A Christmas Message is Anne Perry's 14th novella in her festive series. Set during Christmas 1900, Victor Narraway, Thomas Pitt's former boss, and his new wife Vespasia are traveling by train from Jaffa to Jerusalem. While enjoying their time together and the interesting people they meet, Vespasia soon becomes concerned that someone is watching their every move. When one of their new acquaintances is found murdered, the only clue is a mysterious piece of parchment written in a foreign tongue, along with a message imploring Narraway to continue the stranger's quest. Sensing its importance, Narraway and Vespasia decide to fulfill their deceased friend's wish. Continuing to Jerusalem with the parchment in hand, they quickly find themselves embroiled in danger. With Vespasia's fears suddenly realized and a watcher on their trail, Narraway and Vespasia's fates will follow that of their friend, or can they escape?.