Ms Gregory’s distinctive mix of hectic comedy, bizarre characters and bodies galore killed in a variety of inventive ways is surely a must for a holiday read.  Discover how Christmas and New Year were celebrated 400 years ago at the court of Charles II, up for all kinds of decadence after years of exile.  The feverish atmosphere of the early years of the Restoration is evoked rather well in this series, and as usual the note at the back mentions which parts of the story are based on actual events.  The joy of series as they get longer is not only a new plot to read about but also finding out what all the usual characters are up to.  Chaloner has a lover, he gets on the wrong side of Williamson more than once, and the oddly unreal figure of his mentor Thurloe continues to appear too sweet for Cromwell’s spymaster.  As usual this is a tubby tome that could do with losing a bit of weight and you, too, may well think that Clarendon is right when he says that it takes Chaloner a long time to solve his cases.  There is always something going on however, and towards the end it does get fairly exciting as the chase heats up to find the villains.  If you enjoy Ms Gregory’s unique style this is a good example of it.