As we count down to Christmas, this third instalment in our four‑part series curated by The Bell Bookshop brings together a wonderfully varied selection of seasonal reads. Our final chapter arrives next week, just in time for Christmas and those last minute purchases, but for now we’re celebrating a mix of playful mysteries, timeless classics and beautifully crafted editions.

Agatha Christie fans will love Mischief on the Nile, where the Queen of Crime’s iconic detective receives a charming Mr Men makeover. Awash with Mr Men and Little Miss suspects, including a particularly meddlesome Mr Tickle, this is the first in a brand‑new series that blends nostalgia with gentle mischief.

For something more traditional, the elegant new edition of Christie’s Midwinter Murder offers a collection of winter‑themed mysteries. Beware of deadly snowdrifts, perilous presents and the occasional poisoned meal, perfect reading for dark December evenings.

G.B. Rubin’s Murder at Christmas: You Solve the Crime brings a fresh twist to cosy crime. Set in 1932, this interactive mystery places you in the detective’s shoes, with every decision shaping your own unique path toward catching the villain… or failing spectacularly. It’s a clever, nostalgic nod to the choose‑your‑own‑adventure format.

The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories is a beautifully clothbound anthology featuring festive tales from Hans Christian Andersen to Angela Carter, complete with Santas, ghosts, trolls and unexpected visitors. Meanwhile, the Macmillan Collector’s Library edition of A Christmas Carol is Christmas reading at its finest, with gold‑foiled edges, a ribbon marker and the original illustrations. It’s the outstanding classic for Christmas.   

For those seeking something a little different, Advent by G. Gunnarsson, translated into English for the first time in 90 years, offers Iceland’s answer to Dickens. It follows Benedikt, accompanied by his dog and ram, on their yearly walk across snow‑covered mountains to check on his sheep herd. As Michael Morpurgo says, it is “once read, never forgotten.”

Finally, our runaway non‑fiction bestseller of the year, Raising Hare, returns in a special Independent edition. This remarkable account of the bond between human and animal has captured readers’ hearts, and remains an unmissable read.

To order yours, email enquiries@bellbookshop.co.uk pop into the bookshop for a browse or call 01491 572583.

📍52, Bell Street, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2BL

Books selected by Emma Dawes at The Bell Bookshop

EXPERIENCE HENLEY CARD PERK: A Christmas bonus for Experience Henley Cardholders, if you’re treating loved ones or yourself with books this Christmas you can get a 10% discount on all purchases of £50 or more. Experience Henley Card & app, your VIP pass to Henley – Experience Henley Card