December Book Reviews
contributed by Brace Books
The following book reviews appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.
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Christmas Crimes at The Mysterious Bookshop: Twelve Tales of Seasonal Suspense Set in the World’s Oldest Mystery Specialty Store
Edited by Otto Penzler
So, The Mysterious Bookshop really does exist. It opened in April, 1979, in New York City. It was a struggle to stay in business the first ten years or so, but they managed to survive. Otto Penzler, the owner of The Mysterious Bookshop, wanted to do something to thank their loyal customers. He began to commission an original story from some of America’s finest mystery authors. Those stories were then published in an elegant booklet and gifted to Otto’s customers as a Christmas present.
The only requirements the writers were given were that the stories should be set during the Christmas season, involve some sort of mystery, and at least some of the action should occur at The Mysterious Bookshop. Years after this tradition began, an ambitious publisher asked to publish a collection of these stories. This resulted in Christmas at The Mysterious Bookshop being published in 2010. The success of that first book has resulted in this book, Christmas Crimes at The Mysterious Bookshop.
I don’t want to spoil this book for you, but here’s an overview of a few of the stories in this edition: A man, whose wife left him at Christmas, looking for revenge… A mobster who’s been in witness protection for twenty-something years, returns to New York City to show his adult children just how much he loves them… A man who will sacrifice anything to be with his soulmate… A mystery aficionado is dragged into solving the case when a police captain’s niece is accused of theft at The Mysterious Bookshop… A couple arrange to kill off his elderly uncle for the inheritance…
It was a pleasure to unwrap each story, not knowing what to expect.
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Reviewed by Lorrie Layton
Alice in A Winter Wonderland & The Christmas Sweater
By Jan Brett
If you’ve ever picked up a Jan Brett book, you know how absolutely breathtaking the illustrations are! Add beautifully curated stories on top of that and it’s the perfect package all wrapped up in book form.
This year I couldn’t quite decide which one of her wonderful books to review so I chose 2 of her newer titles.
Alice in a Winter Wonderland is a snowy retelling of a beloved classic. We follow Alice, a Native Alaskan, as she chases a white rabbit into an icy hole on a glacier. All of your favorite (and not so favorite) Alice characters make an appearance, including the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts. Along with the outrageous tea party and quirky croquet game, this wintry retelling is a perfect book for all ages.
The Christmas Sweater is a Jan Brett original story following Theo and his pug Ari on a snow-covered adventure. Theo’s grandmother gifts the sweet pup with a beautiful red, homemade sweater. Ari, being a typical pug is quite indignant and does not appreciate the gift. As Theo and Ari head out on a hike, a snowstorm overpowers them. The sweater becomes lost along with their tracks to follow back home. Will they be able to find their way out of the blizzard? Will the pup learn to appreciate thoughtful gifts?
No matter which Jan Brett title you pick up this holiday season, you will find adventure, creativity and kindness. Every one of Jan’s books is so magically illustrated. Each page is encompassed by vignettes that lend even more detail to the scene portrayed on each page. Be sure to keep an eye out for the hedgehog that makes an appearance in every book!
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Reviewed by Tara Anson
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