Wholesome murder

Ok so I guess that’s a strange way to put it but, it’s a story full from f people who manage to do the right thing in the face of terrible circumstances. It was a grey story and although I had figured out the end before I arrived it was enjoyable to the conclusion. The narration was a little flat at times and the voices seemed to bleed between characters at times but overall this did not detract from the story. I will definitely try another of Andrew Klavan’s books in the future.

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Good listen

Enjoyed this, good characters, an easy listen and read well. An enjoyable story that I feel could have a sequel!

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A modern "cozy murder"

Well-written and kept my attention right to the end. Akin to a modern-day Agatha Christie, though the plot-twist is not as tricky to guess. Despite being able to work out the ending in advance, the storyline still kept me fully engaged!

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A New Christmas tradition!!

Great story, easy reading, better the second time you read it... can't wait for the sequel!

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great twist

I though there where to many narratives in this story and found it a little difficult to follow whiles listening to it, perhaps a better one to read.
however as the story unfolded itbwas interesting and I found myself wanting to carry on, and the ending... was great!

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A Winter's Tale with a Dark Side

Narrated by Adam Barr, the audiobook promises a suspenseful listening experience, capturing the warmth and magic of the season while drawing the listener into a captivating whodunit.

Production Quality:

While the story offers an intriguing plot and a festive setting, the audiobook format might not have been the ideal choice for this particular story. The large cast of characters and the nuanced dialogue might have been better appreciated in print. The narration, while generally competent, felt somewhat monotonous at times, making it difficult to fully distinguish between some of the characters. However, the narrator's portrayal of the Russian accent was well-executed, adding a layer of authenticity.

Overall:

The story invites listeners to immerse themselves in a festive atmosphere with its charming holiday setting and intriguing mystery. It maintains a steady build-up of suspense, keeping the listener guessing until the very end. The audiobook format, with its immersive sound, effectively heightens the tension and creates a truly chilling atmosphere.

Klavan's writing style is engaging and evocative, drawing the listener into the story with vivid descriptions and a captivating plot. The audiobook, with its well-paced narration, further enhances the immersive experience. The story explores the complex relationships between the residents of the small town, revealing hidden secrets and unexpected connections. The narrator effectively brings these characters to life, allowing the listener to immerse themselves in their world.

The audiobook effectively captures the festive atmosphere of the holiday season, creating a sense of warmth and anticipation. However, the underlying mystery creates a subtle sense of unease, leaving the listener wondering what secrets lie beneath the surface of this seemingly idyllic town.

The story explores the complex and often unsettling dynamics between the characters, particularly between the investigator, Winter, and the accused, Travis Blake. As Winter delves deeper into the investigation, he confronts his own inner darkness and begins to understand Travis Blake on a more profound level, highlighting the potential for darkness within seemingly ordinary individuals. This exploration of shared humanity adds a layer of psychological depth to the narrative.

The introduction of psychomachia adds a layer of psychological intrigue to the narrative, blurring the lines between reality and perception. As Winter delves deeper into the investigation, he confronts his own inner demons and begins to question the nature of his own reality, mirroring the themes explored in the psychomachia story. This exploration of identity, memory, and the human psyche adds a layer of depth and complexity to the story, leaving the listener questioning the true nature of events and the motivations of the characters.

Favourite characters:

Cameron Winter: his monotonous speech patterns reflect his reserved and uptight personality. He appears closed off and guarded, making it difficult to read his true intentions.

Victoria: a perceptive lawyer, suspects an undercurrent of suppressed trauma among the male population in her small town, many of whom appear to share similar characteristics. This leads her to question the guilt of a man who pleaded guilty to murder, determined to uncover the truth.

Jennifer Dean: a librarian with a captivating Russian accent, possesses an uncanny ability to connect with people on a deep level. Her enigmatic past remains shrouded in mystery, as she seemingly appeared in town without any prior history. This air of mystery, coupled with her apparent empathy, makes her a truly intriguing character.

Travis Blake: a celebrated member of the community, harbors a dark and brooding presence. His intense gaze and his wild, almost desperate riding style suggest a man haunted by inner demons. Though outwardly successful and a devoted father to his daughter, he is consumed by jealousy and grief following the loss of his wife, fueling suspicion about his involvement in a tragic crime.

Favourite quotes:

“It’s like a sweet past; frozen in place.”

“It means a battle of the mind or of the soul. It’s sometimes used in literary studies to discuss a story or a poem in which every character represents a different aspect of a single person.”

How it ends:

The story concludes with a satisfying and thought-provoking resolution that leaves the listener pondering the complexities of human nature and the unexpected twists and turns of fate. The ending offers a sense of closure while leaving a lingering impression, prompting reflection on the characters and the events that unfolded."

Favourite part:

The exploration of psychomachia adds a fascinating layer of depth to the narrative, as Winter's own therapy sessions mirror the psychological complexities of the case. This introspective element, coupled with the exploration of the characters' inner demons and motivations, raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of human behavior and the impact of personal history on our actions. The story masterfully weaves together elements of psychological intrigue with the traditional cozy mystery elements, creating a compelling and thought-provoking listening experience.

Re-listenability:

The intricate plot leaves me eager to re-listen to 'When Christmas Comes' to see if I can uncover any clues or hidden meanings that I might have missed on the first listen. I am also eager to explore more of Andrew Klavan's work, particularly his suspense novels, to experience his unique storytelling style and the intricate ways he weaves together suspense, character development, and psychological intrigue.

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Gripping, fresh and festive

I'm a sucker for a Christmas crime novel – and I'm usually disappointed. Not this year. When Christmas Comes is the audiobook equivalent of a page-turner. Clever, skilfully written, brimful of character and mystery, it is everything a crime novel should be. The Christmas setting plays a significant role in the plot but not to excess. I will be reading more of Andrew Klavan... Highly recommended.

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A mediocre disappointment

Too many narratives, weak characters, a few highlights. Well written but crappy story. 😕 A decent read but I would not recommend this.

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Wonderful

I enjoyed this a lot. A compelling, touching story with a rich Christmassy feel, superbly written.

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Excellent read

Read this on recommendation from my son and OMG, it's a fantastic read. Beautifully written and a wonderful story. Looking forward to the new sequel out tomorrow.

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