With its powerful message of responsibility and redemption - "We need both to forgive and to be forgiven" - it conveys a moral force in keeping with the season (Wall Street Journal)The tale is redolent with Victorian atmosphere, from the hypocritical snobbishness to the rigid social conventions of the time (Tangled Web)A bite-sized mystery that could be fitted in after your Christmas lunch (Daily Telegraph)Delightful . . . The perfect gift for a whodunit addict who likes to curl up with a good book after Christmas lunch (Oxford Times)

A Christmas Message is Anne Perry's 14th novella in her festive series.

Christmas 1900.

Victor Narraway, Thomas Pitt's former boss and his new wife Vespasia are travelling by train from Jaffa to Jerusalem. Although enjoying their time together and the interesting people they meet, Vespasia soon becomes concerned that someone is watching their every move.

When one of their new acquaintances is found murdered, the only clue is a mysterious piece of parchment written in a foreign tongue, and a message imploring Narraway to continue the stranger's quest. Sensing its importance, Narraway and Vespasia decide to fulfil their dead friend's wish.

Continuing to Jerusalem with the parchment in hand, they quickly find themselves embroiled in danger. With Vespasia's fears suddenly realised and a watcher on their trail, will Narraway and Vespasia's fates follow that of their friend or can they make it to the Holy Land unscathed?

A Christmas Message is the tantalising new festive tale from the pen of Anne Perry, the master of Victorian crime.