A review by jazhandz
The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett

mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

A decent mystery and easily Hallett’s weakest book. Two standout thoughts about why this didn’t work for me:
1) the ending, and [thematic spoilers]
the question of what to do if the justice system would actually harm victims,
is a little heavy handed and unsuccessful, particularly compared to Alperton Angels, which handles that better, and;
2) the framing device of “Charlotte and Femi sum up what’s going on every so often” feels significantly more grating in a 200-page book than a 400-page book. I am not a mystery aficionado, I have trouble tracking clued and I don’t mind Hallett’s penchant for periodically repeating and emphasizing key details, but it is not done well here.
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