A Christmas Grace

By: Anne Perry

Narrated by: Terrence Hardiman

With Christmas just around the corner, Thomas Pitt's sister-in-law, Emily Radley, is suddenly called from London to be with her dying aunt. Leaving her husband and two children behind, she makes the long journey to her aunt's home in Connemara, an all-but-forgotten town on the coast of Western Ireland.

Emily soon discovers that a tragic legacy is haunting the once close-knit community. Violent storms ravage the coast and keep alive painful memories of an unsolved murder-and unsettling fears that a culprit may still be among them. Determined to lighten her aunt's spirits and help the troubled community, Emily sets out to unmask the killer. And when a lone shipwreck survivor washes up on the shore, he brings with him not only the key to solving the terrible crime, but the opportunity for the townspeople to make peace with the past-and with each other.

©2008 Anne Perry. All rights reserved. (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks America

The ending left loose ends in my mind

I do enjoy these short novella’s around the holidays. I enjoyed this novel, but I’m not quite sure. I understood the reasoning for Connor‘s death.

Not a Christmas Story, but it was a good mystery.

I really enjoyed listening to this story. I really thought that the story would be completely different from what it was, but it really was good. I don't feel like it was a Christmas story at all. It was like more of a Mystery of who killed him. But you'll have to listen/ read the book to find out who did it.

Perry's Christmas Stories

This is the third Christmas story of Anne Perry's that I have listened to this Christmas season. As some others have said about this story and also the other two I have listened to, this not what most of us think of as a "Christmas story". But if you think about the real meaning of Christmas, they are Christmas stories. Christmas is about Christ's birth, His coming to earth as a baby, the beginning of His journey to redeem mankind AND the fallen, unjust, wicked world we live in. The characters in these stories, like all of us, are sinful, flawed human beings, some are portrayed as Christian, some are unbelievers, some are criminals. Perry's stories uncover unrealized hopes and dreams, insecurities, doubts, fears, wounds, lies, secrets, jealousies, and betrayals in the characters' minds, hearts, and lives. Most of the characters grow wiser and kinder as they inspect their own hearts, motives, actions, decisions and they become people who recognize their own sins, people who appreciate anew their blessings, people who try to right wrongs, mend broken relationships and communities, bring justice where it is due. They really are Christmas stories!
**** At least one other person has reported a problem with the quality of the recording. The problem is in chapter 12 at about the 7 minute, 15 second mark and goes to about the 6 minute, 51 second mark. There is crackling and static that completely covers over some words. This really should be fixed as it is at a crucial point in the story!

Perry’s Artistry

Perry’s stories always combine a mix of human personalities with a touch of mystery. The remote part of Ireland is visited by Emily, a character from the Thomas Pitt series. Perhaps being acquainted with her helps create the contrasting world views of the characters. I felt the ending was right, band satisfying for a short book.

More than a mystery

Anne Perry's stories are categorized as murder mysteries. But what sets them apart from the mundane and formulaic stories out there are her characters. They all have faults and weaknesses an exhibit both the best and often worst of mankind. There Iis always emotional reflection and growth in these stories as the main characters grapple with their own imperfections as they work at solving a murder. I am always amazed by the depth of feeling these stories evoke. These are not mindless entertainment.