Talk

Carole Matthews Mrs Christmas has a homely feel rather than chicklit

How about The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder?

The Unburied by Charles Palliser

Jeff Guinn - any of the Christmas Chronicle books. They are feel good, earnest novels that are like having a nice cup of tea. Not chick lit. Very Christmassy, also good for a busy December as they're quick reads!

Thanks for the replies. We have decided on Christmas ghosts. A collection of short stories byDickens, Alcott etc. only 75p on Kindle and suits most of my group as there is a Xmas theme but also a bit of thriller/excitement.

Sounds great

Aww, you could have had this one of Wally Lamb's - I love him.

Wishin' and Hopin' - A Christmas Story

Another homely one that warms your spirits A Redbird Christmas

Quite quick to read, which is good when you're busy at this time of year!

DuchessofMalfi I love The Christmas Mystery, although the bloke shouting "to Bethlehem" all the time got on my nerves

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham. Not like his usual legal novels. I really liked it, apart from I thought the ending was weak and a disappointment, but seasonal.

Unfortunately more expensive on kindle as you'll get second hand ones off amazon for 1p + P+P .

My favourite Christmas novel is Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie.

Another vote here for Grisham's Skipping Christmas.

One of the most evocative (and, frankly, disturbing... at least when I was I my pre-teens!) 'Christmas' novels I ever loved and which stands up to scrutiny in adulthood is The Dark Is Rising. (It's also one of (author) David Mitchell's fave books too, if that helps!)

I still love The Dark Is Rising, it's an excellent book.

The Snow Child is very evocative of winter and Christmas though isn't specifically set at Christmas.

Or you could do an adult analysis of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and then have mulled wine and mince pies

The Christmas Train by David Baldacci might be a good one. It isn't overly long either, which would be a plus at this busy season.