A Christmas Deliverance

By: Anne Perry

Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin

A courageous doctor and his apprentice fight to save London's poor—and discover that the hearts of men can be colder than a winter chill—in this gripping holiday mystery from New York Times bestselling author Anne Perry.

Scuff has come a long way from his time as a penniless orphan scraping together a living on the banks of the Thames. Now he's studying medicine at a free clinic run by Dr. Crowe. Lately Crowe has grown distracted after witnessing an altercation between a former patient of his named Ellie—a woman he not only treated but grew to love—and her controlling fiancé. It seems someone is forcing Ellie to marry the man, and as Crowe's emotions come flooding back, he sets out to uncover the troubling connection between Ellie, her father, and her betrothed.

With Crowe engrossed in his investigation just weeks before the holidays, Scuff is left to fend for himself, performing surgery after surgery on London's poor and vulnerable. He is desperate for help, so when a needy young girl named Mattie comes to the clinic for treatment, Scuff offers her a place to live in exchange for assistance with his medical work. Together, Scuff and Mattie must not only run the clinic but also fend off the police, who are growing suspicious of Crowe's amateur sleuthing. Will Crowe be able to help Ellie, and will Scuff and Mattie ensure all of their patients—and they themselves—can manage to have a peaceful Christmas?

©2022 Anne Perry (P)2022 Recorded Books

one of my favorites

Anne Perry does it again with a fabulous Christmas treat..I so love her books

Loved this Christmas story

Another wonderful Christmas story from Ann Perry and reading by Jenny Sterlin. Great way to start the season.

Very lovely story

I enjoyed this audio book. It has love, mystery, and humor. It was truly wonderful

Another Wonderful Christmas Mystery

Scuff, the adopted son of Thames River Police Inspector Monk, is studying to be a doctor and apprenticing with Dr. Crowe, helping to treat London's poor. When Dr. Crowe begins investigating suspicious circumstances surrounding a young woman, Ellie, who he had treated, Scuff finds himself in charge of the clinic a few weeks before Christmas. He also has to field questions from shady policemen who want to know what Dr. Crowe is up to.

This is a compelling mystery, which brings Christmas to us in a different way. I am still transported to the Christmas season in London, but to a community that is poor and to whom a bed and a warm meal would be a welcome gift. The addition of the character Mattie brings home the true spirit of Christmas, and it's more real than any temporary celebration. There is a wonderful romance, and we see the stark class differences that exist between the rich and the poor in Victorian London.

The most heartbreaking aspect of this novella is the many homeless children who seem to be basically ignored by those of means.

The narration by Jenny Sterlin perfectly captures the story. The characters come alive during her performance.

This is a holiday novella that, in addition providing to a great mystery and romance, reminds us to reach out to others in need.

I received a free copy of this novella from Random House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

The sense of justice for the poor

Very good story, a good Christmas theme and good moral themes with each character having to choose between what is expedient and what is right