A Corpse in Christmas Close by Michelle Salter
When a pantomime turns deadly, Iris investigates a cast of killers…
Christmas, 1923. When reporter Iris Woodmore is sent to cover the Prince of Wales’ visit to historic Winchester, she discovers more than just royal gossip.
The leading lady in Winchester Cathedral’s charity pantomime is found dead in mysterious circumstances. And the chief suspect is Cinderella’s handsome prince, played by Percy Baverstock’s younger brother, Freddie.
For the sake of the Baverstocks, Iris must investigate the murder, even though it means confronting an old enemy. And as the line between friend and foe blurs dangerously, she’s ensnared by someone she hoped she’d never see again…
Everyone's favourite amateur sleuth returns for a Christmas mystery, perfect for fans of Verity Bright, Claire Gradidge and Emily Organ
About the author
Michelle Salter writes historical cosy crime set in Hampshire, where she lives, and inspired by real-life events in 1920s Britain. Her Iris Woodmore series draws on an interest in the aftermath of the Great War and the suffragette movement.
Review
‘A Corpse in Christmas Close’ is a compelling mystery that explores the reality of life after the war and how its effects are still reverberating in society years later. This is the fifth book in the Iris Woodmore series but you could easily read it as a standalone. You might want to have read the previous books as there are references back to them but the author does provide enough information for new readers. I do recommend the whole series as they are brilliant interwar mysteries that highlight the major issues in society and are packed full of rich historical details.
The Prince of Wales is due to visit Winchester and the surrounding area, so investigative journalist Iris Woodmore is sent to cover the events. She just didn't expect to be on the front cover of her own newspaper after her friend Percy pranks her with the Prince! Later that day though a body in found in Christmas Close - a young woman who was rehearsing for her part in the local pantomime. When Percy’s brother Freddie is questioned by the police, Iris starts investigating and is shocked by what she discovers.
This story really focuses on the realities of the repercussions of the war on the young men who were serving, the PTSD, the injuries and how it is still affecting their choices now. To delve deeper into this would lead to spoilers but the story is well-researched and full of historical details like the ‘Harrods tins’ etc. Michelle’s books always feel realistic and it is clear she does a lot of research into the time period. It is also my favourite era due to all the societal changes, progression in women’s rights etc. My dissertation at uni was on women’s leisure habits in the interwar, so I love books like this that have a strong female protagonist who is the epitome of the changes that are taking place!
The mystery was compelling and it really held my attention, I flew through it in one day! Iris, whilst my favourite is surrounded by a cast of brilliant characters that are fleshed out as each book progresses. Might have a soft spot for Percy as well! I'm looking forward to seeing how the next story deals with the new owner of Mills Pond. Roll on book six!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
