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24 Bad Things
If it wasn’t bad enough that an anti-Christmas Grinch was playing cruel pranks, now DS Ellen Fine was right in the middle of a murder investigation. With no leads and the countdown to Christmas in full swing the pressure is on to find out who’s responsible.
Audible Audio
Published December 8, 2023
13 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Molly Garcia
37 books156 followersI live in Spain with my partner of over 30 years and we have two grown-up children. I have worked in social care and the NHS since 1991 and use my experiences in that field to create complex and realistic characters and backgrounds.
I hope my readers enjoy the stories I write but I would also like them to address social inequality and raise people's awareness.
I hope my readers enjoy the stories I write but I would also like them to address social inequality and raise people's awareness.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 30, 2024
Great little Christmas read about murder in the town and the Christmas Grinch 🫶🏻
I listened to this via Audible, I loved the fact it came with trigger warnings, so you know what to expect and what not to expect within the read. The sound effects throughout and the Christmas jingle at the beginning of each chapter was a lovely little addition.
Grant Love is the narrator. He projected each character perfectly.
This was my first read from Molly Garcia. It was a fantastic book, now onto another book of hers. One of my new favourite indie authors 🫶🏻
Would definitely recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I listened to this via Audible, I loved the fact it came with trigger warnings, so you know what to expect and what not to expect within the read. The sound effects throughout and the Christmas jingle at the beginning of each chapter was a lovely little addition.
Grant Love is the narrator. He projected each character perfectly.
This was my first read from Molly Garcia. It was a fantastic book, now onto another book of hers. One of my new favourite indie authors 🫶🏻
Would definitely recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 10, 2024
24 bad things by Molly Garcia
I enjoyed this quick paced short story with a perfect Christmas theme. 24 Bad Things follows DC Fine whilst she tries to unravel a string of “grinch like” crimes in a neighbourhood along side several murders that all happen around the same time. As the story unfolds each part links itself together so well, leaving you unable to put this down.
24 Bad Things was a perfect read for the holiday season.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed this quick paced short story with a perfect Christmas theme. 24 Bad Things follows DC Fine whilst she tries to unravel a string of “grinch like” crimes in a neighbourhood along side several murders that all happen around the same time. As the story unfolds each part links itself together so well, leaving you unable to put this down.
24 Bad Things was a perfect read for the holiday season.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 14, 2024
Let me start off by saying that I received this from Garcia in exchange for an honest review. Which, once I saw that the “Grant Love” was the one narrating it. Well I think she could hear me happily screaming through the computer!
I loved that this was a very short story. This book was perfect to listen to while wrapping gifts, and sneaking away from the family for a few minutes. It definitely helps that Love has a wonderful and expressive voice. One thing I love is he shares the same voice as Sam Heughan. I kid you not they could be voice twins! I really enjoyed listening to Love tell the story. He did a wonderful job at bringing this book and its characters to life.
While enjoying the diverse cast of characters, and the multiple storylines that took off running as we started the book. I quickly found myself sitting on the edge of my seat…the whole time.
I loved that we had our two main detectives who are not only trying to find out who is trying to destroy Christmas for everyone. But are also trying to find out who is killing some, well not very good people. All while feeling the pressure in front of the neighborhood. Who wants the mystery of the Christmas Grinch solved, but do not want to help in any way.
Finding out who the real villain was, was a little mind blowing. The build up to the right person, put you on a fun little hunting trip. Garica yet again didn’t give anything away. And created a thrilling ending that kept you waiting for the pin to drop. This and the other reasons both listen and not listed. Are the reasons that I gave “24 Bad Things” a 8/10 rating.
Make sure you check out “24 Bad Things”, I highly recommend getting the Audible book.
#HaveYouReadReviews
I loved that this was a very short story. This book was perfect to listen to while wrapping gifts, and sneaking away from the family for a few minutes. It definitely helps that Love has a wonderful and expressive voice. One thing I love is he shares the same voice as Sam Heughan. I kid you not they could be voice twins! I really enjoyed listening to Love tell the story. He did a wonderful job at bringing this book and its characters to life.
While enjoying the diverse cast of characters, and the multiple storylines that took off running as we started the book. I quickly found myself sitting on the edge of my seat…the whole time.
I loved that we had our two main detectives who are not only trying to find out who is trying to destroy Christmas for everyone. But are also trying to find out who is killing some, well not very good people. All while feeling the pressure in front of the neighborhood. Who wants the mystery of the Christmas Grinch solved, but do not want to help in any way.
Finding out who the real villain was, was a little mind blowing. The build up to the right person, put you on a fun little hunting trip. Garica yet again didn’t give anything away. And created a thrilling ending that kept you waiting for the pin to drop. This and the other reasons both listen and not listed. Are the reasons that I gave “24 Bad Things” a 8/10 rating.
Make sure you check out “24 Bad Things”, I highly recommend getting the Audible book.
#HaveYouReadReviews
November 24, 2023
Someone hates Christmas. But why? And who is killing people right before the holiday? The police have their hands full trying to solve both mysteries.
This book takes you on a thrilling and emotional journey as the police put the pieces together and try to determine if the crimes are connected.
My jaw dropped at the explosive ending, but what I loved most was how the last chapter wrapped up the story with a perfect bow!
Thanks to the author for an advance copy!
This book takes you on a thrilling and emotional journey as the police put the pieces together and try to determine if the crimes are connected.
My jaw dropped at the explosive ending, but what I loved most was how the last chapter wrapped up the story with a perfect bow!
Thanks to the author for an advance copy!
July 14, 2024
This is the fifth book I’ve read by this author and my favourite so far.
During December, we have two seemingly unrelated crime sprees, one is serious and involves serial murder, and the other is a spiteful public menace. Ellen Fine is in charge of investigating both cases with her DC, Grant Powder. Murder is murder, and as the body count rises, they are kept busy looking for connections and motives. However, at the same time, the spate of malicious pranks on a particular council estate is escalating in malice and, what started as annoying, is leading to children getting hurt.
Who hates people having fun at Christmas so much, and why?
A great Christmas-themed thriller with Garcia’s trademark easy-telling style that brings together a series of events exploring human nature and the consequences of actions. The suspense builds like a snowball throughout and it all ties off into a reveal in time for Christmas lunch. Recommended for fans of police procedural thrillers.
During December, we have two seemingly unrelated crime sprees, one is serious and involves serial murder, and the other is a spiteful public menace. Ellen Fine is in charge of investigating both cases with her DC, Grant Powder. Murder is murder, and as the body count rises, they are kept busy looking for connections and motives. However, at the same time, the spate of malicious pranks on a particular council estate is escalating in malice and, what started as annoying, is leading to children getting hurt.
Who hates people having fun at Christmas so much, and why?
A great Christmas-themed thriller with Garcia’s trademark easy-telling style that brings together a series of events exploring human nature and the consequences of actions. The suspense builds like a snowball throughout and it all ties off into a reveal in time for Christmas lunch. Recommended for fans of police procedural thrillers.
January 22, 2025
The Perfect Read For Grinches
As Christmas is approaching there is a spate of grisly murders that has DS Ellen Fine and her colleagues scratching their heads trying to find clues that will lead them to their culprit. But there is also someone vandalising people’s Christmas displays in some rather shocking ways including putting laxatives in mince pies. Considering the season this earns the perpetrator the nickname the Grinch. Could this Grinch be the same who’s murdering everyone though? Ellen has a race on to capture the culprit before they go too far. Being a novella this is obviously a short read but it doesn’t let up on the suspense and thrills until the dramatic finale.
As Christmas is approaching there is a spate of grisly murders that has DS Ellen Fine and her colleagues scratching their heads trying to find clues that will lead them to their culprit. But there is also someone vandalising people’s Christmas displays in some rather shocking ways including putting laxatives in mince pies. Considering the season this earns the perpetrator the nickname the Grinch. Could this Grinch be the same who’s murdering everyone though? Ellen has a race on to capture the culprit before they go too far. Being a novella this is obviously a short read but it doesn’t let up on the suspense and thrills until the dramatic finale.
September 25, 2024
24 Bad Things by Molly Garcia
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a fun whodunit Christmas murder mystery novella, involving a serious Grinch!
A Christmas hater is going around killing and hurting people just before the holiday and the police are trying to figure out who’s doing these pranks/killings!
This is a great thriller novella with a suspenseful ending!
I listened to the audio version and the narrator was excellent! I love when audiobooks have different sounds added in. This one has little jingle bells between chapters and there’s fun sounds and music along the way.
Thank you to Molly Garcia for an audio copy of this awesome story!
*It will be a great read for the upcoming holidays!!*
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a fun whodunit Christmas murder mystery novella, involving a serious Grinch!
A Christmas hater is going around killing and hurting people just before the holiday and the police are trying to figure out who’s doing these pranks/killings!
This is a great thriller novella with a suspenseful ending!
I listened to the audio version and the narrator was excellent! I love when audiobooks have different sounds added in. This one has little jingle bells between chapters and there’s fun sounds and music along the way.
Thank you to Molly Garcia for an audio copy of this awesome story!
*It will be a great read for the upcoming holidays!!*
December 8, 2024
“24 Bad Things” by Molly Garcia, is a fast-paced thriller that I literally couldn’t put down. I finished it in one sitting! The story grabs you right from the start, with someone trying to ruin Christmas and a string of chilling murders that keep the tension high. Garcia does an incredible job of blending holiday cheer with dark, suspenseful twists. The twist at the end is both unexpected and satisfying, making this a perfect book for fans of suspense and holiday thrillers. If you're looking for a quick, exciting read with a dose of holiday danger, 24 Bad Things delivers just that.
December 22, 2023
Loved it.
I am a fan of this author's crime books, and this is a worthy addition to the set. Set over the Christmas period, a series of horrible Grinch-like pranks on the residents of an estate sees DS Fine trying to figure out the culprits. But when the murders start, Fine’s investigation takes on a much more urgent pace. With little to go on, and increasing pressure from all parties, Ellen Fine is up against it. An explosive ending and outcome that keeps you guessing. This is a shorter novel than Garcia’s usual ones, but no less the story. Highly recommended for fans of murder fiction.
I am a fan of this author's crime books, and this is a worthy addition to the set. Set over the Christmas period, a series of horrible Grinch-like pranks on the residents of an estate sees DS Fine trying to figure out the culprits. But when the murders start, Fine’s investigation takes on a much more urgent pace. With little to go on, and increasing pressure from all parties, Ellen Fine is up against it. An explosive ending and outcome that keeps you guessing. This is a shorter novel than Garcia’s usual ones, but no less the story. Highly recommended for fans of murder fiction.
December 24, 2024
This audiobook was fun! I thoroughly enjoyed the narrators voice and the story line. While this book is very short, it was a great Christmas read for this busy season.
The author did a great job of making me feel bad for the villians and despise some of the victims.
If you are looking for a short holiday-themed listen while you wrap those last minute presents, this is it!
The author did a great job of making me feel bad for the villians and despise some of the victims.
If you are looking for a short holiday-themed listen while you wrap those last minute presents, this is it!
December 3, 2024
Someone is playing mean pranks on the residents of the local estate, trying to ruin Christmas for everyone. Now on top of that, it becomes a murder investigation as a body is found dumped in the bin area. DS Ellen Fine is determined to find out if the crimes are connected, and who is doing this, before someone else dies.
I'm not sure what it was about this one, but I just really struggled to get into it. I read it to the end, hoping it would get better, but it just didn't hit the mark for me.
I'm not sure what it was about this one, but I just really struggled to get into it. I read it to the end, hoping it would get better, but it just didn't hit the mark for me.
November 26, 2024
Just a short Christmas read! I enjoyed it, but didn’t absolutely love it!
December 1, 2024
Crime novella about a crime spree by a vengeful couple out to get justice for their daughter's death.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2023
This review is for the audiobook edition narrated by Grant Love. This is an entertaining dark festive thriller novella featuring a cruel prankster and several murders in the run up to Christmas. Although it's a short novella it packs a punch and is well worth a read.
The story is well written with enough detail packed into the short format to draw the reader in. The narration by Grant Love is good too.
For me though there's a big negative: I hate the sound effects and incidental music (on all audiobooks). I guess some people like it but I'd much rather just hear what's written without the distraction of added background effects. Personal preference of course but it's not for me, hence the 4* instead of 5*.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story is well written with enough detail packed into the short format to draw the reader in. The narration by Grant Love is good too.
For me though there's a big negative: I hate the sound effects and incidental music (on all audiobooks). I guess some people like it but I'd much rather just hear what's written without the distraction of added background effects. Personal preference of course but it's not for me, hence the 4* instead of 5*.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2023
What an incredible twisty holiday thriller! Who hates Christmas? This is an exciting, adrenaline pack and heart racing plot. I loved trying to figure out the clues. I love these kinds of thrillers. When the ending was revealed, I was completely blown away. I have read most of her book. She is a gifted author
April 7, 2025
24 Bad Things by Molly Garcia is such a cute Christmas detective mystery narrated by Grant Love.
It took me a bit to used to the narrator's accent but once that was done I absolutely enjoyed every minute! I believe that this is the book you must choose as an audiobook! I loved the sound effects, they made this book so Christmasy.
Someone hates Christmas, DS Ellen Fine is absolutely positive about it. Someone is playing mean pranks, and new bodies are discovered but there are no leads. Christmas is coming and the town gets stressed. DS Ellen Fine is determined to find out if the crimes are connected, and who is guilty, before someone else never sees Christmas again.
The storyline was great and the characters were lovable so yes, definitely recommend it!
It took me a bit to used to the narrator's accent but once that was done I absolutely enjoyed every minute! I believe that this is the book you must choose as an audiobook! I loved the sound effects, they made this book so Christmasy.
Someone hates Christmas, DS Ellen Fine is absolutely positive about it. Someone is playing mean pranks, and new bodies are discovered but there are no leads. Christmas is coming and the town gets stressed. DS Ellen Fine is determined to find out if the crimes are connected, and who is guilty, before someone else never sees Christmas again.
The storyline was great and the characters were lovable so yes, definitely recommend it!
December 17, 2024
Received an audio copy to review from the narrator, this is an honest review. Beautifully performed by Grant Love, Molly Garcia's story 24 Bad Things is a hauntingly poignant and intense case that DS Ellen Fine and her colleagues find themselves putting the pieces together as someone is targeting a group of houses during the holidays season. And each prank keeps pushing how to disturb these individuals Christmas; at the same time several horrifying murders of certain people make the police feel something for more deeper than what's first seen. The truth behind those crimes is much more harrowing that could have imagined, leaving DS Fine wondering if their actions were justified given the gut-wrenching pain caused to their family by those people should be able to trust and others that took advantage of the chaos.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
December 5, 2024
✨ Book Review ✨
24 Bad Things - Molly Garcia
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ / 5
#BookLoungeReviewTeam
Blurb:
“If it wasn’t bad enough that an anti-Christmas Grinch was playing cruel pranks, now DS Ellen Fine was right in the middle of a murder investigation.
With no leads and the countdown to Christmas in full swing the pressure is on to find out who’s responsible.”
This novella is Horror with a Christmas setting. A grinchy who-dun-it.
Quick read, entertaining, & you can clearly see why normal people snap off and commit murder. 🥴
This was my first read by this author & I will check out another one in my future.
Thank you, Molly, for a digital copy of this story in exchange for my honest review. 🖤
24 Bad Things - Molly Garcia
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ / 5
#BookLoungeReviewTeam
Blurb:
“If it wasn’t bad enough that an anti-Christmas Grinch was playing cruel pranks, now DS Ellen Fine was right in the middle of a murder investigation.
With no leads and the countdown to Christmas in full swing the pressure is on to find out who’s responsible.”
This novella is Horror with a Christmas setting. A grinchy who-dun-it.
Quick read, entertaining, & you can clearly see why normal people snap off and commit murder. 🥴
This was my first read by this author & I will check out another one in my future.
Thank you, Molly, for a digital copy of this story in exchange for my honest review. 🖤
September 23, 2024
Festive thriller
What a cracker of a festive thriller, 24 Bad Things by Molly Garcia is.
Brilliant characters and settings I'm this tension filled story of what appears to be someone who is an anti-Christmas and vandalise and pranks the housing estate causing anger and upset in the community, also complaints of lack of progress being made by the police with Ellen and her team in the firing line. At the same time, there is a spate of murders on the very same estate. Are the two cases related in some way?
This is a thriller of murder, menace, threat, and emotions, a very well written and enjoyable book by Molly.
I recommend and 5 ⭐️ this book.
What a cracker of a festive thriller, 24 Bad Things by Molly Garcia is.
Brilliant characters and settings I'm this tension filled story of what appears to be someone who is an anti-Christmas and vandalise and pranks the housing estate causing anger and upset in the community, also complaints of lack of progress being made by the police with Ellen and her team in the firing line. At the same time, there is a spate of murders on the very same estate. Are the two cases related in some way?
This is a thriller of murder, menace, threat, and emotions, a very well written and enjoyable book by Molly.
I recommend and 5 ⭐️ this book.
November 25, 2023
24 Bad Things starts off with a bang, and ends with a whistle too! It's an excellent Christmas thriller novella that I enjoyed from start to finish. I really enjoyed the antics of the Christmas Grinch, and also was shocked and awed by the murders that happened. It all wrapped up neatly with a bow at the end, and I found it a thrilling read from start to finish! If you want a fun thriller murder mystery to read for the holidays, 24 Bad Things will be certain to satisfy! I definitely recommend it!
December 12, 2024
It's true, not everyone loves Christmas, I myself am not a huge fan. Following the main character through her investigation in this book was both entertaining and thrilling. You never knew what was going to happen next or what the unknown culprit was going to do next. The plot was good and came to an end with a tied up bow, which I loved. Closure is always a plus for me, open ended or cliff hanger endings are the worst! That being said, it would be cool to see the detective have her own series.
July 18, 2024
I enjoyed reading ‘24 Bad Things’ by Molly Garcia. This is the second book by her I have read, and have liked both of them. Christmas around the corner, and ugly happenings all over the neighbourhood. Not just seeming pranks, but more and more dangerous things are happening. Almost nearing Christmas, and the bodies are piling up. D.S.Ellen Fine and her team are knee-deep in this case. Do they succeed in finding the perpetrators ?
3 Stars
3 Stars
December 18, 2024
I loved this short but fast paced book about a town at Christmas and a grinch going around causing chaos!
I really liked the story telling and the mystery.
I listed on audiobook and loved the narrator's accent! He really bought the characters to life. The sound effects and jingles at the beginning of the chapter were brilliant.
This was my first book by Molly Garcia and I cannot wait to read more!
I really liked the story telling and the mystery.
I listed on audiobook and loved the narrator's accent! He really bought the characters to life. The sound effects and jingles at the beginning of the chapter were brilliant.
This was my first book by Molly Garcia and I cannot wait to read more!
December 21, 2024
I love the narration of Grant Love, who brings out suspense and characters all to your ears.
A fast paced thriller. We have a someone who is doing grinch like pranks at Christmas. Making the locals angry. But with murders also happening the police need to stop the murderer first. Loved antics of the Christmas Grinch, with murders galore murders that happened. Thrilling from start to finish.
A fast paced thriller. We have a someone who is doing grinch like pranks at Christmas. Making the locals angry. But with murders also happening the police need to stop the murderer first. Loved antics of the Christmas Grinch, with murders galore murders that happened. Thrilling from start to finish.
December 8, 2023
Christmas is not always the best time of the year for some people. And for the Steven's, it was the worst time of the year. Murder and chaos... what more do you need in a christmas thriller. This is a great thriller that is fast-paced and satisfying. Excellent writing as always from Molly. I would love to have more stories from DS Ellen Fine.
December 10, 2023
Though I enjoyed this story, I figured out the perpetrators rather early on. Good well written story and I liked the Police officers additude towards the prostitutes. On a Very cold winter day, bring them hot drinks and food!
The Narrator is great and I just love the accent. He does the various characters voices and the entire storyline very well.
The Narrator is great and I just love the accent. He does the various characters voices and the entire storyline very well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2024
The audio voice is so absolutely calming that even a thriller with deaths is relaxing 😂 An addicting Christmas thriller that literally held my attention the entire time!
The Grinch happens to be my favorite Christmas movie and I absolutely love how this author uses the grinch character to “ruin” the other characters Christmas!!
The Grinch happens to be my favorite Christmas movie and I absolutely love how this author uses the grinch character to “ruin” the other characters Christmas!!
December 2, 2024
This is a riveting psychological thriller that masterfully blends suspense, emotion, and redemption. It keeps you hooked while delving into the profound ripple effects of human choices.
Garcia’s raw yet lyrical prose brings vividly real characters to life, making this an unforgettable and thought-provoking read. If you love thrillers with depth, this book is a must-read!
Garcia’s raw yet lyrical prose brings vividly real characters to life, making this an unforgettable and thought-provoking read. If you love thrillers with depth, this book is a must-read!
December 6, 2025
Molly’s books and Grant’s narration are always the best. 24 Bad Things is no exception. The Grinch decided to leave whoville and torment a new town this Christmas in a far worse way then stealing Christmas presents.
I felt bad for the detectives they didn’t know if they were coming into a prank time crime or a murder. I guess it’s what they say “all in a days work”
I felt bad for the detectives they didn’t know if they were coming into a prank time crime or a murder. I guess it’s what they say “all in a days work”
December 12, 2023
What a great Christmas thriller, completely engaging and so different. Just loved it.
Someone hates Christmas and the fun is understanding why and comes with a bang, such a great ending.
Loved the narration so suited it, just listened to the book in one sitting it kept me captivated.
Someone hates Christmas and the fun is understanding why and comes with a bang, such a great ending.
Loved the narration so suited it, just listened to the book in one sitting it kept me captivated.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews