Title:	A Christmas Gathering
	Author:	Anne Perry
	Published:	November 5, 2019, Ballantine Books
	No. of Pages:	208
	Cover Price:	$20.00 Hardcover, $10.99 Kindle

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Anne Perry, bestselling author of several historical series, releases a new Christmas novel annually. The Christmas novels generally include some of the minor characters from her series, and A Christmas Gathering is no exception. A favorite character in Perry’s Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series, Aunt Vespasia, who is not only a classic beauty, but also a well respected player in the highest social circles, and a very savvy help when it comes to solving murders with Charlotte. Vespasia has recently married Victor Narraway, who was previously head of London Special Branch, and they reluctantly agree to spend Christmas with a group of acquaintances who are high up on the social ladder. Vespasia assumes that Victor is involved in something with Special Branch and hence, the invitation. Victor is doing one last mission for Special Branch and must accept a package from another guest to unmask a British traitor, and doesn’t want to involve his wife to keep her out of danger. Unfortunately, Victor had a similar mission 20 years prior, and the agent handing over the package was murdered. Since the murder was never solved, Victor is uncomfortable, and when the agent handing over the package is almost murdered, Vespasia inserts herself into the investigation.

Perry is absolutely the queen of historical fiction. She has done her research, and while her characters are fictional, the settings and scenarios are true to historical facts. Perry has developed her characters so the main ones are not only beloved, but seem real. She proves that evil people existed at the turn of the century, no different than in our modern times. Perry’s knowledge and excellent writing skills make readers feel like they are living through the novel.

This novel is a fast read, and can be enjoyed by even by readers who are busy during the holiday season.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.