Worm is a street urchin who has never celebrated a real Christmas. Squeaky, the hard-shelled bookkeeper for a women’s shelter (and reformed brothel-owner) is determined to change that. Scraping together their meager funds, Squeaky plans roast goose, ribbons, tinsel, and gifts for all who will stay at the shelter on Christmas day.
But as much as Squeaky tries to distract Worm with the upcoming festivities, Worm can’t forget the woman with the angelic face that he saw being jostled by two thugs and pulled into a house in a questionable part of town. The men were hurting her–he is sure of it. Determined to offer whatever aid he can, Worm ropes Squeaky into his plan and the two set off across London to save the mysterious woman.
This short novel (novella?) started out interesting but wandered a little from the original theme of Christmas. It felt like it needed more to tie it all together (maybe another 10,000 words?). I have greatly enjoyed Anne Perry’s William Monk books and Thomas & Charlotte Pitt series, but this is the first holiday book I have read of hers.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Rosanne E. Lortz 