BLOOD IN THE HOLLY is a collection of 24 short stories written by members of the Crime Writers of Canada. It is edited by Caro Soles. There is something for everyone here, and every single story is readable – although I confess not all to my liking. A few of my favourites were:

Blue Christmas by Peter Robinson – Inspector Banks plans a lonely Christmas but a missing woman interrupts his solitude.

Swiped by Linwood Barclay – a very funny story about how a dead elf ends up in the boot of Zack Walkers car.

Water like a Stone by Rosemary Aubert – A retired judge is encouraged by his wife to solve a local murder while they sit next to the fire in their lounge room reading the paper and watching it snow outside.

Christmas in Alice by Madeleine Harris-Callway – A hot and wet Christmas in Alice Springs, Australia – here in my home state of Northern Territory. Ex- pat Canadian, Margaret, is now living with her husband in Sydney when she is called to Alice Springs to come to the aid of a long ago acquaintance. Author has either been to Alice Springs or really done her research as could not fault the setting. The story was good too!

BLOOD IN THE HOLLY is the perfect stocking stuffer for the mystery addict in your life. ( )