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Christmas Mystery
James Patterson

Christmas Mystery

Quick Answer

Read "Christmas Mystery" as the 52nd book in the Standalone Novels sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Black Hills" (Book 51)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 52nd installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2024274 pp
A snowy English village with a thousand secrets, bad Christmas presents, far too many decorations and a string of inexplicable murders...<p>Surrey, 1928. When a much unloved miser dies in the village of Kilston Down, no one suspects foul play - except for famed sleuth Lord Edgington, who may just be looking for a way to avoid his awful in-laws over Christmas. But after several unconnected villagers mysteriously die in their beds, the great detective and his young assistant must track down the culprit before the bells ring for Christmas Day and the killer strikes again.</p><p></p><p>Perfectly festive but with a fiendishly wicked mystery plot, this 1920s whodunit features a cast of eccentric suspects, a witty and warm detective duo and enough twists and turns to see you through to the New Year.</p><p></p><p>A spoiler-free, standalone novel in the bestselling "Lord Edgington Investigates..." series, "The Christmas Candle Murders" is an Agatha Christie-style mystery with a dash of Downton Abbey thrown in.</p>
Next Recommended Book

Christmas Mystery

Book #52 of 524 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Standalone Novels conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Christmas Mystery?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Christmas Mystery before Black Hills?

No. We recommend reading Black Hills first. Christmas Mystery is the 52th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Christmas Mystery required reading for the Standalone Novels?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Christmas Mystery in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Christmas Mystery is Christmas Mystery (Book #52).