Joy

by C.R. Allen

What happens when a Christmas present turns into the family's worst nightmare?Discover a chilling twist on holiday cheer in C.R. Allen's latest supernatural thriller novella, "Joy". Jeremy, a devoted father overwhelmed by work, finds himself grappling with a glaring oversight on Christmas disappointing gifts for his two daughters. Desperate to salvage the holiday, he discovers an enigmatic shop, where he finds an unusual gift that he hopes will be the saving grace of Christmas.

Presented to his daughters, the mysterious new pet—affectionately named Joy—quickly becomes a cherished member of the family. With its endearing antics and peculiar nature, Joy doesn't just defy expectations; it defies any logical explanation. It's adorable, it's playful, and curiously, it seems exempt from the usual demands of pet care.

But as the novelty of the new year wears off, the family encounters an unforeseen and sinister challenge. Their nights are invaded by a malevolent presence, a specter feeding on their peace and overshadowing their days.

Join this family on a gripping journey as they unravel the mysteries of Joy and face the darkness haunting their dreams. Will they uncover the truth behind their enigmatic gift, or will their quest for knowledge lead them deeper into nightmare?

If you enjoyed the dark humor of 'Gremlins,' the chilling lore of 'Krampus,' and the psychological suspense of 'The Gift,' 'Joy' is poised to be your next favorite read.Buy your copy today and discover the truth behind Joy.

152 pages, Paperback

Published February 29, 2024

About the author

C.R. Allen, an Arizona native, balances life as a dad, business professional, and a passionate author. A proud alumnus of Arizona State University, where he completed both his undergraduate and master's degrees, his fascination with storytelling began early, crafting his first screenplay at age 10. Today, he is known for his compelling novels, novellas, and short stories of horror, supernatural thrillers, and historical fiction. Allen's writings stand out for their dark and mysterious narratives that explore sociological, psychological, and technological themes.

Reviews

[Maxwell Sterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Joy. It's a short and sweet story that doesn't go into extensive backgrounds just for the sake of doing so. Feeing more like a movie as you move through the story at a pleasant pace.

This book was clearly self-published. There are some minor errors here and there. None of them detract from the excellent characters or plot. The characters feel human, like snapshots of real people that we all probably know in our families and workplaces.

Joy may be the title character, but it really takes a backseat to the development of the family members. Though the synopsis sounds scary, there's nothing here to give you nightmares. The language used is mild but still edgy.

I really enjoyed this book going in with zero expectations.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story revolves around a father who comes to realize that he needs to improve his Christmas gift-giving for his family. A last minute decision to purchase a mysterious creature as a pet proves to be a mistake, as it causes grief for the family. The story provides glimpses into each family member's character, which helps them be relatable. However, the creature's characterization lacks the depth afforded to the family members, which is a notable drawback. Nevertheless, the narrative remains a fun read.

[Charlotte Badger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great short story with a quick pace. There's enough detail to draw you in, and you get a good feel for the characters early on. A lovely little holiday read.