Book reviews are subjective. I tend to rate books not according to how “perfect” they are, seem to be, or are said to be in general but rather to how perfect they are to me. I received an advance review copy of this book for an honest review.
Theft of the Magi by Miranda Atchley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As Christmas 1922 approaches, Fiona and her roommate Rose are gussying up their apartment for the holiday. But it isn’t all holiday cheer around the building as some of Fiona’s neighbors’ possessions begin disappearing from their apartments in Theft of the Magi by author Miranda Atchley.
I was excited to hear that a Christmas novella was coming to the Fiona Clery Mysteries series. And as a fan of historical mysteries in general, I was also glad to see that this one would be about something other than murder. Nothing against murder mysteries (I read those too, of course), but it’s a nice change of pace whenever a sleuth gets to take on a different kind of case.
Like the previous two books in the series, this story not only deals with Fiona’s investigation but also with themes of immigration, prejudice, friendship, family, and a little romance. (I’m hoping the main romantic couple that isn’t exactly a couple can reach a definite breakthrough in the next book, even though I’m glad they didn’t rush their relationship in Book One.)
While I guessed one part of the mystery early, it was interesting to watch Fiona figure out the rest. Some clichés and repetitive information in the read were only minor issues for me.
And it’s all wonderfully Christmassy! Given this book’s great and telling title and an opening quote inside, I think the story’s connection to a classic would have been sufficiently clear without the characters making literal references to it. Nevertheless, the plot is still touching, and it adds its own cherry on top.
All in all, the novella is an enjoyable installment for fans of this ChristFic series. (Yes, you’ll want to read Fiona’s first two mysteries first!)
Here’s my review of the first book in the series, Deadly Pearls.
Prismatic Prospects 