A Christmas Carol

by Joshua Ingle

YOUR LIFE SKETCHES THE FUTURE. YOU HOLD THE PEN.

Utterly selfish and consumed by ambition, Ben Scrooge is the ruthless head of a global financial empire. But when his dead business partner, Marley Jacobs, escapes from Hell with a target on her back, he flees with her into immersive, real-as-life memories of his past.

Hot on their heels is the Ghost of Christmas Past, a relentless phantom set on recapturing Marley. As they race through Ben’s sometimes-faulty memories, and confront the events and choices that hardened his heart, regret builds within him over the life he led, and the affection he always felt for Marley but never honoured.

Reluctantly, Ben begins to see the roads not tender moments he spurned, friendships he abandoned, and a love that might have redirected him away from his own darkness. But Marley may soon be lost forever, and the ghost’s true motive is bleaker than punishing it is a bid to rewrite history itself.

Realising that every action echoes into the future, and determined to save each other, Ben and Marley must risk everything on a final, desperate gamble – a chance to change not only their own fate but the fate of the world they helped create. In this propulsive, modern retelling of Dickens’s classic, redemption comes at the price of courage, compassion, and the willingness to face the past head on.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Fantasy, Retellings

452 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

I’m a pathologically curious sci-fi and fantasy geek. Most of my writing portrays ethical crises packaged in propulsive thriller and mystery story lines, taking place in unique story worlds.

Reviews

[Dona's Books]

Pre-Read Notes:

This is one of my favorite stories, one I read and/or watch every year, at least once. So glad this year brings me a modern retelling and I'm excited to see how Ingle handles the material! So far, I am enjoying the chrome polish of modernity on this old classic.

Final Review

DNF @ p114

This one is just not my speed.

Thank you to Joshua Ingle, publishers City Starlight Press, and NetGalley for an accessible digital copy of A Christmas Carol. All views are mine.

[Lizette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommend-O-Meter: Great for lovers of the Dickens classic, and even those unfamiliar with it

As a big fan of Dickens’ original A Christmas Carol, I tend to be incredibly critical of its adaptations. Which meant that I went into this book hopeful for something nice but skeptical about the whole modern premise. But let me tell you, I was happily surprised by the whole thing.

First off, it’s not really a “faithful” adaptation of the story per se. It doesn’t follow the standard formulae that you would expect. Instead, it’s almost a new story entirely with all new characters—Ben and Marley and Rob and Frieda, not to mention all the ghosts. I actually love that Ingle made these little tweaks to their names; it helps to really drive home how different they are from their original counterparts.

And as for the plot, well! There are magical chases and lost loves and rockets and so much more. I think you just have to read it and see for yourself. Just know that I was gripped from start to finish, and I couldn’t put it down even though I know Dickens’ tale like the back of my hand.

Shoutout to this modern-day Scrooge being a billionaire CEO with major daddy issues. It feels so right.

[I received an ARC of this book from the publisher on NetGalley. This does not in any way affect the contents of my review.]

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas Carol by Joshua Ingle is a modern, imaginative retelling of the timeless Dickens classic, reworking the familiar tale of a hardened soul’s journey toward compassion and redemption in a contemporary setting where Ben (the Scrooge-like figure) confronts not only his own past but a ghostly companion trying to rewrite history itself and a chance to save both personal relationships and the world he helped shape through his choices. The story carries the essence of the original’s exploration of memory, consequence, and transformation while placing it firmly in a present-day landscape that reframes the stakes and characters for modern readers.

I found this version emotionally resonant because it takes a story so many of us know by heart and whispers, what if it were real today? Ingle doesn’t just retell the plot beat for beat; he reorients the moral core of A Christmas Carol into questions about how our decisions echo forward, and how even deeply guarded hearts can soften when faced with past regrets and future possibilities.

Ben’s journey from detached, self-preserving choices toward empathy and connection felt more grounded and relatable against a modern backdrop, and I was especially struck by how the ghostly visitations reveal tender moments Ben might have overlooked, friendships he abandoned, and paths not taken. I liked its engaging writing, fresh spin on classic characters, and thoughtful pacing that made the story feel both familiar and new.

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I’m giving A Christmas Carol by Joshua Ingle four stars because it captured the timeless heart of Dickens’s message about compassion, generosity, and the possibility of change, while refreshing it in a way that felt vivid, heartfelt, and relevant for today’s readers.

The emotional beats and hopeful transformation stayed with me, even if the structure occasionally echoed the original a little too closely; overall, this felt like a beautifully warm retelling to read in the holiday season and a story that gently reminded me why Dickens’s classic continues to resonate across centuries.

[kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love A Christmas Carol I read it every year and watch all the adaptations so when I saw this was a retelling I was so exciting, and, it didn't disappoint, it was so much better than I expected.

The writing was engaging and hooked me right from the beginning. The story line was gripping and I loved the new modern feel to it which gave it even more of an edge.

I rompped through it I couldn't put it down and can't wait to read it again next year, I may even get a physical copy and annotate it

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

[Katherine Awh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while, you find a story that doesn't just captivate you—it changes how you feel about the world. A Christmas Carol by Joshua Ingle is that book. It is a masterful weaving of genres, blending the thrill of fantasy, the poignancy of a psychological drama, and the grit of thought-provoking speculative fiction. It offers a razor-sharp look at the true cost of success in a winner-takes-all society and the hollow loneliness at the top. More than just a cautionary tale, it is a battle cry to seize our power back from the ghosts of our past and to commit wholeheartedly to a kinder future.

From the first page, I was hooked. The author's absurd humor made me laugh out loud, the plot twists gave me chills, and ultimately, the message left me deeply moved. As an avid reader of psychology nonfiction, I seek to understand why people do the things they do. Surprisingly, it was this work of fantasy that provided the insight I was searching for, reminding me that stories are often the best vessels for truth.

If you love the soul-stirring heart of movies like It's a Wonderful Life or The Family Man, this book captures that same magic. Witnessing this narcissist’s redemption gave me faith that goodness often resides even in those who make the worst choices. It will make you want to hug your loved ones tightly, release long-held grievances, and give back to the world while you still have the chance. It's never too late.

I’d like to close with one of my favorite passages in the book:

“Can you find it within yourself to give to the world when it took so much from you?” the spirit asked. “You may have suffered, but your legacy need not be that you paid that suffering forward. Your legacy can be that you stood firm and stopped it before it reached anyone else.”

“No,” Ben said, turning to the spirit. Just a child, she towered above him, wise beyond her years. Likely wise beyond even his years. “The world is too big, its views too entrenched. I’m just one man.”

“In stories about time travel,” she said, rotating the frightened lizard before her gaze, “characters fret about changing one tiny thing in the past that will make large changes to the present: the butterfly effect.” She set the lizard back on its rock, away from the candle and its flame. It rushed into the safety of a crevice, out of view. “It’s strange, then, how so few people in the present believe their small actions will ripple long into the future.”

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's very rare that I will admit to having a favourite book (there are way too many great reads!) but I will always include A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens right up there in my favourites list! - so when I spotted this modern retelling, I knew that I had to grab it with both hands!

 

This book does stick quite closely to the original tale, but given it's setting of a modern day London, there have had to be a few liberties and twists along the way - but this really works and gives the same meaning as originally intended.

 

So, I'm not usually a big fan of fantasy reads that spend too long world-building, but this really grabbed me from the start and given I already knew where the story was going, I was sucked into this detailed setting the scene.

 

I loved the characterisation with Ben and Marley and of course Ben's development through the book is huge - as it should be.

I think this pair will really appeal to readers who maybe have never read the original or who will find ways to relate to them in this setting.

 

The writing style made this story flow well, but I did find the pacing waned a little at times.

Despite this, I was already invested in the story to worry about it and raced through the read over a couple of sittings.

 

A great choice for our festive reads and would definitely read more from this author in the future.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up.
This is a modern retelling of the classic A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. A Christmas Carol is one of my favorite holiday stories to read and watch. I've enjoyed watching every adaptation I've seen. Reading this modern take on the classic was no different. I really enjoyed this.

It does not read like a word for word retelling. The story is reimagined for modern day issues. The pacing is balanced and the setting is perfectly eerie. Definitely check this out if you enjoy redemption stories with supernatural elements.

💜 Thank you so much to author Joshua Ingle, City Starlight Press, and Love Books Tours for the gifted digital review copy of A Christmas Carol!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Goodreads Giveaway book, and I loved it! For me, if I enjoyed the story/writing, it gets a 4-star rating. If I like it enough that I want to read it again, and have a physical copy in my personal library, it gets 5 stars. The physical copy is now on my wish list.

I knew it would be a modernization of a classic tale, and it did not disappoint. All of the major points in the original are in this version, and some twists. Without oversharing, it is easy to despise Scrooge in this version as he is the inventor of the pay day loan! The depictions of the ghosts were also quite interesting and probably a story on their own. I have added Joshua Ingle's name to my I-want-to-read-more-of-their-works list. I hope you enjoy it, too.

[Soha Amer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas Carol by Joshua Ingle is a heartfelt holiday story that captures the spirit of reflection, growth, and the importance of compassion. The narrative centers around transformation—both emotional and personal—making it a meaningful seasonal read.

The story explores themes of redemption, kindness, and the impact of our choices. What stands out is the way it balances emotional depth with a comforting, festive tone. It reminds readers of the value of connection, generosity, and second chances.

The characters’ journeys feel sincere, and the message of hope woven throughout the story makes it especially fitting for the holiday season.

Overall, A Christmas Carol is a thoughtful and uplifting read that highlights the true meaning of the holidays.

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this modern take on A Christmas Carol. It was fun to read, and I really enjoyed it. The cover is great. It gave me cosy winter vibes, which was nice. The writing was good, and the book flowed nicely. The attention to detail in the world-building was excellent. Very impressive. The settings were good, and I enjoyed the book starting in modern-day London. The characters were good. I liked Ben Scrooge. I liked how his character developed and grew. I enjoyed his interactions with the other characters and the world around him.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a terrific book! I approached it expecting a modernization of Dickens’ timeless classic, a story I read every year. Because this was a novel rather than the original novella, Ingle managed to “flesh out” the story in unexpected ways. At its core it was faithful to the original but Ingle put a very creative spin on the narrative. Thanks to Goodreads and Joshua Ingle for this wonderful Christmas present!

[Kimia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Joshua Ingle and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC.

I absolutely adore this story and love rereading it during Christmas time. This modern retelling was a delight and gave me a good start to feel cozy and christmassy. Scrooge was made quite lovable, to be honest. I find that the characters were also more relatable. Maybe because it was set in modern time. Overall, a very nice read, and I highly recommend it if you're into the Christmas Carol ;)

[Candace Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I thought this was going to be just a modernization of A Christmas Carol. It is so much more. This story is utterly fantastic. Please read. You won't be disappointed.

[Ashley Downey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the classic book and this was a very interesting turn of the classic set in a modern setting. Couldn't put it down!

[Magpie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Carol, the original, is a timeless classic for a reason. It's an enduring story of love and redemption. So when I saw this reimagining, mistakenly thinking it was something it wasn't, I knew I had to read it, and in doing so found something rather special. A fun and exciting modern retelling with twists and turns I didn't see coming with a powerful story of love and redemption.

This is a love story. Not about the love for Scrooge's niece or the love for Tim or the love for humanity. It's a love story between Scrooge and Marley. Almost everything he does is done for her, all culminating in when he tries wildly to bring her back to life, to trade his life for hers.

While ultimately flawed, Scrooge comes to realize his love for his partner over the last 35 years, a love Marley never thought would be reciprocated. And I like that at the end, despite time ghosts and rules, she's brought back to life and they can finally be together as more than business partners and push each other to be better people than they were before.

Scrooge is literally haunted by his past, in trying to escape it, he just entrenches himself further. The point is really brought home when it's revealed the ghost hunting him is in fact his own father. Hunted by his past and his father's rhetoric of "A man achieves", Scrooge finds himself stuck running in circles for weeks until Marley decides she's had enough, that she doesn't actually like who she became.

There's a really interesting look here at the nature of memory. A lot of what he had believed was simply wrong, changed to make himself appear better than what he was. This is especially true when it comes to Sandra. Her parting words "You don't have enough money, Ben." was never said. It was his own assumption projected onto her. And this imagined scenario dictated his whole life.

Looking at the future, it was surprising that the future ghost was one of Scrooge's descendants, but they are time ghosts so it shouldn't be that shocking. Imogen has something important to say. Namely that we are all responsible for the future, we're responsible for future generations, they're depending on people like Scrooge to make it better. We are all the architects of the future and everything we do is paid forward, good and bad. And the selfish stubbornness of man will most likely lead to our own destruction.

I would've liked to have learned more about the time ghosts and the war that led to the past ghosts being all powerful and the future ghosts being left in hiding. From what I could glean, it's all because of the living. They make choices based on the past, not the present of future. The living also dictates which of the dead shall be punished. There doesn't seem to be a god, all the important choices are done by the living. Being alive gives you more power than being a time ghost, even they bend to the will of the living.

Only being alive can one truly affect change.

[Sophie Lexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Christmas Carol by Joshua Ingle is a modern day retelling of the infamous novel A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It is an Urban fantasy that reimagines the timeless themes of second chances, guilt and redemption through a contemporary lens. Ingle successfully transports the spirit of Charles Dickens’ classic into a modern day setting by blending supernatural elements with present-day struggles in a way that feels familiar yet refreshingly new.

The story follows a morally detached protagonist whose life gets interrupted by otherworldly forces that are determined to force him to confront his past, present and possible future. Instead of relying solely on nostalgia, Ingle has updated the narrative with sharp dialogue, modern social issues and a darker grittier atmosphere which fits well with the urban fantasy genre.

The supernatural elements feel well integrated rather than gimmicky and the emotional moments land with a genuine impact. What I find stands out the most is Joshua Ingle’s ability to honor the heart of the original tale whilst also giving it, its own identity.

Overall, A Christmas Carol by Joshua Ingle is an imaginative and compelling retelling that proves the message of redemption is timeless.

If you love tropes such as:
•second chances
•found family
•rich vs poor
•redemption arc
•supernatural visitors

then this is the book for you!

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

📆 non-linear timeline.
👀 single POV
🐢 -🐇 fast- paced

I love the Dickens classic 'A Christmas Carol', I have done ever since we did it as our school Christmas play when I was about 10 and had the wonderful role of "Nephew Fred's maid Sally" who doesn't feature in the book at all but was created entirely by my teacher as there weren't enough parts. Anyway, enough about that version of A Christmas Carol; and on to this one by Joshua Ingle.

As soon as this came up for review I jumped at the chance to read a modern take on such a well known classic. And then I was slightly apprehensive, what if it didn't live up to the expectation. And then within about 10 minutes of starting my fears were allayed and I realised this was a real gem of a book.

Ben Scrooge is our modern day Ebenezer, a man more concerned with making money than the people he uses in doing so. Until his dead business partner comes back from hell and shows him their joint errors of their ways.

Of course this is a story of redemption, of a mans journey of discovery and a thought provoking narrative about how our past and present affect the future, not just for us but for other people too. It's certainly a story that I think most of us can learn from, a cautionary tale about what is really important. Spoiler, it isn't money!

[Victoria ~ Tea with a Book Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you very much to Joshua Ingle and NetGalley for the opportunity of reading the ARC of A Christmas Carol in exchange for an honest review.

This is a creative reimagining of the classic Christmas Carol. I am a hard person to win over when it comes to remakes because I love the Christmas Carol so much. It’s a family tradition to watch the movies, read the book, see the play. I must admit I have never experienced it quite like this.

I thought it was great to come at the story from a more modern angle because I think it makes the message of the story hit closer to home. I also liked how it wasn’t a clear cut “we are trying to make Scrooge better” I think that added to the charm of this book.

The one thing that made me drop my rating to a 4 is that it felt like it dragged in spots. Like maybe too many past memories that were very similar. This made the book feel rather long for me rather than being fast paced like it felt it was supposed to be.

Overall a unique and enjoyable retelling of a classic. Definitely recommend if you enjoy retellings with a twist!

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modern day retelling of a classic tale.

I'm always down for a good retelling, and this one held my attention and kept me flipping the pages. I rewatch A Christmas Carol every year (shout out to the Patrick Stewart version!) so I'm very familiar with the plot. That said, this retelling takes the basic premise and characters and puts a new spin on it. After all, Scrooge as a billionaire (trillionaire?) CEO just fits. What WAS the original Scrooge's business, anyway, other than "business?"

Marley, Ben's old business partner and unrequited love, takes center stage in this as she escapes hell and spirits Ben away into his past Christmases to hide from the ghost police. There's a lot of stuff going on with the ghosts of Christmases and honestly it does get a little bonkers by the end. But like the original, I enjoyed seeing Ben change for the better and get his own happily ever after.

Recommended for fans of the original who aren't too precious with the source material and fans of retellings.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.

[Amanda Felton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you LBT for having me on this review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub.

I was really excited to read this book I love the movie a Christmas Carol I watch it every year. So I really really rather excited to read the book.

This was a really good read it really got my attention right from the first chapter. I was drawn in by the writing and how good it was.

The modern feel to the book I liked it was different and I enjoyed that was refreshing

What I think I enjoyed most was the attention to detail with the world building. Wow. So so good. I felt like I was watching the movies!! Plus I loved it was London. Not that I’ve been but sounds beautiful!!

I loved Ben Scrooge he grew so much throughout the book I loved that. I love reading when characters grow really make the story that much better !!



Overall this was a really good read. I read pretty fast and I really would like more by this author. They did a great job. So excited for Christmas now !!!

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Carol: A Retelling by Joshua Engel

This was a genuinely enjoyable twist on the ever-familiar A Christmas Carol. If, by some small miracle, someone has never encountered the story before through the book, television, or film, they would still come away with the same core story and lesson here. At the same time, this retelling feels like it could stand entirely on its own as something new.

Rather than simply modernizing the setting, this version leans into being a love story and a story about generational trauma, which gives it real emotional weight. It feels thoughtful without being heavy, and heartfelt without being sentimental.

Many of us revisit A Christmas Carol year after year, and for some, it can start to feel a bit worn from repetition. This retelling avoids that problem entirely. It feels fresh, engaging, and honestly delightful. A wonderful reminder of why the story endures in the first place, even when told in a new way.

[Cris Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely drawn into this modern twist on A Christmas Carol. Ben Scrooge is utterly selfish and ruthless, yet the story made me understand—not excuse—why he became that way. Following him and Marley through these vivid, almost-living memories felt intense and emotional, like I was right there with them, experiencing his regrets and lost opportunities firsthand.

I found myself rooting for Ben, even as he faced the consequences of a lifetime of bad choices, and rooting for Marley too—her courage and determination gave the story heart. The Ghost of Christmas Past was genuinely unsettling, and the stakes felt higher than I expected, making every memory and decision feel weighty.

By the end, I was left reflecting on my own choices, which is the mark of a book that sticks with you. It’s dark, thrilling, and ultimately about courage, compassion, and the chance to make amends before it’s too late.

[The Lit · Rating 3 out of 5]

A big thank you is extended to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy (eARC) of this retelling of A Christmas Carol. The Lit Whisperer's analysis finds that this version is a respectfully executed and mostly charming update to the timeless classic. The atmosphere is suitably festive, and the attempt to place the beloved characters within a modern, recognizable cityscape is commendable. However, this is a solid 3-star read because the retelling does not offer enough fresh insight or narrative weight to truly distinguish itself from the original. While the familiar beats are hit, the execution sometimes felt a bit too safe, leaving the reader wanting a little more of the dramatic, emotional impact the story is famous for. It is an enjoyable holiday read, but one that struggles to escape the shadow of its source material.
​Follow me for more reviews @TheLitWhisperer.

[Megan Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spellbinding retelling of the classic Dicken's Christmas tale that is perfect for the upcoming holiday season!

I absolutely loved the original but to be honest, I love this adaptation even more! Maybe it's because it's a modern version of it and the characters are more relatable instead of being Victorian but I really did enjoy reading this story! As much as a reader would love to hate Scrooge, I found that I liked him more in this story than in the original.

I highly recommend it to anyone who loves A Christmas Carol and is wanting to read something a little different this holiday season!

I would love to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.

[Inga Hein Andree · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

Thank you to City Starlight Press, Joshua Ingle, and NetGalley for a chance to preview this title.

I liked the concept of this book, a modern retelling of Dickens classic. And, while keeping it fresh, several elements were changed (Marley is a woman), and even the ending was revamped. All that is to say that this book dragged. There were more than a few times that I found myself skimming because it was just going on and on. For reference, the original is anywhere between 64 and 200 pages (depending on the edition), while this was a whopping 450 pages. I truly feel this could have been trimmed down and still gotten the point across.

Overall, I liked this book and think that if someone wants to read it, I say go for it.

[Lindsey Funk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this free e-book through Goodreads Giveaways and during Christmas time so I gave it a shot. I love the original creepy story of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. How was this one going to be different? It was set during modern times with modern subjects and topics, like AI and check to cash agencies.

Overall I liked the concept of the book and the twist on the characters. It was creatively written but just over written. I felt myself skimming and trying to just get to the “meat and potatoes” of the book. I think we all know how A Christmas Carol plot goes and it didn’t have enough intrigue to keep me vastly interested.

I would be interested to see what this author writes next.

[Oldbookishwoman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Carol is one of my favourite stories and films to watch.. This modern re-telling of an absolute classic.
It still has the essence of the original story but because of the modern setting ,it is also not a carbon copy there are a few changes and twists along the way.
The pacing for the most part is good and the writing style is easy and enjoyable to read. Scrooge and Marley are wonderful and their journey with the tweaks make for interesting reading. The author makes you want to know what's going to happen with them.

[D. Thrush · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is a modern retelling of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Yet it doesn’t follow the story exactly and veers off into an epic adventure where Ben Scrooge learns what’s truly important. His overbearing father affected his priorities and the course of his life. Ben is chased by the Ghost of Christmas Past, while the Ghost of Christmas Present shows him that perhaps it's not too late to turn his life around as the Ghost of the Future presents hope. Other than being too long, it’s a wonderful retelling filled with profound messages. Truly worth reading.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this highly imaginative and fast-paced retelling of Dickens' Christmas classic set mostly in the present day. The story was a lot of fun, with some interesting twists on the familiar characters and adventures. While travelling through his past and his future and trying to avoid pursuit by a vengeful spirit, Scrooge has to decide what really matters to him, and some of his conclusions are a bit of a surprise to people who've read the original version. Highly recommended.

[Christine Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not quite what I was expecting. I knew it was a retelling of the Dickens classic, but I didn't realise how modern it would be. I feel as if all the charm was lost with the modernisation. In all, though the story itself was strong and can easily be enjoyed by someone who has not read the original.