This issue feels all over the place. Several pieces take place during Christmas, but otherwise the edition is lacking the kind of theme that Granta normally wraps each issue around. The main piece tells the story of the investigation of a murder of a prominent man in Boston in 1849. Simon Schama brings it to life with amazing detail and crackling dialogue. There is also great writing by William Boyd and Don DeLillo and a terrific story by Louise Erdrich. Geoffrey Wolff provides memories of Christmases from his messed up family. The remaining pieces feel a bit like filler. ( )