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The Midnight Before Christmas: A Holiday Thriller
On Christmas Eve, a lawyer helps a battered wife search for her kidnapped son
As ex-husbands go, they don’t get much worse than Carl. He’s violent, drunken, and possessive—and worst of all, he’s an ex-cop. Bonnie has remarried, and done everything she can to keep their son away from his father, but when Carl comes to terrorize them—stinking drunk on Christmas Eve—she cannot call the cops for help. After years of living in fear, she visits a legal aid office to arrange a restraining order. But by the time the lawyer starts the paperwork, it’s already too Carl has kidnapped their son. Bonnie’s lawyer, an ex-priest named Megan McGee, has too much Christian spirit to turn the woman’s case over to the corrupt local police. Together they comb the city in search of the boy, racing to find him before his father’s affections become violent, and turn this white Christmas into a bloody one.
As ex-husbands go, they don’t get much worse than Carl. He’s violent, drunken, and possessive—and worst of all, he’s an ex-cop. Bonnie has remarried, and done everything she can to keep their son away from his father, but when Carl comes to terrorize them—stinking drunk on Christmas Eve—she cannot call the cops for help. After years of living in fear, she visits a legal aid office to arrange a restraining order. But by the time the lawyer starts the paperwork, it’s already too Carl has kidnapped their son. Bonnie’s lawyer, an ex-priest named Megan McGee, has too much Christian spirit to turn the woman’s case over to the corrupt local police. Together they comb the city in search of the boy, racing to find him before his father’s affections become violent, and turn this white Christmas into a bloody one.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 1998
89 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
William Bernhardt
99 books514 followersWilliam Bernhardt is the author of over sixty books, including the bestselling Daniel Pike and Ben Kincaid legal thrillers, the historical novels Challengers of the Dust and Nemesis, three books of poetry, and the ten Red Sneaker books on fiction writing.
In addition, Bernhardt founded the Red Sneaker Writers Center to mentor aspiring writers. The Center hosts an annual writers conference (WriterCon), small-group seminars, a monthly newsletter, and a bi-weekly podcast. More than three dozen of Bernhardt’s students have subsequently published with major houses. He is also the owner of Balkan Press, which publishes poetry and fiction as well as the literary journal Conclave.
Bernhardt has received the Southern Writers Guild’s Gold Medal Award, the Royden B. Davis Distinguished Author Award (University of Pennsylvania) and the H. Louise Cobb Distinguished Author Award (Oklahoma State), which is given "in recognition of an outstanding body of work that has profoundly influenced the way in which we understand ourselves and American society at large." He has been nominated for the Oklahoma Book Award eighteen times in three different categories, and has won the award twice. Library Journal called him “the master of the courtroom drama.” The Vancouver Sun called him “the American equivalent of P.G. Wodehouse and John Mortimer.”
In addition to his novels and poetry, he has written plays, a musical (book and score), humor, children stories, biography, and puzzles. He has edited two anthologies (Legal Briefs and Natural Suspect) as fundraisers for The Nature Conservancy and the Children’s Legal Defense Fund. OSU named him “Oklahoma’s Renaissance Man.”
In his spare time, he has enjoyed surfing, digging for dinosaurs, trekking through the Himalayas, paragliding, scuba diving, caving, zip-lining over the canopy of the Costa Rican rain forest, and jumping out of an airplane at 10,000 feet. In 2013, he became a Jeopardy! champion winning over $20,000.
When Bernhardt delivered the keynote address at the San Francisco Writers Conference, chairman Michael Larsen noted that in addition to penning novels, Bernhardt can “write a sonnet, play a sonata, plant a garden, try a lawsuit, teach a class, cook a gourmet meal, beat you at Scrabble, and work the New York Times crossword in under five minutes.”
In addition, Bernhardt founded the Red Sneaker Writers Center to mentor aspiring writers. The Center hosts an annual writers conference (WriterCon), small-group seminars, a monthly newsletter, and a bi-weekly podcast. More than three dozen of Bernhardt’s students have subsequently published with major houses. He is also the owner of Balkan Press, which publishes poetry and fiction as well as the literary journal Conclave.
Bernhardt has received the Southern Writers Guild’s Gold Medal Award, the Royden B. Davis Distinguished Author Award (University of Pennsylvania) and the H. Louise Cobb Distinguished Author Award (Oklahoma State), which is given "in recognition of an outstanding body of work that has profoundly influenced the way in which we understand ourselves and American society at large." He has been nominated for the Oklahoma Book Award eighteen times in three different categories, and has won the award twice. Library Journal called him “the master of the courtroom drama.” The Vancouver Sun called him “the American equivalent of P.G. Wodehouse and John Mortimer.”
In addition to his novels and poetry, he has written plays, a musical (book and score), humor, children stories, biography, and puzzles. He has edited two anthologies (Legal Briefs and Natural Suspect) as fundraisers for The Nature Conservancy and the Children’s Legal Defense Fund. OSU named him “Oklahoma’s Renaissance Man.”
In his spare time, he has enjoyed surfing, digging for dinosaurs, trekking through the Himalayas, paragliding, scuba diving, caving, zip-lining over the canopy of the Costa Rican rain forest, and jumping out of an airplane at 10,000 feet. In 2013, he became a Jeopardy! champion winning over $20,000.
When Bernhardt delivered the keynote address at the San Francisco Writers Conference, chairman Michael Larsen noted that in addition to penning novels, Bernhardt can “write a sonnet, play a sonata, plant a garden, try a lawsuit, teach a class, cook a gourmet meal, beat you at Scrabble, and work the New York Times crossword in under five minutes.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 1, 2018
When Bonnie's son Tommy is kidnapped by his father Carl, it is up to a lawyer/priest named Megan to save him. But can she save his son or does she have an ulterior motive in mind? Read on and find out for yourself.
this was a pretty good Christmas thriller. Definitely look for this at your local library and wherever books are sold.
this was a pretty good Christmas thriller. Definitely look for this at your local library and wherever books are sold.
December 22, 2019
Meh. This book started out strong for me. It had an engaging story, unique women characters (the MC is a pastor turned defense lawyer), and a Christmas Eve setting. I also really liked the cute/cheesy subplot of the gift exchanging.
But then the ending of the book turned into some unbelievable shitshow with the most incompetent cops I’ve ever read. I can’t get behind having characters make stupid decisions just to make a more ridiculous and dramatic ending. Not for me.
But then the ending of the book turned into some unbelievable shitshow with the most incompetent cops I’ve ever read. I can’t get behind having characters make stupid decisions just to make a more ridiculous and dramatic ending. Not for me.
December 10, 2023
It reads like a cheesy holiday movie, but not one for children - too many horrifying events take place.
December 16, 2012
I often read this short book at Christmas. I like the main characters and enjoy how the author uses funny gifts to move the story forward
December 6, 2016
I really liked this book. it's the first for me by William Bernhardt. I've been meaning to read him for years, especially after he "Friend"ed me on Facebook way back in 2009. I've got a number of his books already. My reading this book will have me finally dive into others.
I really, really liked how this book was plotted. I noticed others wrote of a sudden twist. Nope. This book is written to have you think a certain way and slowly changes gears until you see the story at a whole new perspective. As one reads certain facts are presented over the many pages. Then as facts supporting one view are presented, other facts are presented intertwined giving the reader a few different views. Very clever.
Adding the gift exchange throughout adds further dimension to the book and a nice distraction that will surprise some readers into realized that while looking one way, a whole other fact of the story had slid by and - surprise - maybe this book is about something else all together.
I also liked the construction of the characters. The main one is deftly handled. The supporting characters are really well done as, again, different viewpoints in the narrative creates almost new characters.
What I didn''t like was the acceptance in the end of the main character of a partner. Take away the problems of the partner and still a person would want to know far more before such an agreement is made. It's among a few other untidy story pieces that were placed to make the timing of events easier. Just poorly handled.
Over all i thought this a great book best ready during the Christmas season.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 7 out of 10 points.
I really, really liked how this book was plotted. I noticed others wrote of a sudden twist. Nope. This book is written to have you think a certain way and slowly changes gears until you see the story at a whole new perspective. As one reads certain facts are presented over the many pages. Then as facts supporting one view are presented, other facts are presented intertwined giving the reader a few different views. Very clever.
Adding the gift exchange throughout adds further dimension to the book and a nice distraction that will surprise some readers into realized that while looking one way, a whole other fact of the story had slid by and - surprise - maybe this book is about something else all together.
I also liked the construction of the characters. The main one is deftly handled. The supporting characters are really well done as, again, different viewpoints in the narrative creates almost new characters.
What I didn''t like was the acceptance in the end of the main character of a partner. Take away the problems of the partner and still a person would want to know far more before such an agreement is made. It's among a few other untidy story pieces that were placed to make the timing of events easier. Just poorly handled.
Over all i thought this a great book best ready during the Christmas season.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 7 out of 10 points.
December 4, 2017
Megan McGee, lawyer and ex- Episcopalian priest, takes on the case of an hysterical woman named Bonnie who insists that her former husband, Carl, wants to kidnap and kill their 7-year-old son Tommy. Bonnie relates gruesome details of savage beatings she has suffered at Carl's hands and that he has attempted to kill Tommy in the past. Carl is a cop, currently suspended for drinking, so Bonnie is sure the local police will not help her. While Megan and Bonnie are at the courthouse to obtain a restraining order, Carl manages to get Tommy from school and take off with him. A frantic Bonnie and a determined Megan search for the two hoping to find them before Carl can do something horrible. As Megan investigates the case she sees that things are not always what they seem and some very troubling issues just do not add up.
I am a great fan of Bernhardt's but I can't say that this book is one of his better ones. It had a great twist but was mostly very predictable and simplistic. It won't keep me from reading his other novels.
I am a great fan of Bernhardt's but I can't say that this book is one of his better ones. It had a great twist but was mostly very predictable and simplistic. It won't keep me from reading his other novels.
August 18, 2017
Megan McGee, a lawyer, is spending a quiet Christmas eve alone. A battered wife, Bonnie Cantrell, needs legal advice and protection against her ex-cop husband, Carl. Bonnie tells Megan that Carl wants to kill their son,
A twist in the novel makes Megan rethink the whole case.
I really enjoyed the fast paced action in this book. I would have given it five stars but the very ending knocked it down a notch.
A twist in the novel makes Megan rethink the whole case.
I really enjoyed the fast paced action in this book. I would have given it five stars but the very ending knocked it down a notch.
December 9, 2023
I needed to read a Christmas novel for a reading challenge. I have always enjoyed William Bernhardt so this book seemed a good choice. The novel was a quick read with a bit of a twist to the story. My favorite thing was the exchange of white elephant type gifts throughout. The story was a bit dark, but ended happily.
November 19, 2017
I like to read a few "Christmas" related books every holiday season to get me in the mood. This one had a pretty dark theme, family abuse, but with a good twist in the middle and a little bit of humor.
December 12, 2020
The Midnight Before Christmas:A Holiday Thriller
A fast-paced thriller with heart. It's a heart-warming read, especially during the Christmas holiday season, and makes one want to believe in miracles.
A fast-paced thriller with heart. It's a heart-warming read, especially during the Christmas holiday season, and makes one want to believe in miracles.
June 7, 2017
I always enjoy reading his books. This one was no exception.
December 21, 2018
Interesting take on Christmas Eve. Wife was bat-crazy for money.
January 15, 2019
exciting and fast-paced with some plot twists you never see coming, but climax is weak and disappointing after such a tremendous build up.
November 21, 2019
Not terrible, good twists - the ending pushed the envelope just a hair too far for me, but I’ve certainly read worse Christmas books!
December 17, 2019
I like “Hallmark Christmas movie” kinds of books as much as the next person, but I must admit this novel was a welcome change - a holiday thriller with an interesting twist.
April 11, 2020
How corny. Really bad, but a fast read.
December 23, 2020
This was a fast-paced Christmas Eve suspenseful thriller with an unexpected twist. There was some hard to believe but nice/sweet Christmas magic at the end.
January 4, 2021
Entertaining but not much of a surprise. Quick read.
January 12, 2021
Good read
Twists and turns in Oklahoma City! I really enjoyed the book and it’s characters! It is just an interesting read.
Twists and turns in Oklahoma City! I really enjoyed the book and it’s characters! It is just an interesting read.
March 21, 2024
The middle of march is an odd time to be reading a book about Christmas, but it is not really about Christmas, it is about miracles. How one miracle can lead to another and to another.
November 22, 2024
I read this author’s novels many many years ago and always enjoyed them. This one is very fast moving and very predictable but I did enjoy it. A nice bit of Christmas cheer.
November 26, 2024
Wanted a quick and easy book for the holidays and to get to my reading challenge goal. Not bad, and easy ready.
December 17, 2025
I enjoyed this! I don’t think it will be super memorable, but it was very fast-paced and perfect for meeting your reading goal at the end of the year.
December 23, 2025
a fast read...okay mom!!!
December 26, 2025
Cute short read! Had a fun twist in the end
December 31, 2025
This is a book about deception. Who are the real bad guys? Who are the good guys? And why is the child not traumatized into being catatonic after all he goes through?
December 20, 2010
I wanted to like this book, because I enjoy reading seasonal-themed mysteries around the holidays, but I could only give this 2 stars for several reasons. One, because I never really liked the so-called heroine, the lawyer/priest Megan McGee, mainly because she stopped being a priest, and instead went to law school, because she lost her faith after the bombing in Oklahoma City. Really? If she'd have read her Bible once in awhile, she'd understand that man makes evil choices, and God doesn't always intervene. Also, she has a disgusting dog that she hates, and I kept wondering, why doesn't she just get rid of it instead of carping and being disgusted by it? If she did give it away, then I guess the author wouldn't have a reason to write sophomoric "jokes" about it's frequent gas. Also, too many of the characters and situations were entirely non-believeable and just didn't work for me. At the end, the readers are supposed to believe that the original baddie in the story, alleged wife-beater and drunk Carl, has been rehabilitated over the course of 1 day to the point where Megan agrees to go into business with him. Really?????
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2016
BOTTOM-LINE:
Surprisingly light story given the dark nature of the case
.
PLOT OR PREMISE:
Megan McGee is a 30-something lawyer facing a quiet Christmas with her dog when a new crying client Bonnie Cantrell comes asking for a restraining order.
.
WHAT I LIKED:
The restraining order is against an abusive ex, Carl, who's also an ex-cop, and Bonnie is worried for the safety of not only herself but also her son and her new lover. The story starts as a simple textbook case, but starts to morph as it becomes evident that while Carl is unhinged, perhaps Bonnie isn't telling the whole truth.
.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
A thread of Christmas presents runs through the story showing that sometimes little miracles do happen, but it's rather cliché.
.
DISCLOSURE:
I received no compensation, not even a free copy, in exchange for this review. I am not personal friends with the author, nor do I follow him on social media.
Surprisingly light story given the dark nature of the case
.
PLOT OR PREMISE:
Megan McGee is a 30-something lawyer facing a quiet Christmas with her dog when a new crying client Bonnie Cantrell comes asking for a restraining order.
.
WHAT I LIKED:
The restraining order is against an abusive ex, Carl, who's also an ex-cop, and Bonnie is worried for the safety of not only herself but also her son and her new lover. The story starts as a simple textbook case, but starts to morph as it becomes evident that while Carl is unhinged, perhaps Bonnie isn't telling the whole truth.
.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
A thread of Christmas presents runs through the story showing that sometimes little miracles do happen, but it's rather cliché.
.
DISCLOSURE:
I received no compensation, not even a free copy, in exchange for this review. I am not personal friends with the author, nor do I follow him on social media.
December 25, 2012
Tis the season, so I decided to take a break and read The Midnight Before Christmas. The e-book is 123 pages, and it is a quick read. I was somewhat disappointed at how predictable and easy and nice everything turned out to be in this book. The writer led us to believe one thing, and then gradually, things were totally turned around the other way. The book flows well, but the horror, thriller lover in me wasn't satisfied by this story.
Carl starts out a raging, abusive alcoholic, and by the end of the story, you just have to love him. Living with an alcoholic, things are never that easy.
Carl starts out a raging, abusive alcoholic, and by the end of the story, you just have to love him. Living with an alcoholic, things are never that easy.
December 21, 2014
Well done
I like to read Christmas ministries around the Christmas season but often find that I getting the something that's syrupy , preachy and just a bit too nice .
This author used surprise , irony , and all sorts of challenges and human emotions to come up with a wonderful story . Without rubbing our noses in the magic of the season he managed to bring it fully forward by actively showing, not telling .
If you're looking for something just a bit more intense than a cozy in a Christmas thriller , this might just be the one for you .
I like to read Christmas ministries around the Christmas season but often find that I getting the something that's syrupy , preachy and just a bit too nice .
This author used surprise , irony , and all sorts of challenges and human emotions to come up with a wonderful story . Without rubbing our noses in the magic of the season he managed to bring it fully forward by actively showing, not telling .
If you're looking for something just a bit more intense than a cozy in a Christmas thriller , this might just be the one for you .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews