If Anne Perry wrote it, I want to read it, because I know I will have a wonderful time revisiting old characters I've met in other books and meeting new ones. This is a Christmas tale, but there is a great deal of drama and action in this wonderful and satisfying story, which (like all her books) is minutely researched for period detail. You can practically smell the mud and muck of low tide! But you also feel the love and anguish of people whom you come to know; you care what happens to them. Wonderful!

3.5/5 stars

I really enjoyed this Christmas tale. It was a well crafted, well written and very quick to read. I have not read any other works by Ms. Perry, but, I think I will read more of her work.

This newest of Anne Perry's Christmas novellas combines mystery, suspicion, kindness and a Christmas miracle to create an enjoyable read.

A Christmas Deliverance by Anne Perry 4 stars

The annual Christmas novella from Anne Perry featuring characters from her William Monk series. This one features Scuff, the adopted son of William Monk and Dr. Crowe, the owner of the free clinic that serves the poorer denizens near the Thames. Scuff is now a kind of apprentice to Dr. Crowe and treating patients. Dr. Crowe encounters a former patient, Ellie, on the street having an argument with a gentleman. After a few inquiries, Dr. Crowe discovers strange rumors involving Ellie’s father and her “fiancé”. Finally acknowledging his attraction to Ellie, can Dr. Crowe save her from a horrible marriage?

An enjoyable interlude in the world of William Monk, the characters still carry a vibrancy and I have missed them. Scuff, the former mudlark has turned into an intelligent and compassionate young man. It was wonderful seeing William Monk again, albeit in a supporting role. I had a quiet evening reading this book and hope there will another one next year.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House/Ballantine for this ARC.

3.5 stars, rounding up here on NetGalley.

I liked this one a lot, but thought it could be more Christmas-y. There was very little mention of the holiday. I liked the characters and the setting in London. I love Anne Perry’s descriptions and she always makes me want to be there. I already have the next book of her’s that is coming out in the spring. Can’t wait to read it!

"A Christmas Deliverance" takes readers to London at the holidays, where Dr. Crowe and his assistant Scuff/Will treat working class people in their clinic. When Dr. Crowe saves the life of a wealthy young woman involved in a carriage accident, he did not intend to fall in love with her. As he follows up on her injuries, Dr. Crowe discovers information about her father's suspected involvement in a suspicious warehouse fire. Crowe becomes obsessed with finding out the truth of the incident, in an effort to save the young woman from a cruel fiance.

Readers of Anne Perry's annual Christmas offering will not be disappointed in this latest installment, which features characters from some other novels in the series. The differences between wealthy and working class people reminded me of the themes found in Dickens novels. Although it is set at Christmas time, the novel primarily revolves around the crime investigation. Readers should be aware of some details of medical treatment that form a part of the story. The plot moves along rapidly and will probably keep readers enthralled and turning pages.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and given freely.

I have been a fan of Anne Perry since I read the first novel in the Charlotte Pitt series. I would love to see another series with Scuff, Crowe, and Ellie.

This title is a novella, which is typical of her holiday titles, so it's a fast and entertaining read. Despite its brevity, the characters are well fleshed out, making it something one can enjoy without having read the Hester and William Monk series.

My only criticism is that Crowe "forgot" about his friend Mac, whose assistance was instrumental in cracking the case. I believe that could have been handled much more realistically.

Overall, it was a good book and I recommend it to fans of historical fiction/mysteries/Victorian mysteries.

True rating: 4.5

Anne Perry's annual Christmas books fill the same spot for me as Hallmark or Netflix Christmas movies--they are usually not her best work, but nevertheless are a must read rite-of-passage signaling that the Christmas season is upon us. (Although I have to say that Christmas feels a bit shoehorned in to most of Perry's seasonal novellas and this one is no exception--there are brief mentions of Christmas pudding and the gifting of a doll but it is really not what you'd call "Christmassy.") This time the series regular who makes a peripheral appearance is River Police Inspector William Monk, whose adopted son Will (known as Scuff) is apprenticing with Dr. Crowe at his free medical clinic near the Thames. When Crowe finds out that Ellie, a former patient who he is romantically attracted to, is set to marry a violent business associate of her father just after Christmas and apparently against her will, he embarks on an investigation into her father's business affairs, uncovering arson and murder and putting himself, Scuff and their clinic in danger. The period setting is dark and atmospheric and there's a charming subplot involving an orphaned girl, but the mystery itself is pretty thin--which probably won't bother regular Christmas readers one bit.

Thanks to NetGalley and to Ballantine Books for providing an ARC of this title in return for my honest review.

A Christmas Deliverance by Anne Perry is her annual Christmas novella, just sitting on the edge of her popular William Monk series. Crowe was a doctor down by the docks who treated anyone who appeared at his door, ability to pay a non-issue. His assistant/prodigy was Scuff, otherwise known as Will Monk, the adopted son of William and Hester. One day someone came to get him as there had been a carriage accident. A young woman was seriously injured. Crowe treated her and brought her back to his surgery. When her well-to-do father discovered her whereabouts he insisted she be moved to a better establishment. Crowe denied his request, asserting that she was too seriously hurt. When his personal physician appeared, he agreed with Crowe and so she stayed for several days. As she recovered they spent many hours talking. When she left, he missed her. Occasionally he found himself walking by her house. On one such occasion he saw a young man slap her. He immediately, unwisely, knocked the young man into the gutter and accompanied her home. This action opened a whole can of worms.

Crowe was an intelligent, good-hearted man who genuinely enjoyed his life. It was austere but meaningful. His lieutenant, Scuff, was the same, and Ella Hollister, who was the daughter of a wealthy man, was not at all spoiled and ready to give her life to save her father from ruin. Hence, the acceptance of the young man slapping her face. With no reward in mind except saving her, Crowe started investigating her father and his business associate, the father of the young man. It raised a lot of questions with the authorities. All came right before it was over, but people got hurt or killed. Excellent characters . . . the kind you expect from Anne Perry. Good plot. Great story. Perfect for Christmas!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Christmas Deliverance by Ballantine, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Ballantine #AnnePerry #AChristmasDeliverance

I loved this story. Exposing the underbelly of Victorian England Crowe will do what he can to save Ellie from a horrible marriage. I liked the development of the characters and descriptions of the slums and the dealings that went on. I liked Crowe’s search for the truth even if it would hurt those he loved. A well written book.

It’s not necessary to be a fan of Perry’s Victorian historical mystery series featuring Thomas Pitt and William Monk to enjoy the set of Christmas novellas of which this is the newest entry, but if you—like me—are, the books confer the added glow of reconnecting with old literary friends from a new angle. This particular novel features Scuff, a former orphan from the London streets adopted by William and Hester Monk and in training to become a doctor, and his mentor Dr. Crowe, who also rescued his career thanks to a helping hand from Hester.

By the time the book opens, Dr. Crowe owns a medical clinic where he treats the poor without charge, accepting instead whatever food or good they choose to give him—only to let them hold onto their pride. Scuff serves as his assistant, and together they treat a little girl—Mattie, probably no more than five years old. She rewards them with a calico kitten named Rosie, but she and Rosie have no sooner moved in than Dr. Crowe is called away on a self-defined mission to help Ellie, a former patient threatened with an arranged marriage to a brute. What hold does the brute have over Ellie and her father? And can Dr. Crowe really intervene to save them, especially after his questions attract the attention of the local police, who take it upon themselves to hassle Scuff, stuck tending the clinic alone?

Despite having only about 200 pages to work with, Perry manages to include an impressive amount of scene-setting, character development, and intricate plotting. That in itself is not unexpected: she has reached her current bestseller status for a reason, after all. But it makes for a read that can be counted on to get you into the holiday spirit and still leave time for all those preparations that demand your attention at this time of year.

Scuff, the adopted son of Thames River Police Inspector Monk, is studying to be a doctor and apprenticing with Dr. Crowe, helping to treat London's poor. When Dr. Crowe begins investigating suspicious circumstances surrounding a young woman, Ellie, who he had treated, Scuff finds himself in charge of the clinic a few weeks before Christmas. He also has to field questions from shady policemen who want to know what Dr. Crowe is up to.

This is a compelling mystery, which brings Christmas to us in a different way. I am still transported to the Christmas season in London, but to a community that is poor and to whom a bed and a warm meal would be a welcome gift. The addition of the character Mattie brings home the true spirit of Christmas, and it's more real than any temporary celebration. There is a wonderful romance, and we see the stark class differences that exist between the rich and the poor in Victorian London.

The most heartbreaking aspect of this novella is the many homeless children who seem to be basically ignored by those of means.

This is a holiday novella that, in addition providing to a great mystery and romance, reminds us to reach out to others in need.

I received a free copy of this novella from Random House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

What a wonderful and perfect story for Christmas time. Anne Perry does such a great job when making Christmas miracles in her Christmas books. I love how she also brings in new characters with old ones. I was so sad when she stopped writing her Monk and Thomas Pitt series but she keeps them alive still with the Christmas stories. Highly recommend this beautiful story.

I am a HUGE fan of Anne Perry's historical mystery series Daniel Pitt and Elena Standish. However, I have really begun to look forward to her annual Victorian-era Christmas mystery stories as well. Of the few I've read so far, this is my favorite. There's nothing like a dose of the Christmas spirit mixed in with your mysteries! Throw in a kitten, and it's perfect.

Scuff, also known as Will Monk (adopted son of William Monk - another Perry series I must read!), is studying to be a doctor at the free clinic run by Dr. Crowe. Dr. Crowe is a wonderful doctor and mentor, but seems distracted as of late. A while ago he treated a wealthy young woman named Ellie after she was seriously injured in an accident. When he sees Ellie with her controlling and apparently abusive fiancé, his suppressed feelings for her come to life. It seems someone is forcing her to marry this man, but why? What connection is there between her fiancé and her father? Dr. Crowe knows something is amiss, and he plans to find out what. Christmas is fast approaching, and while Dr. Crowe is off investigating, Scuff is running the clinic on his own. When a homeless little girl named Mattie brings by a present for Dr. Crowe to thank him for treating her, Scuff invites her to stay so she's not out in the cold. Mattie helps Scuff at the clinic, while they try to put off the police who seem suspicious of Dr. Crowe's investigation. Can Dr. Crowe help Ellie? And can Scuff help everyone have a safe and happy Christmas?

This was an absolutely charming Christmas tale wrapped around an exciting investigation. Dr. Crowe was charmed by Ellie and her strength when she was treated by him after an almost deadly accident. When he observed her later having a contentious argument with her apparent fiancé, he was determined to discover why she was being forced to marry the hateful man. He was soon embroiled in an investigation involving the possible arson of a warehouse and a murder. This was more than he ever expected! But he would not quit until he could help Ellie. Meanwhile, Scruff was holding his own at the clinic helping the poor. When Mattie arrived with her furry and adorable gift, he couldn't bear the thought of casting her back out into the cold. He had her stay with him at the clinic, and she was determined to be helpful. I'm not really fond of children in my stories, but Mattie was simply enchanting! I was extremely fond of little "Rosie" as well. Scuff handled himself admirably when the police came fishing for information on Dr. Crowe's sleuthing; the former mudlark and son of William Monk would not wilt! The culmination of the investigation had me on the edge of my seat; it was more exciting than I expected. The ending was a bit sappy, but hey, it was a Christmas story; it wouldn't have felt satisfying otherwise!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Anne Perry is a very prolific writer in the mystery/ thriller category. She has several ongoing series that have many loyal readers, including me. Ms Perry writes an annual mystery with a Christmas holiday theme that features one of the supporting characters from her series. This insures she keeps her fans happy.
this year's mystery is set against the background of a medical clinic that serves the poorer communities and the differing clinical patients. The backstory itself is a heart warming reminder that good people can be found any and every where. As Dr Crowe investigates the circumstances surrounding a well to do patient, the mystery deepens into a romance as he works to save this young woman. The young man interning at the clinic finds himself in charge of keeping the community residents' healthy while providing support where it is most needed.

While a short read, this is most definitely an Anne Perry book. She brings the reader into this familiar world and makes us feel better about the world when it ends.

I look forward to Anne Perry's Victorian-era holiday mysteries. The story follows Dr. Crowe, a penniless doctor who runs a free medical clinic near the London docklands, who rescued a wealthy patient (Ellie) and fell in love with her as she recuperated in his clinic. When he witnesses her being abused by her controlling fiancé, he decides to investigate what ties Ellie to her a brute and why her father is pushing her into an abusive marriage.

A Christmas Deliverance is a quick, enjoyable read, but not edited as tightly as it could be. Crowe obsesses over the death of a watchman, Ellie's motivation and her father's involvement in possible insurance fraud. Crowe's motivation for pursuing Ellie's fiancé and his father is repeated three or four times in almost the same words. It was distracting, but I still enjoyed the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for an advance reader copy. Add A Christmas Deliverance to Anne Perry's heartwarming holiday classics list.

It wouldn’t seem like the holidays without a Christmas mystery by Anne Perry. So, it was with great pleasure I read Christmas Deliverance. With a touch of Dicken ‘s sympathy for London’s poor, a touch of medical Victorian procedure, a touch of danger, and a touch of romance all in a wonderful historical setting that Anne Perry is known for writing this is a delight to read.

Dr. Crowe decides to play amateur sleuth leaving his apprentice, Scuff in charge of the medical clinic. From there the story continues to unfold. Meet Scuff, who has a great future ahead that perhaps we will get to know more, Dr. Crowe, Mattie, and Ellie in this delightful Victorian story.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

Anne Perry brings another Christmas story into our hearts through the William and Hester Monk series. As we visit the backstreets and river banks in London we see Dr. Crowe and his apprentice Scruff attempting to take care of patients while also trying to solve a mysterious fire. Unfortunately the parties behind the fire seem to be affluent businessmen who are tied to Dr. Crowe's secret crush and previous patient, Ellie Hollister. While Dr. Crowe is about trying to solve the mystery, Scruff allows homeless girl Mattie and her best friend, kitten Rosie, to live in their home/practice office. While the Christmas theme may be hiding a bit in this story - it is there nontheless and brings smiles when it appears. Will also mention that the cover of this book is seasonally beautiful and draws the reader's eye to it! What a fun, quick read! Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #AChristmasDeliverance #NetGalley

A Christmas Deliverance by Anne Perry is a stand-alone novella, that is set in her mystery series, William and Hester Monk.  The story starts off with Dr. Crowe attending the wounds of a young girl, Mattie, as he fixes her damaged finger. Crowe operates a free medical clinic, mostly for the poor in its vicinity; with people paying mostly for the service with food, as well as occasional donations that help Crowe to purchase the medicines and equipment needed.  His assistant Scuff, has been learning everything about medicine, to help Crowe, his mentor, in handling the many patients that cannot afford to pay.  Scuff is the adopted son of William and Hester Monk (the other series), and he plays a major role in this story.

One day, Crowe arrives at a scene where a young woman is trapped under a carriage with a severe injury to her leg.  He manages to get her to his clinic to treat and cleanse the injury.  The young woman is Ellie Hollister, who is the daughter of a wealthy businessman. Her father is not pleased she is in this clinic for the poor, but with advice from his doctors, he allows her to remain for a few days.  Crowe was enamored by Ellie, but understands that she is out of his class.  A year later, he sees Ellie from a distance, having an argument with another man, who ends up slapping her.  Crowe comes to her rescue, and is shocked to discover that the man is her fiancée.  Crowe decides he needs to investigate why would Ellie would want to marry a man that abuses her.

With Crowe out of the office a lot to investigate the wealthy men Dolan and Hollister, Scuff is left to run the clinic mostly on his sown.  Young Mattie brings her kitten to Scuff, who realizes that Mattie is homeless, and offers her a warm place to stay with her kitten, Rosie, as well as give both of them food.  Mattie also helps out Scuff, with cleansing tools, and together they fend off the police, who are suspicious about Crowe’s investigations

What follows is Crowe using his connections throughout the town to learn more of why Ellie is being forced to marry Paul Dolan, an evil and abusive man. He learns about a fire, a dead man and the Dolan family possibly blackmailing Ellie’s father. As we race to the finish, Crowe visits Inspector Monk, to explain his findings, with an exciting dangerous finale.  A Christmas Deliverance was a well written mystery by Anne Perry.

A Christmas Deliverance by Anne Perry was an interesting mystery story. I cannot imagine saving someone life like the doctor did in this story. The doctor also helped his lost child helper to become a doctor. Read the story I think you will like the mystery and romance and kindness shown by the doctor to his patients.