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The Magpies #4
The Christmas Magpie
A chilling standalone thriller for the holiday season, set in the world of the million-copy bestselling
The Magpies
'Dark, twisted, chilling and utterly unputdownable' CLAIRE DOUGLAS
It’s Noel and Dani’s first Christmas in their new home and they want everything to be perfect - lavish presents, a beautiful tree and outdoor decorations to join in with the festivities in this welcoming community.
But they quickly wonder if this street is as perfect as it appears.
First, there are the unwelcome presents left anonymously on their doorstep.
Then they are sure someone is watching them...
And why are the neighbours all obsessed with a notorious killer who is housed at the nearby women’s prison?
After tragedy strikes at a Christmas party, Noel and Dani try to find out who is targeting them – but, in this case, it might be safer not to know . . .
READER REVIEWS
'Mark Edwards is a joy to read. I flew through this book and couldn't put it down.' ***** READER REVIEW
'If you want a quick, cosy mystery, then this is the book for you.' ***** READER REVIEW
'Fast paced with lots of twists and turns, eeriness thrown into the mix - what a great thriller this is.' ***** READER REVIEW
'This is a five star read along with all his others!' ***** READER REVIEW
'I absolutely loved this!' ***** READER REVIEW
'I absolutely loved this book & would highly recommend.' ***** READER REVIEW
'This was such a great, fun but creepy, festive read. Perfect for curling up with on a cold December evening!' **** READER REVIEW
'If you’re after a quick, gripping read with a festive backdrop and a clever, chilling twist, I’d highly recommend this one.' ***** READER REVIEW
'A chilling but festive treat and a must-read for all Mark Edwards fans.' ***** READER REVIEW
'The Christmas Magpies will make an excellent stocking filler!' ***** READER REVIEW
PRAISE FOR MARK EDWARDS
'I loved this brilliant, edgy, character driven thriller with a passion.' LISA JEWELL
'A fast-paced thriller, full of twists upon twists and tension you could cut with a knife. Hugely enjoyable.' ALEX MICHAELIDES
''Gripped doesn't even come close!' MARIAN KEYES
'I kept wanting to tear my eyes away but had to keep reading' IAN RANKIN
'Twisting and terrifying, the kind of haunting, pacy, spine-chiller that Mark Edwards is the absolute master of.' CHRIS WHITAKER
'I was hooked by this clever, fast paced and addictive thriller... I loved it' CLAIRE DOUGLAS
'Fast-paced and it’s another Mark Edwards sensation' CLARE MACKINTOSH
'Dark, twisted, chilling and utterly unputdownable' CLAIRE DOUGLAS
It’s Noel and Dani’s first Christmas in their new home and they want everything to be perfect - lavish presents, a beautiful tree and outdoor decorations to join in with the festivities in this welcoming community.
But they quickly wonder if this street is as perfect as it appears.
First, there are the unwelcome presents left anonymously on their doorstep.
Then they are sure someone is watching them...
And why are the neighbours all obsessed with a notorious killer who is housed at the nearby women’s prison?
After tragedy strikes at a Christmas party, Noel and Dani try to find out who is targeting them – but, in this case, it might be safer not to know . . .
READER REVIEWS
'Mark Edwards is a joy to read. I flew through this book and couldn't put it down.' ***** READER REVIEW
'If you want a quick, cosy mystery, then this is the book for you.' ***** READER REVIEW
'Fast paced with lots of twists and turns, eeriness thrown into the mix - what a great thriller this is.' ***** READER REVIEW
'This is a five star read along with all his others!' ***** READER REVIEW
'I absolutely loved this!' ***** READER REVIEW
'I absolutely loved this book & would highly recommend.' ***** READER REVIEW
'This was such a great, fun but creepy, festive read. Perfect for curling up with on a cold December evening!' **** READER REVIEW
'If you’re after a quick, gripping read with a festive backdrop and a clever, chilling twist, I’d highly recommend this one.' ***** READER REVIEW
'A chilling but festive treat and a must-read for all Mark Edwards fans.' ***** READER REVIEW
'The Christmas Magpies will make an excellent stocking filler!' ***** READER REVIEW
PRAISE FOR MARK EDWARDS
'I loved this brilliant, edgy, character driven thriller with a passion.' LISA JEWELL
'A fast-paced thriller, full of twists upon twists and tension you could cut with a knife. Hugely enjoyable.' ALEX MICHAELIDES
''Gripped doesn't even come close!' MARIAN KEYES
'I kept wanting to tear my eyes away but had to keep reading' IAN RANKIN
'Twisting and terrifying, the kind of haunting, pacy, spine-chiller that Mark Edwards is the absolute master of.' CHRIS WHITAKER
'I was hooked by this clever, fast paced and addictive thriller... I loved it' CLAIRE DOUGLAS
'Fast-paced and it’s another Mark Edwards sensation' CLARE MACKINTOSH
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2025
210 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Mark Edwards
36 books5,904 followersMark Edwards writes psychological thrillers in which scary things happen to ordinary people.
He loves hearing from readers and always responds. Mark can be contacted in the following ways:
Email: mark@markedwardsauthor.com
Twitter @mredwards
Facebook/Instagram: @markedwardsauthor
You can download a free box set of 'Short Sharp Shockers' by visiting www.markedwardsauthor.com/free
Mark has sold over 5 million books since his first solo novel, The Magpies, was published in 2013 and has topped the bestseller lists numerous times. His other novels include Follow You Home, Here To Stay and The Psychopath Next Door. He has also published six books co-authored with Louise Voss. His next novel, The Wasp Trap, will be published in the UK/Australia in July 2025 and the US/Canada in September 2025.
Mark lives in the West Midlands, England, with his wife, their three children, two cats and a golden retriever.
He loves hearing from readers and always responds. Mark can be contacted in the following ways:
Email: mark@markedwardsauthor.com
Twitter @mredwards
Facebook/Instagram: @markedwardsauthor
You can download a free box set of 'Short Sharp Shockers' by visiting www.markedwardsauthor.com/free
Mark has sold over 5 million books since his first solo novel, The Magpies, was published in 2013 and has topped the bestseller lists numerous times. His other novels include Follow You Home, Here To Stay and The Psychopath Next Door. He has also published six books co-authored with Louise Voss. His next novel, The Wasp Trap, will be published in the UK/Australia in July 2025 and the US/Canada in September 2025.
Mark lives in the West Midlands, England, with his wife, their three children, two cats and a golden retriever.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
October 21, 2025
I've read all the magpie books.enjoyable short reads.Noel and Dani moved to a new home,meeting the neighbours but are they friendly...its Christmas and started to receive unwanted gifts but who sending them a neighbours...near by is a womans prision holding a notorious killer it tells her story..is there a connection? another great read...
September 19, 2025
Loved this one; marks books are great and this was a little something different; I like the name choices the prison scenes and play side of it. Excellent
December 6, 2025
Festive mystery number 6 this year, and I'm starting to flag.
This one is a short Christmas thriller. A nauseatingly happy couple move into a new neighbourhood, and the torment begins... from dodgy mince pies to murder, which one of their neighbours has it in for them?
I'm glad Mark Edwards has found his audience, because there were certainly creepy moments to be found.
For me, if a story requires a great deal of suspension of disbelief, there has to be other stuff to outweigh it, and The Christmas Magpie just didn't have enough to balance out the implausibility.
If you're interested in a mildly festive romp with a psychopathic heart, give it a go, but it wasn't my fave.
This one is a short Christmas thriller. A nauseatingly happy couple move into a new neighbourhood, and the torment begins... from dodgy mince pies to murder, which one of their neighbours has it in for them?
I'm glad Mark Edwards has found his audience, because there were certainly creepy moments to be found.
For me, if a story requires a great deal of suspension of disbelief, there has to be other stuff to outweigh it, and The Christmas Magpie just didn't have enough to balance out the implausibility.
If you're interested in a mildly festive romp with a psychopathic heart, give it a go, but it wasn't my fave.
October 10, 2025
I wouldn't usually read something festive before Halloween (there's a time for everything peeps), but I had to make an exception for The Christmas Magpie, as it's an ARC and there's a deadline and, well it's Mark Edwards, isn't it? 🐦⬛🎄
I quite enjoyed this. It was like an early Christmas present and Mark, as always, delivered the perfect treat. I definitely wouldn't want a Secret Santa like the one featured here though. 🎅🎁
This may be a novella, but Mark has managed to pack quite a lot in. Fans of his Magpie series of books will instantly recognise one of the characters. 🐦⬛🎄
If you're looking for a quick festive read that is all sweetness and light and goodwill to all men, then I suggest you look elsewhere. But if you want a psychological thriller wrapped up as a short festive read, then this may well be what you're looking for. 🐦⬛🎄
Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
I quite enjoyed this. It was like an early Christmas present and Mark, as always, delivered the perfect treat. I definitely wouldn't want a Secret Santa like the one featured here though. 🎅🎁
This may be a novella, but Mark has managed to pack quite a lot in. Fans of his Magpie series of books will instantly recognise one of the characters. 🐦⬛🎄
If you're looking for a quick festive read that is all sweetness and light and goodwill to all men, then I suggest you look elsewhere. But if you want a psychological thriller wrapped up as a short festive read, then this may well be what you're looking for. 🐦⬛🎄
Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
November 17, 2025
It's beginning to look a lot like...MURDER!
I'm not usually one for festive reads but I couldn't pass up this creepy little thriller by Mark Edwards, featuring his most famous and love-to-hate characters Lucy Newton. But this time there is a new magpie in the flock. Or is that murder?
We meet Noel and Dani who have just moved into Nightingale Close, a close-knit yet delightful little community with their self-appointed leader in Linda, principal of the nearby girls high school. It is approaching Christmas and Noel is planning on this being their best Christmas ever as their first one together in their new house. Added to that, Noel is a Christmas baby himself having been born on Christmas Eve. Nothing and no one is going to ruin this for them, of that he is certain.
And then things slowly start to unravel as they at first begin to receive some strange parcels with some even stranger contents. From mince pies laced with chilli to a sexy santa dress for Dani to a creepy porcelain doll that never seems to die. Then the electrics in their house begin to play up and they return home from the pictures to discover they have been burgled. But the one thing that remains that was never there before - that damn doll! A tragedy then sets off a chain of events that drags them even deeper into danger, where the tension lays simmering beneath the surface.
And then there are the nearby neighbours. Not the ones in the Close or even the surrounding streets. But the ones housed in the nearby women's prison - namely notorious multiple murderer Lucy Newton.
Behind bars, Lucy finds herself the recipient of a series of Christmas cards signed "Secret Santa aka the Christmas Magpie". With each card comes the promise of something more, something that whets Lucy's appetite as she ponders just who is behind the series of little gifts...and what exactly they have in store for her. Whatever it is, can the Christmas Magpie outsmart the original magpie?
Yes, she's back. Her presence looms large even if she isn't centre stage but the tension she brings is unmistakeable! If you haven't already met Lucy, then you are in for a treat. Once met, never forgotten.
This Christmas novella is a delightfully dark Christmas treat. As the technical fourth in the Magpie series, with The Psychopath Next Door loosely claiming that place, this one is set to rekindle those Lucy vibes...or if you haven't read the previous books, then it will most certainly have thrown the cat amongst the magpies as it were. But rest assured though it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone as Lucy is not the main feature here though she does feature a lot more than she did in The Psychopath Next Door so you aren't missing anything that went on before. Much of what had gone on before is explained in enough detail to leave readers with a something of a picture while not giving everything away for those who haven't read the other books.
The doll was a thrilling touch that added that extra edge of creepiness to this delightfully dark and creepy festive thriller. A short snappy read that I read rather quickly in a matter of hours. This one is Mark Edwards at his finest! I loved it!
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I'm not usually one for festive reads but I couldn't pass up this creepy little thriller by Mark Edwards, featuring his most famous and love-to-hate characters Lucy Newton. But this time there is a new magpie in the flock. Or is that murder?
We meet Noel and Dani who have just moved into Nightingale Close, a close-knit yet delightful little community with their self-appointed leader in Linda, principal of the nearby girls high school. It is approaching Christmas and Noel is planning on this being their best Christmas ever as their first one together in their new house. Added to that, Noel is a Christmas baby himself having been born on Christmas Eve. Nothing and no one is going to ruin this for them, of that he is certain.
And then things slowly start to unravel as they at first begin to receive some strange parcels with some even stranger contents. From mince pies laced with chilli to a sexy santa dress for Dani to a creepy porcelain doll that never seems to die. Then the electrics in their house begin to play up and they return home from the pictures to discover they have been burgled. But the one thing that remains that was never there before - that damn doll! A tragedy then sets off a chain of events that drags them even deeper into danger, where the tension lays simmering beneath the surface.
And then there are the nearby neighbours. Not the ones in the Close or even the surrounding streets. But the ones housed in the nearby women's prison - namely notorious multiple murderer Lucy Newton.
Behind bars, Lucy finds herself the recipient of a series of Christmas cards signed "Secret Santa aka the Christmas Magpie". With each card comes the promise of something more, something that whets Lucy's appetite as she ponders just who is behind the series of little gifts...and what exactly they have in store for her. Whatever it is, can the Christmas Magpie outsmart the original magpie?
Yes, she's back. Her presence looms large even if she isn't centre stage but the tension she brings is unmistakeable! If you haven't already met Lucy, then you are in for a treat. Once met, never forgotten.
This Christmas novella is a delightfully dark Christmas treat. As the technical fourth in the Magpie series, with The Psychopath Next Door loosely claiming that place, this one is set to rekindle those Lucy vibes...or if you haven't read the previous books, then it will most certainly have thrown the cat amongst the magpies as it were. But rest assured though it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone as Lucy is not the main feature here though she does feature a lot more than she did in The Psychopath Next Door so you aren't missing anything that went on before. Much of what had gone on before is explained in enough detail to leave readers with a something of a picture while not giving everything away for those who haven't read the other books.
The doll was a thrilling touch that added that extra edge of creepiness to this delightfully dark and creepy festive thriller. A short snappy read that I read rather quickly in a matter of hours. This one is Mark Edwards at his finest! I loved it!
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
November 20, 2025
i give it 2.5 to 3 stars just for the last pages , it was shocking .
November 10, 2025
If you’ve followed Lucy’s story, this fourth instalment is a must-read. Dark, twisted, and deliciously unsettling—The Christmas Magpie is Mark Edwards at his chilling best. If you’ve followed Lucy’s story, this fourth instalment is a must-read. Mark Edwards proves once again that beneath his family-man exterior lies a master of psychological suspense. The Christmas Magpie is part 4 of the Magpies series, and yes—Lucy is back. If you know, you know. Her presence looms large, even if she’s not always centre stage, and the tension she brings is unmistakable.
It’s Noel and Dani’s first Christmas in their new home, and they’re hoping for a picture-perfect holiday. But things quickly unravel. Unwelcome gifts start appearing on their doorstep, they feel watched, unsettled by the eerie obsession their neighbours have with a nearby women’s prison. A tragedy at a Christmas party sets off a chain of events that pulls them deeper into danger. Behind the twinkling lights and festive cheer, Edwards crafts a world where paranoia and dread simmer just beneath the surface.
If you’re already a fan of Mark Edwards, this short book will feel like a dark Christmas treat. And if you’re new to the Magpies series, you might just find yourself bingeing the earlier books to catch up on Lucy’s twisted tale.
It’s Noel and Dani’s first Christmas in their new home, and they’re hoping for a picture-perfect holiday. But things quickly unravel. Unwelcome gifts start appearing on their doorstep, they feel watched, unsettled by the eerie obsession their neighbours have with a nearby women’s prison. A tragedy at a Christmas party sets off a chain of events that pulls them deeper into danger. Behind the twinkling lights and festive cheer, Edwards crafts a world where paranoia and dread simmer just beneath the surface.
If you’re already a fan of Mark Edwards, this short book will feel like a dark Christmas treat. And if you’re new to the Magpies series, you might just find yourself bingeing the earlier books to catch up on Lucy’s twisted tale.
December 1, 2025
Whilst I haven't read all of Mark Edwards books, I do consider him to be one of my favourite authors and I always look forward to reading his new releases. And this one was another hit for me!
I was hooked right from the start (as per usual with his books) and I was fully invested throughout in the characters and plot.
This is set in the Magpies world however if you haven't read the others in the series before reading this one, I don't think it really matters, however I do recommend you do as they are great!
I absolutely raced through this and the only complaint I have is that it just wasn't long enough.
If this had been a full length novel instead of a novella I feel like the tension and creepiness could have been ramped up even more.
This author has such a great way of really drawing you in to a story right from the start and keeping you interested throughout. The writing style feels just so easy and everything flows really well.
This was such a fun, easy, enjoyable, festive thriller that I highly recommend.
Thanks to Michael Joseph and Netgalley for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
I was hooked right from the start (as per usual with his books) and I was fully invested throughout in the characters and plot.
This is set in the Magpies world however if you haven't read the others in the series before reading this one, I don't think it really matters, however I do recommend you do as they are great!
I absolutely raced through this and the only complaint I have is that it just wasn't long enough.
If this had been a full length novel instead of a novella I feel like the tension and creepiness could have been ramped up even more.
This author has such a great way of really drawing you in to a story right from the start and keeping you interested throughout. The writing style feels just so easy and everything flows really well.
This was such a fun, easy, enjoyable, festive thriller that I highly recommend.
Thanks to Michael Joseph and Netgalley for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
November 2, 2025
A fast paced, seasonal thriller.
I enjoyed the stereotypical Christmas themes- main male character born on Christmas Eve, called Noel. The mention of Christmas films and jumpers and seasonal things.
I really enjoyed the pace, and the creepy ‘secret Santa’ goings on and the over friendly neighbours… everyone was a suspect at one point 😂 I enjoyed watching the story unfold, curious to see who was behind the creepy goings on…
This is a Christmas novella that links to The Magpies series. I have not read any of those, and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of this story, as I felt the linking character was explained and it reflected on their antics in those other books.
Thank you so much to Michael Joseph for the advance copy of this one. I thoroughly enjoyed, opinions expressed here are my own.
I enjoyed the stereotypical Christmas themes- main male character born on Christmas Eve, called Noel. The mention of Christmas films and jumpers and seasonal things.
I really enjoyed the pace, and the creepy ‘secret Santa’ goings on and the over friendly neighbours… everyone was a suspect at one point 😂 I enjoyed watching the story unfold, curious to see who was behind the creepy goings on…
This is a Christmas novella that links to The Magpies series. I have not read any of those, and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of this story, as I felt the linking character was explained and it reflected on their antics in those other books.
Thank you so much to Michael Joseph for the advance copy of this one. I thoroughly enjoyed, opinions expressed here are my own.
November 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! I had not read the previous books but this read perfectly as a standalone. It was moreish and I couldn’t put it down. I will go back and read the others in the series. It was creepy and suspenseful whilst still managing to have that element of Christmas vibe! The whodunit was not who I initially suspected!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
December 13, 2025
review to follow
December 17, 2025
This was such a fun read! A great Christmas thriller that will have you flipping the pages! Definitely recommend!
September 20, 2025
Absolutely loved this book! Had me gripped throughout & a very easy read. The writing style gave a very good idea of Lucy's character in particular & I certainly changed my mind a few times as to who The Magpie was. Would highly recommend 👌
November 10, 2025
A really gripping, short and snappy thriller which was great fun to read. Kept me guessing all the way through and was deliciously creepy & yet it still managed to be Christmassy! I thought the ending slightly ran out of steam but other than that was a great read.
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC
December 27, 2025
A festive easy read 🎄
July 10, 2025
Loved this novella! Yes I read a Christmas book in July but it's never too early. The book was short and snappy, so we're the chapters and it had me hooked from the get go. Cosy Christmas book with creepy thriller thrown in? Yes please.
August 7, 2025
I found the writing and plot to be quite underdeveloped—bordering on amateurish at times. The premise had promise, especially with its festive thriller angle, but the execution just didn’t land for me.
Thanks NetGalley and Penquin Random House for a Review Copy
Thanks NetGalley and Penquin Random House for a Review Copy
December 22, 2025
Noel and Dani have recently moved into Nightingale Crescent, a quiet suburban street in a welcoming community where all the neighbours look out for one another. It’s early December and they are getting ready to celebrate their first Christmas as husband and wife. Noel is sure this will be the best Christmas ever. But then the first unwelcome gift from ‘Secret Santa’ arrives, and then they get the feeling that someone is watching them. As more strange and sinister gifts arrive, Noel and Dani are determined to get to the bottom of who is behind them.
Meanwhile, infamous serial killer Lucy Newton is housed at Franklin Grove, the open women’s prison nearby. She misses causing havoc but knows this place is better than any other prison she’s been in. When the creative writing teacher asks Lucy to write an adaptation of A Christmas Carol for her fellow inmates to perform this festive season, Lucy is surprised but agrees. However, she has secret plans in store to put on a performance that no-one is expecting…
Tense, twisty, addictive and witty, I flew through this chilling festive thriller. I’ve been a huge fan of Mark Edwards’ books for years. He’s the King of stories that turn the ordinary into our worst nightmares and never fails to keep me on the edge of my seat until the last page. The Magpies series are some of my favourites of his books so I was excited to learn there was not only a new instalment, but one set at Christmas because I love a good festive thriller. So my expectations were high for this book. And it didn’t disappoint, delivering the heart-stopping suspense, clever red herrings and shocking twists that I’ve come to expect from Mark’s stories. It’s skillfully written and choreographed, intricately interweaving all of the storylines and creating an array of suspects so it is hard to predict. He kept me guessing and I didn’t suspect the real culprit until only moments before the big reveal, which I absolutely loved.
Lucy Newton is one of my favourite villains and I was so happy to be back with her again. She’s cold, calculated and an absolute psycho. Someone I’d hate to run into but love to read. I also liked that this time around she also had a mystery to solve, with Secret Santa also sending her Christmas cards telling her they admired her and were causing chaos in her honour. And for every antagonist we need protagonists, which is where Noel and Dani come in. They were likeable, compelling, easy to root for and could be any one of our neighbours. That familiarity adds to the tension and horror as things progress as you really feel like it could be happening to anyone. And that ending! All I’m going to say is I loved it…
A heart-pounding festive thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, I can’t recommend this highly enough. And don’t worry if you’ve not read the other books because this can easily be read as a standalone.
Meanwhile, infamous serial killer Lucy Newton is housed at Franklin Grove, the open women’s prison nearby. She misses causing havoc but knows this place is better than any other prison she’s been in. When the creative writing teacher asks Lucy to write an adaptation of A Christmas Carol for her fellow inmates to perform this festive season, Lucy is surprised but agrees. However, she has secret plans in store to put on a performance that no-one is expecting…
Tense, twisty, addictive and witty, I flew through this chilling festive thriller. I’ve been a huge fan of Mark Edwards’ books for years. He’s the King of stories that turn the ordinary into our worst nightmares and never fails to keep me on the edge of my seat until the last page. The Magpies series are some of my favourites of his books so I was excited to learn there was not only a new instalment, but one set at Christmas because I love a good festive thriller. So my expectations were high for this book. And it didn’t disappoint, delivering the heart-stopping suspense, clever red herrings and shocking twists that I’ve come to expect from Mark’s stories. It’s skillfully written and choreographed, intricately interweaving all of the storylines and creating an array of suspects so it is hard to predict. He kept me guessing and I didn’t suspect the real culprit until only moments before the big reveal, which I absolutely loved.
Lucy Newton is one of my favourite villains and I was so happy to be back with her again. She’s cold, calculated and an absolute psycho. Someone I’d hate to run into but love to read. I also liked that this time around she also had a mystery to solve, with Secret Santa also sending her Christmas cards telling her they admired her and were causing chaos in her honour. And for every antagonist we need protagonists, which is where Noel and Dani come in. They were likeable, compelling, easy to root for and could be any one of our neighbours. That familiarity adds to the tension and horror as things progress as you really feel like it could be happening to anyone. And that ending! All I’m going to say is I loved it…
A heart-pounding festive thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, I can’t recommend this highly enough. And don’t worry if you’ve not read the other books because this can easily be read as a standalone.
October 20, 2025
Star Rating 3.5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
First of all thank you to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and NetGalley for an early digital copy to review.
I belive this book is part of the Magpie series however can be read as a standalone. I would agree as I wasn't left feeling confused about any of the characters or who they were.
This was a good, quick, snappy Christmas novella that kept me interested throughout. I wouldn't say it was anything shocking or too twisty but I enjoyed it and that's all you can ask for !
We are introduced to a young couple, Noel and Dani as they move into a new home just before Christmas, all is well until they start to receive some strange and unwanted packages. Aswell as following Noel and Dani the book also gives us another character to follow named Lucy who's in a women's prison, she also starts to receive cards from a 'Secret Santa' alluding that something is going to happen that she should look forward too.
One part of the book left me a little confused involving a doll and Danis' grandmother however, I'm assuming that part of the story is open to interpretation and some people may assume different than others as to what really did happen. I won't go into any further detail as I don't want to spoil anything.
What I will say though is that the parts of the book involving said doll were genuinely very creepy and had me spooked !
Overall I enjoyed this and would recommend it for the up and coming festive season.
First of all thank you to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and NetGalley for an early digital copy to review.
I belive this book is part of the Magpie series however can be read as a standalone. I would agree as I wasn't left feeling confused about any of the characters or who they were.
This was a good, quick, snappy Christmas novella that kept me interested throughout. I wouldn't say it was anything shocking or too twisty but I enjoyed it and that's all you can ask for !
We are introduced to a young couple, Noel and Dani as they move into a new home just before Christmas, all is well until they start to receive some strange and unwanted packages. Aswell as following Noel and Dani the book also gives us another character to follow named Lucy who's in a women's prison, she also starts to receive cards from a 'Secret Santa' alluding that something is going to happen that she should look forward too.
One part of the book left me a little confused involving a doll and Danis' grandmother however, I'm assuming that part of the story is open to interpretation and some people may assume different than others as to what really did happen. I won't go into any further detail as I don't want to spoil anything.
What I will say though is that the parts of the book involving said doll were genuinely very creepy and had me spooked !
Overall I enjoyed this and would recommend it for the up and coming festive season.
November 13, 2025
My first Christmas themed book so far this year, because nothing is more festive than a bit of murder and utter chaos!
The Blurb....
"It's Noel and Dani's first Christmas in their new home and they want everything to be perfect - lavish presents, a beautiful tree and outdoor decorations to join in with the festivities in this welcoming community.
But they quickly wonder if this street is as perfect as it appears.
First, there are the unwelcome presents left anonymously on their doorstep.
Then they are sure someone is watching them...
And why are the neighbours all obsessed with a notorious killer who is housed at the nearby women's prison?
After tragedy strikes at a Christmas party, Noel and Dani try to find out who is targeting them - but, in this case, it might be safer not to know ..."
This was a super fast paced easy read with some creepy parts in and a good twist.
It was my first read of this authors and I enjoyed the pace of the book and can't wait to read more. Happy publication day @markedwardsauthor
Although this was book 4 in a series I didn't feel like I had missed anything and it was easy to follow.
Thank you @netgalley for the advanced copy to review.
The Blurb....
"It's Noel and Dani's first Christmas in their new home and they want everything to be perfect - lavish presents, a beautiful tree and outdoor decorations to join in with the festivities in this welcoming community.
But they quickly wonder if this street is as perfect as it appears.
First, there are the unwelcome presents left anonymously on their doorstep.
Then they are sure someone is watching them...
And why are the neighbours all obsessed with a notorious killer who is housed at the nearby women's prison?
After tragedy strikes at a Christmas party, Noel and Dani try to find out who is targeting them - but, in this case, it might be safer not to know ..."
This was a super fast paced easy read with some creepy parts in and a good twist.
It was my first read of this authors and I enjoyed the pace of the book and can't wait to read more. Happy publication day @markedwardsauthor
Although this was book 4 in a series I didn't feel like I had missed anything and it was easy to follow.
Thank you @netgalley for the advanced copy to review.
November 13, 2025
Noel and Dani are getting ready to spend Christmas together in their new home and are met by a welcoming community. But they soon start to doubt the community is as perfect as it first seemed. Unwelcome presents arrive, the neighbours are obsessed by a notorious criminal in the local prison and soon disaster strikes.
I have enjoyed the majority of books by this author I have read, so was very excited to read this festive thriller. This is the perfect holiday book to read if looking for something a little darker, as it’s a fun, quick, easy read. This follows on from his Magpie series, that I’m yet to read, however was easy to read as a standalone. Saying that I would have preferred to have read the others first to get some background on one of the characters.
I liked the creepy atmosphere running through the story and the mystery element. It kept me guessing and wasn’t fully what I expected. Overall this was an entertaining, snappy read and makes me want to go back and read the other Magpie books. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return an honest review.
I have enjoyed the majority of books by this author I have read, so was very excited to read this festive thriller. This is the perfect holiday book to read if looking for something a little darker, as it’s a fun, quick, easy read. This follows on from his Magpie series, that I’m yet to read, however was easy to read as a standalone. Saying that I would have preferred to have read the others first to get some background on one of the characters.
I liked the creepy atmosphere running through the story and the mystery element. It kept me guessing and wasn’t fully what I expected. Overall this was an entertaining, snappy read and makes me want to go back and read the other Magpie books. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return an honest review.
July 5, 2025
The Christmas Magpie is a quick-paced novella wrapped up in festive creepiness. It’s a twisty thriller you won’t be able to put down.
Dani and Noel have just moved into their first home; it’s newly built on an estate with seemingly pleasant neighbours. The new couple are planning on a cosy Christmas; however, odd packages begin to show up on their front doorstep from a Secret Santa. The odd gifts turn more and more menacing.
Meanwhile, down the road a ways is an open women’s prison. The inmates are planning to put on a Christmas play. Who is involved? None other than Lucy Newton, the psychopath from author Mark Edwards Magpie series. And Lucy is about to take centre stage. The Christmas Magpie works well as a standalone, and if you’ve not read the series you will want to after this. It’s that gripping.
Thank you to Mark Edwards, Penguin Random House, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2025
I was very excited to see another instalment of Mark Edward’s Magpie series. This time it’s a short novella, but definitely worth a read. Although short, Edward’s weaves his normal suspense throughout.
Noel and Dani are excited to spend their first Christmas together in their new home, but very soon they realise everything isn’t as it seems in this sleepy little road they now call home. With dubious goings on, shifty neighbours and a woman’s prison just down the road, what could possibly go wrong?
Anyone who loves this series will enjoy this one, as a familiar character comes back on the scene.
Although a shorter story than normal, the scene is perfectly set, characters well developed and has an ending that pulls everything together, but may just leave room for things to resurface in another story… hint hint Mr Edwards 😂
Noel and Dani are excited to spend their first Christmas together in their new home, but very soon they realise everything isn’t as it seems in this sleepy little road they now call home. With dubious goings on, shifty neighbours and a woman’s prison just down the road, what could possibly go wrong?
Anyone who loves this series will enjoy this one, as a familiar character comes back on the scene.
Although a shorter story than normal, the scene is perfectly set, characters well developed and has an ending that pulls everything together, but may just leave room for things to resurface in another story… hint hint Mr Edwards 😂
October 25, 2025
I enjoyed this one good perfect for Christmas
Blurb
It’s Noel and Dani’s first Christmas in their new home and they want everything to be perfect - lavish presents, a beautiful tree and outdoor decorations to join in with the festivities in this welcoming community.
But they quickly wonder if this street is as perfect as it appears.
First, there are the unwelcome presents left anonymously on their doorstep.
Then they are sure someone is watching them...
And why are the neighbours all obsessed with a notorious killer who is housed at the nearby women’s prison?
After tragedy strikes at a Christmas party, Noel and Dani try to find out who is targeting them – but, in this case, it might be safer not to know . . .
Blurb
It’s Noel and Dani’s first Christmas in their new home and they want everything to be perfect - lavish presents, a beautiful tree and outdoor decorations to join in with the festivities in this welcoming community.
But they quickly wonder if this street is as perfect as it appears.
First, there are the unwelcome presents left anonymously on their doorstep.
Then they are sure someone is watching them...
And why are the neighbours all obsessed with a notorious killer who is housed at the nearby women’s prison?
After tragedy strikes at a Christmas party, Noel and Dani try to find out who is targeting them – but, in this case, it might be safer not to know . . .
November 10, 2025
This is a great read.
Even though it’s a novella it’s a good length and you get to know the two main characters, Noel and Dani.
They have just moved into their first home and are welcomed by a few neighbours, but then strange things start happening.
Mysterious parcels are left for them and the contents are not pleasant.
With Christmas only a few weeks away, it seems someone is determined that they won’t be enjoying it.
This is a great psychological thriller.
Thanks to Michael Joseph for the opportunity to read this book.
Even though it’s a novella it’s a good length and you get to know the two main characters, Noel and Dani.
They have just moved into their first home and are welcomed by a few neighbours, but then strange things start happening.
Mysterious parcels are left for them and the contents are not pleasant.
With Christmas only a few weeks away, it seems someone is determined that they won’t be enjoying it.
This is a great psychological thriller.
Thanks to Michael Joseph for the opportunity to read this book.
December 7, 2025
3.5 / 5.0
Short read from start to finish, you can quite literally finish reading this in one sitting. It’s a Christmas story mixed in with a psychological thriller. If you were to ask me about this plot in a weeks time there isnt anything special, I found the twist very predictable. But it’s perfect for the Christmas vibes.
Short read from start to finish, you can quite literally finish reading this in one sitting. It’s a Christmas story mixed in with a psychological thriller. If you were to ask me about this plot in a weeks time there isnt anything special, I found the twist very predictable. But it’s perfect for the Christmas vibes.
December 25, 2025
good Xmas crime book
I haven’t read one of his books before. Quite enjoyed the main characters and people on their street were varied as you would expect.
Serial killer Lucy in prison and someone is sending her Christmas magpie messages as they are terrorising a young couple as Lucy did.
Quite enjoyed it
I haven’t read one of his books before. Quite enjoyed the main characters and people on their street were varied as you would expect.
Serial killer Lucy in prison and someone is sending her Christmas magpie messages as they are terrorising a young couple as Lucy did.
Quite enjoyed it
October 29, 2025
I had such a fab time reading this one. This was a fast paced new instalment to “The Magpies” series and I loved how we had a familiar character make an appearance in this book. What a fab read, especially for the festive season.
November 12, 2025
Noel and Dani have just moved into their new home and are looking forward to the upcoming festive season. Until, that is, odd things start to happen such as strange parcels left on their doorstep and a peculiar sense that something just isn’t right. Is one of their new neighbours watching them and leaving the parcels? Who can they trust? Alongside their story is that of a notorious serial killer who is incarcarated in the local prison.
Not having read any of Mark Edwards’ other ‘Magpie’ books, I came to this one without any knowledge of who the serial killer is, which actually didn’t matter in the slightest although I think fans of the series might get a bit more from this novella. I enjoyed it for what it was and found it a nice, easy thriller to read.
If you eschew the cosy Christmas vibe and prefer a festive chiller then The Christmas Magpie might be one for you.
Not having read any of Mark Edwards’ other ‘Magpie’ books, I came to this one without any knowledge of who the serial killer is, which actually didn’t matter in the slightest although I think fans of the series might get a bit more from this novella. I enjoyed it for what it was and found it a nice, easy thriller to read.
If you eschew the cosy Christmas vibe and prefer a festive chiller then The Christmas Magpie might be one for you.
November 9, 2025
Loved, loved, loved this novel. It may only be short but my goodness what’s not to love. Gripping, tense, thrilling. It was impossible to put down and had me hooked from the start. It’s the fourth novel in The Magpies series and I’m keen to read the first three. Thank you to NetGalley, Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and the author for the chance to review.
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