I got this book for Christmas 2008 and I saved it to read over Christmas 2009 and I am really happy I did. It was perfect to fit in around family visits across the country. Richard Dalby has composed a wonderful anthology of crime stories all set around Christmas-tide. The stories are varied in time, style, content and the type of crime committed: "A pair of Muddy Shoes" is a traditional, macabre ghost story whereas many of the sleuths known for their logical/ evidence-based approach, such as Sherlock Holmes and Miss Marple, are also included. There are also some really beautiful pieces of writing such as Hardy's "The grave by the handpost". The last and longest story by Wilkie Collins is the perfect heart-warming end to the book and fills you with faith in the goodness of humanity. ( )