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Hanging On: A Christmas Ghost Story
“You’re in danger.”
The red wooden box Angelina found under the tree on Christmas morning wasn’t what she wanted when she asked Mam for a phone. It looked like something for a toddler. She didn’t expect to hear a woman speak to her through the toy when she played with it, nor did she expect her warning.
“You need to get out of the house.”
Seven-year-old Angelina doesn’t know what the danger is, or when to expect it. Can she trust the woman? Will she be able to hang on, or will this Christmas be her last?
Hanging On, a Christmas ghost story.
The red wooden box Angelina found under the tree on Christmas morning wasn’t what she wanted when she asked Mam for a phone. It looked like something for a toddler. She didn’t expect to hear a woman speak to her through the toy when she played with it, nor did she expect her warning.
“You need to get out of the house.”
Seven-year-old Angelina doesn’t know what the danger is, or when to expect it. Can she trust the woman? Will she be able to hang on, or will this Christmas be her last?
Hanging On, a Christmas ghost story.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2023
25 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Iseult Murphy
32 books137 followersIseult Murphy started writing at a young age, entertaining her family with magazines that she wrote and illustrated as a child. In her teens, she won several local and national short story competitions, including three time overall winner of the RDS Young Science Writers competition, and had work placed in international writing competitions such as the BBC Wildlife Poetry competition.
Iseult is drawn to horror, fantasy and science fiction, as she feels that the most difficult aspects of life can be best explored through the lens of speculative fiction.
She currently resides on the east coast of Ireland with four dogs, a couple of humans and a cat. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, art and spending time with her animals.
Iseult’s speculative fiction short stories have appeared in over two dozen venues, most recently in Liquid Imagination and Frost Fire Worlds.
Iseult is drawn to horror, fantasy and science fiction, as she feels that the most difficult aspects of life can be best explored through the lens of speculative fiction.
She currently resides on the east coast of Ireland with four dogs, a couple of humans and a cat. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, art and spending time with her animals.
Iseult’s speculative fiction short stories have appeared in over two dozen venues, most recently in Liquid Imagination and Frost Fire Worlds.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 17, 2023
As soon as I saw this was available, I immediately grabbed a copy and started reading it. Christmas horror is 100% my style this year.
This was a lot darker than I expected from the blurb to be honest. I expected a fast paced home invasion story, and instead I got a ghost story featuring kidnapping, infatuation, absolute control, and conditional love. Mam is not like other mothers. Angelina is constantly watching out so as not to upset her, because at best, she’ll be berated, and at worst…well she doesn’t want to know.
This really broke down and showed the different ways a parent can be over the top controlling. One of my WIP actually features the same type of control, and this was done well enough that I was definitely taking notes. The conditional love was so strongly written and revolting that it made my stomach turn just reading through it.
This was definitely a very Christmasy story, and just about as dark as you can go. Personally a 4/5* for me.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-hangin...
This was a lot darker than I expected from the blurb to be honest. I expected a fast paced home invasion story, and instead I got a ghost story featuring kidnapping, infatuation, absolute control, and conditional love. Mam is not like other mothers. Angelina is constantly watching out so as not to upset her, because at best, she’ll be berated, and at worst…well she doesn’t want to know.
This really broke down and showed the different ways a parent can be over the top controlling. One of my WIP actually features the same type of control, and this was done well enough that I was definitely taking notes. The conditional love was so strongly written and revolting that it made my stomach turn just reading through it.
This was definitely a very Christmasy story, and just about as dark as you can go. Personally a 4/5* for me.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-hangin...
Read
December 8, 2024I’m in such a festive mood so I’m going through loads of holiday themed books and films. If you like horror with your holidays, definitely check out this one! Reminded me of The Black Telephone meets Goosebumps set at Christmas.
December 27, 2023
What a beautiful surprise this novella was.
I grabbed on a whim for a stuff your kindle event.
Opened it right away and couldn’t put it down.
Angelina is 7 years old living with her “Mam” Thea who hates Christmas but loves booze and being an absolute monster of a human being. The further you read the more monstrous she is revealed to be.
But Angelina’s Christmas gift a haunted toy may just save more than Christmas. Intense and brutal this story though short packed a punch right to my heart.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
4.5 Stars
Trigger Warning: This book has some intense and heart wrenching child abuse.
I grabbed on a whim for a stuff your kindle event.
Opened it right away and couldn’t put it down.
Angelina is 7 years old living with her “Mam” Thea who hates Christmas but loves booze and being an absolute monster of a human being. The further you read the more monstrous she is revealed to be.
But Angelina’s Christmas gift a haunted toy may just save more than Christmas. Intense and brutal this story though short packed a punch right to my heart.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
4.5 Stars
Trigger Warning: This book has some intense and heart wrenching child abuse.
December 17, 2025
Well start by saying this is not your Hallmark channel style Christmas story. A fast very tense read at times! thoroughly enjoyed this one.
December 29, 2023
Good festive short read
Has the potential to be a way better book & longer. Would love to see this a lot longer & more detailed. Besides that, the story was still great!
Has the potential to be a way better book & longer. Would love to see this a lot longer & more detailed. Besides that, the story was still great!
December 24, 2024
Like I hoped, this was a wonderfully original and horrific Christmas tale.
Angelina is constantly walking on eggshells to stay on her Mam's good side with the meager life she's been given. She's delightfully surprised to see that her Mam decided to celebrate Christmas this year and even got her a gift, but it's a toy phone a toddler would use. Desperate not to face dire consequences, she pretends that she loves the terrible gift and is shocked when she hears another voice on the line telling her that she's in great danger.
I felt so, so bad for Angelina's life circumstance. Her Mam is abusive and two-faced, which makes it a full-time job for Angelina to avoid her wrathful mercurial ways. Angelina doesn't have the most striking personality, but having a guardian that stifles your sense of self to this degree would drain the personality out of anyone. Mam was deplorable, so kudos to Murphy for creating a diabolical mom figure. I'm gonna have some nightmares about this one.
I loved the wooden phone and the mystery behind it. It added a nice element of fantasy to Angelina's bleak and terrifying journey towards some sense of freedom. Each chapter I desperately hoped that she'd see her way through this nightmare, and the book was masterfully written and hard to put down.
We need more holiday horrors in the book world, and this was an absolute pleasure to read through. Highly recommend!
Angelina is constantly walking on eggshells to stay on her Mam's good side with the meager life she's been given. She's delightfully surprised to see that her Mam decided to celebrate Christmas this year and even got her a gift, but it's a toy phone a toddler would use. Desperate not to face dire consequences, she pretends that she loves the terrible gift and is shocked when she hears another voice on the line telling her that she's in great danger.
I felt so, so bad for Angelina's life circumstance. Her Mam is abusive and two-faced, which makes it a full-time job for Angelina to avoid her wrathful mercurial ways. Angelina doesn't have the most striking personality, but having a guardian that stifles your sense of self to this degree would drain the personality out of anyone. Mam was deplorable, so kudos to Murphy for creating a diabolical mom figure. I'm gonna have some nightmares about this one.
I loved the wooden phone and the mystery behind it. It added a nice element of fantasy to Angelina's bleak and terrifying journey towards some sense of freedom. Each chapter I desperately hoped that she'd see her way through this nightmare, and the book was masterfully written and hard to put down.
We need more holiday horrors in the book world, and this was an absolute pleasure to read through. Highly recommend!
December 8, 2023
Interesting story. Very vivid descriptions. I hated Mam.
December 17, 2023
Wow!! This short story is amazing. I'd already read three of Iseult Murphy's other books before this one but Hanging On is 100% my favourite so far.
I was hooked right from the first page. There's so much going on in this story: mystery, suspense, paranormal events and vivid characters whose thoughts and feelings pull you straight into the story. One main character is easy to immediately like and sympathise with, the other is just as easy to hate, yet both are equally compelling.
The whole story is so well written and pretty much unputdownable. "Jessie may have made it snow, but Thea had made it rain." -- What a line! I won't spoil the context but this particular bit of narration was just one of many brilliant moments. I can't recommend this story enough
I was hooked right from the first page. There's so much going on in this story: mystery, suspense, paranormal events and vivid characters whose thoughts and feelings pull you straight into the story. One main character is easy to immediately like and sympathise with, the other is just as easy to hate, yet both are equally compelling.
The whole story is so well written and pretty much unputdownable. "Jessie may have made it snow, but Thea had made it rain." -- What a line! I won't spoil the context but this particular bit of narration was just one of many brilliant moments. I can't recommend this story enough
December 22, 2023
Hanging On is a chilling Christmas story from one of my new favourite horror authors, Iseult Murphy and is the perfect antidote to the saccharine sweetness of many Christmas themed books.
Described as a Christmas ghost story, this is a dark read and for me the paranormal aspect was the least scary thing about it, this is a story where the real monsters are human.
Angelina lives with her Mam. and is constantly in a state of fear ,so rigid are Mam's rules and so ruthless and cruel are her punishments. They have never celebrated Christmas for as long as seven year old Angelina can remember, and she had no reason to suspect that this year would be any different but to her surprise on Christmas morning she wakes to find not only a Christmas tree, but even a gift with her name on it. a wooden toy phone. This is only the first of the surprises however, when she plays with the phone she hears a mysterious woman's voice on the other end, warning her that she is in danger and needs to get away. Christmas has just become the most terrifying day of this little girl's life.
I am really impressed by how well the author gets inside the mind of a young child, creating a compelling character that the reader really feels pity for, and I found myself worrying about Angelina as the story unfolded. It is always good to have a villain to hate, and few have been so immediately unlikeable as Mam was, she did not have a single redeeming feature, she really was the definition of a character you love to hate. Speaking of story , there is quite a lot packed into a relatively short piece, but it never feels rushed or underdeveloped. In short this is the perfect Christmas read for those who like a little darkness to contrast with the fairy lights and cosy fires, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Described as a Christmas ghost story, this is a dark read and for me the paranormal aspect was the least scary thing about it, this is a story where the real monsters are human.
Angelina lives with her Mam. and is constantly in a state of fear ,so rigid are Mam's rules and so ruthless and cruel are her punishments. They have never celebrated Christmas for as long as seven year old Angelina can remember, and she had no reason to suspect that this year would be any different but to her surprise on Christmas morning she wakes to find not only a Christmas tree, but even a gift with her name on it. a wooden toy phone. This is only the first of the surprises however, when she plays with the phone she hears a mysterious woman's voice on the other end, warning her that she is in danger and needs to get away. Christmas has just become the most terrifying day of this little girl's life.
I am really impressed by how well the author gets inside the mind of a young child, creating a compelling character that the reader really feels pity for, and I found myself worrying about Angelina as the story unfolded. It is always good to have a villain to hate, and few have been so immediately unlikeable as Mam was, she did not have a single redeeming feature, she really was the definition of a character you love to hate. Speaking of story , there is quite a lot packed into a relatively short piece, but it never feels rushed or underdeveloped. In short this is the perfect Christmas read for those who like a little darkness to contrast with the fairy lights and cosy fires, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
December 1, 2023
This story hooked me from the first page, and I couldn't put it down until I had finished it. I don't want to give away too much, but seven-year-old Angelina and her predicament really kept me on tenterhooks throughout this well-paced, engrossing tale. This antagonist is chilling, but what makes it worse is how realistic a depiction it is. I was put in mind of those people who are capable of wanton cruelty to the vulnerable, who are hugely manipulative and fool others, and at the same time feel superior to the rest of us.
This story shows something of what it's like to be on the receiving end. Angelina is a brave little girl, who hopes for some magic on Christmas Day. You'll have to read the story yourself to see if she finds it.
A very well-written, tense and emotional tale that I highly recommend.
This story shows something of what it's like to be on the receiving end. Angelina is a brave little girl, who hopes for some magic on Christmas Day. You'll have to read the story yourself to see if she finds it.
A very well-written, tense and emotional tale that I highly recommend.
December 1, 2025
4.5 stars
A long short story that I would say could be read and enjoyed by anyone from the ages of 10 upwards!
Angelina lives a meagre life with her mother, Thea, who we realise early on is something of a sociopath at best. Angelina doesn't know who her father is, and is always scared of what her mother might do to her. Then, a surprise Christmas present proves more of a gift than she could ever have imagined.
The book is extremely well-written and beautifully presented. I loved the structure, how we see Angelina's awful circumstances, but in between the unravelling of her history, we are provided insights into Thea's background.
This was just one of the hard copy books that Iseult Murphy donated to an online giveaway that I won - I look forward to reading the other two! Meanwhile, this is on Kindle for just 0.99, and I definitely recommend. :)
A long short story that I would say could be read and enjoyed by anyone from the ages of 10 upwards!
Angelina lives a meagre life with her mother, Thea, who we realise early on is something of a sociopath at best. Angelina doesn't know who her father is, and is always scared of what her mother might do to her. Then, a surprise Christmas present proves more of a gift than she could ever have imagined.
The book is extremely well-written and beautifully presented. I loved the structure, how we see Angelina's awful circumstances, but in between the unravelling of her history, we are provided insights into Thea's background.
This was just one of the hard copy books that Iseult Murphy donated to an online giveaway that I won - I look forward to reading the other two! Meanwhile, this is on Kindle for just 0.99, and I definitely recommend. :)
February 14, 2024
i saw this available on stuff your kindle day so i had to grab is cause i have never read a christmas horror book. to my surprise i did really like it and felt like there was enough story and content even though it was a super short read.
it wasn't necessarily what i was expecting & was a bit "darker" than the summary suggested. i dont know if i would consider it horror persay but definitely has a paranormal element to it.
the end left me with some questions honestly cause im not sure how he magically knew where to go or who she was or anything of that sort. or what happened to the woman (keeping this vague so no spoilers) and how she just got out of the car and let everything unfold and i guess i wont ever know now lol.
but for the most part it was a good story overall.
it wasn't necessarily what i was expecting & was a bit "darker" than the summary suggested. i dont know if i would consider it horror persay but definitely has a paranormal element to it.
the end left me with some questions honestly cause im not sure how he magically knew where to go or who she was or anything of that sort. or what happened to the woman (keeping this vague so no spoilers) and how she just got out of the car and let everything unfold and i guess i wont ever know now lol.
but for the most part it was a good story overall.
December 16, 2023
Hanging On by Iseult Murphy is a novelette of Christmas horror. I was glued from the first page.
Little seven-year-old Angelina’s mother, Thea, is an alcoholic and lashes out at her often. It’s hard for the little girl to think ahead and avoid her mother’s wrath. For Christmas, she asks for a phone. The wooden toy phone is certainly not what expected. Nor is the woman’s voice that talks to her through it, “You need to get out of the house”. Angelina doesn’t understand what she needs to flee from or when. This is a ghost story featuring control, kidnapping, and obsession. The perfect read for this time of year! I loved it!
Little seven-year-old Angelina’s mother, Thea, is an alcoholic and lashes out at her often. It’s hard for the little girl to think ahead and avoid her mother’s wrath. For Christmas, she asks for a phone. The wooden toy phone is certainly not what expected. Nor is the woman’s voice that talks to her through it, “You need to get out of the house”. Angelina doesn’t understand what she needs to flee from or when. This is a ghost story featuring control, kidnapping, and obsession. The perfect read for this time of year! I loved it!
December 15, 2023
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 1, 2024
3.5 stars rounded down, this was pretty good for a spooky Christmas story. The Christmas setting was well utilised and it was very satisfying with the way it ended. Short and simple, for people who like Christmas but are okay with a story that also includes a splash of abuse and murder.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2023
A quick, satisfying, spine-chilling coffee break read!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
December 26, 2023
Hanging on
A tension filled read. A little girl gets an unexpected present for Christmas that may change her life forever. Hearttouching beautiful read.
A tension filled read. A little girl gets an unexpected present for Christmas that may change her life forever. Hearttouching beautiful read.
December 27, 2023
3.5 - a weird way to end the Christmas season but nonetheless an entertaining short story as my first Kindle read! I caved!
December 30, 2023
Well, that was weird.
Read this if you want to read about child abuse set to the backdrop of Christmas. I don’t get it.
Read this if you want to read about child abuse set to the backdrop of Christmas. I don’t get it.
January 8, 2024
ohmigosh
Found on a free site, this was a delightfully dark bump over the holidays! I will be following this author.
Found on a free site, this was a delightfully dark bump over the holidays! I will be following this author.
January 14, 2024
Fun read
Very cool and spooky tale. Quite an enjoyable short ghost story, that I would definitely recommend it for others to read
Very cool and spooky tale. Quite an enjoyable short ghost story, that I would definitely recommend it for others to read
November 29, 2024
Great short story
I love short stories and I wish this one would've gone on longer. It was a sad story with a wonderful ending
I love short stories and I wish this one would've gone on longer. It was a sad story with a wonderful ending
December 15, 2025
I absolutely loved this festive ghost story, which was a real pleasure to read this time of year.
Hanging On is dark, captivating, and beautifully written.
Don’t miss this festive horror gem!
Hanging On is dark, captivating, and beautifully written.
Don’t miss this festive horror gem!
January 10, 2024
This is short but powerful. A child at risk, a Christmas miracle--and maybe a ghostly intervention.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews