Murder for Christmas

• “ Death on Christmas Eve” by Stanley Ellin: A lawyer visits his reclusive clients on Christmas Eve.

• “ The Necklace of Pearls” by Dorothy L. Sayers: Traditional party games in a fine old manor house are interrupted by the disappearance of family treasures.

• “ The Case Is Altered” by Margery Allingham: In the shadows of a country estate aquiver with Christmas bustle, Mr. Albert Campion discerns activity that could be young love...or blackmail.

• “ Cambric Tea” by Marjorie Bowen: An unpleasant aristocrat swears that his wife is poisoning him— and demands the intervention of a young doctor.

• “ The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: The game is afoot! And the world's greatest consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes, is on the trail of the diamond thief who's hidden his booty in a Christmas goose.

• “ The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding” by Agatha Christie: Persuaded to enjoy the pleasures of an old-fashioned English country Christmas, Hercule Poirot soon goes on the trail of a rare and priceless ruby.

• “ Death on Air” by Ngaio Marsh: Septimus Tonks has been found dead of electrocution on Christmas morning. Chief Detective, Inspector Roderick Alleyn, must determine whether it's an accident, a suicide...or murder.

• “ Back for Christmas” by John Collier: Hermione Carpenter manages everything beautifully and has promised to bring her husband, the doctor, back to England for Christmas— but he has other plans....