December is a time of winding down and of nature resetting itself. In this volume of so-titled December Tales, we listen to stories of human drama winding down but also preparing for rebirth or resurrection as the phoenix from the flames. We have tales of doomed romances but also tales of new love found. We have tales of murder and vengeance but also of redemption and rescue. Ainsworth also reflects on the state of art itself with essays such as The Theatre and Recollections. December Tales is a compelling bounty of stories ready to drape you like a blanket on a wintry day. (Summary by Ben Tucker)