The Night Before: A Short Story

by Jack Dane

Only one thing is for certain…it’s not going to be a silent night.

Struggling private chef Holly is elated to finally score her first big gig–preparing a Christmas Eve dinner for a wealthy family in a massive mansion.

It’s the opportunity of a lifetime, the kind that could finally get her business off the ground. Given what’s happened in her life recently, she really needs the win.

But when Holly arrives, ready to cook for at least a dozen, she finds the house empty. Not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse. The lights are on, the place is decorated floor-to-ceiling, but there is not one. Single. Person.

Something is very, very wrong.

Then comes a knock at the door—and it isn’t Santa Claus.

As the sky darkens and snow falls, one fact becomes terrifyingly clear…it’s not going to be a silent night.

Fans of Freida McFadden, Kiersten Modglin and Daniel Hurst will love unwrapping this festive short thriller from the mind of Jack Dane.

Genres: Christmas, Short Stories, Fiction, Holiday

94 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2025

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for some holiday reading that packs a punch, I turned to this story by Jack Dane. It's quick, impactful, and stirs up the holiday spirit. Holly is a private chef, struggling to make ends meet. When she receives a random phone call to sub in at a major event, Holly is beside herself and begins making preparations to work in this large mansion. This experience will negate some of the things that have come to pass for Holly recently. However, when Holly arrives to cook, the house is empty and something seems very off. After searching for a clue as to what's happened, someone comes bursting through the door and it isn't anyone with a jolly disposition. Jack Dane takes readers on quite the adventure with this piece.

Christmas is the ideal reading time, no matter what genre interests you. This short story by Jack Dane was both quick and highly entertaining. Its solid narrative helps the story gain needed momentum with each passing page. The reader is pulled in by short chapters and a set of ideas that leaves the mystery on high, while also providing some curiosity as to what might have actually happened. Pacing things along is a holiday undertone and the panic of something surely wrong with Holly. What happens is all part of the masterful plan that Jack Dane has in store for the patient reader.

Characters are not plentiful, but Dane makes them memorable. All is revealed as things progress, permitting the reader to see things from all angles as truths enter the fray. Readers seek to better understand those who grace the pages of the book, hoping their impact can shape all that is going on. Dane knows how to create the connection and leave the reader caring about those who push the story along. While I did not learn much through backstory, I got enough to sense the gist of it all.

Surprises emerge to keep the reader wondering. While things flow with ease, I could not have predicted some of the antics that came to the surface. I liked the quick banter as well, which kept things from being too predictable. I hope to discover more Jack Dane in 2026, as there is always room for new authors.

Kudos, Mr. Dane, for piquing my interest.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know Christmas is over, but I can't help myself. Unfortunately, this one wasn't a favorite for me. The pacing was okay, but the plot and the twists fell short for me. Decent overall but maybe just not for me.

[Celeste Velocci (bookrecs_by_celeste) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was whacky but a quick festive thriller that will put you in the Christmas thriller mood and help towards your yearly reading goal with being just under 100 pages

[Cassi (books.and.shh) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a quick, gory, and terrifying holiday novella that will keep you guessing until the very end, then look no further than The Night Before by Jack Dane.

When Holly, our protagonist, finally gets offered her first professional chef assignment, she’s elated. However, from the moment she arrives at the Garland mansion, it’s obvious things aren’t quite right. In fact, it seems the family disappears, until an unexpected guest shows up on the doorstep and reveals to Holly that nothing about this job is what it seemed.

Through the use of anxiety-inducing first-person narrative, haunting imagery, and plot twists that don’t stop coming, Dane delivers a bite-sized thriller that can easily—and should—be devoured in under two hours.

[Alexandra Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know Christmas has passed, but this short story intrigued me. However, I didn’t love this one. I felt that the plot fell short and could have had more thrills. I liked the main character and her story of getting to the house, but I felt that there was a lot lacking to make it a thriller/suspenseful.

[Claire Steckbauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sinister • Creative • Kinda Dumb

[Caitlin Bunting · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was your typical fast paced short story. I really enjoyed the festive vibes from this one and is fab read if you want something short and gory 🤣

[Tina Schneiderman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more of a 3.5 star but I rounded up because 3 stars seemed mean. Any way, it was okay. Cute even. The thing with the flour was really interesting (now I have to google for accuracy) but overall it was ok. Story line was not it for me.

[Felicia Hilliard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminds me of “Ready or Not”, in a Christmas thriller novella. Very fun and quick.

[Cin (cinsnextchapter) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved all the festive character names in this story! Fast paced and super tense, The Night Before kept me flipping through to the next page until the end. This is a great quick read for the season!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyable quick read

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a quick holiday thriller that breaks the mold, The Night Before by Jack Dane is an absolute must-read. This was a fast-paced, exciting read that I easily sped through in one sitting.
What really sets this short story apart are the twists. In a genre where it’s easy to think, "I've read a twist similar to that before," Dane manages to deliver several unique surprises that I genuinely did not see coming. The execution is fresh and unpredictable.
The atmosphere is also spot-on. Dane does a fantastic job incorporating classic Christmas elements—specifically the use of presents and lights—to build tension rather than just holiday cheer. It’s easily one of my favorite Christmas shorts of the year.

Want to see spoilers or trigger warnings? Check out: https://www.spoiltheplot.com/books/th...

[jjs book nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can honestly say I really enjoyed this book. It way exceeded my expectations, because typically short stories to me don’t feel like they have enough time to build a great plot.

This one completely re-defined short stories for me, especially Christmas thriller ones.

I loved it! I’ve never read so many plot twists back to back before, and I am so here for it!

This definitely has a little more gore in it than I was expecting, but it all tied into the story super well. The ending was great as well.

Some of the plot twists did feel slightly rushed, which is why this book was four stars instead of five. Still an absolutely excellent read, though.

100% recommend to my thriller lover book besties! Check this out just in time for Christmas! 🎄

@jjs.book.nook

[Heidi Heck · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don’t get me wrong, I love this author’s longer books. But it took me four days to get through only 80 pages of this.

I don’t understand the point of the “charade” Nick and Carol played in tricking Holly if the entire plan was just to kill her. And I actually liked the first “twist” better of Carol being the jealous ex. When Nick popped back up alive is when the story lost it for me. There are also a few very distracting typos.

Bonus points for the holiday-themed names for every character- Holly, Carol, Nick, and Mrs. Garland- cute.

If you want a good book from this author, I recommend The Apartment Across the Hall.

[Crissy Cardwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first Jack Dane book I’ve read. It was a little chaotic and I agree with other reviewers on this one. I think there should have been more time given for the “torment” to have it make sense. Otherwise what was the point of freaking her out with a severed arm? I know it was to misdirect her on who was responsible for it all but the transition didn’t work. There was too much to fit in such a short book.
It is fun though to read a quick holiday themed story on the actual time of year! But I am going to read more from the author as his other books have great reviews!

[Nicole Milazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly is excited for her first big Christmas gig to cook Christmas dinner for a very wealthy family that lives in a mansion. When Holly enters the mansion during a blizzard she realizes nobody is home. A knock on the door startles her. This book had me on the edge of my seat not knowing what was going to happen next. This was a quick suspenseful read that had me hooked from the first page. I really enjoyed the fun fact about flour!!

[Karen Traversy · Rating 4 out of 5]

NO SPOILERS
The Night Before
By Jack Dane

I simply love your books — you’re such a great and talented writer. Every time I pick one up, I know I’m in for a ride, and this story was no exception. It was fun and exciting! And that ending? Absolute chef’s kiss — no pun intended! I enjoyed every moment of it. Please keep doing what you do, because your books bring so much joy and escapism. I can’t wait to see what you create next! ❤️📚✨

[Terry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

I just recently discovered Jack Dane and am a fan but this one didn't hit the mark. It started off ok but quickly got ridiculous. Why the elaborate charade if they were just going to kill her. It's not like any of the 'props' were going to help their alibi ... or make her easier to kill. And the writing was sloppy with typos. I guess I'll stick to his longer books that are better thought out.

[Reads lotsa stuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A golden opportunity. To start a career as a private chef with her first big commission on Christmas Eve. It requires a train ride to upper New York while the snow falls. It feels like everything will work out… till everything changes. Jack Dane is a master at the whodunit especially if a cliffhanger is a favorite but it will surely twist at the last minute and leave you stumped and satisfied. A short story that will shouldn’t be missed.

[Brittany Leicht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a thriller this was!
From the beginning to the end, I was HOOKED. I don’t get a lot of time to sit and read so it took a couple days. But every chapter I stopped at, I just wanted to throw my responsibilities away and keep reading. I was on the edge of my seat constantly. And not gonna lie, it had me a little spooked!
If you’re looking for that fast paced, keep you on the edge of your seat, quick little short story- definitely read this one!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.5 ⭐️
Single POV

The Night Before by Jack Dane is a gripping, compact thriller setting during Christmas that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Dane masterfully blends suspense, mystery, and just the right touch of baddassery, creating a story that feels much bigger than its length. The pacing is tight, the atmosphere is vivid, and every twist lands with impact.

What I loved most was how Dane builds tension so quickly while still giving the story heart. Even in a short format, the stakes feel real, and the ending leaves a satisfying, lingering chill. The festive touches make the story even more unique with playful character names like Holly, Nick, and Carol, while common holiday elements such as string lights, presents, and Christmas music dramatically enhance the gory, suspenseful moments.

Being trapped in a winter snowstorm only ramps up the tension, and Dane delivers peak suspense, making it impossible to put down. Perfect for a quick, thrilling read that hooks you immediately and doesn’t let go.

[Shellyann Paape · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Break or Big Breakup

Wow, just when you think your life is taking a turn for the better. That bitter ex of yours waltz back in and runs it for you. Clearly someone thinks highly of himself. I liked how the thought process of the readers was even described in the book as the plot was followed. Another great read by Jack Dane

[SKP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, OK, but also kinda lame. The reason or motive behind what happens seemed really convoluted and kinda all-around ridiculous. I love this author’s books & I’ve read all of them except for the newest full-length novel, but this was my least favorite. I am glad it was a short story so it was over and done with very quickly.

[BeLinda P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s in the Kitchen

Holly was looking for an opportunity to show her cooking skills. She had a last minute offer to jump start her business. She had the kitchen of her dreams to work in. Only thing she had to use it for different reasons. The twists and turns and ultimate mix of the story were so worth finding the right ingredients.

[Crystal O · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Twists and humor is all you need on a short story. Holly has big plans to be a private chef and just as she is forced to accept she is ending the year broke, an email is sent to invite her to cook for a rich family, but when she arrives, it is not what she expects at all. You will never look at the flour the same again.

[Elizabeth Lian · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Surprise!

Indeed! This little book was full of surprises. From the beginning to the end, my breath was held! I had no ideal at all what was coming next, and when it reached the end I was shocked. Totally shocked and smiling as the whole book came together all at once. Read this short story, you will enjoy it and be ready for finding all the other books by Jack Dane.

[Pamela Alexander Grable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and Fast Paced Suspense

I really liked the storyline. It was just detailed enough to keep the story moving and to get to know the main character without being long-winded. It was a very short story but with an exciting punch! I especially enjoyed how she managed to save herself! Looking forward to reading more by Jack Dane!

[Jeff Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read almost all of this authors work and have never been disappointed. This short story was a quick and suspenseful. An asiping chef who gets her first gig to cook a Christmas Dinner for a wealthy family. When she arrives there is not a person in sight although the place is decorated complete with a roaring fire but no people. She soon realizes this is not a job but someone has devious plans for her.
Great story,check it out.

[Joann Sledz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flour Saves the Day

A thriller you don't want to miss
So many twists and turns and a surprise
ending you won't be expecting
You will be on the edge of your seat
Highly recommend
Five stars plus
Have a Holly Jolly Christmas 🎄

[Mindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recently discovered this author and I have read and enjoyed two of his longer novels. Maybe this one was just too short (and ridiculous?) for me to fully enjoy. I did like all the holiday mentions but the story itself was just ok. 2 - 2.5 stars