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The Christmas Agenda | A Christmas Murder Mystery | Holiday Thriller | A Psychological Murder Mystery | A Tech Thriller: A Gripping AI Murder Mystery Thriller Where Everyone is a Suspect
Veronica Ashford built the perfect AI security system. She never imagined it would witness the perfect murder.
On Christmas Eve, tech CEO Theodore Marsh collapses dead at his own celebration. The house AI—speaking in Veronica's voice—locks everyone inside. Multiple suspects. Multiple poisons. Multiple motives.
Detective Asha Kade must solve the murder before a 24-hour countdown exposes everyone's darkest secrets.
But in a house where everything is monitored, the real question isn't who killed Theodore Marsh.
It's who will survive the truth.
On Christmas Eve, tech CEO Theodore Marsh collapses dead at his own celebration. The house AI—speaking in Veronica's voice—locks everyone inside. Multiple suspects. Multiple poisons. Multiple motives.
Detective Asha Kade must solve the murder before a 24-hour countdown exposes everyone's darkest secrets.
But in a house where everything is monitored, the real question isn't who killed Theodore Marsh.
It's who will survive the truth.
- GenresChristmas
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2025
20 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 24, 2025
A twisted look at what happens when greed and technology collide
The Christmas Agenda features a whole slew of characters with secret (and not-so-secret) agendas and motivations. But the two who steal the limelight are our story's primary narrator, Veronica, and the AI security and home interface, Sentinel, whose voice was developed by analyzing countless hours of Veronica's own voice recordings. Veronica is a brilliant programer and a rising star within her tech company, not to mention a possible successor to the throne currently occupied by the aging and ill Theodore. When Theodore holds a Christmas Eve dinner to unveil Sentinel to investors, select senior employees, and the press, its meant to be a dazzling affair. But things spiral out of control when Theodore dies in the middle of the dinner and the house puts itself in lockdown mode.
There's no shortage of suspects, and the crime (crimes?) get solved quickly, somewhere around the 60% mark, so the rest of the book focuses on the aftermath, trials, and revelations. The author makes excellent use of the unreliable narrator. Nothing can be taken at face value. The real treat is how little we know about what's really going on. Theodore himself was a despicable man, easy to loathe, and as a result it was easy to sympathize with his killer. Moral ambiguity and vigilantism seem acceptable, and that's the rub: at what point did we start blaming the victim and accepting murder as a justifiable outcome?
It's a quick read with the kind of short, punchy chapters that drive you to keep saying "one more chapter, it'll be quick" until the next thing you realize it's past your bedtime. Personally, I would have liked to know that this book is NOT a standalone, but rather the first installment in a planned series, but that's not a deal breaker... it just would've allowed me to better prep myself for the minor cliffhanger at the end.
The Christmas Agenda features a whole slew of characters with secret (and not-so-secret) agendas and motivations. But the two who steal the limelight are our story's primary narrator, Veronica, and the AI security and home interface, Sentinel, whose voice was developed by analyzing countless hours of Veronica's own voice recordings. Veronica is a brilliant programer and a rising star within her tech company, not to mention a possible successor to the throne currently occupied by the aging and ill Theodore. When Theodore holds a Christmas Eve dinner to unveil Sentinel to investors, select senior employees, and the press, its meant to be a dazzling affair. But things spiral out of control when Theodore dies in the middle of the dinner and the house puts itself in lockdown mode.
There's no shortage of suspects, and the crime (crimes?) get solved quickly, somewhere around the 60% mark, so the rest of the book focuses on the aftermath, trials, and revelations. The author makes excellent use of the unreliable narrator. Nothing can be taken at face value. The real treat is how little we know about what's really going on. Theodore himself was a despicable man, easy to loathe, and as a result it was easy to sympathize with his killer. Moral ambiguity and vigilantism seem acceptable, and that's the rub: at what point did we start blaming the victim and accepting murder as a justifiable outcome?
It's a quick read with the kind of short, punchy chapters that drive you to keep saying "one more chapter, it'll be quick" until the next thing you realize it's past your bedtime. Personally, I would have liked to know that this book is NOT a standalone, but rather the first installment in a planned series, but that's not a deal breaker... it just would've allowed me to better prep myself for the minor cliffhanger at the end.
December 26, 2025
fast paced
This is a fast paced gripping read, if you like a holiday thriller that has got murder inside then this book is for you to enjoy reading as well. It has got tension that will keep your interest, it kept my attention.
This is a fast paced gripping read, if you like a holiday thriller that has got murder inside then this book is for you to enjoy reading as well. It has got tension that will keep your interest, it kept my attention.
December 30, 2025
The Christmas Agenda is a fast-paced and engaging read that kept me hooked from the start. The mix of a festive setting, a locked-house murder, and an AI system watching everyone creates a tense and interesting atmosphere. The story moves quickly, the twists are smart, and the suspense builds nicely all the way to the end. I especially liked how technology and mystery are blended without feeling overwhelming. A great choice if you enjoy holiday thrillers with a modern edge.
December 19, 2025
It was good, I just wish the AI had a more prominent role in the story.
December 3, 2025
AI Meets Agatha Christie
I liked this book as it put a fresh spin on the locked-room murder mystery by throwing AI into the mix, and it really worked for me. What starts as a straightforward whodunit at a holiday party quickly becomes something more complex and thrilling. The setup is clever—guests trapped by the victim's own security system while secrets threaten to spill. I thought I had it figured out early on, but the story kept surprising me. Some twists require a bit of suspension of disbelief, but the fast pace and engaging writing kept me hooked. This was a fun, modern take on a classic genre that promises more to come
I liked this book as it put a fresh spin on the locked-room murder mystery by throwing AI into the mix, and it really worked for me. What starts as a straightforward whodunit at a holiday party quickly becomes something more complex and thrilling. The setup is clever—guests trapped by the victim's own security system while secrets threaten to spill. I thought I had it figured out early on, but the story kept surprising me. Some twists require a bit of suspension of disbelief, but the fast pace and engaging writing kept me hooked. This was a fun, modern take on a classic genre that promises more to come
December 15, 2025
This pulled me in right away, and it was a fun read. It's basically a modern clue story but I was wrong when I guessed who the killer was, which was what made the book more fun to read as I kept going. At first, when they were going through the list of suspects, including the main character, I dismissed her but the one person they mentioned, I rolled my eyes because I thought okay yeah, I know this is who the killer is. It's so obvious, and I worried this story would be predictable. But it's anything but that as it continues, and the person I suspected wasn't even the worst of what they all did, and then I started to wonder if someone did something to Veronica to frame her because of the gaps in her memory, but all my guesses were wrong. I was even surprised when they let it happen. I was not expecting the twist ending for who it was all along and I think the author did an amazing job with keeping me guessing. It went from what I thought was predictable to me wondering with each chapter. I thought this was just a standalone book until the end and I'm excited to see that there will be another book. This isn't normally a book I pick up, but I'm glad I did. I'm antsy waiting for the next Stranger Things drop but this book was a wonderful distraction for a cold Sunday. I'll definitely be on the look out for the next book. This is the kind of book you can read through in one afternoon, and I'll probably reread it to see if there are clues I missed.
December 24, 2025
A clever, twisty crime story
The Christmas Agenda is a racy crime romp cunningly combining golden-age locked-room tension with contemporary AI paranoia. From the opening scene — a tech overlord keels over dead during his own Christmas Eve party and the surrounding world contracts, like weird spaghetti gone haywire — the story turns into an airless, high-pressure puzzle that never lets up. It’s a hook that immediately grabs you: house AI traps everyone indoors, countdown starts, secrets are about as lethal as guns.
What sets this novel apart for me is the cadence and build. Chapters are crisp, and the revelations come punctually; thanks to a steady ratcheting of the psychological tension (motives are gradually exposed, alibis unravel), so does the suspense. The detective in charge, Asha Kade is an engagingly strong, somewhat grounded lead, negotiating not just suspects but questions of surveillance and truth vs. control. The AI twist also lends an eerie, unsettling atmosphere throughout that makes the setting feel like a character itself.
Smart, fast-paced and atmospheric, this is an addictive holiday thriller that will keep you guessing until its final reveal. Recommended for readers who like their crime mysteries with a high tech touch.
The Christmas Agenda is a racy crime romp cunningly combining golden-age locked-room tension with contemporary AI paranoia. From the opening scene — a tech overlord keels over dead during his own Christmas Eve party and the surrounding world contracts, like weird spaghetti gone haywire — the story turns into an airless, high-pressure puzzle that never lets up. It’s a hook that immediately grabs you: house AI traps everyone indoors, countdown starts, secrets are about as lethal as guns.
What sets this novel apart for me is the cadence and build. Chapters are crisp, and the revelations come punctually; thanks to a steady ratcheting of the psychological tension (motives are gradually exposed, alibis unravel), so does the suspense. The detective in charge, Asha Kade is an engagingly strong, somewhat grounded lead, negotiating not just suspects but questions of surveillance and truth vs. control. The AI twist also lends an eerie, unsettling atmosphere throughout that makes the setting feel like a character itself.
Smart, fast-paced and atmospheric, this is an addictive holiday thriller that will keep you guessing until its final reveal. Recommended for readers who like their crime mysteries with a high tech touch.
December 24, 2025
The Christmas Agenda takes the cozy holiday setting, locks it in a smart house, hands control to an AI with opinions, and promptly commits murder. From that moment on, it’s claustrophobic in the best way. The pacing doesn’t dawdle, the suspects all feel genuinely suspicious, and the AI angle isn’t just a gimmick slapped on for buzzwords. It actually matters (although I would hope it would matter more.... no spoilers here though ;). The idea of a house watching everything while still somehow missing the truth is unsettling in a very modern, very believable way.
What really worked for me was the tension between technology and human messiness. Multiple motives, multiple secrets, and a countdown that keeps tightening the screws. Detective Asha Kade is sharp without being superhero-level infallible, and the psychological layers give the story more bite than a standard whodunit. If you like holiday thrillers that feel smart, uncomfortable, and a little too close to where tech is headed, this one earns its spot on your Kindle. A tense, clever read that proves Christmas cheer pairs surprisingly well with murder. Not to mention I have never added so many quotes from a single book to my Goodreads page!
What really worked for me was the tension between technology and human messiness. Multiple motives, multiple secrets, and a countdown that keeps tightening the screws. Detective Asha Kade is sharp without being superhero-level infallible, and the psychological layers give the story more bite than a standard whodunit. If you like holiday thrillers that feel smart, uncomfortable, and a little too close to where tech is headed, this one earns its spot on your Kindle. A tense, clever read that proves Christmas cheer pairs surprisingly well with murder. Not to mention I have never added so many quotes from a single book to my Goodreads page!
December 14, 2025
The primary theme of the book is an AI murder mystery, and it kicks off strong. A tech CEO dies at his fancy Christmas Eve party, and then bam, his creepy AI security system locks everyone in with a timer counting down. It’s cool and tense, especially with the system using Veronica Ashford’s voice, who built it. Detective Asha Kade has to figure it all out before secrets explode.
The author’s style is sharp and easy to follow, which helps a lot for non-native English speakers like me. The pace is fast and the twists come quick, so you definitely can’t drift off. I liked that the book mixes 1/ classic locked-room tension and 2/ modern AI paranoia in a way thta feels fresh.
What bugged me a bit? Maybe too many twists,I was still figuring out why some characters acted the way they did. Overall I am very happy with tha book, great discovery !
The author’s style is sharp and easy to follow, which helps a lot for non-native English speakers like me. The pace is fast and the twists come quick, so you definitely can’t drift off. I liked that the book mixes 1/ classic locked-room tension and 2/ modern AI paranoia in a way thta feels fresh.
What bugged me a bit? Maybe too many twists,I was still figuring out why some characters acted the way they did. Overall I am very happy with tha book, great discovery !
December 26, 2025
Soft and Warm Christmas Feeling!
The Christmas Agenda is a sweet and calm story. I read it slowly and enjoy the feeling it give. The book is not big, but it have nice meaning inside. It talk about life, choices, and what is really important during Christmas time.
The writing is easy and smooth. The characters feel normal and real, like people we know in real life. Some parts make me smile, and some parts make me stop and think little. It is not full of drama, but more about heart and small moments.
I like that this story is peaceful and warm, not rush. It remind me that Christmas is not only about list and plans, but about people and feelings.
This is good book to read in holiday time. Simple story, good message, and nice feeling.
The Christmas Agenda is a sweet and calm story. I read it slowly and enjoy the feeling it give. The book is not big, but it have nice meaning inside. It talk about life, choices, and what is really important during Christmas time.
The writing is easy and smooth. The characters feel normal and real, like people we know in real life. Some parts make me smile, and some parts make me stop and think little. It is not full of drama, but more about heart and small moments.
I like that this story is peaceful and warm, not rush. It remind me that Christmas is not only about list and plans, but about people and feelings.
This is good book to read in holiday time. Simple story, good message, and nice feeling.
January 16, 2026
3.5 ⭐
The book offers a compelling premise that tackles timely questions regarding the intersection of technology, wealth, and manipulation. While marketed as a tech thriller, its accessible writing ensures that even non-technical readers will enjoy it. It features all the hallmarks of a blockbuster: a tight cast of characters and a classic "locked-in" mystery.
However, the resolution feels underwhelming; the solution that surfaces on Christmas Eve without much investigative effort, robbing the climax of its impact.
Furthermore, the "big reveals" after the party feel redundant, as much of the information was either previously discussed by the protagonist or heavily implied in the first half of the story.
The book offers a compelling premise that tackles timely questions regarding the intersection of technology, wealth, and manipulation. While marketed as a tech thriller, its accessible writing ensures that even non-technical readers will enjoy it. It features all the hallmarks of a blockbuster: a tight cast of characters and a classic "locked-in" mystery.
However, the resolution feels underwhelming; the solution that surfaces on Christmas Eve without much investigative effort, robbing the climax of its impact.
Furthermore, the "big reveals" after the party feel redundant, as much of the information was either previously discussed by the protagonist or heavily implied in the first half of the story.
December 8, 2025
Prose Maven’s The Christmas Agenda is a contemporary locked-room crime thriller. The story revolves around the suspicious death of the wealthy technology CEO Theodore on Christmas Eve, the house subsequently being locked by the artificial intelligence, and the efforts of the system’s creator Veronica and Detective Asha to uncover the culprit as they race against time. The constantly emerging surprises and shifting suspicion keep the reading experience lively. What I liked most was that it brings themes such as ambition, power, control, justice, and ethical boundaries into discussion in the background. I definitely recommend it to fans of the genre.
December 18, 2025
AI murder mystery
I had a great time listening to this one. It felt intense and way better than I expected. The story drops you into a closer-off situation where everyone has something to hide, and the pressure keeps building as time slips by. Just when I thought I knew what was happening, the author flipped things on me and proved me wrong. It moved fast, keeps the stakes high, and still takes time to make the people feel real.
I had a great time listening to this one. It felt intense and way better than I expected. The story drops you into a closer-off situation where everyone has something to hide, and the pressure keeps building as time slips by. Just when I thought I knew what was happening, the author flipped things on me and proved me wrong. It moved fast, keeps the stakes high, and still takes time to make the people feel real.
January 1, 2026
Kindle Unlimited ebook. I have to say I was ready to give this book 2 stars until about the last quarter and then it began to get enough better that I might read book 2 when it comes out. The first part was just too much AI for me, realizing I’m in the minority there. I didn’t care for the chats and they weren’t very well developed but I think the two main characters will be more interesting in the follow up book, I hope.
November 25, 2025
rounding up from 4.5 stars
I love a good "locked room" scenario! This book has you suspecting everyone. There are so many red herrings. I went back and forth between thinking it was one person, to thinking it was a team effort, then wondering if it wasn't any of them, but maybe an AI system gone rogue. I was all over the place! I'm looking forward to reading another book by this author.
I love a good "locked room" scenario! This book has you suspecting everyone. There are so many red herrings. I went back and forth between thinking it was one person, to thinking it was a team effort, then wondering if it wasn't any of them, but maybe an AI system gone rogue. I was all over the place! I'm looking forward to reading another book by this author.
December 5, 2025
I loved every minute of this book. I love how the two characters you least expect to become partners become partners and stick together till the end of the book. Also, I love Veronica the character and that the AI house was also named Veronica. This book has a hube twist at the end I dont want to spoil but it is very Murder on The Orient Express in style. Such an enjoyable read.
December 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. It's a fresh mix of science fiction, thriller, and it has a strong character development thread, which is a little unusual in these types of genres. The pacing is perfect; it moves fast with the action but also has slower, suspenseful parts.
December 29, 2025
An Enjoyable Who Dun It
This was an enjoyable holiday read. The first half of the mystery reminded me of the “Knives Out” series. A few twists along the way kept me reading and wondering. I also appreciated the concept of questioning the moral value of AI and investigating the dangers it presents.
This was an enjoyable holiday read. The first half of the mystery reminded me of the “Knives Out” series. A few twists along the way kept me reading and wondering. I also appreciated the concept of questioning the moral value of AI and investigating the dangers it presents.
December 23, 2025
It is an amazing read! Enjoyed every suspense and twist that keeps you glued to its pages. The story seems very well researched and makes you question various philosophies of life. Amazing story and definitely a recommended read 📚
December 6, 2025
great book
December 17, 2025
An interesting concept, the use of AI in a thriller, but I’m a girl that loves character development which this book had barely any, it jumped into all the characters and I didn’t attach to any of them. A short quick read though if you need to hit your book goals.
December 26, 2025
Absolutely loved this book! Can’t wait for the next one!
The twists were great and I loved the way to book has been written, the characters are all great.
The twists were great and I loved the way to book has been written, the characters are all great.
December 31, 2025
Didn’t know what I was getting myself into by starting this, but I’ll say that I’m glad I did! Can’t wait for book #2!
January 1, 2026
Can’t wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews