A Christmas Secret    by Anne Perry Order:  USA  Can Ballantine, 2006 (2006) Hardcover, e-Book Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth In 1890, Dominic and Clarice Corde travel to a small, quaint English village so that Dominic can act as substitute vicar over the Christmas holidays. A Christmas Secret is the fourth in this delightful Victorian series – acting as an early Christmas present to author Anne Perry's faithful readers. Unfortunately, all is not as it seems in this tranquil spot. The presiding vicar appears to have left abruptly for his vacation, leaving neither lists of things to be done nor requests to care for his animals. Stranger still, he had told no one that he was leaving, nor where he was going. One little thing folds onto another, building to a mystery that can't be ignored. The pace moves quickly through this little book, in which the characters grow along with the action. Not only the love that Clarice and Dominic have for each other but their deep mutual regard and respect shine through the narrative. The townspeople all have their own little secrets – don't we all? But do their secrets have anything to do with the vicar's absence? Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews