title: A Christmas Secret: A Novel (The Christmas Stories)
author:  Anne Perry 
description: Perry's latest short Christmas novel is a well-written if unsurprising period mystery, set in late 19th-century England. Reverend Dominic Corde and his wife, Clarice, are at a turning point in their lives; a chance opportunity has given Dominic the temporary position as vicar of a small village in Oxfordshire, substituting for the incumbent, Reverend Wynter. Their hopes that the position might become permanent are both enhanced and threatened when Clarice discovers Wynter's murdered corpse in the cellar. The resolution is not particularly complicated, but Perry does a nice job of weaving in themes of forgiveness and redemption without being heavy-handed. <i>(Dec.)</i> <br />Copyright  Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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  Praise for
  
  
  Anne Perry’s Christmas Mysteries
  
  
  A Christmas Journey
  
  
  “One of the best books to brighten up the joyous season.”
  
  
  —USA Today
  
  
  A Christmas Visitor
  
  
  “Perry creates excellent winter atmosphere in the wild, snowy lands of
  northern England.”
  
  
  —The Arizona Republic
  
  
  A Christmas Guest
  
  
  “[A] satisfying tale.”
  
  
  —The Wall Street Journal
  
  
  A Christmas Secret
  
  
  “Anne Perry has crafted a finely written Christmas puzzle that has a
  redemptive seasonal message woven within its solution.”
  
  
  —The Wall Street Journal
  
  
  A Christmas Beginning
  
  
  “Intriguing … Perry’s use of period detail is, as-always, strong and
  evocative.”
  
  
  —The Seattle Times
  
  
    
    
  
  
  BY ANNE PERRY
  
  
  FEATURING WILLIAM MONK
  
  
  The Face of a Stranger
  
  
  A Dangerous Mourning
  
  
  Defend and Betray
  
  
  A Sudden, Fearful Death
  
  
  The Sins of the Wolf
  
  
  Cain His Brother
  
  
  Weighed in the Balance
  
  
  A Breach of Promise
  
  
  The Twisted Root
  
  
  Slaves of Obsession
  
  
  Funeral in Blue
  
  
  Death of a Stranger
  
  
  The 