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Candy Cane: This Christmas, the naughty list is final...
The snow is falling and the scent of peppermint hangs heavy in the air, but this isn't a season of warmth; it's a season for punishment.
Dressed in a terrifying, ragged Santa suit a silent homage to the ancient, punishing Krampus, the town of Gloomhaven's newest serial killer has arrived. He believes his gruesome work is a form of divine winter justice, and he's not bringing coal.
His weapon is as unexpected as it is a simple, striped candy cane, sharpened to a deadly point and driven by ritualistic obsession. As he stalks the winter shadows, each blood stained treat he leaves behind is a chilling signature, a morbid echo of the ancient tales of reckoning.
One brings joy and laughter while the other produces terror and pain, you better sleep with one eye open and lock your doors. They're both checking their lists twice, naughty or nice you'll pay the price. Listen for his horn as the bells toll louder, will you survive this Christmas carol or end up another soul taken, sacrificed in the horrific slaughter of this festive tale...
Dressed in a terrifying, ragged Santa suit a silent homage to the ancient, punishing Krampus, the town of Gloomhaven's newest serial killer has arrived. He believes his gruesome work is a form of divine winter justice, and he's not bringing coal.
His weapon is as unexpected as it is a simple, striped candy cane, sharpened to a deadly point and driven by ritualistic obsession. As he stalks the winter shadows, each blood stained treat he leaves behind is a chilling signature, a morbid echo of the ancient tales of reckoning.
One brings joy and laughter while the other produces terror and pain, you better sleep with one eye open and lock your doors. They're both checking their lists twice, naughty or nice you'll pay the price. Listen for his horn as the bells toll louder, will you survive this Christmas carol or end up another soul taken, sacrificed in the horrific slaughter of this festive tale...
95 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2025
17 people want to read
About the author
Katye Tilstone
8 books14 followersHi I'm Katye Tilstone,
Welcome to my crazy world of macabre and mind bending books. As an indie author I try my best to make my work stand out from the others in this sub genre of horror including personal struggles I have battled with since I was young, to make my readers feel seen and heard if they are going through those struggles themselves. To help others who are stuck in those dark moments, as if my books could be a way for them to escape real life and explore fantasy, horror for me was always a way for my young mind to escape the pain I felt and to forget it for those short moments.
My inspiration for my work comes from many places however, a few I would love to mention are; Darren Shan, R.L.Stine, Tim Burton, Stephen King ect. alongside my future husband, family and friends these authors above moulded my mind and help create the author you see today. I studied the English language and literature extensively through my years at school eventually taking it on at A-level and being told I was writing at university level, from doing poems in the back of my diary's to taking a creative writing course at school its safe to say the stories I would day dream about would one day turn into physical books. Unfortunately I did lose my father young due to cancer so I try to honour his memory and spread awareness of cancer within my books because it is extremely important to me as well as showing support for those who have lost loved ones to the horrendous disease. I, myself, struggle with my own chronic pain, Endometriosis, everyday so I try again to show support for those who struggle with it as well and show that even though it is a invisible disability, it does not control my life.
I love to read on how I can improve as a author and a writer so criticism is encouraged, just as long as it is still kept to a respectful manor, respect me and my work then I shall respect your opinion. If you love extreme horror, gore maxed up to the full and maybe shedding a tear or two then you're in the right place, no characters are safe in my stories. I do try to keep them realistic although this is all fantasy after all, I am a horror movie avid watcher so if any of my books remind you of some of the popular ones that's probably because again they inspired me. "What's your favourite scary movie?" personally mine would be Sam Raimi's 'The Evil Dead' from 1981, due to my love for The Evil Dead franchise and the American actor Bruce Campbell, you can never beat the classics. With Tim Burton I most resonated with his 2005 film 'Corpse Bride' as for a young girl growing up it shows the message of true love unlike Disney fairy tales, 'Corpse Bride' shows the concept that true love it about finding fulfilment by allowing the person you hold and love so dear to be happy even if that means letting them go sacrificing your own happiness. Not everything has to have a happy ever after ending. (Even though I have my happily ever after, some of my books will not.)
I hope that this has given you, as my readers and supporters, a little insight into who I am and what messages my stories bring across, in this world its okay to sprinkle a little madness. My mascot is called 'Mrs. Midnight' a black cat with white stitches and deep pink eyes, I have her because as a cat mum I adore them and feel connected to them, she too will have her own backstory and own domain just like my other books, her inspiration came from the video game 'Fran Bow' released in 2015 by Killmonday Games. A game I would watch gameplays of when I was younger and one I have personally played myself alongside the authors and directors mentioned above this helped me through those dark times, it has proven to always be a game that I have gone back to when I am down because the relationship between the main character 'Fran' and her black kitten 'Mr. Midnight' always reminded me of how I am with my own black cat Lucifer.
Welcome to my crazy world of macabre and mind bending books. As an indie author I try my best to make my work stand out from the others in this sub genre of horror including personal struggles I have battled with since I was young, to make my readers feel seen and heard if they are going through those struggles themselves. To help others who are stuck in those dark moments, as if my books could be a way for them to escape real life and explore fantasy, horror for me was always a way for my young mind to escape the pain I felt and to forget it for those short moments.
My inspiration for my work comes from many places however, a few I would love to mention are; Darren Shan, R.L.Stine, Tim Burton, Stephen King ect. alongside my future husband, family and friends these authors above moulded my mind and help create the author you see today. I studied the English language and literature extensively through my years at school eventually taking it on at A-level and being told I was writing at university level, from doing poems in the back of my diary's to taking a creative writing course at school its safe to say the stories I would day dream about would one day turn into physical books. Unfortunately I did lose my father young due to cancer so I try to honour his memory and spread awareness of cancer within my books because it is extremely important to me as well as showing support for those who have lost loved ones to the horrendous disease. I, myself, struggle with my own chronic pain, Endometriosis, everyday so I try again to show support for those who struggle with it as well and show that even though it is a invisible disability, it does not control my life.
I love to read on how I can improve as a author and a writer so criticism is encouraged, just as long as it is still kept to a respectful manor, respect me and my work then I shall respect your opinion. If you love extreme horror, gore maxed up to the full and maybe shedding a tear or two then you're in the right place, no characters are safe in my stories. I do try to keep them realistic although this is all fantasy after all, I am a horror movie avid watcher so if any of my books remind you of some of the popular ones that's probably because again they inspired me. "What's your favourite scary movie?" personally mine would be Sam Raimi's 'The Evil Dead' from 1981, due to my love for The Evil Dead franchise and the American actor Bruce Campbell, you can never beat the classics. With Tim Burton I most resonated with his 2005 film 'Corpse Bride' as for a young girl growing up it shows the message of true love unlike Disney fairy tales, 'Corpse Bride' shows the concept that true love it about finding fulfilment by allowing the person you hold and love so dear to be happy even if that means letting them go sacrificing your own happiness. Not everything has to have a happy ever after ending. (Even though I have my happily ever after, some of my books will not.)
I hope that this has given you, as my readers and supporters, a little insight into who I am and what messages my stories bring across, in this world its okay to sprinkle a little madness. My mascot is called 'Mrs. Midnight' a black cat with white stitches and deep pink eyes, I have her because as a cat mum I adore them and feel connected to them, she too will have her own backstory and own domain just like my other books, her inspiration came from the video game 'Fran Bow' released in 2015 by Killmonday Games. A game I would watch gameplays of when I was younger and one I have personally played myself alongside the authors and directors mentioned above this helped me through those dark times, it has proven to always be a game that I have gone back to when I am down because the relationship between the main character 'Fran' and her black kitten 'Mr. Midnight' always reminded me of how I am with my own black cat Lucifer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 16, 2025
This book crawled beneath my skin in the most disgustingly horrific way. The author’s descriptive storytelling made every scene feel like a cinematic nightmare, I could see it, hear it, feel it. The characters’ pain was brutal and agonizing, and this book was horrifyingly entertaining from start to finish. William the main character is the kind of creepy that haunts you long after you close the book, and Kayte’s tying Krampus into the story was nothing short of wicked brilliance. A terrifying masterpiece. ❄️🩸
December 9, 2025
Naughty or Nice, we all pay the price!
This was a quick, splattery read! Santas there for Nice, but there should really be punishment for the Naughty. And people in Williams life have been really naughty! It’s ok though, he knows just what to do after finding an old folklore book based on the Christmas Devil, Krampus! I’m gonna work extra hard now to get myself off the Naughty list in time for Christmas 🤦🏻♀️😂🎅🏻🎄🖤
This was a quick, splattery read! Santas there for Nice, but there should really be punishment for the Naughty. And people in Williams life have been really naughty! It’s ok though, he knows just what to do after finding an old folklore book based on the Christmas Devil, Krampus! I’m gonna work extra hard now to get myself off the Naughty list in time for Christmas 🤦🏻♀️😂🎅🏻🎄🖤
November 18, 2025
If you like Christmas, splatterpunk and short stories. Then this book is for you! Candy Cane has become my favorite Christmas book of this year and had me hooked from the very first page.
November 9, 2025
⭐️ARC Review ⭐️ now I’m a bit of a grump when it comes to Christmas - nothing until December. However, I’m glad I made an exception for this book.
It was a privilege to be able to be an ARC reader for Candy Cane.
Fast paced, gory and fun. I really disliked some of the characters and couldn’t wait to see what kind of unpleasantness would befall them. I wasn’t disappointed.
I enjoyed the mythology behind the story and would love it to carry on.
It was a privilege to be able to be an ARC reader for Candy Cane.
Fast paced, gory and fun. I really disliked some of the characters and couldn’t wait to see what kind of unpleasantness would befall them. I wasn’t disappointed.
I enjoyed the mythology behind the story and would love it to carry on.
November 15, 2025
Book Review: Candy Cane by Katye Tilstone
Genre: Extreme Horror
Katye Tilstone’s Candy Cane takes the sweetness of Christmas and smashes it—delightfully—into something dark, vicious, and impossible to look away from. This is extreme horror wrapped in tinsel, and the contrast makes it all the more unsettling.
One of the standout strengths here is Tilstone’s excellent scene setting. She paints festive streets, cozy decorations, and the nostalgic warmth of the holiday season with such care that the horror hits twice as hard when it arrives. The juxtaposition of twinkling Christmas lights with the book’s more brutal moments gives the story a cinematic quality, as if every chapter is its own twisted holiday postcard.
Speaking of chapters, the short, snappy structure works incredibly well. It allows you to dip in and out easily—though you may find yourself promising “just one more” until suddenly you’ve devoured half the book. The pacing is relentless in the best way, keeping the tension high and the pages turning.
For only your second novel, Katye, it’s brilliant. Truly. Candy Cane shows an author rapidly finding her voice and leaning boldly into the genre without hesitation. Extreme horror fans will appreciate the risk-taking, while newcomers will be pulled in by the atmospheric dread and seasonal flair.
If you’re looking for something festive but far from merry, Candy Cane is a vicious little treat you won’t
Katye Tilstone’s Candy Cane takes the sweetness of Christmas and smashes it—delightfully—into something dark, vicious, and impossible to look away from. This is extreme horror wrapped in tinsel, and the contrast makes it all the more unsettling.
One of the standout strengths here is Tilstone’s excellent scene setting. She paints festive streets, cozy decorations, and the nostalgic warmth of the holiday season with such care that the horror hits twice as hard when it arrives. The juxtaposition of twinkling Christmas lights with the book’s more brutal moments gives the story a cinematic quality, as if every chapter is its own twisted holiday postcard.
Speaking of chapters, the short, snappy structure works incredibly well. It allows you to dip in and out easily—though you may find yourself promising “just one more” until suddenly you’ve devoured half the book. The pacing is relentless in the best way, keeping the tension high and the pages turning.
For only your second novel, Katye, it’s brilliant. Truly. Candy Cane shows an author rapidly finding her voice and leaning boldly into the genre without hesitation. Extreme horror fans will appreciate the risk-taking, while newcomers will be pulled in by the atmospheric dread and seasonal flair.
If you’re looking for something festive but far from merry, Candy Cane is a vicious little treat you won’t
November 14, 2025
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of Candy Cane by Katye Tilstone, and what a wild, delightfully macabre ride it was. Tilstone delivers a fresh spin on the darker side of Christmas, weaving in the eerie folklore of Krampus to create a story that’s equal parts unsettling and entertaining.
The novella follows William, a down-on-his-luck father, hoping to earn some extra money as a mall Santa. After being dismissed by the hiring manager for his appearance and poor hygiene (and reacting poorly to the rejection), he’s escorted off the property. On his way home, he stumbles across a mysterious shop he swears he’s never seen before, and stepping inside sets off a chain of events that will alter his life in the most gruesome way.
And gruesome it is. The gore is plentiful, but in a way that feels intentional and almost cinematic. I could easily imagine this story adapted into a short film, or featured in an anthology series like American Horror Stories or even a creepy pasta-style production.
You do have to suspend disbelief at times, especially with how neatly certain elements connect, but it’s a fast, engaging read that knows exactly what it wants to be. And, it delivers on that promise.
Many thanks to Katye Tilstone for the free advance copy in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
The novella follows William, a down-on-his-luck father, hoping to earn some extra money as a mall Santa. After being dismissed by the hiring manager for his appearance and poor hygiene (and reacting poorly to the rejection), he’s escorted off the property. On his way home, he stumbles across a mysterious shop he swears he’s never seen before, and stepping inside sets off a chain of events that will alter his life in the most gruesome way.
And gruesome it is. The gore is plentiful, but in a way that feels intentional and almost cinematic. I could easily imagine this story adapted into a short film, or featured in an anthology series like American Horror Stories or even a creepy pasta-style production.
You do have to suspend disbelief at times, especially with how neatly certain elements connect, but it’s a fast, engaging read that knows exactly what it wants to be. And, it delivers on that promise.
Many thanks to Katye Tilstone for the free advance copy in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
December 3, 2025
First Christmas read of the year!
Hooked from the first chapter!
William Miller is a postal worker, husband, father and a man who loves Christmas, especially Christmas Folklore!
He stumbles across a Krampus Folklore book and things get dire really fast!
Fed up of having a bitchy wife who thinks he is dirt and a son who copies his mother makes him really mad. The only person he cares about really is his daughter Sidney, she is his light in the dark place he is headed.
Things get real, really fast and Christmas mixed with Krampus makes an explosive concoction!
What will happen at Christmas? What will William do?
I absolutely loved this one, it was so good I couldn't stop reading.
Also this may be an unpopular opinion but.. not gonna lie James deserved what he got 🫣. I also kind of really feel for William to be honest and can kind of see why he did what he did. Sometimes people aren't born the way they are, they just get made the way they are due to their environment.
Phenomenal 👏🏼
Hooked from the first chapter!
William Miller is a postal worker, husband, father and a man who loves Christmas, especially Christmas Folklore!
He stumbles across a Krampus Folklore book and things get dire really fast!
Fed up of having a bitchy wife who thinks he is dirt and a son who copies his mother makes him really mad. The only person he cares about really is his daughter Sidney, she is his light in the dark place he is headed.
Things get real, really fast and Christmas mixed with Krampus makes an explosive concoction!
What will happen at Christmas? What will William do?
I absolutely loved this one, it was so good I couldn't stop reading.
Also this may be an unpopular opinion but.. not gonna lie James deserved what he got 🫣. I also kind of really feel for William to be honest and can kind of see why he did what he did. Sometimes people aren't born the way they are, they just get made the way they are due to their environment.
Phenomenal 👏🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2025
This is the first book I've had the privilege of reading by the talented Katye Tilstone. Many thanks for the ARC! ❤️
I adore a great seasonal horror story. "Candy Cane" surpased my expectations. I was fascinated with the folklore piece embedded in Katye Tilstone's terrifying narrative. This particular book is going to stay with me for a lonnnnnng while. Haunting my dreams throughout the festive holiday months. The savage imagery was absolutely brutal. Katye was able to make me sympathize with William, even under the most disgusting and vile circumstances. The scenes of violence in this tale are absolutely gut wrenching. The kills are creative and make for a jolly good time. I highly recommend this festive little read. Just beware - check your triggers! And don't forget to be good or you may just end up on his naughty list! If you hear him coming you better lock your doors AND check them twice! ⛓️❌️☠️🎅❄️🎄😶🌫️🔪
I adore a great seasonal horror story. "Candy Cane" surpased my expectations. I was fascinated with the folklore piece embedded in Katye Tilstone's terrifying narrative. This particular book is going to stay with me for a lonnnnnng while. Haunting my dreams throughout the festive holiday months. The savage imagery was absolutely brutal. Katye was able to make me sympathize with William, even under the most disgusting and vile circumstances. The scenes of violence in this tale are absolutely gut wrenching. The kills are creative and make for a jolly good time. I highly recommend this festive little read. Just beware - check your triggers! And don't forget to be good or you may just end up on his naughty list! If you hear him coming you better lock your doors AND check them twice! ⛓️❌️☠️🎅❄️🎄😶🌫️🔪
November 17, 2025
Candy Cane is an absolutely gripping and wonderfully unnerving read. From the very first chapter, Katye Tilstone crafts an atmosphere that feels both festive and foreboding, pulling you into a world where innocence and menace blur in the most unsettling ways.
William is, without question, the standout figure of the book. His total lack of remorse is chilling—each scene with him feels like standing on thin ice, knowing something terrible could crack through at any moment. Katye captures william’s coldness so vividly that he lingers in your mind long after you’ve closed the pages.
The pacing is tight, the tension gets under your skin, and just when you think you’ve found your footing, the story twists again. And that ending? Immaculate. It lands like a punch—shocking, bold, and absolutely a cliffhanger that makes you desperate for whatever comes next.
If you’re looking for a dark, creepy, and addictive read, Candy Cane delivers in every way.
William is, without question, the standout figure of the book. His total lack of remorse is chilling—each scene with him feels like standing on thin ice, knowing something terrible could crack through at any moment. Katye captures william’s coldness so vividly that he lingers in your mind long after you’ve closed the pages.
The pacing is tight, the tension gets under your skin, and just when you think you’ve found your footing, the story twists again. And that ending? Immaculate. It lands like a punch—shocking, bold, and absolutely a cliffhanger that makes you desperate for whatever comes next.
If you’re looking for a dark, creepy, and addictive read, Candy Cane delivers in every way.
January 1, 2026
The horror is graphic without being pointless, serving the story and keeping the tension high throughout. It’s a perfect read for fans of dark, gritty horror who enjoy their Christmas tales with a sinister edge rather than a happy bow.
Overall, Candy Cane is a fantastic, fast-paced Christmas horror that delivers shocks, suspense, and plenty of gruesome moments. If you’re looking for a festive read that completely subverts the holiday spirit and keeps you glued to the page, this book is an absolute must-read.
Overall, Candy Cane is a fantastic, fast-paced Christmas horror that delivers shocks, suspense, and plenty of gruesome moments. If you’re looking for a festive read that completely subverts the holiday spirit and keeps you glued to the page, this book is an absolute must-read.
November 8, 2025
Had the good fortune to be an arc reader for this book! I’m totally blown away! For a 2nd book I’m amazed My Little Pumpkin Patch was an amazing Halloween book but this brings Christmas to a whole new level!
Loving the characters, folk law, and gore! I couldn’t put this book down! Don’t want to give anything away but if you’re over 18 and need a Christmas pick me up, pick it up!!!!
Katye has definitely put me in the Christmas spirit!
Love love love!!!
Loving the characters, folk law, and gore! I couldn’t put this book down! Don’t want to give anything away but if you’re over 18 and need a Christmas pick me up, pick it up!!!!
Katye has definitely put me in the Christmas spirit!
Love love love!!!
November 20, 2025
This book here didn't not let you down if you want a good Christmas thriller this is the one.This book will have you guys form the beginning to the end I didn't not want to put it down.Katye Tilstone out did her self with this book so which list you guys want to be on naughty or nice list.Because Krampus out there waiting for you guys to be naughty so you better watch out.So thank you Katye Tilstone give me a chance to read your book and what and amazing Christmas story it is.
December 8, 2025
If you enjoy blood, guts, horror and maybe an eyeball or two, this is a great book for you! It was a fun, quick read with a good foundation of the Krampus folklore that drove the story to it's exuberant kills. It included some family drama for a good revenge subplot and had a lot of creativeness in how to play with bodies. I enjoyed the read overall and honestly would like to see how it would continue with the Krampus story morphing into its full-blown chaos.
December 6, 2025
I received this book as an advanced reader copy in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. It was shorter than I would have liked, but that was about my only complaint. Candy Cane is a grotty, grimy little horror, in all the best ways. Looking forward to seeing more from this author!
I really enjoyed this book. It was shorter than I would have liked, but that was about my only complaint. Candy Cane is a grotty, grimy little horror, in all the best ways. Looking forward to seeing more from this author!
December 10, 2025
Okay… I’m obsessed with Christmas. And I’m obsessed with horror books. Only one other time have I read something that mixed them and I wasn’t a huge fan…
But this…. This is a work of gruesome, Christmas art!
Naughty or nice, you pay the price..
The details and the story telling were amazing, and it definitely will keep you on the edge of your seat and make your skin crawl.
But this…. This is a work of gruesome, Christmas art!
Naughty or nice, you pay the price..
The details and the story telling were amazing, and it definitely will keep you on the edge of your seat and make your skin crawl.
December 14, 2025
What a unrelenting gory, blood soaked unforgiving story.
Think if Clark Griswold was lower class, in a loveless marriage and finally losing his mind. You know the scene, with chainsaw. Yeah, thought so.
Except our main character unapologetically gives every thought and blood soaked idea in his mind with no remorse.
Merry Christmas you animals.
Think if Clark Griswold was lower class, in a loveless marriage and finally losing his mind. You know the scene, with chainsaw. Yeah, thought so.
Except our main character unapologetically gives every thought and blood soaked idea in his mind with no remorse.
Merry Christmas you animals.
November 14, 2025
I received an ARC of this book.
If you want a quick, fun little splattery Christmas story, this will be perfect. It gets to the point pretty fast and then doesn’t let up. Check your trigger warnings, and make sure you’re not on the naughty list…
If you want a quick, fun little splattery Christmas story, this will be perfect. It gets to the point pretty fast and then doesn’t let up. Check your trigger warnings, and make sure you’re not on the naughty list…
December 2, 2025
This has been my favourite novella so far! It has everything you need for the holiday season! Blood guts some eyeballs!
When William is summoned by krampus he has one thing to do and that’s deal with the naughty! I loved this so much it has all the gore you want in a creeeeepy story!
When William is summoned by krampus he has one thing to do and that’s deal with the naughty! I loved this so much it has all the gore you want in a creeeeepy story!
December 5, 2025
Fun, wild, blood-soaked ride!
William is a stereotypical boring middle aged husband, until he's chosen to resurrect Krampus. This is a bloody, gory, revenge-fueled story in which no one is safe from being put on the naughty list.
5/5 🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
William is a stereotypical boring middle aged husband, until he's chosen to resurrect Krampus. This is a bloody, gory, revenge-fueled story in which no one is safe from being put on the naughty list.
5/5 🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
December 10, 2025
Candy Cane is the perfectly written twisted and dark Christmas horror story, I was sucked in from the very beginning. I have never read a book like this before. I hated for it to end so soon, everything was perfect you will find yourself being completely part of the story.
December 12, 2025
My Spoiler free review. I thought the book was great! I enjoyed the plot, found the characters engaging and it was BRUTAL!!!! I felt bad for the main character, even though he does horrible things. His revenge is epic!
November 18, 2025
✨A.R.C Read Review✨
I had the pleasure to read ‘Candy Cane’ early and… WOW! This story really gets you in the festive mood, the gore, the folklore and the amount of pure emotion you feel throughout the writing is catching especially from the prologue…
The hatred you feel towards certain characters is captivating, making their demise almost therapeutic. Seeing the twist in the story and the heartbreaking sense of betrayal, the possession is a brilliant spin on what happens to William and quite scary how his thoughts were no longer his own, yet his only hope was his daughter not being harmed. The bittersweet ending of him being washed away by the icy water whilst his daughter is taken to safety with her grandparents, leaving the ending open to interpretation…
Definitely NOT FOR CHILDREN! The gore was fantastic! You can tell the inspiration from the films ‘Krampus’ and ‘A Christmas Horror Story.’ Will be making sure my doors are completely locked this year! If you wanted a book to read to get you in the festive mood and still have the horror you crave, I definitely recommend reading this one. 5/5⭐️ Well done Katye for creating the perfect Christmas horror story!!
👏👏👏 👏👏👏
I had the pleasure to read ‘Candy Cane’ early and… WOW! This story really gets you in the festive mood, the gore, the folklore and the amount of pure emotion you feel throughout the writing is catching especially from the prologue…
The hatred you feel towards certain characters is captivating, making their demise almost therapeutic. Seeing the twist in the story and the heartbreaking sense of betrayal, the possession is a brilliant spin on what happens to William and quite scary how his thoughts were no longer his own, yet his only hope was his daughter not being harmed. The bittersweet ending of him being washed away by the icy water whilst his daughter is taken to safety with her grandparents, leaving the ending open to interpretation…
Definitely NOT FOR CHILDREN! The gore was fantastic! You can tell the inspiration from the films ‘Krampus’ and ‘A Christmas Horror Story.’ Will be making sure my doors are completely locked this year! If you wanted a book to read to get you in the festive mood and still have the horror you crave, I definitely recommend reading this one. 5/5⭐️ Well done Katye for creating the perfect Christmas horror story!!
👏👏👏 👏👏👏
December 6, 2025
Someone new has arrived in town. They are not very nice. Hope you aren't on his list. Intense
December 7, 2025
Impressive. Just the right amount of everything. Was quite enthralled with how well this was done.
December 7, 2025
Omg TIS THE SEASON! Such a fun/gory/holiday read! Wish it were longer!!
December 9, 2025
Great quick read that I just had to finish in one sitting.
This was wonderfully gruesome and a fantastic spin on Krampus.
Check trigger warnings!
This was wonderfully gruesome and a fantastic spin on Krampus.
Check trigger warnings!
December 15, 2025
So glad I was able to read this in one sitting as I’d be more annoyed I wasted my time!
December 15, 2025
This is a great Christmas read, about William who is controlled by Krampus to take out revenge on people who have wronged him, short, bloody, great fun! Highly recommended read
December 9, 2025
I'm not a big reader, so when I do read the books must grab my attention and yes candy cane by kayte tilstone does that for me, this book does have trigger warnings and still is great
you really get to know the main character William and really feel SORRY for him.
you really get to know the main character William and really feel SORRY for him.
December 6, 2025
This was my first splatterpunk Christmas story and it was quite a ride. Very detailed and gory in the best way. Definitely recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews