A different type of Scrooge!
by Anne Perry
Somehow Perry's Christmas stories always undo me. A Christmas Resolution does exactly that. Set in Victorian London in 1872, this year's tale centers around John Hooper, a senior officer in the Thames River Police, and his lovely wife Celia who are drawn into unpleasantness in their church circle. Celia's best friend Clemintine is going to marry Seth Marlowe. A rigid man. An unforgiving man whose former wife committed suicide and whose daughter ran from him. Indeed Seth maight have been an emotionally depleted Scrooge. When Seth roughly confronts Celia and orders her to have nothing to do with Clemantine, Celia is thrown into indignation and confusion. It turns out that Seth thinks Celia has threatened him with poisoned letters. Hooper is consumed by a cold anger and a determination to find out more about Seth and what he is frightened about, particularly after his treatment of Celia.
Underlying the story is the concept of forgiveness and repentance. Another astounding mystery with reflections wrapped in tightly written prose Perry.
A Random House - Ballantine ARC via NetGalley
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