With only 12 days to go until Christmas, I thought it might be a good idea to share some seasonal book recommendations with you.
Grab a fuzzy blanket, a mug of freshly made hot chocolate and put on your tackiest but cosiest Christmas jumper. It’s time to get into the festive spirits with some brilliant books.
Murder Under The Christmas Tree
So it turns out, the book I am currently reading Murder in Midwinter is the latest in the Murderous Christmas Stories series. While I am enjoying it (expect a review soon) my favourite is still Murder Under The Christmas Tree.
This collection of cosy Christmas crime stories has a good selection. However, it is worth reading for one story alone. Cinders by Ian Rankin, in which the Panto is put on hold while our lead tries to solve the murder of the actress playing the fairy godmother. Val McDermid’s A Traditional Christmas was a very close second.
Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas
Full warning, this book does contain some upsetting moments.
Adam Kay published his diaries he kept while working as a doctor. That was not this book, that was This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor which I highly recommend.
Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas is a collection of Christmas entries and a major story he left out of the first book. The event that leads him to leave his medical career.
Considering how many health care workers are going above and beyond this year, this book is a must-read into getting a better insight into their “holiday” season.
The Night Circus
While not about Christmas it is about magic.
Le Cirque des Rêves isn’t just home to some of the most breathtaking attractions, delicious food and magical atmosphere, but a secret duel between two gifted people.
This book has it all, magic, romance, compelling worldbuilding and unique storytelling. Plus a few parts of the story do take place during winter.
It seems that I am not the only one who thought The Night Circus is a great festive read. BBC Radio 4 Extra are narrating the book in a five-part series starting on Boxing Day.
A Christmas Carol
Oh come on, how could I not mention this book?
Chances are you are going to watch one or two of the countless adaptations this festive season. I will watch The Muppet Christmas Carol, the best adaptation and no that is not up for discussion.
Regardless of which film you prefer, it is worth giving the original book a read. It is a short book compared to his other works and can easily be read in an afternoon.
The Valancourt Book of Victorian Christmas Ghost Stories
Not the regular kind of Christmas spirits.
Victorian’s loved ghost stories. They particularly loved ghost stories that were centred around Christmas. The Valancourt Book of Victorian Christmas Ghost Stories is a collection of some of the best spooky seasonal stories from that period.
Perfect if you want something Christmassy but not in the mood for another Hallmark movie.
What books do you love to read during Christmastime? Please let me know!
Nerd Rambles 
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