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Head of Zeus -- an Aries Book Christmas Presents.
Instead of presents this Christmas, one true crime podcaster is opening up a cold case…
When true crime podcaster Harley Granger drifts into Madeline Martin's bookshop days before Christmas, he seems intent on digging up a past that Madeline would much rather forget.
Granger's work has earned him fame and wealth - and some serious criticism for his various unethical practices. Granger also has a lot of questions about the night Madeline was left for dead, the only surviving victim of killer Evan Handy.
Handy, who also murdered Madeline's best friend and is suspected in the disappearance of two local sisters, has been in jail for a decade. Since then, though, three other young women have gone missing in similar circumstances. Is the true predator still out there somewhere?
As Christmas approaches and a blizzard bears down, Madeline must confront the past to answer questions that have haunted her since that day. Is the truth more terrible than she ever imagined?
Coupling a picturesque, cosy setting with a deeply unsettling and suspenseful plot, Christmas Presents is a chilling seasonal tale that can be enjoyed all year long.
When true crime podcaster Harley Granger drifts into Madeline Martin's bookshop days before Christmas, he seems intent on digging up a past that Madeline would much rather forget.
Granger's work has earned him fame and wealth - and some serious criticism for his various unethical practices. Granger also has a lot of questions about the night Madeline was left for dead, the only surviving victim of killer Evan Handy.
Handy, who also murdered Madeline's best friend and is suspected in the disappearance of two local sisters, has been in jail for a decade. Since then, though, three other young women have gone missing in similar circumstances. Is the true predator still out there somewhere?
As Christmas approaches and a blizzard bears down, Madeline must confront the past to answer questions that have haunted her since that day. Is the truth more terrible than she ever imagined?
Coupling a picturesque, cosy setting with a deeply unsettling and suspenseful plot, Christmas Presents is a chilling seasonal tale that can be enjoyed all year long.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published October 24, 2023
1136 people are currently reading
32431 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Unger
51 books10.8k followersLisa Unger is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of twenty-three novels, including her upcoming release SERVED HIM RIGHT (March, 2026). With books published in thirty-three languages and millions of copies sold worldwide, she is regarded as a master of suspense.
Unger’s critically acclaimed novels have been featured on “Best Book” lists from the Today show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, People, Amazon, Goodreads, L.A. Times, The Boston Globe, Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times, and many others. She has been nominated for, or won, numerous awards including the Strand Critics, Audie, Hammett, Macavity, ITW Thriller, and Goodreads Choice. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations in the same year, an honor held by only a few authors including Agatha Christie. Her short fiction has been anthologized in The Best American Mystery and Suspense, and her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. Lisa is the current co-President of the International Thriller Writers organization. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
Unger’s critically acclaimed novels have been featured on “Best Book” lists from the Today show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, People, Amazon, Goodreads, L.A. Times, The Boston Globe, Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times, and many others. She has been nominated for, or won, numerous awards including the Strand Critics, Audie, Hammett, Macavity, ITW Thriller, and Goodreads Choice. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations in the same year, an honor held by only a few authors including Agatha Christie. Her short fiction has been anthologized in The Best American Mystery and Suspense, and her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. Lisa is the current co-President of the International Thriller Writers organization. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,446 reviews
October 24, 2023
This CHILLING 226 page novella by Lisa Unger may take place in the five days leading up to Christmas, but this is definitely NOT a Christmas story!
Madeline Martin is now the owner of a thriving independent business, The Next Chapter Bookshop, managing to put the past behind her despite being the only known survivor of a gruesome crime that took place while she was a high school student in her small, picturesque hometown. She loves escaping to her shop, wrapping gifts, and discussing books with her loyal customers.
(Can you guess which books they are?)
When Harley Granger, a failed novelist turned true crime podcaster, drifts into her shop in the days before Christmas, he seems intent on digging up events that Madeline would much rather forget.
TRUE CRIME is STRANGER THAN FICTION (and more lucrative)
It’s an investigation into the crime that had obsessed her father Sheriff James Martin right up until his stroke took his faculties-and it’s the one that scarred her, claimed the life of her closest friend, and is responsible for the unexplained disappearance of two of the other friends from their once tight knit group.
A CANDLELIGHT VIGIL IS STILL HELD FOR THE TWO MISSING SISTERS EVERY CHRISTMAS EVE.
But, since Evan Handy was convicted of the crime, three other women have gone missing-the latest a college dropout named Lolly who was working her last shift at a topless bar, before heading home to her parents house to regroup and get her life back on track.
That makes five young women missing in a decade in the same small area.
Are the latest crimes connected to those in the past? Or could Evan Handy actually be innocent of some of the things he was convicted of?
While I can’t say that the ending surprised me, this atmospheric and engaging crime story did grab my attention from page one and I finished the book in one day! Don’t expect sweet and sentimental from this one!
AVAILABLE NOW!
READ IT ANYTIME!!
Thank You to the Mysterious Press for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley! It was my sincere pleasure to offer a candid review!
Madeline Martin is now the owner of a thriving independent business, The Next Chapter Bookshop, managing to put the past behind her despite being the only known survivor of a gruesome crime that took place while she was a high school student in her small, picturesque hometown. She loves escaping to her shop, wrapping gifts, and discussing books with her loyal customers.
(Can you guess which books they are?)
When Harley Granger, a failed novelist turned true crime podcaster, drifts into her shop in the days before Christmas, he seems intent on digging up events that Madeline would much rather forget.
TRUE CRIME is STRANGER THAN FICTION (and more lucrative)
It’s an investigation into the crime that had obsessed her father Sheriff James Martin right up until his stroke took his faculties-and it’s the one that scarred her, claimed the life of her closest friend, and is responsible for the unexplained disappearance of two of the other friends from their once tight knit group.
A CANDLELIGHT VIGIL IS STILL HELD FOR THE TWO MISSING SISTERS EVERY CHRISTMAS EVE.
But, since Evan Handy was convicted of the crime, three other women have gone missing-the latest a college dropout named Lolly who was working her last shift at a topless bar, before heading home to her parents house to regroup and get her life back on track.
That makes five young women missing in a decade in the same small area.
Are the latest crimes connected to those in the past? Or could Evan Handy actually be innocent of some of the things he was convicted of?
While I can’t say that the ending surprised me, this atmospheric and engaging crime story did grab my attention from page one and I finished the book in one day! Don’t expect sweet and sentimental from this one!
AVAILABLE NOW!
READ IT ANYTIME!!
Thank You to the Mysterious Press for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley! It was my sincere pleasure to offer a candid review!
November 26, 2023
3.5 stars— I decided to read my first Lisa Unger book after reading many Goodreads’ reviews praising it. “Christmas Presents” is a very short novel that only took me a few hours to read. I felt that “Christmas Presents” had the potential to be a 5 star book, but in the end fell short of that. Unger is a great writer who moves the plot along at a very fast pace. “Christmas Presents”revolves around Madeleine Martin who is the survivor of a sexual assault and murder attempt when she was 17 by her sketchy boyfriend, Evan Handy. Her best friend was murdered during the same event which leads to Evan being convicted of murder and sent to prison. The book begins 10 years later when a podcaster comes to town with the hope of solving the mystery of what happened to two other young girls that are still missing from that night as well as the more recent disappearances of other young women. In my opinion, this book had all of the ingredients to be the perfect thriller but didn’t quite measure up because of the lack of detail and glossing over the author did from beginning to end in the book. The book moves quickly from scene to scene which I think in this case hurt my overall enjoyment of the book. At times, the book lacked the buildup of tension of a great thriller and was so brief in providing information it felt like a rough draft or outline of a book. I still recommend reading this one because it is an interesting thriller with a lot of great plot points which makes it far better than many of the books I have made it through this year.
October 17, 2023
OMGGG!! Calling all thriller lovers!! You need this book in your life!! ❤️ Huge shoutout to @scarletsuspense @mysteriouspress for my absolutely gorgeous gifted copy!! 🥰 Pub date is right around the corner!!! October 24th!! 🥳🥳
Okay let’s get right to the point here! This is a SPOOKY as hell read. No really!! TRUST me… get this for spooky season… 😳🎁 Why?? Listen to this…
Little Valley is the small town where nothing happens… you don’t need to lock 🔒 your doors… your kids all play together… and everyone is your neighbor… UNTIL… girls start going missing… and you want to know what is really creepy??? If you all know each other… well that means it is one of YOU. 🫤😬😳😳😳 Right?! How about if you find out your high school boyfriend is a murderer?? 😳 What?! Right?!
Guys… a bookstore, a real crime podcaster who loves cold 🥶 cases… ALL the stuff that made this a complete thrill ride.
Okay so I always love a @launger book. However this absolutely was PERFECTION. Again.. this is creeptastic!! Even the Christmas presents 🎁 are creepy. Just saying… 😂 @launger absolutely killed it with this!! In fact this might be my new favorite by her!!
Okay let’s get right to the point here! This is a SPOOKY as hell read. No really!! TRUST me… get this for spooky season… 😳🎁 Why?? Listen to this…
Little Valley is the small town where nothing happens… you don’t need to lock 🔒 your doors… your kids all play together… and everyone is your neighbor… UNTIL… girls start going missing… and you want to know what is really creepy??? If you all know each other… well that means it is one of YOU. 🫤😬😳😳😳 Right?! How about if you find out your high school boyfriend is a murderer?? 😳 What?! Right?!
Guys… a bookstore, a real crime podcaster who loves cold 🥶 cases… ALL the stuff that made this a complete thrill ride.
Okay so I always love a @launger book. However this absolutely was PERFECTION. Again.. this is creeptastic!! Even the Christmas presents 🎁 are creepy. Just saying… 😂 @launger absolutely killed it with this!! In fact this might be my new favorite by her!!
July 7, 2023
It’s Christmas in July!! 😯🎁🎄
I requested this book from NetGalley because I’ve enjoyed previous reads from Lisa Unger in the past, and this book is a novella (although at 260 pages, I felt it was a rather long novella 🤷🏻♀️). Of course with that being said, I think I would have enjoyed this story more had it been even longer. For once, I found myself wanting more from a story.
Madeline Martin is the only survivor from a horrific crime that happened ten years prior. Her attacker, Evan Handy is locked up in prison for the crimes that he committed. Little does Madeline know that three other crimes have taken place in her small, quiet town since.
Madeline is informed of these other crimes by Harley Granger. Harley Granger is in town to interview Madeline for his true crime podcast about her vicious attack, and the murder and disappearance of her two friends ten years ago right before Christmas. Madeline is not comfortable talking about that horrific night. Why can’t she remember clearly what happened? Did Evan Handy have help committing his crimes?
All in all, this was an enjoyable read. As I mentioned above, I would have liked a bit more to it. I also found it to be a little predictable, as I guessed what would happen early on. Regardless, I wouldn’t hesitate to add this book to your Christmas list! 😉
(3.5 stars, rounded up)
Many thanks to NetGalley, Penzler Publishers, and the author for an ARC of this book, which I had the pleasure of reading. Publication date: October 24, 2023.
Genre- General Fiction (adult), Mystery & Thrillers
I requested this book from NetGalley because I’ve enjoyed previous reads from Lisa Unger in the past, and this book is a novella (although at 260 pages, I felt it was a rather long novella 🤷🏻♀️). Of course with that being said, I think I would have enjoyed this story more had it been even longer. For once, I found myself wanting more from a story.
Madeline Martin is the only survivor from a horrific crime that happened ten years prior. Her attacker, Evan Handy is locked up in prison for the crimes that he committed. Little does Madeline know that three other crimes have taken place in her small, quiet town since.
Madeline is informed of these other crimes by Harley Granger. Harley Granger is in town to interview Madeline for his true crime podcast about her vicious attack, and the murder and disappearance of her two friends ten years ago right before Christmas. Madeline is not comfortable talking about that horrific night. Why can’t she remember clearly what happened? Did Evan Handy have help committing his crimes?
All in all, this was an enjoyable read. As I mentioned above, I would have liked a bit more to it. I also found it to be a little predictable, as I guessed what would happen early on. Regardless, I wouldn’t hesitate to add this book to your Christmas list! 😉
(3.5 stars, rounded up)
Many thanks to NetGalley, Penzler Publishers, and the author for an ARC of this book, which I had the pleasure of reading. Publication date: October 24, 2023.
Genre- General Fiction (adult), Mystery & Thrillers
October 24, 2023
Gripping dark Christmas thriller!🎄🎅
A week before Christmas, Little Valley, New York. Madeline Martin is a survivor and owner of The Next Chapter Bookshop. She enjoys wrapping gifts and talking about books. Harley Granger, a struggling novelist/true crime podcaster visits her store and wants an inside scoop about a cold case, the murder, and missing women. A traumatic past she rather forgets.
I love this novella by Lisa Unger! It's very engaging and she expertly ties the characters and stories both the past and present. Excellent characterization and delivery. She definitely kept me guessing to the end. My experience with her works has only been short stories for Amazon Original and I truly need to seek her other titles.
Christmas Presents grabbed my interest right off the bat but was also confusing from different POVs and timelines until I figured out that these are different voices/times. I enjoyed Jennifer Pickens' narration, but it was a challenge to tell each character apart. It would've been better with multiple narrators. 4.5⭐
Thank you HighBridge Audio and Netgalley for the ALC.
Published 24th Oct 2023.
5H 38M
A week before Christmas, Little Valley, New York. Madeline Martin is a survivor and owner of The Next Chapter Bookshop. She enjoys wrapping gifts and talking about books. Harley Granger, a struggling novelist/true crime podcaster visits her store and wants an inside scoop about a cold case, the murder, and missing women. A traumatic past she rather forgets.
I love this novella by Lisa Unger! It's very engaging and she expertly ties the characters and stories both the past and present. Excellent characterization and delivery. She definitely kept me guessing to the end. My experience with her works has only been short stories for Amazon Original and I truly need to seek her other titles.
Christmas Presents grabbed my interest right off the bat but was also confusing from different POVs and timelines until I figured out that these are different voices/times. I enjoyed Jennifer Pickens' narration, but it was a challenge to tell each character apart. It would've been better with multiple narrators. 4.5⭐
Thank you HighBridge Audio and Netgalley for the ALC.
Published 24th Oct 2023.
5H 38M
December 13, 2023
Went in knowing absolutely nothing and had fun with it! Super quick, entertaining Christmas thriller. 🎅
August 27, 2024
**3.5-stars rounded up**
This was solid. I definitely enjoyed it light-years beyond Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six, so that's a plus and makes me open to picking up more from this author.
I wish this could have been a little longer, honestly. I felt a little clipped. I would have enjoyed learning even more about this group of characters. Maybe their stories will be continued, or elaborated on, at another time?
In this story, we are following a few different characters. Madeline Martin is a bookshop owner in Little Valley, who in her teen years survived a brutal attack that left her best friend, Steph, dead. Madeline has been living with the shadow of that night looming over her ever since.
Harley Granger is a True Crime Podcaster, who arrives in Little Valley looking to speak to Madeline about the night she would just as soon forget.
It seems Harley has been in contact with Evan Handy, the man convicted of murdering Steph and plans to explore these crimes on his Podcast. Since Evan's conviction, three other women have disappeared, casting doubts on whether or not he worked alone.
Finally, we follow Lolly, an exotic dancer who gets thrown into the drama unfolding in the small town. Even though we do get Lolly's perspective, Madeline and Harley are definitely the stars of this show.
The story is comprised of current day sections, as well as glimpses into the past, in particular surrounding Madeline's life and the night of the crimes.
I listened to the audiobook for this, and while I enjoyed it quite a bit, I do feel the story could've been better served by having two, or even three, different narrators. This is personal preference though, but I think it could have helped to delineate between perspectives.
With this being said, I did think the content and set-up were very interesting. The characters were well-developed and easy to follow.
At the same time, since this was so short, I feel like I could have been even more connected, and enjoyed it even more, if it had been a tad longer. That way, all facets could have been taken a little futher. For what is here though, it is well done and I think a lot of Readers are going to really enjoy it.
An added bonus was the setting. The Christmasy-Winter-feel was great and it definitely put me in the mood for some colder weather reads!
Thank you so much to the publisher, HighBridge Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I definitely recommend this one to Unger fans, or anyone looking to try her work for the first time. I think this one would give you a great feel for her writing style.
This was solid. I definitely enjoyed it light-years beyond Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six, so that's a plus and makes me open to picking up more from this author.
I wish this could have been a little longer, honestly. I felt a little clipped. I would have enjoyed learning even more about this group of characters. Maybe their stories will be continued, or elaborated on, at another time?
In this story, we are following a few different characters. Madeline Martin is a bookshop owner in Little Valley, who in her teen years survived a brutal attack that left her best friend, Steph, dead. Madeline has been living with the shadow of that night looming over her ever since.
Harley Granger is a True Crime Podcaster, who arrives in Little Valley looking to speak to Madeline about the night she would just as soon forget.
It seems Harley has been in contact with Evan Handy, the man convicted of murdering Steph and plans to explore these crimes on his Podcast. Since Evan's conviction, three other women have disappeared, casting doubts on whether or not he worked alone.
Finally, we follow Lolly, an exotic dancer who gets thrown into the drama unfolding in the small town. Even though we do get Lolly's perspective, Madeline and Harley are definitely the stars of this show.
The story is comprised of current day sections, as well as glimpses into the past, in particular surrounding Madeline's life and the night of the crimes.
I listened to the audiobook for this, and while I enjoyed it quite a bit, I do feel the story could've been better served by having two, or even three, different narrators. This is personal preference though, but I think it could have helped to delineate between perspectives.
With this being said, I did think the content and set-up were very interesting. The characters were well-developed and easy to follow.
At the same time, since this was so short, I feel like I could have been even more connected, and enjoyed it even more, if it had been a tad longer. That way, all facets could have been taken a little futher. For what is here though, it is well done and I think a lot of Readers are going to really enjoy it.
An added bonus was the setting. The Christmasy-Winter-feel was great and it definitely put me in the mood for some colder weather reads!
Thank you so much to the publisher, HighBridge Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I definitely recommend this one to Unger fans, or anyone looking to try her work for the first time. I think this one would give you a great feel for her writing style.
July 4, 2023
This haunting trip to Next Chapter Bookshop during Christmas turned out to be a truly satisfying adventure, just as I had anticipated. However, I must admit that the novella left me wanting more, especially considering the intriguing concept it presented. A cold case involving a dangerous killer targeting young girls in a small town, an elusive presumed accomplice still on the loose, and a renowned podcaster delving into the secrets held by witnesses and the last surviving girl.
The plot idea was undeniably captivating, and I found myself wishing for more time spent with the characters. Madeleine Martin, the soul survivor and last girl standing, had a striking resemblance to Harley Granger, the famous podcaster determined to solve cold cases that had eluded others. Both characters carried the weight of dysfunctional family dynamics. Madeleine was abandoned by her free-spirited mother and raised by her alpha father, the town's heroic sheriff, while Harley, too, was left behind by his mother and raised by his emotionally distant, alcoholic father. Both became emotionally guarded, avoiding intimate relationships, resembling lone wolves. I had hoped that their similarities would draw them closer together, connecting them as they worked to solve the case.
However, Lisa Unger took a different approach in exploring how the characters dealt with their past traumas and gathered clues to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of Ainsley and Sam Wallace, who were presumed kidnapped and never found for years. This brought forth the idea of a possible accomplice to the killer since Evan Hardy, who attacked Madeleine's friend Stephanie Cramer and stabbed Madeleine herself, couldn't have been in two places at once to kidnap the Wallace sisters, who were also Madeleine's close friends.
Initially, I was captivated by the fast-paced opening that immediately drew me into the mystery. As Harley Granger sought Madeleine's assistance in unraveling the mystery, we were also introduced to another crime: the abduction of Lolly Morris, an erotic dancer who had been planning to return to her hometown for Christmas after being expelled from college.
Once again, I found myself wishing that this brilliant concept had been explored in a full-length novel. The mystery was solved rather quickly, as soon as Madeleine and her childhood friend made their initial attempts to investigate the case. Furthermore, the identity of the culprit became quite predictable from the start, which took away the excitement of playing the guessing game of "whodunnit."
The conclusion was wrapped up swiftly, and I couldn't help but feel that this story would have benefited from a more extended narrative with additional suspects and mind games, allowing readers to spend more time with these intriguing characters.
Despite these shortcomings, I still find myself rounding up my rating from 3.5 stars to 4, thanks to the strong beginning and the intriguing plotline. I look forward to reading more of Lisa Unger's upcoming books.
I would like to express my special thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers, Mysterious Press, for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this thrilling novella in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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The plot idea was undeniably captivating, and I found myself wishing for more time spent with the characters. Madeleine Martin, the soul survivor and last girl standing, had a striking resemblance to Harley Granger, the famous podcaster determined to solve cold cases that had eluded others. Both characters carried the weight of dysfunctional family dynamics. Madeleine was abandoned by her free-spirited mother and raised by her alpha father, the town's heroic sheriff, while Harley, too, was left behind by his mother and raised by his emotionally distant, alcoholic father. Both became emotionally guarded, avoiding intimate relationships, resembling lone wolves. I had hoped that their similarities would draw them closer together, connecting them as they worked to solve the case.
However, Lisa Unger took a different approach in exploring how the characters dealt with their past traumas and gathered clues to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of Ainsley and Sam Wallace, who were presumed kidnapped and never found for years. This brought forth the idea of a possible accomplice to the killer since Evan Hardy, who attacked Madeleine's friend Stephanie Cramer and stabbed Madeleine herself, couldn't have been in two places at once to kidnap the Wallace sisters, who were also Madeleine's close friends.
Initially, I was captivated by the fast-paced opening that immediately drew me into the mystery. As Harley Granger sought Madeleine's assistance in unraveling the mystery, we were also introduced to another crime: the abduction of Lolly Morris, an erotic dancer who had been planning to return to her hometown for Christmas after being expelled from college.
Once again, I found myself wishing that this brilliant concept had been explored in a full-length novel. The mystery was solved rather quickly, as soon as Madeleine and her childhood friend made their initial attempts to investigate the case. Furthermore, the identity of the culprit became quite predictable from the start, which took away the excitement of playing the guessing game of "whodunnit."
The conclusion was wrapped up swiftly, and I couldn't help but feel that this story would have benefited from a more extended narrative with additional suspects and mind games, allowing readers to spend more time with these intriguing characters.
Despite these shortcomings, I still find myself rounding up my rating from 3.5 stars to 4, thanks to the strong beginning and the intriguing plotline. I look forward to reading more of Lisa Unger's upcoming books.
I would like to express my special thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers, Mysterious Press, for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this thrilling novella in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
November 20, 2023
3.75⭐️
When true crime writer and podcaster Harley Granger arrives in the small town of Little Valley, New York, just days before Christmas, bookstore owner Madeline Martin is compelled to revisit a traumatic event from her past. It has been over a decade since Madeline survived a vicious attack that left her seriously injured. On the same night, her close friend Stephanie was murdered and two other girls, also friends of Madeline and Stephanie, disappeared. Madeline’s then-boyfriend Evan Handy was convicted of the crime and was sentenced to life in prison. Madeline survived, though her memories of the events of that night remain cloudy. She has made life for herself in her hometown, keeps busy with the bookstore and takes care of her ailing father who was once the Sheriff of the town, but is wary of romantic relationships. Evan Handy maintains that he is innocent, and Harley Granger is in town to find out as much as can about the old case as well as the most recent disappearance of a young woman – one of three women who have disappeared after Evan was convicted.
Does this mean Evan was innocent? If so, who was responsible for the events from all those years ago? Are the most recent disappearances connected to the old case?
Told from multiple perspectives, Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger is an engaging read. The author seamlessly weaves past and present events into a gripping narrative that had me engaged from the very first page. The author depicts Madeline’s trauma and how it casts a shadow in her present life with much sensitivity. The ending did feel a tad rushed and was not entirely unpredictable, but I enjoyed this novella and thought that the plot was well structured, consistently paced and overall, well executed.
This was my first time reading Lisa Unger and look forward to exploring more of the author’s work.
Many thanks to Penzler Publishers and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novella. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Christmas Presents was published on October 24, 2023.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
When true crime writer and podcaster Harley Granger arrives in the small town of Little Valley, New York, just days before Christmas, bookstore owner Madeline Martin is compelled to revisit a traumatic event from her past. It has been over a decade since Madeline survived a vicious attack that left her seriously injured. On the same night, her close friend Stephanie was murdered and two other girls, also friends of Madeline and Stephanie, disappeared. Madeline’s then-boyfriend Evan Handy was convicted of the crime and was sentenced to life in prison. Madeline survived, though her memories of the events of that night remain cloudy. She has made life for herself in her hometown, keeps busy with the bookstore and takes care of her ailing father who was once the Sheriff of the town, but is wary of romantic relationships. Evan Handy maintains that he is innocent, and Harley Granger is in town to find out as much as can about the old case as well as the most recent disappearance of a young woman – one of three women who have disappeared after Evan was convicted.
Does this mean Evan was innocent? If so, who was responsible for the events from all those years ago? Are the most recent disappearances connected to the old case?
Told from multiple perspectives, Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger is an engaging read. The author seamlessly weaves past and present events into a gripping narrative that had me engaged from the very first page. The author depicts Madeline’s trauma and how it casts a shadow in her present life with much sensitivity. The ending did feel a tad rushed and was not entirely unpredictable, but I enjoyed this novella and thought that the plot was well structured, consistently paced and overall, well executed.
This was my first time reading Lisa Unger and look forward to exploring more of the author’s work.
Many thanks to Penzler Publishers and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novella. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Christmas Presents was published on October 24, 2023.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
December 10, 2024
4.5!! On my mission to find a good Christmas thriller book I decided to give this one a go while honestly knowing nothing about it, and what a good decision it was 🫡
I LOVED this, easily the best Xmas thriller I’ve read, it was giving Listen for the Lie crossed with No Exit crossed with We Were Liars ???
Highly recommend 🎄🎅🏼
I LOVED this, easily the best Xmas thriller I’ve read, it was giving Listen for the Lie crossed with No Exit crossed with We Were Liars ???
Highly recommend 🎄🎅🏼
July 18, 2023
Madeline Martin had a traumatic and life changing experience in her past. She now cares for her father and owns The Next Chapter Bookshop. She is enjoying the status quo of her life until one night a man walks into her bookstore and makes a purchase. The man is author turned true crime podcaster, Harley Granger. He purchases a Christmas present for his father and in the process brings up the events of the past that Madeline does not want to revisit.
Harley Granger has a knack for seeing things in a different light and plans on doing a podcast on Evan Handy who has been in jail for killing Madeline's friend, Steph and almost killing Madeline. Two sisters have been missing since that night and it is believed that he is responsible for what happened to them as well.
I enjoyed the setting of this book and the mounting tension and unease. The setting and snow created a chilling atmosphere which I enjoy in books. I thought Lisa Unger did a great job showing how Madeline was forever changed by the event. She is scared on the inside and outside from the events of that night. She will carry the weight of that night with her for the rest of her life.
This is a short book that was a fast read with a few twists and turns. I had two suspects in mind while reading and enjoyed how things turned out. The final resolution was not shocking but was enjoyable and made sense. This book was a reminder of how much I enjoy Lisa Unger books!
Gripping, well written, atmospheric and fast paced.
3.5 stars rounded up.
*Traveling Friends buddy read
#ChristmasPresents #NetGalley #LisaUnger, #PenzlerPublishers, #MysteriousPress
Thank you to Penzler Publishers, Mysterious Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Harley Granger has a knack for seeing things in a different light and plans on doing a podcast on Evan Handy who has been in jail for killing Madeline's friend, Steph and almost killing Madeline. Two sisters have been missing since that night and it is believed that he is responsible for what happened to them as well.
I enjoyed the setting of this book and the mounting tension and unease. The setting and snow created a chilling atmosphere which I enjoy in books. I thought Lisa Unger did a great job showing how Madeline was forever changed by the event. She is scared on the inside and outside from the events of that night. She will carry the weight of that night with her for the rest of her life.
This is a short book that was a fast read with a few twists and turns. I had two suspects in mind while reading and enjoyed how things turned out. The final resolution was not shocking but was enjoyable and made sense. This book was a reminder of how much I enjoy Lisa Unger books!
Gripping, well written, atmospheric and fast paced.
3.5 stars rounded up.
*Traveling Friends buddy read
#ChristmasPresents #NetGalley #LisaUnger, #PenzlerPublishers, #MysteriousPress
Thank you to Penzler Publishers, Mysterious Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
December 6, 2023
Madeline Martin is a survivor. Her friends…not so much. One was murdered, another two went missing. And her ex-boyfriend now sits in prison for the attack.
Madeline has done her level best to put the past behind her and move forward. She is now the official owner of a small bookshop. (Love that.)
When a true-crime podcaster comes to town Madeline realizes she can’t bury her head in the sand any longer. It’s time to face the music and re-examine her past. After all…women are still disappearing
A shorty read from the very talented Lisa Unger. Coming in under 300 in digital form.
I listened to the audio less than 6 hours narrated, by Jennifer Pickens.
If you’re looking for a short, thrilling book maybe to complete your yearly challenge? Be sure to take a look at this one!
Madeline has done her level best to put the past behind her and move forward. She is now the official owner of a small bookshop. (Love that.)
When a true-crime podcaster comes to town Madeline realizes she can’t bury her head in the sand any longer. It’s time to face the music and re-examine her past. After all…women are still disappearing
A shorty read from the very talented Lisa Unger. Coming in under 300 in digital form.
I listened to the audio less than 6 hours narrated, by Jennifer Pickens.
If you’re looking for a short, thrilling book maybe to complete your yearly challenge? Be sure to take a look at this one!
November 16, 2023
Following one horrifying night a decade ago, Madeline Martin has had to learn to live with the lasting effects of the trauma that it wrought. After just barely graduating from college, she settles down in her hometown and opens up a wildly successful business, The Next Chapter Bookshop. But just days before Christmas, the popular podcaster slash true-crime writer, Harley Granger, walks through her small shop’s doors and her carefully constructed world teeters on the edge of collapse. In town to investigate the long dead case surrounding what happened the very night she’s been trying desperately to forget, he’s intent on uncovering the whole truth and wants to start the questions with her.
After all, at the tender age of seventeen, Madeline became the lone survivor of Evan Handy, who now sits behind bars for not only her brutal attack, but the murder of her best friend, Steph. What drew Harley to the case, however, was the outstanding question of what happened to the Wallace sisters. Mutual friends of Madeline and Steph, Ainsley and Sam disappeared the very same night as the murder and haven’t been seen since. Evan has always been suspected of the crime, but with proof still outstanding, Harley wants to be the one to finally fit the final piece to the puzzle firmly in place.
Known to close even the coldest of cold cases in the past, Harley may have his work cut out for him on this one, though. With Madeline unwilling to talk and her sheriff father unable to thanks to his recent stroke, the facts are buried deep in the small country town. But Harley may have figured out something that the others may have missed. He’s noticed that there are two other young women who have all gone missing in the past ten years from the area—after Evan went to prison. And just hours ago, Lolly, a third woman fitting the same description, just so happened to vanish without a trace as well.
Are the women’s disappearances related to Evan’s handy work? Is it possible he had a co-conspirator that night who has kept the blood flowing in the rural county ever since? Or is Harley merely trying to force two separate instances together for the benefit of his listening audience? Only Madeline and her best friend, Badger, have all of the pieces of the puzzle. Will they be able to put them together in time? Or is Lolly’s fate already sealed? Little does anyone know that the truth has been right under their noses for ten long years and this Christmas promises to bring it to light.
Holy moly! I never know what I’m going to get out of a novella, as they are often too short to fully examine the events that take place and the characters that live through them. But considering that Lisa Unger wrote Christmas Presents, I felt safe in my decision to throw myself headlong into it. And joy of all joys, but I was right. This book was one widely chilling tale complete with dark twists on top of cozy Christmas cheer. In two words, it was absolute perfection.
One of the things that I loved the most about this novel were the fully fleshed out characters who felt genuine and true. Centering around the events that happened one nightmarish evening a decade earlier, their personas were all realistic depictions of what trauma can do to a soul. Add in the newly abducted victim, and this plot hit all the right chords for one truly hair-raising psychological thriller.
Turning to the plot, it was exactly what I love in my thrillers with its action-packed storyline and fast-paced twists and turns. Deftly layered with three separate POVs and a smattering of memories peppered about, what happened ten years ago was clearly drawn without pushing the reader too far into the past. Don’t get me wrong, I would’ve loved just a bit more detail about the friendships and the he-said-she-said, but, even without it, the plot was complete and well-written. Bravo, Ms. Unger. It couldn’t have been easy.
The conclusion was the only piece that didn’t quite fit, in my opinion. While it did button up most of my lingering questions, the ending felt just a bit too happily ever after for me. Granted, that was dead on perfect for a Christmas read, but still… Somehow, it just didn’t work in conjunction with the frightful mystery at play in the plot—but maybe that’s just me.
All in all, I still loved this one through and though. With its podcaster premise and serial killer vibes, it was just what the doctor ordered for this suspense loving gal. I mean, I should have expected all of that going in, right? It was penned by Unger, after all. Just the same, I was thrilled to have been taken on this top-notch ride by one truly brilliant mind. Coming out October 24th, be sure to grab your copy ASAP. This is one Christmas story every thriller lover won’t want to miss. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Lisa Unger and Scarlet Suspense/Mysterious Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 24, 2023
👉 Be sure to head to my Amazon Storefront to order. I get a small commission and would love your support!
Trigger warning: kidnapping, forced captivity, after effects of a stroke, mention of: infidelity, parental abandonment
After all, at the tender age of seventeen, Madeline became the lone survivor of Evan Handy, who now sits behind bars for not only her brutal attack, but the murder of her best friend, Steph. What drew Harley to the case, however, was the outstanding question of what happened to the Wallace sisters. Mutual friends of Madeline and Steph, Ainsley and Sam disappeared the very same night as the murder and haven’t been seen since. Evan has always been suspected of the crime, but with proof still outstanding, Harley wants to be the one to finally fit the final piece to the puzzle firmly in place.
Known to close even the coldest of cold cases in the past, Harley may have his work cut out for him on this one, though. With Madeline unwilling to talk and her sheriff father unable to thanks to his recent stroke, the facts are buried deep in the small country town. But Harley may have figured out something that the others may have missed. He’s noticed that there are two other young women who have all gone missing in the past ten years from the area—after Evan went to prison. And just hours ago, Lolly, a third woman fitting the same description, just so happened to vanish without a trace as well.
Are the women’s disappearances related to Evan’s handy work? Is it possible he had a co-conspirator that night who has kept the blood flowing in the rural county ever since? Or is Harley merely trying to force two separate instances together for the benefit of his listening audience? Only Madeline and her best friend, Badger, have all of the pieces of the puzzle. Will they be able to put them together in time? Or is Lolly’s fate already sealed? Little does anyone know that the truth has been right under their noses for ten long years and this Christmas promises to bring it to light.
Holy moly! I never know what I’m going to get out of a novella, as they are often too short to fully examine the events that take place and the characters that live through them. But considering that Lisa Unger wrote Christmas Presents, I felt safe in my decision to throw myself headlong into it. And joy of all joys, but I was right. This book was one widely chilling tale complete with dark twists on top of cozy Christmas cheer. In two words, it was absolute perfection.
One of the things that I loved the most about this novel were the fully fleshed out characters who felt genuine and true. Centering around the events that happened one nightmarish evening a decade earlier, their personas were all realistic depictions of what trauma can do to a soul. Add in the newly abducted victim, and this plot hit all the right chords for one truly hair-raising psychological thriller.
Turning to the plot, it was exactly what I love in my thrillers with its action-packed storyline and fast-paced twists and turns. Deftly layered with three separate POVs and a smattering of memories peppered about, what happened ten years ago was clearly drawn without pushing the reader too far into the past. Don’t get me wrong, I would’ve loved just a bit more detail about the friendships and the he-said-she-said, but, even without it, the plot was complete and well-written. Bravo, Ms. Unger. It couldn’t have been easy.
The conclusion was the only piece that didn’t quite fit, in my opinion. While it did button up most of my lingering questions, the ending felt just a bit too happily ever after for me. Granted, that was dead on perfect for a Christmas read, but still… Somehow, it just didn’t work in conjunction with the frightful mystery at play in the plot—but maybe that’s just me.
All in all, I still loved this one through and though. With its podcaster premise and serial killer vibes, it was just what the doctor ordered for this suspense loving gal. I mean, I should have expected all of that going in, right? It was penned by Unger, after all. Just the same, I was thrilled to have been taken on this top-notch ride by one truly brilliant mind. Coming out October 24th, be sure to grab your copy ASAP. This is one Christmas story every thriller lover won’t want to miss. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Lisa Unger and Scarlet Suspense/Mysterious Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 24, 2023
👉 Be sure to head to my Amazon Storefront to order. I get a small commission and would love your support!
Trigger warning: kidnapping, forced captivity, after effects of a stroke, mention of: infidelity, parental abandonment
November 7, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded down as it was a bit "meh". SO, my first time reading this author, and I’m left feeling rather underwhelmed 🤷🏻♀️ I’m also thinking this was TOO short to do full justice to this story (and I usually want less pages, LOL) & there was at least one (maybe two) very important characters who we never heard from… Plus, the ending wrapped up way too easily as well. But, I may still check out other & longer works by Unger next year, tho… we'll see.
September 11, 2023
2 very generous stars
I love Lisa Unger. This book had a fascinating premise. However, I never felt completely engaged in the novel due to writing issues that made the narrative choppy and the characters not really connecting with me.
So you have a true crime podcaster tackling a cold case that completely wrecked a town. Ironically, Christmas seems like the most legitimate time to open these wounds. Maybe because the man( Evan Handy) put behind bars wants to tell his side of the story. Enter Madeline Martin, ex-girlfriend of the convicted man and survivor. Madeline's a local bookstore owner and reluctant to give the podcaster what he wants. As the 226-page "novella" jumps from past to present, some very startling truths come to light.
So as I sit on Outlier Island, I do feel this book almost drowned me. I hated the backstory taking up so much space. To me, it was easily summed up and anything else afterward just felt like repetition. And the ending just left me "meh." Very disappointing.
I received access to this title because of NetGalley and Penzler Publishers. All opinions expressed are my own.
Expected Publication 24/10/23
Goodreads Review 09/09/2023
#ChristmasPresents #NetGalley.
I love Lisa Unger. This book had a fascinating premise. However, I never felt completely engaged in the novel due to writing issues that made the narrative choppy and the characters not really connecting with me.
So you have a true crime podcaster tackling a cold case that completely wrecked a town. Ironically, Christmas seems like the most legitimate time to open these wounds. Maybe because the man( Evan Handy) put behind bars wants to tell his side of the story. Enter Madeline Martin, ex-girlfriend of the convicted man and survivor. Madeline's a local bookstore owner and reluctant to give the podcaster what he wants. As the 226-page "novella" jumps from past to present, some very startling truths come to light.
So as I sit on Outlier Island, I do feel this book almost drowned me. I hated the backstory taking up so much space. To me, it was easily summed up and anything else afterward just felt like repetition. And the ending just left me "meh." Very disappointing.
I received access to this title because of NetGalley and Penzler Publishers. All opinions expressed are my own.
Expected Publication 24/10/23
Goodreads Review 09/09/2023
#ChristmasPresents #NetGalley.
January 8, 2024
the setup…
Madeline Martin is the owner of a successful business in upstate New York called The Next Chapter Bookshop. She leads a quiet life, caring for her father who is still recovering from a stroke and enjoying her role in the community. That is until Harley Granger walks into her bookstore a few days before Christmas and threatens to upset her equilibrium. He’s a true crime podcaster and has his sights set on Evan Handy as his next subject. Ten years ago, Handy was convicted of murdering Madeline’s best friend Steph, suspected to have something to do with the disappearance of two sisters who were also her friends and ER own attempted murder. Madeline barely escaped with her life.
the heart of the story…
I was looking for something different in a Christmas story and found that in this one. While Madeline wants no part of Granger’s podcast, his probing stirs up painful and uncomfortable memories she’d buried in the years since that awful night. It doesn’t help that Handy is denying his guilt, which is what drew Granger to the story since three other women have mysteriously disappeared after he was imprisoned. As Granger forces Madeline to revisit the details, she starts to question some of the things that happened the night she almost died.
the narration…
As this is a short story, it’s all about the storytelling and the narrator gets everything right. I’m so glad I held out for the audio version.
the bottom line…
There’s lots of mystery and intrigue here as the events from the past are slowly revealed. I honed in on a probable suspect early on and nailed it but that didn’t lessen my enjoyment. Madeline was an interesting woman and her relationship with Handy was “complicated.” She becomes an unwilling amateur sleuth as Granger forces her to reckon with the past. It’s short but certainly had all the elements of a good, full length story and listening to it made it even better.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Madeline Martin is the owner of a successful business in upstate New York called The Next Chapter Bookshop. She leads a quiet life, caring for her father who is still recovering from a stroke and enjoying her role in the community. That is until Harley Granger walks into her bookstore a few days before Christmas and threatens to upset her equilibrium. He’s a true crime podcaster and has his sights set on Evan Handy as his next subject. Ten years ago, Handy was convicted of murdering Madeline’s best friend Steph, suspected to have something to do with the disappearance of two sisters who were also her friends and ER own attempted murder. Madeline barely escaped with her life.
the heart of the story…
I was looking for something different in a Christmas story and found that in this one. While Madeline wants no part of Granger’s podcast, his probing stirs up painful and uncomfortable memories she’d buried in the years since that awful night. It doesn’t help that Handy is denying his guilt, which is what drew Granger to the story since three other women have mysteriously disappeared after he was imprisoned. As Granger forces Madeline to revisit the details, she starts to question some of the things that happened the night she almost died.
the narration…
As this is a short story, it’s all about the storytelling and the narrator gets everything right. I’m so glad I held out for the audio version.
the bottom line…
There’s lots of mystery and intrigue here as the events from the past are slowly revealed. I honed in on a probable suspect early on and nailed it but that didn’t lessen my enjoyment. Madeline was an interesting woman and her relationship with Handy was “complicated.” She becomes an unwilling amateur sleuth as Granger forces her to reckon with the past. It’s short but certainly had all the elements of a good, full length story and listening to it made it even better.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
October 26, 2023
3.5 Stars
Madeline Martin is the sole survivor of the murders orchestrated by Evan Handy, a chapter of her life she's desperate to erase from memory. Fast forward ten years, Harley Granger, a devoted true crime podcast host, is determined to unearth the buried past. He has stumbled upon hints and pieces of evidence that suggest a string of murders similar to those committed by Evan Handy has continued even after Handy was locked behind bars. Was Evan Handy wrongfully accused?
Intriguing concept and storyline. My only complaint would be that it was too short. The story could have used some more depth and character development. All in all, it was a quick and entertaining read. Perfect for those looking for a quick holiday thriller.
*** Thank you to NetGalley, Lisa Unger, and HigherBridge Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
Madeline Martin is the sole survivor of the murders orchestrated by Evan Handy, a chapter of her life she's desperate to erase from memory. Fast forward ten years, Harley Granger, a devoted true crime podcast host, is determined to unearth the buried past. He has stumbled upon hints and pieces of evidence that suggest a string of murders similar to those committed by Evan Handy has continued even after Handy was locked behind bars. Was Evan Handy wrongfully accused?
Intriguing concept and storyline. My only complaint would be that it was too short. The story could have used some more depth and character development. All in all, it was a quick and entertaining read. Perfect for those looking for a quick holiday thriller.
*** Thank you to NetGalley, Lisa Unger, and HigherBridge Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
August 17, 2024
The Winter Solstice approaches will it be a rebirth or still the deep, deep chill of winter?
Just before Christmas true crime podcaster Harley Granger appears in Madeline Martin’s bookshop in upstate New York. Harley has acquired quite the reputation for his investigations that have led to convictions being overturned. Why is he in Little Valley? That will be to do with the case of convicted killer Evan Handy who, on the 23rd of December 2014 murdered Madeline‘s friend, seriously injured Madeline herself and is deemed responsible for the disappearance of two of her friends, sisters Sam and Ainsley Wallace. Is Evan guilty? The small town certainly thinks so. This has understandably haunted Madeline but will she now confront her past and work with Harley in his investigations? For instance, did Evan work alone? Recent events suggest not. How far will Harley go to get his story? Will working with him be a huge mistake?
First of all, although this is set around Christmas and there are numerous references to it including presents and the present day, this chillingly, gritty novella can be read at any time of the year. I love Lisa Unger’s books, I really like the way she writes as she has the knack of immersing me in her story telling immediately. This is an atmospheric read with a plot line that matches the snowy, icy winter weather.
The characterisation is excellent, especially as I feel as if I’m inside Madeline‘s head so you can empathise with how this has haunted her and her pain is palpable. Although she’s anchored to Little Valley and indeed has made a life for herself, it’s apparent this life is built on quicksand. There’s a stark contrast between how Evan makes her feel ten years ago and the shame associated with that and how she feels in the present day. The other characters are done well too, especially Madeline’s good friend. Badger/Steve.
The storyline is a dark one and it brims with tension which builds well as all the plot strands start to come together. I have a suspicion I know the answer to the million dollar question and yes, I guess correctly which matters not a jot as I enjoy the book throughout.
Add this to your Christmas present list, you won’t regret it!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Head of Zeus for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Just before Christmas true crime podcaster Harley Granger appears in Madeline Martin’s bookshop in upstate New York. Harley has acquired quite the reputation for his investigations that have led to convictions being overturned. Why is he in Little Valley? That will be to do with the case of convicted killer Evan Handy who, on the 23rd of December 2014 murdered Madeline‘s friend, seriously injured Madeline herself and is deemed responsible for the disappearance of two of her friends, sisters Sam and Ainsley Wallace. Is Evan guilty? The small town certainly thinks so. This has understandably haunted Madeline but will she now confront her past and work with Harley in his investigations? For instance, did Evan work alone? Recent events suggest not. How far will Harley go to get his story? Will working with him be a huge mistake?
First of all, although this is set around Christmas and there are numerous references to it including presents and the present day, this chillingly, gritty novella can be read at any time of the year. I love Lisa Unger’s books, I really like the way she writes as she has the knack of immersing me in her story telling immediately. This is an atmospheric read with a plot line that matches the snowy, icy winter weather.
The characterisation is excellent, especially as I feel as if I’m inside Madeline‘s head so you can empathise with how this has haunted her and her pain is palpable. Although she’s anchored to Little Valley and indeed has made a life for herself, it’s apparent this life is built on quicksand. There’s a stark contrast between how Evan makes her feel ten years ago and the shame associated with that and how she feels in the present day. The other characters are done well too, especially Madeline’s good friend. Badger/Steve.
The storyline is a dark one and it brims with tension which builds well as all the plot strands start to come together. I have a suspicion I know the answer to the million dollar question and yes, I guess correctly which matters not a jot as I enjoy the book throughout.
Add this to your Christmas present list, you won’t regret it!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Head of Zeus for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
December 22, 2023
4 Christmas thriller stars!
An atmospheric, tension-filled, suspenseful page turner!
I’m not one to read Christmas themed books. I don’t like anything cute or romantic or Hallmarky. It’s very rare I read anything Christmas related, but I knew I had to read this thriller novella from one of my favourite thriller authors that released earlier this year and I’m so glad I did. There is nothing cute about this. It is not a typical Christmas book as one may think from the title. It’s a captivating thriller that this authors readers have come to expect.
I loved the characters! They were unique and interesting. There are different timelines and perspectives that unravel to reveal this storyline. It flowed smoothly and the pace was steady. I was invested in the characters lives from the start and intrigued until the very end. The atmosphere was one of my favourite aspects. The wintry weather. The isolated cabin. The indie bookshop. The remote landscape. The small town feel. All of it was written powerfully and had me completely engrossed and connected.
Thank you to my lovely local library for the loan!
An atmospheric, tension-filled, suspenseful page turner!
I’m not one to read Christmas themed books. I don’t like anything cute or romantic or Hallmarky. It’s very rare I read anything Christmas related, but I knew I had to read this thriller novella from one of my favourite thriller authors that released earlier this year and I’m so glad I did. There is nothing cute about this. It is not a typical Christmas book as one may think from the title. It’s a captivating thriller that this authors readers have come to expect.
I loved the characters! They were unique and interesting. There are different timelines and perspectives that unravel to reveal this storyline. It flowed smoothly and the pace was steady. I was invested in the characters lives from the start and intrigued until the very end. The atmosphere was one of my favourite aspects. The wintry weather. The isolated cabin. The indie bookshop. The remote landscape. The small town feel. All of it was written powerfully and had me completely engrossed and connected.
Thank you to my lovely local library for the loan!
July 2, 2023
Madeline Martin was viciously attacked at a party one night and left for dead. Her best friend was murdered and two more girls went missing. 10 years later Podcaster and Author Harley Granger investigates the unsolved case. He stirs up a hornets nest and trouble abounds.
This was an exciting read that I finished in a day.
Thanks NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for this ARC that will be released October 24, 2023!
This was an exciting read that I finished in a day.
Thanks NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for this ARC that will be released October 24, 2023!
November 30, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook
Madeline Martin’s life changed dramatically the night her best friend Stephanie Cramer was murdered by fellow student Evan Handy and Madeleine herself was left for dead. Their other best friends, Ainsley and Sam Wallace went missing the same night and were never found. Evan was charged and sentenced for Stephanie’s death and attempted murder of Madeline, but not for the Wallace Sisters disappearance. Fast forward ten years later and three more women have gone missing. Evan is behind bars so who’s to blame? I guessed the person fairly early in the book and usually that ruins the book for me, but this was so atmospheric and interesting that I still enjoyed it from beginning to end! A highly recommended read for a cold snowy December night!!
Madeline Martin’s life changed dramatically the night her best friend Stephanie Cramer was murdered by fellow student Evan Handy and Madeleine herself was left for dead. Their other best friends, Ainsley and Sam Wallace went missing the same night and were never found. Evan was charged and sentenced for Stephanie’s death and attempted murder of Madeline, but not for the Wallace Sisters disappearance. Fast forward ten years later and three more women have gone missing. Evan is behind bars so who’s to blame? I guessed the person fairly early in the book and usually that ruins the book for me, but this was so atmospheric and interesting that I still enjoyed it from beginning to end! A highly recommended read for a cold snowy December night!!
September 24, 2023
Okay, so I have to admit that I've been avoiding Lisa Unger's books for years. I don't really have a good reason as to why, except that there are a couple of other thriller authors that I'm not particularly fond of and I guess I've always imagined her books to be similar to theirs? I dunno. But then I saw this one on NetGalley and it was short and I thought “why not?” because I wouldn't really be out a whole lot of reading time if it ended up being terrible. And, well, I am totally willing to admit that I was wrong about Ms. Unger because Christmas Presents is actually a really good book. Go figure.
The first thing that drew me to this book is that the main character is an independent bookshop owner. I love reading about people who love books. And then one of the other main characters is an author, so there are two bookish people in this one novel. Yay! Madeline and Harley are really great characters, and I found them both to be sympathetic and likable.
The plot is suspenseful and fast-paced, and I probably would have finished it in one sitting had sleep not been necessary (I could read so much more if I never had to sleep!). I had a good guess as to who the villain of the story was at around the 50% mark, which turned out to be correct. This didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story at all, however, because I also had just a slight suspicion that it could have been someone else entirely, so I was eager to make it to the end to find out if my guess was correct.
The end of this book might've gotten a little sappier than I normally go for, but I'm not totally anti-sap as long as it's not too overbearing (here's looking at you, Mitch Albom). I'm sure some people probably got a little teary-eyed over certain bits, but I totally, one hundred percent did not. Nope, not even a little bit. My eyes were completely and totally dry. (*sniff*)
So, yeah. Christmas Presents is an engaging and entertaining thriller that I enjoyed far more than expected. 4.35 stars, rounded down.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Mysterious Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
The first thing that drew me to this book is that the main character is an independent bookshop owner. I love reading about people who love books. And then one of the other main characters is an author, so there are two bookish people in this one novel. Yay! Madeline and Harley are really great characters, and I found them both to be sympathetic and likable.
The plot is suspenseful and fast-paced, and I probably would have finished it in one sitting had sleep not been necessary (I could read so much more if I never had to sleep!). I had a good guess as to who the villain of the story was at around the 50% mark, which turned out to be correct. This didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story at all, however, because I also had just a slight suspicion that it could have been someone else entirely, so I was eager to make it to the end to find out if my guess was correct.
The end of this book might've gotten a little sappier than I normally go for, but I'm not totally anti-sap as long as it's not too overbearing (here's looking at you, Mitch Albom). I'm sure some people probably got a little teary-eyed over certain bits, but I totally, one hundred percent did not. Nope, not even a little bit. My eyes were completely and totally dry. (*sniff*)
So, yeah. Christmas Presents is an engaging and entertaining thriller that I enjoyed far more than expected. 4.35 stars, rounded down.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Mysterious Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
November 11, 2023
This was a fun novella but I almost immediately pegged the perpetrator.
The writing is done really well, highly immersive and provides lush descriptors. It was an effortless read for the most part with minimal character issues.
I enjoyed the story overall but the predictability of it was a let down. I was more reading to get to the end to see if I was right or if there was wrong and there was an awesome twist thrown in. It did leave some questions in my mind so for all these detractors, I give it a 3.5 but rounded up.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The writing is done really well, highly immersive and provides lush descriptors. It was an effortless read for the most part with minimal character issues.
I enjoyed the story overall but the predictability of it was a let down. I was more reading to get to the end to see if I was right or if there was wrong and there was an awesome twist thrown in. It did leave some questions in my mind so for all these detractors, I give it a 3.5 but rounded up.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2023
This was a fun novella but I almost immediately pegged the perpetrator.
The writing is done really well, highly immersive and provides lush descriptors. It was an effortless read for the most part with minimal character issues.
I enjoyed the story overall but the predictability of it was a let down. I was more reading to get to the end to see if I was right or if there was wrong and there was an awesome twist thrown in. It did leave some questions in my mind so for all these detractors, I give it a 3.5 but rounded up.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The writing is done really well, highly immersive and provides lush descriptors. It was an effortless read for the most part with minimal character issues.
I enjoyed the story overall but the predictability of it was a let down. I was more reading to get to the end to see if I was right or if there was wrong and there was an awesome twist thrown in. It did leave some questions in my mind so for all these detractors, I give it a 3.5 but rounded up.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2025
Madeline Martin returns home to work with a podcaster and solve a crime from her childhood. Some think she killed her best friend and two other girls when they were teenagers. Others thing the man in jail is guilty, despite his claim of innocence. As Maddy gets to know the writer and some former friends, she falls in love and finds out she can't always trust the people she once did. Everything comes together in a startling conclusion, but it was a wild ride and I loved the entire book. Wish it were longer.
June 20, 2023
This was super good, Unger has done it once again and wrote something that I could not put down! I'm a sucker for books that go into the realm of fictional true crime via podcasts or just revisiting an older crime.
Madeline, now a local book store owner in a sleepy town, has a tragic past. Her friends were murdered roughly a decade earlier and the murderer was incarcerated. Harley is a podcaster who comes to town to revisit the crimes and dig into them further. At the same time, there are now more missing women. Are they connected and how?
This is a quick novella that takes place at Christmas time, told from different POV's as well as different timelines. I wanted more!!! It was a very fast read and had me intrigued from the beginning. I really enjoyed the little Easter Egg's from Unger's previous books - The Hollows. What I did want to hear more from was Evan, I would have loved a podcast/interview getting into more of that detail. I could have read another hundred pages of this one, I was sad it was so short! Overall, highly recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Madeline, now a local book store owner in a sleepy town, has a tragic past. Her friends were murdered roughly a decade earlier and the murderer was incarcerated. Harley is a podcaster who comes to town to revisit the crimes and dig into them further. At the same time, there are now more missing women. Are they connected and how?
This is a quick novella that takes place at Christmas time, told from different POV's as well as different timelines. I wanted more!!! It was a very fast read and had me intrigued from the beginning. I really enjoyed the little Easter Egg's from Unger's previous books - The Hollows. What I did want to hear more from was Evan, I would have loved a podcast/interview getting into more of that detail. I could have read another hundred pages of this one, I was sad it was so short! Overall, highly recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
This book is short and Christmas themed, so it is perfect for this time of year. It didn’t reinvent the wheel and didn’t blow me away, but I still enjoyed it for what it was. If you are looking for a quick holiday thriller read- this hits the mark.
This book is short and Christmas themed, so it is perfect for this time of year. It didn’t reinvent the wheel and didn’t blow me away, but I still enjoyed it for what it was. If you are looking for a quick holiday thriller read- this hits the mark.
October 29, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ gostava que tivesse sido menos previsível
December 29, 2023
4.0 Stars
Video Review: https://youtu.be/EMgU50NWDe4
This was an enjoyable thriller that wove true crime themes in a Christmas setting. This was a short but good creepy read.
This story featured a lot of familiar tropes. While it never felt revolutionary. I still enjoyed my time with this one.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher
Video Review: https://youtu.be/EMgU50NWDe4
This was an enjoyable thriller that wove true crime themes in a Christmas setting. This was a short but good creepy read.
This story featured a lot of familiar tropes. While it never felt revolutionary. I still enjoyed my time with this one.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher
December 7, 2025
A fast, twisty novella that pulled me in right away with its multiple POVs and easy to follow timelines. I loved the setup, the eerie small town mystery, and Madeline Martin as a protagonist, her trauma and her cozy bookstore really grounded the story. 📚🎄
The twist was solid, but after that the ending just fell flat for me. 😕 Some loose ends didn’t add up, and the “monster hiding in plain sight” was pretty easy to spot. I did enjoy the podcast transcript at the end, such a fun touch! 🎙️✨
Overall: strong start, interesting premise, but the final stretch didn’t deliver the punch I hoped for. Still a quick, entertaining holiday thriller! 🔪🎁
The twist was solid, but after that the ending just fell flat for me. 😕 Some loose ends didn’t add up, and the “monster hiding in plain sight” was pretty easy to spot. I did enjoy the podcast transcript at the end, such a fun touch! 🎙️✨
Overall: strong start, interesting premise, but the final stretch didn’t deliver the punch I hoped for. Still a quick, entertaining holiday thriller! 🔪🎁
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