Okay, okay! I know that we haven’t even got to Halloween yet and that mentioning the “C” word is taboo, but I’ve had a special request from a friend. I’ve been asked to re-post my Christmas reading recommendations so that folk can source them before the season rolls around.  So here they are:

“Everything I need to know about Christmas, I Learned from a Little Golden Book.”

Do you remember these little gems from your childhood? This very amusing trip back in time is a wonderful look at Christmas through the ages. This witty guide to the holiday season features illustrations from Richard Scary, Eloise Wilkin and other regular Golden Book artists, and features many classic Golden Books characters Worth getting and reading just for the memories.

Last year my husband gave me a wonderful big bumper book of Christmas themed Mystery and Detective stories – The Big Book of Christmas Mysteries, edited by Otto Penzler. It is a fabulous collection with both classic and modern tales, by a wide range of authors. Available in bookstores and via Amazon.

The Big Book of Christmas Mysteries, edited by Otto Penzler.

If you are a fan of detective stories or just a bit of a Christmas aficionado this may be a book for you. It is a fabulous collection with both classic and modern tales, by a wide range of authors. Available on-line through Amazon, Book Depository and   http://www.mysteriousbookshop.com

“Christmas at the Mysterious Bookshop” edited by Otto Penzler

I’m a big fan of Otto Penzler’s mystery story compendiums and am particularly fond of his Christmas collections. I picked this one up on my trip to New York. This collection of short stories is inspired by the Christmas holiday and all stories (be they funny, creepy, clever et al) are set (at least in part) in the Mysterious Bookshop. It features stories by Mary Higgins Clark, Lawrence Block, Ed McBain, Donald Westlake, Thomas Cook, and more. Really worth a look and a great addition to your holiday reading list. Available on-line through Amazon, Book Depository and http://www.mysteriousbookshop.com