I look forward to reading at least one book in this series each Christmas. It felt different for me. Dark. Worm brought the same edge to the story that Tiny Tim always made me feel in A Christmas Carol. Beautifully written and full of heart. ( )

Squeaky and Worm are the feature players in this sort of confusing Christmas story. Worm is on a quest to save a pretty woman which develops into something more sinister. Squeaky joins him as they kind of wander through Christmas to seek the lost gold. At least, Wurm gets to eat often and well. ( )

A pleasant diversion, and a sweet, straightforward little tale that skirts being saccharine; Squeaky is an interesting character nonetheless and the atmosphere is excellent. ( )

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Worm is a nine-year-old boy who is an orphaned street urchin living at Portpool Lane Clinic. Worm becomes embroiled in a mystery that turns quite dangerous when he witness a beautiful woman, Eloise, being abducted. Worm goes to Squeaky, who is the clinic's bookkeeper and is also a former brothel owner.

More than familiar with seediest type of life and some nefarious people, Squeaky doesn't want to run into anyone of that sort, so he is reluctant to help Worm. As it turns out, Eloise's abduction is part of a bigger situation and the danger is real. Should Squeaky or Worm try and help the woman, things could get really ugly.

As we read the story, we learn more about Worm, and how Squeaky really is a good guy. Also, we are able to understand Eloise's situation and motives. I love the relationship between Worm and Squeaky. There is a lot of intrigue, and this was a very quick read. The story is very warm and is just a perfect read for this season.

A Christmas Revelation is loosely connected to the William Monk series.

Many thanks to Ballantine Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion. ( )

A Christmas Revelation by Anne Perry is the sixteenth novel in The Christmas Stories series. Worm lives at the clinic on Portpool Lane thanks to the kindly Claudine Burroughs. Worm is out and about one day when he witnesses a lovely lady get kidnapped by two men. Worm runs back to the clinic and reports the problem to Squeaky Robinson, the clinic’s accountant. Squeaky tries to distract Worm with preparations for Christmas, but he is not to be deterred. The next morning, the pair set out to find where the kidnappers are hiding the woman. They soon find her and learn that she has the situation well in hand. Eloise has plans for bringing the two men to justice for more serious crimes, but she could use their help. With the assistance of Worm and Squeaky, Eloise sets out to bag the criminals and make sure their stockings are filled with coal by local prison warden.

A Christmas Revelation is part of The Christmas Stories series, but it can be read as a standalone (I have not read any other book by this author). I found A Christmas Revelation to be a charming story. Worm is grateful to have a warm, safe place to live plus food in his belly. He has never experienced Christmas before and Squeaky wants to make sure Worm gets the full experience. I enjoy the interactions between Worm and Squeaky. I especially liked the scene where Squeaky was trying to explain Jesus to Worm. When Squeaky could not distract Worm from Eloise’s dilemma, he sets out to help the young lad. Squeaky is familiar with the ways of the street and has connections that can help them. I liked seeing Squeaky and Worm grow closer. I also appreciated that Worm is developing a sense of wrong and right now that he is living at the clinic. A Christmas Revelation contains good writing and steady pacing. I felt the author captured the time period with the language, clothing, buildings, conveyances, and how Christmas is celebrated during that time. I liked the reference to how they needed to obtain a Christmas tree thanks to Queen Victoria’s husband. I did feel the mystery was slightly disappointing and there was a loose thread or two at the end. It is a short book with only 177 pages which makes it the perfect type of book to read on a cold afternoon. A Christmas Revelation is an enticing Victorian Christmas mystery. ( )