P.D. James was often commissioned by newspapers and magazines to write a special short story for Christmas.As the six murderous tales unfold, the dark motive of revenge is revealed at the heart of each.Bullying schoolmasters receive their comeuppance, unhappy marriages and childhoods are avenged, a murder in the small hours of Christmas Day puts an end to the vicious new lord of the manor, and, from the safety of his nursing home, an octogenarian exerts exquisite retribution.