We have made it through a week of Golden-Age murder mysteries together. I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have. This has been the most ambitious series I’ve created so far, and it’s been such a treat to read and write.

I started this series hoping to find some new authors and stories, and I think I’ve been successful. I’ll certainly be picking up some more Francis Duncan stories, and perhaps I’ll give Gladys Mitchell another shot. And Midwinter Murder is definitely going on the annual holiday read list. If you’re interested in the full list of my reads this year, you can find them all here. And because I like charts, I made this summary of my thoughts on each read, with mystery quality and holiday vibes.

If you’re looking for the quick list of all the books I profiled this year, here they are:

1. Day 1: The Nine Tailors by Dorothy Sayers
2. Day 2: Death Comes At Christmas by Gladys Mitchell
3. Day 3: Midwinter Murder by Agatha Christie
4. Day 4: The Santa Klaus Murder by Mavis Doriel Hay
5. Day 5: Murder for Christmas by Francis Duncan
6. Day 6: An English Murder by Cyril Hare
7. Day 7: Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie

Why read murders for Christmas?

As we put up stockings and hang Christmas lights, it may seem like the wrong time to read about murder. Certainly, at one point , I felt put out by the bleakness of reading about so many murders on Christmas Day. What’s the point of reading so many sad stories, full of controlling partriarchs and bloody deaths?

But there’s hope in each of these mysteries, and a reminder that even murders can beget a better future. Murder mysteries remind me that, with the right mix of luck and expertise, mysteries can be solved. Even when facing the unexpected, even when faced with murderers, Golden Age sleuths find and share the truth. In doing so, they share the gift of knowledge and improve the world around them. One person can effect change, and empower those around them to improve their own lots in life.

It’s a hopeful message, and one I find empowering as the nights get longer. There’s nothing like a good mystery story for remembering that the world is good, and truth is worth the effort.

The Owlet’s take on Christmas mysteries

Reading this many Christmas stories back-to-back has also been a nice way to reflect on the holiday season. I grew up Hindu, and Christmas was never something my family celebrated explicitly. Instead, we drove to Marco Island (a few hours from Miami), taking advantage of the holiday lull to enjoy an almost private beach. As we grew up, my brother and I created our own holiday traditions – from saving our allowances to trade presents, Gift of the Magi-style, to lavishing our attentions on a gingerbread house kit (oh the royal icing messes we made!). So through early adulthood, Christmas was always personal, centered on hard-won traditions.

And then I married into a Colombian family, which is a whole other level of celebratory. I feel so lucky to be welcomed into their week-plus of Christmas celebrations, full of songs and music and laughter. I’ve learned to look forward to buñuelos, hot from the fryer. And I have adult money now, which means I can buy all the people I love all the presents I want.

Reading these mysteries made me realize there’s a core thread woven through all of my holiday celebrations. No matter where I am or how I celebrate, I focus on family – by blood and by choice. That’s what resonated the most in each of the Christmas stories I read this year. Whether it’s the complex family dynamics of Fenchurch St. Paul, Mrs. Bradley’s concern for her nephew, or the Lees’ search for truth and reconciliation, my favorite part of each story is the family arc.

While not all of these family stories ended happily (drownings! murder!), each made me wish for more family time this year. Many of the stories also emphasized the importance of unexpected family – whether that’s a spouse, a ward, or simply a trusted colleague. Family is what you make of it, and the holidays are a time to appreciate all those sources of support.

A holiday wish for you and yours

So this winter, I hope that you get to spend some time with your chosen family this holiday season, whether in-person or virtual. I hope that your holidays are murder-free, but full of surprise and mystery (presents count). I hope that you read anything and everything you want, that your blanket is warm and cozy, and that your mug stays full of chocolate.

We’ve got a bit of a pivot next week – reflecting on some of my favorite reads of 2022. And then we’re back to the regular programming in 2023. I can’t wait to see you there.

Until then – stay cozy, stay curious, and Happy Holidays!