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It's Your Turn To Die
This Christmas, the only thing under the tree is a body count.
Denise used to love Christmas, but the halls of Bliss High are being decked in blood. An anonymous chronicle of the school's "lethal legacy" hasn't just surfaced—it has begun to rewrite her reality. As a Santa-suited psycho slashes through students one by one, he leaves personalized holiday jingles for Denise, promising more festive fear.
But who is making a 'Naughty List', and why is Denise the messenger's target? Is it her jilted ex-boyfriend who is angry that she has a new crush? The popular girls whose taunting behavior has become more threatening? Or someone hiding in the shadows?
With each new body found gift-wrapped in the snow, Santa's blade inches closer to Denise's throat. To survive this night of tinsel and terror, she will have to face the killer. Hers is the last name on the Naughty List—and he's coming to cross her off for good.
Scroll up and one-click to unwrap this young adult slasher!
*Previously published as Christmas Fear
Denise used to love Christmas, but the halls of Bliss High are being decked in blood. An anonymous chronicle of the school's "lethal legacy" hasn't just surfaced—it has begun to rewrite her reality. As a Santa-suited psycho slashes through students one by one, he leaves personalized holiday jingles for Denise, promising more festive fear.
But who is making a 'Naughty List', and why is Denise the messenger's target? Is it her jilted ex-boyfriend who is angry that she has a new crush? The popular girls whose taunting behavior has become more threatening? Or someone hiding in the shadows?
With each new body found gift-wrapped in the snow, Santa's blade inches closer to Denise's throat. To survive this night of tinsel and terror, she will have to face the killer. Hers is the last name on the Naughty List—and he's coming to cross her off for good.
Scroll up and one-click to unwrap this young adult slasher!
*Previously published as Christmas Fear
- GenresChristmas
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2025
About the author
Jessica Blade
7 books51 followersJessica Blade writes YA horror and mystery suspense. She wrote her first complete novel when she was fourteen. That's when she realized how much she adores twisty plots and psycho killers, and she's been writing ever since. Jessica also loves reading RL Stine and Christopher Pike, and when she's not creating her next terrifying story, you'll find her binging horror movies and scary video games with her awesome husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 30, 2022
“’ Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Oh, what fun it is to die in Santa’s sleigh one day.’” -Christmas Fear
Who says high school is easy? Have you ever been told that high school with be the best of times? Well, it’s a lie. Currently, I am a junior in high school and have two best friends that I am always with, Audrey and Jack. Christmas is right around the corner, and it seems as though the past is repeating itself when classmates start being killed. After the first one was killed, I started receiving these weird notes hinting that I am next and so are those that I love. Will I escape my junior year with my life?
Within the first couple of pages, you realize this book is for younger readers. I could picture my junior high self reading this book and enjoying it. The pace of the storyline, characters, and length of the book all relate to younger readers. There was no depth to the characters and not much in terms of background details. I also found the relationship between Denise and the police to be unrealistic, driving it more towards younger readers.
Although the book was rushed, it intrigued me enough to finish it and find out who the killer was. I rate this book 3 stars and would recommend it to younger readers in junior high school who enjoy mysteries.
Content/Trigger Warnings: blood, a little bit of gore, killing, poisoning, stalking, and violence
Who says high school is easy? Have you ever been told that high school with be the best of times? Well, it’s a lie. Currently, I am a junior in high school and have two best friends that I am always with, Audrey and Jack. Christmas is right around the corner, and it seems as though the past is repeating itself when classmates start being killed. After the first one was killed, I started receiving these weird notes hinting that I am next and so are those that I love. Will I escape my junior year with my life?
Within the first couple of pages, you realize this book is for younger readers. I could picture my junior high self reading this book and enjoying it. The pace of the storyline, characters, and length of the book all relate to younger readers. There was no depth to the characters and not much in terms of background details. I also found the relationship between Denise and the police to be unrealistic, driving it more towards younger readers.
Although the book was rushed, it intrigued me enough to finish it and find out who the killer was. I rate this book 3 stars and would recommend it to younger readers in junior high school who enjoy mysteries.
Content/Trigger Warnings: blood, a little bit of gore, killing, poisoning, stalking, and violence
July 2, 2022
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 1, 2026
What a fantastic YA horror read! Suspenseful, eerie, and completely addictive, this book had me hooked from beginning to end. The tension kept building with every chapter, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Kept thinking I knew who the killer then they’d wind up dead. This second book definitely did not disappoint, and now I’m counting down the minutes until I can dive into book 3!
June 21, 2022
A YA high school serial killer mystery with several possible suspects and plot twists to keep the reader guessing.
June 19, 2022
This book was clearly written for the younger reader. It was an okay mystery.
July 10, 2022
I liked this story. Although for a younger audience, I thought the concept was interesting. I had never read anything by this author before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I got an intriguing story that I was invested in and wanted to unravel. When you think you know what’s going on, a significant plot twist changes everything.
I found myself trying to piece together clues dropped within the story to solve it. While I successfully figured out who was responsible, the reasoning for it all blew my mind. The town, although horrified, was happy for it to all be over and eventually learned to live again.
Even with everything that happened, Denise found strength in it, which I loved for her. I added Natalie's story to my TBR list when I saw that it existed, and I can't wait to read it.
Voluntarily reviewed after receiving a free copy courtesy of the author, Jessica Blade.
I found myself trying to piece together clues dropped within the story to solve it. While I successfully figured out who was responsible, the reasoning for it all blew my mind. The town, although horrified, was happy for it to all be over and eventually learned to live again.
Even with everything that happened, Denise found strength in it, which I loved for her. I added Natalie's story to my TBR list when I saw that it existed, and I can't wait to read it.
Voluntarily reviewed after receiving a free copy courtesy of the author, Jessica Blade.
February 28, 2025
Book Review: It's Your Turn to Die by Jessica Blade
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 Stars)
I recently had the chance to read It's Your Turn to Die by Jessica Blade, thanks to an ARC from BookSprout. While I initially had trouble getting into the story, once it picked up, I found myself intrigued by the plot and overall storyline.
As a YA horror novel, it definitely has that eerie, suspenseful feel—reminiscent of classic Goosebumps books. However, I did find it harder to connect with some of the characters, likely due to the younger target audience. That said, the book still delivered a decent amount of tension and thrills, making it an enjoyable read for fans of the genre.
While it wasn’t my favorite, I can see younger readers or those who love YA horror really enjoying it. If you're in the mood for a spooky, fast-paced story, this one might be worth checking out!
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 Stars)
I recently had the chance to read It's Your Turn to Die by Jessica Blade, thanks to an ARC from BookSprout. While I initially had trouble getting into the story, once it picked up, I found myself intrigued by the plot and overall storyline.
As a YA horror novel, it definitely has that eerie, suspenseful feel—reminiscent of classic Goosebumps books. However, I did find it harder to connect with some of the characters, likely due to the younger target audience. That said, the book still delivered a decent amount of tension and thrills, making it an enjoyable read for fans of the genre.
While it wasn’t my favorite, I can see younger readers or those who love YA horror really enjoying it. If you're in the mood for a spooky, fast-paced story, this one might be worth checking out!
July 28, 2022
High school can be Murder. Jessica Blade’s Christmas Fear is a thrilling ride through, let’s just say, a bad Junior year. As a murderer stalks the classmates, (you and) Denise struggles to figure out who is committing the murders before the whole Junior class is wiped out. It starts when a new book in the school library uncovers resentments, jealousies and love? Follow Jessica and her inner circle as they try to piece the puzzle together clue by clue, death by death. I’m looking forward to seeing what else Bliss High School has in store for it’s students.
July 31, 2022
If you are a younger reader or someone who likes YA novels, this is a good slasher style teen mystery. The deaths are a bit graphic (but it's slasher horror, so a plus for me!) and have some good descriptions. I liked that it kept you guessing who the murder could be through the whole story, changing your guess as people kept dying. I think some more character depth and emotional depth could have made the Killer's motives stronger, but I enjoyed the mystery none the less. I received this book as an arc and am leaving my review voluntarily .
August 3, 2022
Review through Voracious Readers Only
This was a thrilling wee read. It took me a bit to get who was who and it went from zero to a hundred pretty quickly but once we were into the killer part, I was hooked. It was a interesting journey through Denise's research and hunt to find the killer who is obsessed with ruining Christmas and dresses as a sadistical evil Santa.
Jessica Blade writes a great scary story but keeps it clean with no bad language or sexual themes.
This was a thrilling wee read. It took me a bit to get who was who and it went from zero to a hundred pretty quickly but once we were into the killer part, I was hooked. It was a interesting journey through Denise's research and hunt to find the killer who is obsessed with ruining Christmas and dresses as a sadistical evil Santa.
Jessica Blade writes a great scary story but keeps it clean with no bad language or sexual themes.
July 1, 2022
#horror #suspense #youngadult
🎅 Christmas in July🎅 Christmas time should be a season of joy. But for Bliss High, 'tis the season to fear😱
AVAILABLE AT YOUR FAVORITE RETAILERS.
IN PAPERBACK, EBOOK, AND AUDIO!
https://books2read.com/ChristmasFear
🎅 Christmas in July🎅 Christmas time should be a season of joy. But for Bliss High, 'tis the season to fear😱
AVAILABLE AT YOUR FAVORITE RETAILERS.
IN PAPERBACK, EBOOK, AND AUDIO!
https://books2read.com/ChristmasFear
July 3, 2022
There is a list of suspects that could be the Christmas vengeance killer. Set in a high school and reminds me of a cross between Scream and Mean Girls. This is one Santa you don't want to have come to your town.
July 9, 2022
I might be scared of Santa now! lol! In all seriousness... I couldn't put this book down. The events in this story escalated very well. I had a feeling of who the killer might be, but Jessica did a good job of steering towards different suspects.
November 29, 2023
A real page turner. Kept me guessing until the end regarding who was causing terror and committing murder.
June 29, 2026
Personal Copy Review (YA)
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
It’s Your Turn to Die by Jessica Blade
Published: February 2025
First of all, thank you to Jessica Blade and BookSprout for once again handing me the keys to another high school bloodbath. My therapist is thrilled.
If this had been my first Jessica Blade book, I probably would’ve rated it even higher. It’s the sequel to I Can Be Your Friend, and I loved seeing that story continue in its own dark, bloody, Christmas-soaked way.
That said—and here comes the part where people start sharpening their candy canes—I couldn’t ignore how eerily similar parts of it felt to I Know When You’re Asleep. Not inspired by. Not giving the same vibe. I mean several elements felt almost identical. It didn’t ruin the story for me, but once I noticed it, I couldn’t unsee it.
Before anyone starts writing me an angry Christmas card: I still genuinely enjoyed this. This is just my opinion, and my opinion has been wrong before. I once trusted a character with kind eyes. Never again.
Jessica writes ridiculously addictive slashers. They’re fast, bloody, tense, and impossible to put down. You’ve got a school full of terrified teenagers, creepy notes, trust issues growing by the page, and enough murder to make guidance counselors reconsider their career choices.
One thing I always love about Jessica’s books is the adults. The principal actually listens. The police don’t spend 300 pages telling teenagers they’re imagining things. Everyone communicates like functioning human beings, and somehow it makes the chaos even more enjoyable. It’s weirdly refreshing.
If you’re a YA slasher fan—or just an adult who never outgrew their love for old-school high school murder mysteries wrapped in Christmas lights—this one is absolutely worth picking up.
So go ahead. Read it before bed. Turn off the lights. And then spend the next couple of hours wondering if your friends actually like you… or if you’re just next on the list.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
It’s Your Turn to Die by Jessica Blade
Published: February 2025
First of all, thank you to Jessica Blade and BookSprout for once again handing me the keys to another high school bloodbath. My therapist is thrilled.
If this had been my first Jessica Blade book, I probably would’ve rated it even higher. It’s the sequel to I Can Be Your Friend, and I loved seeing that story continue in its own dark, bloody, Christmas-soaked way.
That said—and here comes the part where people start sharpening their candy canes—I couldn’t ignore how eerily similar parts of it felt to I Know When You’re Asleep. Not inspired by. Not giving the same vibe. I mean several elements felt almost identical. It didn’t ruin the story for me, but once I noticed it, I couldn’t unsee it.
Before anyone starts writing me an angry Christmas card: I still genuinely enjoyed this. This is just my opinion, and my opinion has been wrong before. I once trusted a character with kind eyes. Never again.
Jessica writes ridiculously addictive slashers. They’re fast, bloody, tense, and impossible to put down. You’ve got a school full of terrified teenagers, creepy notes, trust issues growing by the page, and enough murder to make guidance counselors reconsider their career choices.
One thing I always love about Jessica’s books is the adults. The principal actually listens. The police don’t spend 300 pages telling teenagers they’re imagining things. Everyone communicates like functioning human beings, and somehow it makes the chaos even more enjoyable. It’s weirdly refreshing.
If you’re a YA slasher fan—or just an adult who never outgrew their love for old-school high school murder mysteries wrapped in Christmas lights—this one is absolutely worth picking up.
So go ahead. Read it before bed. Turn off the lights. And then spend the next couple of hours wondering if your friends actually like you… or if you’re just next on the list.
January 3, 2026
It’s Your Turn To Die by Jessica Blade is a fun, fast-paced YA horror that turns the Christmas season into something dark and dangerous. Set in a high school plagued by anonymous threats and a killer in a Santa suit, it quickly creates a creepy, slasher-style atmosphere that pulls you straight in.
The story moves at a brisk pace, delivering suspense, twists, and a clear sense of danger without getting overly complicated. It knows its audience well, focusing on tension and mystery rather than deep character study, which keeps it light and very readable.
Overall, this is an entertaining, quick horror read with a festive edge. Perfect for fans of YA thrillers who want something spooky, seasonal, and easy to devour in just a few sittings.
The story moves at a brisk pace, delivering suspense, twists, and a clear sense of danger without getting overly complicated. It knows its audience well, focusing on tension and mystery rather than deep character study, which keeps it light and very readable.
Overall, this is an entertaining, quick horror read with a festive edge. Perfect for fans of YA thrillers who want something spooky, seasonal, and easy to devour in just a few sittings.
August 29, 2025
Book two in the Bliss High horror series. Book one characters do take a small part in the story but I do not feel that the reader has to have read it to enjoy this one. Relatable characters, Christmas theme, and various murders make it a fun read. It is one that I just wanted to keep reading until done. I did find the ending to be a bit abrupt but that did not deter from my enjoyment of the book.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale.
June 2, 2026
Even though it’s a younger audience, I really enjoyed reading this book. I was invested in this book from the first couple of chapters. When you think you know what’s happening and who does it the plot changes again.
The plot was fast-paced and well written and kept you on the edge of your seat. It is the second book I’ve read from this author and it did not disappoint.
Thank you for the offer for the chance to read this as an arc. I look forward to the next book.
The plot was fast-paced and well written and kept you on the edge of your seat. It is the second book I’ve read from this author and it did not disappoint.
Thank you for the offer for the chance to read this as an arc. I look forward to the next book.
June 27, 2026
Thank you to the author and Booksprout for another great read! We return to bliss high but a completely different group of friends is being terrorized by a killer Santa, this story is about Denise and her friends or are they? I normally don’t read YA books I’m 39 but I’m finding this author to be amazing i know my daughter would love her books! This has suspense and makes you go what? I thought I know who the killer Santa was but I’ll let you figure that out on your own!
July 19, 2026
I really enjoyed this second book in the series. It even brought out the sleuth in me, trying to figure it all out! Even though the twist wasn't very surprising, I still very much enjoyed the read.
Just a reminder. This is a YA read. If you don't like HS drama or teenage amateur sleuths, this may not be for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Just a reminder. This is a YA read. If you don't like HS drama or teenage amateur sleuths, this may not be for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2022
I loved this psychological thriller. The characters are realistic and believable. The twists kept me turning the pages. It is an amazing blend of action, mystery and psychological suspense with a gripping plot that had me completely hooked. The killer was an unexpected surprise. I would highly recommend it. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
April 15, 2026
Such a great story. I had goosebumps reading through this creepy, bloody, slasher. I thought I guessed the killer but I was wrong. Tons of great twists throughout will have you guessing the whole time.
June 20, 2026
It was good book and entertaining. I liked the characters and the thrill. Narration was simple and gripping. Loved it. Recommended.
July 27, 2026
Awesome book!
I am really enjoying this series! This book had me hooked from the first page. I couldn't wait to get to the end. I was shocked by who the killer ended up being and I had it so wrong. Give it a read!
I am really enjoying this series! This book had me hooked from the first page. I couldn't wait to get to the end. I was shocked by who the killer ended up being and I had it so wrong. Give it a read!
March 16, 2026
The second Bliss High book puts us right back into slasher territory and this was a quick and enjoyable read.
Denise’s friends are dying. The school has barely recovered from the whole Natalie incident and now there is some deranged Santa sending threatening notes and murdering her friends and coming after Denise next!
As was the theme with the first book, you never really know who you can trust. Is it the friend that moved here a year ago that just clicked into your friend group? Is it the cute boy that you are cozying up to? Is it the one guy that can’t seem to get a hint that you are not an item? Everyone is a suspect and from the looks of it – everyone is at risk. They lean into the Natalie-lore but it never really overshadows the book, so it isn’t just a copy and paste story but rather a standalone.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. YA are a guilty pleasure of mine because they are so fun and quick to read. They are really nice palate cleansers if you are reading heavier books. I wouldn’t mind reading more Bliss High novels (that follow this trend).
Denise’s friends are dying. The school has barely recovered from the whole Natalie incident and now there is some deranged Santa sending threatening notes and murdering her friends and coming after Denise next!
As was the theme with the first book, you never really know who you can trust. Is it the friend that moved here a year ago that just clicked into your friend group? Is it the cute boy that you are cozying up to? Is it the one guy that can’t seem to get a hint that you are not an item? Everyone is a suspect and from the looks of it – everyone is at risk. They lean into the Natalie-lore but it never really overshadows the book, so it isn’t just a copy and paste story but rather a standalone.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. YA are a guilty pleasure of mine because they are so fun and quick to read. They are really nice palate cleansers if you are reading heavier books. I wouldn’t mind reading more Bliss High novels (that follow this trend).
January 23, 2026
The Bliss high drama and horror continue in It's your turn to die. by Jessica Blade .A tense, fast-moving psychological thriller that grips from the first page. The story thrives on high-stakes choices and moral ambiguity, forcing characters—and readers—to confront uncomfortable questions about power, survival, and accountability. With tight pacing and well-timed twists, Blade keeps the suspense relentless without feeling forced. Dark, engaging, and thought-provoking, this is a strong pick for fans of thrillers that blend mind games with emotional intensity.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2026
Christmas and slashers are always a fun combination, and this one delivers plenty of festive carnage. A masked killer dressed as Santa stalks the halls of Bliss High, leaving behind twisted holiday rhymes and a growing body count.
The mystery keeps you guessing as everyone becomes a suspect, while the fast-paced plot, snowy setting, and classic teen slasher vibes make it an entertaining read. If you enjoy holiday horror with plenty of kills, red herrings, and a final girl trying to survive the night, this one is worth picking up.
A bloody Christmas slasher that proves not everyone makes it off the Naughty List. 🎄🔪
The mystery keeps you guessing as everyone becomes a suspect, while the fast-paced plot, snowy setting, and classic teen slasher vibes make it an entertaining read. If you enjoy holiday horror with plenty of kills, red herrings, and a final girl trying to survive the night, this one is worth picking up.
A bloody Christmas slasher that proves not everyone makes it off the Naughty List. 🎄🔪
September 14, 2025
A riveting YA with a bite. Jessica brings us into the halls of Bliss high, the best place to kill someone at Christmas. In this whodunnit, we get a slasher that puts a new spin on Santa Claus. The twists will keep you guessing and the blood and suspense will make you stay until the end. Reminded me of Goosebumps. This was my first experience with her, and I look forward to going to read her other work as well.
May 3, 2026
Christmas Rhymes to Haunt You...
This was a great story with rhymes that are well written... they just made me have goosebumps.. Now, does that mean that the person receiving those rhymes will die? You will have to read this lovely book to find out!
Christmas time will definitely have new thoughts after reading this!
Thank you, Jessica Blade, for more rhymes to scream about.
I received a complimentary arc copy of this book and this is my honest review.
This was a great story with rhymes that are well written... they just made me have goosebumps.. Now, does that mean that the person receiving those rhymes will die? You will have to read this lovely book to find out!
Christmas time will definitely have new thoughts after reading this!
Thank you, Jessica Blade, for more rhymes to scream about.
I received a complimentary arc copy of this book and this is my honest review.
July 5, 2026
It's Your turn to die is a YA thriller that is full of suspense and thrills. A high school serial killer is on the loose. The story is eerie with that prickles down your spine feel, but definitely more for a younger reader, just slightly a little graphic. The story is interesting and definitely keeps the readers attention.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews