After their mother is left with life-changing injuries from being attacked in their home, sisters Violet and Rose react very differently. Rose grows up seemingly well-balanced, while Violet —who witnessed the Christmas Eve assault—can think of nothing but vengeance.
When a freak accident brings Violet face-to-face with the intruder, fifteen years of torture culminate in the opportunity for cold, hard revenge. But while Violet worms her way into the attacker’s life, Rose discovers their father is not the man they thought they knew.
As Rose scrambles to uncover the secrets and lies at the heart of their family, not all the pieces of the puzzle fit—and she soon realises that the reason for their mother’s fate may be closer to home…
...too close.
This Christmas, truth is the most dangerous gift of all.
Amazon USA top 40 bestselling author AJ Campbell delivers a twisty holiday psychological thriller packed with heart-racing twists that is perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Jeneva Rose, Shari Lapena, Lisa Jewell, Claire Douglas and Daniel Hurst.
AJ Campbell is an Amazon USA top 40 bestselling author, who loves throwing characters into unbelievable situations and figuring it out from there. The result is psychological suspense novels full of twists, turns, and torment, with gasp-worthy endings. An avid hiker, AJ lives in the UK on the Essex / Hertfordshire border with her husband, sons, and cocker spaniel, Max. She is a Netflix junkie, a theatre tragic, and a wine and Asian food enthusiast.
Violet and Rose had an extremely traumatic childhood that still haunts them to this day. You see, when they were kids, Violet witnessed her mother being shot during a home invasion. The person responsible was never caught and leaving their mother requiring daily care ever since.
Oh… did I mention this happened on Christmas?
Now 15 years later, as Christmas once again approaches, Violet is beginning to spiral. She just found the person responsible for hurting her family. Now she understandably wants to hurt him and destroy his life, as he did hers.
Sweet revenge is about to be served!
Wow! This was a full-throttle thrill ride! Read in just two sittings. It has everything you could possibly want in a thriller.
This was my first read by this author, but after seeing all the love for this book I of course had a serious case of FOMO and had to join in! Now it’s your turn!
I am always excited to read a Christmas story full of darkness and murder and Christmas Revenge is the perfect fit. A revenge story is always so juicy and my goodness! Be prepared to put your life on hold while you devour this like I did. So fun, so emotional and so intense. I loved it.
15 years ago, Christmas was tainted forever for Violet and Rose. A home invasion, witnessed by Violet, leaves their mother unable to walk or talk when she is shot. The 2 sisters deal with the aftermath so differently, Rose working and looking after her mother while Violet is hellbent on revenge. She finally discovers the identity of the shooter and sets out to destroy them like they did her family.
Wow, don’t get on Violets bad side! She will stop at nothing to get her revenge. This is a thrill ride which lots of heartbreak and sadness. You just need to read it ok.
Thank you AJ Campbell for having me on your ARC team once again, always a pleasure ❤️
The book's premise was intriguing: A mother is attacked and injured during a home invasion witnessed by her daughter. The daughter wants justice and revenge.
Pacing was S-L-O-W!
Repetitive internal monologues and overly detailed backstory dumps significantly slowed the pace.
How many times did readers/listeners need to hear about the baby the mother lost during the home invasion?
Talented author AJ Campbell usually excels at creating layered, flawed protagonists.
This book's characterizations were shallow and disappointing.
The ending felt more contrived than shocking.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Déirdra Whelan, one of my favorite narrators.
Not the dark suspense thriller wrapped in a festive bow that I was hoping for!
My first Christmas themed book, and my new favourite AJ Campbell book! Wow.. this author really does know how to spin a good thriller! The characters are fascinating and so well defined, but as usual with Campbell books, it's the plot and pacing that truly sing. The twists had me gasping out loud. What a read.
This was my first book by the author, but I will most definitely be reading more! I really enjoyed this one, and it was perfect for the season!
At 9 years old, Violet Sapphire witnessed an intruder shooting her mother on Christmas Eve. Her mother survived but she is no longer mentally present. Violet has never been the same after that night. Even with all the therapy, all she can think about is finding out who did it, since the police can't, and seeking vengeance. Fifteen years have gone by and a freak accident puts her face to face with the person who she believes is the shooter. A plan starts to form in her head and she is determined to carry it out on Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, her younger sister Rose dealt with the trauma of the event differently, but then again, she didn't see the shooting like Violet did. Rose knows she needs to look out for Violet the best she can. However, she's being consumed with secrets their father has been hiding from them. As Rose digs further she realizes he is not the man she thought he was. Could all his secrets have something to do with the shooting? Will Rose be able to stop Violet before she does something she'll regret? Will Violet get the revenge she's been seeking all these years?
Told in the POVs of Rose and Violet, this was seriously one wild ride! It was a thrilling revenge story that I couldn't put down. The suspense had me glued to the pages. It was dark, full of family secrets, and shocking reveals. It was fast-paced and totally addictive! The story really makes you think about how trauma can affect a young mind and about mental illness. If you're looking for the perfect Christmas thriller to binge, look no further! This is it! I highly recommend this one!🩷
“This Christmas, truth is the most dangerous gift of all.”
🎄 Review – Christmas Revenge by AJ Campbell (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Who can pass up a revenge thriller with a gorgeous cover like this? Not me! “Christmas Revenge” is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, because nothing makes your own family look merrier than reading about secrets, suspense, and revenge all decked out in tinsel.
AJ Campbell delivers a thriller packed with twist after twist, like a tray of Christmas cookies you can’t quit nibbling on. I fell in love with the cover instantly, and the story inside didn’t disappoint. Campbell’s writing instantly hooked me, and the fact that it’s on Kindle Unlimited is the icing on the Christmas cake.
If you’re looking for a festive thriller with a shocking twist, curl up with this one!
A Christmas tragedy strikes the household, leaving mayhem in its wake. Violet, a child witnesses her mother being shot, her small mind remembers details which she gives to the police with no arrests. Years later, pure happenstance and Violet believes she has the culprit in her sights and proceeds to seek revenge. It’s not all as cut and dry as that, we have Rose her sisters findings to add to the suspense of who, what exactly happened. This is a family whose secrets lie beneath the surface waiting for the jigsaw to be completed.
It was a low burn, told from both sisters POV, giving insights, you are trying to work it out throughout the story leaving you guessing what exactly happened, leads you enticed into but you know it’s too obvious until all is explained. It was well written, and your are given an ending whether it is conclusive remains 😉
As children, an intruder breaks into Violet and Rose's home on Christmas Eve, stealing items from their safe and shooting their mother on the way out. Violet, who snuck out of bed to investigate, witnesses the whole thing. Fifteen years later, when a chance encounter brings Violet face to face with the man who changed her entire life, she knows it's time to keep her promise to her mother & get revenge.
Okay, so if you've been with me for awhile, you know I've read every book AJ Campbell has written. Well...
I'm up on a housetop, click, click, click. Down through the chimney... to tell you to READ THIS BOOK. 😉
The tension. The emotion. The believability. 👏🏼 It literally had it all. I felt for Violet and Rose, and I could understand Violet's descent into madness here.
As I got toward the end of the book, I was a nervous wreck. I wanted to jump in and save her. Help her. Give her a damn hug!
This was, by far, my favorite of AJ's books. If you haven't read anything by her: 1. What are you waiting for? 2. Start with this one!
Thank you to the author for always having me on your release team. 🥰
Wow this book was amazing. I loved the characters and how real their emotions felt. Getting both Rose and Violet’s points of view was great. I love when psychological thrillers are heavy on the psychological part. The twists in this book had me gasping out loud. Every time you think they are done, there’s more. My heart broke for Violet and her mother. Revenge was served all around.
A.J. Campbell's latest novel is an absolute triumph! We meet Violet and Rose, desperately trying to survive after their mother was shot and left with life changing injuries during a burglary Violet witnessed as a child on Christmas Eve, while their father is now in a hospice, close to death. The past trauma hangs like a shadow over their present. What really happened that night? A car accident ignites a series of events that sees Violet go down a path that can never be reversed. Every page is a race through the despair and hopelessness surrounding her. Rose, on the other hand is the lynchpin trying to keep everything together. I thought I could see the impending disaster, but as the tension built, so many more layers of the story surfaced, adding multiple new dimensions at every stage that I stayed up to the wee small hours to get to the explosive finale that was tied up as neatly as a gift wrapped Christmas bauble. An absolutely brilliant book that I would gladly give ten stars if I could! My sincere thanks to the author for the privilege of an ARC. This is my own opinion.
Wow!!! What an amazing tense thriller, you need to read this one. Fantastic suspense from the beginning until the end, I just didn't want to put this book down, it's fast-paced tension throughout.
It's Christmas Eve and nine-year-old Violet wakes and gets up to go to the toilet, she hears a noise, she hides, watches and witnesses a burglary and as her pregnant mum descends the stairs she is shot leaving her with life-changing injuries and bedridden.
Violet and her sister Rose react and grow up differently following the traumatic events of that fateful night, Rose seemed more accepting whilst Violet was set on revenge.
For fifteen years Violet has been determined to seek revenge on the culprit who destroyed the lives of her mum and her future sister they called Bean. When on their way to visit their terminally ill father, Rose and Violet were involved in a car accident and Violet recognised the other driver as the person responsible for her mum's shooting and setting out to plan revenge.
AJ Campbell has yet again written an incredibly suspenseful thriller, the characters that are so believable in visually brilliant descriptive settings. I was fully captivated in this enthralling revenge thriller full of twists and intensity.
What more could a thriller lover want? A Christmas themed thriller, yea please! If you are like me, you won’t want to miss this holiday themed wild ride.
AJ Campbell knows how to hook a reader and never let go! This snow filled, atmospheric read is just the ticket! Well, I had some suspicions about some of the plot twist. There were so many that I never saw coming. Make sure you add this Christmas filled thriller to your TBR!
Violet has the traumatic experience of witnessing her mother being shot. She sees the event while hiding under the sofa on Christmas Eve after hearing someone breaking into their house. Although her mother survives the injuries, life and the Christmas season will never be the same again. Fifteen years later, Violet and younger sister Rose are looking after their Mum with the help of Auntie Audrey. Their Mum has never been the person she was before the shooting and their father is receiving end of life care in a local hospice. Violet is very close to her Mum and when she recognises the person who was responsible for her mother’s life changing injuries the only thing on her mind is revenge, something she has become obsessed with over the past years. As Violet starts to secretly plan her revenge her own mental health declines and her sister Rose worries about her actions and also the secrets that her father seems to be hiding. Christmas Revenge is A J Campbell’s twelfth book and establishes her as the Queen of the psychological thriller. I have enjoyed every one of her books and this is another triumph. Another character led story with so many twists and turns and an unexpected and shocking ending. Thanks to the author for an advanced reading copy, this is my honest review. If you enjoy a thriller this is a great Christmas present.
What an amazing Christmas themed thriller this one was! I love a good revenge story and this one hit all the spots. This story was intense, emotional and will keep you guessing until the very end.
This story revolves around Violet and her sister Rose. When their mother was unexpectedly shot 15 years prior on Christmas Eve, Violet is determined to find out who was behind it. Not only did this leave their mother handicapped and unable to speak, but their unborn baby sister was killed as well. To say she is out for revenge is an understatement. Her and her sister wind up getting into a car accident and coming face to face with who she thinks did this to her mother.
I felt awful for Violet and how much this tragic event affected her life. You can tell she has anxiety, depression and PTSD from that night that she’s carried into her adult life. She is clearly a troubled young woman and never wanted to seek out the help she needed. Rose was the more logical sister and knew Violet was up to something.
It takes a bit for the pieces to come together but this book was so twisty that I couldn’t figure out which direction it was heading. Once you get to what you think is the main twist, Campbell hits you with yet another big one. I highly enjoyed this book an would recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting psychological Christmas themed thriller!
Another brilliantly gripping, twisty, page turner from AJ Campbell!
The story focuses on sisters, Violet and Rose. When the two women are involved in a car crash. Violet recognises the other party as the man who broke into their home and shot their mother, 15 years earlier.
Hell bent on revenge, Violet sets out to find him and ruin his family, just as he ruined hers. The lengths Violet went to were terrifying, but so clever, ingratiating herself into their lives and planning her next moves. Violet is very close to their mother and she is the only person her mother will still speak to, since the shooting left her needing around the clock care.
Violet and Rose were great characters and this fast paced psychological thriller had me hooked and kept me guessing as secrets were discovered and the truth of what happened that night was gradually revealed. The twists were incredible and had me completely floored - absolutely not what I was expecting! Fantastic!
5 ⭐️ Thank you, AJ Campbell, for an ARC of this book.
I don’t know how Amanda does it, or how her mind works! Time and again she writes thrillers that have depth, unexpected twists and a whodunnit line that spins everything on its axis. A Christmas Revenge is no exception. I thought I had it figured out in the first half but AJ just kept layering on the drama until I was flicking back through the pages to see how I’d missed! She’s so clever and subtle at dripping the pieces of the puzzle. I loved the characters, sisters Violet & Rose. Their conflicting personalities were intriguing, you just knew something wasn’t quite right but I never guessed the full picture. Adding the care of their mother & a dad that’s in hospital and it was emotional as well as compulsive reading. Well done Amanda, you’ve done it again!
Christmas Revenge by AJ Campbell Genre: Psychological Thriller Pub Date: November 3rd, 2025 (TODAY!)
**Thank you to AJ Campbell for a free ebook ARC copy in exchange for my unbiased review. **
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 (4.5 rounded to 5 🥰)
Wow AJ. You've done it again! This has been my sixth and certainly not last read!! Keep them coming girlie! Thank you, sincerly for allowing me early access to your latest book baby 🥰
Now for my review.
From the very first line we learn that Violet and Rose's mom was shot on Christmas Eve, their lives forever changed. To make it even worse, Violet, saw it happen at 9 years old.... can you say trauma?!?
Rose has been able to grow up and deal with all that life has thrown her way..while Violet since that Christmas Eve has seen nothing but red..she wants vengence. We follow the events of Rose and Violet from dealing with every day life of a vegetable of a mom to an absent, and now dying gather. But soon an unfortunate event brings up suppressed memories and we see some very unhinged acts be carried out.
I devoured this and enjoyed it greatly. I was able to fly through the virtual pages on my Kindle, AJ makes reading simple and I love her for it. If you like twisty, psychological thrillers then pick this one up like yesterday!
AJ Campbell’s latest book, “Christmas Revenge” is an amazing book that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Sisters Violet and Rose will never forget the tragedy that occurred in their home fifteen years ago. Their mother was shot and seriously injured when an intruder broke into their home. Rose tries to live her life as best as she can but Violet vows to enact revenge.
After 15 years, they come face to face with the intruder during a car accident. Violet sees this as the perfect opportunity to get closer to the intruder and punish him.
This book is yet another outstanding book by AJ Campbell. She keeps her readers engaged with the many twists and turns. Her writing is exceptional and I have enjoyed all of her books. This one however was my very favorite. Thank you AJ Campbell for an advanced copy of this book. It’s been my pleasure to read and review it. Definitely worth more than five stars.
The story revolves around sisters Rose and Violet. Rose appears to grow up more stably, while Violet, having witnessed a traumatic event on Christmas Eve, becomes consumed by thoughts of vengeance.
Christmas Revenge is poised to be a strong addition to A.J. Campbell’s psychological suspense novels. If you enjoy emotionally driven thrillers, moral complexity, and aren’t looking for a light festive read, it is likely to satisfy most readers of this genre. The premise is solid, and A.J.has a good way of delivering tension and twists.
Another great read! As always, looking forward to the next one. 😉
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
‘‘Twas a fortnight before Christmas, and all through the house, secrets were hidden, all the sins without mention. A terrible incident, from fifteen years before, With loss and heartbreak, and an innocent promise made. As the truth starts to seep through the walls of heartbreak, who will survive to see what Santa may leave in his wake?
Holy. AJ! This was twisted! I loved how this story was told. The alternating perspectives were beautifully executed, and the flashbacks added a vital weight to the story.
Secrets weigh heavily, and Rose has spent her life living in the shadows of others' mistakes. But as she crept closer to the truth, she had no idea that her darling sister, Violet, had been curating her own version of truth.
The characters were all brilliantly fleshed out. I loved the dynamic between the sisters; they were opposites in almost every way. Violet was secretive and brooding, stuck with trauma from the past, whereas Rose was sweet and calm. She just wanted everyone to be okay, and she was willing to do anything to protect her loved ones.
This is a delicious holiday thriller, complete with snow, family, and a touch of revenge!
Publication date: November 3, 2025 Publisher: Code Grey Publishing
I just received the PERFECT early Christmas present, and just like the beautiful book cover hints, Christmas Revenge is splattered with the best kind of psychological thriller suspense!
AJ Campbell carefully and expertly excavates a deeply buried mystery that occurred 15 years prior. On Christmas Day of that year, 9-year-old Violet witnessed a horrible event that forever alters the trajectory of her and her family’s lives.
The dual POV chapters, told by Violet and her sister, have a steady momentum that maintains an engaging pace. The narrative eventually shifts into high gear, spiraling out of control and propelling the reader through shocking revelations and an ending that left me aghast! And I mean, Wow, what a mind-blowing conclusion!!!
I’m loving the books written by AJ Campbell who has become one of my favorite go-to authors!
***I received an advance reader copy from the author via BookFunnel. All opinions expressed are my own.***
I was lucky and honoured enough to receive a direct copy from the author, and I'll admit I gave a little 'whoop' when it arrived 😅. Amanda is one of my favourite writers, and having my favourite time of year in the title was a win win for me.... I was straight in!
Violet & Rose are still trying to navigate life after their mum was shot years ago during a burglary on Christmas Eve and left with life changing injuries. Their dad is also now in a hospice, nearing death. The girls lost their childhood that night.
Both sisters are complete opposite characters. Violet is full of anger and revenge. She wants answers to what happened that night. She wants someone to not only blame but face the consequences of what they've done. Rose, on the other hand, is trying desperately to move on with life as it now stands. Stoic, dependable, and sensible, she's always the one holding everything and everyone together.
When Rose and Violet are involved in a car crash on the way to see their Dad, Violet recognises the driver of the other car. She is certain she has seen them before, from her hiding place while she watched her mum being shot down.
All those years of seeking revenge have now hit the peak. She has their details. She just needs a plan!
Whilst Violet is hell bent on revenge and starts infiltrating the intruders life, Rose discovers some terrible home truths about her father. The father she's always trusted. Was their whole childhood a lie? She starts to question everything, especially the events leading up to that doomed Christmas Eve fifteen years ago.
I loved just how real the emotions felt emitting from the page. The rawness was palpable. The characters were complex, well rounded, believable, and most importantly, relatable.
Every time I thought I had a hold on what was happening, another twist sent me into a tailspin. And the ending... totally unpredictable and worthy of applause 👏
Big thanks to Amanda for a copy of her new book in exchange for an honest review. Christmas Revenge is a season thriller that will pop and blast in your reading enjoyment. You will realise that great things come in small packages….…. Violet and Rose are sisters and fifteen years ago a home invasion leaves their mother housebound, non verbal and bedridden and Violet planning revenge after witnessing the attack. The girls grow up very differently. Rose lives a normal life while all Violet thinks about is vengeance. Rose discovers her father is not who he says he is and Violets tracks down the attackers and slowly weaves her way into they life. Then secrets come to light during the festive period and both women get the most unexpected gift. This 200 page story has much going on and as the tension and intrigue builds until the very dramatic finale. A small but mighty psychological domestic drama.
Another well written, pulse pounding thriller by AJ!
15 years ago, Rose and Violet's mother was hurt in a robbery. She lives but hasn't spoken or walked since then. Now that their father is dying from cancer, he reveals as much as he can to Rose.
Violet hasn't been well since that night long ago. She deals with PTSD and now she wants to exact revenge because she "finally found out who did it" but the tale of what happened is much more twisted than even she knows. Rose is the sister that gets all the info she needs in pieces and by begging but things come to a very close call for a bigger disaster anyone anticipated.
I love that after all is said and done, there is some redemption and forgiveness that goes on for some.
“This Christmas, truth is the most dangerous gift of all” I mean…with a tag line like that, how could you not be curious?
Witnessing trauma like the characters in this novel cannot be easy. I assume it can do all sorts of things and Campbell does a thrilling job of exploring this. I loved that the story is told by the two sisters’ POVs and that their experiences differ despite being in the same place at the same time. Revenge is always a wickedly fun plot and this one delivers on its twists. I loved how dark this was. Campbells writing makes this easy to read and I flew through it. Perfect for fans of Frieda McFadden!
Thank you so much @ajcampbellauthor for the opportunity to check out your work. You have a new fan!
AJ Campbell’s latest thriller is about sisters Rose and Violet and kicks off with the heart-stopping moment Violet witnesses their mum being shot during a break-in at the family home. Fast-forward fifteen years and sweet-natured Rose is trying to keep her fractured family together. Violet, however, is hellbent on revenge. When she spots the perpetrator by chance one day, all hell breaks loose. The book is told from both sisters’ points of view and Campbell gives the reader a fascinating insight into the mind of a damaged soul who will stop at nothing to get even. The book is the antithesis of a cosy Christmas read. If you like your Christmas stories dark and twisty, you’ll love it!
I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for Christmas Revenge and WOW! I absolutely loved this book! It kept me hooked from the first sentence until the very end. It is full of twists and surprises that will keep you guessing. Just when you think you have it figured out, you find out you are wrong. I Can‘t recommend this book enough! Preorder it now! It releases November 3, 2025
AJ Campbell’s most recent book "Christmas Revenge" is hard to put down. It's an absolute page turner with so many twists and turns! AJ continues to create great psychological thrillers, this being her twelfth book in just 5 years. How does she do it?! I highly recommend this book!! An easy 5 stars.