There is so much more in an Anne Perry novel than in most other mysteries. There is the murder, of course, and in this case I didn’t guess whodunit. Then there is her knowledge of the period with its different mores and ideals, and her searing ability to describe emotion and locations. This adds up to a heady mixture, and even in novella form it is very evident. I also enjoyed reading something told from the point of view (albeit in the third person) of a character not normally in the limelight, and not usually viewed as sympathetic. There are some poetic descriptions of Anglesey in winter to enjoy as well, adding up to a seasonal treat that Dickens himself would surely have envied. All we need now is a novella focussing on a character from her WWI series. A Christmas tradition to be savored.