I’m delighted today to be a stop on the blog tour for this new anthology of stories ‘A Right Cozy Christmas Crime‘ edited by Wendy H Jones and published by Scott & Lawson in time for Christmas 2024.
I’ve been reading much more of the cozy crime genre lately, as a fan of Fiona Feitch Smith’s two cozy crime series set in the 1920s and 1930s, the Poppy Denby series and the Miss Clara Vale series. Along with several other books in the genre I’ve also just finished Dorothy L Sayers’ first novel introducing Lord Peter Wimsey.
So, what of ‘A Right Cozy Christmas Crime’?
ABOUT SCOTT & LAWSON PUBLISHING
Scott and Lawson Publishing, situated in the heart of Dundee, Scotland, is a beacon for literary enthusiasts. The company publishes captivating cosy mystery anthologies, transporting readers to quaint locales filled with intrigue and charm. In addition they specialise in non-fiction books tailored for writers seeking to hone their craft, the company offers invaluable insights and guidance fiction aficionados are also catered to with thrilling narratives that keep them on the edge of their seats. With a commitment to quality and a passion for storytelling, Scott and Lawson Publishing is a cornerstone of the Scottish literary landscape.
A Right Cozy Christmas Crime Features 13 Short Stories written by Wendy H. Jones, who compiled the anthology, and the following authors:
BLURB
Step into a world where twinkling lights and holiday cheer are accompanied by Christmas puddings and a dash of intrigue. A Right Cozy Christmas Crime brings together thirteen festive mysteries where annual traditions are intertwined with shadowy secrets. From a historic Scottish Castle hiding a chilling truth, to the bustling streets of Lagos filled with more than just Christmas shoppers, each tale sparkles with holiday warmth while unravelling a deliciously puzzling mystery. It’s time to put your feet up, sip hot cocoa and join our detectives as they ensure justice is served. Perfect for lovers of cozy mysteries with a holiday twist.
MY REVIEW
This is a delightful collection of short stories presented in a volume which makes an ideal Christmas present for a book lover; I can imagine that keen crime fiction reader receiving it in the morning and having it read by the evening regardless of the whirl of activity around them.
The stories are written by highly accomplished authors, masters of skulduggery in familiar settings: Sheena MacLeod imagines the subterfuge that might surround a signed first edition of Dickens’ Christmas Carol spirited away from the local second-hand bookshop; Pauline Tait’s tale rollocks along at a good pace with an ingenious solution; Sue Cook relates her story with a sparkling, perky tone; Wendy H Jones entertains us with her clever, snappy, and witty account of village rivalries. Sophie Smythe’s sleek narrative is a smart black comedy of manners; Marti M. McClair lays a puzzle trail for us while Alex Greyson explores the demise of an unpopular actress, Julia Fancelli Clifford sets her tale in Italy and spices it with romance; Stella Oni takes us to Lagos; Dianne Ascroft transports us to Canada; Linda Mathers’s dark tale centres upon a nut allergy, Gillian Duff’s story is neat and elegant and I loved Melicity Pope’s campy Victorian melodrama.
Finally what could be better than to find a recipe at the end of the book for the Snowball Christmas Cheesecake! (with no poisonous ingredients).
All in all, this is a delicious Christmas offering for all cozy crime lovers, and also those yet to be converted to the genre.
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Please include the hashtag #ARIGHTCOZYCHRISTMASCRIMEwhen you are sharing your posts.
ABOUT ME
Hello! My name’s Sheila and I write under the pen name of SC Skillman. I live in Warwick with my husband and son, and my daughter currently lives and works in Australia.
I was born and brought up in Orpington, Kent, and have loved writing most of my life. I studied English Literature at Lancaster University, and my first permanent job was as a production secretary with the BBC. Later I lived for nearly five years in Australia before returning to live and work in the UK.
My output includes mystery fiction, and historical and paranormal nonfiction. My two novels so far published are Mystical Circles and A Passionate Spirit. Each of my nonfiction books is illustrated with 100 original full colour photos, mostly taken by myself, and others by my son and daughter (both talented photographers!)
In March 2023 I was the Nonfiction Adjudicator at the Scottish Association of Writers Annual Conference in Glasgow. I’m a member of the Society of Authors and the Association of Christian Writers.
My nonfiction books on Warwickshire are published by Amberley and include Paranormal Warwickshire, Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire and A-Z of Warwick. My next book for Amberley will be Paranormal Gloucestershire. I have also completed a contemporary gothic fantasy novel called Director’s Cut.
In addition to my published books, I blog weekly on scskillman.com about books and films I love, people and places of inspiration, life, spirituality, history and travel.
I’m also a public speaker and have spoken to many groups and organisations about Paranormal Warwickshire, Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire, the quirky tales of Warwick, the art of writing nonfiction, and the power of story. Do get in touch with me if you’d like a speaker for your group!
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scskillman.com 
Thanks so much for the lovely review! 😍