A Christmas Beginning

De: Anne Perry

Narrado por: Terrence Hardiman

Superintendent Runcorn (Anne Perry fans will remember him as William Monk's ex-boss) is feeling rather lonely during his holiday on the remote, snowy island of Anglesey, off the northern coast of Wales. However, he is suddenly called into action when the sister of the local vicar is discovered murdered and draped over a gravestone in her brother's churchyard. Investigating this tragic crime with the assistance of the beautiful Melisande gives him just the opportunity he needs to spend time with an upper-class woman who normally wouldn't give him the time of day.

Interweaving the original Christmas story with her own holiday tale, Perry also explores the meaning of Joseph's secondary role, compared with that of Mary and Jesus. The novel ultimately shows that the seemingly less important people in our lives are sometimes more crucial than we realize.

©2007 Anne Perry (P)2007 BBC Audiobooks America

Reseñas de la Crítica

"One of the best books to brighten the joyous season." (USA Today)
"Runcorn's modest, unflashy ways carry this moody, understated mystery." (Publishers Weekly)

A good story well-read

I am a longtime Anne Perry fan and thoroughly enjoyed this story even though the usual cast is not around. The interior life of a middle-aged man who knows his shortcomings--who is in love with his soulmate btw--is sensitively and realistically drawn.

Is there going to be more from Runcorn?

I’m noticing all Anne Perry Christmas stories feature a strong character in another series of hers. I loved the parallel plots in A Christmas Beginning featuring Superintendent Runcorn from the William Monk series. He is solving a crime on the Island of Anglesey while pining for a woman who is a resident there and sister to a man who could have committed he murder. Where will I find a follow-up story for Runcorn or is this a final ending for him in Anne’s writing? I obviously love the book and give it five stars or I wouldn’t be wanting more!

Captivating

I enjoyed listening to this novel. At no time was it boring. The pace was good and the narrator was excellent. The storyline had me from the very beginning and it was very hard to stop listening until I reached the end.

Anne Perry!! Her reviews need no titillating title!!

Her books are always well written - always a good read or listen. She has never disappointed me. Thanks!!

Link to Monk mysteries

This was an interesting story that had me going back and forth with who I thought could be the killer. The reveal was a bit anticlimactic. Love the narration.