The Christmas Appeal

The Christmas Appeal (2023) Janice Hallett

This story is written as a series of electronic messages and recordings and evidence. A retired DI has sent these bits of evidence to his former detectives to get their opinion and see what conclusions they come up with.

In Lower Lockwood the Fairway Players have a yearly Christmas panto, and the exchanges are text messages and emails and chats that were not presented as evidence, but which paint a picture of the group and the place and the time.

Things open with a Christmas email sent out by one of the members of the group. Someone who I immediately disliked.

Of course that was a long time ago and we felt the original script would benefit from a few tweaks, so we removed the swearing, changed the setting to Lockwood so that we could use our own accents, and gave it a happy ending.

And then disliked even more.

Our beautiful rescue dog, which we so generously gave a home to, was awarded “Mutt with the Most” at the spring fair.

Not that others in town are much better.

2:03 p.m. Kevin wrote:
Don’t be rude to your mum. Comprendo, compadre, but she’s got a lot on her plate, she works hard and, let’s face it, she’s the only mum you’ve got.

2:04 p.m. Harley wrote:
fuck off dad
…
2:05 p.m. Kevin wrote:
All fine. He’s sorry. Just worried about school tests and a bit snappy.
2:05 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:
Appreciated.

I enjoyed the format of electronic communications giving you a glimpse into the case and seeing people at their best and worst, but the cattiness was a bit rough after awhile.

I also was a bit annoyed that the author / retired officer kept back bits of evidence. I understand it was written as a way to test the two detectives, but still found it annoying.

So I read it, I liked the format, but am not sure I’d seek out other books by the author.

Publisher: Atria Books

Rating: 6/10

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