What do you think?
Rate this book
Humbug
It's three days before Christmas. Taryn Meyer, Jeremy Lewis and Ash Buckley, all fifteen years old and ditching class, leave a matinee screening at The Outlet Complex movie theatre and quickly discover the entire place is deserted. No movie-goers, no staff. A man in his fifties, Spencer Bloom, is the only other person in the building, and his wife has vanished.
And to top it all off, the day's light snowfall has become an afternoon blizzard outside, blanketing the parking lot.
The group soon realise help isn't coming and decide to abandon the movie theatre for the mall next door. There, they walk into a similarly-bizarre the lights are on, coffee cups are half-full, festive music's still playing, and everyone's gone.
Meanwhile, the Price family - Adam, Olivia and little Em - are on their way to visit grandparents for the holidays and stop off at the Complex for gas. But the whole place is knee-deep in snow and the gas station's empty. And then someone slashes their tyres. Suddenly, the Prices find themselves hurrying to the mall for shelter, and help.
None of them know what they've stumbled into. None of them realise the danger they're in until it's far too late.
There's something in the mall. And it's not done killing just yet.
And to top it all off, the day's light snowfall has become an afternoon blizzard outside, blanketing the parking lot.
The group soon realise help isn't coming and decide to abandon the movie theatre for the mall next door. There, they walk into a similarly-bizarre the lights are on, coffee cups are half-full, festive music's still playing, and everyone's gone.
Meanwhile, the Price family - Adam, Olivia and little Em - are on their way to visit grandparents for the holidays and stop off at the Complex for gas. But the whole place is knee-deep in snow and the gas station's empty. And then someone slashes their tyres. Suddenly, the Prices find themselves hurrying to the mall for shelter, and help.
None of them know what they've stumbled into. None of them realise the danger they're in until it's far too late.
There's something in the mall. And it's not done killing just yet.
432 pages, Paperback
Published December 15, 2025
10 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 17, 2025
3.5 stars
December 15, 2025
First of all, I would like to thank David McIlroy for an ARC of “Humbug” in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve never read a Christmas horror novel before, so this was a new experience for me. But, with two of my favourite things (Christmas & horror), this combination was bound to go down well. And indeed it did.
This is a fast-paced slasher with a unique mystery/twist at its centre. I was very surprised by the turn the novel took during the last half, but I certainly wasn’t disappointed by it. I think, if you’re a horror fan (like me), you’re pretty much guaranteed to enjoy this book. It’s definitely a good time, and I loved the Christmas spin on it.
I will list the things I personally loved below:
🎅🏻 The teen-scream slasher feel. You can’t help but feel like you’re in a film whilst reading it.
🎅🏻 The unique twist in the middle sets it apart from other novels of the same genre.
🎅🏻 Spencer. I really liked him as a character. Em, as well.
🎅🏻 The deserted atmospheric vibes. Nothing gives eerie like an empty shopping centre a few days before Christmas. All the bags and phones are still there, but where did all the people go?
🎅🏻 The whole beginning section with new mysteries cropping up at every turn.
🎅🏻 The deaths. Sorry, but it’s a horror. People are going to die.
Now, I’ll list some of the things that I personally wasn’t a particular fan of (these in no way spoiled the book for me and it is just my opinion, you may feel differently!):
🔪 The way the teens spoke to each other. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not a teenager anymore, but I am still early twenties and I don’t recall ever talking to my friends the way they do in this. But that’s just me.
🔪 The pacing ever so slightly dips towards the end. (This might just be a me thing because, admittedly, I do have a very short attention span.)
🔪 There were a few things that weren’t properly cleared up in the epilogue. Things that were accepted a bit too easily that generally would have had a lot more repercussions in real life. But again, I realise you have to suspend disbelief for horror anyway.
But that’s it! There’s nothing else for me to comment on because I genuinely really enjoyed it! It was a thrilling ride and had me hooked from the very first page. I also really liked David’s writing. It was accessible without being simplistic.
100% recommend to horror and thriller fans!
I’ve never read a Christmas horror novel before, so this was a new experience for me. But, with two of my favourite things (Christmas & horror), this combination was bound to go down well. And indeed it did.
This is a fast-paced slasher with a unique mystery/twist at its centre. I was very surprised by the turn the novel took during the last half, but I certainly wasn’t disappointed by it. I think, if you’re a horror fan (like me), you’re pretty much guaranteed to enjoy this book. It’s definitely a good time, and I loved the Christmas spin on it.
I will list the things I personally loved below:
🎅🏻 The teen-scream slasher feel. You can’t help but feel like you’re in a film whilst reading it.
🎅🏻 The unique twist in the middle sets it apart from other novels of the same genre.
🎅🏻 Spencer. I really liked him as a character. Em, as well.
🎅🏻 The deserted atmospheric vibes. Nothing gives eerie like an empty shopping centre a few days before Christmas. All the bags and phones are still there, but where did all the people go?
🎅🏻 The whole beginning section with new mysteries cropping up at every turn.
🎅🏻 The deaths. Sorry, but it’s a horror. People are going to die.
Now, I’ll list some of the things that I personally wasn’t a particular fan of (these in no way spoiled the book for me and it is just my opinion, you may feel differently!):
🔪 The way the teens spoke to each other. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not a teenager anymore, but I am still early twenties and I don’t recall ever talking to my friends the way they do in this. But that’s just me.
🔪 The pacing ever so slightly dips towards the end. (This might just be a me thing because, admittedly, I do have a very short attention span.)
🔪 There were a few things that weren’t properly cleared up in the epilogue. Things that were accepted a bit too easily that generally would have had a lot more repercussions in real life. But again, I realise you have to suspend disbelief for horror anyway.
But that’s it! There’s nothing else for me to comment on because I genuinely really enjoyed it! It was a thrilling ride and had me hooked from the very first page. I also really liked David’s writing. It was accessible without being simplistic.
100% recommend to horror and thriller fans!
December 17, 2025
If you’re looking for a chaotic, gory, B-movie–style holiday horror, Humbug absolutely delivers.
This is a Christmas slasher with a bizarre and entertaining mix of killer Santas, a murderous elf, parasitic alien-like creatures, meteorites, and some very mysterious men in black. Yes — it’s that kind of book.
The story primarily follows a group of teens who leave a movie theater only to find the lobby completely abandoned and the exits snowed in. As they try to figure out what’s going on, they escape into a nearby mall, only to discover that it too has been mysteriously emptied. Enter Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and a killer elf who begin terrorizing their way through the mall — axe included.
Running parallel to this storyline is a married couple and their young daughter who stop at a nearby gas station and realize no one is around. When their tires are suddenly slashed, they’re forced to seek shelter in the same mall, bringing the characters together in a fight for survival.
This book feels very much like a grindhouse holiday horror film — gnarly kills, over-the-top gore, absurd fun, and just enough mystery to keep things moving. The parasitic creature element and the men in black add an extra layer of intrigue without overstaying their welcome.
Is it subtle? No.
Is it realistic? Absolutely not.
Is it fun? Very much yes.
If you want a quick, wild, unapologetically ridiculous holiday horror read, Humbug is worth checking out.
This is a Christmas slasher with a bizarre and entertaining mix of killer Santas, a murderous elf, parasitic alien-like creatures, meteorites, and some very mysterious men in black. Yes — it’s that kind of book.
The story primarily follows a group of teens who leave a movie theater only to find the lobby completely abandoned and the exits snowed in. As they try to figure out what’s going on, they escape into a nearby mall, only to discover that it too has been mysteriously emptied. Enter Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and a killer elf who begin terrorizing their way through the mall — axe included.
Running parallel to this storyline is a married couple and their young daughter who stop at a nearby gas station and realize no one is around. When their tires are suddenly slashed, they’re forced to seek shelter in the same mall, bringing the characters together in a fight for survival.
This book feels very much like a grindhouse holiday horror film — gnarly kills, over-the-top gore, absurd fun, and just enough mystery to keep things moving. The parasitic creature element and the men in black add an extra layer of intrigue without overstaying their welcome.
Is it subtle? No.
Is it realistic? Absolutely not.
Is it fun? Very much yes.
If you want a quick, wild, unapologetically ridiculous holiday horror read, Humbug is worth checking out.
December 16, 2025
Thank you to David McIlroy for sharing an ARC of Humbug in exchange for my honest review!
Humbug was a wild ride and the perfect book to pick up if you’re looking for some holiday-spirited horror. Three friends walk out of a matinee movie to find that almost everyone else has disappeared. While snow descends on the plaza, they decide to head to the mall in hopes of finding other people. They walk into a chilling scene of shopping bags abandoned, food half-eaten, and no one in sight. Where did everybody suddenly go? Will help ever come?
This is a story I didn’t know what to expect next and I flew through it! While there were some plot points that weren’t my favorite, I enjoyed this book and think David is an author to look out for what comes next.
Humbug was a wild ride and the perfect book to pick up if you’re looking for some holiday-spirited horror. Three friends walk out of a matinee movie to find that almost everyone else has disappeared. While snow descends on the plaza, they decide to head to the mall in hopes of finding other people. They walk into a chilling scene of shopping bags abandoned, food half-eaten, and no one in sight. Where did everybody suddenly go? Will help ever come?
This is a story I didn’t know what to expect next and I flew through it! While there were some plot points that weren’t my favorite, I enjoyed this book and think David is an author to look out for what comes next.
December 16, 2025
What a ride! This book had me on the edge of my seat, my head spinning from the twists and turns.
It begins with four teens heading to the movies for a cozy Christmas film—perfect for the season. But when they step out of the screening, the world has changed. The theatre is deserted, save for one frantic man searching for his missing wife. Soon they stumble upon Linc, the assistant manager, a stoner hobbling around on crutches. And then the real shock hits: when they entered, there was only a light dusting of snow… but now everything is buried, the world outside completely snowed in.
Their journey takes them across to the mall, where the eeriness deepens. Abandoned belongings scatter the floor—half-eaten meals, steaming coffee cups, wallets left behind as if people vanished mid-step. It’s unsettling, and that’s only the beginning. Each chapter escalates the tension, throwing the characters (and the reader) into situations you could never predict.
This is no fluffy Hallmark-style holiday tale. Instead, it’s a gripping mix of suspense, horror, shock, and even a few unexpected laughs. You’ll find yourself yelling at the characters, biting your nails, and racing through the pages to see what happens next.
David has delivered another five-star read. If you’re looking for a chilling, unpredictable story that will keep you hooked until the very end, I can’t recommend this one enough.
It begins with four teens heading to the movies for a cozy Christmas film—perfect for the season. But when they step out of the screening, the world has changed. The theatre is deserted, save for one frantic man searching for his missing wife. Soon they stumble upon Linc, the assistant manager, a stoner hobbling around on crutches. And then the real shock hits: when they entered, there was only a light dusting of snow… but now everything is buried, the world outside completely snowed in.
Their journey takes them across to the mall, where the eeriness deepens. Abandoned belongings scatter the floor—half-eaten meals, steaming coffee cups, wallets left behind as if people vanished mid-step. It’s unsettling, and that’s only the beginning. Each chapter escalates the tension, throwing the characters (and the reader) into situations you could never predict.
This is no fluffy Hallmark-style holiday tale. Instead, it’s a gripping mix of suspense, horror, shock, and even a few unexpected laughs. You’ll find yourself yelling at the characters, biting your nails, and racing through the pages to see what happens next.
David has delivered another five-star read. If you’re looking for a chilling, unpredictable story that will keep you hooked until the very end, I can’t recommend this one enough.
December 21, 2025
Can you really have Christmas without a Cthonic style massacre story?
If your answer was no, you are in the right place. Humbug follows three teens who get out of a movie and literally everyone is gone, except one dude in the theatre. Searching for signs of life anywhere they brave a snowy trek to the mall across the parking lot, only to find everyone missing there as well. The crew picks up a few lone stragglers along the way and our survivors are in for a horrific holiday journey.
Our stars of the nightmare? Santa, Mrs. Claus & the elf. But the only gift they have is murderous rampage and a penchant for blood.
This was so much fun. I have never read a holiday themed horror before and honestly the premise- absolutely ridiculous, but boy did it work. I can honestly say that the story did not go the way I thought it would in the beginning and it was such a fun ride to the end.
Humbug is gory, violent, chaotic and a little insane. But it’s the perfect balance of all four to leave you with this festive fright! If you are getting tired of holiday romance and are ready to up the ante a little bit here, give Humbug a try. Instead of kissing Santa Claus, maybe mommy was killing him?!?
If your answer was no, you are in the right place. Humbug follows three teens who get out of a movie and literally everyone is gone, except one dude in the theatre. Searching for signs of life anywhere they brave a snowy trek to the mall across the parking lot, only to find everyone missing there as well. The crew picks up a few lone stragglers along the way and our survivors are in for a horrific holiday journey.
Our stars of the nightmare? Santa, Mrs. Claus & the elf. But the only gift they have is murderous rampage and a penchant for blood.
This was so much fun. I have never read a holiday themed horror before and honestly the premise- absolutely ridiculous, but boy did it work. I can honestly say that the story did not go the way I thought it would in the beginning and it was such a fun ride to the end.
Humbug is gory, violent, chaotic and a little insane. But it’s the perfect balance of all four to leave you with this festive fright! If you are getting tired of holiday romance and are ready to up the ante a little bit here, give Humbug a try. Instead of kissing Santa Claus, maybe mommy was killing him?!?
December 17, 2025
What do three teens ditching school, a laid back stoner, and an old frustrated man have in common? They’re the only ones left in a movie theater after everyone else mysteriously vanishes. Purses and phones abandoned in seats, half-finished drinks still fizzing, and no sign of where the crowd wandered off to. Things spiral when a massive blizzard knocks out phone signals, trapping them inside. Desperate for help, they battle through the snow to the neighboring mall, only to find it deserted in exactly the same way. Everyone’s gone, but as our unlikely group soon discovers, they’re far from alone.
David McIlroy masterfully cranks up the suspense, laying the groundwork for an atmosphere that shifts from eerie to outright horrifying. You quickly get a feel for who these characters are and what matters to them, which makes the unfolding chaos hit even harder, and mess with your head in the most delicious way. The escalating intensity had me racing through pages, side eyeing my own blinking Christmas lights with genuine unease. Safe to say, this one terrified me before pulling me in deeper with its clever twists.
If you’re craving a creepy Christmas read that subverts every expectation, Humbug is the perfect pick. Huge thanks to David McIlroy for the eARC — it’s out now, so grab it while the holiday lights are still twinkling!
David McIlroy masterfully cranks up the suspense, laying the groundwork for an atmosphere that shifts from eerie to outright horrifying. You quickly get a feel for who these characters are and what matters to them, which makes the unfolding chaos hit even harder, and mess with your head in the most delicious way. The escalating intensity had me racing through pages, side eyeing my own blinking Christmas lights with genuine unease. Safe to say, this one terrified me before pulling me in deeper with its clever twists.
If you’re craving a creepy Christmas read that subverts every expectation, Humbug is the perfect pick. Huge thanks to David McIlroy for the eARC — it’s out now, so grab it while the holiday lights are still twinkling!
Review of advance copy received from Author
WILDY entertaining, creative, chaotic, hilarious, gruesome, and terrifying. What more could you want?
Humbug follows two groups of people, running parallel to each other.
When Taryn, Ash, and Jeremy come out of a horror move at the local cineplex, they are disturbed to find it…completely abandoned. They meet a man named Spencer, who can’t find his wife, and an employee, Lincoln.
They are snowed in and can’t escape. When a blood-covered man attempts to get inside the cineplex, the group of 5 quickly realize they are in hot water.
Separately, we follow Adam, Olivia, and their young daughter Emma. When they stop for gas outside of the cineplex on their way to Grandma and Grandpa’s, they are confused to fine no one inside the station.
What starts to unfold is a VERY fun ride, trying to figure out what the hell is happening and where everyone went. Let’s just say, you definitely won’t guess the direction this book heads
The perfect Christmas Horror. I loved it!
Humbug follows two groups of people, running parallel to each other.
When Taryn, Ash, and Jeremy come out of a horror move at the local cineplex, they are disturbed to find it…completely abandoned. They meet a man named Spencer, who can’t find his wife, and an employee, Lincoln.
They are snowed in and can’t escape. When a blood-covered man attempts to get inside the cineplex, the group of 5 quickly realize they are in hot water.
Separately, we follow Adam, Olivia, and their young daughter Emma. When they stop for gas outside of the cineplex on their way to Grandma and Grandpa’s, they are confused to fine no one inside the station.
What starts to unfold is a VERY fun ride, trying to figure out what the hell is happening and where everyone went. Let’s just say, you definitely won’t guess the direction this book heads
The perfect Christmas Horror. I loved it!
December 26, 2025
I received an eARC of Humbug by David McIlroy from the author, and I’m leaving this review completely voluntarily.
This book had me on edge the entire time. There were so many moments where I literally had to stop reading and say, “What the hell was that?” I genuinely felt like I was the one being chased. Humbug is a Christmas horror novel that reads like a full-on slasher movie you never know when or where the killers will strike, and when they do, you’re gripping the pages and hoping they somehow can’t see you through the book.
The twists and turns kept me flying through the pages, barely stopping to breathe. This is absolutely not a Hallmark-style holiday read there’s blood, gore, and some very intense, graphic scenes. That said, if you’re looking for a dark, violent, and totally unhinged Christmas horror story, this one delivers in the best way.
This book had me on edge the entire time. There were so many moments where I literally had to stop reading and say, “What the hell was that?” I genuinely felt like I was the one being chased. Humbug is a Christmas horror novel that reads like a full-on slasher movie you never know when or where the killers will strike, and when they do, you’re gripping the pages and hoping they somehow can’t see you through the book.
The twists and turns kept me flying through the pages, barely stopping to breathe. This is absolutely not a Hallmark-style holiday read there’s blood, gore, and some very intense, graphic scenes. That said, if you’re looking for a dark, violent, and totally unhinged Christmas horror story, this one delivers in the best way.
December 21, 2025
I liked so much about this book. The claustrophobic setting with the blizzard levels of snow and the abandoned mall and movie theater added to the tension. All of the Christmas imagery really put me in the spirit and the whimsical decor added to the unsettling feeling. I also really liked the majority of the characters. I did think it had a bit of a slow start and the jumping around to introduce the characters kept me out of the flow. As for the horror elements, no spoilers - I loved the Christmas theme being tied in but this particular brand of supernatural isn’t my favorite. Not as good as his last release IMO but I’ll still read whatever he writes!
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 17, 2025
This book was a wild ride and I was not expecting what happened to be what happened. Within the first section of the book you are hit with all the creepy feels and you can't not help but be sucked in. The feeling of dread really carries through the book as the left behind group try to figure out what is actually happening. As the story goes on you are wanting to know more and it keeps you guessing till the very end. If you are looking for a Christmas horror that is not the same as what is out there, you will want to check this one out.
I was given an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2025
Another great read from David Mcilroy! I read ‘The Substitute’ from him last year and I was immediately gripped and ready to read anything his pen touched. When a Christmas horror entered the scene I couldn’t say no. The cover was enough to entice me in, with the first few chapters leaving me guessing at every page turn and wanting to know more. I was gasping, turning my nose up in disgust and at times even a tear or two! Such an amazing horror, if you love a twisty plot that takes you on a ride then you definitely need to read Humbug!
December 14, 2025
This was a fun, fast-paced Christmas slasher. I’m always surprised someone hasn’t written a horror book yet about being trapped in a mall, so I’m happy someone finally went there!
I enjoyed that while the book was fast-paced, it still kept up the suspense and kept me engaged until the end. I love a scenario where you don’t know who you can trust, and this played on that very well.
I felt like it dragged a little at some points in the middle, but overall this was a great spooky holiday read!
I enjoyed that while the book was fast-paced, it still kept up the suspense and kept me engaged until the end. I love a scenario where you don’t know who you can trust, and this played on that very well.
I felt like it dragged a little at some points in the middle, but overall this was a great spooky holiday read!
December 15, 2025
Not me over here fiending for a holiday slasher. The way I was reading this every night when I had to put it down, it was literally all I could think about. This grabbed my attention immediately, and I’m honestly so excited I was asked to read this ARC. Fast-paced while still building a full world of suspense. I loved it. Loved every minute of it. The multiple POVs were such a great surprise and honestly made the book ten times better.
December 16, 2025
Perfect Christmas horror 😍
I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to read this as an Arc and am so grateful to David McIlroy! Loved the characters and the plot was fantastic! I didn’t see it coming for sure!
If you love your Christmas reads not all light and fluffy like me then this is a must read! I couldn’t put this down! Think it will have to be a Christmas Day re read :)
Happy holidays everyone and happy reading!
I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to read this as an Arc and am so grateful to David McIlroy! Loved the characters and the plot was fantastic! I didn’t see it coming for sure!
If you love your Christmas reads not all light and fluffy like me then this is a must read! I couldn’t put this down! Think it will have to be a Christmas Day re read :)
Happy holidays everyone and happy reading!
December 20, 2025
I want to thank David for sending me an arc for this book. Where do I even start?! I loved this book so much- it was addicting from the start and started in the action immediately. This situation would be absolutely terrifying and I’m glad we got to see a bunch of different pov’s. There is absolutely no way I would survive in that situation especially with the two different villains. So glad I read this, I highly recommend!
December 14, 2025
Humbug was a WILD ride. At no point could I be certain what was to come for me next. This is a dystopian/science fiction/slasher book that is a must read, especially around the holidays. I’ve never seen a book blend such different genres and sub genres together with ease the way this one did.
I couldn’t put it down.
I couldn’t put it down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
While I am a Connoisseur of Dark Romance, I am also a Deep Lover of Horror. I had the horror of being invited to read an ARC of Humbug, Slasher Christmas Horror. Y'all, this one is a Rockstar Read!!! It Releases on Tueaday, December. 15th. Load it on KU or buy a physical copy or both! I plan to grab a physical copy for next year.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a fun Christmas themed slasher with some elements of cosmic horror. I had a good time with it and its perfect for the holiday season. Who wouldn't want to read about a k!ller Santa?
December 15, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
review to follow
review to follow
December 25, 2025
I liked the vibe of this one. There were a bit too many characters for me to get close to or care about any of them 🥲 a wild b movie slasher with Santa and Mrs Clause!
December 15, 2025
This book is basically a late-night horror B-movie in pages. If that kid of wacky is your vibe, you’ll love this.
Quick pace, creepy vibes, and some nicely gnarly kills. The characters aren’t super deep, but the tension and chaos make up for it.
If you like your horrors quirky, weird but entertaining, bloody, and easy to binge in one sitting, this unhinged slasher with an a twist totally does the job.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews