From Publishers Weekly
The yuletide cheer and seasonal mayhem wrapped up in these 13 tales, tending to the cozy rather than the graphic side of mystery, make a package suitable for any reader's Christmas list. Dorothy Cannell tells how a woman foils a vengeful Santa in "The January Sale Stowaway." With "The Fabulous Nick" Mickey Friedman spins her magic around a jolly old Claus who must clear a man jailed for jewel theft so that his son will stop throwing darts at Santa's picture. Evelyn E. Smith shares her sharp sense of humor and her series character in "Miss Melville Rejoices," in which artist and assassin Miss Melville vows to rid the world of a sadistic dictator at a Christmas Eve party. Reginald Hill, Elizabeth Peters, Robert Barnard, Patricia Moyes, Eric Wright and MacLeod ( The Gladstone Bag ) herself are among other authors represented in this entertaining compilation. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews
Continuing in the tradition of her 1989 collection, Mistletoe Mysteries, MacLeod and 12 others offer 13 Christmas-themed stories of, mostly, the ``Bah, humbug!'' variety. Eric Wright's Salvation Army scam--a twist on a twist on a twist--is mildly diverting, and Robert Barnard's domestic imbroglio, with its gift-wrapped bomb, is drolly told, while Margaret Maron welcomes the New Year southern- style--with fruitcake, stolen diapers, and a Faulknerian illegitimacy. Dorothy Cannell, in cloying voice, tackles the January sales; Mickey Friedman, New York-style, hassles the neighbors; and editor MacLeod, whose oversweet author introductions will make you want to put coal in her stocking, brings forged twenties to Peter Shandy's attention at the Balaclava Agricultural College Christmas fete, then opts for a saccharine denouement. Also included are tepid outings from Reginald Hill, Elizabeth Peters, Patricia Moyes, Evelyn E. Smith, Bill Crider, John Malcolm, and Medora Sale. For last-minute shoppers only. -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The newest entry in the popular series, this volume presents a festive feast of murder and mayhem from today's top masters of mystery--delightfully sinister tales from Elizabeth Peters, Robert Barnard, Reginald Hill, and Charlotte MacLeod. "A package of holiday goodies you can devour without giving a thought to calories".--UPI.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly