2008-03-20 A disappointing installment

Unlike other reviewers, it wasn't the introduction of new characters like Toni Gilmour that made me enjoy this book less than the others in the series. In fact, I though Toni was one of the bright spots of an otherwise diappointing story. What jarred with me was, as other reviewers have mentioned, the unfinished feel to the whole product. It certainly felt thinner than the other hardback editions I own, and this was borne out by the rushed conclusion to the mystery, as well as the rather contrived Christmas 'theme'. I'm still giving the book three stars, however, as I still derived pleasure from reading about Agatha's latest adventure, and I hope we can expect further, and better, adventures from her soon.