Have a Spy Over for Christmas!

The library’s Mystery Book Club recently held a “Murder Under the Mistletoe” Meeting, where members read mysteries set during Christmas and other Winter holidays. I really enjoy reading Christmas mysteries that are part of a series, but are a departure (of sorts) from an author’s usual fare. One of the best Christmas mysteries that I have read so far this year, is The Spy Who Came for Christmas by David Morrell. Morrell is a thriller author, and this title stars international spy Paul Kagan who is willing to risk his life to rescue a baby kidnapped by the Russian mob. Plot action takes place on Christmas Eve, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, during the beautiful, internationally known, annual Christmas lights celebration. Undercover agent Paul Kagan is an appealing hero –when the story opens he is wounded and on the run while sheltering a five-week-old infant under his jacket. The baby is the son of Palestinian Ahmed Hassan, who preaches peace in the Middle East, and is the target of the Russian mob because they wish to silence anyone who threatens their ability to make money from violence in the Middle East. This book is very engaging because Morrell has created the story as a contemporary version of the story of Jesus’ birth, and made it into a spy thriller. There is redemption at the end of the book and even Kagan has an epiphany which changes his life. The book is divided into four parts instead of chapters, and is relatively short. The action is intense and it is as much a “feel-good” Christmas story as it is a thriller. If you like this book, also try reading 24 Hours by Greg Iles. The action is this book takes place during a 24 hour time period, with each chapter taking place over one hour. Greg Iles is a native of Mississippi, who currently lives in Natchez. The story’s action begins in Madison, MS and involves the story of a psychopathic kidnapper who has never been caught and whose victims have never talked to the police. Doctor Will Jennings and his wife Karen race against time to rescue their son and bring the kidnapper to justice. Both 24 Hours and The Spy Who Came for Christmas have the same edgy action that compels you to stay up all night to finish the story!