The Christmas Stocking Murders

LoveReading Says

Armchair detectives should get their thinking caps on while trying to solve this rather fabulous 1950’s festive murder mystery. Stockings cause havoc in a Yorkshire fishing village as Inspector Grasby and his Superintendent investigate a murder. Inspector Grasby has written his memoirs in the 70’s looking back to the time when the country was still recovering from the deprivations of the Second World War.

Denzil Meyrick, author of the DCI Daley series, certainly knows how to meld humour with murder and mayhem. The humour, of the snort and smirk variety, sits on the dark side of life and and cleverly comes from observing moments of the ridiculous or allowing us the reader, to look behind and beyond Grasby’s thoughts and feelings.

The sense of place and time is wonderful, the snowed-in village, hotel, streets, and the sea all offer a visual feast. The plot itself twists and corkscrews, ensuring a host of suspects. The range of characters thoroughly entertains, whether someone is on the page for a moment or in a starring role.

Satisfying and rewarding, The Christmas Stocking Murders would make a wonderful gift or treat for lovers of historical or festive crime fiction.

Reviewed by Liz Robinson
Liz has been an Editorial Expert writing reviews for LoveReading since 2014.
More reviews by Liz Robinson

About The Christmas Stocking Murders

Don't miss the Waterstones Scottish Book of the Month that everyone is talking about this Christmas - the fun and festive murder mystery from the No.1 New York Times bestselling author.'Twists galore' Stuart MacBride'Had me laughing out loud' Yorkshire Life'First-class' The TimesA case shrouded in secrets.It's just before Christmas, 1953. Grasby and Juggers are investigating a puzzling murder in the remote village of Uthley's Bay. A fisherman has been found dead on the beach, with a stocking wound tight round his throat.A festive mystery for one and all.Hundreds of pairs of stockings, in neat cellophane bags, soon wash up on the shore. A blizzard cuts off Grasby and Juggers from help, and the local innkeeper is murdered. Any remaining Christmas cheer goes up in smoke as the villagers refuse to talk, leaving the two detectives chasing false leads in the snow.A winter wonderland with no escape.To make matters worse, Grasby can't stop thinking about stockings. Why does everyone seem to be enjoying strangely high standards of hosiery, even beneath their oilskins? Who is the sinister bespectacled man snooping around their hotel? And how can they solve the murder when everyone in the village is a suspect?Readers love The Christmas Stocking Murders:'Atmospheric, amusing, a book to read by a fireside.' FIVE-STAR READER REVIEW'This book is a delight.' FIVE-STAR READER REVIEW'I found myself chuckling along.' FIVE-STAR READER REVIEW'A wonderful page-turner.' FIVE-STAR READER REVIEW'These books are a tonic.' FIVE-STAR READER REVIEW'A Christmas joy. FIVE-STAR READER REVIEWDenzil Meyrick, Audible bestseller, November 2024Denzil Meyrick, No.1 New York Times bestseller, November 2025

Read the full description

Find This Book In