Review of 'Christmas at Thornton Park' by Ellen Read
Release date: November 17th, 2025
Publisher: Easy Reads Publishing
REVIEW
This delightful cosy Christmas mystery with a fairytale/fantasy theme set in 1930 is part of The Thornton Mystery Series. One thing I adored about it is the numerous references to Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen. Starting with a themed set of seven Russian Nesting Dolls that have been carved to demonstrate the fairytale. On Christmas Eve, these beauties commissioned by Thomas Thornton and created by Sergey Zolotarev, are to be unveiled. But, of course, during their introduction, we discover one has gone missing. And the guests become suspects.
On top of this, the butler named Higgins is murdered and Viktor, Sergey’s brother is struck by a car. There’s lots of suspicious activity and intriguing conversations focused on these events. A murder must be solved and a theft. How these two plots work throughout the story is brilliant. And the later joining of these threads is ingenious creative writing by Ellen Read.
There are a number of Agatha Christie elements here, too, with the setting, atmosphere, red herrings and guest suspects! Alexandra and Edith are even mentioned reading Mrs Christies’s novels. I also loved the clever comparisons of the characters and the plot to Andersen’s beloved Snow Queen. It took the cosy mystery format up another notch by crossing it with a fairy tale! This provides another layer of historical literary depth. Miss Allard has been called the Snow Queen for she threw her ice shard into Viktor’s heart and he has changed after meeting her. Lana and Viktor are like Gerda and Kai. Great Expectations is another book mentioned. I loved how these stories were worked into the novel to portray various characteristics. And I cannot forget our two canine friends Molly and Bella as they are a nice addition!
This bright little novella size book is a quick read but not short on details or well developed characters. It hums along at a steady pace as we try to solve two mysteries that interwine towards the end. I loved all the characters and their antics. I don’t want to give any plot points away so I won’t say more, but I encourage everyone to read Christmas at Thornton Park! A power packed cosy mystery with a unique touch of fairy tale influence. Clever, charming and memorable! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to the author for a review copy.
