Slay Ride

by Olivia Dunkley

It’s Christmas Eve, and the Kris Kringle Killer is on the loose and looking for his twelfth and final victim of the season. Unfortunately for her, Holly Woods is the final name on his naughty list.

But when the killer comes calling, Holly doesn’t go down without a fight. She manages to fend off her would-be killer and get to the police, only to discover a chilling truth from a grizzled detective; this Santa-suited psychopath has a twisted connection to her past. He grew up in her house. He knows every creak in the floorboards. Every good place to hide. And
he’s coming home.

Now, her whole family is in danger this season, and it just might take a miracle to survive the holidays!

220 pages, Paperback

Published December 18, 2025

Reviews

[Stephanie Sides · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a wild ride. I stayed up late several nights wanting to continue the story, and to see how it ended. If you’re looking for a book that keeps your attention from start to finish, this is the perfect book for you.
I can’t wait to watch the movie on Tubi that is based off of this book very soon.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good Christmas Murder book.

[Brit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know where to start!!!!

Oliva SLAYED the dang thing!

I was interested in reading it, but once I started reading it, I was INTERESTED in reading it! I have not read a book with gore in it previously. It's not heavy gore but the first moment of it I literally gasped out loud! That was the moment I was hooked; I wanted to read it every free moment I got. I needed to know how it was going to turn out. It seems easy to form a relationship with all the characters, they're relatable. The writing is done so exquisitely that you can picture what you're reading vividly, so you understand exactly what the characters are feeling and dealing with in the moment.

I didn't see the ending coming but I am over here hoping that there is a Slay Ride sequel. The ending leaves room to grow on. I liked that there was humor thrown in there here and there at places where I giggled. It's like watching a scary movie at night and then having to watch cartoons afterwards!

I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys thrillers and from hearing from multiple perspectives.

One thing I also really enjoyed about the book at the end there was a place telling you where you can watch the movie that goes with the book and where to watch it! I loved that! Great book!!!

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’ALL! Slay Ride is the kind of Christmas story that jingles… then stabs. 🎄🔪 Christmas Eve, snow crunching under boots, cocoa still warm—enter the Kris Kringle Killer, hunting his final victim like it’s an advent calendar from hell. And Holly Woods? Oh she’s not just a final girl, she’s a fight back, bite back, set-the-house-on-fire-if-needed girl. 💅🔥

The twist absolutely slayed me: the killer grew up in her house. Same walls. Same creaky floors. Same hiding spots. That detail alone sent chills straight down my spine because suddenly the house isn’t cozy—it’s a weapon. Olivia Dunkley’s writing is sharp, fast, and wickedly fun, balancing tension with snarky inner monologue and cinematic pacing. Every scene feels tight, intentional, and deliciously unhinged. It’s brutal, clever, and wildly entertaining—like Home Alone if Kevin snapped and Santa was feral. 🎅❌

Holiday horror perfection. Naughty list approved. Read it with the lights on. 😌✨

[S. Policar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great thriller ... Until I hit the 86% mark. That entire scene honestly didn't fit the rest of the story. It feels like the author couldn't figure out how to save her MC and just threw the most unrealistic save she could think of just so she could get the story finished. The rest of it was a great, blood filled, horror nightmare.
The end of the book says it's been made into a movie that's streaming on Amazon and Tubi, I may have to check it out because why not?

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could I would give this book six stars! Yes, its that good. Its a complete rollercoaster ride of action and thrills. And, yes, the real Santa Clause makes an appearance. Be sure to read the epilogue. A movie has been made from the book. I'll watch it but I'm sure time and budget constraints will limit the movie. The author gave me an ebook in return for my honest review and this is it. I loved this thriller.

[Judy Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow it's been a while since I read a book that grab my attention on the first couple pop ages!
This book was a edge of the seat thriller! Oh my Goodness! As the pages flew by I was really impressed by you writing!

It was for such a page Page turning! I hope slot of people will like it as much as I do!
Congratulations you have a winner in mybook!

[Patricia Lord · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a quick read and I absolutely liked it. It’s not your sweet and cozy Christmas book. It is a gore blood filled horror thriller that is what nightmares are made of.. I don’t do horror books, but was giving this as an ARC so I read it..

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a story. Definitely not your sweet and cozy Christmas book. Very suspenseful. Loved it!

[Samantha Roebuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a roller-coaster ride thriller with a little humor! It was a quick read and I absolutely loved it!