Murder for Christmas (Mordecai Tremaine Book One) by Francis Duncan

This book was written in the 1940's but it has a lovely, almost- Victorian turn of phrase. Mordecai Tremaine has a great interest in the study of mankind. His host, who met him at a Party, sent him an invitation to share an old- fashioned Christmas at his home. The Manor House is set in an English Village complete with a set of eccentric characters. Now what could be more perfect for a mystery?

Mordecai is a sentimental Man in his 60's who harbors a desire to see romance in the World. That led to his amusing habit of reading Romance Stories. It was quite a new twist for a Detective and he keeps his habit hidden. I had a good chuckle out of it.

I happen to be partial to Mysteries of this Era and in particular the English Manor House mysteries. The Characters are a little confusing at first but soon become clear as to their place in the story. So if you like the older Mysteries and I do...you will enjoy this one.

Blurb:
When Mordecai Tremaine arrives at the country retreat of one Benedict Grame on Christmas Eve, he discovers that the revelries are in full swing in the sleepy village of Sherbroome—but so too are tensions amongst the assortment of guests.
When midnight strikes, the partygoers discover that presents aren't the only things nestled under the tree...there's a dead body too. A dead body that bears a striking resemblance to Father Christmas. With the snow falling and suspicions flying, it's up to Mordecai to sniff out the culprit—and prevent anyone else from getting murder for Christmas.
Murder for Christmas is a festive mystery for the holiday season: mulled wine, mince pies... and murder.

The Witchs' Tree: an Agatha Raisin Mystery

M.C. Beaton writes a biting, humorous mystery with her newest book, The Witch's Tree. The descriptions are often hilarious and so are the quips. That does not preclude the book from moving at a fast pace. Nor the murders from being serious. By chapter three I was both amused, hooked and could feel the eeriness of a good, cozy- mystery.

Sir Edward Chumble and his wife Tiffany felt it necessary to invite the Vicar and his wife to dinner. This should naturally be blamed on Agatha Christie for her wonderful descriptions of village life.  When driving home Rory and Molly Devere find the first body hanging from a tree and from the looks of it ...one more horror to add to the village that has become a nightmare to the Vicar's wife. But one of Beaton's shining qualities is her ability to add humor to a dark situation. 

By the time Agatha Raisin gets hired by Sir Edward Chumble she is once again in the thick of it with her sometime boyfriend Sir Charles Fraith. Favorite characters are still in the picture and I like the Agatha Raisin... Beaton portrays in this her 28th Book in the series. Although I had not read any of the books before now I had watched the TV Series. The book stands alone you can start anywhere in the series and pick up enough to enjoy it.

A Witch's Coven adds a little bit more October fun. That and Agatha on the hunt again determined to root out everyone's secret makes for an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the quirky characters and the dialog very much. I will certainly be an Agatha fan after this and I rated the book five stars.

Blurb:

The Witches’ Tree continues the tradition in M. C. Beaton's beloved Agatha Raisin mystery series—now a hit show on Acorn TV and public television.

Cotswolds inhabitants are used to inclement weather, but the night sky is especially foggy as Rory and Molly Devere, the new vicar and his wife, drive slowly home from a dinner party in their village of Sumpton Harcourt. They strain to see the road ahead—and then suddenly brake, screeching to a halt. Right in front of them, aglow in the headlights, a body hangs from a gnarled tree at the edge of town. Margaret Darby, an elderly spinster, has been murdered—and the villagers are bewildered as to who would commit such a crime.

Agatha Raisin rises to the occasion (a little glad for the excitement, to tell the truth, after a long run of lost cats and divorces on the books). But Sumpton Harcourt is a small and private village, she finds—a place that poses more questions than answers. And when two more murders follow the first, Agatha begins to fear for her reputation—and even her life. That the village has its own coven of witches certainly doesn't make her feel any better...