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The Christmas Egg

A Seasonal Mystery
3.03 goodreads logo

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( 984 ratings, 157 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Christmas Egg by Mary Kelly is a classic mystery set in London during the festive season. The story revolves around the suspicious death of an elderly Russian Γ©migrΓ© and the disappearance of her extraordinary jewellery collection. Detectives Brett and Williams navigate through the intrigue of the Russian Γ©migrΓ© community to uncover a web of historic secrets and modern-day greed that intertwines with this holiday mystery.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate a blend of classic mystery and historical fiction, set in the atmospheric backdrop of 1950s London. This story may appeal to you especially if you enjoy intricate plots involving intriguing characters like a determined detective investigating a mysterious death and a missing Russian treasure.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Chief Inspector Brett Nightingale and Sergeant Beddoes find the body of Princess Olga Karukhin, who fled from Russia at the time of the Revolution. Taking place in the three days leading up to Christmas, Nightingale's enquiry takes him to a gramophone shop and a jewellers, culminating in the wrapping of the mystery on Christmas Eve.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A new award-winning author joins the Crime Classics series with one of her best novels. This is a mystery of international intrigue set in London at Christmas time, mixing the best parts of traditional mystery with thriller elements such as a climactic chase involving a helicopter!

The Easter egg. I told 'im. All white an' glittering, lovely, like ice an' frost an' stars ... An' I lost it, I lost it. I lost all of it.

In a gloomy flat off Islington High Street, Chief Inspector Brett Nightingale and Sergeant Beddoes find an old woman dead. The Princess Olga Karukhin, who fled from Russia at the time of the Revolution, has lived in terror of being discovered ever since. Olga's grandson, Ivan, appears to have run from the scene, but is later seen returning to the flat as though oblivious to the terrible crime.

Taking place between 22nd and 24th December, Nightingale's enquiry takes him across London, culminating in the wrapping of the mystery on Christmas Eve.

This never-before-republished novel from 1958 has a noticeably different feel to the neat puzzles and country house mysteries of crime fiction's golden age, revealing the darker side of police detection in an evocative urban setting.

Series: British Library Crime Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Christmas Egg by Mary Kelly is generally well-received for its gripping plot and atmospheric setting. Readers appreciate the intriguing blend of mystery and historical elements, with engaging characters and a well-crafted storyline. The novel's pacing and suspense keep the readers absorbed, making it a delightful read for those who enjoy classic detective tales with a festive twist.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780712353106

Publisher: British Library Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 10 October 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: British Library Publishing

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 190.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 224

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