Anne Perry's "vastly entertaining" ("The Star-Ledger") holiday novels are "as delicious as mince pie and plum pudding" ("Milwaukee Journal Sentinel"). "A Christmas Hope" is just as delectable--the gripping story of an unforgettable battle between goodness and evil in Victorian London--and a lonely woman's search for meaning in her life.
Claudine Burroughs, a volunteer in Hester Monk's clinic for sick and injured prostitutes, no longer expects closeness with her coldly ambitious husband and dreads the holidays. Then, at a glittering yuletide gala, she meets the attractive poet Dai Tregarron and suddenly her spirits lift. Alas, an hour later, this fascinating man is enmeshed in a nightmare--accused of killing a young streetwalker who had been smuggled into the party.
Even though she suspects that an upper-class clique is quickly closing ranks to protect the real killer, Claudine and the clinic's disreputable bookkeeper, Squeaky Robinson, vow to do their utmost for Dai. But it seems that hypocritical London society would rather send an innocent poet to the gallows than expose the shocking truth about one of their own.
Nevertheless, it's the season of miracles and Claudine and Squeaky finally see a glimmer of hope--not only for Dai but for an innocent young woman teetering on the brink of a lifetime of unhappiness. Anne Perry's heartwarming new holiday novel is a celebration of courage, faith, and love for all seasons.
PRAISE FOR THE CHRISTMAS NOVELS OF ANNE PERRY
"Perry's Victorian-era holiday mysteries . . . are for many an annual treat."--"The Wall Street Journal"
A Christmas Garland
"In Anne Perry's gifted hands, the puzzle plays out brilliantly."--Greensboro "News & Record"
A Christmas Homecoming
"Could have been devised by Agatha Christie . . . Perry is] a modern master.""--Pittsburgh Post-Gazette"
A Christmas Odyssey
" Perry] writes with detail that invades the senses.""--Lincoln Journal Star"
A Christmas Promise
"Poignant . . . should be on the Christmas stocking list of anyone who likes a sniffle of nostalgia.""--The Washington Times"
A Christmas Grace
" A] heartwarming, if crime-tinged, complement to the holiday season."--"Booklist"