Reading the Detectives discussion

Welcome to our December 24 Challenge read of The Case of the Ghost of Christmas Morning The second book in the Anty Boisjoly Mystery series by PJ Fitzsimmons, first published in 2021.

Anty Boisjoly tackles the peculiar case of the war hero who visits his old friends on Christmas morning — after being murdered on Christmas Eve.

In The Case of the Ghost of Christmas Morning, Wodehousian clubman, flaneur, idler and sleuth Anty Boisjoly pits his sardonic wits against another pair of impossible murders. This time, Anty Boisjoly’s Aunty Boisjoly is the only possible suspect when a murder victim stands his old friends a farewell drink at the local, hours after being murdered. Like The Case of the Canterfell Codicil, the first Anty Boisjoly mystery, The Case of the Ghost of Christmas Morning fits the narrow literary needs of those who feel that Ruth Rendell isn’t frivolous enough and that Blandings Castle could stand a few more baffling murders.

Please do not post spoilers in this thread. Thank you.

Our first Christmas read. I have to admit I like this series. I know the first book had a mixed reception but I will probably read the next in the series.

This will be a re-read for me, but it will come a bit later.

I’ve just started, and listening to the audiobook; the humor is very welcome and enjoyable, I find i have to pay attention to the author’s wordplay to appreciate the joke!

I loved his aunt hiding in the drapes :)

I didn’t write a review, finished late last night and forgot. But 4 stars for me, this was fun, I was able to get the audible free with my membership, can recommend the narrator, added to my enjoyment.

Glad you enjoyed it too Susan.

I've started this - must admit I wasn't a fan of the first book as I just didn't find the humour funny! I'm enjoying this one a bit more so far, though.

I chuckled at every scene with Anty and his dear old valet, Vickers; a shame the old fella won’t retire, but he contributed some solid information in this outing.

I loved the scene where Vickers announces the tea, they both look round the room and Anty very kindly covers up for him. It's quite sweet.

I've started this as I decided I wanted an un-busy week to start the next Louise Penny (no interruptions!).

I started it on audio, but wasn't paying enough attention to get all the verbal humor so have switched to print. Anty and Vickers have a wonderful, caring relationship and Aunty in the drapes is sweet.

It's a fun read, I agree.
So nice when you are looking forward to a new book, Sandy!

I'm about halfway through this - I think it's much better than the first book but still not really grabbing me. I feel the humour is fun but the characters aren't very interesting.

Judy wrote: "I'm about halfway through this - I think it's much better than the first book but still not really grabbing me. I feel the humour is fun but the characters aren't very interesting."

Not even the mini-cow?

Sandy wrote: "Judy wrote: "I'm about halfway through this - I think it's much better than the first book but still not really grabbing me. I feel the humour is fun but the characters aren't very interesting."

N..."

Loved the mini-cow! As did Anty, apparently! ;o)

I enjoy the mini-cow as part of the humour, but I wouldn't really call it a character ;)

To be fair, you didn't like the first one, Judy. I think it just probably isn't for you, which is fine. I think I've enjoyed this series the most, but that's why we are all different :)

Susan wrote: "To be fair, you didn't like the first one, Judy. I think it just probably isn't for you, which is fine. I think I've enjoyed this series the most, but that's why we are all different :)"

I enjoyed this one, Crown Colony, and Jack Haldean. Thanks for all your dull work slogging through all the wannabes out there to serve us up this challenge, mods! You’re all better women than I - I would’ve thrown up my hands and said, “screw it, go reread Christie and Sayers, there’s nothing but muck out here now!” ;o)

I've found that humor is a very personal taste.

Started the audiobook from my local library. This book is hilarious. I only wish my Grandmother was still here so I could pass it along for her to enjoy as well :)

Susan in NC wrote: "Susan wrote: "To be fair, you didn't like the first one, Judy... I enjoyed this one, Crown Colony, and Jack Haldean. Thanks for all your dull work slogging through all the wannabes out there to serve us up this challenge,"

Thanks, Susan, Susan and Sandy - I agree that humour is a personal taste. Interesting to hear which series are people's favourites from the challenge.

Thank you for the kind comments on the challenge, Susan. :) My favourite is probably the Jack Haldean series although I already knew that one well as I've read a lot of them over the years, since discovering the early books in hardback from the library. I have also enjoyed Crown Colony and quite like Lady Caroline and the Benedict Brown series if I'm looking for something very light and frothy.

Kimberly wrote: "Started the audiobook from my local library. This book is hilarious. I only wish my Grandmother was still here so I could pass it along for her to enjoy as well :)"

Welcome, Kimberly. Good to hear you are enjoying the book. Sorry about your grandmother, it must be a bitter-sweet feeling to know she would have enjoyed the book.