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Christmas Day: A short story
‘WHAT WAS THAT?!?! I didn't plan on staying up til 2am to finish this! It had me gripped from the start. I loved the characters and it kept me guessing until the very last pages! So good!!!’ Goodreads, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It’s Christmas Day and my family are opening presents around the tree. Lights twinkle, festive music is playing and everything looks perfect. But when I open an unexpected gift and discover what’s inside, I’m left reeling. I feel like I can’t breathe…
The truth I’ve just unwrapped has the power to destroy everything. Looking around at the smiling faces of my loved ones – my handsome husband, my complicated sister, my loving mother – I who sent this, and why?
With lies unravelling fast, I try to work out who the gift is from and which member of my family is playing a deadly game. Will I be able to protect my own secret – and my life?
Or will this Christmas Day end in murder?
Christmas Day is a festive psychological thriller short story. Perfect for inhaling in one gulp with a mug of hot chocolate. This page-turning, suspenseful read is perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware.
What readers are saying about Christmas Day:
‘Talk about a binge read! I devoured this in one go… Wish I could give more than five stars because OH MY GOD those twists just kept coming!! ALL THE STARS!!!’ Bookywookman82,
‘Ahhhh loved it!!! What a fantastic surprise treat from one of my fave authors! Loved this gripping psych thriller!! I absolutely raced through it!!’ Goodreads, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I devoured this! Read it in one sitting as I could not put it down. I loved the suspense and the twists and turns… It really grabbed me!’ Lozzieloves, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Fast-paced, gripping read, I honestly had no idea where it was going… I was so blindsided by the end… A fun, short thriller set to a festive backdrop, talk about bringing the drama to the family Christmas.’ ericas_bookreviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Brilliant book by this incredible author. You can never put her books down once you start reading them. Always gripping and constantly guessing and wondering who it could be. Just brilliant!’ Goodreads, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A very fast paced novella… So many twists… Keeps the reader guessing… I was shocked… It was something I could relate to… I absolutely loved… A great festive read and page turner right until the end.’ Jessicabookshelf, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A juicy little novella… Fantastic… Twists I didn't see coming… The ending was brilliant… Fantastic!’ lizz hanson, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A fa
It’s Christmas Day and my family are opening presents around the tree. Lights twinkle, festive music is playing and everything looks perfect. But when I open an unexpected gift and discover what’s inside, I’m left reeling. I feel like I can’t breathe…
The truth I’ve just unwrapped has the power to destroy everything. Looking around at the smiling faces of my loved ones – my handsome husband, my complicated sister, my loving mother – I who sent this, and why?
With lies unravelling fast, I try to work out who the gift is from and which member of my family is playing a deadly game. Will I be able to protect my own secret – and my life?
Or will this Christmas Day end in murder?
Christmas Day is a festive psychological thriller short story. Perfect for inhaling in one gulp with a mug of hot chocolate. This page-turning, suspenseful read is perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware.
What readers are saying about Christmas Day:
‘Talk about a binge read! I devoured this in one go… Wish I could give more than five stars because OH MY GOD those twists just kept coming!! ALL THE STARS!!!’ Bookywookman82,
‘Ahhhh loved it!!! What a fantastic surprise treat from one of my fave authors! Loved this gripping psych thriller!! I absolutely raced through it!!’ Goodreads, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I devoured this! Read it in one sitting as I could not put it down. I loved the suspense and the twists and turns… It really grabbed me!’ Lozzieloves, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Fast-paced, gripping read, I honestly had no idea where it was going… I was so blindsided by the end… A fun, short thriller set to a festive backdrop, talk about bringing the drama to the family Christmas.’ ericas_bookreviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Brilliant book by this incredible author. You can never put her books down once you start reading them. Always gripping and constantly guessing and wondering who it could be. Just brilliant!’ Goodreads, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A very fast paced novella… So many twists… Keeps the reader guessing… I was shocked… It was something I could relate to… I absolutely loved… A great festive read and page turner right until the end.’ Jessicabookshelf, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A juicy little novella… Fantastic… Twists I didn't see coming… The ending was brilliant… Fantastic!’ lizz hanson, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A fa
101 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2025
843 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
December 18, 2025
Thoughts | 3.5⭐️
This was an easy fast paced short festive thriller, I'm conflicted with this one - while I did enjoy it , I also felt like it was "telling" a lot especially in the prologue so much so that the build up to the reveal was good for just over 80 pages but it didn't hit the way I thought it would -- maybe I've gotten to at predicting plots lol - with that being said the ending felt rushed.. Would I recommend? Maybe yes if you're in the mood for a short festive murder messy family thriller
Plot Summary
Christmas morning seems picture-perfect until an unexpected gift reveals a secret. As shock gives way to fear, long-buried lies within the family begin to surface. Surrounded by loved ones who may not be as innocent as they seem, Holly must uncover who sent the gift—and why—before the truth destroys everything, including her life.
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This was an easy fast paced short festive thriller, I'm conflicted with this one - while I did enjoy it , I also felt like it was "telling" a lot especially in the prologue so much so that the build up to the reveal was good for just over 80 pages but it didn't hit the way I thought it would -- maybe I've gotten to at predicting plots lol - with that being said the ending felt rushed.. Would I recommend? Maybe yes if you're in the mood for a short festive murder messy family thriller
Plot Summary
Christmas morning seems picture-perfect until an unexpected gift reveals a secret. As shock gives way to fear, long-buried lies within the family begin to surface. Surrounded by loved ones who may not be as innocent as they seem, Holly must uncover who sent the gift—and why—before the truth destroys everything, including her life.
My Bookstagram
November 30, 2025
This novella was a quick holiday mystery, but it felt underdeveloped with an abrupt ending. There was too much "telling" in the epilogue as the author tried to wrap everything up neatly. My first book by this author but I'd be willing to try one of her full-length novels.
December 17, 2025
Looking for some holiday reading that packs a punch, I turned to this novella by Mikayla Davids. Having never read anything she has written, I was not sure what to expect or how it might compare to some of the other stories I have read to fill my Christmas list. When everyone is opening presents on Christmas Day, there is one gift that no one will want to open, once they realise what’s inside. When it is opened, Holly cannot believe what she’s seeing. It is unlike anything she could have expected. The pressures of an off putting sister, being a new mother, and a crime that turns Christmas into chaos, all culminate in this tense short story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the final page turn.
Christmas is the ideal reading time, no matter what genre interests you. After finding this piece, I am sure to add Mikayla Davids to my list of authors to explore further in 2026. Not only does she pen a gripping thriller, but Davids ensures tensions run high throughout, as the mystery unravels. The narrative builds from the start, creating confusion as things unfold and layers it with mysteries. Davids creates a story that keeps the reader wondering until all is revealed. Mikayla Davids' storytelling makes sure this piece fuels success and there is little time to wait. Short chapters push things along ensuring nothing is as it seems.
Characters are present and evolve throughout the piece. The various perspectives from the story emerge through the characters, from Holly as the protagonist through to the others who complement her and create more havoc. As the story tries to take a turn or two, those who grace the pages of the book add something dark, a true Christmas gift for all those who are attentive following the various characters present in this short story.
Surprises emerge from the outset, creating the perfect thriller and putting the reader on the defensive. Mikayla Davids knows how to write and keeps the twists twisted throughout the narrative. As events progress, nothing is as it seems and the reader must question everything. As there is little time to see the novella through to the end, the reader must make their assumptions and hope they pan out, with a murderer amongst the pages of this story.
Kudos, Madam Davids, for a thrilling holiday piece!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com
Christmas is the ideal reading time, no matter what genre interests you. After finding this piece, I am sure to add Mikayla Davids to my list of authors to explore further in 2026. Not only does she pen a gripping thriller, but Davids ensures tensions run high throughout, as the mystery unravels. The narrative builds from the start, creating confusion as things unfold and layers it with mysteries. Davids creates a story that keeps the reader wondering until all is revealed. Mikayla Davids' storytelling makes sure this piece fuels success and there is little time to wait. Short chapters push things along ensuring nothing is as it seems.
Characters are present and evolve throughout the piece. The various perspectives from the story emerge through the characters, from Holly as the protagonist through to the others who complement her and create more havoc. As the story tries to take a turn or two, those who grace the pages of the book add something dark, a true Christmas gift for all those who are attentive following the various characters present in this short story.
Surprises emerge from the outset, creating the perfect thriller and putting the reader on the defensive. Mikayla Davids knows how to write and keeps the twists twisted throughout the narrative. As events progress, nothing is as it seems and the reader must question everything. As there is little time to see the novella through to the end, the reader must make their assumptions and hope they pan out, with a murderer amongst the pages of this story.
Kudos, Madam Davids, for a thrilling holiday piece!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com
December 15, 2025
3.75⭐️- A quick, twist-packed short novella that’s perfect for pulling you out of a reading slump 📖✨ With plenty of surprises and a generous dose of festive vibes 🎄❄️, it’s an easy, fun read that keeps you hooked right to the end 🎅. I only wish it had been a full-length novel 📕. The ending felt quite rushed and I it definitely left me wanting more! 😭📚
November 11, 2025
Ohh this short story packed a punch in a small amount of time. I never even came close to guessing the plot, only part of the motive. This was a read that I couldn't put down. It had 2 POV chapters, one from our main character, Holly, and one from an unnamed character. This was face pasted and I couldn't look away from the disaster that was about to strike. Overall, this was a really good thriller short story.
Holly usually loves Christmas with her family, but she isn't looking forward to this year. She is exhausted from becoming a new mom and her sister is always pressing her buttons. But there is someone looking forward to this Christmas. Someone looking to expose a secret and blow up the whole family. And it all begins with a Christmas Gift.
Thank you to Love Books Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
Holly usually loves Christmas with her family, but she isn't looking forward to this year. She is exhausted from becoming a new mom and her sister is always pressing her buttons. But there is someone looking forward to this Christmas. Someone looking to expose a secret and blow up the whole family. And it all begins with a Christmas Gift.
Thank you to Love Books Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
November 12, 2025
Holly - It’s Christmas Day and my family are opening presents around the tree. Lights twinkle, festive music is playing and everything looks perfect. But when I open an unexpected gift and discover what’s inside, I’m left reeling. I feel like I can’t breathe...
This is a beautifully written short novel, one with a big twist you didn't see coming!
This book caught me hook line and sinker! I absolutely ate this book up, and really enjoyed the way this author created this storyline.
This is a fast paced novella full of twists.
This is the first book of this authors I have read and I can hands down say it will not be last!
I can't wait to read more work from this author to see where she takes us next!
If you are looking for a short, twisty Christmas thriller then this book is for you!
This is a beautifully written short novel, one with a big twist you didn't see coming!
This book caught me hook line and sinker! I absolutely ate this book up, and really enjoyed the way this author created this storyline.
This is a fast paced novella full of twists.
This is the first book of this authors I have read and I can hands down say it will not be last!
I can't wait to read more work from this author to see where she takes us next!
If you are looking for a short, twisty Christmas thriller then this book is for you!
December 14, 2025
Christmas Day follows a family gathering meant to celebrate the holiday, but the reunion quickly unravels as buried tensions and long held secrets come to the surface. What should be a joyful Christmas becomes a suspenseful time of truth, betrayal, and the consequences of what’s been left unsaid.
It was evident from the very beginning that this family was hiding secrets, and that underlying tension kept me curious. The mysterious short chapters told from a different POV added an extra layer of intrigue and helped build the mystery, overall an enjoyable quick & chilling holiday read.
It was evident from the very beginning that this family was hiding secrets, and that underlying tension kept me curious. The mysterious short chapters told from a different POV added an extra layer of intrigue and helped build the mystery, overall an enjoyable quick & chilling holiday read.
November 30, 2025
A quick, gripping family murder mystery set during Christmas. I finished it in one sitting. I wish the conclusion wasn’t so open ended though.
December 6, 2025
Great little short story. Fast paced and kept me intrigued!
December 26, 2025
A super short Christmas whodunit. Twist was kind of predictable. Not bad, just an okay read.
December 2, 2025
This was a cute little holiday novella that I somewhat enjoyed.. it just felt extremely underdeveloped & rushed in the second half. It was okay—I don’t think I’d recommend but it was a quick easy read to push me out of my reading slump.
November 17, 2025
Short novella for a quick and easy read. This was an entertaining page-turner, but ended rather quickly, and not a huge shocker either. I saw a lot of pieces coming together and guessed at a few possible motives. If the ending was a bit more developed or enhanced, I would give this one 4 stars. It seems like she has a few full length books that I would give a chance to and hopefully those endings are more advanced to gain a 4-5 star review.
November 13, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up.
Holly is married to Richard, and together they have a 7 month old baby, Arlo.
They couple arrive at her parents’ house for Christmas. There, Holly reconnects with her selfish and snippy sister, Cheryl, and her ne’er-do-well husband, Jason.
The neighbours next door, the Armstrongs, also join in for the festivities.
However, someone is planning a nasty surprise for someone…
With alcohol running freely and the tensions running high, it won’t be long until someone is murdered.
I really enjoyed this tense psychological novella. I am a fan of Mikayla Davids’s books and this one didn’t disappoint.
I liked how it was written from two points of view: Holly’s and “the stranger’s”, the person who was planning the awful surprise for one of the guests.
This book may only be over 100 pages long, but it certainly packs a lot of drama. We have secrets, family tension, and murder.
It’s a perfect Christmas read. I definitely recommend it.
Holly is married to Richard, and together they have a 7 month old baby, Arlo.
They couple arrive at her parents’ house for Christmas. There, Holly reconnects with her selfish and snippy sister, Cheryl, and her ne’er-do-well husband, Jason.
The neighbours next door, the Armstrongs, also join in for the festivities.
However, someone is planning a nasty surprise for someone…
With alcohol running freely and the tensions running high, it won’t be long until someone is murdered.
I really enjoyed this tense psychological novella. I am a fan of Mikayla Davids’s books and this one didn’t disappoint.
I liked how it was written from two points of view: Holly’s and “the stranger’s”, the person who was planning the awful surprise for one of the guests.
This book may only be over 100 pages long, but it certainly packs a lot of drama. We have secrets, family tension, and murder.
It’s a perfect Christmas read. I definitely recommend it.
November 3, 2025
Quick Read
This was a fast read thriller novella. The story was interesting and had me turning the pages to try to guess what was going to happen.
Set in Christmas Day with the family I had several theories of what was going to happen and there were definite twists I did not see coming. Very entertaining.
I’ve read several books by this author and her writing style is engaging. I look forward to reading more of her work.
This was a fast read thriller novella. The story was interesting and had me turning the pages to try to guess what was going to happen.
Set in Christmas Day with the family I had several theories of what was going to happen and there were definite twists I did not see coming. Very entertaining.
I’ve read several books by this author and her writing style is engaging. I look forward to reading more of her work.
December 31, 2025
3.5 stars...rounding up because I would read this again around the holidays and would recommend for a quick and easy holiday read. It's not a particularly original premise or a new favorite or anything...but I enjoyed it for what it was.
November 25, 2025
it's a quick family drama Christmas thriller.
November 25, 2025
was pretty hooked to start with but it wasn't the best thing i've ever read
November 28, 2025
2.5 stars.
The ending was so odd.
The ending was so odd.
December 4, 2025
2.5 stars
December 8, 2025
Family secrets all comes out on Christmas Day 😬🎄
December 14, 2025
Really good and suspenseful but it felt rushed.
If it was a longer book it would have been perfect for the pieces to fall together.
If it was a longer book it would have been perfect for the pieces to fall together.
December 17, 2025
A very quick read, perfect for the Christmas season! I probably would’ve preferred it to be a bit longer & cleared everything up fully, but I did enjoy this one!
December 18, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ very lifetime movies vibe
December 23, 2025
I’m really enjoying these Christmas novellas. Short, suspenseful and satisfying.
December 24, 2025
By far the best thriller Christmas short story I’ve read this year.
December 23, 2025
ugh. all of these Christmas thrillers are just eh. I wouldn't call this completely gripping. there is definitely a mystery and it kept me interested, but not on the edge of my seat.
December 18, 2025
Interesting story, very exposition heavy. Would’ve been better if it was longer and things could develop better.
December 27, 2025
Holly is heading down to her parents’ house for Christmas with her husband, Richard and baby, Arlo. 🚗🧑🧑🧒
Christmas is meant to be a time for joy, laughter and happiness with loved ones. 🎄🎁🍾♥️ But there are secrets waiting to be revealed, how would everyone react when they find out the lies? 😳 And what would they do once they know the truth?! 🤔
I was going to do a Buddy Read but I fancied a short story so I ended up reading ‘Christmas Day’ instead! 🤣🤭 Overall this is a just enjoyable quick and chilling holiday read… 👩🏼🏫
Christmas is meant to be a time for joy, laughter and happiness with loved ones. 🎄🎁🍾♥️ But there are secrets waiting to be revealed, how would everyone react when they find out the lies? 😳 And what would they do once they know the truth?! 🤔
I was going to do a Buddy Read but I fancied a short story so I ended up reading ‘Christmas Day’ instead! 🤣🤭 Overall this is a just enjoyable quick and chilling holiday read… 👩🏼🏫
December 18, 2025
This started strong, then finished weak in my opinion. I loved the idea of a secret being revealed at Christmas, and the extra unknown POV. But the ending was a little confusing for no reason, and abrupt.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews