It’s time to once again continue my long-running monthly series highlighting a Cozy Mystery… Those of you who have been with me a while know how much I enjoy reading seasonal Cozy Mysteries. Also, you may know Agatha Christie is my absolute favorite author. So, you can guess how happy I was to read “Midwinter Murder: Fireside Tales from the Queen of Mystery”. It’s 306 pages of Cozy mystery stories written by Agatha Christie.
I’m breaking the format a bit in several ways by covering Midwinter Murder: Fireside Tales from the Queen of Mystery, by Agatha Christie. First, I don’t usually cover short story collections, instead preferring to start with the first in a series to help introduce the series to new readers. Second, normally these entries are about Cozy reader recommendations – and while I can certainly say that people have recommended Christie over the years, I’m not certain offhand if any of those recommendations have been for this particular collection. However, I was craving something seasonal and classic, and this fits the bill!
I’m making my way through Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot mysteries in audio format right now – having recently finished her Miss Marple audios. These are all audios that I have listened to before, and I also have read the actual hard copy books. (I don’t ever tire of Christie’s work.)
This collection starts with Three Blind Mice. Yow-za! Nobody does it like Agatha did! The snow drifts and cold skiing weather are exactly what I crave during November, December and January — when it’s not unusual for our weather to occasionally include balmy 80 degree afternoons.
Midwinter Murder includes Christie’s best known detectives: Hercule Poriot, Jane Marple (an amateur sleuth), and Tommy & Tuppence. I have read most of these Cozy stories in the past, but am enjoying them now, and plan to re-read them in the future. Most of you Cozy Mystery fans have probably read some of these stories before also – BUT if you’re in the same “got-to-have-my-seasonal-Cozy mood,” I think you’ll find that Midwinter Murder does not disappoint.
As always, if you want to read more of these brief discussions of some of the more popular Cozy Mystery Series that I’ve written in the past, you can find them at the Most Recommended Cozy Mystery Series page.
thetarotman says
Danna, although I love reading novels, Cozy Mysteries, and other genres of books, every once in a while, I also crave reading short story collections. Now that I think about it, I do not believe I have ever read a Cozy Mystery short story collection, and if I have, it was so long ago I do not remember. I look forward to checking this one out, and for the sake of my life partner, shall look for it at my local library first, and if I cannot find it, then I shall buy it.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Tarot, I hope you enjoy it if you pick it up!
PamB says
Just ordered! Have several Agatha Christie books that I’ve enjoyed. Thank you for sharing about this book.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
PamB, I find myself re-reading/re-listening to Agatha Christie quite a lot. There’s a reason she was the Queen! I don’t think I know anyone who doesn’t like her mysteries. I know that for a while I wasn’t crazy about her Tommy and Tuppence series, but now I find them (almost) endearing.
PamB says
Received the book and starting to read instead of housework 🙂 Sure hope you got credit for it as ordered from your post. Occasionally I’ve thought of trying audible books but afraid my mind would wander so for now just sticking to reading. Thank you much for all you share with cozy readers and your awesome blog and site!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Pam, you’re very welcome!
CATHLEEN MAY says
Are the Christie mysteries chapters from books repeated in Midwinter Murders are or they other works. I have read every book she wrote and would love to read something new. I too think she is the best mystery writer that ever lived.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cathleen, they’re all short stories, not chapters from existing books. That said, they weren’t written specifically for a holiday anthology.
Ellen Byron says
This looks like so much fun! It’s going on my Christmas list. Thanks for sharing about it, Danna.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ellen, you’re very welcome!
Pam Duncan says
I just finished “Queen Anne’s Lace” by Susan Wittig Albert. This is one of her best. I loved the flashbacks in the story
Lee Rozinski says
I love them all! Plus have watched them all over and over on TV. Love Tommy and Tuppence!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lee, anything by Christie is a classic worth revisiting regardless of the medium!
Gretchen says
I like the sound of this collection! I am still working my way through Agatha Christie’s novels, but a seasonal short story collection sounds fun.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Gretchen, if you pick it up, I hope you enjoy it!
Wanda K Sanders says
Is this book one story or a collection of stories?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Wanda, it’s a short story collection.