review against another edition
4.0
Thoroughly enjoyable. Terrifyingly ingenious or intellectual? No, but still interesting and of a form not dissimilar to Agatha Christie.
book_concierge's review
3.0
The Melburys gather at Flaxmere, the family estate, for Christmas. But things rapidly go awry when their patriarch, Sir Osmond Melbury, is found – by a guest dressed as Santa Klaus – with a bullet in his head on Christmas Day. Neighbor and Chief Constable, Col. Halstock, takes charge of the investigation, and quickly ascertains that virtually everyone in the family stands to gain by Sir Osmond’s death. But who had the opportunity? And who was ruthless enough to murder the man?
This is a classic locked-room mystery. There are plenty of suspects, not only family members, but two male guests (both apparently interested in marrying Sir Osmond’s youngest daughter), as well as his private secretary and other staff members. The investigation is hampered by the number of “little lies” (some not so little) that various people Halstock, in an effort to conceal or divert attention from one or more parties.
Hay was part of the group of novelists of the “golden age of British crime fiction.” This work was first published in 1936. Her works have recently been rediscovered and reissued. It moves a bit slowly by today’s standards for the genre, but I was engaged and interested throughout.
This is a classic locked-room mystery. There are plenty of suspects, not only family members, but two male guests (both apparently interested in marrying Sir Osmond’s youngest daughter), as well as his private secretary and other staff members. The investigation is hampered by the number of “little lies” (some not so little) that various people Halstock, in an effort to conceal or divert attention from one or more parties.
Hay was part of the group of novelists of the “golden age of British crime fiction.” This work was first published in 1936. Her works have recently been rediscovered and reissued. It moves a bit slowly by today’s standards for the genre, but I was engaged and interested throughout.
krobart's review
3.0
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2015/09/16/day-771-the-santa-klaus-murder/
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2015/09/16/day-771-the-santa-klaus-murder/
wildean123's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
decretaro's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
vstewart76's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
carolpk's review
The Hook Take away the title and that The Santa Klaus Murder is part of the The British Library Crime Classics, the picture that remains bids us "Welcome", please come inside for a cozy, comfy fire and good cheer. But you better watch out, because this Santa may not be jolly ol' St. Nick.
The Line - "Really, Colonel Halstock, really, when the children are to be put through the fourth dimension or whatever you call it, and terrified, poor little things, out of their lives, really, it is too much!”
The Sinker - A good old fashioned mystery right down to the map of the country manor, Flaxmere, on the opening page. The cast of characters is given, the stage is set and the fun begins. Not all guests arrive but most are on hand before Christmas morn. The first five chapters are told from their viewpoint, we think as it happens. It is not until the sixth chapter that we learn that their reports are the gathering of statements by Colonel Halstock, Chief Constable of Haulmshire. There's been a death, someone in the house is the culprit, and Santa is as suspect as anyone.
I adore these golden age mysteries with their picturesque dialog drawing the scene and leaving us clues. It has a locked room aspect, half-truths, and lots of could be murderers with motive. Like many stories of this ilk, the characters mingle throughout, socializing with each other, and the timing of who is who and who is where and who is doing what, is extremely important. A very slight difference here is the addition of children in the cast, though of course, none of these is suspect, but are questioned to the happenings of Christmas Day, just the same.
The British Library Crime Classics are gems.
The Line - "Really, Colonel Halstock, really, when the children are to be put through the fourth dimension or whatever you call it, and terrified, poor little things, out of their lives, really, it is too much!”
The Sinker - A good old fashioned mystery right down to the map of the country manor, Flaxmere, on the opening page. The cast of characters is given, the stage is set and the fun begins. Not all guests arrive but most are on hand before Christmas morn. The first five chapters are told from their viewpoint, we think as it happens. It is not until the sixth chapter that we learn that their reports are the gathering of statements by Colonel Halstock, Chief Constable of Haulmshire. There's been a death, someone in the house is the culprit, and Santa is as suspect as anyone.
I adore these golden age mysteries with their picturesque dialog drawing the scene and leaving us clues. It has a locked room aspect, half-truths, and lots of could be murderers with motive. Like many stories of this ilk, the characters mingle throughout, socializing with each other, and the timing of who is who and who is where and who is doing what, is extremely important. A very slight difference here is the addition of children in the cast, though of course, none of these is suspect, but are questioned to the happenings of Christmas Day, just the same.
The British Library Crime Classics are gems.
kgroods9's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
i'm still undecided if i like closed-door whodunits. i felt like the author could've captured the claustrophobia of family drama a little better, but this was overall good
kategci's review
3.0
There is nothing like a little murder to put me in the holiday spirit. Published in 1936, this is a closed house mystery, as Santa Klaus is murdered on Christmas Day. The Melburys have gathered at the country estate where their father resides with his youngest daughter. Aunt Mildred believes nothing good can come of such a family party. Depending on who you are, a lot good may have come from the cranky, annoying patriarch being shot in the head in his study during the festivities. I liked it a lot and the British Library Crime Classics again do not disappoint.