When Legends Wake: A Winter Legends Supernatural Thriller

by Arla Jones

Hollyridge has always had its secrets—but this winter, old legends come to life.Detective Clara Whitford thought she’d faced it killers, arsonists, and impossible crimes. But nothing could have prepared her for the supernatural horrors lurking beneath the town’s quaint streets. When children are manipulated, and ancient creatures awaken, Clara realizes someone is using the Burgass family bloodline to unleash the Winter the terrifying Gingerbread Man, the despair-feeding Well-Wraith, and the icy Snow Hag.
With the help of thirteen-year-old Billy Burgass—an unwitting conduit of long-dormant magic—Clara must navigate rituals, bloodlines, and centuries-old folklore to stop a man obsessed with power. Locke has been experimenting with Hollyridge’s legends for generations, and if Clara fails, the Winter Legends will walk the town, leaving chaos in their wake.
Can she protect the innocent, contain the magic, and survive the wrath of creatures born from fear, winter, and ancient blood?

A chilling paranormal thriller blending dark folklore, supernatural horror, and a relentless detective investigation.

158 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2025

Reviews

[Laci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small-town horror set in Hollyridge. Detective Clara anchors the story as dark secrets surface, including a twisted legend involving the Burgess bloodline and a truly nightmarish gingerbread man. Folklore-heavy and perfect if you love short holiday horrors.

[Claudia A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holiday Horror

Well written story with likable characters. It's a mystery horror with a Christmas theme. Moved quickly and kept me reading. I like this author and will read more.