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Slay
Lights on the trees. Gifts in the stocking. Blood in the snow. Eli Halversen never truly believed in Vinterblot, the ancient ritual his hometown holds dear. Each Christmas Eve, gifts are stuffed into the stocking that hangs from the gallows beam, a tradition meant to protect the town from the monsters that live in the mountains.
But, this year, Eli breaks the rules. He takes back what was offered.
And now, the snow is alive with bells and laughter, and impossible creatures with wide eyes and sharper teeth are coming for them all.
This year, Christmas in Dregmouth isn’t about giving.
It’s about surviving.
But, this year, Eli breaks the rules. He takes back what was offered.
And now, the snow is alive with bells and laughter, and impossible creatures with wide eyes and sharper teeth are coming for them all.
This year, Christmas in Dregmouth isn’t about giving.
It’s about surviving.
- GenresHorror
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2025
4 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 3, 2025
This was my favorite of the series, so far!
Our MC is from a small town suffocated in tradition and goes back to visit for the holidays. Once he’s there, he makes one bad decision and oh holy night, does shit hit the fan.
Creative kills, festive gore (yes they made that a thing in this read), and a lot of heart wrap up this quick book with a pretty Christmas bow. The pacing was perfect. It made it hard to put this book down.
Our MC is from a small town suffocated in tradition and goes back to visit for the holidays. Once he’s there, he makes one bad decision and oh holy night, does shit hit the fan.
Creative kills, festive gore (yes they made that a thing in this read), and a lot of heart wrap up this quick book with a pretty Christmas bow. The pacing was perfect. It made it hard to put this book down.
November 20, 2025
Eli’s driving home for Christmas. Yes give me Yes give me those Chris Rea vibes!
His family homes a contradiction. Siblings he loves and can’t help but smile at being in their presence… and then there’s Richard.
This story brings a town and its traditions. An offering must be made. But, it only takes one to break the tradition.
This story is well written, it’s fast paced and super fun! I loved this festive horror!
His family homes a contradiction. Siblings he loves and can’t help but smile at being in their presence… and then there’s Richard.
This story brings a town and its traditions. An offering must be made. But, it only takes one to break the tradition.
This story is well written, it’s fast paced and super fun! I loved this festive horror!
January 5, 2026
Fun Christmas horror
I like to read a Christmas horror over the holidays, and this was my choice for 2025.
The town of Dregmouth with its creepy Christmas customs was a great location for the story. I was really interested in the communal gift giving and the tithe.
When things inevitably go wrong, the creatures that swarm the town were fun and horrific in equal measure.
Eli had a good backstory, but I found him hard to like as a main character. Despite the events of the book, he didn’t see to take any responsibility for his actions.
The other characters were all likable.
I loved the makeshift weapons the family devised.
I will be sure to check out the other Twisted Tales books.
I like to read a Christmas horror over the holidays, and this was my choice for 2025.
The town of Dregmouth with its creepy Christmas customs was a great location for the story. I was really interested in the communal gift giving and the tithe.
When things inevitably go wrong, the creatures that swarm the town were fun and horrific in equal measure.
Eli had a good backstory, but I found him hard to like as a main character. Despite the events of the book, he didn’t see to take any responsibility for his actions.
The other characters were all likable.
I loved the makeshift weapons the family devised.
I will be sure to check out the other Twisted Tales books.
November 21, 2025
This is a different take on gift giving, elves and Christmas traditions. In this bizarre story, not giving a gift, during a dark tradition called Vinterblot Tithe, brings about dire consequences to say the least. Of course, we all know what happens and that's when the fun begins.
The books in this series are quick, fun reads. They bring to light often obscure legends that are still scary. I recommend this book.
The books in this series are quick, fun reads. They bring to light often obscure legends that are still scary. I recommend this book.
November 19, 2025
This is the year of the Twisted Tales... Howley & Willcocks writing these short, episodic horrors reminiscent of classic 90s horror has been such a delicious fruit for me this year. Slay, however, is the juiciest thus far.
Each Twisted Tales follows a different classic setting, trope, creature, etc. from existing horror and give it their unique and distinctive touch. This particular story is a Folk Horror set during Christmas... yet I am one of the furthest from being a fan of Christmas, so I initially went into this with a little of scepticism. I shouldn't have worried.
Eli Halversen is the protagonist, and he is a solid and strong character with the most relatable character arc. He has difficult relationship with his family following some sad circumstances in the past, and he is returning to the town where he grew up after living away for a while. The family dynamics is interesting and I loved watching them develop throughout the story.
Something that I notice and loved is the reference to Norwegian culture... it's in the blurb... Vinterblot... we have some sacrificing to do, and it is handled so well. It is taking old cultural traditions and giving them a respectful and unique reimagining.
The antagonist of this story... or rather the creatures of this story... is none other than a reimagining of what horrible little Elves would be like if they were owed something and it failed to be fulfilled. While these little creatures are dead, there is a level of campness to them that I absolutely love (but don't want to spoil).
All-in-all I cannot believe my favourite Twisted Tales was the Christmas Special I was worried I'd hate. Now I cannot wait for what's next... with three strong hitters in 2025, I know I can trust Howley & Willcocks to continue to create amazing and original stories.
Each Twisted Tales follows a different classic setting, trope, creature, etc. from existing horror and give it their unique and distinctive touch. This particular story is a Folk Horror set during Christmas... yet I am one of the furthest from being a fan of Christmas, so I initially went into this with a little of scepticism. I shouldn't have worried.
Eli Halversen is the protagonist, and he is a solid and strong character with the most relatable character arc. He has difficult relationship with his family following some sad circumstances in the past, and he is returning to the town where he grew up after living away for a while. The family dynamics is interesting and I loved watching them develop throughout the story.
Something that I notice and loved is the reference to Norwegian culture... it's in the blurb... Vinterblot... we have some sacrificing to do, and it is handled so well. It is taking old cultural traditions and giving them a respectful and unique reimagining.
The antagonist of this story... or rather the creatures of this story... is none other than a reimagining of what horrible little Elves would be like if they were owed something and it failed to be fulfilled. While these little creatures are dead, there is a level of campness to them that I absolutely love (but don't want to spoil).
All-in-all I cannot believe my favourite Twisted Tales was the Christmas Special I was worried I'd hate. Now I cannot wait for what's next... with three strong hitters in 2025, I know I can trust Howley & Willcocks to continue to create amazing and original stories.
December 27, 2025
The third novella in the Twisted Tales series by Robyn Howley and Daniel Willcocks is an absolute triumph of holiday horror. Suspenseful, razor-sharp, and wickedly fun, this story balances festive charm with creeping dread in a way that feels effortless and fresh. Christmas horror is a rare beast, but these authors handle it with confidence and precision. Every page hums with tension while still embracing the eerie magic of the season.
I committed the cardinal sin of starting with Book 3, yet I never once felt lost. Howley and Willcocks are masters at crafting stories that are both interconnected and entirely accessible. Slay stands powerfully on its own while quietly tempting readers to go back and devour the earlier entries, and trust me, I absolutely will.
What truly elevates Slay is its thematic depth. Beneath the blood, chaos, and holiday carnage lies a clever exploration of ancient power, ritual, belief, and humanity’s fragile relationship with forces far older than ourselves. The influence of the Old Gods is woven in beautifully, lending the story a mythic weight that deepens the horror while expanding the series’ already fascinating lore.
Fast, brutal, atmospheric, and endlessly entertaining, Slay is proof that holiday horror can be both intelligent and wildly fun. I’m officially obsessed with this series, and if this is what the Old Gods have in store, I’ll happily keep reading whatever comes next.
I committed the cardinal sin of starting with Book 3, yet I never once felt lost. Howley and Willcocks are masters at crafting stories that are both interconnected and entirely accessible. Slay stands powerfully on its own while quietly tempting readers to go back and devour the earlier entries, and trust me, I absolutely will.
What truly elevates Slay is its thematic depth. Beneath the blood, chaos, and holiday carnage lies a clever exploration of ancient power, ritual, belief, and humanity’s fragile relationship with forces far older than ourselves. The influence of the Old Gods is woven in beautifully, lending the story a mythic weight that deepens the horror while expanding the series’ already fascinating lore.
Fast, brutal, atmospheric, and endlessly entertaining, Slay is proof that holiday horror can be both intelligent and wildly fun. I’m officially obsessed with this series, and if this is what the Old Gods have in store, I’ll happily keep reading whatever comes next.
November 29, 2025
A fun festive ride doused in glitter and dripping with blood!
Slay is a unique and creative story rooted in festive traditions. The story follows Eli as he leaves his fancy city life to return to his childhood home in the small town of Dregmouth. It's Christmas, and he wants to see his family, but it will have him facing pain and loss.
As Eli embarks on his festive journey, the reader is doused in a plethora of delightful experiences such as sneaking some homemade peppermint bark before dinner. The tiny touches sprinkled through the story make the reader long for Christmas.
As Eli rolls his eyes and balks at certain traditions, doubting their truth or place in his new world, he crosses a line and goes too far. What unfolds is a journey of self reflection and transformation as Eli faces his pain and finds out what is truly important to him. The story dives deep into the darker side of our beloved sugar-coated Christmas.
In the process, the reader is delighted with a barrage of exciting events that quickly escalate, turning into a glitter infused blood bath. All of it is executed with a festive theme on steroids.
Slay is a quick, fun, crazy, festive infused story of the darker side of festive traditions.
Slay is a unique and creative story rooted in festive traditions. The story follows Eli as he leaves his fancy city life to return to his childhood home in the small town of Dregmouth. It's Christmas, and he wants to see his family, but it will have him facing pain and loss.
As Eli embarks on his festive journey, the reader is doused in a plethora of delightful experiences such as sneaking some homemade peppermint bark before dinner. The tiny touches sprinkled through the story make the reader long for Christmas.
As Eli rolls his eyes and balks at certain traditions, doubting their truth or place in his new world, he crosses a line and goes too far. What unfolds is a journey of self reflection and transformation as Eli faces his pain and finds out what is truly important to him. The story dives deep into the darker side of our beloved sugar-coated Christmas.
In the process, the reader is delighted with a barrage of exciting events that quickly escalate, turning into a glitter infused blood bath. All of it is executed with a festive theme on steroids.
Slay is a quick, fun, crazy, festive infused story of the darker side of festive traditions.
December 3, 2025
These two authors deliver again. This time, a story that feels like Christmas crawled down my chimney, set itself on fire, and still managed to make me laugh out loud. Atmospheric, creepy, and somehow emotional enough to make me tear up at times.
The Halverson family are preparing for Christmas in the small town of Dregmouth, where traditions are not to be messed with. Eli, the eldest son turned big-city nonbeliever, returns home fully prepared to roll his eyes at everything. Bad choice.
The day before Christmas, the whole town gathers for the giving and receiving of gifts at the Vinterblot Tithe. Eli is not amused and breaks the ritual. What could possibly happen, it’s just an old fairytale, right?
If you’re a 90’s kid like me, this will feel like watching ”Gremlins“, if someone gave them steroids, glitter, and a thirst for blood. Chaotic, hilarious, and a little unhinged.
Happy reading—and for the love of all sparkly horrors, respect your local traditions. Better safe than dismembered, OK?
-Vibeke 🖤
The Halverson family are preparing for Christmas in the small town of Dregmouth, where traditions are not to be messed with. Eli, the eldest son turned big-city nonbeliever, returns home fully prepared to roll his eyes at everything. Bad choice.
The day before Christmas, the whole town gathers for the giving and receiving of gifts at the Vinterblot Tithe. Eli is not amused and breaks the ritual. What could possibly happen, it’s just an old fairytale, right?
If you’re a 90’s kid like me, this will feel like watching ”Gremlins“, if someone gave them steroids, glitter, and a thirst for blood. Chaotic, hilarious, and a little unhinged.
Happy reading—and for the love of all sparkly horrors, respect your local traditions. Better safe than dismembered, OK?
-Vibeke 🖤
November 18, 2025
First they gave us Jack, then they added to our nightmares with Heir. Now the team of R.P Howley & Daniel Willcocks have unleashed their gifts of terror on us with Slay…
Eli returns to his home town to celebrate the festive season despite the chaos that comes with the holidays. Along the way Eli goes to take part in a town tradition only to change his mind at the last minute. From that point on events unravel in away that will make you second guess holiday situations for sure.
As always the characters are well written and the story pulls you in to the unexpected. Plus the added romance between Eli and Casey is done in such a way that has you rooting for the couple despite the chaos that engulfs them.
This is yet another addition that is much needed to a rapidly growing seasonal collection that will rock your nightmares.
Eli returns to his home town to celebrate the festive season despite the chaos that comes with the holidays. Along the way Eli goes to take part in a town tradition only to change his mind at the last minute. From that point on events unravel in away that will make you second guess holiday situations for sure.
As always the characters are well written and the story pulls you in to the unexpected. Plus the added romance between Eli and Casey is done in such a way that has you rooting for the couple despite the chaos that engulfs them.
This is yet another addition that is much needed to a rapidly growing seasonal collection that will rock your nightmares.
December 3, 2025
I absolutely loved this! Another great Twisted Tale from Howley & Wilcocks collection.
I love Old Norse traditions and with this dark twist on a traditional Christmas gift giving becomes a glorified glitter blood bath with Santa’s elves when one doesn't follow tradition
This book is by far the best one in the series. A re-read is a must on Christmas Eve night.
'I received an ARC copy of Slay and this is my honest review.'
I love Old Norse traditions and with this dark twist on a traditional Christmas gift giving becomes a glorified glitter blood bath with Santa’s elves when one doesn't follow tradition
This book is by far the best one in the series. A re-read is a must on Christmas Eve night.
'I received an ARC copy of Slay and this is my honest review.'
December 3, 2025
As a huge fan of 2015's movie Krampus, I found Slay to be a fabulous read, wonderfully evil. Third in the Twisted Tales series, it earns it's place. The book was one of those that went with me. If I had to be in the kitchen, it came with; if I was headed for the rest room, it came with; grocery pickup, yep it came with. It was one of those. A traveling read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. One does not have to read this series in order at all. Each is a self contained story.
December 3, 2025
Slay is the third book in this series and my favourite so far. A fast-paced festive folk-horror novella that blends Christmas traditions with dark visceral terror. When Eli Halverson rejects his mountain town’s ancient holiday ritual, he unintentionally unleashes monstrous forces tied to the snow-covered wilderness. The story is tense, atmospheric, a fast read and packed with horror. I couldn’t put the book down. Fantastic.
December 26, 2025
Creepy Christmas!
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this story. I don’t read much horror anymore yet this book hooked me. The writing was great and the story flowed just fast enough that I was able to finish it in a weekend. There is quite a bit of gore so if you have a weak stomach or an exceptionally vivid imagination, you may want to skip this one. However, you would be missing out on this mad tale!
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this story. I don’t read much horror anymore yet this book hooked me. The writing was great and the story flowed just fast enough that I was able to finish it in a weekend. There is quite a bit of gore so if you have a weak stomach or an exceptionally vivid imagination, you may want to skip this one. However, you would be missing out on this mad tale!
November 19, 2025
An excellent, fast paced, horror. I loved it and couldn't put it down. Another great tale in The Twisted Tales series. This is a must read and is highly recommended. I received an ARC and my review is honest and voluntary.
November 21, 2025
A fun festive horror, although not as driven and suspenseful as heir (the previous book in twisted tails) it was still a fast paced and exciting read. It's very difficult to make Christmas scary and although the authors do a great job with it.
December 3, 2025
A fresh, unique, satisfyingly-creepy, holiday-themed horror read! I was glued with anticipation to my Kindle the whole way through!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
December 3, 2025
An ancient pact should always be treated seriously, especially if the legends around it are almost forgotten. This story is the perfect example of why this is so important. So much carnage, so little time to make amends...if possible.
December 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The story hooks you in from the opening pages. The story moves at a good pace. Definitely recommend this book and the entire series.
December 3, 2025
What a unique twist on an ancient holiday! The story grabbed my attention from the get-go and held it all the way to the end. The worst part about the ending is that it left me wanting more.
February 5, 2026
wow
A horrible way to spend Christmas. Don’t be greedy or prepare to pay with something or someone you hold dear
A horrible way to spend Christmas. Don’t be greedy or prepare to pay with something or someone you hold dear
December 3, 2025
Christmas
Eli has returned to his small hometown for a Christmas tradition. What happens if this tradition is ever broken? Eli and the townsfolk are about to find out. Elves are not friendly. Tradition should not be broken. Christmas horror at its best.
Eli has returned to his small hometown for a Christmas tradition. What happens if this tradition is ever broken? Eli and the townsfolk are about to find out. Elves are not friendly. Tradition should not be broken. Christmas horror at its best.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews