THE BREAK-IN: A Gripping Holiday Thriller Short Story

by Dan Clark

They’re not leaving until they get what they’ve come for…‘Tis the season for joy and festivity, but for Leah and David Howden, their lives are about to take a chilling turn. Just days before Christmas, and with the Howdens presumed to be away at their annual spa stay, two thieves seize the opportunity to break in. However, due to a problem at the hotel, the married couple are forced to head home earlier than planned, thrusting them into a confrontation with the burglars. Bound and vulnerable, Leah and David must unwrap some buried secrets and fight for their survival.A gripping short Christmas thriller from the author of The Neighbour’s Secret

Genres: Christmas, Short Stories

63 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2023

About the author

Dan Clark likes to write mystery and thriller novels. His first book, The Boy in the Well was published in 2021.

Dan lives with his fiancé, Rachel.

In his free time he enjoys reading and watching psychological thriller and horror books and films.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, enjoyable holiday read. RTC!

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for some holiday reading that packs a punch, I turned to this short story by Dan Clark. A gripping piece I easily read in a single sitting, Clark delivers something well worth my time. Leah and David Howden are prepping for the holiday season with their daughter, Megan. While they expect to be away for a spa retreat, things get cancelled at the last minute. Someone forgot to tell two figures lurking outside their home in hopes of breaking in. When David and Leah return, they confront the perps and a clash ensues. One is seriously injured, but not before she admits that David has been continuing his philandering ways. Leah is at the end of her rope, but realises that she must ensure she is alive long enough to handle her dolt of a husband. While she and David are taken captive, Leah concocts a plan to get them free and determine what to do about her marriage. Dan Clark delivers a wonderful thriller sure to keep the reader flipping pages.

Christmas is the ideal reading time, no matter what genre interests you. This short piece by Dan Clark was quite entertaining as the narrative sped along, helping the story gain needed momentum. The reader is pulled in by swift chapters and some jarring events, all of which culminate in a decision that could change things for everyone. Clark depicts things in a tense and fast-paced nature, leaving the reader to race through for answers to quell the ongoing questions in their mind. I cannot wait to find more Dan Clark publications to compare this piece with some others.

Characters are not plentiful, but those who do appear prove highly useful to flavouring the larger story This permits the reader to see things in a concentrated manner, as events are important with each page turn. Readers seek to better understand what's happening and how Clark creates tension through his characters. Little backstory or development occurs, as most of it is in real-time, where things thrive. There was the perfect mix of banter and engagement between those who graced the pages of this short piece.

Surprises emerge to keep the reader wondering. While things flow with ease, I found myself connecting to understand the larger story. This left me eager to see how it would all come together, while never certain what awaited me. Dan Clark knows his stuff and this holiday-themed piece was the perfect way to allow Christmas to dwindle, while also leaving me needing a little more. I will surely be back in 2026 to see what he has to offer.

Kudos, Mr. Clark, for a tense adventure.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great short story!

I really enjoyed this one, its only around 60 pages, but a lot happened in them!

I always worry that short stories will seem too rushed, but that wasn't the case with this one.

Even though a lot happened, it was still described well and fitted perfectly.

I can't say much about the story as I don't want to give too much away😅 but i'd definitely recommend it if you enjoy short, quick reads!

[Farah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always get excited when Dan Clark writes a new story. I've loved every single one of his books and was keen to read his Christmas novella The Break-In, which I read over the weekend. The story follows a thieving duo who plan to break into a wealthy couple's home. But things go wrong when the couple decide not to go away as originally planned.

This was a fast paced thriller which packed a punch into its 63 pages. As is DC's way, you never know what is going to happen and I was left with my mouth open in shock in several parts. Easy to read and highly addictive, I highly recommend this one.

The Break-In is available on Kindle Unlimited.

[Celeste Velocci (bookrecs_by_celeste) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a fast paced twisty short story. It was a domestic thriller set around the holidays so it was good for this time of year. Pretty self explanatory and obvious what was going on from the beginning…available on KU.

[Bookstarreviews_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

A fast paced festive thriller short story which felt like watching a film! 🔥

I enjoyed this read and liked how the action commenced immediately. Being only 63 pages, I was surprised with how much action happened in such a short space of time.

An ex con and his cousin break into a wealthy house in Ridgewood Place, but the homeowners arrive home earlier than expected, resulting in confrontation.

I don’t think I had enough time to really get to know the characters, but I definitely liked their dynamics. I loved how there was more than what meets the eye and the secrets that were being harboured. How Leah kept her nerve, I do not know!

I enjoyed the moments of tension and the thrilling nature of this read and thought this short story was the perfect length. It was also wrapped up nicely at the end with a dark little Christmas bow.

I want to check out more of Clark’s work and I recommend this read if you’re searching for a thrilling festive short story. ☺️

The Break-In is available on Kindle Unlimited.

💬: ‘Tis the season to uncover secrets, don’t you know?’

⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️

[Wendy Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this novella in one sitting, at only sixty-three pages, it’s a great short read for the Christmas period.

We are thrown straight into an action packed thriller when Leah and David’s spa break is cancelled, returning them home a little earlier than expected they are put in a situation they weren’t quite expecting.

It’s hard to create a full story complete with all lose ends tied up, however this certainly hits the mark! If you fancy a quick read this is perfect for the festive period.

[Eilidhs World · Rating 4 out of 5]

GREAT CHRISTMAS THRILLER

I really enjoyed this fast paced novel, from reading the first page I was hooked, the main characters Leah and David are loving husband and wife, however, David,has been up to no good which is now costing their life!

This short gripping Thriller, is a great addictive book that I would recommend

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[T.A. Rosewood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little thriller that gets straight to the action.

[Sagexox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit too 'guy book' for me but it was still entertaining, good pace, and well written other than the potty words :)

[Morgan Harrigan · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5, fun but the dialogue was a little too y/a

[Alice Sutcliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy

[Charlotte Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars - good twists and very short which i what i need at the mo

[Isabel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Girl, file that divorce 😭

[Miguel Jr. · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay.

Not good, not bad either. I won't reread this as the story never

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Christmas story novella . Fast paced from the offset and a lot happened in a 60 page read

[Jemma Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this short story! Was interesting and intriguing the whole time which I was shocked by considering it is a short story.

4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[David Adams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Looking for a quick read to truly immerse myself into a head start for 2024, I picked up a few shorter books, novellas and novelettes. This was one of them. Now I stress the only reason I have given this 2 stars instead of 3, is because I read a far better novel recently which I couldn't give more than 3 stars because of some small niggly flaws. This is a decent quick read, even if the main character is a douchebag who doesn't get any form of comeuppance.

While it is a Christmas set tale, it doesn't really focus much on that aspect other than mentioning snow, presents at the start and at the end. The main character David is as far from likeable as you could possibly get, and even his wife who has been through so much betrayal isn't really likeable either. By the end, you're willing her to do something, but she just breaks down back into reality.

Good quick read at around 60-70 pages, but not the best one I've read lately. If goodreads bothered, I would have given it an extra half star, but seeing as how they can't make such a simple adjustment, 2 it is.

[Marie-Ann Byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ This was a fun read! It started off with Home Alone vibes, but quickly jumped from an light-hearted Christmas break-in storyline to knife wielding, infidelity, snapped necks, and kidnapping! I did not expect the story to twist this way and I enjoyed it.

[Renko Dekker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read and reviewed a few of the author's other books and I got the opportunity to read this short story as well! It will be out on the 1st of December, perfectly on time to get your hands on a great short Christmas story!

Leah and David Howden planned to go away during the Christmas holiday break but the reservation was cancelled so they were forced to head home. They headed home, straight into the hands of burglars. Some dark secrets need to be spilled and they need to fight for their lives. Will they make it?

Although it is a short story, the author managed to tell a complete story with some in-depth knowledge of the different characters. As it is a short story the pace of it was fast so once you were grabbed by the story, you just flew through the pages. It's a great short story and perhaps it could be made into a novella or novel - that would be great! But for now, I absolutely love this short story - quick read, fast paced, well developed characters (what you can achieve in so few pages) and a great storyline.

5/5 ⭐

[Brandon Hawkins · Rating 1 out of 5]

Whew, what a book to end the year on. I hate saying negative things about someone’s book, but this one was pretty terrible.
The dialogue during several scenes was awful at best.
Example:
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Are you really sure you want to do this?”
“Yes, I’m sure. We need to.”
“Ok. If you’re sure.”
The other thing that had me shaking my head was there was character who in one paragraph, stated, in shock, that they had no idea about a certain situation and was very upset they were lied to, then 2 sentences later, was giving very specific details about the same situation they said they had no idea about. Seriously?
Regardless, I’m glad this was a short story and not a full novel. And I’m sure that this author will get better the more stories he writes.
This one though- do not recommend.
Happy New Year!

[Natasha sebuwufu · Rating 4 out of 5]

The break-in by Dan Clark

Firstly i want to say thank you to the author for sending me a copy in return for a honest review. Now I’m not normally a novella girly I normally find I’m left wanting more or feel I’m left with lots of unanswered questions but this novella really surprised me. A Christmas thriller that’s only 63 pages long but lots happens. We are thrown straight into the action which I loved no time wasted. The story didn’t feel rushed at all and it was such a page turner I even found myself shouting at the characters like I would in a film 😂 I’m not going to say to much on the story line as I’d hate to ruin it but if you love a Christmas thriller and looking for a quick read then you need to go pick this up 👍 definitely the best novella I’ve read so far 😊4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[EmmaReadsCrime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Dan so much for a copy of your Christmas thriller novella!

It’s only 60 odd pages and I don’t want to give too much away but it’s basically a burglary gone wrong just before Christmas.

At the start of the Novella, I got real nostalgic Home Alone Vibes. This didn’t last long though as the book takes a much darker path.

I’ve enjoyed all of the books I have read by Dan, this one included! My only criticism is I think it needed another 20 pages as I felt something was missing.

I would recommend this to everyone! Especially those who are behind on their reading goals for the year and need a short one to fly through!

[sarah_is_booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story story is good one if you’re looking to fit in a Christmas read before the holiday. It is fast-paced and can be read in one sitting. Though it is only 63 pages, it is action-packed. I loved how the beginning had some “Home Alone” vibes where the burglars are breaking in during the holiday season while the home owners are away, but then the story took a turn that I was not expecting. This story was well written and did not feel rushed, which is hard to do with such a short story. Overall this was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it.

Read if you enjoy:
✔️Christmas thrillers
✔️Short stories
✔️Action-packed thrillers
✔️Tension
✔️Secrets

Available now on Kindle Unlimited!

[Dean Asquith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A frighteningly festive fast-paced story of just how far humans will go to protect themselves or get what they want!

Dan Clark presents quick fire festive short story that is full of his character and fantastic thriller writing skill. Dan manages to shoe horn in some great characterisation without impacting the rapid pace of the story. The story itself is frightening realistic, which is what provides the thrilling feel for me.

Short and snappy but fully loaded, The Break In is an enjoyable quick read this Christmas!

[Carin Camen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping Christmas Thriller

The Break-In is a fast pace story which will keep you on the edge of your seats as you are drawn into a web of suspense and intrigue. Clark's skillful storytelling and vivid descriptions create a riveting atmosphere, allowing you to feel the tension and anticipation building with each turn of the page.

The plot's twist adds depth and complexity to the narrative, making it a compelling thriller genre read. As the story unfolds, unexpected developments and shocking revelations keep you engrossed, ensuring that there is never a dull moment.

[Allison Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas!
Well not for David and Leah Howden it isn't.
After an unexpected cancellation to their spa break away a few days before Christmas, they arrive home to not only the house been broken into but the intruders are still in the house.
Things aren't looking to great from the burglars either
If you want a pedal-to-the-metal Christmas thriller then look no further than The Break-In.
Dan Clark has excelled himself with this short sharp shocker.

[Emily • The Pyjama Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Clark strikes again! Another brilliantly written yet addictive thriller. Even as a shorter story this still keeps you hooked all the way through. I even managed to read it in one sitting which is unusual for me.
I love how easy to read Dan's books are yet so descriptive you can picture it in your mind so well.
Something a little different for the Christmas period so if you fancy mixing up your genres definitely give this one a go!

[Nickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Dan Clark's previous books so I was really excited to read this short Christmas thriller. I certainly wasn't disappointed. In typical Clark style it was packed full of fast paced action all the way.

Leah and David Howden have a spa break cancelled and come home to find intruders in their home. What follows is a tense tussle with a shocking outcome.

A brilliant quick read. Highly recommend if you want an alternative Christmas read!

[Laaauraaa Normz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never really read short stories but I was approached by the author to ask to see if I would give it a try. I am glad he approached me, this book was great. I literally didn’t put it down. If you have watched a film where you are almost shouting “hurry up” to the actors, this is how I was with the characters in this book.

Great descriptions used and not over kill of how many characters that were introduced in the plot.

I would recommend this book!!